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Msg# 9515
MEFA Reviews for Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk October 28, 2008 - 20:02:48 Topic ID# 9515Title: The Prisoner of Dol Guldur · Author: Soledad · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-28 10:46:37
Spoilers!
This is a moving tale of the rescue of Legolas' younger brother from
Dol Guldur after years of torment.His unrequited love for Arwen is
very moving as is the unique account of her death.I am glad she was
not alone.
Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 19:52:52
I had just reread this recently, and I was pleased to see a nice piece
about the beginnings of Serinde's interest in the medical field. She
has such a bad injury herself and it is telling that she is more
interested in the process of what is being done to it and that is
helping her be brave. It shows her future character very well in this
small vignette. Most enjoyable!
Title: Tolkien's Parish: The Canonical Middle-earth · Author: Steuard
Jensen · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 91
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-10-28 19:55:40
Jensen's essay, already some years old, tackles the thorny issue of
what is/what is not canon among Tolkien's many works. The audience
Jensen addresses appears to be literary critics, aspiring Tolkien
scholars, and hard core fans. His suggestions and criteria for
determining what is canon also work well for those of us who write
subcreations of Tolkien's primary and secondary creations. It is these
secondary creations in the books not published during Tolkien's
lifetime that are, naturally, the most problematic, in that they
contradict each other or wander off on threads that suddenly end.
In particular, Jensen points out that most Tolkien fans eventually
develop their own individualized version of the Tolkien canon. I
couldn't agree more.
This essay is quite thought provoking, well written, but only
recommended for those who want to investigate what constitutes canon
for Tolkien's vast fantasy universe.
Title: Fine Art for Future Generations · Author: stefaniab · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 561
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 19:57:12
hee. This was really funny! I giggled at the artwork near the ficlet, too!
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:01:15
This piece is an excellent portrayal of the type of conversation that
surely must have gone on between Elrond and Gandalf. It really shows
the real burden that they both have. Gandalf truly does hold the fate
of all the Free Peoples in his hands. And it is obvious that they both
care deeply for Frodo, too, not just as Ringbearer but as Frodo.
Title: Moved to Pity · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 366
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:02:58
This is a beautifully poignant drabble.
Title: The Healers from the Sea · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 202
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:04:49
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite fics by Mews. There is
something deeply healing about dolphins and the idea of mixing them
and Frodo on the way to the Undying Lands just makes me smile. Such a
gentle and healing piece!
Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Moreth · 2008-10-28 20:05:28
This series of drabbles shows Saruman in many different situations,
but always scheming to advance his own plans!
My personal favourite is ['Constraints'], in which the inevitable
consequence of his behaviour catches up with him. I could almost find
it in me to feel sorry for him...
But then the final two drabbles show Sharkey's revenge, and suddenly I
don't feel so sorry after all!
Title: I Can't · Author: Antane · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 24
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:08:14
What a splendid look at Sam and Frodo's friendship through the years
and how they supported each other!
Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:10:11
This drabble made me cry. I connected so deeply to Frodo and that's
the sign of a very good story, especially since it was only 100 words
long.
Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:12:38
ah, this was truly beautiful. I love how Frodo, Aragorn, and Sam smile
upon the blooming trees and think about their beloved friends. Sam's
birthday seems like a particularly appropriate time to do that.
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-28 21:05:52
Dear Merry! He never complains, does he?
Title: The Westering Fire · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits · ID: 200
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-28 21:09:33
Spoilers!
This is a vivid glimpse into what the folks at home experienced,
particularly the women.
Title: In absentia · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: House of Finwe ·
ID: 84
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-10-28 22:21:24
Robinka's "In Absentia" is easily one of the most emotionally intense
stories that I have encountered in Silmarillion-based fiction. Where
other stories often falter into cheap angst, the emotions of Robinka's
story simmer and seethe on the page; one can see not only the tragedy
that is Maedhros ruined but the pride and power that still courses
through the blood of the leader of the Feanorian line.
