Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The King's Surgeon · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Longer
Works · ID: 90
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
An epic tale told from the POV of an original charater that manages to
avoid every pitfall

common to the mary Sue label. Extremely believeable, told with a style
and grace that draws

the reader in willingly. In Tolkien's world, Serindë would have fit in
with nary a ripple. Very

human, at a decided disadvantage in her beginnings, Serindë works hard
for everything she

achieves, and manages to give a refreshing new slant to canon
characters. Everyday lives, the

good, the bad, the terribly traumatic, as well as major canon events
are all explored within

this amazing story. As with all the truly great fanfiction writers,
this author manages to add

both depth and color top a familiar landscape. I absolutely enjoy
being surprised by a new

take on an old favorite, and Serindë does just that without drawing
attention to herself,

seamlessly woven into Tolkien's remarkable tapestry. This is one of
those tales that will stay

with you, simply because it is just so incredibly well told.

Title: National Treasure · Author: Baranduin · Times: Modern Times ·
ID: 201
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love to think the idea presented in this tale could actually happen,
and what a wonderful

thing it would be if it did. On the other hand, there is the sense of
needing to keep such a find

secret and safe, not having it intruded upon. Such a sacred place
would be sad beyond

measure were it relegated to the level of tourist destination. Lovely
tale, leaves the reader

wondering what happened next, but content with the idea of never
actually knowing. Drawn

in and completely captivated by this story? You bet. Gladly.

Title: The Ghost in the Garden · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves
· ID: 272
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
This tale moved me in so many ways. As an exploration of canon, it
portrays the fundamental differences faced by Galadriel and Celeborn,
while painting a rich and tragic portrait of the reality of their
surrounding circumstances. A startling and disturbing window into the
concept referred to as the long defeat, a reminder that immortality is
not necessarily the blessing we would like to believe. No happy
endings are implied; yet hope remains, even though it will be terribly
long in being fulfilled. Brings home the wish that time is not a
concept the fallen have to endure. Excellent story, exceedingly well told.

Title: For What I Wait · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 125
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Chillingly tragic, one wonders if this is what it will take to bring
Feanor to final repentance, or instead plunge him completely into
madness. Surely he has given up all hope for himself, though he still
clings with desperstion to the possibility the children he so wronged
will be forgiven.Couldn't pass this one by without comment, although
leaving a worthy review for such an emotional piece is totally beyond
my ability. Be assured, I will be thinking about the tale told here
for a long time to come.

Title: Bitter Sweet · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Steward's Family · ID: 536
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
The last sentence sums it all up. They are finally where they belong.
I like the symmetry of the piece.

Title: Fit for a King · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 217
Reviewer: Avon · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 1
A nice little friendship story with a cute twist.

Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: Avon · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
Such an unusual point of view - and I really loved the first line. For
one hundred words it managed to convey a remarkable amount of anger
and mourning.

Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Avon · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Oh my gosh, that's just wonderful! Reading stories like that makes me
wonder why I ever stoped reading LOTR fan fiction. It catches all that
is best about Lord of the Rings stories - the mysticism, the glory,
the ever underlying sadness, the sheer beauty of words and phrases and
the pictures that they make. Tolkien, who served in a war of blood and
darkness and who, like so many, probably found the world beyond that
war a strange place, would have found great truths in this story.
Beautifullu, beautifully written.

Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Anyone who has ever read any of the [King's Surgeon] timelines will
enjoy this portrait of a

very young Serindë first finding the love of her life (other than her
husband, of course). The

person she will become sparkles through a child's eyes as she comes to
terms with her injury,

and one can't help but fel as if her potential could have been wasted
had she ended up in less

caring hands. talagon's motives may not be entirely altruistic in the
beginning, but by the end

of this special interaction, the seeds are sown for enduring
friendship. Definitely not to be

missed.

