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Msg# 9600
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Noon Set, Part Four) Posted by annmarwalk November 30, 2008 - 12:35:38 Topic ID# 9600Title: That Fate Them Bore ˇ Author: Cara Loup ˇ Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete ˇ ID: 476
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2008-11-30 02:05:18
This is a story that I can't wait to see updated. The writing is
exceptional and so are the characterisations of Merry, Pippin, Frodo
and Sam. The author is skilled at gorgeous, rich descriptions and
spot-on dialogue.
When reading this I am totally caught up in the tale; the emotions and
settings are so realistically described that I have no trouble
envisioning the action, or in understanding exactly how each character
is feeling.
I check regularly for new chapters and I am sure that many other
readers do as well, so get to work Cara!
Title: The King's Colors ˇ Author: Dwimordene ˇ Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family ˇ ID: 482
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:05:24
Spoilers!
In this AU apparently Boromir traded places with Faramir. With a few
well-placed words the reader knows enough to fill in the blanks. From
there the whole changed scenario of Aragorn's arrival in Minas Tirith
follows.
Here it is Boromir who meets Aragorn after the battle on the Pelennor
and there follows an excellent exchange between the two. They are both
wary and weary, but they need to see where they stand. It feels like
two combatants circling each other and sizing each other up, not
knowing quite which way this will go. A lot of their dialogue has a
second layer of meaning.
This is an AU, but these are the canon characters we love and know and
if this scenario would have happened, it would lead to just this scene.
Title: A Maid Waiting ˇ Author: Larner ˇ Genres: Romance: Gondor ˇ ID: 691
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:06:10
This story is about lessons learned at King Elessar's court and what
it means to be a Lord of the Realm. Young Ivormil, who got introduced
in an earlier story learns here even more lessons. But at least he
learns them, which is more than can be said of his relatives.
I love the warmth with which the main characters in this tale, mostly
original characters, are drawn. They all have their distinctive voice.
The canon characters are also true to canon.
I like the look behind the scenes of the "official" face of the
government of Gondor: the work of the staff in the citadel.
Title: On Canon and Fanfic ˇ Author: Marta ˇ Genres: Non-Fiction ˇ ID: 123
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:06:38
A very interesting and enlightening essay. It clarified some of the
thoughts I had about AUs myself. I love that you say only what Tolkien
wrote is 100% canonical. Some people need to remember that. I liked
the distinction between extra canonical and uncanonical. That is a
good way of describing AUs.
Title: The Prisoner of Time ˇ Author: Raksha the Demon ˇ Genres:
Alternate Universe: Steward's Family ˇ ID: 313
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:07:10
Spoilers!
Ouch! This is so sad, to see Denethor come to this. It's ironic that
Gandalf saved him in this AU, only to have Denethor himself work on
wasting this deed, instead of taking this new chance. Denethor is his
own worst enemy. His characterization fits well with canon.
Title: Eagle of the Star ˇ Author: alex_quine ˇ Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn ˇ ID: 152
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:08:02
Spoilers!
This story has an unusual explanation for why Thorongil mysteriously
vanished after the triumph over the Corsairs. This is the first time
that I see a story where Thorongil and Denethor are not parting on bad
terms.
I like the portrait of Steward Ecthelion in this piece. He wants what
is best for his son, but realizes that he made a mistake. I love the
conversation in the garden between Thorongil and Ecthelion. Does
Ecthelion know who Thorongil is? Sometimes it seems he knows and then
I'm not so sure anymore. I like this ambiguity. It adds to Ecthelions
personality as the wise Steward who knows what he is doing except when
it comes to his son.
Title: The Keys of the Realm ˇ Author: Larner ˇ Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn ˇ ID: 477
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:08:43
Spoilers!
This is a lovely story from the point of view of Hurin the Warden of
the Keys. I would call it a gap filler, since it describes the
preparation for the coronation from the folks left behind in Minas
Tirith and it provides an answer (not strictly canonical, since there
is nothing written about it) to some of the questions I always had
when I read these passages in the book. Where do the circlets of honor
for Frodo and Sam come from? What had the council to say to Aragorn? I
love the characterization of Hurin and Faramir, and Leonid turned out
to be my favorite OC.
