Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Not One of Us · Author: StarLight9 · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Elves and Men · ID: 542
Reviewer: Sivan Shemesh · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Wonderful moral to Eldarion, and I'm glad that the king told him the
story, or rather his story.

Your story is a masterpiece, and i love the way it was written, thank
you for writing it.

Title: Bad Idea · Author: StarLight9 · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 610
Reviewer: Sivan Shemesh · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I love the way you created your story, and i love how you hold
Thranduil and Gloin away from their sons, so they could act.

Gimli and Gloin certainly made the elf figuring that it was a bad
idea, and what a masterpiece you brought abd capture well.



Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Jules14 · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I'd call this drabble short, but very sexy. The idea of Boromir
bathing naked is quite appealing to begin with, but I also liked how
you made your description sensual without any graphic sexual content.

Title: An Afternoon Incognito · Author: Alexajohnson · · ID: 598
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
A very nice idea. I liked your capitalization of "The Pile", which
added an even more ominous air to it.

Title: In This Far Land · Author: Encaitariel · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 191
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This is a very original filler story about the origins of Gildor, who
said in FotR that he was of the House of Finrod.

I like the theory that the author has created to explain why Gildor
says he is of the House of Finrod and why he is called himself
Inglorion, in the book. The interactions he, Gildor, has with the
Laiquendi is very exciting to read. Gildor is very curious about them.

Another thing I really liked about this story was that it had examples
to show how devoted Gildor would become to his foster-father.

Title: A Darkness Lies behind Us · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 190
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
This story goes into the lives of certain Reborn, those who had died
and later were released from Mandos. A subplot could be the
relationships that Finrod has with others, like his parents and Amarie.

The way Bodkin has portrayed the relationship between Finrod and his
father is perfect. Finarfin is very kind and understanding towards his
son. The interactions between Finrod and Amarie is very well done.
They both realize that they both need time to think about how their
relationship is going to be and the feelings of the other after an age
of seperation.

Something else I really enjoyed about this fic was that it made the
royal families of Tirion and Alqualonde more vulnerable and realistic.
They suffered pain too. Just like the common people.

This story, to me, is a must read for any fan of the House of Finarfin.

Title: The Work of Small Hands · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Longer Works · ID: 352
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
This story makes Earwen, and elven women who stayed behind, just
shine. She has to solve numerous problems, since the men are gone and
her sisters-in-law are consumed in their own problems. What I really
like is that Earwen is very persistent and feels that she has to help
the remnants of the Noldor, though their kin had committed the
Kinslaying at Alqualonde, the home of her own kin.

The author has created a believable character, though she happens to
be pretty and smart, from one of the numerous Elven Princesses created
by Tolkien. It's quite difficult to not create a Mary Sue, but Dawn
Felagund has done it beautifully with Earwen.





Title: NIGHT and FOREST: A Glimpse of Beauty · Author: Fiondil ·
Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 554
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Fiondil has done an amazing job in going into depth with Beren's time
in Dungortheb, the land where the powers of Sauron and Melian met. The
descriptions and examples of what he, Beren, might have experienced
makes his arrival into Doriath seem like a miracle and the best thing
that has happened to him in a long time. It also shows the reader how
much it probably meant to Beren when he met, saw, and fell in love
with Luthien, whom he called Tinuviel, and when he later found out
that she, the fairest of Elven maids, loved him back.

Title: Full Brothers in Blood · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor · ID: 212
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
This story was very enjoyable and funny to read. It shows the
differences between Findekano and Turukano as children and why their
relationship was how it was later in Beleriand. Turukano is such a joy
to read in here. He is the younger brother who both idolizes and
envies his elder brother, Findekano. The bantering between the Family
of Nolofinwe, Finwe and Indis, and Nelyafinwe and Tyelkormo is very
humorous and witty. Oshun, here, has done an amazing job in creating
different personalities for numerous characters in about 4,000 words.

Title: Seeking the Sun · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men · ID: 488
Reviewer: Amarok · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
Spoilers!
This is a very touching story. For once I like it that a common woman,
with the special problems a woman in her position most likely had to
face, is portrayed. I truly feel for her. Oh, and I love first person POV.

Another topic that touched me is the theme of Aragorn as king. This
story connects to the duty a king has to his people. Not only to
people in general, or to the loved ones, but also on an individual
basis with strangers. Of course king and queen can not look after
everyone personally, but if the people do not come and speak about
their troubles, they have no way of knowing of it all. I like how that
theme was inverwoven in this story.