Title: The Littlest Warrior · Author: RavensWing14337 · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 552
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
So many writers have tackled the possibilites presented in Aragorn as
a child, but this story

stands in a class all its own. A fresh perspective with an unusual
plot, little Estel is woven

within the story with smoothness and skill. Plot twists abound, all
making for a highly

enjoyable adventure starring not only Aragorn, but many of out
favorite characters as well.

Highly entertaining, visually rich, and totally captivating as the
inhabitants and visitors to

Imladris are in a race against time with an unseen enemy. I thoroughly
enjoyed the interactions

between such well-presented characters, but my favorite scene of all
involved a very unlikely

definition of music: [Taking his father's hand Estel skipped merrily
down the hallway singing

as he went; leading the way on a mission of comfort, blissfully
oblivious to the music in the

corridor. The sound of leather rubbing against leather, stretched to
its limit by the muscle

underneath. The gentle chink of metal stays as they pull, taut across
broad chests and

shoulders. The unmistakable sound of a metal scabbard as it rubbed
against the soft fabric of

someone's favorite suede leggings. The whisper- like sound hair makes,
as its ever-so-gently

disturbed by the motion of the body moving forward through the air.
The sound of confident

footsteps and the clip-clop sound of boots on flagstone floors. The
child skipped merrily on,

singing to the music made by eight of the fiercest warriors in all of
Arda.] It just doesn't get

any better than this.



Title: Parting Gifts · Author: Fiondil · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Post-Ring War · ID: 452
Reviewer: Beruthiel's Cat · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
Fiondils writing becomes addictive. One chapter of any story is all it
usually takes to pull the reader in, and this one is a shining example
of that ability. Legolas and Gimli are totally in character, and the
depth of their friendship through the years is never more apparent as
it comes to a close. Not a word is wasted as Gimli conveys his concern
for the friend he will leave behind, covered as is his usual wont in
his endearing gruffness.
He understands the sorrow his friend will face, having seen Legolas
endure so many partings, and does his best to ease that pain in
whatever way he can, another tribute to his own shining character,
even though Gimli doesn't see himself as being any more special than
anyone else. He is honestly surprised and touched by others' regard,
the shyness of his initial reaction to Galadriel is still very much
present.
A thoroughly satisfying tale, not only in its lovely treatment of an
inevitable ending, but also in its promise of new beginnings.

Title: Full Brothers in Blood · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor · ID: 212
Reviewer: viv · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 1
Your elves sweat. Hooray!

Title: The Work of Small Hands · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Longer Works · ID: 352
Reviewer: viv · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
[When self-preservation becomes chief in our thoughts, decency, it
seems, is the first bit of extra weight sacrificed to the churning,
black fear on which we precariously drift.] -- You know, it is the
mark of a piece of true literature that quotes can be taken out that
are not only perfect for the scene from which they come but are also
telling of the Human Experience overall. This is one such quote,
something you'd see in Bartlett's.

Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: viv · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 1
That last line is a doozy.

Title: In Passing · Author: Altariel · Races: Men · ID: 104
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
Spoilers!
The most touching and glorious story, peaceful and heroic, and sad,
too. Faramir tells his great-grandson something of chess and something
of history.

Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
This is a very cute short story where by means of drabbles Radbooks
portrays a scene between father and son.The drabbles together work so
immensely well - including the alternating viewpoints of both (as
stand alone they would need a bit more). I think that worked the best
for me, especially when the author wrote from the boy's perspective
and I think she does a marvellous job portraying them so convincingly.
Overall, I find this a great character centric piece, leaving me to
wonder how well the boy will do amongst the dwarves. I most certainly
would love to read that!

Title: Last Stroke · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 465
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
What an interesting perspective. I can't remember reading this scene
with Círdan before. Well done, emotional and visual as I always find
your work to be.

Title: Utúlie'n Aurë · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 163
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
This is very emotional and moving. I find the phrase echoes across the
ages to be perfectly fitting and very well used in this short shot.