Title: Lingering Shadow ˇ Author: Shireling ˇ Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir ˇ ID: 412
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:09:06
The aftermath of war is never easy and it is haunting to witness what
the horrors of war can do to a decent man. I like it that Faramir has
not lost his connection to his rangers and that they meet every once
in a while.
Title: Destiny ˇ Author: Cinzia ˇ Races: Men ˇ ID: 592
Reviewer: Savageseraph ˇ 2008-11-30 02:09:57
Spoilers!
Ah, I'm quite taken with the Rohan/Gondor love. Aragorn's feelings as
he is watching the younger men are so strong. The longing and conflict
and doubt so intense. So real.
And those last six paragraphs, yeah, they are just beautiful both in
presenting the Boromir/Theodred relationship and in crystallizing
Aragon's feelings.
Title: Consolation ˇ Author: Isabeau of Greenlea ˇ Races: Men:
Steward's Family ˇ ID: 341
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:10:10
Spoilers!
Faramir lies wounded in a tent after the disastrous battle of
Osgiliath and frets over the losses to his rangers until some of his
best Rangers and friends show up, among them Hethlin. I always love to
read something new about Hethlin and this is no exception.
I like the interaction between Boromir and Faramir here. The way they
discuss Amrothos contribution to the taking down of the bridge. It is
only hinted at, but for everyone who knows the other stories in this
universe, he is the obvious expert.
Boromir's tries to cheer Faramir up and take his mind off his wound
and the losses of his men are typical Boromir, although they don't
quite work until he finds the right cure in sending for Mablung,
Hethlin and Lorend. They know exactly how to deal with Faramir. There
is something familial in the way the four interact even more than
between Faramir and Boromir.
I loved the [missing roast suckling pig] finding its way to Faramir's
tent.
Title: In The Midst Of Summer ˇ Author: Cuthalion ˇ Genres: Drama:
Final Partings ˇ ID: 270
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:10:35
This is a bittersweet story with an uplifting end. I love the
description of Frodo lad with his son watched through the eyes of his
father.
Title: A Perfect World ˇ Author: mistycracraft ˇ Genres: Romance:
Elven Lands ˇ ID: 248
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:10:59
Spoilers!
I love Aragorn/Arwen stories where the reader can feel the importance
of Arwen for Aragorn. This is one example. Arwen doesn't need to fight
with a sword. Her confidence in him and her unwavering trust is all he
needs. I love the tenderness expressed in this scene.
Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments ˇ Author: Thundera Tiger ˇ
Genres: Humor ˇ ID: 472
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:11:23
Spoilers!
Oh, poor Sam. This is hilarious. I'm still giggling. I could see poor
Sam trying to be invisible and failing miserably. Escape was not
really an option. Smart Faramir. His entrance made them all aware of
their behavior and provided Sam with the much needed escape.
Title: Restoration ˇ Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) ˇ Races: Men:
Minas Tirith ˇ ID: 19
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:11:52
Spoilers!
This is a lovely little scene. The imagery of Aragorn comparing
sitting at Faramir's bedside with the elves restoring their spirit by
watching leaves, is very soothing and peaceful. I like the description
of Beregond. Here is the reminder of the horrors of the just ended battle.
Title: The Warmth of Morning ˇ Author: Spindle Berry ˇ Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor ˇ ID: 148
Reviewer: grey_wonderer ˇ 2008-11-30 02:12:31
Spoilers!
This is a lovely fiction and I enjoyed every word of it. The author
has a wonderful style of writing and brings every moment of the tale
to life with her words. She writes Merry Brandybuck very well and I
could feel his worry for his cousin throughout the story. I have
always enjoyed stories written about the time of healing after the
final battle and I think this one has to go on my list of favorites.
The author gives us a very realistic view of Pippin's suffering as he
tries to heal from his injuries which he sustained after his battle
with the troll. Merry's devotion to his cousin is moving and even
though this is a tale involving injuries and healing/comfort, it is
not drawn out in a manner that takes away from the characters or their
naturally hopeful nature. This was a joy to read from start to finish.
