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Msg# 9607
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Late, Part One) Posted by annmarwalk November 30, 2008 - 20:01:56 Topic ID# 9607Title: Spoiled · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:18:03 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Spoiled", poses the question, "What if Aragorn had
grown up knowing who he was?"
And the answer in this drabble is chilling: Aragorn is a
self-centered, pompous fop, expecting everything to be handed to him
on a silver platter.
Gilraen must have trod a very fine line in raising such an honorable
man... how easily he could have turned out
arrogant!spoiled!obnoxious!Aragorn, as in this drabble! He was lucky
to have his down-to-earth, straightforward Dunedain mother with him in
Rivendell to keep him grounded.
Not that the Elrond would have encouraged him to take on airs, but if
he had grown up with such a profound sense of entitlement, he could
have turned rotten to the core.
Thank heavens that never happens in real life. *snerk*
Very well done!
Title: Alter/native · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 478
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:22:35 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Alter/native", is a delightful and successful
attempt at turning canon on its staid old head.
I laughed myself silly! The music is well-chosen, and the title is
just perfect!
Well done!
Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:28:46 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Birthday outing", is a humorous look at a spry and
sprightly Aragorn on his two hundredth birthday.... leaving his son
and Faramir's grandson in the dust. Well, mud, to be exact.
It gave me a big smile. Well done!
Title: The World Is Changing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third
Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 719
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:39:31 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "The World Is Changing", is a somewhat melancholy
vignette with Elladan and Elrohir in Rivendell after the War of the
Ring. They realize that there will be no more young Heirs of Isildur
to foster, now that Estel/Aragorn has become Elessar, the King of the
Reunited Kingdom.
I like the description of the place ([the slender bridge arching over
the Loudwater]), but also the fact that Elrohir is so supportive of
Elladan, using both humor and empathy.
Very nicely done!
Title: The Vault of the Dead · Author: Soledad · Genres: Mystery · ID: 103
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 12:44:34 Score: 8
Spoilers!
Soledad has a rich mythology of her own that backs her stories,
dealing with the Moriquendi and how they interacted with the Elves of
Mirkwood and the rest of Arda. They feel (as I often have) that the
Valar did no service to the Elves by drawing some over the Sea to live
with them while leaving the others to fend for themselves. Her
Moriquendi are independent of the rest of Arda and totally
isolationist and delightfully snippy with it. When Legolas chastises
one of them for leaving the rest of Middle-earth to fight the long
darkness without their help, she replies ["What possible interest
could we have in some cursed jewels, made by a maddened smith in the
West, that had already caused the deaths of many of our own kind? We
have no obligations towards those who had chosen to leave the land of
their birth behind, unprotected, to the mercy of Mbelekôro, as long as
they had their warm and cozy lives in Valinor."]
Yet despite this isolationist philosophy, they have taken in and
succored Boromir's dead spirit and sent for Faramir so that he might
speak one last time to his brother and obtain closure, for the
brothers Mir are descendents of Mithrellas and as such they count them
kin. Legolas and Gandalf accompany the new Steward of Gondor on this
quest and they too receive startling revelations. The heart-warming
scene with Boromir aside, the story contains vivid depictions of an
Elven settlement and culture that no one even knows exists any more.
Title: Lost Love · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 271
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:54:22 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble pair, "Lost Love", is a look at the ill-fated
marriage of Imrazor the Numenorean and Mithrellas, the Elf-maiden from
Lorien.
The first one, from Imrazor's point of view, gives us a glimpse of the
kindness he showed to Mithrellas, that lead to their marriage, and his
disbelief at his own good fortune.
The second, from Mithrellas' perspective, suggests a possible answer
to where she went and why she did not return.
This is a perceptive look at a very sad legend of Middle-earth. Nicely
done!
Title: Small Strengths · Author: Elwen · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort
· ID: 238
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-11-30 12:59:35 Score: 3
Elwen's a wonderful writer, and this is a gorgeously angsty
hurt/comfort piece by her in which Frodo requires treatment for a
spider bite post-Quest. The comfort part really is - well, comforting
to read, for lask of a better word!