Title: A Great Cause for Concern · Author: Alassante · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 682
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
What a delight to find this listed here. This is one that's a delight
to read and reread. It's not only fun, but insightful as well. I
especially enjoyed the debate and the back and forth discussions and
reasonings.

Title: Tarnished Ivory · Author: Yavie Feels Pretty · Genres:
Adventure: Incomplete · ID: 464
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I usually wait until a work in progress is done to read it, but I'm
glad I did not with this particular story. This writer has gifted fan
fiction with a breath of fresh air in--of all things--the canon of the
actual author of the source material! Yes, it is true! Actual book
canon Legolas and Boromir! Well, as near as it's possible for fan
fiction. And it doesn't stop with Boromir and Legolas, the characters
of Gimli, Merry and Pippin appear to be in good hand. The proposed
plot line has all appearances of being quite acceptable and digestible
and the descriptives are sound and spare and beautifully written. I
have high hopes for this story.

Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
This is a story full of surprises. As usua, Pearl Took ddelivers a
fine story, which I truly liked for quite a few reasons, some of which
I'll cover in this review. I like that Pippin earned Boromir's respect
as well as his affection. The descriptive of the contest was very
realistic...I felt I could have been standing there watching in
person. I loved Pippin's spunk, which is mirrored sub-textually in
Boromir's taking a liking to Pippin. This is very in character for
Boromir, and also forershadows Pippin's later acts of courage in the
source material. Very well done story starring my two favorite characters!

Title: Chasing Blackie · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 655
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
What a charming little story this is, and what a charming little Took
wee Pippin is! I don't think I've seen too many Pippins who can steal
my heart as quickly and easily as this one did. And his poor mother!
She has the patience of a Middle Earth saint! I loved the imagination
shown in this story. Pippin's innocence shines through, and he is very
much an ordinary child like the ones we raise ourselves. I think that
is what touched me the most about this story, the verisimilitude of
those precious few years of youth. It is an eternal truth which truly
shines forth in this story.

Title: Comfort and Joy · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 656
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This a sweet, wonderful and very hobbitty story! I loved the
characterizations in this as well as the story arc and the gentle
humor found throughout the tale. Pearl always writes a good Pippin as
well as a fine Merry and Frodo, and this story certainly does not
disappoint.

Title: Celebrity · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 635
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I love the first person in this story. First person is so hard to
write well, especially with such 'larger than life' characters like
Aragorn, but you really do a great job of it with this story.
Aragorn's voice is perfect, as is the depiction of how it must have
been for him to be making the transition between who he was and who he
has become. I like that Aragorn wants to get to know this old
acquaintance again, but he is still cautious enough to send him
through his secretary. It is a really cool way to underscore what
Aragorn's life has become. Great glimpse into his new life.

Title: Dragons In The Trollshaws · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 170
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Wow! Somehow I never read this before. It is awesome. I absolutely
love Elladan and Elrohir in this story. The banter between them is
perfectly done and hilarious. So are the childhood references like
Smudge and the leap off the stable roof. I also love your take on
dragons in this story. And of course the action in this is incredible,
as is them working out how to handle the situation. Very tense. I
absolutely loved this story, Bodkin! I'm so glad the MEFAs led me to
finally see it.

Title: The Price of Pity · Author: celticbard · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 373
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
This is an intriguing AU. The premise of Faramir being married before
and to an elf of Lorien is a little bit far out, but works beautifully
in this story. The story keeps all the characteristics of the books
mixed with some of the movie visuals, just Aniror, Faramir's first
wife, and little son, thrown into the brew, which doesn't make matters
easier for Faramir.

While trying to make their new marriage work and to forge a
relationship to her stepson, Eowyn has to fight the ghosts of
Faramir's past and learns about his first marriage in bits and
snippets from Faramir and other people who knew Aniror.

The story is well balanced between flashbacks and storytime. You never
get lost in one or the other. The flashbacks are just long enough to
impart important information and keeps you wanting for more, but never
so long that you lose track of what's happening in storytime.

