Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Don't Explain · Author: gwidhiel · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 289
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 07:52:28
I've really enjoyed keeping up with gwidhiel's ["Don't Explain"] as
the chapters have come out. I know RL cramps many a writer's style,
but I want to put in a plug right up front pleading for rest of the
story to be told as soon as possible!

One of the things that I like so much about it is that the author puts
a bit of a different twist on some of her characterizations, at least
for me; it makes the well-known characters fresh again. Another
absolutely wonderful aspect of this story is how a specific series of
events now receives a convincing female perspective. And what women!
Strong and honest, but not perfect, Indis in particular is used to
deliver an creative new take on the Miriel/Finwe/Indis triangle. She
is not the only one trying to uncover the reasons behind why certain
things occurred in the past, however, and her companions are a welcome
and sometimes appropriately challenging pair.

There are many surprises: although not an action story, the
psychological explorations, keen insights and character developments
make it a fascinating read. The author manages a nice balance between
activity/conversation and moments of reflective thought, keeping the
pace moving well from chapter to chapter. Which leaves me where I
began this review, as I stare forlornly at all the so-far unanswered
questions: please update?

Title: Fine Art for Future Generations · Author: stefaniab · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 561
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 07:53:31
Well, the old adage goes: A picture is worth a thousand words. This
tale didn't need many words at all to just destroy the seriousness of
a certain picture.

Thanks go to the author for putting the picture in the tale - though
the written word worked very well, the picture - enhanced by the tale
- was just too much. The seriousness of those who perused it and poor
Arwen's part in the painting of it were delicious.

I'm still laughing and that is why I'm posting a review here. Laughter
is such a blessing and the category was humor and this definitely fits
to the nth degree.

Congrats!

Title: The Apprentice · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 52
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 07:56:16
This is the most brilliantly constructed fanfiction I have ever read,
thoroughly enthralling and "all of a piece" as Pauline Kael used to
say. The way Pandemonium weaves this tale through the eyes of an
ambitious young Elf, who wishes to become an apprentice smith, is a
marvel to behold. There was not a single moment when I did not believe
in the characters, when I was not anxious to find out how the tale
would end, despite it being couched in canon events the outcome of
which is well known to certain readers.

Pandemonium writes Sauron like no other, as a scientist seeking to
restore order to a world he feels has gone awry through the
impassivity of his Valarian kin. The fact that his drive leads to acts
of unimaginable cruelty and betrayal are of minor concern to this end
justifies the means kind of guy. But the way he is written is so
arresting, and the complexity of the detail so remarkable, that one is
caught up as surely as the apprentice through whose eyes we see him.

This is such an amazing story this review is like a fly speck unto its
greatness. I was all prepared to write this epic review full of
sparkling prose praising this to the skies but now, faced with the
reality of putting into words how special this story is, words fail
me. All I can say is, if you haven't read this, read it! It will give
you a whole new perspective on the Valar in general and Sauron in
particular.


Title: Eight Weeks · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 273
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 07:58:18
Yes, this is a delightful, laugh-out-loud-filled series of humorous
drabbles exploring an intriguing and entertaining concept. Yes, the
interactions are awesome and totally engaging. Yes, the
characterizations feel completely authentic and real. Yes, each scene
is well-thought out and a harmonious link in the whole, flowing
smoothly and naturally from one to another. Yes, every technical
aspect is flawless, the writing excellent with marvellous phrases, the
perfect tone carried throughout.

But really, the very, very best part of this series is how Denethor
and Faramir work as a concerted team in a single-minded and
cleverly-laid siege. So many times the focus is on the adversarial and
apparently dysfunction relationship that this powerful and
intellectual father has with his equally intellectual second-born.
Here we have a tantalizing viewpoint of them working together to
belabor the one they both love - all for the greater good, of course!

There are so many great moments to reread and chortle over anew...
Definitely the two chess games, particularly Denethor's final musing
at the end of Week Six; Faramir's devious comments - the "appearance"
shot and noting the meaning of (at least some) Dwarven beards; and of
course, of course, the final toast. Simply sublime...

Title: Weathertop · Author: Primsong · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 597
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 08:11:27
Spoilers!
I suppose I must mark spoilers, but any who have read the book or seen
the movie know what Weathertop portends. The very sound of it makes
one shiver - in fear for Frodo, in fear for the Hobbits, and in fear
for all of Middle-earth.

The shivering continues with these six short poems. The first speaks
of the place itself - in tones that carry a legacy of darkness from an
age just passed. The second speaks of the assault as Frodo scrabbles
away, hoping, but we know better. The third speaks of the battle of
wills and we know, for Eru's sake, we know the outcome, yet, because
of the author's words, we hope, we hope. The fourth is my favorite: it
speaks (there is a poetic term that I cannot remember! Blast!) but it
speaks words that are repeated elsewhere in Tolkien's books. But here
- oh here their meaning is twisted and turned and one almost laughs at
the final rape of words. *shivers again* The fifth speaks of another's
sorrow. The sixth speaks of despair.