Silmfic is full of angsty, weepy post-Thangorodrim fiction. "In
Absentia" eclipses this, presenting an emotional honesty that doesn't
forget that Maedhros and Fingon have lived to tell of Angband and the
Helcaraxe, respectively, and--even as they reach their emotional
breaking points--are not likely to succumb utterly to the pain they
have both faced ... and survived. These characters still have
centuries of fight left in them, and this story shows how even after
one of the most trying events in the history of the Noldor thus far,
Maedhros and Fingon still retain much of that fire of Valinor.
[One might say he was a statue carved in marble and adorned with fire,
yet cold and unseeing.]
The imagery of Robinka's writing is likewise intense, fitting well the
story that it serves and transporting the reader to a world of fire
and shadow, much like the Light-accustomed Noldor must have seen upon
their arrivals in Beleriand with a mixture of marvel and horror.
Title: Footsteps in Time · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 76
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-10-29 00:59:36
Spoilers!
Keiliss's story covers a great span of time and many important events,
but what makes "Footsteps in Time" a special story is the grace with
which it is written. Keiliss has an eye for details and a commendable
skill in depicting them in her writing, and readers here are
transported to Doriath, to explore the wondrous confinement of
Menegroth, then on through the forests and along the coasts of Beleriand.
Also excellently written is how Galadriel learned and honed the
foresight for which she is renowned. Conveying such an intimate
experience to a reader is not easy (I, too, have attempted it), but
Keiliss works it easily into the story, bringing the reader into
Galadriel's experience of knowing the future and--most poignantly--the
terrible events afflicting her family in the present.
There are so many other things about this story to adore: the love
story between Galadriel and Celeborn; the discussion of cultural
differences between the Elven people and the newly arrive mortals; the
political intrigue of so many Elven factions competing for the same
elusive favor; the constant underlying sense of dread as history
unfolds, tempered by occasional moments of joy that nearly sparkle on
the page. In short, it is an excellent story and well worth the time
to read it.
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-28 10:46:37
Spoilers!
This is a moving tale of the rescue of Legolas' younger brother from
Dol Guldur after years of torment.His unrequited love for Arwen is
very moving as is the unique account of her death.I am glad she was
not alone.
Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 19:52:52
I had just reread this recently, and I was pleased to see a nice piece
about the beginnings of Serinde's interest in the medical field. She
has such a bad injury herself and it is telling that she is more
interested in the process of what is being done to it and that is
helping her be brave. It shows her future character very well in this
small vignette. Most enjoyable!
Title: Tolkien's Parish: The Canonical Middle-earth · Author: Steuard
Jensen · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 91
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-10-28 19:55:40
Jensen's essay, already some years old, tackles the thorny issue of
what is/what is not canon among Tolkien's many works. The audience
Jensen addresses appears to be literary critics, aspiring Tolkien
scholars, and hard core fans. His suggestions and criteria for
determining what is canon also work well for those of us who write
subcreations of Tolkien's primary and secondary creations. It is these
secondary creations in the books not published during Tolkien's
lifetime that are, naturally, the most problematic, in that they
contradict each other or wander off on threads that suddenly end.
In particular, Jensen points out that most Tolkien fans eventually
develop their own individualized version of the Tolkien canon. I
couldn't agree more.
This essay is quite thought provoking, well written, but only
recommended for those who want to investigate what constitutes canon
for Tolkien's vast fantasy universe.
Title: Fine Art for Future Generations · Author: stefaniab · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 561
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 19:57:12
hee. This was really funny! I giggled at the artwork near the ficlet, too!
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:01:15
This piece is an excellent portrayal of the type of conversation that
surely must have gone on between Elrond and Gandalf. It really shows
the real burden that they both have. Gandalf truly does hold the fate
of all the Free Peoples in his hands. And it is obvious that they both
care deeply for Frodo, too, not just as Ringbearer but as Frodo.