If you are not too concerned about canon accuracy, this is a must read
for all Faramir and Eowyn fans.

Title: U elyë, Ar-Pharazôn · Author: Elitihien · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 486
Reviewer: Elleth · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Well-written, engaging and brutal (as befitting the occasion of the
Downfall of Numenor), and I loved the connection to Tolkien's 'The
Last Ship' via the Quenya quote at the end. That poem never seemed to
have a connection to Numenor to me, but you tied it in convincingly,
and in quite an innovative way. Very powerful writing.

Title: Confidence · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 38
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
That's quite a tall order for Mormendil, especially after his own
failed attempt to shave himself. But in the end he is regarded as an
expert in questions of facial hair. I like Denethor's recommendation
at the end, which shows that he is quite aware of what his manservant
is doing (or not) and pays him this backhanded compliment. I don't
think Denethor is the type to praise his manservant for a job well done.

Title: Playing with Fire · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 21
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Ouch! That was a hard lesson to learn. I feel for all of them. I hope
Eldarion learned his lesson. At least it was in a controlled
environment with Aragorn as backup. Some kids need to learn the hard
way. Better this way than when no one is looking.

Title: Spaces in the Heart · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 251
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
Oh, this is such a lovely little vignette. The encounter between
Glorfindel and Elrond was sweet. This is a new version, at least for
me, of how Glorfindel got back to Middle-earth, but perfectly valid.
Nobody knows what really happened. I like the idea of Elrond as the
language scholar.

Title: Lingering Shadow · Author: Shireling · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 412
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 1
Shireling's tale of a post Ring War time in which Faramir

Title: A Race, To Be Like Me · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Elves:
Drabbles · ID: 375
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
While reading this ficlet, I am not certain if we are in Fëanor's mind
as he oversees the madness. The perspective from which it is written
feels a bit off. Instead I am wondering who this spectator is and how
he or she has come to his views about this Noldo. Is it madness or
rebellion to seek freedom, the comparison to the poem [Prometheus]
leaves you that as a reader still to ponder. I suddenly realised he
would make a great Spartan, but that's a musing for another time.

Title: Generations · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Featuring Aragorn
· ID: 508
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 8
Wow! Here is another one that I had not read before the MEFAs. I just
haven't been keeping up with my reading well enough, so thank heavens
for ths MEFAs to help me catch up! This is a really interesting view
of Eldarion and Aragorn. I have not seen anyone portray Eldarion with
this personality in a believable way before, but you have done a great
job here. I can totally see, given the comparative ease of his life to
Aragorn's, how he would need a little reality check. I think his even
worse 'lap dog' makes a great contrast to him though--things could be
much worse. (Absolutely hilarious choice for companions during this
reality check--I'd like to see him learn a thing or two the hard way).
And I particularly love that Aragorn is reminded that he was not
exactly what the Rangers were expecting when he came out of Imladris
all proper and spiffy. The girl at the end is great too. Exactly what
you would expect from the Ranger's women. I love the comment about
Aragorn's line ending. It would be funny if at least the lap dog's
line did. I'd love to see a continuation of this one. These are some
great characters.

Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
I love this story more every time I read it. You really do write Gimli
well--and few people do, so it is such a pleasure to read. Moreover,
you write Gimli and Legolas's relationship incredibly well. Their
banter is perfect and it captures their friendship and complete
understanding of one another so well.

There are a few references in this story that I particularly like. The
best one is to Legolas's love of the flow of the seasons. Like
Legolas, having moved south myself, I've been particularly reminded of
the importance of this cycle and how comforting it is. So this was
particularly powerful from my point of view and worked really well.

Finally, it goes without saying that I loved Thranduil's surprise
appearance at the end. I totally didn't see that coming and it was
great--especially the fact that he acknowledged he knew what Gimli was
doing and appreciated it. Love that. This is an awesome story, Bodkin.
Thanks again!

