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Msg# 9618

MEFA Reviews for Monday, December 1, 2008 (Morning Set, Part One) Posted by annmarwalk December 01, 2008 - 3:56:12 Topic ID# 9618
Title: Murder The Dawn · Author: crowdaughter · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 383
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 18:11:36 Score: 5
As heartrending as is [Mael-Gul] Crowdaughter's other dark AU, this
story is, perhaps, even more emotional. Legolas is the victim of a
spell, one of almost unimaginable cruelty and must fight the evil the
only way left to him. Crowdaughter creates a dark vision that, though
AU, feels authentic and utterly believeable. It's a shame she is
unable to update more often as her stories are always riveting,
keeping us all on pins and needles as we anticipate and wonder how the
events will eventually play out. I look forward to the completion of
her two epic WIP's.

Title: Moon of the Sea · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 213
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-11-30 18:13:44 Score: 8
Eeks! I am so running out of time. I unfortunately am totally unable
to give this story the review that it deserves. You will get the
curtailed version simply because it would be conscienable for me to
let it pass without saying anything. I like the setting and
circumstances. It is very atomspheric and has a nearly Arcadian
feeling for me. While her youth in some ways is written as almost
idyllic, there are the undercurrents of the darkness of end-game
Numenor that appropriately chill the reader. I also like the
risk-taking of the writer in relationship to issues of sexuality and
mores. I must admit I get a much better sense of the woman in the
author's current WIP novel where she figures as one of the prominent
characters.

I really like the interaction between her and her future husband and
afer they have gotten together. I would highly recommend the story and
do feel ashamed of myself for not writing a better and more coherent
review here. Forntuately, others have done better, so interested
readers are also encouraged to read the other reviews on this story
posted here.

Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 18:15:41 Score: 2
Spoilers!
Would Frodo have had the strength to throw the Ring into the Cracks of
Doom? Apparently not, so Gollum did him a service, yet his fate was so
different.

A haunting thought!

Title: No Regrets · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 490
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 18:19:44 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I actually think Faramir got the better end of the deal... he did not
end up being Ruling Steward, but he got power and responsibility --
just not ultimate responsibility for an entire kingdom.

Title: Alqualondë · Author: Moreth · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 220
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 18:26:08 Score: 6
Spoilers!
[Alqualondë] is Moreth's début in our fandom and wow! As gruesome as
it might sound, it is a fabulous take on the first kinslaying and it
is hard to tell which character of a race dies and which ones will
live long enough to kill. And in the chaos portrayed, does it matter?
In fact it doesn't, Moreth captures the first experiences of death,
the killing and fighting in a double blow by writing from two
different perspectives. It reads so intimate, as if you are being
invited to catch such a glimpse of reasoning of both. Moreth portray
the grim realities of our lives where people die and people fight for
a cause they deem necessary, but what gives me the chills the most is
in how it is made sound so easy once we set aside our humanity.
Fabulous work Moreth!

Title: By Ship or Grave · Author: Larner · Genres: Poetry: Hobbits ·
ID: 618
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 18:27:59 Score: 1
What a lovely, lyrical poem! So much packed into relatively few words.
Well done!

Title: Nerdanel's Sons · Author: Istarnie · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 659
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 18:38:02 Score: 10
Spoilers!
In a nutshell, this novel is written from Nerdanel's perspective after
many ages has past; she takes her time to record these memories of her
sons. At first she wants to capture their early years, the births and
conception, but oh so slowly Istarnie delves deeper into the conflicts
and lies that caused such a rift between the Noldor. This I find so
cleverly done, especially during the last chapter (for now!) where
Celegorm does what he must: reminding those thugs of what true honour
is about (okay, I am a bit prejudiced when it comes down to that elf).
But as I (re-)read along, I was yet reminded about how close my views
on that family compared to the author, be it a bit differently here
and there. Istarnie's knowledge of Nerdanel is so broad and I love her
author notes just as much as these wonderful chapters where she
balances the internal voice, narrative with archaic dialogue with so
much grace. I find this novel movingly written with all the feelings
and worries that mother's do have and the parting with every son is
just special. I can slowly understand how Nerdanel feels torn asunder
even more after every parting with one of her sons. This is a
brilliantly written novel in a unique voice and style, and I look
forward to the day Istarnie can work on it again.