Title: Moved to Pity · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 366
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:02:58
This is a beautifully poignant drabble.
Title: The Healers from the Sea · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 202
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:04:49
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite fics by Mews. There is
something deeply healing about dolphins and the idea of mixing them
and Frodo on the way to the Undying Lands just makes me smile. Such a
gentle and healing piece!
Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Moreth · 2008-10-28 20:05:28
This series of drabbles shows Saruman in many different situations,
but always scheming to advance his own plans!
My personal favourite is ['Constraints'], in which the inevitable
consequence of his behaviour catches up with him. I could almost find
it in me to feel sorry for him...
But then the final two drabbles show Sharkey's revenge, and suddenly I
don't feel so sorry after all!
Title: I Can't · Author: Antane · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 24
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:08:14
What a splendid look at Sam and Frodo's friendship through the years
and how they supported each other!
Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:10:11
This drabble made me cry. I connected so deeply to Frodo and that's
the sign of a very good story, especially since it was only 100 words
long.
Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: Claudia · 2008-10-28 20:12:38
ah, this was truly beautiful. I love how Frodo, Aragorn, and Sam smile
upon the blooming trees and think about their beloved friends. Sam's
birthday seems like a particularly appropriate time to do that.
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-28 21:05:52
Dear Merry! He never complains, does he?
Title: The Westering Fire · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits · ID: 200
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-28 21:09:33
Spoilers!
This is a vivid glimpse into what the folks at home experienced,
particularly the women.
Title: In absentia · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: House of Finwe ·
ID: 84
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-10-28 22:21:24
Robinka's "In Absentia" is easily one of the most emotionally intense
stories that I have encountered in Silmarillion-based fiction. Where
other stories often falter into cheap angst, the emotions of Robinka's
story simmer and seethe on the page; one can see not only the tragedy
that is Maedhros ruined but the pride and power that still courses
through the blood of the leader of the Feanorian line.
Silmfic is full of angsty, weepy post-Thangorodrim fiction. "In
Absentia" eclipses this, presenting an emotional honesty that doesn't
forget that Maedhros and Fingon have lived to tell of Angband and the
Helcaraxe, respectively, and--even as they reach their emotional
breaking points--are not likely to succumb utterly to the pain they
have both faced ... and survived. These characters still have
centuries of fight left in them, and this story shows how even after
one of the most trying events in the history of the Noldor thus far,
Maedhros and Fingon still retain much of that fire of Valinor.
[One might say he was a statue carved in marble and adorned with fire,
yet cold and unseeing.]
The imagery of Robinka's writing is likewise intense, fitting well the
story that it serves and transporting the reader to a world of fire
and shadow, much like the Light-accustomed Noldor must have seen upon
their arrivals in Beleriand with a mixture of marvel and horror.
Title: Footsteps in Time · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 76
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-10-29 00:59:36
Spoilers!
Keiliss's story covers a great span of time and many important events,
but what makes "Footsteps in Time" a special story is the grace with
which it is written. Keiliss has an eye for details and a commendable
skill in depicting them in her writing, and readers here are
transported to Doriath, to explore the wondrous confinement of
Menegroth, then on through the forests and along the coasts of Beleriand.
Also excellently written is how Galadriel learned and honed the
foresight for which she is renowned. Conveying such an intimate
experience to a reader is not easy (I, too, have attempted it), but
Keiliss works it easily into the story, bringing the reader into
Galadriel's experience of knowing the future and--most poignantly--the
terrible events afflicting her family in the present.
There are so many other things about this story to adore: the love
story between Galadriel and Celeborn; the discussion of cultural
differences between the Elven people and the newly arrive mortals; the
political intrigue of so many Elven factions competing for the same
elusive favor; the constant underlying sense of dread as history
unfolds, tempered by occasional moments of joy that nearly sparkle on
the page. In short, it is an excellent story and well worth the time
to read it.
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..