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Msg# 9549

MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 16, 2008 (Part One) Posted by annmarwalk November 16, 2008 - 21:53:07 Topic ID# 9549
Title: Rekindling · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 255
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-11-16 04:10:32
Spoilers!
An intriguing look at a possible reunion of Feanor and Nerdanel Ages
after their separation. The passion and renewed love is effectively
counterpointed by the tragic circumstances that have allowed it to
happen. Excellent characterisation of Nerdanel in particular.

Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-11-16 04:22:53
Excellent drabble series! Tanaqui captures Saruman's pride,
intelligence, ruthlessness, petty greed, and the ignominy of his last,
desperate attempt at vengeance.

Title: No Man's Land · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Drabbles · ID: 726
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-16 06:56:16
Spoilers!
Thank Goodness this did not happen!What a chilling prospect for we
would have no Middle-Earth to enjoy.

Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-16 06:59:54
Spoilers!
A warm hearted and comforting ficlet in which Pippin takes care of
Merry. I think it plausible that Merry,like Frodo could have suffered
on the anniversary of his wounding.The two Hobbits are lucky to have
one another.

Title: The Nag · Author: celticbard · Races: Men: Steward's Family ·
ID: 347
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-16 07:01:07
A touching story and well written story.I loved the way your portrayed
the brothers and the horses.

Title: Playing with Fire · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 21
Reviewer: rosethorn59 · 2008-11-16 11:00:15
This is a very good story, Linda. It is very true that the only way
that we can learn anything is by experience. The good as well as the
bad. Aragorn knew that very well, and that the only way Eldarion was
ever going to get over his fascination with fire (the fireplace) was
to find out what it was and how it felt to the touch. It was a little
cruel, but a lesson Aragorn knew was a very important one for his son.
I think it tore him up inside watching and letting his son get burned,
while he just stood by and let it happen. He was really frightened for
Eldarion; waiting to pounce on his son the moment it happened to
comfort him. Eldarion learned this lesson because of Aragorn's past
experiences; having experienced first hand what could and does happen
to an innocent young child who is so unaware of the dangers around
him. He actually saw a child die from playing with fire. Something
like that will stay with you. He had to hurt him to protect him. That
really would wrench you heart, would it not? Everyone has to be taught
these lessons for their own safety. Like the old saying, sometimes you
have to be cruel to be kind. That is the way Aragorn himself learned
to experience the potential dangers of fire, and you know that Aragorn
would rather die than let anything happen to his son. Yes, I do
believe that he had also played with fire that night. He was
experiencing the pain for himself through his son, knowing what his
son would be experiencing, and feeling horribly guilty about the
incident; but in his heart knowing he was doing the right thing for
his son. But why not a candle instead? It might not be quite as bad.
But unfortunately it was the fire and embers in the fireplace that he
was the most fascinated with. I expect he'll respect all fire after
that. Getting burned never helped me, though. I was little, I'd say
ow!, then do it again. I never did learn that lesson. I loved fire
then and I still do. I have hundreds of candles, lighters for incense,
I love campfires, fireplaces, the smell of woodsmoke, running my
fingers through flames. I guess that makes me a little fire fanatic,
huh? I love fire. Fortunately Aragorn does not! This is an absolutely
wonderful story, Linda! I loved it!

Title: The Pirate · Author: Sivan Shemesh · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 674
Reviewer: rosethorn59 · 2008-11-16 11:41:37
Sivan, this is really a cute tale. I like the idea of Arwen telling
little Estel stories to their son. Like she says, he is very like his
father. Estel and the twins must have played pirates a lot if Aragorn
remembered it that well and played it with his son. I am sure that
playing with the wooden sword of his father was very special to
Eldarion and meant serious business. How sweet. Elledan and Elrohir
would probably do almost anything to amuse their little brother and
keep him out of trouble. And once again, Eldarion is like his father
and wants to play with the boats. I love little Estel (and Eldarion)
stories, they are so sweet. This is a really nice ficlet, Sivan!

Title: To Give Hope · Author: peredhil lover · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Elves and Men · ID: 456
Reviewer: Michelle · 2008-11-16 13:31:52
The events described in "To Give Hope" are one of those gaps Tolkien
left in his writing that I find most intriguing, but also very
difficult to portray in fanfiction. How would this have worked? How
did Gilraen end up in Rivendell? How, when and why was decided to
change Aragorn`s name? How would this transition happen? Peredhil
Lover gives a version of things, one that I found I could follow.
Gilraen`s plight is portrayed very vividly – she`s suddenly dependable
on these foreign beings she does not know. She tries to be polite, but
at the same time she desperately hopes this ordeal will be over soon
so that she can go home. When Elrond proposes to her she has to stay
in Rivendell throughout Aragorn`s entire childhood, her shock and
horror are very real because she realizes the life she`s led so far is
over and things will never be the same. While Elrond also plays a big
part in this story, it was Elladan who interested me the most –
especially with peredhil lover`s story "Day and Night" in mind.