Title: Songs of Innocence and Experience · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Men: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 440
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 13:02:40 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble trio, "Songs of Innocence and Experience", deftly
portrays how Faramir learns fairly young that women may use their
charms to influence him, and that, as the Steward's son, he is a
target for such wiles. But then he is confronted with Eowyn, who has
[a history of deception] -- but finds that what he expects from such
women is not necessarily what he will receive from her.
The contrast between Eowyn and the other woman shows Tanaqui's
perceptive eye for character, and Faramir seems true to his canon
self, as well.
Well done!
Title: The Edge of the Knife · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 274
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:06:43 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Eight scintillating AU drabbles about Isildur, a canon character whose
triumphs and failures were both equally profound. Dwimordene presents
a kaleidoscope of alternative Isildurs-Isildur as King of Numenor,
sworn to Annatar, Isildur as Annatar's long opponent on Numenor,
Isildur as a prisoner without hope in the bowels of Barad-dur, slave
to the Ring, an Isildur who has the strength to cast the Ring away and
several others. Each Isildur triumphs or fails as completely as does
canon Isildur.
Title: Moon of the Sea · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 213
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-11-30 13:08:33 Score: 5
Tolkien wrote so very little about the women that must have populated
his world - in most cases, if we have any information about a ruling
king's wife, it's a name on a family tree and nothing more. In this
series of short vignettes, Pandemonium has created a living, breathing
woman for Elendil's wife: complete with doubts, emotions, a loving
relationship with husband and son, and so forth. Pandemonium's work
generally leaves me saying 'yes, this is how the Second Age must have
been.' This series is no different, and I hope to see more of it!
Title: Supporting Acts · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 436
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 13:14:04 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Supporting Acts", reminds me of all the
wonderful instances where someone would call me for technical support,
and I could solve their problem over the phone... and the problem was
from their own code, not mine!
The armourer's apprentice in this case feels undervalued by the
armourer, but he is able to work out why the weapon doesn't work for
Faramir's men in the damp air of Ithilien... and the problem was
caused by an "improvement" that his boss introduced.
Furthermore, Faramir sees to it that he gets more than just emotional
reward for his solution.
Ah, all is right with the world, in these drabbles, where the engineer
solves the problem, and is recognized and rewarded for it!
(So totally unlike the real world.)
Fine work!
Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:18:25 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Dwimordene has explored many different possibilities in her stories
about Halbarad and Aragorn, different glimpses of how their friendship
might have developed and the directions it might have taken. But in
all of them, the friendship is a constant. In this charming vignette,
a young and somewhat surly Halabarad, dismayed by Aragorn's leaving to
take service in Rohan, blames Gandalf for his friend's decision and
courageously (or foolishly!) decides to confront the wizard about it
when the two of them meet in Bree. Their conversation touches upon the
thankless job Gandalf's "meddling" over the years has been-Halbarad is
wanting a reassurance that is difficult for the wizard to give. These
are two characters that are not often shown together, but they work
well here, their interaction giving new insights about both.
Title: Possessing the greatest powers · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 387
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 13:22:26 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Possessing the Greatest Powers", is a
unique view of the three Elven Rings of Power, what each represents,
and what happened when the One Ring was destroyed.
I am especially intrigued by the unique idea that the three rings each
draw strength from the spirit of a Vala: Manwe for the Ring of Air,
Varda for the Ring of Fire, and Ulmo for the Ring of Water.
And the consequences as each ring lost power when the One was
destroyed are well-told and creative.
I enjoyed reading this series. Well done!
Title: To Be A King · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 252
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 13:23:21 Score: 8
Spoilers!
