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Msg# 9550
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 16, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk November 16, 2008 - 21:55:24 Topic ID# 9550Title: Feelings of Superiority · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 362
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:06:14
Spoilers!
I felt like taking a shovel to that Numenorean daddy in the first
drabble. What a pompous, condescending, doof! Easy to see how the
Numenorean civilization fell, with folks like that infesting it. (I
suppose I'm not the first fan to ponder Numenor vis a vis Rome, eh?
Your drabble here recalled that comparison as well. Clearly.) And
drabble number three ... Annatar's light! *sperfle* Oh, nooooooes.
Poor little hoodwinked Men. And Elves likewise, eventually. Although
your elves seem much *nicer* than your Men. Very Tolkienesque. And I
really enjoyed the twist in the last drabble. I can see how one of the
Avari might perceive his choice in just such a way. Most of all, I
enjoyed the parallel theme running through all these drabbles: the
passing of wisdom, and misinformation and bigotry, from father to son.
Ain't it just like that. What excellent work you've done here.
Title: Loudwater · Author: Adaneth · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 63
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:07:14
Nice poetic rhythm here. I would have been tempted to format it as
poetry, because it certainly lends itself to that kind of reading. But
even as prose it works well enough. I especially liked how the river
considers Rivendell ["the haven of the Mariner's son."] Water making a
water connection, and all that. Lovely writing, all in all.
Title: The Captain's Mare · Author: The Lauderdale · Races: Villains ·
ID: 575
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:10:19
Not sure if I've ever read more appropriate use of expletives. This
orc narrative voice is beyond excellent. Feels like I'm sitting on
somebody's revolting grandpap orc's knee and he's telling me a story
of the wars and mud. And horses. I've read a bit about horses in
Tolkien fic, but this is extraordinary. This is complicated, this
relationship between the horse and the goblin. Complicated and filthy
and ... somehow not as horrible as it ought to be. This bit, though,
this is horrible: ["and her with her head down. It had been getting
lower as the days went on."] The darkest line of the story, and it
slides in at the end of a paragraph. In fact, this whole story is a
study in understatement. It rolls on in with all its filth and mess,
and by the end, you end up not minding the orc. Pitying him, even. ...
I wrote this review months ago, but even now as I re-read it, I can
visualize the story. I read so much in fic that such recall is rare.
Truly, this is a remarkable story with a visceral pull that lingers
with a reader.
Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:13:08
Though still subtle, each of their destinies shine through this piece.
Heartbreakingly so. At one moment, I see the splendor of Feanor, yet
uncorrupted by his pride; the pride of Finwe in his son, to exclusion
of all else; and the marginalization of Miriel, scooted to the shadows
even for this, Feanor's first glance at the Light. What a stark
tableau you've shown in such few words.
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:13:28
Fascinating: a side of Tom Bombadil that doesn't get much play in
Tolkien's work. But Tolkien did hint at such hidden depths, and it's
interesting to see your interpretation here. Plus, of course, I just
love it when folks write about Old Tom. :)
Title: As Close As · Author: Dana · Genres: Romance · ID: 88
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:15:03
Spoilers!
A nice twist on the whole newlywed honeymoon theme. I like how they
don't rail on how the decision to marry was made for them rather than
by them. Fighting it seems a cliche in fic, and in novels for that
matter. How refreshing it is to see characters who make the best with
what they're given. I think it says a lot for them. And this was a
nice simile: [gentle as a wing]. As much as I enjoy good R-rated het
romps, this particular fade-to-black was very satisfying. Finally, I'm
impressed with how subtly you paint the relationship among the hobbit
Walkers: neither slashy nor completely platonic, but somehow deeper
than either. Even more brilliant is that Estella *gets it*.
Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-11-17 00:47:04
Spoilers!
Modern reporter on the "star" beat gets to interview a former--very
former--A lister and her spouse, and ask a few tough questions. In the
process, the reporter discovers the secret for the longevity of the
couple's relationship. Snort!
Title: Drawing the Eye · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 569
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-11-17 01:17:21
Concise descriptions that serve well to not only set the scene, but -
in the reference to Théodred - to create the appropriate somber mood.
