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Msg# 9583
MEFA Reviews for Friday, November 28, 2008 (Part Three) Posted by annmarwalk November 28, 2008 - 18:14:00 Topic ID# 9583Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-11-28 18:16:46
The thing I liked most about this is how quickly Boromir reverses his
opinion when honestly bested. A true and noble quality I think.
Title: The Myth of the One Ring's Power · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 532
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 18:18:39
As usual, Dreamflower is able to present a thoroughly thought out and
logical premise for her arguement about the One Ring's power, that I
would be hard-pressed to dispute. She is a master of the essay and I
am a true fan of each one she has written. I find them all highly
informative and exceptionally challenging to ponder. I do hope she
will continue to add to her delightful collection!
Title: The Flute · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 18:23:15
Pippin has a very special flute, indeed. This is a very lovely and
touching story that definitely will pull at your heartstrings!
Title: Feet That Wander · Author: Linaewen · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 576
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-11-28 18:27:22
Spoilers!
I found this piece very well done. I think it would be easy, when
writing Tom Bombadil to overdo it, make him too cute, give him too
much song and rhyme. Similarly, one could make Boromir too vexed, too
grouchy, too xenophobic. But the writer here shows great restraint
without showing it, as it were. The characters are well drawn and not
overdrawn, and their conversation remains light and appropriately
superficial, yet thoroughly satisfying.
Title: Rude Awakening · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 692
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 18:30:55
Spoilers!
Poor Pippin! And Merry too, for his fright at awakening to strange
noises in the night and wondering just what is going on! I have seen
quite a few stories where Pippin is portrayed as a sleepwalker and I
have written it in some of mine, also. I find this an interesting bit
of fanon, but not really a surprising one. Many people who go through
traumatic events have periods of both sleepwalking and sleeptalking.
And in this circumstance it somehow seems to fit Pippin's character,
at least in my eyes. Lindelea's story is a heartwarming glimpse of
post-Quest Pippin and Merry as they heal from all the turmoil and
trials they have been through. I always love stories in which their
caring relationship shines, as it does in this rather comforting tale!
Well done!!
Title: Tonight We Are Alive · Author: Eyborg · Races: Dwarves · ID: 504
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-11-28 18:33:22
Spoilers!
What I love about this story, and the reason I nominated it, is how
singular and universal its characters are at the same time. Embla and
Kili are clearly dwarves after Tolkien's model, and yet they feel as
any one must feel, on the eve of a long and potentialy permanent
separation. Lovely.
Title: Wizards' Pupils · Author: Altariel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 108
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:31:22
Spoilers!
In this story Elboron tells his son a story of his youth of a story he
got from his father at the time. It sounds a bit convoluted, but the
first person narrative fits this scheme perfectly.
After a year in Rohan Elboron comes home and gets a new tutor, whose
lessons not always sit well with him. He asks his father for advice
and Faramir tells him the story of his encounter with Curunir on his
visit to Minas Tirith.
I love Faramir's description of Saruman's voice and that they all fell
under his spell until the bird breaks the spell, for him at least. Was
that bird sent by Mithrandir? The difference between the two wizards
is startling. It is chilling to see Denethor distancing himself from
his son. From this account I got the impression that it more or less
just happened in the beginning without Denethor doing it on purpose.
I was glad when I saw the little side note about Faramir taking up his
sword again, which showed me that in your universe Faramir got over
his trauma after some time.
Title: Horse Sense · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 22
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:31:54
A delightful little vignette capturing the moment of departure from
Rivendell through the eyes of Bill the pony. I like the pony-ish
thoughts running through his head combined with the comments of his
new companions.
Title: Beggar's Night · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Shire · ID: 15
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:32:36
Spoilers!
A funny little vignette. I have my doubts about Eowyn and Faramir
losing their way even in a foreign country ;-). I love Gandalf's
disguise or non-disguise.
Title: Healing · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves · ID: 419
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:33:11
This is a beautiful piece and to me captures the slow, long sundering
of the elves from Middle-earth. The language of the story has a poetic
feel to it. The passing of Arwen was heartbreaking and fit into the
general mood.
Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:33:41
Spoilers!
LOL! Poor Faramir. This well-meaning aunt is obviously the bane of his
existence. I love the explanation you give for this awful picture. You
never gainsay a generous aunt, and Faramir cares too much for his men
to deprive them of the more useful goodies.
Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:41:32
This is an epic tale. We follow Lothiriel and Eomer from an early age
in two separate strands of the story up to the Ring War. The author
let us see Lothiriel and Eomer grow up and have experiences, which
form their characters. Each of the strands of the story is a riveting
read. The two so very different cultures come to life and form a
colorful picture of their people.