When Pippin tells Merry that he thought of him at what he believed to
be the end of everything for him, it was very emotional. I found the
confusion and worry shared in this moment by the cousins to be very
well written. It speaks to the trouble that they have accepting that
the dark times are finally over and their hope for the future. At that
moment they are both, in their own way, trying to recover from all
that they have seen and all that has happened to them. Pippin's fears
at being too injured for Merry to still care for him almost brought
tears to my eyes as I read but it was Merry's reassuring words of
caring for his younger cousin that seemed to bring out the very nature
of the hobbits. No matter what, they were there for one another.
Title: The King's Surgeon ˇ Author: SurgicalSteel ˇ Genres: Longer
Works ˇ ID: 90
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:13:16
Spoilers!
This story centers around one of my favorite original characters in
Tolkien fanfiction: Serinde, an outspoken surgeon who wants nothing to
do with politics, but gets inevitably pulled into the political
machinations in Gondor after befriending the mysterious Captain Thorongil.
The story is long, but well worth the read. It made me laugh; it made
me cry. I could gleefully rub my hands when some bad guy got his
comeuppance. The characters, original and canon characters alike, come
to life. I got the feeling as if they invite you into their circle of
friends to sit on the sidelines and watch the story unfold.
The story enhanced my medical vocabulary considerably, and now I know
a lot more about medical procedures than I ever thought possible. The
medical emergencies are skillfully woven into the story and never felt
as if they were put in gratuitously. Serinde is a healer and that is
what she deals with in her profession.
I love the way Serinde's less than stellar way of language use is
handled. You rarely hear her swear outright. Her colorful expression's
are mostly commented on by people around her, which makes it for me as
a non-native speaker a kind of guessing game, what she might have said
this time.
Title: The Mariner's Son ˇ Author: cairistiona ˇ Genres: Adventure ˇ
ID: 329
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:15:24
Spoilers!
Aragorn travels to the coast of Anfalas when he falls victim to a
madman who steals his ring. When Aragorn wakes up he is trapped in a
room with no way out and a big storm approaching. The description of
Aragorn's fear and panic when he tries to escape the trap seems very
real. The story takes several surprising turns until he finally gets
his ring back. The tale of the life of the mariner and his son was
touching with unintended consequences of his decisions for his son. I
was touched by the discussion of what is in a name. Aragorn has too
many names, the mariner's son has not enough.
Title: Put Aside Your Doubt ˇ Author: sophinisba solis ˇ Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir ˇ ID: 187
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:15:46
Spoilers!
In his nightmares and dreams Frodo comes to a decision about Faramir.
I liked the description of the dreams or rather nightmares with all
the confusion that comes with dreams like that.
Title: Took Broth ˇ Author: Pearl Took ˇ Genres: Humor: Shire ˇ ID: 543
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2008-11-30 02:17:40
Spoilers!
This is a very hobbity and very Tookish tale! I can really imagine the
Took's having such a tradition and can imagine Sam and Rosie reacting
to it just the way that they did.
I enjoyed this story very much and thought that the characterisations
were very well done. I liked the suggestion that the Faeries might
just have something to do with the excellence of the broth!
Title: Generations ˇ Author: Bodkin ˇ Genres: Drama: Featuring Aragorn
ˇ ID: 508
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:17:52
Spoilers!
This is a lovely, insightful story about parents dealing with
teenagers and teenagers dealing with parents. Aragorn's woes are spot
on and Eldarion and his friend also are typical for teenagers.
I loved Eldarion's disgusted comment that [his father seemed to expect
him to like dirt]. I had to giggle at that, especially since it
contrasted sharply with the description of Eldarion's outfit, which
seemed totally out of place in this town of the northern Dunedain.
The conversation between the two pairs, Aragorn and his companion
Baras and Eldarion and his friend Ceniril, are highlighting all the
reader ever wanted to know about the darker aspects of the teenage
years from both sides.
Very enjoyable!
Title: Too Many Rangers ˇ Author: Larner ˇ Races: Hobbits ˇ ID: 116
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:18:36
Spoilers!
This story is named a crossover, but it is not a crossover in the
traditional sense. Here Tolkien's different versions of the story,
meet each other. I had to laugh at the discussion between Strider and
Trotter about who is supposed to be where and all the name confusion.
