Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
| 2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
| 2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
| 2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
| 2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
| 2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
| 2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| 2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Msg# 9621
MEFA Reviews for Monday, December 1, 2008 (Morning Set, Part Four) Posted by annmarwalk December 01, 2008 - 4:05:21 Topic ID# 9621Title: And Then There Was Cake, or Begetting Day Horrors · Author:
Klose · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 540
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 21:35:52 Score: 4
Oh my goodness, poor Maedhros and to be born in such a family. I can
see him explaining to an outsider why he would seek out utter
loneliness after experiencing this year after year, being piled on out
of affection by his brothers. I loved the humorous descriptions of his
family members and who would have thought that the often portrayed as
being taciturn Turgon would do such a thing. This is a wonderfully
written ficlet, good for a dozen volleys of laughter.
Title: The Consuming Darkness · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama ·
ID: 467
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-11-30 21:35:57 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A tragic tale of loss that could fit any age, any mother, any one who
had to part with those beloved. Powerfully written esp. the parting
itself. Thank God for the Faithful!
Title: Call of the Wild · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance:
Drabbles · ID: 94
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:38:22 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Thengel is a character who deserves more fic than he gets, and it's
nice to see him through the eyes of the woman who will be his wife.
Morwen knows what she wants and apparently isn't afraid to plan on
getting him!
Title: Destiny · Author: Cinzia · Races: Men · ID: 592
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 21:38:27 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I've never read this author before, but most must definitely find more
of these works.
What a glorious moment - and I love the foreshadowing - I really hope
there is a sequel written to this somewhere.
The clandestine moment and the peaking.... my goodness.
Very well written - I can't wait to find more!
Title: The Stolen Child · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men · ID: 197
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2008-11-30 21:40:10 Score: 9
Spoilers!
The author - skilled and very "at home" in both Tolkien's universe and
her own - tackles one of the most sensitive and difficult issues a
married couple would have to deal with - the untimely loss of an
unborn child. I have seen tales like these - in original and in
fanfiction - where this idea goes terribly wrong, and where the result
is unbearably cheesy. sentimental and - what is worse - unbelievable.
But in this case the whole thing rings heartbreakingly true - no
dramatic scenes, no endless wailing or silly dialogues where every
word is too much to describe such a terrible grief. Surgicalsteel uses
the skill of her writing with great care and caution here... and what
we get so see, is the silent sorrow of two people who dearly love each
other and must now learn to bear the sudden void in their life. They
also have to learn how to grieve together... and this has nothing to
do with fiction, it is the simple truth. This is one of the reasons
why hundreds of readers love those two so much. This is what a true
marriage should be, and Halbarad and Serinde have become the role
model for many, many people... even (sometimes) for me. *smiles*
Title: Concerning Walls · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 112
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-11-30 21:41:16 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Frodo is sadly right that his efforts and terrible sacrifices would
not be understood or appreciated by those in his beloved Shire, but
still they were by many who knew the truth and it is right for him to
think it was all worth it if those he loves are kept innocent because
of what he did. But the poor dear, to think he was worthless now, not
wanting to 'inflict' himself on someone. I would hug him if I thought
he would accept it.
Title: A Moment Away · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 474
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:41:35 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I've never seen this possibility explored - how fortunate for Eowyn,
that she has such a strong grandmother there to catch her and stop the
fall that nearly killed Faramir. Morwen's otherworldly, yet utterly
homey, final line rounds out the drabble perfectly.
Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:43:22 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I like the otherworldly perspective - I can see Arwen below in my
mind's eye, and I love the way Aragorn's memory soaks the distance
between them until she can join him and they can cut the tie to
Middle-earth together.
Title: Risk Assessment · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Elves · ID: 665
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 21:43:36 Score: 5
This fabulous cast of original characters is so well written as
Pandemonium explores the making of Lembas which can be approached from
both the mystic and scientific angle. I cannot help to feel a bit
sorry for Midhel since she already feels a bit of an outsider, to be
drawn in a discussion so 'technically'. But ah well, once the
scientist are on a roll.... she takes it all very graciously, knowing
that soon she will be initiated and serve amongst those who carry on a
long lasting tradition (of which I hope the author will one day
write!). I love the dialogue and the explorations in this piece which
brings out the tensions amongst the several groups living in Eregion
as well.