I like the characterizations of Lothiriel and Eomer. These two come
across as strong personalities. Both are not perfect and I can't wait
to see how they deal with each other when they are married.
Title: When the King Came Back · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 514
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:43:53
Spoilers!
This is a great gapfiller for the time when the hobbits, and here
mostly Pippin, come back home. I like the portrayal of his parents,
especially his father. The festering anger about his son just sneaking
off without a word to anyone and how this fit the Pippin of a year
ago, and then this new Pippin all grown up and kind of a stranger. I
like it that his father has some difficulty reconciling the son he
knew with the son coming home from a war. The reconciliation scene was
touching and held just the right amount of emotion.
Title: A Warm Sun Shining · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 727
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:46:25
Spoilers!
This is a lovely little piece and the kittens give it just the right
touch of cozyness. I love it that stroking the kittens gives Frodo a
lifeline to reality. I can attest to the soothing effect stroking
kittens has when one is upset.
Title: A Dream Come True · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 162
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:47:07
Spoilers!
This is a different spin on the Eomer meets Lothiriel scenarios. The
camp at Cormallen came to life. I could see the camaraderie between
Eomer and his men and the atmosphere added with the beer and girl. It
made the right contrast to the dancing girl Eomer encountered later.
Eomer is lucky that Lothiriel isn't holding a grudge.
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: Avon · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 282
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:47:38
Spoilers!
This is such a tender moment between uncle and nephews. Imrahil
obviously knows how to handle kids. I love his poetic suggestion of an
outing to the sea to watch [seahorses].
Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:48:24
This is hilarious. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. The
security check was great. The story captured the feelings evoked by
unreasonable security guards at airports perfectly. Gimli got lucky
that they didn't lose patience with him earlier.
Gandalf knows how to bedazzle people. He and Sam at the luggage
check-in were great.
I love the banter between the Fellowship and the dialogue between the
guards and whoever has to go through security next.
Title: Deliverance · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 285
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-28 20:23:44
What I loved most when I first read this drabble months ago is still
what strikes me hardest. Yes, the technical aspects are flawless, and
it is one of this author's specialties: a glimpse into a lost corner
of Tolkien's creation that sees little fanfic traffic. The
descriptions are marvellous in their brevity: although we don't know
the facts behind the journey (and "landing"), we get just enough
detail to feel sympathetic and to understand the specific situation.
The multi-layered thematic meat of the drabble actually starts with
the title, however. There is an obvious deliverance taking place, of
course: the mariner will see home again, after all hope of doing so
has left him. But on a deeper level, there is a deliverance *from
himself*. Imhiriel takes this one rash and unforgiving test and
provides an open door to look at the results of doing the same in this
world. All the energy, money and time spent on a terribly risky
journey - for what? A sighting of the unattainable, or perhaps
bragging rights?
The gentle redirection of the mariner's attention is also a gentle
reference to the Valar, who I like to think are - in their
ever-indirect way - offering guidance to the lost, of both body and soul.
Title: If I Had One Wish · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 658
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-28 20:29:13
Spoilers!
What would be your wish? Such a question could and most likely would
have been asked to Indis after their loved ones departed for the dark
Middle-earth. Indis dreams of unison, her own sons united with their
half-brother, grandchildren aplenty... this all pictured in a warmly
written scene that I so wish to be true if it was not for deaths, lies
and betrayals. Ellie does such a great job at writing Indis and paints
a warm portrait of Finwë's second wife in this achingly sad story. I
had a good chuckle at one of the Ambarussa producing a set if daughter
twins, playing with their great grandfather. Yet this is not meant to
be, and the end is well timed, leaving her daughters in law with the
knowlegde that it was so close in reach. Masterfully written Ellie,
now if we could only turn back time for them.
Title: Feeling Safe · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits · ID: 633
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:35:28
Spoilers!
A sweet little tale in Shirebound's soft and gentle style of
storytelling. Frodo's cousins explain to Strider just why they are
sleeping so close to one another. It isn't just for warmth, and Merry,
Pippin, and Sam demonstrate just how watchful they are over the
Ringbearer as they keep him safe from a dangerous, new habit.
Title: The Five Rules of Cooking · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 523
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:42:28
What fun as a young Merry and Pippin enter a cooking contest at the
Faire! Gamgeefest has a delightful way with writing hobbits!!