This story gives one an intriguing insight in Gil-galad's thoughts and
how he became the last High King of the Noldor or perhaps all elves
during the Second Age. Keiliss shows us how this all started, by
fleeing Eglarest after the tragic failure of the fifth battle. On
Balar Gil-galad is taught and raised by his foster father, gently
instilled with diplomatic and political knowledge. I love how Keiliss
shows him as a boy slowly growing into adulthood to a King who tries
to give this High Kingship a new meaning. The portrayal of Círdan is
fabulous here as well!
Gil-galad's views on this are differently than we know from the
previous Noldo rulers, maybe it had to do by being risen on an island
with so many groups, but the tack he intends to take is unique,
differently and much needed. This story serves as a magnificent
character portrait of Gil-galad and it shows how many at the end of
the Second Age wanted to follow his banner as they all took part in
the famous Last Alliance. Well done Keiliss, your writing is once more
graceful, not forced and yet so rich of detail and insights.
Title: The King's Colors · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 482
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:24:45 Score: 5
Spoilers!
An AU vignette that would have served very well as the first chapter
of a longer story (hint, hint). Here, Faramir took the quest to
Imladris and it is Boromir who stands upon the Pelennor to greet the
stranger who stands beneath the "splendid-dreadful" banner.
Boromir is very much Denethor's son here-cautious and canny even in
his grief over hearing of Faramir's death. It is apparent that Aragorn
will have to tread carefully with both him and his father to have his
claim as King approved. There is no resolution or closure in this
brief piece, but it leaves the possibility of such in the future and
leaves the reader wanting to know how things actually fell out.
Title: The Fire of Hope · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 625
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:42:15 Score: 4
Spoilers!
There's a fairy-tale quality to the tale of Aragorn and Arwen, in that
Elrond stands as the king of legend who sets his daughter's suitor an
impossible task before he can claim her hand. In this delightful short
vignette, Raksha shows the very young but undaunted Aragorn, smitten
by love and desire, daydreaming about the deeds he will do to win the
bride his heart has chosen. It's a sunny prelude to what will be some
very dark days.
Title: The Conscience of the King · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 649
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:48:10 Score: 4
Spoilers!
A while back, Altariel and I wrote a story where Eomer and Faramir
struggled to get to know one another. Here, Eomer is consumed with
brotherly jealousy on his sister's wedding night, because of course
that Gondorian fellow can't possibly be good enough for her...
His sensible side gives himself a good talking to, [Lackwit! Would you
have her remain chaste all her life? Grow old without children at the
back of your hall while you take a bride and sire sons?] and gets him
to relax that purely instinctive brotherly clench that occurs at the
thought of someone bedding his sister.
This is a very likeable, plausible Eomer, handled as deftly as Raksha
usually handles Faramir.
Title: Maglor's Harp · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Horror · ID: 660
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 13:52:52 Score: 5
Spoilers!
This is a story that is chilling to the bone. The question what
happened to Maglor through the ages has been good for many an
interesting fanfic idea, and the idea that he eventually lost his mind
is not far off, but the way that idea is tackled here is both very
compelling, and perfectly executed, the way the horror slowly creeps
out of the hole and becomes ever more haunting is what makes tis
little story so great and gives it such a lasting impact on the mind
of the reader. Perfect!
Personally, I prefer the idea that Maglor somehow recovered from the
loss and kept/ regained his dignity after the loss of the Silmaril,
but this version is hauntingly possible, as well. Applause!
Title: Vodka · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 714
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 13:59:25 Score: 3
Spoilers!
This is a sad and gripping view at a very cynical Maglor, haunted by
guilt and on the way to self-destruction, with the help of some potent
alcohol. I like the interaction between the two brothers, and the way
the brilliance of Maglor still shines through. Chilling! And very well
done!
Title: I Married for Love · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Poetry ·
ID: 661
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:05:24 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Beautiful poem from the view of Indis, showing the pain and the regret
of the second woman who is haunted by the feeling of never being
enough, never being all her husband wanted. The images are very
poignant. Still, I love the ending of this, since it ends on a hopeful
and self-respecting note: for herself, she did the right choice. Very
well done!