The underlying prejudges (against a Northener as king and an elf as
queen, and their interracial marriage) also add tension to this story
in a nice way (for the reader, that is :-) ).

As for the characters: of course I love Aragorn - or rather king
Elessar - here. His personality, stern as a king must be, but also
caring, comes over nicely. He cares for Niniel, but he also keeps the
appropriate distance.

Arwen also is presented in a nice and believable way here. I love that
she can sense the unborn child, and so is able to give Niniel back her
hope.

Niniel seems like a character worth exploring further. How will her
future look like, alone with a child? Will she get a job as
seamstress? Will she meet Aragorn and Arwen again? There is room for
sequels… :-).


Title: Legolas' Seat · Author: erobey · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 671
Reviewer: Sivan Shemesh · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I always love this story, very funny, and moved, love the way that you
wrote the hobbits, and yet my loving pairing. Though i pity Legolas,
*Glorfindel, stay away from Legolas... take Elrohir with you, he done
nothing*

Great writing like always.

*Hugs*

Title: The Myth of the One Ring's Power · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 532
Reviewer: Lily · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
This is a fascinating essay on how much power the One Ring really had.
Her essay offers a deeper insight into Tolkien's various mentions of
the Ring and for a time it has the reader doubt whether It actually
had some power at all or if the professor, although he mentioned it
many times, might actually have forgotten to show the Ring's
influence. But Dreamflower then carefully guides the reader through
the various times when the Ring shows its power though not usually in
an obvious way and with different approaches based on the character It
tries to tempt.

Her essay answers all the questions concerning the Ring I have ever
wondered about in a plausible way, and the Ring's subliminal influence
on those around it - which Dreamflower marvellously describes - to me
makes it even more evil.

Title: Not Yet · Author: erobey · Genres: Romance: Elven Lands · ID: 712
Reviewer: Sivan Shemesh · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Another fav of mine, and yet there is another appearance of
Glorfindel, which i love the way you write Glorfindel and Legolas.
Great story that i enjoyed to read and to re-read it.

Keep up the great work that you are doing with your fic, and all the
other fics that you occupy with.

Title: Like Roses over a Fence · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 110
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
This story delves into the thoughts of the wives of Finwe, Feanaro and
Nolofinwe after the Kinslaying and the Rebellion.

Indis is a very insightful character in here. She is such a sad
character however to read in this story. Ellie has done an amazing job
in showing Indis's sorrow over all that has befallen Finwe's House.

I really like how Nerdanel is portrayed. She is too often portrayed as
a fierce woman by writers. No, in this story, Nerdanel makes you think
she is a very gentle, but sad woman. Some of her comments and
statements in the story show that she is aptly named "the wise."

The character of Anaire was a joy to see since not many writers
include her in their stories. Overall, this was a very nice story. It
made me realize that the wives of Finwe's House didn't have to always
dislike each other in fandom, just because they are often written that
way and because Nolofinwe and Feanaro didn't get along in the books.

Title: Not Speak or Whisper · Author: PeppyPower · · ID: 326
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This story is beautiful. I wasn't absolutely sure who the characters
were until the last and I think that was a nice touch. I'm not
normally a fan of Bilbo stories, but I really like him in this! Great job!

Title: The Valor of the Beardless · Author: Rubynye · · ID: 638
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I don't use the word "sweet" very often, but you've put it to such
good use in this drabble that I have no hesitation whatsoever to take
advantage of it as well. The opening imagery is marvelous: you've shot
us right into the middle of the scene, standing right over Eomer's
shoulder as he surreptitiously gazes at his fellow guest. You say that
you aren't good at Rohirrim, but the young king you portray here *is*
a new kind of Rohir, one who's seen the stuff of legend spring forth
from the grass, and ancient prophecies come true. All his past
expectations have been turned topsy-turvey, so it is fitting that one
of his first revelations is to recognize [the valor of the beardless],
and accept that nothing is going to be the same as it was. A very
meaty drabble for all its sweetness, simplicity and charm!

Title: Portrait of a Queen · Author: Aruthir · Races: Men · ID: 338
Reviewer: Jules14 · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
An excellent oneshot. You have perfectly captured the frustration,
determination, and rage of a strong women trying to gain recognition
in a patriarchal culture. However, I don't clearly understand why the
portrait of Ancalime was hidden and why her name was stricken from the
records; after all, by this time, women could take the scepter of
Numenor. Also, was the background information on Tar-Telperien and the
portrait gotten from one of Tolkien's books? If so, which one, as I'd
like to read it.

