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Msg# 9608
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Late, Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk November 30, 2008 - 20:03:01 Topic ID# 9608Title: The Pillar Perished Is · Author: Imhiriel · Times: First Age
and Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 356
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:44:54 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A gripping view in Feanor's mind after the embarking for Ennor, and
the way his own guilt and grief are torturing his soul. The idea that
the loss of his father is the driving moment of this mad and powerful
quest for revenge, even more dominant than the wish to regain the
Silmarils, is convincing. Powerful piece! I like!
Title: Writer's Bloke · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor: Drabbles ·
ID: 431
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:55:08 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Stefaniab's drabble, "Writer's Bloke", is a cleverly humorous metafic
about Faramir visiting a struggling fanfiction writer (which I can't
help but identify with). Faramir is very much in character here -
whether we are speaking of the book or the movies.
The result gave me a big smile! Nice work.
Title: Parth Galen · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 705
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:59:04 Score: 3
Spoilers!
What a nice alternate universe and what a nice version of the old
"What if" theme. Here, we get a Boromir who does not fail, and yet the
story subsequently unfolds as it would have if he had. This is a nice
idea, and I like it! Well done!
Title: Even Legends Fade · Author: Star In Ruin · Races: Elves · ID: 555
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:01:10 Score: 1
A melancholy, yet hopeful piece, and emotionally moving. Well done!
Title: The Consuming Darkness · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama ·
ID: 467
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:09:27 Score: 2
Good story. Miriel's view and her decisions in tghis are very
poignant, and you describe the dramatic situation grippingly. I like
te scene in the palace. Very well done!
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:10:53 Score: 2
Spoilers!
I enjoyed this glimpse of Pippin acting as caretaker for Merry when he
is overcome by dreams re-enacting the horror on the Pelennor. Nicely done!
Title: The Houseless · Author: Jael · Genres: Horror · ID: 178
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:20:52 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Very nice execution of a familiar ghost story set in the Mirkwood
setting. I like the way Legolas reacts to the unknown Elven maid he
meets and his relief to finally find somebody who does not knows him
from the time he was in diapers; and the way the truth comes out when
he is meeting with the parents of the girl is told both painful and
believable. I like!
Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:26:16 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Shirebound's ficlet, "Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree"
is a trio of vignettes about the changes coming at the end of the
Third Age, each told from an unusual point of view: the stone of
Hollin, the elanor of Lorien, and the White Tree on Mindolluin.
Each voice is distinctive and appropriate, and the language evokes
pictures in my mind.
The overall concept is fresh, unique, and creative, and the title,
adapted from an old rhyme of the Numenoreans, is perfectly suited to
the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading these three vignettes. Very well done!
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-11-30 15:28:19 Score: 10
First of all, I love the imaginative framing of your tale: the
strictly fixed format of the drabble, one hundred words exactly, yet
expanded as a drabble series to present ten distinct scenes from a
woman's life. It never occurred to me to tell stories in this manner
until I read yours; now, (as you know), I'm a firm believer in the
format, so thank you for the trick that has made my own writing both
easier (always a good thing), and more expressive.
Secondly, your juxtaposition of Ioreth, one of the best-loved and
memorable minor characters of the canon, with the theme of "roses", is
inspired, and richly imaginative. From the imagery of a little girl,
casting rose petals over the grave of her pet, through the optimistic
young woman gathering flowers for a festival, and on to an abandoned
lover, a drudge, and finally, a wise-woman (almost a prophet without
honor in her own country) whose memory of old tales unmasks a king and
saves a prince and princess. Each brief sequence is both immediately
identifiable in terms of fairy tale and legend, but also speaks to us
as women of the twenty-first century, for have we not all shared
Ioreth's experiences of love and loss, disrespect, career challenge,
growing confidence, and ultimate serenity? You've told Everywoman's
story, and told it magnificently, within the context of a peripheral
character who hardly had the respect or affection of her own author.
As to the writing itself - it's gloriously vivid; I particularly love
your imagery of the autumn garden of Ioreth's last days [the gardens
outside the window – leaves downed with silver and veined with gold,
grass-green and olive, crimson, purple, scarlet], probably because
that's what I'm seeing outside my window today.
Thank you for bringing Ioreth to life in such an extraordinarily rich
and memorable story!
Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:28:35 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Heartwarming and nice little piece about Thorongil having a birthday
greeting he truly would enjoy. I love the idea that he would not have
been completely cut off his family even during his stay in Rohan and
in Gondor. In like!