Title: FAULT: The Doctor Is In · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 545
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 21:44:52 Score: 6
Spoilers!
The warmth of morning – read
Okay, I was giggling almost from the beginning, and I started laughing
out loud at ["Go ahead. Make our millennium."] and haven't stopped
yet. This is an absolute gem! Typical sibling interchange, felt a bit
sorry for Maedhros really, not his fault he doesn't have a right hand
any more, and oh, the poor twins. Not nice to be accused of destroying
the physical side of your parents' marriage. Not nice to even be
reminded that there WAS a physical side to your parents' marriage. I
suspect the dear doctor knows he's onto a good thing here. Why would
he want to move along to wherever it is he's meant to be going? And
the new subject for analysis that he's just chanced upon could keep
him busy for centuries.
And, having watched all sorts of strange attempts to clarify who's who
to readers who may not be familiar with the Quenya forms of first age
names, I had to laugh some more at the use of both.
Title: Expert Treasure Hunter · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 447
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:47:24 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Great insight into a dragon's mind and taste - literally! Smaug the
treasure-gourmand works out just beautifully. He knows his valuable
goods, and savors each one with a well-attuned sensibility.
This Smaug I could see turning up his nose over more 'rustic' fare -
leaving it be not out of any mercy or satiation, but because not every
hoard is up to his exacting standards of taste.
Title: Shadow King · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 227
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 21:48:24 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Chilling to the bone, Claudia retells the crowning of the King of
Gondor as it might have been, had things gone otherwise during the
quest. She skillfully narrates the story from the viewpoint of Frodo,
and while it might have been easy to neglect a buildup of atmosphere
and suspense in telling the story from a character's PoV, she does so
masterfully. The prospect here, of Aragorn claiming the One Ring, is
as black as the sky above Minas Tirith, and the images she draws up
are more terrifying than the journey of Frodo and Sam through Mordor:
Aragorn fallen from grace, but retaining enough of his power and
nobility to heal willingly, promise and bring peace (a version of it),
and establish himself as King - and punish cruelly for any diverging
thought or attempt to regain the Ring. At all times the reader can
trace the Aragorn they know and love from the books or the movies, and
in the story finds all of his admirable qualities, but shaken and
twisted by Sauron's Ring.
The Hobbit's voice also rings (please pardon the pun) true, and shows
a hint of that apparently unconquerable optimism that in the source
material drove him to complete the quest: If they all must fall, then
at least Rivendell will fall last and Bilbo may be spared - for a while.
It is easy to believe, like it has been said in the story, that this
is really the end of the world- the only hope, perhaps, the return of
Gandalf. I would very much like to see a continuiation of this, that
could perhaps turn it to a good end still. But even so, I recommend
this story highly if you like darkfic. Well done.
Title: Loss · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2008-11-30 21:51:53 Score: 7
Spoilers!
It is both strange and fascinating to read the same tale in both
timelines; for Surgicalsteel (who stays scrupulously true to canon in
the oríginal version of "The KIng's Surgeon") wrote another one where
(as she told her greedy readers) "almost everyone should get a happy
ending".
But even if she skillfully steers around some canon deaths, she
doesn't avoid all of them... and so Serinde's and Halbarad's third
child is born too early in the "Happy Timeline", too. The grief is as
great as it is in "The Stolen Child",but at least Serinde doesn't have
to cope with two dire losses at the same time. I generally don't like
"Happy AU's" (not even my own), but this one is the great ecxeption.
Readers with a heart for strong and believable OFC's (and who are able
to value exact medical descriptions instead of the usual foggy
pseudo-treatment you get to see in many fanfics) should by all means
try BOTH time lines.
Title: Wedding Nerves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor · ID: 48
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 21:54:57 Score: 4
Spoilers!