Title: The Dwarves Treasure · Author: eiranae · Races: Dwarves · ID: 312
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-11-16 14:59:07
A very interesting premise and a nice cross-cultural concept,
wonderfully thought out and skilfully delivered. Here, an orphaned
elven child is found by dwarves, who take care of her, and in the
process she quickly finds the way into the heart of especially one of
them. Very good characterizations, I love the portrayals of both
Mireth and her dwarven foster father. A touching and very well written
story, Eiranae! Thank you!

Title: The Consuming Darkness · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama ·
ID: 467
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-11-16 18:28:42
An interesting and heart-rending take on what might have been
Tar--Miriel's last hours before she met her ultimate end in the waves
that swallowed Numenor. An excellent portrayal of the Queen, and a
very good piece of writing, Isil.

Title: To Be A King · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 252
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-11-16 18:42:10
Spoilers!
I adore this story for the ideason Elven politics that it provokes.
Keiliss considers what the young High King Gil-galad would have faced
in uniting motley races and cultures under his standard at the end of
the First Age. Like many of his predecessors, he recognizes that unity
is the key to success against Morgoth, but achieving that unity is the
challenge.

In particular, I find fascinating the discussion of how the High
Kingship has changed over the years in Beleriand. Gil-galad recognizes
that it is something of an artifact better suited to life in Valinor,
as well as the fact that Turgon's reign rendered it meaningless. I
think that this is a thoughtful and logical assessment of the canon
such as is rarely seen in Silmfic.

Finally, Keiliss always writes with such a delightful style: never
overwrought yet graceful, very fitting to the works on which she is
commenting. Her style is such that the story does not suffer for the
rather abstract (versus plot-based) nature of its subject matter. Both
the author and the story come with my highest recommendations.

Title: Young Fëanáro Makes A Stone · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 77
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-11-16 18:52:33
Spoilers!
I am still, at times, amazed at the connectivity between Tolkien's
multiple works. "Young Feanaro Makes a Stone" explores one possible
connection between the infamous Elven smith Feanor and the Elessar of
the Third Age. A playful and fun story, it considers how Feanor
crafted this gemstone in his youth in Valinor as his first project in
gemcraft that we would see reach greater fruition with the invention
of Feanorian lamps and, of course, the Silmarils. Though touched with
foreboding moments--like Feanor's assertion, ["Steady, now, don't let
yourself care overly much for a Vala; you are naught but a petty piece
in their games"]--it remains largely a charming and funny story that
(if I were to take a humor piece too seriously) is an apt illustration
of how the earliest ages nonetheless connect to and influence the
more-familiar events of LotR.

Title: WAR: A Promise Before Dying · Author: Fiondil · Times:
Multi-Age · ID: 55
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-11-16 19:06:32
Spoilers!
As I finish reading this story, I can't help but think of the line in
the Ainulindale where Eru reminds Melkor that, no matter what happens,
Eru's intentions will be done. Likewise, at the crux of this story is
a promise left unfinished across the ages and then fulfilled in
perhaps the most roundabout way ... but still fulfilled. It is a
charming story that uses both sadness and humor to show the strength
of the bonds of friendship and loyalty.

Title: The Last Stand · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 82
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-11-16 19:22:22
It's hard to imagine a story about the Nirnaeth Arnoediad that could
be hopeful and uplifting, but "The Last Stand" is such a story. Amidst
the well-known tragedy of the Fifth Battle, Rhapsody also shows the
bravery and loyalty of all involved: Eldar, Sindar, Edain. I found
myself marveling at the bravery it must have taken for Beleg and
Mablung to march alone to war when they had the convenience of their
King's refusal to stay in safety at home. I come away from this story
with a renewed appreciation of some of the lesser-written First Age
heroes.

Title: As Close As · Author: Dana · Genres: Romance · ID: 88
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-11-16 20:44:18
This was written by Dana in response to my request during a Yule fic
exchange. She met my criteria exactly; noone else could have done it
better!

She perfectly interwove the feelings of tentativeness and shyness with
attraction and love. The subtle nuances of emotion that Estella is
feeling is very well done. I especially liked her handling of the
situation between Merry and Pippin; I am actually fond of the slash
pairing of Merry/Pippin when it is done properly, and I've liked
Dana's other writings pertaining to this pairing.

I also appreciated how she wove in some references to Frodo, and how
Merry is affected by his absence. Estella is portrayed as very warm
and sensitive to Merry's feelings in this regard.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale that was written especially for me....
and thank you once again, a year later! :)

Title: Lock Out · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits · ID: 307
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-11-16 20:55:43
This is a very charming little story, written in response to one of
Marigold's challenges. Her use of the idiom in this story was very
original and clever, I thought. This story made me laugh outloud both
times that I read it!