Title: The Tower Hills · Author: DrummerWench · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 608
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2008-11-30 18:38:32 Score: 8
This lovely little gapfiller has a unique charm, and rings so true to
Tolkien that it could simply be added to its place in the chapter "The
Grey Havens." But it is not, however, imitative. DrummerWench's voice
carries through in each word: a gentle, flowing rhythm that enchants
like the sea itself.

I especially love the poem at the beginning, so full of the regret and
sea-longing of the Elves of Middle-earth. Too often in fanfic this is
given a whiny tone, but DrummerWench avoids that altogether, and
captures the otherworldly beauty of Tolkien songs like, for example,
the Lay of Nimrodel. It is quite an achievement.

Then we've got Sam. DrummerWench writes Sam better than any, capturing
his "man in the street" quality without turning him into a buffoon.
There is a bittersweet melancholy to the interchanges between him and
Frodo, knowing, as we do, that Frodo is soon to depart.

I always had trouble believing the Tale of the Years in the
appendices, that Sam really did follow Frodo over sea after Rosie's
death. This tale makes it much more real to me.

Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 18:42:32 Score: 2
Spoilers!
What a lovely surprise for Thorongil on his birthday!

Well, *I'd* certainly welcome a visit from those two.... ;-)

Well done!

Title: A Large Bold Hand · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 10
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 18:43:17 Score: 1
Spoilers!
I like this speculation about how Ori learned to write in Elvish....

Title: Miquan Melave · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance · ID: 319
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2008-11-30 18:45:58 Score: 3
This story, with its combination of realistic, well-told love between
two men, and enchanting fairy tale of Mithrellas, is a triumph. The
added memories of Finduilas deepen the impact of Boromir's thoughts
altogether.

Title: Discretion · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 254
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 18:46:27 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Oh [Discretion] makes me want to read Dawn's AMC again, but for now
this short work has to suffice. That Caranthir disliked Finarfin's
children a lot is well-known, but this short work explores one of the
reasons how this might have only fuelled that hatred. Unwillingly
Caranthir is the witness of a short rendezvous between Maedhros and
Finrod, and I just feel for him as he sits there, really not wanting
to be there at that moment. Caranthir has a great self-knowledge and
even though Maedhros confides to him in what he does diplomatically,
you can also see the anguish of both brothers wanting to be loved by
the other and yet they just don't seem to reach out. When the word
discretion is uttered both speak about different things, and Maedhros
plays it thusly that Caranthir will not speak of it. Yet what remains
and what makes Caranthir loathe Finrod so much is the seemingly
emptiness behind their actions and motivations, this dark elf is more
an elf of action, direct in his approach. But oh for the love of his
father and house he keeps his silence with great effort, even towards
his uncle who probably now has his own views of what is going on. What
a tangled mess and a great character sketch of Caranthir in this
gapfiller. Well done Dawn!

Title: For What I Wait · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 125
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 18:52:54 Score: 7
Spoilers!
Even after reading [For What I Wait] numerous times, I am still
uncertain about this story. Beyond the plot and symbolism that are
decipered easily enough, and fit as snugly in all of Dawn's stories -
not just as baubles but as vital contributions to a whole - there is a
lingering sense of -- something behind the words.
This is, to be certain, very emotive writing with a bitter edge as
Feanor considers his quest, his children, his life, and in this AU
scenario experiences the death of his last remaining son. Dawn
Felagund without a doubt is one of the finest Silmfic authors, and
this is no exception to her great work. That 'something behind the
words' seems deliberately mysterious, as does the placement of the
story in time: Deliberately hinted at, but never fully explained. It
does much for the atmosphere here, and coupled with the chilling cold,
not only regarding the surroundings described in the story but also
with plot-events, this becomes an outstanding piece of work and is a
very deserved nomination indeed.