It is so funny when one reads of the three brothers of Imladris! Even
when they are taken out of their 'home,' they still carry the
remembrance of the Last Homely House with them.
As I read this, I had to shake my head for a moment and remember that
Aragorn was in Minas Tirith - the smell, the feel, the sensations -
all belonged to Imladris.
Great piece of writing of the brothers come to help.... and of the
love between them!
Title: Footsteps in Time · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 76
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 22:07:14 Score: 10
Spoilers!
[Footsteps in Time] is that kind of gapfiller you always knew it was
written by someone regarding the time Galadriel spent in Beleriand
after her last canonical mention of her stay in Doriath. I love
Keiliss take on this all, knowing the small puzzles and clues Tolkien
left himself, she did a masterful job in writing such a fabulous
background story regarding Galadriel and Celeborn. I can see and
understand how their love could last so long through all and why they
would only turn their minds of begetting a child somewhere in the
Second Age, especially given the turbulence of the First Age and how
much this takes out of Galadriel herself. It feels to me that Melian
awoke a latent skill in Galadriel and that it will take a long time
before she learns to master it in full, followed with intense assaults
on her mind as she lives through the deaths of those close to her,
Finrod specifically. I love how the story ends with her meeting the
young Gil-galad with so much love and yes hope for what is to come.
What a wonderful story, heartbreaking and it just reads so smoothly as
I turned one page after another, wanting to know where their journey
would take them. A special notion should be given to Keiliss narrative
skills and how she portrays scenes and situations with such a magical
touch, filled with grace.
Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 22:07:19 Score: 8
Spoilers!
Poor Sam! Thundera Tiger has taken great pains to show us in the past
that words matter - niggling little details of wording can cause huge
logical crises and bring stalwart companions nearly to blows. I am
sure that Tolkien, with his love for languages and the ways in which
they allow reality to appear in different ways, would approve of this
attention to verbal detail.
However, while Tolkien was apparently haunted by some creative force
that wouldn't let him *not* change Sindarin a million times, I dare
say he was never had it quite so bad as Sam. One proofreader can be a
blessing and a taskmaster; two can break most ordinary people if
they're really detailed. Up to eight proofreaders, each of whom is
heavily and personally invested in the final product and often times
personally invested in minimizing, countering, or eliminating the
redactions of other proofreaders, would be enough to drive someone
straight to Valinor just to escape them. One wonders, in light of this
story, if in fact that's not the real tale that neither Sam nor Frodo
decided to record.
Thanks for the laugh, Thundera!
Title: Wild Swan · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 328
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2008-11-30 22:09:48 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A very nice drabble [part of a series] about one of my favorite
Gondorians, Imrahil. I can just feel the horror he feels for Denethor
as they discuss the upcoming wedding of Denethor and Findulas. You've
really captured Imrahil the way that I see him.
Nicely done!
Title: Second Best · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 384
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 22:10:25 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This was a real surprise, and yet, not quite so surprising.
Needless to say, the author seems to be speaking of Faramir, youngest
and least-respected son of Denethor - and yet, the ending is very
different from what is expected.
As a writer of Denethor, I have felt seriously that these two men are
closer in 'likeness' than is suspected. That Denethor would be treated
the same way by Ecthelion as he treated Faramir is not too surprising.
Do we not learn from our elders?
Very nice telling and in so few words!
Title: Duty, Honour, Country · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 81
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-11-30 22:11:58 Score: 5
Spoilers!
The stirring words of General MacArthur have inspired this excellent
Maglor drabble tryptych. Rhapsody brings out how the inspiration of
duty has trapped Maglor between a moral rock-and-hard-place, yet
provided him with a certain comfort, as does the adherence to the
concept of honor. Maglor walked a very fine line, morally, in the
Silmarillion; and this piece brings out the lines he has crossed
unwillingly and the lines he still strives to maintain.
Fascinating translation of a 20th century warrior's creed into the
mind of a conflicted son of Feanor!