Title: Galadriel Remembers · Author: Savageseraph · Genres: Poetry:
Drama · ID: 583
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:32:38 Score: 3
Savageseraph's dramatic poem, "Galadriel Remembers", describes the
reflections of Galadriel in the Undying Lands as she hearkens back to
all the things she misses from Middle-earth.
The language is lovely and lyrical, and the reflections seem
well-suited to her character.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Well done!
Title: Maglor's Song · Author: Robinka · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 398
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:42:31 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A somber and melancholy Maglor remembers the day he rid himself of the
Silmaril. The language is haunting and emotionally touching.
Well done!
Title: Spaces in the Heart · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 251
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:46:10 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A lovely view at the way a reborn Glorfindel slowly adapts to the
changed Ennor, and the beginning of his friendship with Elrond. I like!
Title: The Sky Is Over · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 83
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:46:32 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A powerful and evocative drabble. Finrod's shock and anguish at his
realization are vividly portrayed.
Well done!
Title: Blood and Iron · Author: Ribby · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 122
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:52:23 Score: 2
This drabble has a nice rhythm to it, almost as if it was written to
be spoken out loud.
Well done!
Title: The Search · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 501
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:57:53 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I like how clearly Gollum's obsession with the Ring is shone in this
verse. He will follow it anywhere and do whatever it takes to be able
to seize it, and possess it once again.
Nicely done!
Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:05:44 Score: 5
A wonderful study not only of Eomer and Lothiriel themselves, but of
their families and their lives as well. I usually prefer shorter
elf-centric stories, but this story, if any, shows that reading
outside the box is sometimes a rewarding experience. I enjoyed this
one very much. The author's style and characterization and spot-on and
captivating - so much in fact that I read through the entire story in
one sitting and then wondered how fast the time had passed and where
my day had gone. Lady Bluejay, thank you for sharing this, and welcome
to the ranks of 'Elleth's new favourite authors'. I will definitely
come back for more.
Title: The Night's Eye · Author: Vana Tuivana · Races: Men · ID: 343
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 16:07:05 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love traditions and legends, not surprising as I grew up in a home
that honoured such things, and I enjoy a good ghost story. Put the two
together...
I really liked this, even though the ending was predictably sad. Loved
the story behind the tradition of lighting the candle and the way it
was passed down the generations. And I liked the gift of a final
farewell from his father, something not given to many.
Title: Alter/native · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 478
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:14:27 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Yes, I laughed - the idea and execution is too funny and well-written
not to. But aside from the clever spin on the meeting of Aragorn and
Arwen I'm also wondering, what if... and with Aragorn calling Aron
Adanedhel I can't help but wonder if anything at all would have
happened, and how the quest would have turned out, and how it might
have ended. Adanedhel being a name of Turin Turambar, it seems like a
dark omen, somehow (like Arwen being called Tinuviel foreshadowed her
ultimate fate) - interesting, very interesting indeed.
Title: Moonset over Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 652
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:15:25 Score: 2
Spoilers!
I like how much Faramir's sense of history shows through, as befits a
scholar-leader and one who has lived through mighty events.
Nicely done!
Title: Legacy · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 500
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:19:29 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I enjoy Elboron's thoughtful consideration of the legacy of his uncle
Boromir, and his determination to name his son something not related
to Boromir's name, but still to pass along the stories that Faramir
has told him... ensuring that his uncle is remembered.
Well done!
Title: The Dark One · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 411
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-11-30 16:20:46 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Neume's saga "Nights in Rohan" has had me hooked since the posting the
first part (ahem , how many years ago it was, Neu? Three, already?).
Neume takes us on an excellent journey, and this time round the
venture is particularly dark, but still as much fascinating as always.
I highly recommend reading the whole series about Morwen the
prostitute from Gondor and Gamling if you look for an engaging,
fully-developed and mature story set within the universe of "The Lord
of the Rings". It should be noted that most of the stories are for adults.
This part, "The Dark One", I knew prior to publishing a bit, because
Neume and I discussed the appearance of the Captain-General of the
White Tower some time ago. I knew she was going to go for the idea
(fangirlish squeee here), but of course I had no idea of the details –
the development of the character -- the character that is so very
popular among the fanfiction writers. And yet, I find the
characterization of Boromir fresh and very well executed – he is
proud, demanding respect from the very start -- also has a great deal
of humor when needed. Just a brief appearance as far as the whole saga
is concerned, but the reader can feel that this is Boromir, and no other.
