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Title: Wind of Change · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 47
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-30 10:18:27
Spoilers!
A most unusual trio of perspectives is linked by the forceful wind (a
North wind, surely?) that heralds the arrival of the Shieldmaiden of
Rohan. I love that each has a flash of forethought, and that
Glorfindel knows only that the Witch King will fall, but not whether
it will be by [his hand or another's]. The closing image of the infant
Éowyn is glorious!



Title: Nightfall · Author: Jael · Times: Second and Early Third Age ·
ID: 87
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 10:18:50
Spoilers!
If you have a bit of time to spare and have not read this fabulous
story, do so. One does not need to have read its prequel to become
fully engrossed in this short story which takes place during the war
of the Last Alliance. Most who have read the UT also know that Oropher
and many of his men lost their lives during a rashly executed attack;
this piece of fiction gives the answer to that as how this has come to
pass and how Thranduil managed to continue to lead his people after
that. Jael gives this canon fact more body and also gives at the same
time Erestor a background story. It does not end with that however,
[Nightfall] is about so much more. Jael writes just about one day of
the many they fought there and during this day as the night falls,
valour is reclaimed at the loss of a life that hits one of the minor
characters so hard. [Nightfall] serves also a symbolical purpose here,
for many the night will fall, only to - maybe - awaken in the Halls of
Mandos. Who will know that truly? This is a greatly constructed story
where true heroes win the day and those we cannot miss are mourned,
this all poured in a tall full with actions and emotions. This is a
superbly crafted Jael, I wanted to read this story for a while now
since it has been recommended to me often and I am glad I did.

Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 10:19:54
Spoilers!
Larner's short story, "The King's Time", follows Aragorn as he
prepares for very special day, and finishes his work to hand it over
to his son, Eldarion.

For King Elessar has come to the end of his time, as Larner reminds
him -- and us -- with every opportunity to mention any kind of time
marker. Some are mechanical clocks (my favorite being the water-clock
from Harad, reminiscent of the water-clocks of the great Muslim
inventors of the past), some are candles and sundials, but some are
natural... like the awakening of the White Tree of Gondor from its
winter quiescence to its spring quickening.

This could be a melancholy story, but instead one is instilled with
the sense of, not resignation, but acceptance. Elessar's time has
come, and he knows it.

But it is also hopeful, because Elessar knows that Eldarion is [a man
full-ripe for kingship], mature and ready to lead the people.

A beautiful and sensitive vignette, which I truly enjoyed reading.


Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 10:28:49
Wonderful, awesome and laugh-filled story! The comedic timing is
perfection itself, and the characterizations are exactly out of the
books: Hobbity and Dwarvish by turns. I love every conversation, and
the descriptions of actions and expressions are sublime. This is one
of those stories that you tuck away to keep handy anytime you need a
good laugh and a day-brightener.

Title: The Night's Eye · Author: Vana Tuivana · Races: Men · ID: 343
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 10:29:01
["The Night's Eye"] is a powerful and moving story. I love the
tale-within-a-tale of Eirien and Belegund; the meaning behind the
candle-lighting is exactly the kind of thing people do to remind
themselves of their hope for a good outcome, and symbolize their
desire for loved ones to return.

The final passage concerning the brief return of the boy's father was
excellent, more than a bit unsettling, and a very somber and
reflective ending. Well done!

Title: Diamonds For Forever I, II & III · Author: Elen Kortirion ·
Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 515
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 10:29:31
The jewelry acts as a very effective link between the three drabbles,
from one man and his ["Northern bride"] through to another. The
descriptions are wonderful, very rich and appropriate and evocative. I
love the way the author explores each individual's perspective
regarding the jewels, all different, and the transformation at the
end: flowering as the White Tree has. Lovely!

Title: Care to Ride My Hot-Rod Fell Beast? · Author: viv · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 180
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 10:29:45
Oh, my... I may never read those lines in RotK the same way again.
Very clever take; the tone/language magnifies and carries the whole
situation so well. Great description of Merry!

Title: Seeking the Sun · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men · ID: 488
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-11-30 10:30:06
The focus on the less-than-fortunate here brings home an important
point: just because your side won the War does not mean that everyone
celebrates or thrives. The author deftly introduces us to one such
victim, a believable and realistic character who won't stoop to
charity and yet cannot find gainful employment. Her list of losses is
devastating, but a reader can't help but realize that many suffered a
same or similar fate.

Very nice writing; I particularly love, ["Sometimes I think my soul is
dead already. My body simply waits to follow."]

Her turnaround is lovely, and I love the tie to the title. Against all
expectations, we finish the story as hopeful as the narrator!

Title: Stewards · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 450
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 10:34:10
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Stewards", is a perceptive contrast between how
Denethor II and Gandalf the Grey-or-White approach their
responsibilities to lead their charges.

Denethor's focus is cramped and limited, confining his concerns to the
remaining heart of Gondor, seeing Gondor as alone in the struggle
against the evil of Mordor, disregarding those not under his direct
control.