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 22:13:31 Score: 4
What a brilliantly written short story based on a brief scene in
[Return of the King]. Raksha writes this scene solely from Faramir's
perspective with all its emotions and despair being washed away by the
eagle's song. Where Tolkien just merely tells, Raksha fills the
reader's senses and mind with a perfect showcase of showing what is
happening around Faramir, a feat she is so immensely good at. A new
age is dawning, you can just sense it through her words!
Title: A Fair Trial · Author: Maeve Riannon · Genres: Humor: Valar &
Maiar · ID: 403
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 22:16:15 Score: 7
Spoilers!
Oh lordie, where do I start? I did sometimes rather wonder why Sauron
decided not to take his chances on the compassion of the Valar at the
end of the First Age, and equally I wondered whatever had become of
Melian - and here we have the answers. The scary thing is, it makes so
much sense! The Valar weren't annoyed at them because of their
so-called dubious actions over on this side of the ocean, it was all
about what it is always all about - money. Tax havens, unpaid checks.
Oh yes, all is now clear. And I'll bet anything that Curumo wasn't the
only available defense counsel, but rather that he was the cheapest.
What? Just saying.
I thought Sauron's extremely logical explanation for Finrod's quite
understandable demise made perfect sense, and that really he should
have just asked to defend himself. Failing which, leaving with a hot
chick - um, nightingale - seemed a sensible decision. Wonder how that
worked out?
Title: Fatherhood · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 547
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2008-11-30 22:18:19 Score: 2
Spoilers!
What a wonderful drabble with such a pleasant surprise ending to it!
Imrahil is a favorite and I can just imagine him thinking such things
about his only daughter. Very nicely done.
Title: Flickers · Author: Meril · Times: Multi-Age: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 390
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 22:19:44 Score: 9
Spoilers!
Like [Five Things that Never Happened to Nerdanel], [Flickers] has
been one of my favourite stories featuring Feanor and Nerdanel, and
one of the most influential to my view of this particular pairing.
Meril has collected a series of short fictions that sharply outline
the relationship of Feanor and Nerdanel from the beginning to the end,
showing them in different stages of their development, and even
manages to establish a sense of consecutive development that extends
beyond the temporal and emotional levels: Sometimes single recurring
words or phrases serve as trigger to recall an earlier drabble and
string them together so as to make the reader notice more
similarities. This is especially powerfully done in [Gatherers] and
[Gatherers II].
And still, this effect doesn't lessen the impact of each drabble on
its own. They all brim with gorgeous writing, sharp characterization
and deep insight into the nature of Feanor's and Nerdanel's
relationship, and never fail to evoke a range of emotions in the
reader. I sometimes wish the author had written more, if not for the
disruption of the lovely end point of a Hobbit in Tirion hearing the
stories we have just been told, and so returning to the beginng.
Title: Eight Weeks · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 273
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 22:24:52 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I will admit that I always seek out Dwim's Halbarad stories when I
can, but this drabble series sounded so intriguing that I had to read
it. And what a treat it was! I could not help to chuckle at the first
drabble, but as I proceeded onwards to the remaining seven, it just
got worse... containing my laughter and keeping it down as best as I
could. How can you manage to keep a reader so entertained with such a
fabulous plotbunny... which is just.. Boromir's beard? Well she can!
This bit was the icing on the cake for me:
["Granted, but brother," Faramir persisted, "if we accept the Dwarves'
account of the meaning of the beard, I worry that even should we see
you wed, we'd see no heirs forthcoming!"
Boromir glowered. Finally: "Look, Cirdan has a beard..."]
I am not certain if that was the best argument he could brought on the
table at that moment. Wonderfully written Dwim, needless to say how
much I loved it ;)
Title: The Houseless · Author: Jael · Genres: Horror · ID: 178
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 22:26:09 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Sad and sweet. At least this particular ghost, though a kind of
traveling hitchhiker, did not end up being the sort to invade and destroy.
I love the atmosphere of the story. Jael seamlessly works in Halloween
customs - we recognize them, but we don't find them jarringly out of
place. The uneasy forest and Legolas's concerned horse build tension,
and make us wonder just what is going to transpire. At the same time,
Jael holds the line against having Legolas be uneasy in the presence
of ghosts - as we saw on the Paths of the Dead, they don't trouble him.