I loved the way Butterbur's dialect and speech pattern came through on
the page.
Title: Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe ˇ Author: shirebound ˇ Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete ˇ ID: 643
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:19:10
Spoilers!
Aragorn succumbs to his exhaustion at Cormallen. To keep his men from
thinking the new king is weak, he is hidden in the tent of the hobbits.
All the characters are coming to life in this tale. Aragorn does not
lack in allies and supporters. I love Gimli's workmanship in building
a bunkbed for the hobbits, because the tent, as big as it is, can't
accommodate that many people.
Title: Daybreak ˇ Author: Cinzia ˇ Races: Men: Steward's Family ˇ ID: 591
Reviewer: Savageseraph ˇ 2008-11-30 02:20:36
Spoilers!
I really adore the feelings between the brothers that you've captured
here: the warmth, the caring. The soft, sweet sensuality also fits
very nicely. The setting at the waterfalls by the Forbidden Pool
conjured a strong sense of the visual place of the fic, as did the sun
rising and the eagle in flight in the morning sky.
Title: Lothíriel - The Tenth Walker, Book 2 ˇ Author: juno_magic ˇ
Genres: Alternate Universe: Incomplete ˇ ID: 567
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:21:45
This is the second part of one of my favorite
modern-girl-ends-up-in-middle-earth stories. After having survived the
war, Lothiriel must now find her way in this still strange world and a
place where she can be happy. The story is written in first person
pov, which let the reader experience the story through the filter of
Lothiriel's modern thoughts. I love the humor, angst, adventure, the
normal day-to-day activities and, in this part, the romance, which
make a very enjoyable mix in this story.
Title: Gifts ˇ Author: Gloria Mundi ˇ Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets ˇ ID: 594
Reviewer: Savageseraph ˇ 2008-11-30 02:26:48
Spoilers!
This captured Smeagol perfectly, and some of the descriptive elements
like the darkness in the first sentence was interesting. I liked the
odd tenderness behind Smeagol's wanting to take Frodo to someplace
cool and dark and bring him fish. I also found it interesting that the
Ring wasn't in Smeagol's thoughts as much as Frodo.
Incomplete ˇ ID: 476
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2008-11-30 02:05:18
This is a story that I can't wait to see updated. The writing is
exceptional and so are the characterisations of Merry, Pippin, Frodo
and Sam. The author is skilled at gorgeous, rich descriptions and
spot-on dialogue.
When reading this I am totally caught up in the tale; the emotions and
settings are so realistically described that I have no trouble
envisioning the action, or in understanding exactly how each character
is feeling.
I check regularly for new chapters and I am sure that many other
readers do as well, so get to work Cara!
Title: The King's Colors ˇ Author: Dwimordene ˇ Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family ˇ ID: 482
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:05:24
Spoilers!
In this AU apparently Boromir traded places with Faramir. With a few
well-placed words the reader knows enough to fill in the blanks. From
there the whole changed scenario of Aragorn's arrival in Minas Tirith
follows.
Here it is Boromir who meets Aragorn after the battle on the Pelennor
and there follows an excellent exchange between the two. They are both
wary and weary, but they need to see where they stand. It feels like
two combatants circling each other and sizing each other up, not
knowing quite which way this will go. A lot of their dialogue has a
second layer of meaning.
This is an AU, but these are the canon characters we love and know and
if this scenario would have happened, it would lead to just this scene.
Title: A Maid Waiting ˇ Author: Larner ˇ Genres: Romance: Gondor ˇ ID: 691
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:06:10
This story is about lessons learned at King Elessar's court and what
it means to be a Lord of the Realm. Young Ivormil, who got introduced
in an earlier story learns here even more lessons. But at least he
learns them, which is more than can be said of his relatives.
I love the warmth with which the main characters in this tale, mostly
original characters, are drawn. They all have their distinctive voice.
The canon characters are also true to canon.
I like the look behind the scenes of the "official" face of the
government of Gondor: the work of the staff in the citadel.