Title: Celevon a Mallen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 279
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-28 20:44:07
Tanaqui is a superb drabblist, and has shown her skill before in being
able to carry a theme and specific characterizations through multiple
drabbles - even though they are written at different times over the
course of a year. Her several series entered into the MEFAs all read
as if she wrote them with the end purpose of being collected together.
Even among such exalted company, however, ["Celevon a Mallen"] is an
especially beautiful set concerning the intertwined lives of one of
Middle-earth's ultimate "power couples".
Celeborn is one my favorite Elves, and ironically became so not
through Tolkien's own enigmatic treatment of the character but through
marvellous works by talented fanfic writers. Tanaqui takes all that
I've grown to associate with Galadriel's husband and expands on
several key moments in their long lives together. Each one is an
incredible mini-story on its own, rich with atmosphere, evocative and
emotional writing and gorgeous turns of phrase; bound together, the
impact is indelibly heightened.
And I would really be remiss if I didn't mention the excellent titles
that the author uses: every one of them a perfect encapsulation of its
drabble, while also illuminating and enhancing the content and
harmonizing with the whole series. A wonderful, wonderful addition to
any Celeborn/Galadriel fanfic library!
Title: No Regrets · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 490
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-28 20:49:46
Spoilers!
Ah what a gorgeous little piece and so true to Faramir's nature. Yet I
can't blame Aragorn for prompting such a question, after all so many
of Faramir's house had such high ambitions. The question has a
political nature and the diplomatic Faramir answers as well him. The
Steward however is obviously happy with his wife and his beloved
country - the hills of Ithilien at that - restored and made beautiful
again. This piece is wonderfully written where dialogue and narrative
go smoothly hand in hand in a wonderful portrait. Skilfully drabbled
Linda!
Title: The Least of Rings · Author: Marta · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 621
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:52:15
I've never really looked at that many drabbles because usually I just
prefer a story that I can take time getting into. But I found Marta's
piece spectacular and now I think I'm a drabble convert! Her work has
shown me how much one can say without saying it in as many words, but
instead by leaving the greater part of the story in the reader's
imagination. Terrific!
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:58:17
This is a gentle story that speaks of the constant love and friendship
Merry and Pippin have shared all their lives, and will continue to
share forever. It's always lovely to see Pippin take on the part of
comforter as he looks out for Merry on that dreaded anniversary of
Merry and Eowyn's encounter with the witch king. I wonder if Eowyn has
a difficult time on the anniversary as well?
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-11-28 18:16:46
The thing I liked most about this is how quickly Boromir reverses his
opinion when honestly bested. A true and noble quality I think.
Title: The Myth of the One Ring's Power · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 532
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 18:18:39
As usual, Dreamflower is able to present a thoroughly thought out and
logical premise for her arguement about the One Ring's power, that I
would be hard-pressed to dispute. She is a master of the essay and I
am a true fan of each one she has written. I find them all highly
informative and exceptionally challenging to ponder. I do hope she
will continue to add to her delightful collection!
Title: The Flute · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 18:23:15
Pippin has a very special flute, indeed. This is a very lovely and
touching story that definitely will pull at your heartstrings!
Title: Feet That Wander · Author: Linaewen · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 576
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-11-28 18:27:22
Spoilers!
I found this piece very well done. I think it would be easy, when
writing Tom Bombadil to overdo it, make him too cute, give him too
much song and rhyme. Similarly, one could make Boromir too vexed, too
grouchy, too xenophobic. But the writer here shows great restraint
without showing it, as it were. The characters are well drawn and not
overdrawn, and their conversation remains light and appropriately
superficial, yet thoroughly satisfying.
Title: Rude Awakening · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 692
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 18:30:55
Spoilers!
Poor Pippin! And Merry too, for his fright at awakening to strange
noises in the night and wondering just what is going on! I have seen
quite a few stories where Pippin is portrayed as a sleepwalker and I
have written it in some of mine, also. I find this an interesting bit
of fanon, but not really a surprising one. Many people who go through
traumatic events have periods of both sleepwalking and sleeptalking.
And in this circumstance it somehow seems to fit Pippin's character,
at least in my eyes. Lindelea's story is a heartwarming glimpse of
post-Quest Pippin and Merry as they heal from all the turmoil and
trials they have been through. I always love stories in which their
caring relationship shines, as it does in this rather comforting tale!
Well done!!
Title: Tonight We Are Alive · Author: Eyborg · Races: Dwarves · ID: 504
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-11-28 18:33:22
Spoilers!
What I love about this story, and the reason I nominated it, is how
singular and universal its characters are at the same time. Embla and
Kili are clearly dwarves after Tolkien's model, and yet they feel as
any one must feel, on the eve of a long and potentialy permanent
separation. Lovely.