The dialogue seems stilted at times, but the sincerity of Halbarad's
concern for Aragorn is conveyed clearly, as well as the depth of the
bond the two men share.
The story is a convincing take on a scene that Tolkien left mostly off
the page, while still preserving the mystery of the very private
struggle between Aragorn and Sauron.
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-11-17 01:19:07
The scene setting was lovely and evokes very well the peaceful shelter
Rivendell usually is, before it segued effectively into the
contrasting mood that opens up the actual story.
The interaction between the characters was described excellently. The
dialogue flows smoothly, and I found the strategic discussion between
Gandalf and Elrond very effective in summarising the state of things
in various parts of Middle-earth. It was interesting to see them hash
out their disagreement about Gandalf's suggestion prior to the actual
Council (particularly fascinating was Gandalf's observation in the
passage beginning with ["It seems to be the way of things..."]).
The severity of Gandalf's responsibility in his decision to encourage
Frodo in accepting the task is brought home very poignantly, and I was
moved by the obvious doubt, guilt and sorrow he felt for not being
able to be quite open with him.
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 02:53:09
Spoilers!
A moving behind the scenes look at those who worked in the Houses of
Healing during the Ring War.How horrific to imagine so much blood that
crimson roses lose their charm!
Title: Put Aside Your Doubt · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 187
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 03:39:45
A beautifully written look at Frodo and and Faramir's encounter and
the disturbing dreams Frodo has while within the caves.I like the way
the brothers are compared and contrasted. I think Faramir and Aragorn
are much alike.They may not seem all that friendly,but are men of
honour. A well written story.
Title: Forfeit · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 401
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 03:43:26
I loved this moving drabble. You capture the essence of Beregond
perfectly,a man of honour who only killed out of his love for his
Captain.It must have been a sore temptation for Beregond to
flee.Luckily,he is rewarded for doing the right thing in the end.
Title: Farewell · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 127
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 03:49:00
A heartrending farewell for Boromir and Faramir .The two brothers are
prepared to argue over Boromir taking the quest, but as foresight
tells them he will never return they savour their last moments
together.This story should carry a tissue warning. I liked it very much.
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 362
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:06:14
Spoilers!
I felt like taking a shovel to that Numenorean daddy in the first
drabble. What a pompous, condescending, doof! Easy to see how the
Numenorean civilization fell, with folks like that infesting it. (I
suppose I'm not the first fan to ponder Numenor vis a vis Rome, eh?
Your drabble here recalled that comparison as well. Clearly.) And
drabble number three ... Annatar's light! *sperfle* Oh, nooooooes.
Poor little hoodwinked Men. And Elves likewise, eventually. Although
your elves seem much *nicer* than your Men. Very Tolkienesque. And I
really enjoyed the twist in the last drabble. I can see how one of the
Avari might perceive his choice in just such a way. Most of all, I
enjoyed the parallel theme running through all these drabbles: the
passing of wisdom, and misinformation and bigotry, from father to son.
Ain't it just like that. What excellent work you've done here.
Title: Loudwater · Author: Adaneth · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 63
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:07:14
Nice poetic rhythm here. I would have been tempted to format it as
poetry, because it certainly lends itself to that kind of reading. But
even as prose it works well enough. I especially liked how the river
considers Rivendell ["the haven of the Mariner's son."] Water making a
water connection, and all that. Lovely writing, all in all.
Title: The Captain's Mare · Author: The Lauderdale · Races: Villains ·
ID: 575
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:10:19
Not sure if I've ever read more appropriate use of expletives. This
orc narrative voice is beyond excellent. Feels like I'm sitting on
somebody's revolting grandpap orc's knee and he's telling me a story
of the wars and mud. And horses. I've read a bit about horses in
Tolkien fic, but this is extraordinary. This is complicated, this
relationship between the horse and the goblin. Complicated and filthy
and ... somehow not as horrible as it ought to be. This bit, though,
this is horrible: ["and her with her head down. It had been getting
lower as the days went on."] The darkest line of the story, and it
slides in at the end of a paragraph. In fact, this whole story is a
study in understatement. It rolls on in with all its filth and mess,
and by the end, you end up not minding the orc. Pitying him, even. ...