Title: Here's To The King! · Author: Jael · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands
· ID: 204
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 18:55:56 Score: 2
*Snerk*

I'd review this, but I've been up all night, and can't stop laughing
myself silly......

Title: Wind and Fire · Author: elfscribe · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 539
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2008-11-30 19:04:34 Score: 6
I thoroughly enjoyed this depiction of Manwe and Feanor, a pairing I
never would have thought could work, but which Elfscribe has brought
off so perfectly here. I like her description of Feanor [A restless
brilliance married to great passion] and she does an excellent job of
showing us both. One imagines such restlessness would be also a part
of the make up of a Lord of Winds and, indeed, it seems that Manwe,
once awakened to the possibilities, finds in Feanor a match of his own
restlessness and passions. Feanor's creation of the Silmarils in
response to his desire for Manwe and thereby his desire to create
jewels of great beauty as a tribute to the Vala he so idolized is
deftly done. As is their conversation about the how and why of
Silmaril's creation. In a story so rich in detail and character, the
beautifully written erotica is the icing on the cake.

Title: Elflings · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 348
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 19:04:55 Score: 1
*rolling on the floor, laughing out loud*

Title: Homecoming · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 706
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 19:14:31 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Reading this vignette always leaves tears in my eyes. Happy tears! The
way you write it, I can feel at the gut level just how shocked, and
then relieved, Boromir is to realize that he can pursue his
relationshiop with Andrahar now.

And how wonderful for Andrahar! Have I mentioned once or twice just
how much I love your Andrahar?

Beautiful AU to your universe.... Well done!

Title: The Edge of the Knife · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 274
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 19:14:56 Score: 6
Spoilers!
There are few stories about Numenor, and fewer who show such intricate
twists on the source material. These eight drabbles about Isildur's
different fates do much to define the narrow path that eventually
brought him to his end in the Gladden Fields while at the same time
show what might have been if he had strayed, just a little, in either
direction. The threads of mortality and Sauron's power run through
this like leitmotifs, and even though each has a different end they
all seem entirely plausible.
Personally, I very much enjoyed [Hin Húrin], not merely for the
Silmarillion references, but also for the ingenious idea that one of
the great stories of the First Age may repeat, if in lessened and
modified form, like the other one (of Beren and Luthien) was repeated
in Arwen and Aragorn.

Title: Journeys of Vása · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 140
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 19:16:35 Score: 10
Spoilers!
This is an elegant set of vignettes of which I find it very hard to
choose my favourite. I love that it's written from so many different
perspectives and handles such different themes with the sun being
central. I love Tilion's vignette: his pain and self-loathing is so
well pictured even though Arien herself sought this out, his guilt is
so immensely palpable. I so feel for him as he sits there all
powerless. I have grown quite fond of Dawn's stories featuring this
Maiar. But then there is also Mahtan, one of the most underappreciated
characters in the Silm imho, who reflects and gives us insight in the
vessel which will carry Arien once she will become the Sun. I find
that vignette most enchanting because it gives you such a marvellous
visual as all the Aulendili work on this. Just the thought that those
who stayed behind would craft such a fine thing is most definitely
heartening, especially since the rebellion tore apart so many houses,
Mahtan surely understands that pain all to well. Then there is
Fingolfin who quite economically relates the crossing of that grinding
ice leaving the young scribe in awe regarding the practically it as
been approached and is told to him. But can you really blame
Fingolfin, even though he is not the High King yet, you can just see
he is born to lead (sorry Fëanor). I personally would recommend this
story since it feels like a journey through [the Silmarillion] where
Dawn shows us sides of the story or aspect one would not think about
that soon with Vása being a constant. Wonderfully done Dawn, I hope
you will continue with it soon!

Title: Consolation · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Men:
Steward's Family · ID: 341
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 19:21:18 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love how Boromir takes care of his injured brother in the only way
he knows how: sending for the Ithilien Rangers to keep him company.
Because, of course, Faramir being Faramir, he would otherwise just
brood at all the men he lost... and refuse to take poppy to reduce the
pain of his injury, so it would be available for the other injured men.