This is also one of the greatest advantages of Neume's story (ok,
stories, all of them, if I'm to be honest): whenever she takes a
character to write about, they come to life in a very strong,
convincing and captivating way. I mean, honestly, every single person
that I "met" in Nueme's saga felt very real, flesh and blood, with
their flaws and qualities, fleshed out with care and knowledge. One
should be a very good psychologist to create such characters and built
them out of a few mentions in the original text – Theodred for that
matter. Well, not only the king's son, but all of them I know as if
they were my good friends, and that's when I sweep a deep bow before
Neume's talent to create real people – not only the equivalents of the
LotR characters.
"The Dark One" is a tale of darkness. The darkness of pain and
suffering – and the innocent, common people aren't free from those, as
we can see in the scenes throughout the tale. Morwen tries to handle
those situations. Those are described in detail, but still with care a
great respect for the readers. I have always thought that Neume
respects her readers very much and she balances her stories in a way
that requires involvement and offers simple joy of reading in equal
measures.
One of Neume's reviewers said that they would love to have her tales
on their bookshelf, in a hardcover, and I can wholeheartedly agree
with this opinion. If you look for a beautiful, captivating story,
excellently set within the universe you love, "Nights in Rohan" and
"The Dark One" offer you an engaging plot, perfectly balanced angst
and humor, eroticism and realism, and totally believable characters.
What to want more?
Thank you, my dear Neume, for writing this story.
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:22:04 Score: 2
This vignette is rich with joy, and so much more emotionally powerful
than Tolkien's almost dry telling of this event.
Lovely job!
Title: Terra Incognita · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Drabbles · ID: 723
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:28:50 Score: 3
Few words as there are in a drabble, the author knows how to use them
effectively to set the mood, introduce the setting, the characters and
bring everything to a killer finish. I enjoyed reading this
snapshot-like ficlet immensely, and can just imagine the lieutenant's
odd smile, his books, and his maps. Wonderfully done.
Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 16:35:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
This story is absolutely stunning. I love Maglor in this, the
description of his very different sense of time, moving through the
mortal world like a slow stream; and on the other hand Arwen, also an
oddity because of her choice, which she now has to live with. The two
fit together astonishingly well. The idea that Arwen has his company
during these last few days in Lothlorien is comforting, and it also
works very well: both of them outcasts and singularities in their own
way, Arwen set apart by her choice, Maglor by the oath. Also, I like
the way the references to the kinship of the two are woven in the
story. A wonderful reflection of what it means to be Elven in a fast
changing world in the Fourth Age. Thank you for writing this gem, and
for sharing it!
and Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 356
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:44:54 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A gripping view in Feanor's mind after the embarking for Ennor, and
the way his own guilt and grief are torturing his soul. The idea that
the loss of his father is the driving moment of this mad and powerful
quest for revenge, even more dominant than the wish to regain the
Silmarils, is convincing. Powerful piece! I like!
Title: Writer's Bloke · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor: Drabbles ·
ID: 431
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 14:55:08 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Stefaniab's drabble, "Writer's Bloke", is a cleverly humorous metafic
about Faramir visiting a struggling fanfiction writer (which I can't
help but identify with). Faramir is very much in character here -
whether we are speaking of the book or the movies.
The result gave me a big smile! Nice work.
Title: Parth Galen · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 705
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 14:59:04 Score: 3
Spoilers!
What a nice alternate universe and what a nice version of the old
"What if" theme. Here, we get a Boromir who does not fail, and yet the
story subsequently unfolds as it would have if he had. This is a nice
idea, and I like it! Well done!
Title: Even Legends Fade · Author: Star In Ruin · Races: Elves · ID: 555
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:01:10 Score: 1
A melancholy, yet hopeful piece, and emotionally moving. Well done!
Title: The Consuming Darkness · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama ·
ID: 467
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:09:27 Score: 2
Good story. Miriel's view and her decisions in tghis are very
poignant, and you describe the dramatic situation grippingly. I like
te scene in the palace. Very well done!
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:10:53 Score: 2
Spoilers!
I enjoyed this glimpse of Pippin acting as caretaker for Merry when he
is overcome by dreams re-enacting the horror on the Pelennor. Nicely done!
Title: The Houseless · Author: Jael · Genres: Horror · ID: 178
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:20:52 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Very nice execution of a familiar ghost story set in the Mirkwood
setting. I like the way Legolas reacts to the unknown Elven maid he
meets and his relief to finally find somebody who does not knows him
from the time he was in diapers; and the way the truth comes out when
he is meeting with the parents of the girl is told both painful and
believable. I like!
Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:26:16 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Shirebound's ficlet, "Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree"
is a trio of vignettes about the changes coming at the end of the
Third Age, each told from an unusual point of view: the stone of
Hollin, the elanor of Lorien, and the White Tree on Mindolluin.