Title: An Ordinary Woman · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age
and Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 32
Reviewer: Jules14 · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
I liked that you didn't revise the story after you realized how old
Luthien must have been. Even knowing that she was born in the Years of
the Trees, I always felt, after reading "Of Beren and Luthien", that
she was relatively young for an elf. Perhaps it was because of her
sheltered life and because of her apparent impetuousness. In any case,
you portrayed Luthien with a wisdom and friendliness in this story
that I've never read about before, and I enjoyed it.

Title: Pippin-Frog For A Day · Author: Neilia · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 115
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is such a funny and inventive story! I love Merry in this and his
reactions to everything are just so well done. The humor that ensues
from the strange situation is so much fun and the author really gets
the characters down. I can't wait for more of this one.

Title: Of Cake and Crumbs and Distant Dreams · Author: Lindelea ·
Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 688
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
I adore Frodo in this tale. The author has captured Frodo's caring
nature and his concern for his younger cousin very well. I also like
the fact that although this story is post quest Frodo is not yet too
ill or too sad to be the stronger older cousin. The story is a gentle
healing one and the style is very hobbity. This author always writes a
very entertaining tale and her characterizations of the canon
characters are quite lovely. Frodo's use a a familiar activity as a
way to ease Pippin's mind and help him to relax works very well. This
is also very hobbity in that Frodo's remedy for what is ailing Pippin
involves food and story-telling both of which are very much a part of
a hobbit's life. Frodo manages to give Pippin a little bit of the
Shire in Gondor and at the same time you get the feeling that Frodo
benefits nearly as much as Pippin does. A wonderful story by a very
talented writer.

Title: Eucatastrophe: The Return · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 617
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Let me just say that I love this story. This is an excellent AU and it
allows the reader to enjoy a post Quest timeline that has Frodo well
and healthy and living in the Shire among his family and friends. I
really enjoyed this tale and all of the little details that the author
put into it. She does hobbits very well. This tale has adventure,
romance, and humor all rolled into one so whatever your pleasure if
you enjoy a good AU then you are sure to find something in this that
you like. The inclusion of a healthy Frodo for events in the Shire
gives this what-if a very lovely feel.

Title: The Quest for the Hairless Cat · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 524
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
I am a very big fan of humor in Lord of the Rings fiction and in my
opinion there are very few authors writing that can give their readers
the kind of laughs that Gamgeefest can. Her hobbits do the most
entertaining things! I think of this author as a master of writing Sam
Gamgee but in this tale it is her take on Pippin and Merry that have
the reader laughing. There are also some excellent moments involving
Saradoc Brandybuck in this one and he is one of my favorite
characters. This story moves from the hobbits childhood to a rather
interesting discover in Minas Tirith after the quest. One element ties
everything together nicely. This story is inventive, humorous, and
very in character for all of the hobbits involved. This author never
fails to make me laugh with her wonderful stories and this particular
tale has become one of my favorites. I have read it several times and
enjoyed it every time. I think that is a very strong indication of a
good fiction. If you can read it again, even knowing the outcome and
still be entertained then the author has done a great job. This is
such a story for me and I think that others will find this to be true
also. Give this one a read because if you like hobbits and humor then
this story is a must!

Title: Return of the King · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 355
Reviewer: Alquawende · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
There are not many stories written about the period in Gondor known as
the kin-strife. I've always been curious about that time and had never
found any stories about it or anything for that matter, so when I saw
this drabble, I just had to read it, even if it was too short. ;) I
love how Imhiriel illustrates the feelings of Eldacar, Gondor's King,
whose throne was taken by his kinsman Castamir and Castamir's allies.
The idea that he, Eldacar, felt betrayed by his people, is a very
plausible one and is a good reason, for him not to return to his
kindom, but it is good that he did. Very nice story about the period
of the Kin-strife Imhiriel!

Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
The final lines give a chilling sense of real fear to Frodo's
ruminations. His sensation of lose, and the knowledge that only he
really knows how that feels is well conveyed.

Title: A Great Evil Unmade · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 267
Reviewer: Jules14 · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Very interesting. I can see how Boromir, next to Sam, would be the
perfect one to take up the Ring if Frodo failed, as he knows what it's
like. Boromir is also my favorite character, so I always enjoy reading
stories in which he survives. Yet I would have liked to read about him
dropping the Ring into Mount Doom and what happened to him after. I
don't know if you plan to write a second part or not, but I liked the
first part.