Title: Trajectory · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 153
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:16:23 Score: 2
Stunning piece, playing with several different layers of unexpected
twists to canon. I like the strong and elegant images woven into this.
Nice! :)
Title: An Elf-lord Revealed · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 406
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:21:31 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "An Elf-lord Revealed", contains selected
scenes from the life of the magnificant Elf-lord, Glorfindel of
Gondolin and Rivendell.
Tanaqui has an extraordinary facility with the English language. Her
drabbles are vivid word-pictures that evoke images or emotions as
needed. For example, [Fëa from Ost-in-Edhil, jostling in the Halls of
Mandos] so clearly suggests the horrendous death-toll from the War of
Elves and Sauron, and [battle, retreat, refuge] neatly sums up, in a
mere three words, the entire history of Eriador during the Second Age.
As a drabblist myself, I am frankly impressed by such economy of language.
But I especially appreciate her creativity in choosing what to write
about. For example, when Glorfindel awakens in the Halls of Mandos, it
is the damage to his soul, not his body, that is apparent, as he
remembers the fates of those he left behind in the Fall of Gondolin.
And because, in Mandos, Celebrimbor shuns his own kin to hang out with
the sons of Fingolfin, Glorfindel learns of the fate of Turgon's
descendant, Elrond, which sparks a growing desire to return to
Middle-earth to be of service to his king's line.
But especially creative are Tanaqui's versions of Glorfindel's
encounters with Gandalf, casually comparing notes about
balrog-fighting, and with Faramir and Eowyn after Elessar's
coronation. It is here that we truly begin to grasp the enormous
differences in outlook between an immortal being and mere fleeting
mortals.
This series is a masterpiece, all the more astonishing because Tanaqui
wrote each drabble (except one) separately for her Tolkien
drabble-a-day challenge, yet they complement each other beautifully.
Bravo!
Title: Another Country · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 438
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:27:28 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I teasingly call Tanaqui the "Mistress of Misdirection", and we can
see why in her drabble series, "Another Country". The first drabble
gives us a clear picture of Boromir, impatiently waiting to leave the
halls where he finds himself; yet, in the final line, we find out that
he is not where we assumed he was, because of Tanaqui's deft
scene-setting.
And in the second drabble, Tanaqui draws a parallel between the
actions of Denethor and Boromir that I had never noticed and would
never have imagined.
Together, these complement each other and make a powerful pair of
word-pictures.
Well done!
Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:27:34 Score: 4
Spoilers!
What a compelling and chilling AU! Rarely I have seen the idea of what
would have happened had Boromir succeeded in taking the One Ring
executed in a more compelling way. That the story is told out of
Boromir's perspective makes it even more fitting - we can feel the way
the shredded remains of his conscience rebel and try to wake him up,
but are engulfed and drowned in the shadow that has overtaken his
soul. Very, very well done! Thank you for writing and sharing!
Title: Celevon a Mallen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 279
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:43:52 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Celevon a Mallen" (Of Silver and Of Gold),
is about Celeborn and Galadriel meeting in Doriath.
The language of these drabbles is beautiful and evocative. For
example, I especially like the first line, [Sunlight filtered slowly
down amongst the shadowed boles, sieved green and sepia.]; words like
that cannot help but draw a vivid picture in our minds.
And we learn so much about the character of these two: [The new lights
– even the errant moon – still troubled Celeborn, familiar only with
soft starbeams breaking into the long groves.], and [Committing (the
blooms') graceful forms to memory, she already saw in her mind's eye
the tapestry she would weave to make permanent their transient
beauty.].... so quintessentially Sindar, and Noldor!
I loved the creative touch that, when they first meet, Celeborn points
out that they are kin... and Galadriel is disappointed; until she
realizes that their kinship is distant enough to not interfere with
the possibility of a closer relationship. That could only hearten any
potential suitor!
The rest of the drabbles follow their romance throughout the ages,
despite separation. The whole series together can only warm the heart
of the most romantic of us.