Each voice is distinctive and appropriate, and the language evokes
pictures in my mind.
The overall concept is fresh, unique, and creative, and the title,
adapted from an old rhyme of the Numenoreans, is perfectly suited to
the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading these three vignettes. Very well done!
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-11-30 15:28:19 Score: 10
First of all, I love the imaginative framing of your tale: the
strictly fixed format of the drabble, one hundred words exactly, yet
expanded as a drabble series to present ten distinct scenes from a
woman's life. It never occurred to me to tell stories in this manner
until I read yours; now, (as you know), I'm a firm believer in the
format, so thank you for the trick that has made my own writing both
easier (always a good thing), and more expressive.
Secondly, your juxtaposition of Ioreth, one of the best-loved and
memorable minor characters of the canon, with the theme of "roses", is
inspired, and richly imaginative. From the imagery of a little girl,
casting rose petals over the grave of her pet, through the optimistic
young woman gathering flowers for a festival, and on to an abandoned
lover, a drudge, and finally, a wise-woman (almost a prophet without
honor in her own country) whose memory of old tales unmasks a king and
saves a prince and princess. Each brief sequence is both immediately
identifiable in terms of fairy tale and legend, but also speaks to us
as women of the twenty-first century, for have we not all shared
Ioreth's experiences of love and loss, disrespect, career challenge,
growing confidence, and ultimate serenity? You've told Everywoman's
story, and told it magnificently, within the context of a peripheral
character who hardly had the respect or affection of her own author.
As to the writing itself - it's gloriously vivid; I particularly love
your imagery of the autumn garden of Ioreth's last days [the gardens
outside the window – leaves downed with silver and veined with gold,
grass-green and olive, crimson, purple, scarlet], probably because
that's what I'm seeing outside my window today.
Thank you for bringing Ioreth to life in such an extraordinarily rich
and memorable story!
Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:28:35 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Heartwarming and nice little piece about Thorongil having a birthday
greeting he truly would enjoy. I love the idea that he would not have
been completely cut off his family even during his stay in Rohan and
in Gondor. In like!
Title: Galadriel Remembers · Author: Savageseraph · Genres: Poetry:
Drama · ID: 583
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:32:38 Score: 3
Savageseraph's dramatic poem, "Galadriel Remembers", describes the
reflections of Galadriel in the Undying Lands as she hearkens back to
all the things she misses from Middle-earth.
The language is lovely and lyrical, and the reflections seem
well-suited to her character.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Well done!
Title: Maglor's Song · Author: Robinka · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 398
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:42:31 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A somber and melancholy Maglor remembers the day he rid himself of the
Silmaril. The language is haunting and emotionally touching.
Well done!
Title: Spaces in the Heart · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 251
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 15:46:10 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A lovely view at the way a reborn Glorfindel slowly adapts to the
changed Ennor, and the beginning of his friendship with Elrond. I like!
Title: The Sky Is Over · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 83
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:46:32 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A powerful and evocative drabble. Finrod's shock and anguish at his
realization are vividly portrayed.
Well done!
Title: Blood and Iron · Author: Ribby · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 122
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:52:23 Score: 2
This drabble has a nice rhythm to it, almost as if it was written to
be spoken out loud.
Well done!
Title: The Search · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 501
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 15:57:53 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I like how clearly Gollum's obsession with the Ring is shone in this
verse. He will follow it anywhere and do whatever it takes to be able
to seize it, and possess it once again.
Nicely done!
Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:05:44 Score: 5
A wonderful study not only of Eomer and Lothiriel themselves, but of
their families and their lives as well. I usually prefer shorter
elf-centric stories, but this story, if any, shows that reading
outside the box is sometimes a rewarding experience. I enjoyed this
one very much. The author's style and characterization and spot-on and
captivating - so much in fact that I read through the entire story in
one sitting and then wondered how fast the time had passed and where
my day had gone. Lady Bluejay, thank you for sharing this, and welcome
to the ranks of 'Elleth's new favourite authors'. I will definitely
come back for more.
Title: The Night's Eye · Author: Vana Tuivana · Races: Men · ID: 343
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 16:07:05 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love traditions and legends, not surprising as I grew up in a home
that honoured such things, and I enjoy a good ghost story. Put the two
together...
I really liked this, even though the ending was predictably sad. Loved
the story behind the tradition of lighting the candle and the way it
was passed down the generations. And I liked the gift of a final
farewell from his father, something not given to many.