Whereas Gandalf has a much more expansive view of the Northwest of
Middle-earth, and tries to inspire all the disparate peoples of those
lands to fight together, building alliances against all forms of Darkness.

The comparison of the two leadership styles is striking, and Tanaqui's
words convey the clash of worldviews very well.

A beautiful piece; the title is ideal, and the utilization of maps is
perfectly suited to the theme.

Very well done!



Title: The Scribe and the Heir · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Drama: Featuring the Noldor · ID: 256
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 10:39:19
Spoilers!
This story is such a rich vignette, for parents it is hard to let go
of their children even when they have come of age. Fingolfin has a
hard time understanding his sons nature and as to why he rather wants
to spent time elsewhere but home, whereas Fëanor fears loosing his son
all the same to those in Tirion. You can just see how both struggle
with the thought of failure to their elder sons where as their heirs
simply do as they must. Finarfin is the diplomatic mediator here as he
holds up a mask of frivolity, yet he knows and tries to soothe the
deeper hurts that creates such a rift in the House of Finwë. Dawn's
portrayal of such a matter also gives us as a reader a reason how
Melkor could have used this to create a feud between these Elven lords
and it leaves me with the impression that Finarfin might have been
aware of where such risks these small quarrels might lead to. Very
thought provoking Dawn, you just shed some light on the conflict
between Finwë's eldest I have not thought of before!

Title: The War of Wrath · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 120
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 10:43:07
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's poetry drabble, "The War of Wrath", is about Ingwion, the
son of Ingwe, who is High King of all the Elves in the Undying Lands,
as he leads the Vanyar to Middle-earth for the War of Wrath.

The result is impressive! I remember how in awe I was as I first read
this poem. It is reminiscent of the lay, "Earendil Was a Mariner", in
form and meter and heroic-saga like language.

But I am no judge of things like poetic form and meter and language! I
am simply astonished at the skill it took to write such a thing.

Tanaqui's skill at drabbles is second to none; this proves that she
can write poetry, too.

And I am sooooo impressed....

Most especially well done!

Title: PROPHECY: Changing the Future · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor
· ID: 11
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 10:49:23
Spoilers!
Having written a story featuring the Dagor Dagorath myself, this of
course ended up on my wish list immediately. I really love this spin
of those two Edain scribes, who altered the prophecy to make things
look better for second born. I surely can imagine that it must be
frustrating to read that not much of their final fate is known... yet
again, but be glad Mandos, they didn't insert another famed Edain hero
to fight next to Túrin - or even worse - replaced Túrin with Beren!
The ending makes me smile, two more prophecies, oh my!

Title: Boromir at the Bat · Author: White Gull · Genres: Poetry: Late
Third Age · ID: 632
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 10:50:37
Spoilers!
White Gull's poem, "Boromir at the Bat", is a well-written parody of
the venerable "Casey at the Bat".

I got a kick out of reading it, but also appreciated how well it
emulated the original. And the climax was laugh-out-loud funny, indeed!

Very well done!

Title: Kementari · Author: Marta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 99
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 11:02:22
Spoilers!
This is a gorgeous vignette where Marta explores the grief Yavanna
must have felt once both trees were slain. It also explains in a way
why the Valar themselves were not quick to move during the darkening
of Valinor and why later, when Yavanna recollected herself, strived so
hard for the possession of the Jewels to restore some of what she
created. I love the thought that she manages to seek some comfort with
her beloved creatures and that there is a bit of rebellious streak
inside her to leave Aman and create her own fame. What is also well
explored in this short work is how the darkening affected the nature
of Aman, with Arien no longer tending to her tree and the algae taking
over the ponds in Lorien. She simply feels forced to accept this,
resolving to heal her own hurts first. This is just a beautifully
crafted gap-filler Marta!

Title: Homeward Bound · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate Universe ·
ID: 430
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 11:06:33
Spoilers!
Werecat's short story, "Homeward Bound", is a vignette about a
wandering bird-loving hobo, Radagast, in modern times, who is on his
way home in the West. He stops to ask for food at a house by the
wayside, and meets characters known to him from ages past.

I like the descriptions in this piece... in particular [the scent of
cinnamon and apples] actually made me hungry. But there was a real
spark of surprise and pleasure when I realized who the lady of the
house and her pet were.

This is a fine work, and I like how it explores a little-known (to
anyone other than Werecat, that is) corner of canon.

Nicely done! That's two meows up from this critic. LOLOL!

Title: Care to Ride My Hot-Rod Fell Beast? · Author: viv · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 180
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 11:14:36
Spoilers!
Viv's double-drabble, "Care to Ride My Hot-rod Fell Beast?", is a real
hoot, part pulp-fiction detective and part saucy teasing. It retells a
canon event in a decidedly uncanonical fashion.

I loved it!

Very well done!