Title: Healing · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves · ID: 419
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Oh my gosh I think this is another I hadn't read! This is awesome.
Celeborn and Thranduil's decision to stay has never been anything that
made me wonder--it seems obvious to me that they would, because they
are so connected to the land. It was always their decision to leave
and go to Valinor that was something I never really had a good
explanation for in my mind. What would make them really decide to
leave? This explanation is perfect. I can totally believe it. And this
is so 'elfy.'

I love the setting too--Celeborn telling Galadriel what happened. It
lends opportunity for some really interesting interchanges and for
some comments on some events, like Arwen's passing, that are really
interesting.

This is a really great story. Made me cry.

Title: A Darkness Lies behind Us · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 190
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is a classic example of your writing Bodkin. I know next to
nothing about the characters in this story, but you are so incredibly
good at characterization that it doesn't matter. I can read this and
understand them. Another reason this is so classically you is the
imagery. Incredible and powerful.

Title: Long Memories · Author: Bodkin · Times: Second and Early Third
Age · ID: 310
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Oh this is a great story. I love Oropher in this and Taryatur too. If
you know Legolas's future relation to Taryatur, this story is even
better, but even if you do not have any idea, this is a great example
of the tensions and difficulties that must have been present after the
War of Wrath. But if you do know Legolas's future with Taryatur, this
is absolutely a scream!

Aside from the House of Oropher, which I am always delighted to read
about, another character in this that I enjoy is Celebrimbor. I always
felt sorry for him--he never seemed to intentionally do anything
wrong--and he meets such a horrible end. I liked his character in this
story.

Title: Shadows · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 698
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
This story still makes me cry when I read it. The burnt forest and
Legolas's inevitable guilt is sad enough. But the fact that he goes to
that particular place because his mother's spirit lingers there is
really sad. And then the fact that he goes there because he
understands now, after walking the Paths of the Dead, his father's
words...that he goes there in hopes of releasing her if he can...that
is just so powerful. But it is when she is welcomed home that I really
start to cry. There is something very hopeful that, even after all
that time, when she finally can come home, Namo is still there to
bring her. This is a really powerful story.

Title: Comfort · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: House of Elrond · ID: 161
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Poor Elladan and Elrohir. How many times did each of them have to do
this exact same thing. This is one of the times that being an elf
would not be so wonderful. Very powerfully emotional. And their banter
in this Elladan tries to talk Elrohir out of his mood is very well
done. I especially liked the end and the orc-maiden comments. Great
vignette.

Title: A Great Cause for Concern · Author: Alassante · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 682
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Very well done. I can certainly imagine it going this way, from the
people that spoke on Gimli's behalf, to what they said, to the reason
he was finally allowed to stay. But my favorite part is the idea of
Aule looking forward to speaking with Gimli and hearing the stories of
his children. That is great!

Title: Out, Damn'd Spot! Out, I Say! · Author: Alassante · Races:
Elves: Noldor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 260
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Celebrimbor was one of those elves that I've always felt a little
sorry for. The fact is he never seemed to do anything wrong
intentionally in canon. He did not, for example, follow his father
into treachery in Nargothrond. He did not intend what happened with
the rings. And yet he meets a terrible end. It seems very sad. So I
like how you portray him here. Great story.

Title: A Large Bold Hand · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 10
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I absolutely love this! What a great little line to elaborate on and
what a wonderful way to do it. I can so see the dwarves being
attracted to something that flows nicely/is well designed like elven
writing must be. And I can so see the dwarves wandering around
Imladris and learning things like this while they stayed there. Very cool!

Title: The Librarian · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves: Family
· ID: 700
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This story is an absolute riot! I thought the naughty squirrel
incident was funny. Then came the fact that the library was no
punishment. And then everyone's reaction to Huan. I loved that. Poor
Thranduil--he's lucky elves do not have heart attacks because I sure
would have. But the best surprise is at the end--Oropher's diary
indeed! Thranduil needs to set a guard on his librarian!