I wrote this review months ago, but even now as I re-read it, I can
visualize the story. I read so much in fic that such recall is rare.
Truly, this is a remarkable story with a visceral pull that lingers
with a reader.
Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:13:08
Though still subtle, each of their destinies shine through this piece.
Heartbreakingly so. At one moment, I see the splendor of Feanor, yet
uncorrupted by his pride; the pride of Finwe in his son, to exclusion
of all else; and the marginalization of Miriel, scooted to the shadows
even for this, Feanor's first glance at the Light. What a stark
tableau you've shown in such few words.
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:13:28
Fascinating: a side of Tom Bombadil that doesn't get much play in
Tolkien's work. But Tolkien did hint at such hidden depths, and it's
interesting to see your interpretation here. Plus, of course, I just
love it when folks write about Old Tom. :)
Title: As Close As · Author: Dana · Genres: Romance · ID: 88
Reviewer: viv · 2008-11-16 22:15:03
Spoilers!
A nice twist on the whole newlywed honeymoon theme. I like how they
don't rail on how the decision to marry was made for them rather than
by them. Fighting it seems a cliche in fic, and in novels for that
matter. How refreshing it is to see characters who make the best with
what they're given. I think it says a lot for them. And this was a
nice simile: [gentle as a wing]. As much as I enjoy good R-rated het
romps, this particular fade-to-black was very satisfying. Finally, I'm
impressed with how subtly you paint the relationship among the hobbit
Walkers: neither slashy nor completely platonic, but somehow deeper
than either. Even more brilliant is that Estella *gets it*.
Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-11-17 00:47:04
Spoilers!
Modern reporter on the "star" beat gets to interview a former--very
former--A lister and her spouse, and ask a few tough questions. In the
process, the reporter discovers the secret for the longevity of the
couple's relationship. Snort!
Title: Drawing the Eye · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 569
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-11-17 01:17:21
Concise descriptions that serve well to not only set the scene, but -
in the reference to Théodred - to create the appropriate somber mood.
The dialogue seems stilted at times, but the sincerity of Halbarad's
concern for Aragorn is conveyed clearly, as well as the depth of the
bond the two men share.
The story is a convincing take on a scene that Tolkien left mostly off
the page, while still preserving the mystery of the very private
struggle between Aragorn and Sauron.
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-11-17 01:19:07
The scene setting was lovely and evokes very well the peaceful shelter
Rivendell usually is, before it segued effectively into the
contrasting mood that opens up the actual story.
The interaction between the characters was described excellently. The
dialogue flows smoothly, and I found the strategic discussion between
Gandalf and Elrond very effective in summarising the state of things
in various parts of Middle-earth. It was interesting to see them hash
out their disagreement about Gandalf's suggestion prior to the actual
Council (particularly fascinating was Gandalf's observation in the
passage beginning with ["It seems to be the way of things..."]).
The severity of Gandalf's responsibility in his decision to encourage
Frodo in accepting the task is brought home very poignantly, and I was
moved by the obvious doubt, guilt and sorrow he felt for not being
able to be quite open with him.
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 02:53:09
Spoilers!
A moving behind the scenes look at those who worked in the Houses of
Healing during the Ring War.How horrific to imagine so much blood that
crimson roses lose their charm!
Title: Put Aside Your Doubt · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 187
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 03:39:45
A beautifully written look at Frodo and and Faramir's encounter and
the disturbing dreams Frodo has while within the caves.I like the way
the brothers are compared and contrasted. I think Faramir and Aragorn
are much alike.They may not seem all that friendly,but are men of
honour. A well written story.
Title: Forfeit · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 401
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 03:43:26
I loved this moving drabble. You capture the essence of Beregond
perfectly,a man of honour who only killed out of his love for his
Captain.It must have been a sore temptation for Beregond to
flee.Luckily,he is rewarded for doing the right thing in the end.
Title: Farewell · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 127
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-11-17 03:49:00
A heartrending farewell for Boromir and Faramir .The two brothers are
prepared to argue over Boromir taking the quest, but as foresight
tells them he will never return they savour their last moments
together.This story should carry a tissue warning. I liked it very much.
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