Well done.
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:18:03 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Spoiled", poses the question, "What if Aragorn had
grown up knowing who he was?"
And the answer in this drabble is chilling: Aragorn is a
self-centered, pompous fop, expecting everything to be handed to him
on a silver platter.
Gilraen must have trod a very fine line in raising such an honorable
man... how easily he could have turned out
arrogant!spoiled!obnoxious!Aragorn, as in this drabble! He was lucky
to have his down-to-earth, straightforward Dunedain mother with him in
Rivendell to keep him grounded.
Not that the Elrond would have encouraged him to take on airs, but if
he had grown up with such a profound sense of entitlement, he could
have turned rotten to the core.
Thank heavens that never happens in real life. *snerk*
Very well done!
Title: Alter/native · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 478
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:22:35 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Alter/native", is a delightful and successful
attempt at turning canon on its staid old head.
I laughed myself silly! The music is well-chosen, and the title is
just perfect!
Well done!
Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:28:46 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "Birthday outing", is a humorous look at a spry and
sprightly Aragorn on his two hundredth birthday.... leaving his son
and Faramir's grandson in the dust. Well, mud, to be exact.
It gave me a big smile. Well done!
Title: The World Is Changing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third
Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 719
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:39:31 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble, "The World Is Changing", is a somewhat melancholy
vignette with Elladan and Elrohir in Rivendell after the War of the
Ring. They realize that there will be no more young Heirs of Isildur
to foster, now that Estel/Aragorn has become Elessar, the King of the
Reunited Kingdom.
I like the description of the place ([the slender bridge arching over
the Loudwater]), but also the fact that Elrohir is so supportive of
Elladan, using both humor and empathy.
Very nicely done!
Title: The Vault of the Dead · Author: Soledad · Genres: Mystery · ID: 103
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 12:44:34 Score: 8
Spoilers!
Soledad has a rich mythology of her own that backs her stories,
dealing with the Moriquendi and how they interacted with the Elves of
Mirkwood and the rest of Arda. They feel (as I often have) that the
Valar did no service to the Elves by drawing some over the Sea to live
with them while leaving the others to fend for themselves. Her
Moriquendi are independent of the rest of Arda and totally
isolationist and delightfully snippy with it. When Legolas chastises
one of them for leaving the rest of Middle-earth to fight the long
darkness without their help, she replies ["What possible interest
could we have in some cursed jewels, made by a maddened smith in the
West, that had already caused the deaths of many of our own kind? We
have no obligations towards those who had chosen to leave the land of
their birth behind, unprotected, to the mercy of Mbelekôro, as long as
they had their warm and cozy lives in Valinor."]
Yet despite this isolationist philosophy, they have taken in and
succored Boromir's dead spirit and sent for Faramir so that he might
speak one last time to his brother and obtain closure, for the
brothers Mir are descendents of Mithrellas and as such they count them
kin. Legolas and Gandalf accompany the new Steward of Gondor on this
quest and they too receive startling revelations. The heart-warming
scene with Boromir aside, the story contains vivid depictions of an
Elven settlement and culture that no one even knows exists any more.
Title: Lost Love · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 271
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 12:54:22 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble pair, "Lost Love", is a look at the ill-fated
marriage of Imrazor the Numenorean and Mithrellas, the Elf-maiden from
Lorien.
The first one, from Imrazor's point of view, gives us a glimpse of the
kindness he showed to Mithrellas, that lead to their marriage, and his
disbelief at his own good fortune.
The second, from Mithrellas' perspective, suggests a possible answer
to where she went and why she did not return.
This is a perceptive look at a very sad legend of Middle-earth. Nicely
done!
Title: Small Strengths · Author: Elwen · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort
· ID: 238
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-11-30 12:59:35 Score: 3
Elwen's a wonderful writer, and this is a gorgeously angsty
hurt/comfort piece by her in which Frodo requires treatment for a
spider bite post-Quest. The comfort part really is - well, comforting
to read, for lask of a better word!