Klose · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 540
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 21:35:52 Score: 4
Oh my goodness, poor Maedhros and to be born in such a family. I can
see him explaining to an outsider why he would seek out utter
loneliness after experiencing this year after year, being piled on out
of affection by his brothers. I loved the humorous descriptions of his
family members and who would have thought that the often portrayed as
being taciturn Turgon would do such a thing. This is a wonderfully
written ficlet, good for a dozen volleys of laughter.
Title: The Consuming Darkness · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama ·
ID: 467
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-11-30 21:35:57 Score: 2
Spoilers!
A tragic tale of loss that could fit any age, any mother, any one who
had to part with those beloved. Powerfully written esp. the parting
itself. Thank God for the Faithful!
Title: Call of the Wild · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance:
Drabbles · ID: 94
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:38:22 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Thengel is a character who deserves more fic than he gets, and it's
nice to see him through the eyes of the woman who will be his wife.
Morwen knows what she wants and apparently isn't afraid to plan on
getting him!
Title: Destiny · Author: Cinzia · Races: Men · ID: 592
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 21:38:27 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I've never read this author before, but most must definitely find more
of these works.
What a glorious moment - and I love the foreshadowing - I really hope
there is a sequel written to this somewhere.
The clandestine moment and the peaking.... my goodness.
Very well written - I can't wait to find more!
Title: The Stolen Child · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men · ID: 197
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2008-11-30 21:40:10 Score: 9
Spoilers!
The author - skilled and very "at home" in both Tolkien's universe and
her own - tackles one of the most sensitive and difficult issues a
married couple would have to deal with - the untimely loss of an
unborn child. I have seen tales like these - in original and in
fanfiction - where this idea goes terribly wrong, and where the result
is unbearably cheesy. sentimental and - what is worse - unbelievable.
But in this case the whole thing rings heartbreakingly true - no
dramatic scenes, no endless wailing or silly dialogues where every
word is too much to describe such a terrible grief. Surgicalsteel uses
the skill of her writing with great care and caution here... and what
we get so see, is the silent sorrow of two people who dearly love each
other and must now learn to bear the sudden void in their life. They
also have to learn how to grieve together... and this has nothing to
do with fiction, it is the simple truth. This is one of the reasons
why hundreds of readers love those two so much. This is what a true
marriage should be, and Halbarad and Serinde have become the role
model for many, many people... even (sometimes) for me. *smiles*
Title: Concerning Walls · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 112
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-11-30 21:41:16 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Frodo is sadly right that his efforts and terrible sacrifices would
not be understood or appreciated by those in his beloved Shire, but
still they were by many who knew the truth and it is right for him to
think it was all worth it if those he loves are kept innocent because
of what he did. But the poor dear, to think he was worthless now, not
wanting to 'inflict' himself on someone. I would hug him if I thought
he would accept it.
Title: A Moment Away · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 474
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:41:35 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I've never seen this possibility explored - how fortunate for Eowyn,
that she has such a strong grandmother there to catch her and stop the
fall that nearly killed Faramir. Morwen's otherworldly, yet utterly
homey, final line rounds out the drabble perfectly.
Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:43:22 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I like the otherworldly perspective - I can see Arwen below in my
mind's eye, and I love the way Aragorn's memory soaks the distance
between them until she can join him and they can cut the tie to
Middle-earth together.
Title: Risk Assessment · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Elves · ID: 665
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 21:43:36 Score: 5
This fabulous cast of original characters is so well written as
Pandemonium explores the making of Lembas which can be approached from
both the mystic and scientific angle. I cannot help to feel a bit
sorry for Midhel since she already feels a bit of an outsider, to be
drawn in a discussion so 'technically'. But ah well, once the
scientist are on a roll.... she takes it all very graciously, knowing
that soon she will be initiated and serve amongst those who carry on a
long lasting tradition (of which I hope the author will one day
write!). I love the dialogue and the explorations in this piece which
brings out the tensions amongst the several groups living in Eregion
as well.
