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Msg# 9609
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Late, Part Three) Posted by annmarwalk November 30, 2008 - 20:03:56 Topic ID# 9609Title: I Married for Love · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Poetry ·
ID: 661
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 16:37:35 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Nicely done, Uli. And cleverly done, too - an entire history covering
so many lives and events through well chosen hints and remarks 'in
passing', so to speak. I have always liked the fact that this author
does not 'talk down' at her audience. This poem is about the times
before the First Age, and she assumes her readers will understand the
many references, she is never tempted to bog things down with
excessive detail..
I love the different moods encompassed in this poem, from hope to
sorrow, from anger to something close to resignation. Deeply poignant,
very much the age old tale of the second wife, marrying with a belief
that they can forge something different, something intrinsically their
own, and discovering slowly and devastatingly that while most things
are possible if there is enough love, no one can fight a ghost. The
poem touches on the pain of watching her own children always placed
second behind her dead rival's son until she finally believes she was
never loved, her children not really wanted. And yet at the end, after
her husband has passed to the Halls to no doubt join his first wife
and her children have left, her love is still there, still strong, and
we realise that even with all these sorrows she would not have done it
differently. Sad, lovely, and very authentic emotions. I have always
believed it is the mark of real love that it is not dependent on the
response it receives or of being returned, and that is a truth that
shines out in every word, even when she is angry, even when she despairs.
Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:38:56 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Beautiful descriptions, poetic language, a sombre tone and a plot that
left me in tears in the end - this story has it all. Keiliss has
crafted a masterpiece here that I wish I had read sooner - a strangely
plausible what-if scenario that has Maglor and Arwen meet on her last
road to Lothlorien, follows their stay in the former Golden Wood, and
ends with a twist that seems as natural as it was unexpected, and
perhaps really at last was a kindness to the Arwen the readers were
shown in the story.
Title: A Little Misunderstanding · Author: Radbooks · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 275
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:44:21 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I really enjoy how this story sees the world through the eyes of the
very young Halbarad, who is already fiercely protective of Aragorn.
His misunderstanding is so logical, at least to a seven-year-old, and
his behavior also makes sense for one so young.
Very nicely done!
Title: Lost Love · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 271
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:45:13 Score: 3
Especially the phrase [vanished fairy wife] stuck in my mind after
reading this set of drabbles for the first time, and did much to shape
my own version of the story of Imrazor and Mithrellas. Beautifully
done, and with a sense of that very fairytale-like wonder (and
sometimes dread) that seems to come upon Tolkienian Men when they are
faced with the Elder Race.
Title: Incarnation · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 242
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 16:52:29 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Yeah, now, I never thought about that. Old age, mortal form - things
can go wrong, the human body being what it is. I always figured the
Istari were sent back in the guise of elderly mortals to keep them
from the distractions of youth, but I guess that was no protection
against what ails poor Gandalf, lol. Unusual idea, very well presented.
Title: The Kindly Airs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 480
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 16:55:16 Score: 5
Spoilers!
It's difficult to write from the point of view of a non-living entity
but Dwimordene does a wonderful job here with the much maligned East
wind. The sense of freedom it feels when at last liberated from the
evil that had ensnared all of the East is palpable and sweet. That she
is the one lifting the Eagles bearing Frodo and Sam to safety is just
and fitting after her long domination by Sauron's dark wickedness.
What I like about drabbles is the challenge of bringing a scene to
life within the limits of the hundred word rule. In this drabble,
Dwimordene makes the task look effortless.
Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 16:58:53 Score: 1
Spoilers!
Powerful short piece regarding Aragorn last hour. Very fitting the
title. I like!
Title: Yrch Song · Author: Phyncke · Genres: Poetry · ID: 564
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:01:34 Score: 1
How funny!
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:04:32 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This is a gripping piece: the ritual that was nearly the end of the
four Hobbits in the Barrow-Downs out of the point of view of the
Wight! The background references and information that is woven is
enriching, and we sit and hold outr breath watching the wight's
struggle for corporal form, although we know the outcome already.
Great gap-filler, very well done! Thank you for writing and sharing!
Title: The Ring That Sauron Forged · Author: Larner · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 645
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:07:48 Score: 3
Spoilers!