Title: Songs of Innocence and Experience · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Men: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 440
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 13:02:40 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble trio, "Songs of Innocence and Experience", deftly
portrays how Faramir learns fairly young that women may use their
charms to influence him, and that, as the Steward's son, he is a
target for such wiles. But then he is confronted with Eowyn, who has
[a history of deception] -- but finds that what he expects from such
women is not necessarily what he will receive from her.
The contrast between Eowyn and the other woman shows Tanaqui's
perceptive eye for character, and Faramir seems true to his canon
self, as well.
Well done!
Title: The Edge of the Knife · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 274
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:06:43 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Eight scintillating AU drabbles about Isildur, a canon character whose
triumphs and failures were both equally profound. Dwimordene presents
a kaleidoscope of alternative Isildurs-Isildur as King of Numenor,
sworn to Annatar, Isildur as Annatar's long opponent on Numenor,
Isildur as a prisoner without hope in the bowels of Barad-dur, slave
to the Ring, an Isildur who has the strength to cast the Ring away and
several others. Each Isildur triumphs or fails as completely as does
canon Isildur.
Title: Moon of the Sea · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 213
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-11-30 13:08:33 Score: 5
Tolkien wrote so very little about the women that must have populated
his world - in most cases, if we have any information about a ruling
king's wife, it's a name on a family tree and nothing more. In this
series of short vignettes, Pandemonium has created a living, breathing
woman for Elendil's wife: complete with doubts, emotions, a loving
relationship with husband and son, and so forth. Pandemonium's work
generally leaves me saying 'yes, this is how the Second Age must have
been.' This series is no different, and I hope to see more of it!
Title: Supporting Acts · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 436
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 13:14:04 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Supporting Acts", reminds me of all the
wonderful instances where someone would call me for technical support,
and I could solve their problem over the phone... and the problem was
from their own code, not mine!
The armourer's apprentice in this case feels undervalued by the
armourer, but he is able to work out why the weapon doesn't work for
Faramir's men in the damp air of Ithilien... and the problem was
caused by an "improvement" that his boss introduced.
Furthermore, Faramir sees to it that he gets more than just emotional
reward for his solution.
Ah, all is right with the world, in these drabbles, where the engineer
solves the problem, and is recognized and rewarded for it!
(So totally unlike the real world.)
Fine work!
Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:18:25 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Dwimordene has explored many different possibilities in her stories
about Halbarad and Aragorn, different glimpses of how their friendship
might have developed and the directions it might have taken. But in
all of them, the friendship is a constant. In this charming vignette,
a young and somewhat surly Halabarad, dismayed by Aragorn's leaving to
take service in Rohan, blames Gandalf for his friend's decision and
courageously (or foolishly!) decides to confront the wizard about it
when the two of them meet in Bree. Their conversation touches upon the
thankless job Gandalf's "meddling" over the years has been-Halbarad is
wanting a reassurance that is difficult for the wizard to give. These
are two characters that are not often shown together, but they work
well here, their interaction giving new insights about both.
Title: Possessing the greatest powers · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 387
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 13:22:26 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Possessing the Greatest Powers", is a
unique view of the three Elven Rings of Power, what each represents,
and what happened when the One Ring was destroyed.
I am especially intrigued by the unique idea that the three rings each
draw strength from the spirit of a Vala: Manwe for the Ring of Air,
Varda for the Ring of Fire, and Ulmo for the Ring of Water.
And the consequences as each ring lost power when the One was
destroyed are well-told and creative.
I enjoyed reading this series. Well done!
Title: To Be A King · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 252
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 13:23:21 Score: 8
Spoilers!
This story gives one an intriguing insight in Gil-galad's thoughts and
how he became the last High King of the Noldor or perhaps all elves
during the Second Age. Keiliss shows us how this all started, by
fleeing Eglarest after the tragic failure of the fifth battle. On
Balar Gil-galad is taught and raised by his foster father, gently
instilled with diplomatic and political knowledge. I love how Keiliss
shows him as a boy slowly growing into adulthood to a King who tries
to give this High Kingship a new meaning. The portrayal of Círdan is
fabulous here as well!