Title: FAULT: The Doctor Is In · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 545
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 21:44:52 Score: 6
Spoilers!
The warmth of morning – read
Okay, I was giggling almost from the beginning, and I started laughing
out loud at ["Go ahead. Make our millennium."] and haven't stopped
yet. This is an absolute gem! Typical sibling interchange, felt a bit
sorry for Maedhros really, not his fault he doesn't have a right hand
any more, and oh, the poor twins. Not nice to be accused of destroying
the physical side of your parents' marriage. Not nice to even be
reminded that there WAS a physical side to your parents' marriage. I
suspect the dear doctor knows he's onto a good thing here. Why would
he want to move along to wherever it is he's meant to be going? And
the new subject for analysis that he's just chanced upon could keep
him busy for centuries.
And, having watched all sorts of strange attempts to clarify who's who
to readers who may not be familiar with the Quenya forms of first age
names, I had to laugh some more at the use of both.
Title: Expert Treasure Hunter · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 447
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 21:47:24 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Great insight into a dragon's mind and taste - literally! Smaug the
treasure-gourmand works out just beautifully. He knows his valuable
goods, and savors each one with a well-attuned sensibility.
This Smaug I could see turning up his nose over more 'rustic' fare -
leaving it be not out of any mercy or satiation, but because not every
hoard is up to his exacting standards of taste.
Title: Shadow King · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 227
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 21:48:24 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Chilling to the bone, Claudia retells the crowning of the King of
Gondor as it might have been, had things gone otherwise during the
quest. She skillfully narrates the story from the viewpoint of Frodo,
and while it might have been easy to neglect a buildup of atmosphere
and suspense in telling the story from a character's PoV, she does so
masterfully. The prospect here, of Aragorn claiming the One Ring, is
as black as the sky above Minas Tirith, and the images she draws up
are more terrifying than the journey of Frodo and Sam through Mordor:
Aragorn fallen from grace, but retaining enough of his power and
nobility to heal willingly, promise and bring peace (a version of it),
and establish himself as King - and punish cruelly for any diverging
thought or attempt to regain the Ring. At all times the reader can
trace the Aragorn they know and love from the books or the movies, and
in the story finds all of his admirable qualities, but shaken and
twisted by Sauron's Ring.
The Hobbit's voice also rings (please pardon the pun) true, and shows
a hint of that apparently unconquerable optimism that in the source
material drove him to complete the quest: If they all must fall, then
at least Rivendell will fall last and Bilbo may be spared - for a while.
It is easy to believe, like it has been said in the story, that this
is really the end of the world- the only hope, perhaps, the return of
Gandalf. I would very much like to see a continuiation of this, that
could perhaps turn it to a good end still. But even so, I recommend
this story highly if you like darkfic. Well done.
Title: Loss · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2008-11-30 21:51:53 Score: 7
Spoilers!
It is both strange and fascinating to read the same tale in both
timelines; for Surgicalsteel (who stays scrupulously true to canon in
the oríginal version of "The KIng's Surgeon") wrote another one where
(as she told her greedy readers) "almost everyone should get a happy
ending".
But even if she skillfully steers around some canon deaths, she
doesn't avoid all of them... and so Serinde's and Halbarad's third
child is born too early in the "Happy Timeline", too. The grief is as
great as it is in "The Stolen Child",but at least Serinde doesn't have
to cope with two dire losses at the same time. I generally don't like
"Happy AU's" (not even my own), but this one is the great ecxeption.
Readers with a heart for strong and believable OFC's (and who are able
to value exact medical descriptions instead of the usual foggy
pseudo-treatment you get to see in many fanfics) should by all means
try BOTH time lines.
Title: Wedding Nerves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor · ID: 48
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 21:54:57 Score: 4
Spoilers!
It is so funny when one reads of the three brothers of Imladris! Even
when they are taken out of their 'home,' they still carry the
remembrance of the Last Homely House with them.
As I read this, I had to shake my head for a moment and remember that
Aragorn was in Minas Tirith - the smell, the feel, the sensations -
all belonged to Imladris.