Title: Philosophia to Philomythus and Misomythus · Author:
pandemonium_213 · Genres: Poetry · ID: 50
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 11:16:59
This poem was written as an answer to a challenge at the SWG, the Duel
of Songs. And that is exactly how it reads; the pacing is well chosen
here, I can simply see a scientist rise to his or her feet to answer
the challenge thusly, defending the craft of a scientist. It is just
not all dry matter, a scientist needs to be tickled just as a writer
is, driven by a muse, be it quite differently. One is surely not less
than the other, the execution is just differently. I really love the
meter used Pandemonium, I am certain you could most certainly engage
in a Duel of songs with these writers and I would most certainly love
to be present when that happens!

Title: The Night's Eye · Author: Vana Tuivana · Races: Men · ID: 343
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 11:25:50
Spoilers!
Vana Tuivana's story, "The Night's Eye" is an explanation of a
tradition of putting a candle in the window to wait for a loved one to
return. It is also a Middle-earth ghost story, but filled with love
and melancholy, rather than horror and dread.

I enjoyed reading it.


Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 11:31:08
Spoilers!
Thundera Tiger's story, "Seaworthy", is at heart a story of friendship
between Imhiriel of Dol Amroth and Legolas of Eryn Lasgalen.

It is a warm tale of how a true friend will do what he can to keep his
friend from making a terrible mistake.

It is heart-warming, and I recommend it.

Well done!

Title: Cat's Paws · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 58
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2008-11-30 11:49:32
Manwe's stiff rod, what a story! BEginning with a moment of almost
clownish humor, continuing through drawing-room charm with an almost
Californian air, then--the hairs are still rising on my back. Poor kitty.

I hadn't read this one before--the crystallization of pandemonium's
to-die-for persona of Sauron. You know exactly why the Noldor were
taken in, Celebrimbor in particular.

On the other hand, "taken in" doesn't capture it at all. In fact, they
gained a lot from Annatar, who deserved his name of Lord of Gifts. The
list of life-changing achievements makes that clear. But it's all
with, ultimately, an ulterior motive. Although, I wonder--there's room
to speculate that perhaps, at one point, Annatar meant it all for the
good.

Pan, are you going to tell us the story of when and how he changed his
mind? At some time, somewhere, there was a struggle.

I'd like to know....

Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-11-30 11:55:48
Spoilers!
This highly original story of what life was like for Arwen after
Aragorn died is by oceans the best I have ever read. It is beautiful
and terrible in equal parts. It is also a compelling story of Maglor.
It is so wonderfully believable. The startling surprise for me was to
find them together in the abandoned and decaying Lothlorien. The
poignancy of bringing them together in this storyline and its
resolution is stunning. She enables the reader to understand with
compelling emotionality what Elrond must have meant to Maglor, what
Maglor himself has already suffered, and what it must have felt like
to meet Arwen under these circumstances. The story's power lies in how
Maglor and Arwen, vastly different in age and experience, interact so
completely believably. Arwen's pain is palpable. Maglor's reaction is
based first upon his attachment to her father and finally in the
personal affection he grows to feel for Arwen. Maglor shows great
compassion in how he finally decides that he will take upon himself
the unwelcome responsibility of helping Arwen in the way in which she
seems unable to help herself. I can't help but think that his action
brings redemption for himself in the end.

Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:03:08
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series , "Saruman of Many Colours", depicts episodes
throughout the later career of Saruman the (supposedly) Wise as he
becomes more prideful and conceited. Some of the vignettes are mildly
amusing, but some are horrifying as he sinks into darkness.

The most horrific one is when he destroys an Ent to add magic to one
of his attempts at making a ring of power.

The language is evocative, and the acts are in some cases horrifying.

All together, this series makes a fascinating character sketch of
Saruman as he sinks into degradation.

Very well done!

Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:06:56
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Handy with a Sword", is a sketch of an
encounter that Faramir has with his bride-to-be, Eowyn, on the
sparring field. He loses the match, but gains respect for her fighting
skills.

I especially like the last drabble, where Tanaqui references a song of
the same name, which is perfect for this scenario.

I enjoyed reading this, and it made me laugh.

Good work!

Title: Silver Blossoms Blown · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 646
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 12:08:32
Spoilers!
No matter what mistakes the Valar have made regarding the Eldar, this
short work also reminds us of the awe and equality Varda felt towards
the elves as they appeared with Oromë on their doorstep. I love
Varda's voice here, feeling like a child herself and most certainly
she does not see herself above these three. In a way this portrayal
feels more balanced, it makes more sense to me that a child of Eru
would recognise the eager spirit in a fellow kindred. IgnobleBard
captured that immensely well here. Varda's wistful voice strikes me as
immensely beautiful (would she appear just as beautiful, I am inclined
to say so) and his writing reflects on how all First born would
continue to admire her and call to her in hours of need in songs and
praise.

This work is so beautifully worded, gently paced and oh the end
reflects her pain so immensely well, knowing that at a certain point
she will not be able to help those who she embraced in her heart.

Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:08:38
Spoilers!
Thundera Tiger's short story, "With many "Fond" Acknowledgements", is
about the trouble Sam has in completing the Red Book to the
satisfaction of everyone who appears in it.

In fact, no one is happy with their part in the tales contained
therein, and their increasingly shrill litany of complaints are well
thought out, and funny, to boot.

Highly recommended!