What a stunning way to set a nursery game into a form that tells
poignantly the story of the ring, and its demise, down to poor Samwise
left alone in Middle Earth after the departure of his master! Very
well done!
Title: The Haradric Whore and Her Son · Author: annmarwalk/EdorasLass
CoAuthors · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 124
Reviewer: foxrafer (csevans8) · 2008-11-30 17:14:30 Score: 10
Spoilers!
I've tried to write this review several times but haven't known where
to start. I love this story so much and finding the words to explain
it is hard. This story is engaging from the very beginning. The depth
in this story is incredible. Between the vivid characters and how they
bring Minas Tirith to life through beautiful details of the streets
and buildings, they create a well-defined background that is
incredibly enjoyable to see this story unfold from each distinct
perspective.
Knowing that Boromir senses he won't ever return to Gondor adds even
more gravity to what we know will occur from his mission and journey.
The care with which he introduces himself to Gaersum and his mother is
both respectful and a little crafty, and it provides so much insight
into Boromir's character. And the conflict of Boromir's feelings about
his tastes, his attraction to men, is so realistic. I can't help but
feel for his dilemma and also feel proud that he doesn't deny his
feelings and his affection for Theodred and Gaersum.
Ciranoush's story is sad and compelling, but there is also so much
strength in her that it also feels full of hope. Finding her way to a
good and comfortable life, practical choices and taking things as they
come, she is a beautiful character, yet another non-canon character
that annmarwalk and edoraslass create that not only bring Gondor to
life but add a distinct color to the culture and its people. Gaersum
shares his mothers practicality, and I particularly enjoy how they
portray his love for his mother and Boromir. They have created a
character that I believe anyone reading the story would want to meet.
I want to know more of him, to have more stories written about him.
The authors show their great skill in completely involving you in this
families' life and wanting only good things and great joy in their future.
This is a wonderful story, beautifully crafted and full of strong
emotions. Every time you read it you notice another detail or aspect
that adds to the richness of the tale. This will be a favorite that
I'll return to again and again.
Title: Blood and Iron · Author: Ribby · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 122
Reviewer: foxrafer (csevans8) · 2008-11-30 17:14:44 Score: 5
I love the symbolism of having Elrond personally reforging the sword.
Both Elrond and Anduril being links between Aragorn and his ancestors,
it's particularly appealing to imagine his hands-on involvement in
returning the sword to Aragorn. Ribby shows the time and care
involved, the craftsmanship and love that Elrond uses beautifully. It
has been mentioned before, but that final line is absolutely
wonderful. It's the kind of spot-on phrasing that makes you pause,
read again and then go back to enjoy the entire piece again. Beautiful
piece.
Title: My Shining Stars · Author: Oshun · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 371
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:22:47 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Ah, I enjoyed this! It seems so likely to me that Elrond and Elros
would remember best the foster parents who nurtured them as they got
older (and better able to remember), rather than the father who was
nearly always absent and the mother who flung herself out of the
tower, abandoning them to their fate.
Nicely done!
Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:27:16 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I cannot understand why it took me so long to read this story. It
shows the differences between the races of Elves and Dwarves in a very
poignant way - by dancing - but also shows how grace and beauty can be
found and be appreciated in the very difference of things and customs.
I like the images in this, and the change of the POV works very well.
Very well written, and a nice and fitting tale of the friendship
between Elf and Dwarf. Thank you for writing and sharing!
Title: Trajectory · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 153
Reviewer: foxrafer (csevans8) · 2008-11-30 17:28:02 Score: 3
This is so haunting. How terrifying to have this kind of dream but
know in your heart that this was more than a nightmare. The imagery is
absolutely gorgeous and the emotions in the piece are stirring.
Wonderfully done.
Title: Utúlie'n Aurë · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 163
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:29:52 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A very hopeful vignette! It is good that these Elves have lived to see
the day when the hope is fulfilled.
Nicely done!
Title: The Last Dance · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Family ·
ID: 397
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2008-11-30 17:36:51 Score: 5
This is such a sweet story. I spend the time I read it with the song
"May I Have This Dance" going through my head. I know that was not the
inspiration, but it works for me.