Great piece of writing of the brothers come to help.... and of the
love between them!
Title: Footsteps in Time · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 76
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 22:07:14 Score: 10
Spoilers!
[Footsteps in Time] is that kind of gapfiller you always knew it was
written by someone regarding the time Galadriel spent in Beleriand
after her last canonical mention of her stay in Doriath. I love
Keiliss take on this all, knowing the small puzzles and clues Tolkien
left himself, she did a masterful job in writing such a fabulous
background story regarding Galadriel and Celeborn. I can see and
understand how their love could last so long through all and why they
would only turn their minds of begetting a child somewhere in the
Second Age, especially given the turbulence of the First Age and how
much this takes out of Galadriel herself. It feels to me that Melian
awoke a latent skill in Galadriel and that it will take a long time
before she learns to master it in full, followed with intense assaults
on her mind as she lives through the deaths of those close to her,
Finrod specifically. I love how the story ends with her meeting the
young Gil-galad with so much love and yes hope for what is to come.
What a wonderful story, heartbreaking and it just reads so smoothly as
I turned one page after another, wanting to know where their journey
would take them. A special notion should be given to Keiliss narrative
skills and how she portrays scenes and situations with such a magical
touch, filled with grace.
Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 22:07:19 Score: 8
Spoilers!
Poor Sam! Thundera Tiger has taken great pains to show us in the past
that words matter - niggling little details of wording can cause huge
logical crises and bring stalwart companions nearly to blows. I am
sure that Tolkien, with his love for languages and the ways in which
they allow reality to appear in different ways, would approve of this
attention to verbal detail.
However, while Tolkien was apparently haunted by some creative force
that wouldn't let him *not* change Sindarin a million times, I dare
say he was never had it quite so bad as Sam. One proofreader can be a
blessing and a taskmaster; two can break most ordinary people if
they're really detailed. Up to eight proofreaders, each of whom is
heavily and personally invested in the final product and often times
personally invested in minimizing, countering, or eliminating the
redactions of other proofreaders, would be enough to drive someone
straight to Valinor just to escape them. One wonders, in light of this
story, if in fact that's not the real tale that neither Sam nor Frodo
decided to record.
Thanks for the laugh, Thundera!
Title: Wild Swan · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 328
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2008-11-30 22:09:48 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A very nice drabble [part of a series] about one of my favorite
Gondorians, Imrahil. I can just feel the horror he feels for Denethor
as they discuss the upcoming wedding of Denethor and Findulas. You've
really captured Imrahil the way that I see him.
Nicely done!
Title: Second Best · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 384
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2008-11-30 22:10:25 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This was a real surprise, and yet, not quite so surprising.
Needless to say, the author seems to be speaking of Faramir, youngest
and least-respected son of Denethor - and yet, the ending is very
different from what is expected.
As a writer of Denethor, I have felt seriously that these two men are
closer in 'likeness' than is suspected. That Denethor would be treated
the same way by Ecthelion as he treated Faramir is not too surprising.
Do we not learn from our elders?
Very nice telling and in so few words!
Title: Duty, Honour, Country · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 81
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-11-30 22:11:58 Score: 5
Spoilers!
The stirring words of General MacArthur have inspired this excellent
Maglor drabble tryptych. Rhapsody brings out how the inspiration of
duty has trapped Maglor between a moral rock-and-hard-place, yet
provided him with a certain comfort, as does the adherence to the
concept of honor. Maglor walked a very fine line, morally, in the
Silmarillion; and this piece brings out the lines he has crossed
unwillingly and the lines he still strives to maintain.
Fascinating translation of a 20th century warrior's creed into the
mind of a conflicted son of Feanor!
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 22:13:31 Score: 4
What a brilliantly written short story based on a brief scene in
[Return of the King]. Raksha writes this scene solely from Faramir's
perspective with all its emotions and despair being washed away by the
eagle's song. Where Tolkien just merely tells, Raksha fills the
reader's senses and mind with a perfect showcase of showing what is
happening around Faramir, a feat she is so immensely good at. A new
age is dawning, you can just sense it through her words!