Oh these are beautiful poems for that moment on Weathertop.

I am not a reader nor understander of poetry. I have felt the lack so
thoroughly throughout my life - especially at times like this when, I
think if I had a better knowledge of the form, I would enjoy these
even more. Blessed reading even for the untutored.

Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 08:26:47
Spoilers!
Lady Bluejay's work-in-progress story, "Tide of Destiny - Part One:
Choices", is truly an epic one. It follows the lives of Lothiriel,
Princes of Dol Amroth, and Eomer, future King of Rohan, from
Lothiriel's childhood. Presumably, it will continue into the old age
of the two characters.

They each have several major traumas to deal with, and I found myself
becoming emotionally involved in their struggles, particularly those
of Lothiriel. The sweep of the saga includes the events of the War of
the Ring, and their reactions to those events have deep roots in
earlier ones.

I really enjoyed the characterizations; Lothiriel especially is a
compelling character who gains in maturity as the story progresses.
Eomer starts out an adult, but he also changes as he goes through
emotionally charged events.

This is a sweeping story, very well-written and engaging.

Nicely done!

Title: On Far Fields · Author: Dwimordene · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 106
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 08:42:38
Spoilers!
Dwimordene's story, "On Far Fields", is about Andrahar, Isabeau's
original character from Harad, on the Pelennor Fields after the great
battle fought there. There are some Haradrim prisoners of war, and he
is standing vigil with them.

It is a rather angsty, introspective piece where Andrahar is trying to
work out how to behave, being caught between warring cultures...
having lost his place in Umbar, he now has a home in Dol Amroth, but
the old sense of honor as understood by the Haradrim still survives.

Imrahil arrives and supports his friend as best as he can, given
Andrahar's internally warring system of values.

This is an interesting story which sheds light on both of the
characters, and helps us to understand the depth of Andrahar's
emotional turmoil after the loss of his lover and the devastation of
the war.

Very well done!

Title: Wind of Change · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 47
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 08:51:16
Spoilers!
Raksha the Demon's ficlet, "Winds of Change", is about the birth of
Eowyn, shieldmaiden of Rohan, as symbolized by a storm that heralds
her birth in Aldburg, makes the Witch-king uneasy in Minas Morgul, and
gladdens the heart of Glorfindel on his way to Rivendell.

It is a lovely vignette, and I enjoyed reading it.

Very nicely done!

Title: Flame of Life · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 114
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-30 08:59:32
Spoilers!
The Imperishable Flame as divine mystery--remote and unattainable, yet
present in the World and in each one of us--is beautifully conceived
and expressed in this highly original meditation on the immortal spark
that fuels our own creative passion.

A splendid ficlet!


Title: To Sleep, Perchance to Dream · Author: Ariel/Auntie
Meesh/Budgielover/Cathleen/Dreamflower/Gryffinjack/kellyfrankenfield/Lindelea/Pearl
Took/Rosie Took/SlightlyTookish CoAuthors · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 496
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:29:27
That is a great story to read that all of you people wrote together. I
enjoyed it very much. Nice and angsty! *g*
A very interessting topic to write about and realistic too. After all
war is thraumatizising and may rob of sleep. That the sleeping powder
turned out to be a hard drug... poor Pippin! I am glad Aragorn and his
cousins where there for him.

Title: Yule Tails · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 303
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:35:40
A very nice story to read. I just love the way your show us moments of
the past from Faramir and Pippin. Especially when Pip got his big pony
that doesnt go anywhere that is so cute! Great writing!

Title: Pippin and the Incredible Shrinking Piglet · Author: Cathleen ·
Genres: Humor: Shire · ID: 241
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:40:26
I am glad Tulipd did not disappear! ;) I find it sooooooo sweet that
Pearl is making all the stuff for Tulip. His family may find Pips
antics funny, but they certainly love him to no end.

Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-30 09:44:02
Spoilers!
This heart-wrenching drabble captures Frodo's pain and alienation
after the Quest, embodied in the spirit of Gollum. I heard echoes of
Tolkien's Letter 246: ["Frodo was sent or allowed to pass over Sea to
heal him – if that could be done"]. Peace and healing in Aman, then,
was no sure thing...and so we, as Frodo, are left contemplate his
final anguished question. Wonderfully done!

Title: Birthday Double Drabble · Author: PipMer · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 526
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:44:43
A very nice little piece! Makes feel both sad and smiling to think of
Pip having his birthday while to hurt, but still at least he has his
birthday and is not dead!