Poor Diamond has a double burden to bear. She shares a birthday with
the biggest holiday of the year. That is not easy. combine this with
both her and Pippin's new responsibilities and you have a recipe for
stress.
If I'd been in her place, I'd have been as upset, or more so, than
Diamond was.
I'm glad Pippin is so perceptive and sees just what his wife needs most.
Hope they enjoyed the turning of the year.
Title: Burdens · Author: Meril · Genres: Drama: General Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 219
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:38:41 Score: 2
Spoilers!
Poignant blinks in the situation and the regrets and despair of the
Exiles on their way through the ice, brought into focus by small
things they carry with them. Very well done!
Title: Tower of the Moon · Author: Nath · Times: Multi-Age · ID: 577
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:44:29 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This series of vignettes about Minas Ithil range from the end of the
Second Age to the beginning of the Fourth; from Isildur to Elessar.
It is sad to see that a creation that was once so beautiful could
become so tainted with Darkness that it cannot be mended, only torn down.
The words are evocative, and the idea that Elessar has at the end is a
surprise, but thought-provoking. What will the creations of any of us
come to in the end?
Very well done!
Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 17:49:59 Score: 6
Spoilers!
It's interesting to read a story of Gandalf in Bree, visiting the
Prancing Pony inn as part of his travels. Seeing the wizard this
setting, his easy familiarity with the inn and its denizens, is
amusing but also nice foreshadowing of events to come. Gandalf notices
a group of rangers and hopes to speak with them but gets more than he
bargained for when confronted by a truculent Halbarad. This is a nice
little character piece showing Halbarad's bravery and loyalty and
Gandalf's wisdom and benevolence. I enjoyed their interaction but
especially liked Gandalf seeing in Halbarad a person who will be as
instrumental to Aragorn's later success as Aragorn himself will be.
None of us, not even the greatest among us do it alone. So true, so true.
Title: Pride and Despair: A Defense of Ecthelion's Son · Author: Marta
· Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 624
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:57:39 Score: 1
Very thorough and well-thought-out.
Good work!
Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2008-11-30 18:01:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
For those who have a real love for extremely well written OFC's,
Serinde of Dol Amroth has always been a pure delight. Here we get to
see the beginning of her formidable medical career; a frightened and
yet stubborn little girl with a badly healed foot stump - and Master
Talagan (who becomes her tutor and more or less her foster father),
who immediately recognizes her natural curiosity and her ability to
see the right things and ask the right questions. She may not yet be
the great surgeon she will be in later years, but you can recognize
the roots, as Talagan does in this lovely little tale. And this is not
only the beginning of Serinde's apprenticeship but also of a deep and
heartfelt friendship. Wonderfully done!
Title: Upon the Pebbled Shore · Author: aranelgoldenflower · Genres:
Drama: Final Partings · ID: 171
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 18:03:03 Score: 5
Spoilers!
A beautifully touching piece presenting the final parting between
Elladan and Elrohir upon an unnamed shore. The descriptions are poetic
and the parting of the twins bittersweet. It's difficult to imagine
the two apart but not entirely surprising considering the decision
made by their father and his brother, Elros. I liked that Legolas also
made an appearance to wish them farewell since he knows, probably
better than anyone, the pull of the sea and the difficulty of leaving
the only homeland he had known. This vignette could have been mawkish
but it has just the right balance of emotion and character interplay,
while the final line is understated and elegantly poignant.
Title: A Sleep Over · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 160
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 18:06:09 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Oh dear - at first I felt a little guilty for laughing out loud
several times while reading the story, then came back to the site and
saw that it was filed away under humor - that, obviously, lessened the
feeling of guilt. In respect of that, well-written indeed! The tone
was sufficiently light-hearted, and young Galadriel and Aredhel are
quite cute in their stubborn Noldorin ways; it is easily obvious how
certain character traits could have developed to make them the women
we see in the published works. A cute tale, with an end to take the
edge off Galadriel's ominous, because true, prediction.
Title: A Promise · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 149
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2008-11-30 18:06:31 Score: 3
I cried when I first read this and I'm crying after rereding it now. I
can relate very well to Pippin's family. My own daughter was in a very
simular position to Pippin's earlier this year. You always miss your
pets when they are gone, but there has to be hope that it is not
forever. I know Pippin did a wonderful job of caring for Jule's daughter.