Title: A Fair Trial · Author: Maeve Riannon · Genres: Humor: Valar &
Maiar · ID: 403
Reviewer: Keiliss · 2008-11-30 22:16:15 Score: 7
Spoilers!
Oh lordie, where do I start? I did sometimes rather wonder why Sauron
decided not to take his chances on the compassion of the Valar at the
end of the First Age, and equally I wondered whatever had become of
Melian - and here we have the answers. The scary thing is, it makes so
much sense! The Valar weren't annoyed at them because of their
so-called dubious actions over on this side of the ocean, it was all
about what it is always all about - money. Tax havens, unpaid checks.
Oh yes, all is now clear. And I'll bet anything that Curumo wasn't the
only available defense counsel, but rather that he was the cheapest.
What? Just saying.
I thought Sauron's extremely logical explanation for Finrod's quite
understandable demise made perfect sense, and that really he should
have just asked to defend himself. Failing which, leaving with a hot
chick - um, nightingale - seemed a sensible decision. Wonder how that
worked out?
Title: Fatherhood · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 547
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2008-11-30 22:18:19 Score: 2
Spoilers!
What a wonderful drabble with such a pleasant surprise ending to it!
Imrahil is a favorite and I can just imagine him thinking such things
about his only daughter. Very nicely done.
Title: Flickers · Author: Meril · Times: Multi-Age: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 390
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-11-30 22:19:44 Score: 9
Spoilers!
Like [Five Things that Never Happened to Nerdanel], [Flickers] has
been one of my favourite stories featuring Feanor and Nerdanel, and
one of the most influential to my view of this particular pairing.
Meril has collected a series of short fictions that sharply outline
the relationship of Feanor and Nerdanel from the beginning to the end,
showing them in different stages of their development, and even
manages to establish a sense of consecutive development that extends
beyond the temporal and emotional levels: Sometimes single recurring
words or phrases serve as trigger to recall an earlier drabble and
string them together so as to make the reader notice more
similarities. This is especially powerfully done in [Gatherers] and
[Gatherers II].
And still, this effect doesn't lessen the impact of each drabble on
its own. They all brim with gorgeous writing, sharp characterization
and deep insight into the nature of Feanor's and Nerdanel's
relationship, and never fail to evoke a range of emotions in the
reader. I sometimes wish the author had written more, if not for the
disruption of the lovely end point of a Hobbit in Tirion hearing the
stories we have just been told, and so returning to the beginng.
Title: Eight Weeks · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 273
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-30 22:24:52 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I will admit that I always seek out Dwim's Halbarad stories when I
can, but this drabble series sounded so intriguing that I had to read
it. And what a treat it was! I could not help to chuckle at the first
drabble, but as I proceeded onwards to the remaining seven, it just
got worse... containing my laughter and keeping it down as best as I
could. How can you manage to keep a reader so entertained with such a
fabulous plotbunny... which is just.. Boromir's beard? Well she can!
This bit was the icing on the cake for me:
["Granted, but brother," Faramir persisted, "if we accept the Dwarves'
account of the meaning of the beard, I worry that even should we see
you wed, we'd see no heirs forthcoming!"
Boromir glowered. Finally: "Look, Cirdan has a beard..."]
I am not certain if that was the best argument he could brought on the
table at that moment. Wonderfully written Dwim, needless to say how
much I loved it ;)
Title: The Houseless · Author: Jael · Genres: Horror · ID: 178
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-11-30 22:26:09 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Sad and sweet. At least this particular ghost, though a kind of
traveling hitchhiker, did not end up being the sort to invade and destroy.
I love the atmosphere of the story. Jael seamlessly works in Halloween
customs - we recognize them, but we don't find them jarringly out of
place. The uneasy forest and Legolas's concerned horse build tension,
and make us wonder just what is going to transpire. At the same time,
Jael holds the line against having Legolas be uneasy in the presence
of ghosts - as we saw on the Paths of the Dead, they don't trouble him.
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..