Title: Pippin (Paladin) Had a Little Lamb · Author: Cathleen · Genres:
Humor · ID: 629
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:46:50
*giggles* Now I know why Pips such a cute character. He has it from
his father. I really like your Paladin! Well actually I like your
whole Took family including their knitted members!

Title: When the King Came Back · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 514
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:49:02
This story gives a good look into how it might have been for Pippin
when coming back. I love the scene with Pip sitting at his place in
the end and then Paladin finding him. A warm and nontheless somehow
heartbreaking scene.

Title: Meant to Be · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 137
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:52:09
This is a great story to read, it has so much warms and magic inside
it. Tulip truly was meant to be. A nice read about "the birth" of our
favourite knitted Piglass, that will have sooo many adventures with
Pippin.

Title: Healing · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves · ID: 419
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 09:53:32
Spoilers!
Bodkin's short story, "Healing", is about Celeborn after he finally
arrived in the Undying Lands. He is struggling to explain to Galadriel
why his sojourn in Middle-earth was so draining.

The writing is poignant and beautiful, but the story of the decline of
the land under the dominion of Men, and their utter disregard, is
heart-wrenching.

But the love between Celeborn and Galadriel is strong, and their
relationship is one of strength and respect, nuanced and
three-dimensional. One ends up with the quiet certainty that Celeborn
will be able to heal, with the help of his beloved wife.

A beautifully wrought, somewhat melancholy but also hopeful story!

Title: Drawing the Eye · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 569
Reviewer: rosethorn59 · 2008-11-30 09:53:50
This was good, Linda! The room Aragorn chose to look at the Eye sounds
as bleak, dark and cold as the Eye itself. The low--burning flames in
the fireplace sound to me like they could represent the Eye itself as
it begins to come alive; to see. The fire burns low and can generate
into a very bright and living thing, but can still very cold and dark
in its purpose, it can burn you. Not necessarily a fire's purpose,
Ihough, I suppose. Later on in the story you mention that the room had
been cleansed, like a living thing. Not quite sure what I am trying to
say there. As Aragorn states, he does have the right to use the
Palantir and he seems more determined than ever to do so; it being a
trial he must go through if he is ever to become King. Aragorn is very
brave and determined to do this. He is a very strong and admirable
person to be able to keep contact with the Eye for so long, hours
even. And just to draw Sauron's attention; which everyone knows would
work, considerin who he is. No one ever would have been able to stand
against Sauron's evil power like Aragorn could. The things he is
willing to sacrifice for his people, humanity, Middle Earth and the
Quest is astounding. He is always willing to give anything, including
his life, for those he loves. I really have always liked Halbarad. It
must be very difficult for Aragorn to know what will become of him;
knowing it would not make any difference to Halbarad. He would still
follow his leader, regardless, even if meant his death. This is a very
good tale, Linda.

Title: Grandmum's Button Box · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Family · ID: 135
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 09:55:49
A very cute story and I love the background to it. Yes also bottons
can hold memories of the heart. I enjoyed reading that nice story of
yours.

Title: Alqualondë · Author: Moreth · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 220
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 10:00:40
Spoilers!
Moreth's pair of drabbles, "Alqualonde", is about the first
Kinslaying. Each drabble is told from the point of view of a
participant; first, a Teler, and then, the Noldo who slays him.

It captures the shock and confusion of the attack from the defendants'
side very accurately. But it also shows the Noldo regretting his
actions afterward, when the heat of the battle is past and the
dreadful results begin to sink in.

The drabbles touched my heart, and made me feel some sympathy for each
participant in those terrible events.

Well done!

Title: Birthday Present · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 441
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 10:00:44
How absolutly cute. A story for a present and that from Bilbos mouth
and memories must surly be a real treat! I can understand why Pip
likes his cousin so much.

Title: Pippin and Tulip's Excellent Adventure · Author: Cathleen ·
Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador · ID: 595
Reviewer: Golden · 2008-11-30 10:03:38
Tulip surly had an veeeeery exciting day, hasnt she? And Pip the
Sherlock Homes under the Tooks. *g* Enjoyed reading your story a great
deal!

Title: Wonderful Tonight · Author: Violin Ghost · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 320
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-11-30 10:03:55
What a wonderfully romantic story! Faramir and Eowyn's romance was one
of Tolkien's greatest, and I think they would have had a good
marriage, though not without some ups and downs. The song is put to
very good use here!

Title: Elrond's Farewell · Author: Armariel · Genres: Poetry · ID: 269
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 10:05:52
Spoilers!
Armariel's verse, "Elrond's Farewell", is from Elrond's point of view
as he bids his daughter, who has chosen to stay in Middle-earth and
become mortal, farewell before he sails for the Undying Lands.

I enjoy the use of vivid language and metaphor in this poetry, and its
rhythm is free, evocative of a maiden Arwen dancing freely.

Very nicely done!