ID: 661
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 16:37:35 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Nicely done, Uli. And cleverly done, too - an entire history covering
so many lives and events through well chosen hints and remarks 'in
passing', so to speak. I have always liked the fact that this author
does not 'talk down' at her audience. This poem is about the times
before the First Age, and she assumes her readers will understand the
many references, she is never tempted to bog things down with
excessive detail..
I love the different moods encompassed in this poem, from hope to
sorrow, from anger to something close to resignation. Deeply poignant,
very much the age old tale of the second wife, marrying with a belief
that they can forge something different, something intrinsically their
own, and discovering slowly and devastatingly that while most things
are possible if there is enough love, no one can fight a ghost. The
poem touches on the pain of watching her own children always placed
second behind her dead rival's son until she finally believes she was
never loved, her children not really wanted. And yet at the end, after
her husband has passed to the Halls to no doubt join his first wife
and her children have left, her love is still there, still strong, and
we realise that even with all these sorrows she would not have done it
differently. Sad, lovely, and very authentic emotions. I have always
believed it is the mark of real love that it is not dependent on the
response it receives or of being returned, and that is a truth that
shines out in every word, even when she is angry, even when she despairs.
Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:38:56 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Beautiful descriptions, poetic language, a sombre tone and a plot that
left me in tears in the end - this story has it all. Keiliss has
crafted a masterpiece here that I wish I had read sooner - a strangely
plausible what-if scenario that has Maglor and Arwen meet on her last
road to Lothlorien, follows their stay in the former Golden Wood, and
ends with a twist that seems as natural as it was unexpected, and
perhaps really at last was a kindness to the Arwen the readers were
shown in the story.
Title: A Little Misunderstanding · Author: Radbooks · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 275
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 16:44:21 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I really enjoy how this story sees the world through the eyes of the
very young Halbarad, who is already fiercely protective of Aragorn.
His misunderstanding is so logical, at least to a seven-year-old, and
his behavior also makes sense for one so young.
Very nicely done!
Title: Lost Love · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 271
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 16:45:13 Score: 3
Especially the phrase [vanished fairy wife] stuck in my mind after
reading this set of drabbles for the first time, and did much to shape
my own version of the story of Imrazor and Mithrellas. Beautifully
done, and with a sense of that very fairytale-like wonder (and
sometimes dread) that seems to come upon Tolkienian Men when they are
faced with the Elder Race.
Title: Incarnation · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 242
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 16:52:29 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Yeah, now, I never thought about that. Old age, mortal form - things
can go wrong, the human body being what it is. I always figured the
Istari were sent back in the guise of elderly mortals to keep them
from the distractions of youth, but I guess that was no protection
against what ails poor Gandalf, lol. Unusual idea, very well presented.
Title: The Kindly Airs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 480
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 16:55:16 Score: 5
Spoilers!
It's difficult to write from the point of view of a non-living entity
but Dwimordene does a wonderful job here with the much maligned East
wind. The sense of freedom it feels when at last liberated from the
evil that had ensnared all of the East is palpable and sweet. That she
is the one lifting the Eagles bearing Frodo and Sam to safety is just
and fitting after her long domination by Sauron's dark wickedness.
What I like about drabbles is the challenge of bringing a scene to
life within the limits of the hundred word rule. In this drabble,
Dwimordene makes the task look effortless.
Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 16:58:53 Score: 1
Spoilers!
Powerful short piece regarding Aragorn last hour. Very fitting the
title. I like!
Title: Yrch Song · Author: Phyncke · Genres: Poetry · ID: 564
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:01:34 Score: 1
How funny!
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:04:32 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This is a gripping piece: the ritual that was nearly the end of the
four Hobbits in the Barrow-Downs out of the point of view of the
Wight! The background references and information that is woven is
enriching, and we sit and hold outr breath watching the wight's
struggle for corporal form, although we know the outcome already.
Great gap-filler, very well done! Thank you for writing and sharing!
Title: The Ring That Sauron Forged · Author: Larner · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 645
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:07:48 Score: 3
Spoilers!