Gil-galad's views on this are differently than we know from the
previous Noldo rulers, maybe it had to do by being risen on an island
with so many groups, but the tack he intends to take is unique,
differently and much needed. This story serves as a magnificent
character portrait of Gil-galad and it shows how many at the end of
the Second Age wanted to follow his banner as they all took part in
the famous Last Alliance. Well done Keiliss, your writing is once more
graceful, not forced and yet so rich of detail and insights.
Title: The King's Colors · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 482
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:24:45 Score: 5
Spoilers!
An AU vignette that would have served very well as the first chapter
of a longer story (hint, hint). Here, Faramir took the quest to
Imladris and it is Boromir who stands upon the Pelennor to greet the
stranger who stands beneath the "splendid-dreadful" banner.
Boromir is very much Denethor's son here-cautious and canny even in
his grief over hearing of Faramir's death. It is apparent that Aragorn
will have to tread carefully with both him and his father to have his
claim as King approved. There is no resolution or closure in this
brief piece, but it leaves the possibility of such in the future and
leaves the reader wanting to know how things actually fell out.
Title: The Fire of Hope · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 625
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:42:15 Score: 4
Spoilers!
There's a fairy-tale quality to the tale of Aragorn and Arwen, in that
Elrond stands as the king of legend who sets his daughter's suitor an
impossible task before he can claim her hand. In this delightful short
vignette, Raksha shows the very young but undaunted Aragorn, smitten
by love and desire, daydreaming about the deeds he will do to win the
bride his heart has chosen. It's a sunny prelude to what will be some
very dark days.
Title: The Conscience of the King · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 649
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-11-30 13:48:10 Score: 4
Spoilers!
A while back, Altariel and I wrote a story where Eomer and Faramir
struggled to get to know one another. Here, Eomer is consumed with
brotherly jealousy on his sister's wedding night, because of course
that Gondorian fellow can't possibly be good enough for her...
His sensible side gives himself a good talking to, [Lackwit! Would you
have her remain chaste all her life? Grow old without children at the
back of your hall while you take a bride and sire sons?] and gets him
to relax that purely instinctive brotherly clench that occurs at the
thought of someone bedding his sister.
This is a very likeable, plausible Eomer, handled as deftly as Raksha
usually handles Faramir.
Title: Maglor's Harp · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Horror · ID: 660
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 13:52:52 Score: 5
Spoilers!
This is a story that is chilling to the bone. The question what
happened to Maglor through the ages has been good for many an
interesting fanfic idea, and the idea that he eventually lost his mind
is not far off, but the way that idea is tackled here is both very
compelling, and perfectly executed, the way the horror slowly creeps
out of the hole and becomes ever more haunting is what makes tis
little story so great and gives it such a lasting impact on the mind
of the reader. Perfect!
Personally, I prefer the idea that Maglor somehow recovered from the
loss and kept/ regained his dignity after the loss of the Silmaril,
but this version is hauntingly possible, as well. Applause!
Title: Vodka · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 714
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 13:59:25 Score: 3
Spoilers!
This is a sad and gripping view at a very cynical Maglor, haunted by
guilt and on the way to self-destruction, with the help of some potent
alcohol. I like the interaction between the two brothers, and the way
the brilliance of Maglor still shines through. Chilling! And very well
done!
Title: I Married for Love · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Poetry ·
ID: 661
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:05:24 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Beautiful poem from the view of Indis, showing the pain and the regret
of the second woman who is haunted by the feeling of never being
enough, never being all her husband wanted. The images are very
poignant. Still, I love the ending of this, since it ends on a hopeful
and self-respecting note: for herself, she did the right choice. Very
well done!