Title: A Taste of Home · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 138
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-11-16 21:19:52
Spoilers!
This is a delightul look at the lives of two of our favourite hobbits
during Yule in Gondor in their twilight years. I ADORE stories about
Merry and Pippin when they are older, and this one took the 'cake'. It
had just the right amount of humour in it for a light-hearted tale.

I love how Merry makes Pippin run around looking for fruitcake, when
the cake was ready to be sent to them the whole time! Merry is quite
the prankster. Sort of reminds me of his younger cousin :)

Title: For What I Wait · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 125
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 21:59:32
This is just gorgeous, a heart-wrenching what-if positing that Feanor
survived his sons to endure the loss of each, and Maglor (unlike the
Feanor in the story, I'm just too used to the "new tongue") last of
all, crazed and grief-stricken on that beach. Dawn, is the song your
own original composition? It begs to be set to music. I thought
something especially interesting about this story was that Feanor,
seemingly humbled by sorrow, sidestepped the discussion of regret
(saying simply that he had some regrets, but then not wanting to talk
about it anymore), and didn't appear to accept the blame for what
happened to his sons, which he probably ought to do, all things
considered. That is exactly as I imagine Feanor would be, had he
lived. Also, his extraordinary hubris continues to astonish me: twice
he speaks of having given animus -- all by himself, mind -- to his
sons. Methinks Nerdanel and Eru both might take issue with that, but
it is so in-character for Feanor to think it. Even in grief, he's
completely full of himself. :) Excellent character portrait here, Dawn
Felagund.

Title: A Great Evil Unmade · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 267
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:00:06
Hooray! The redemption of Boromir. Thank you for writing this AU. This
is the Boromir I would have expected and hoped for. That Tolkien
disagreed just made *his* work more complicated and tragic. *This* is
how the story should have gone.

Title: Portrait of a Queen · Author: Aruthir · Races: Men · ID: 338
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:00:30
Oooh, I like this. You have given us the progression, the reasons
*why* she was as she was. Incredible, in such a short space of words,
to give the whole life and motivations of a complicated woman, and yet
you've done a good job at it. I especially liked the voice of the new
king at the end, discussing her burgeoning madness in old age. Ha! If
only he'd known: she'd been seeing things and hearing voices for a
long long time. And I loved Ancalime having "terrible eyes." Gave me
the creeps in the best possible way.

Title: The Last Words · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 409
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:01:26
I really like how you've personified the Silmarils, as ["mistresses"]
and ["temptresses,"] because that's just what they were in the
marriage of Feanor and Nerdanel. Excellent insight, there. And how
nice to give the Ambarussa a special role in relation to their mother,
as well. They're often overlooked among the sons of Feanor, I think,
and I appreciate this little spotlight on them. The ending was
satisfying too, to have Mahtan come to take his little girl home.

Title: Apart · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 551
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:01:55
Awww. Their relationship is sort of at the core of Tolkien's world,
isn't it? I love how they both take responsbility for the fracture in
their friendship; they both imagine that it's all their fault. I've
seen a similar pattern in real-life friendships resolving issues; that
is, to get to the kiss-and-make-up stage, each person has to admit his
or her mistakes, at least privately. Apology is very wise. I almost
want to know what caused their temporary rift, but after reading it
again, I find that I really don't care. The important thing is that
they've made up.

Title: Footsteps in Time · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 76
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:03:02
Your description of Melian could be the best I've ever read. I can
absolutely see her head tilting ["bird curious"] and her voice thin
and ["silvery."] And Elu with his bling! Ha! But what I really liked
most was that opening scene, between Galadriel and Celeborn: so tender
and intimate. But what was she waiting for in that scene? Argh.

Title: They Also Serve · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 365
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:04:20
Homespun wisdom, indeed! That seems to be the pervading theme of this
piece. I love Arwen's voice here, so down-to-earth and *normal*. As
alarmingly lovely as she must have been, she was also a person, and
that comes through alive and warm here. This was also a tribute to
women throughout the ages, and considering that Tolkien completely
lost sight of this nuance, you've given commendation to the lesser
known heroes (heroines!) here. Thank you.

Title: DISGUISE: Emissaries · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor: Valar &
Maiar · ID: 56
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:05:30
Oh, I loved this! So often stories concerning the Valar and Maiar are
so ponderous they're pretty much unreadable. But I liked the ease of
this conversation, the clear characterizations of the Maiar as sort of
junior to the upper-ups, the Valar. But most especially enjoyed your
characterization of Radagast. Have you written other stories with him?
If not, I hope you will. You captured his innate joy vividly, and with
just a few words.