Title: The Legend of the Grey Riders · Author: Jay of Lasgalen ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 176
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Hehe! What a cool idea! It must be true that elves are the mysterious
characters in a lot of legends, since they live so long. I love the
idea of Elladan and Elrohir being part of that one and then getting a
chance to talk to Eomer about it. Very clever!

Title: A Darkness Lies behind Us · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 190
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
Spoilers!
There is so much about this story that I love. Where to begin? I
appreciated Indis's role in rehabilitating the returned fear and, in
fact, the treatment of all of the female characters in this story.
Women don't always get the fairest treatment in fanfic (if they get
written at all), but Bodkin's characters show steadfastness,
tenderness, and support that belies all of those stereotypes. They are
honest characters: still hurting and bitter and driven to seeing the
change they desire.

Finarfin is another character where Bodkin breaks type in a most
wonderful way, bringing out the strength and courage that one who
reunited the Noldor after the Darkening *must* have had. At the same
time, his conversation with Finrod about how his desertion of Feanor's
quest was perceived was heartbreaking; any who think that Finarfin got
the easiest lot of Finwe's sons should consider this story.

Finrod's role as an experimental case in re-embodiment makes a lot of
sense to me and allows for some wonderful exploration of what this
experience would have meant to newly re-embodied Elves. One of my
major research interests being Elven "afterlife," I have loved
following Bodkin's many thoughts in this story about the relationship
between fea and hroa and the restoration of the latter after death.

And, through it all, these many brilliant characters and compelling
ideas are strung together as only a skilled writer can, with graceful
style and breathtaking imagery. I am pleased to have discovered this
story through the MEFAs this year and encourage others who like
thought-provoking Silmarillion stories to give it a look as well.

Title: Out of Memory and Time · Author: Shireling · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 136
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is a well written story. The characters are believable and the
plot interesting. It is quite conceivable that Faramir would have
self-confidence issues and with what happens in Out of Memory and Time
it is easy to imagine him having the difficulties that present themselves.

Title: And so our friendship began... · Author: Amarok · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 281
Reviewer: cairistiona · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
One of the more unique versions of "Legolas and Aragorn meet for the
first time". I like that it's strictly from Legolas' point of view. It
gives us a very interesting first impression of Aragorn--as a Ranger,
he can seem a bit "rascally" and no more so than in this tale, where
he is "undercover" with a band of ne'er-do-wells. I think my favorite
part of this story is the self-sacrificial nature of Aragorn, nearly
dying himself to save Legolas. Very exciting part of the story, that.

Very interesting "what if..." tale!

Title: House of Ransom · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 657
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This is a great drabble because it captures in only one hundred words
so much of both Beleg and Turin's characters. Through Beleg's words
about Turin, we get a great sense of his point of view of his
character. And through Beleg's words about dwarves--little does he yet
know the dangers of dealings with dwarves, but Thingol will see the
truth of his prophetic words all too well. Great drabble!

Title: My Brother. My Captain. My King. · Author: Amarok · Times: Late
Third Age · ID: 602
Reviewer: cairistiona · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Very poignant glimpse into the thoughts of Boromir during the Quest.
The slow downward spiral as he succombs to the Ring's pull is
masterfully done. The temptation to let Aragorn fall in Moria was
spine-chilling, and the reversals of his emotions as he fought against
the darker forces pulling at him were wrenching to read. I found
myself, as I do when I watch the movies, pulling for Boromir, hoping
that *this* time he will not succomb. But he does, of course. But a
good tale will always leave you wondering if maybe this time through
things might change, and I found myself feeling that way as I read this.

Title: Free To Live · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 701
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
I love Thranduil, and this is a very nice glimpse of him--I like to
think of him finally able to celebrate a time to build. Nice vignette.