Title: On Canon and Fanfic ˇ Author: Marta ˇ Genres: Non-Fiction ˇ ID: 123
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:06:38
A very interesting and enlightening essay. It clarified some of the
thoughts I had about AUs myself. I love that you say only what Tolkien
wrote is 100% canonical. Some people need to remember that. I liked
the distinction between extra canonical and uncanonical. That is a
good way of describing AUs.
Title: The Prisoner of Time ˇ Author: Raksha the Demon ˇ Genres:
Alternate Universe: Steward's Family ˇ ID: 313
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:07:10
Spoilers!
Ouch! This is so sad, to see Denethor come to this. It's ironic that
Gandalf saved him in this AU, only to have Denethor himself work on
wasting this deed, instead of taking this new chance. Denethor is his
own worst enemy. His characterization fits well with canon.
Title: Eagle of the Star ˇ Author: alex_quine ˇ Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn ˇ ID: 152
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:08:02
Spoilers!
This story has an unusual explanation for why Thorongil mysteriously
vanished after the triumph over the Corsairs. This is the first time
that I see a story where Thorongil and Denethor are not parting on bad
terms.
I like the portrait of Steward Ecthelion in this piece. He wants what
is best for his son, but realizes that he made a mistake. I love the
conversation in the garden between Thorongil and Ecthelion. Does
Ecthelion know who Thorongil is? Sometimes it seems he knows and then
I'm not so sure anymore. I like this ambiguity. It adds to Ecthelions
personality as the wise Steward who knows what he is doing except when
it comes to his son.
Title: The Keys of the Realm ˇ Author: Larner ˇ Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn ˇ ID: 477
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:08:43
Spoilers!
This is a lovely story from the point of view of Hurin the Warden of
the Keys. I would call it a gap filler, since it describes the
preparation for the coronation from the folks left behind in Minas
Tirith and it provides an answer (not strictly canonical, since there
is nothing written about it) to some of the questions I always had
when I read these passages in the book. Where do the circlets of honor
for Frodo and Sam come from? What had the council to say to Aragorn? I
love the characterization of Hurin and Faramir, and Leonid turned out
to be my favorite OC.
Title: Lingering Shadow ˇ Author: Shireling ˇ Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir ˇ ID: 412
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:09:06
The aftermath of war is never easy and it is haunting to witness what
the horrors of war can do to a decent man. I like it that Faramir has
not lost his connection to his rangers and that they meet every once
in a while.
Title: Destiny ˇ Author: Cinzia ˇ Races: Men ˇ ID: 592
Reviewer: Savageseraph ˇ 2008-11-30 02:09:57
Spoilers!
Ah, I'm quite taken with the Rohan/Gondor love. Aragorn's feelings as
he is watching the younger men are so strong. The longing and conflict
and doubt so intense. So real.
And those last six paragraphs, yeah, they are just beautiful both in
presenting the Boromir/Theodred relationship and in crystallizing
Aragon's feelings.
Title: Consolation ˇ Author: Isabeau of Greenlea ˇ Races: Men:
Steward's Family ˇ ID: 341
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:10:10
Spoilers!
Faramir lies wounded in a tent after the disastrous battle of
Osgiliath and frets over the losses to his rangers until some of his
best Rangers and friends show up, among them Hethlin. I always love to
read something new about Hethlin and this is no exception.
I like the interaction between Boromir and Faramir here. The way they
discuss Amrothos contribution to the taking down of the bridge. It is
only hinted at, but for everyone who knows the other stories in this
universe, he is the obvious expert.
Boromir's tries to cheer Faramir up and take his mind off his wound
and the losses of his men are typical Boromir, although they don't
quite work until he finds the right cure in sending for Mablung,
Hethlin and Lorend. They know exactly how to deal with Faramir. There
is something familial in the way the four interact even more than
between Faramir and Boromir.
I loved the [missing roast suckling pig] finding its way to Faramir's
tent.
Title: In The Midst Of Summer ˇ Author: Cuthalion ˇ Genres: Drama:
Final Partings ˇ ID: 270
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:10:35
This is a bittersweet story with an uplifting end. I love the
description of Frodo lad with his son watched through the eyes of his
father.
Title: A Perfect World ˇ Author: mistycracraft ˇ Genres: Romance:
Elven Lands ˇ ID: 248
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:10:59
Spoilers!