Title: Alter/native · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 478
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:14:27 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Yes, I laughed - the idea and execution is too funny and well-written
not to. But aside from the clever spin on the meeting of Aragorn and
Arwen I'm also wondering, what if... and with Aragorn calling Aron
Adanedhel I can't help but wonder if anything at all would have
happened, and how the quest would have turned out, and how it might
have ended. Adanedhel being a name of Turin Turambar, it seems like a
dark omen, somehow (like Arwen being called Tinuviel foreshadowed her
ultimate fate) - interesting, very interesting indeed.
Title: Moonset over Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 652
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:15:25 Score: 2
Spoilers!
I like how much Faramir's sense of history shows through, as befits a
scholar-leader and one who has lived through mighty events.
Nicely done!
Title: Legacy · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 500
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:19:29 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I enjoy Elboron's thoughtful consideration of the legacy of his uncle
Boromir, and his determination to name his son something not related
to Boromir's name, but still to pass along the stories that Faramir
has told him... ensuring that his uncle is remembered.
Well done!
Title: The Dark One · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 411
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-11-30 16:20:46 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Neume's saga "Nights in Rohan" has had me hooked since the posting the
first part (ahem , how many years ago it was, Neu? Three, already?).
Neume takes us on an excellent journey, and this time round the
venture is particularly dark, but still as much fascinating as always.
I highly recommend reading the whole series about Morwen the
prostitute from Gondor and Gamling if you look for an engaging,
fully-developed and mature story set within the universe of "The Lord
of the Rings". It should be noted that most of the stories are for adults.
This part, "The Dark One", I knew prior to publishing a bit, because
Neume and I discussed the appearance of the Captain-General of the
White Tower some time ago. I knew she was going to go for the idea
(fangirlish squeee here), but of course I had no idea of the details –
the development of the character -- the character that is so very
popular among the fanfiction writers. And yet, I find the
characterization of Boromir fresh and very well executed – he is
proud, demanding respect from the very start -- also has a great deal
of humor when needed. Just a brief appearance as far as the whole saga
is concerned, but the reader can feel that this is Boromir, and no other.
This is also one of the greatest advantages of Neume's story (ok,
stories, all of them, if I'm to be honest): whenever she takes a
character to write about, they come to life in a very strong,
convincing and captivating way. I mean, honestly, every single person
that I "met" in Nueme's saga felt very real, flesh and blood, with
their flaws and qualities, fleshed out with care and knowledge. One
should be a very good psychologist to create such characters and built
them out of a few mentions in the original text – Theodred for that
matter. Well, not only the king's son, but all of them I know as if
they were my good friends, and that's when I sweep a deep bow before
Neume's talent to create real people – not only the equivalents of the
LotR characters.
"The Dark One" is a tale of darkness. The darkness of pain and
suffering – and the innocent, common people aren't free from those, as
we can see in the scenes throughout the tale. Morwen tries to handle
those situations. Those are described in detail, but still with care a
great respect for the readers. I have always thought that Neume
respects her readers very much and she balances her stories in a way
that requires involvement and offers simple joy of reading in equal
measures.
One of Neume's reviewers said that they would love to have her tales
on their bookshelf, in a hardcover, and I can wholeheartedly agree
with this opinion. If you look for a beautiful, captivating story,
excellently set within the universe you love, "Nights in Rohan" and
"The Dark One" offer you an engaging plot, perfectly balanced angst
and humor, eroticism and realism, and totally believable characters.
What to want more?
Thank you, my dear Neume, for writing this story.
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:22:04 Score: 2
This vignette is rich with joy, and so much more emotionally powerful
than Tolkien's almost dry telling of this event.
Lovely job!
Title: Terra Incognita · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Drabbles · ID: 723
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:28:50 Score: 3
Few words as there are in a drabble, the author knows how to use them
effectively to set the mood, introduce the setting, the characters and
bring everything to a killer finish. I enjoyed reading this
snapshot-like ficlet immensely, and can just imagine the lieutenant's
odd smile, his books, and his maps. Wonderfully done.
Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 16:35:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
This story is absolutely stunning. I love Maglor in this, the
description of his very different sense of time, moving through the
mortal world like a slow stream; and on the other hand Arwen, also an
oddity because of her choice, which she now has to live with. The two
fit together astonishingly well. The idea that Arwen has his company
during these last few days in Lothlorien is comforting, and it also
works very well: both of them outcasts and singularities in their own
way, Arwen set apart by her choice, Maglor by the oath. Also, I like
the way the references to the kinship of the two are woven in the
story. A wonderful reflection of what it means to be Elven in a fast
changing world in the Fourth Age. Thank you for writing this gem, and
for sharing it!
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