Title: Trajectory · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 153
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:16:23 Score: 2
Stunning piece, playing with several different layers of unexpected
twists to canon. I like the strong and elegant images woven into this.
Nice! :)
Title: An Elf-lord Revealed · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 406
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:21:31 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "An Elf-lord Revealed", contains selected
scenes from the life of the magnificant Elf-lord, Glorfindel of
Gondolin and Rivendell.
Tanaqui has an extraordinary facility with the English language. Her
drabbles are vivid word-pictures that evoke images or emotions as
needed. For example, [Fëa from Ost-in-Edhil, jostling in the Halls of
Mandos] so clearly suggests the horrendous death-toll from the War of
Elves and Sauron, and [battle, retreat, refuge] neatly sums up, in a
mere three words, the entire history of Eriador during the Second Age.
As a drabblist myself, I am frankly impressed by such economy of language.
But I especially appreciate her creativity in choosing what to write
about. For example, when Glorfindel awakens in the Halls of Mandos, it
is the damage to his soul, not his body, that is apparent, as he
remembers the fates of those he left behind in the Fall of Gondolin.
And because, in Mandos, Celebrimbor shuns his own kin to hang out with
the sons of Fingolfin, Glorfindel learns of the fate of Turgon's
descendant, Elrond, which sparks a growing desire to return to
Middle-earth to be of service to his king's line.
But especially creative are Tanaqui's versions of Glorfindel's
encounters with Gandalf, casually comparing notes about
balrog-fighting, and with Faramir and Eowyn after Elessar's
coronation. It is here that we truly begin to grasp the enormous
differences in outlook between an immortal being and mere fleeting
mortals.
This series is a masterpiece, all the more astonishing because Tanaqui
wrote each drabble (except one) separately for her Tolkien
drabble-a-day challenge, yet they complement each other beautifully.
Bravo!
Title: Another Country · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 438
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:27:28 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I teasingly call Tanaqui the "Mistress of Misdirection", and we can
see why in her drabble series, "Another Country". The first drabble
gives us a clear picture of Boromir, impatiently waiting to leave the
halls where he finds himself; yet, in the final line, we find out that
he is not where we assumed he was, because of Tanaqui's deft
scene-setting.
And in the second drabble, Tanaqui draws a parallel between the
actions of Denethor and Boromir that I had never noticed and would
never have imagined.
Together, these complement each other and make a powerful pair of
word-pictures.
Well done!
Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:27:34 Score: 4
Spoilers!
What a compelling and chilling AU! Rarely I have seen the idea of what
would have happened had Boromir succeeded in taking the One Ring
executed in a more compelling way. That the story is told out of
Boromir's perspective makes it even more fitting - we can feel the way
the shredded remains of his conscience rebel and try to wake him up,
but are engulfed and drowned in the shadow that has overtaken his
soul. Very, very well done! Thank you for writing and sharing!
Title: Celevon a Mallen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 279
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:43:52 Score: 6
Spoilers!
Tanaqui's drabble series, "Celevon a Mallen" (Of Silver and Of Gold),
is about Celeborn and Galadriel meeting in Doriath.
The language of these drabbles is beautiful and evocative. For
example, I especially like the first line, [Sunlight filtered slowly
down amongst the shadowed boles, sieved green and sepia.]; words like
that cannot help but draw a vivid picture in our minds.
And we learn so much about the character of these two: [The new lights
– even the errant moon – still troubled Celeborn, familiar only with
soft starbeams breaking into the long groves.], and [Committing (the
blooms') graceful forms to memory, she already saw in her mind's eye
the tapestry she would weave to make permanent their transient
beauty.].... so quintessentially Sindar, and Noldor!
I loved the creative touch that, when they first meet, Celeborn points
out that they are kin... and Galadriel is disappointed; until she
realizes that their kinship is distant enough to not interfere with
the possibility of a closer relationship. That could only hearten any
potential suitor!
The rest of the drabbles follow their romance throughout the ages,
despite separation. The whole series together can only warm the heart
of the most romantic of us.
Well done.
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