Title: Wizards' Pupils · Author: Altariel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 108
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:31:22
Spoilers!
In this story Elboron tells his son a story of his youth of a story he
got from his father at the time. It sounds a bit convoluted, but the
first person narrative fits this scheme perfectly.
After a year in Rohan Elboron comes home and gets a new tutor, whose
lessons not always sit well with him. He asks his father for advice
and Faramir tells him the story of his encounter with Curunir on his
visit to Minas Tirith.
I love Faramir's description of Saruman's voice and that they all fell
under his spell until the bird breaks the spell, for him at least. Was
that bird sent by Mithrandir? The difference between the two wizards
is startling. It is chilling to see Denethor distancing himself from
his son. From this account I got the impression that it more or less
just happened in the beginning without Denethor doing it on purpose.
I was glad when I saw the little side note about Faramir taking up his
sword again, which showed me that in your universe Faramir got over
his trauma after some time.
Title: Horse Sense · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 22
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:31:54
A delightful little vignette capturing the moment of departure from
Rivendell through the eyes of Bill the pony. I like the pony-ish
thoughts running through his head combined with the comments of his
new companions.
Title: Beggar's Night · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Shire · ID: 15
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:32:36
Spoilers!
A funny little vignette. I have my doubts about Eowyn and Faramir
losing their way even in a foreign country ;-). I love Gandalf's
disguise or non-disguise.
Title: Healing · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves · ID: 419
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:33:11
This is a beautiful piece and to me captures the slow, long sundering
of the elves from Middle-earth. The language of the story has a poetic
feel to it. The passing of Arwen was heartbreaking and fit into the
general mood.
Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:33:41
Spoilers!
LOL! Poor Faramir. This well-meaning aunt is obviously the bane of his
existence. I love the explanation you give for this awful picture. You
never gainsay a generous aunt, and Faramir cares too much for his men
to deprive them of the more useful goodies.
Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:41:32
This is an epic tale. We follow Lothiriel and Eomer from an early age
in two separate strands of the story up to the Ring War. The author
let us see Lothiriel and Eomer grow up and have experiences, which
form their characters. Each of the strands of the story is a riveting
read. The two so very different cultures come to life and form a
colorful picture of their people.
I like the characterizations of Lothiriel and Eomer. These two come
across as strong personalities. Both are not perfect and I can't wait
to see how they deal with each other when they are married.
Title: When the King Came Back · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 514
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:43:53
Spoilers!
This is a great gapfiller for the time when the hobbits, and here
mostly Pippin, come back home. I like the portrayal of his parents,
especially his father. The festering anger about his son just sneaking
off without a word to anyone and how this fit the Pippin of a year
ago, and then this new Pippin all grown up and kind of a stranger. I
like it that his father has some difficulty reconciling the son he
knew with the son coming home from a war. The reconciliation scene was
touching and held just the right amount of emotion.
Title: A Warm Sun Shining · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 727
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:46:25
Spoilers!
This is a lovely little piece and the kittens give it just the right
touch of cozyness. I love it that stroking the kittens gives Frodo a
lifeline to reality. I can attest to the soothing effect stroking
kittens has when one is upset.
Title: A Dream Come True · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 162
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:47:07
Spoilers!
This is a different spin on the Eomer meets Lothiriel scenarios. The
camp at Cormallen came to life. I could see the camaraderie between
Eomer and his men and the atmosphere added with the beer and girl. It
made the right contrast to the dancing girl Eomer encountered later.
Eomer is lucky that Lothiriel isn't holding a grudge.
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: Avon · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 282
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:47:38
Spoilers!
This is such a tender moment between uncle and nephews. Imrahil
obviously knows how to handle kids. I love his poetic suggestion of an
outing to the sea to watch [seahorses].
Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-11-28 19:48:24
This is hilarious. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. The
security check was great. The story captured the feelings evoked by
unreasonable security guards at airports perfectly. Gimli got lucky
that they didn't lose patience with him earlier.
Gandalf knows how to bedazzle people. He and Sam at the luggage
check-in were great.
I love the banter between the Fellowship and the dialogue between the
guards and whoever has to go through security next.
Title: Deliverance · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 285
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-28 20:23:44
What I loved most when I first read this drabble months ago is still
what strikes me hardest. Yes, the technical aspects are flawless, and
it is one of this author's specialties: a glimpse into a lost corner
of Tolkien's creation that sees little fanfic traffic. The
descriptions are marvellous in their brevity: although we don't know
the facts behind the journey (and "landing"), we get just enough
detail to feel sympathetic and to understand the specific situation.