What a stunning way to set a nursery game into a form that tells
poignantly the story of the ring, and its demise, down to poor Samwise
left alone in Middle Earth after the departure of his master! Very
well done!
Title: The Haradric Whore and Her Son · Author: annmarwalk/EdorasLass
CoAuthors · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 124
Reviewer: foxrafer (csevans8) · 2008-11-30 17:14:30 Score: 10
Spoilers!
I've tried to write this review several times but haven't known where
to start. I love this story so much and finding the words to explain
it is hard. This story is engaging from the very beginning. The depth
in this story is incredible. Between the vivid characters and how they
bring Minas Tirith to life through beautiful details of the streets
and buildings, they create a well-defined background that is
incredibly enjoyable to see this story unfold from each distinct
perspective.
Knowing that Boromir senses he won't ever return to Gondor adds even
more gravity to what we know will occur from his mission and journey.
The care with which he introduces himself to Gaersum and his mother is
both respectful and a little crafty, and it provides so much insight
into Boromir's character. And the conflict of Boromir's feelings about
his tastes, his attraction to men, is so realistic. I can't help but
feel for his dilemma and also feel proud that he doesn't deny his
feelings and his affection for Theodred and Gaersum.
Ciranoush's story is sad and compelling, but there is also so much
strength in her that it also feels full of hope. Finding her way to a
good and comfortable life, practical choices and taking things as they
come, she is a beautiful character, yet another non-canon character
that annmarwalk and edoraslass create that not only bring Gondor to
life but add a distinct color to the culture and its people. Gaersum
shares his mothers practicality, and I particularly enjoy how they
portray his love for his mother and Boromir. They have created a
character that I believe anyone reading the story would want to meet.
I want to know more of him, to have more stories written about him.
The authors show their great skill in completely involving you in this
families' life and wanting only good things and great joy in their future.
This is a wonderful story, beautifully crafted and full of strong
emotions. Every time you read it you notice another detail or aspect
that adds to the richness of the tale. This will be a favorite that
I'll return to again and again.
Title: Blood and Iron · Author: Ribby · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 122
Reviewer: foxrafer (csevans8) · 2008-11-30 17:14:44 Score: 5
I love the symbolism of having Elrond personally reforging the sword.
Both Elrond and Anduril being links between Aragorn and his ancestors,
it's particularly appealing to imagine his hands-on involvement in
returning the sword to Aragorn. Ribby shows the time and care
involved, the craftsmanship and love that Elrond uses beautifully. It
has been mentioned before, but that final line is absolutely
wonderful. It's the kind of spot-on phrasing that makes you pause,
read again and then go back to enjoy the entire piece again. Beautiful
piece.
Title: My Shining Stars · Author: Oshun · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 371
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:22:47 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Ah, I enjoyed this! It seems so likely to me that Elrond and Elros
would remember best the foster parents who nurtured them as they got
older (and better able to remember), rather than the father who was
nearly always absent and the mother who flung herself out of the
tower, abandoning them to their fate.
Nicely done!
Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:27:16 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I cannot understand why it took me so long to read this story. It
shows the differences between the races of Elves and Dwarves in a very
poignant way - by dancing - but also shows how grace and beauty can be
found and be appreciated in the very difference of things and customs.
I like the images in this, and the change of the POV works very well.
Very well written, and a nice and fitting tale of the friendship
between Elf and Dwarf. Thank you for writing and sharing!
Title: Trajectory · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 153
Reviewer: foxrafer (csevans8) · 2008-11-30 17:28:02 Score: 3
This is so haunting. How terrifying to have this kind of dream but
know in your heart that this was more than a nightmare. The imagery is
absolutely gorgeous and the emotions in the piece are stirring.
Wonderfully done.
Title: Utúlie'n Aurë · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 163
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:29:52 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A very hopeful vignette! It is good that these Elves have lived to see
the day when the hope is fulfilled.
Nicely done!
Title: The Last Dance · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Family ·
ID: 397
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2008-11-30 17:36:51 Score: 5
This is such a sweet story. I spend the time I read it with the song
"May I Have This Dance" going through my head. I know that was not the
inspiration, but it works for me.
Poor Diamond has a double burden to bear. She shares a birthday with
the biggest holiday of the year. That is not easy. combine this with
both her and Pippin's new responsibilities and you have a recipe for
stress.