I love Aragorn/Arwen stories where the reader can feel the importance
of Arwen for Aragorn. This is one example. Arwen doesn't need to fight
with a sword. Her confidence in him and her unwavering trust is all he
needs. I love the tenderness expressed in this scene.
Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments ˇ Author: Thundera Tiger ˇ
Genres: Humor ˇ ID: 472
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:11:23
Spoilers!
Oh, poor Sam. This is hilarious. I'm still giggling. I could see poor
Sam trying to be invisible and failing miserably. Escape was not
really an option. Smart Faramir. His entrance made them all aware of
their behavior and provided Sam with the much needed escape.
Title: Restoration ˇ Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) ˇ Races: Men:
Minas Tirith ˇ ID: 19
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:11:52
Spoilers!
This is a lovely little scene. The imagery of Aragorn comparing
sitting at Faramir's bedside with the elves restoring their spirit by
watching leaves, is very soothing and peaceful. I like the description
of Beregond. Here is the reminder of the horrors of the just ended battle.
Title: The Warmth of Morning ˇ Author: Spindle Berry ˇ Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor ˇ ID: 148
Reviewer: grey_wonderer ˇ 2008-11-30 02:12:31
Spoilers!
This is a lovely fiction and I enjoyed every word of it. The author
has a wonderful style of writing and brings every moment of the tale
to life with her words. She writes Merry Brandybuck very well and I
could feel his worry for his cousin throughout the story. I have
always enjoyed stories written about the time of healing after the
final battle and I think this one has to go on my list of favorites.
The author gives us a very realistic view of Pippin's suffering as he
tries to heal from his injuries which he sustained after his battle
with the troll. Merry's devotion to his cousin is moving and even
though this is a tale involving injuries and healing/comfort, it is
not drawn out in a manner that takes away from the characters or their
naturally hopeful nature. This was a joy to read from start to finish.
When Pippin tells Merry that he thought of him at what he believed to
be the end of everything for him, it was very emotional. I found the
confusion and worry shared in this moment by the cousins to be very
well written. It speaks to the trouble that they have accepting that
the dark times are finally over and their hope for the future. At that
moment they are both, in their own way, trying to recover from all
that they have seen and all that has happened to them. Pippin's fears
at being too injured for Merry to still care for him almost brought
tears to my eyes as I read but it was Merry's reassuring words of
caring for his younger cousin that seemed to bring out the very nature
of the hobbits. No matter what, they were there for one another.
Title: The King's Surgeon ˇ Author: SurgicalSteel ˇ Genres: Longer
Works ˇ ID: 90
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:13:16
Spoilers!
This story centers around one of my favorite original characters in
Tolkien fanfiction: Serinde, an outspoken surgeon who wants nothing to
do with politics, but gets inevitably pulled into the political
machinations in Gondor after befriending the mysterious Captain Thorongil.
The story is long, but well worth the read. It made me laugh; it made
me cry. I could gleefully rub my hands when some bad guy got his
comeuppance. The characters, original and canon characters alike, come
to life. I got the feeling as if they invite you into their circle of
friends to sit on the sidelines and watch the story unfold.
The story enhanced my medical vocabulary considerably, and now I know
a lot more about medical procedures than I ever thought possible. The
medical emergencies are skillfully woven into the story and never felt
as if they were put in gratuitously. Serinde is a healer and that is
what she deals with in her profession.
I love the way Serinde's less than stellar way of language use is
handled. You rarely hear her swear outright. Her colorful expression's
are mostly commented on by people around her, which makes it for me as
a non-native speaker a kind of guessing game, what she might have said
this time.
Title: The Mariner's Son ˇ Author: cairistiona ˇ Genres: Adventure ˇ
ID: 329
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:15:24
Spoilers!
Aragorn travels to the coast of Anfalas when he falls victim to a
madman who steals his ring. When Aragorn wakes up he is trapped in a
room with no way out and a big storm approaching. The description of
Aragorn's fear and panic when he tries to escape the trap seems very
real. The story takes several surprising turns until he finally gets
his ring back. The tale of the life of the mariner and his son was
touching with unintended consequences of his decisions for his son. I
was touched by the discussion of what is in a name. Aragorn has too
many names, the mariner's son has not enough.