The multi-layered thematic meat of the drabble actually starts with
the title, however. There is an obvious deliverance taking place, of
course: the mariner will see home again, after all hope of doing so
has left him. But on a deeper level, there is a deliverance *from
himself*. Imhiriel takes this one rash and unforgiving test and
provides an open door to look at the results of doing the same in this
world. All the energy, money and time spent on a terribly risky
journey - for what? A sighting of the unattainable, or perhaps
bragging rights?
The gentle redirection of the mariner's attention is also a gentle
reference to the Valar, who I like to think are - in their
ever-indirect way - offering guidance to the lost, of both body and soul.
Title: If I Had One Wish · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 658
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-28 20:29:13
Spoilers!
What would be your wish? Such a question could and most likely would
have been asked to Indis after their loved ones departed for the dark
Middle-earth. Indis dreams of unison, her own sons united with their
half-brother, grandchildren aplenty... this all pictured in a warmly
written scene that I so wish to be true if it was not for deaths, lies
and betrayals. Ellie does such a great job at writing Indis and paints
a warm portrait of Finwë's second wife in this achingly sad story. I
had a good chuckle at one of the Ambarussa producing a set if daughter
twins, playing with their great grandfather. Yet this is not meant to
be, and the end is well timed, leaving her daughters in law with the
knowlegde that it was so close in reach. Masterfully written Ellie,
now if we could only turn back time for them.
Title: Feeling Safe · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits · ID: 633
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:35:28
Spoilers!
A sweet little tale in Shirebound's soft and gentle style of
storytelling. Frodo's cousins explain to Strider just why they are
sleeping so close to one another. It isn't just for warmth, and Merry,
Pippin, and Sam demonstrate just how watchful they are over the
Ringbearer as they keep him safe from a dangerous, new habit.
Title: The Five Rules of Cooking · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 523
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:42:28
What fun as a young Merry and Pippin enter a cooking contest at the
Faire! Gamgeefest has a delightful way with writing hobbits!!
Title: Celevon a Mallen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 279
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-28 20:44:07
Tanaqui is a superb drabblist, and has shown her skill before in being
able to carry a theme and specific characterizations through multiple
drabbles - even though they are written at different times over the
course of a year. Her several series entered into the MEFAs all read
as if she wrote them with the end purpose of being collected together.
Even among such exalted company, however, ["Celevon a Mallen"] is an
especially beautiful set concerning the intertwined lives of one of
Middle-earth's ultimate "power couples".
Celeborn is one my favorite Elves, and ironically became so not
through Tolkien's own enigmatic treatment of the character but through
marvellous works by talented fanfic writers. Tanaqui takes all that
I've grown to associate with Galadriel's husband and expands on
several key moments in their long lives together. Each one is an
incredible mini-story on its own, rich with atmosphere, evocative and
emotional writing and gorgeous turns of phrase; bound together, the
impact is indelibly heightened.
And I would really be remiss if I didn't mention the excellent titles
that the author uses: every one of them a perfect encapsulation of its
drabble, while also illuminating and enhancing the content and
harmonizing with the whole series. A wonderful, wonderful addition to
any Celeborn/Galadriel fanfic library!
Title: No Regrets · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 490
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-28 20:49:46
Spoilers!
Ah what a gorgeous little piece and so true to Faramir's nature. Yet I
can't blame Aragorn for prompting such a question, after all so many
of Faramir's house had such high ambitions. The question has a
political nature and the diplomatic Faramir answers as well him. The
Steward however is obviously happy with his wife and his beloved
country - the hills of Ithilien at that - restored and made beautiful
again. This piece is wonderfully written where dialogue and narrative
go smoothly hand in hand in a wonderful portrait. Skilfully drabbled
Linda!
Title: The Least of Rings · Author: Marta · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 621
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:52:15
I've never really looked at that many drabbles because usually I just
prefer a story that I can take time getting into. But I found Marta's
piece spectacular and now I think I'm a drabble convert! Her work has
shown me how much one can say without saying it in as many words, but
instead by leaving the greater part of the story in the reader's
imagination. Terrific!
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-11-28 20:58:17
This is a gentle story that speaks of the constant love and friendship
Merry and Pippin have shared all their lives, and will continue to
share forever. It's always lovely to see Pippin take on the part of
comforter as he looks out for Merry on that dreaded anniversary of
Merry and Eowyn's encounter with the witch king. I wonder if Eowyn has
a difficult time on the anniversary as well?
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