If I'd been in her place, I'd have been as upset, or more so, than
Diamond was.
I'm glad Pippin is so perceptive and sees just what his wife needs most.
Hope they enjoyed the turning of the year.
Title: Burdens · Author: Meril · Genres: Drama: General Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 219
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 17:38:41 Score: 2
Spoilers!
Poignant blinks in the situation and the regrets and despair of the
Exiles on their way through the ice, brought into focus by small
things they carry with them. Very well done!
Title: Tower of the Moon · Author: Nath · Times: Multi-Age · ID: 577
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:44:29 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This series of vignettes about Minas Ithil range from the end of the
Second Age to the beginning of the Fourth; from Isildur to Elessar.
It is sad to see that a creation that was once so beautiful could
become so tainted with Darkness that it cannot be mended, only torn down.
The words are evocative, and the idea that Elessar has at the end is a
surprise, but thought-provoking. What will the creations of any of us
come to in the end?
Very well done!
Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 17:49:59 Score: 6
Spoilers!
It's interesting to read a story of Gandalf in Bree, visiting the
Prancing Pony inn as part of his travels. Seeing the wizard this
setting, his easy familiarity with the inn and its denizens, is
amusing but also nice foreshadowing of events to come. Gandalf notices
a group of rangers and hopes to speak with them but gets more than he
bargained for when confronted by a truculent Halbarad. This is a nice
little character piece showing Halbarad's bravery and loyalty and
Gandalf's wisdom and benevolence. I enjoyed their interaction but
especially liked Gandalf seeing in Halbarad a person who will be as
instrumental to Aragorn's later success as Aragorn himself will be.
None of us, not even the greatest among us do it alone. So true, so true.
Title: Pride and Despair: A Defense of Ecthelion's Son · Author: Marta
· Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 624
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 17:57:39 Score: 1
Very thorough and well-thought-out.
Good work!
Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2008-11-30 18:01:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
For those who have a real love for extremely well written OFC's,
Serinde of Dol Amroth has always been a pure delight. Here we get to
see the beginning of her formidable medical career; a frightened and
yet stubborn little girl with a badly healed foot stump - and Master
Talagan (who becomes her tutor and more or less her foster father),
who immediately recognizes her natural curiosity and her ability to
see the right things and ask the right questions. She may not yet be
the great surgeon she will be in later years, but you can recognize
the roots, as Talagan does in this lovely little tale. And this is not
only the beginning of Serinde's apprenticeship but also of a deep and
heartfelt friendship. Wonderfully done!
Title: Upon the Pebbled Shore · Author: aranelgoldenflower · Genres:
Drama: Final Partings · ID: 171
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 18:03:03 Score: 5
Spoilers!
A beautifully touching piece presenting the final parting between
Elladan and Elrohir upon an unnamed shore. The descriptions are poetic
and the parting of the twins bittersweet. It's difficult to imagine
the two apart but not entirely surprising considering the decision
made by their father and his brother, Elros. I liked that Legolas also
made an appearance to wish them farewell since he knows, probably
better than anyone, the pull of the sea and the difficulty of leaving
the only homeland he had known. This vignette could have been mawkish
but it has just the right balance of emotion and character interplay,
while the final line is understated and elegantly poignant.
Title: A Sleep Over · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 160
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 18:06:09 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Oh dear - at first I felt a little guilty for laughing out loud
several times while reading the story, then came back to the site and
saw that it was filed away under humor - that, obviously, lessened the
feeling of guilt. In respect of that, well-written indeed! The tone
was sufficiently light-hearted, and young Galadriel and Aredhel are
quite cute in their stubborn Noldorin ways; it is easily obvious how
certain character traits could have developed to make them the women
we see in the published works. A cute tale, with an end to take the
edge off Galadriel's ominous, because true, prediction.
Title: A Promise · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 149
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2008-11-30 18:06:31 Score: 3
I cried when I first read this and I'm crying after rereding it now. I
can relate very well to Pippin's family. My own daughter was in a very
simular position to Pippin's earlier this year. You always miss your
pets when they are gone, but there has to be hope that it is not
forever. I know Pippin did a wonderful job of caring for Jule's daughter.
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