Title: Put Aside Your Doubt ˇ Author: sophinisba solis ˇ Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir ˇ ID: 187
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:15:46
Spoilers!
In his nightmares and dreams Frodo comes to a decision about Faramir.
I liked the description of the dreams or rather nightmares with all
the confusion that comes with dreams like that.
Title: Took Broth ˇ Author: Pearl Took ˇ Genres: Humor: Shire ˇ ID: 543
Reviewer: Marigold ˇ 2008-11-30 02:17:40
Spoilers!
This is a very hobbity and very Tookish tale! I can really imagine the
Took's having such a tradition and can imagine Sam and Rosie reacting
to it just the way that they did.
I enjoyed this story very much and thought that the characterisations
were very well done. I liked the suggestion that the Faeries might
just have something to do with the excellence of the broth!
Title: Generations ˇ Author: Bodkin ˇ Genres: Drama: Featuring Aragorn
ˇ ID: 508
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:17:52
Spoilers!
This is a lovely, insightful story about parents dealing with
teenagers and teenagers dealing with parents. Aragorn's woes are spot
on and Eldarion and his friend also are typical for teenagers.
I loved Eldarion's disgusted comment that [his father seemed to expect
him to like dirt]. I had to giggle at that, especially since it
contrasted sharply with the description of Eldarion's outfit, which
seemed totally out of place in this town of the northern Dunedain.
The conversation between the two pairs, Aragorn and his companion
Baras and Eldarion and his friend Ceniril, are highlighting all the
reader ever wanted to know about the darker aspects of the teenage
years from both sides.
Very enjoyable!
Title: Too Many Rangers ˇ Author: Larner ˇ Races: Hobbits ˇ ID: 116
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:18:36
Spoilers!
This story is named a crossover, but it is not a crossover in the
traditional sense. Here Tolkien's different versions of the story,
meet each other. I had to laugh at the discussion between Strider and
Trotter about who is supposed to be where and all the name confusion.
I loved the way Butterbur's dialect and speech pattern came through on
the page.
Title: Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe ˇ Author: shirebound ˇ Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete ˇ ID: 643
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:19:10
Spoilers!
Aragorn succumbs to his exhaustion at Cormallen. To keep his men from
thinking the new king is weak, he is hidden in the tent of the hobbits.
All the characters are coming to life in this tale. Aragorn does not
lack in allies and supporters. I love Gimli's workmanship in building
a bunkbed for the hobbits, because the tent, as big as it is, can't
accommodate that many people.
Title: Daybreak ˇ Author: Cinzia ˇ Races: Men: Steward's Family ˇ ID: 591
Reviewer: Savageseraph ˇ 2008-11-30 02:20:36
Spoilers!
I really adore the feelings between the brothers that you've captured
here: the warmth, the caring. The soft, sweet sensuality also fits
very nicely. The setting at the waterfalls by the Forbidden Pool
conjured a strong sense of the visual place of the fic, as did the sun
rising and the eagle in flight in the morning sky.
Title: Lothíriel - The Tenth Walker, Book 2 ˇ Author: juno_magic ˇ
Genres: Alternate Universe: Incomplete ˇ ID: 567
Reviewer: obsidianj ˇ 2008-11-30 02:21:45
This is the second part of one of my favorite
modern-girl-ends-up-in-middle-earth stories. After having survived the
war, Lothiriel must now find her way in this still strange world and a
place where she can be happy. The story is written in first person
pov, which let the reader experience the story through the filter of
Lothiriel's modern thoughts. I love the humor, angst, adventure, the
normal day-to-day activities and, in this part, the romance, which
make a very enjoyable mix in this story.
Title: Gifts ˇ Author: Gloria Mundi ˇ Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets ˇ ID: 594
Reviewer: Savageseraph ˇ 2008-11-30 02:26:48
Spoilers!
This captured Smeagol perfectly, and some of the descriptive elements
like the darkness in the first sentence was interesting. I liked the
odd tenderness behind Smeagol's wanting to take Frodo to someplace
cool and dark and bring him fish. I also found it interesting that the
Ring wasn't in Smeagol's thoughts as much as Frodo.
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