A nice way to solve the problem of why those particular Rangers were
with Faramir on the Pelennor. And a nice glimpse of Boromir, too.

Well done!

Title: Trinity · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Modern Times · ID: 51
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 19:25:32 Score: 3
Spoilers!
This is a haunting piece - Oppenheimer meeting Feanor and Sauron to
reflect about the impact of their creations. An very interesting idea,
and a very unique view at the inventions of both, and what they
brought about. And embedded in all of it the question what, if
anything, science owes to morale. A very intriguing piece. Thank you
for writing and sharing!

Title: Moon of the Sea · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 213
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 19:28:02 Score: 10
I really have no idea where to start to describe this wonderful
collection of drabbles/ficlets, aye even vignettes regarding Elendil's
wife. Sure, she might have the feel of an original character, but she
did exist. Pandemonium created such a rich background of her: ranging
from a young girl raised by a holy tradition, but perhaps even more
secret (and yet not) than those of the Faithful. More ancient at the
very least and to me it fits quite snugly in the professor's
mythology. Ah yes, maybe I am a heretic at heart. That is just not
only it; the writer does such a fabulous job at portraying their
intimate relationship and deep love! Sensual, warming and oh so
believable, tangible as you read it and it feels so close to the
cycles of nature which this character just emanates. He completes her,
making her whole in a way. The writer touches upon canon especially
that of Erendis is so well done in this series. Canon characters come
and go, some are being born into the story, and others star just so
shortly, but leave a huge impression on her and the reader.

And that is honestly what it does to you as a reader, Pandemonium's
language is rich, detailed and subtle as she plays in Tolkien's
sandbox while she weaves such a stunning portrait of Elendil's wife
whom I've grown to love so much.


Title: Broken Star · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 54
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-11-30 19:31:19 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Chilling! A terrifying gapfiller, with a intense glimpse at
Celebrimbor's last moments. And from a very unique perspective as
well. I like the warring feelings in the narrator. Very well done!

Title: Parth Galen · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 705
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-30 19:31:22 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This is the kind of hopeful Alternate Universe that I enjoy reading
once in a while. What I like best about this one is how Boromir
remembers things that Imrahil and Andrahar said in other stories, and
takes them to heart at the critical moment. It is telling that the one
thing that he absolutely refuses to do, is anything that would make
Andrahar ashamed of him. That is the kind of love that makes you better.

Well done!

Title: Dragons In The Trollshaws · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 170
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 19:32:44 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Right, where to start? This was an immensely satisfying story on
several levels. I loved the interaction between the twins, so many
little throw away comments that were exactly right for siblings, and
their personal honestly with one another. Really loved the thought of
them hearing the story of the little dragon who grew up to be (no
doubt) the Best Friend of some young elf – put me in mind of telling
bedtime stories to my own young ones back when they were very young.

The difficulties of coming to term with their mother's departure and
how being at home made things harder was handled really well and
resonated for me. When Elrohir declared enough was enough I felt like
cheering. Pain, sorrow, guilt at what happened to their mother was
expected and acceptable, but this never gets maudlin, these two are
intelligent, well-raised and really feel like the sons of Elrond,
grandsons of the lord and lady of the Golden Wood, not the brattish
misfits too many writers resort to portraying. Then of course there
was the friendship between Elrond and Glorfindel, which is something I
always love reading about. And on top of it all, there were dragons!!

The dragon fight was one of the best things I've read in a while,
really well done, and the whole atmosphere was compelling and alive –
I felt like I could see and hear them. Felt the quiet into which the
smaller dragon crept after the fight was over, shared the twins'
revulsion as it started to feed…. Loved the hunt, was fascinated by
the idea of using `dragon spare parts' to forge appropriate weapons,
that was a really brilliant touch. The entire action thread of the
story in fact had me enthralled and really believing right from the
start. And [`I think that should do,' he said with satisfaction.] fits
perfectly into my personal picture of Glorfindel. Loved Elrond telling
him off, and giggled to discover what had happened to his hair. I also
really enjoyed his relationship with the twins.

Really great story!