Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Twentynine White Horses · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 557
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is a wonderful story and characterization of both Thranduil and
Legolas. I particularly liked the reference to the coin and all the
meaning it held for many reasons. Great writing!

Title: Eight Weeks · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 273
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
A highly rewarding series of little drabbles that had me clutching my
sides with laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed both Faramir and Denethor in
this, and I pitied poor Boromir throughout. It seems to me that the
key to success for Faramir and Denethor is echoed in what makes this
drabble series so very entertaining: timing. Boromir's line about
Cirdan would not have been half so funny had it not been timed the way
it was. In the Week 5 drabble, there's a brilliant buildup of what
seems to be a complicated matter, but then Dwimordene reveals that
it's simply Faramir venturing outside the box on the beard issue. And
as I'm chuckling over that, she throws in Boromir at his most
exasperated and ends the drabble on the Cirdan line. Absolutely
brilliant! Another part that must be held up for praise is the
observation that Faramir's experience as a captain would lead him to
delegate the invasion of Boromir's quarters to another. The wry humor
that laced this series was fantastic throughout. Highly enjoyable!

Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
A great conversation between Imrahil and Legolas--I love these simple
conversations with deep meaning that Thundera writes so well. Great
writing!

Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 1
Amazingly well captured sentiment in so few words. Very powerful!

Title: The Green Knight and the Master of Esgaroth · Author: Le Rouret
· Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 455
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
Spoilers!
Le Rouret has my undying respect for an ability that I keenly wish I
had. Into the world of Tolkien, Le Rouret is able to insert all the
ceremony, decadence, propriety, and and complexity of medieval Europe.
It's something that even Tolkien didn't quite attempt, confining
himself primarily to the nobility and royalty without really getting
into how the common person (outside of the hobbits) might be drawn
into this. Le Rouret goes that extra mile and crafts a layered story
that on the merits of culture alone is an overwhelming master piece.
But apparently not content with going the extra mile, several more
miles are undertaken as Le Rouret cuts through all of that to reveal
the canon characters beneath the finery (or the muckery, depending
upon where in the story you are), the memorable OCs that become just
as endearing and important as those characters we already know, and
finally a plot that is both wonderfully compelling and brilliantly
timed. Drama, action, politics, intrigue, seduction, the list goes on!
The balancing act this requires of a writer is quite frankly stunning,
and I have no idea how it's accomplished. I'm only glad that it is,
and I can't wait to see how it all comes together in the end. Truly a
remarkable piece of story telling!

Title: They Also Serve · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 365
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 8
Spoilers!
My two favorite kinds of fanfics to read are the gapfillers and the
scenes behind the scenes. This story is a perfect example of the
latter. There's a very clear sense of the bigger picture going on
within this story. I love the references to Radagast, Gandalf, and
Frodo. It's great to get a feel for what others experienced when all
word from the western edges of the Wild seemed to suddenly cease. The
tension is palpable, and even though Elrond has apparently declared a
holiday in order to ease that tension, it still laces the story. You
can see it in the way Arwen's thoughts are constantly drawn outward,
and her distraction feeds into the kitchen, slowing their work and
adding to the haste. But at the same time, there's a nostalgic feel
that is comfortable and inviting. It's a superb balance of something
that made Tolkien's work so good. The down-to-earth attitude of Edhwen
is the perfect contrast for Arwen's wondering mind, and the closing
scene of the story is a hopeful one, even though the conflict remains
unresolved. Excellent writing!

Title: The Water's Song · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Elves: Family
· ID: 707
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
The contrast here between young Legolas and Legolas of the Fellowship
makes this moment even more powerful--especially understanding the
effect this has, not only on himself but on Thranduil as well. Great
story!

Title: In the Hands of the King · Author: fantasyfan · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 231
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Despite how short this story is, it covers some wonderful extremes in
tone and mood. For the first two paragraphs, the tension is high, and
as readers, it is easy to get a sense of the frustration that fills
both Aragorn and Elladan. There's a desperate tone as the two seem to
reach the limit of what their knowledge in healing has to offer. But
the moment Elrohir hands them the cloth that wrapped the banner, the
mood changes dramatically. The hint of Rivendell and Arwen brings a
sense of peace to both Frodo and Aragorn, and I can only imagine what
the added benefit of athelas does. The story then closes on a very
restful scene, and readers are left with a sense of quiet and calm.
Great story!

Title: The Warmth of Morning · Author: Spindle Berry · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 148
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
When I read this story, I immediately thought of something that Bilbo
said at the end of The Hobbit. He commented on victory and observed
that it seemed to be a very gloomy business, which is more or less
what Pippin is experiencing here. Not that he's necessarily gloomy,
but victory is definitely not what he expected. Thankfully Merry is
around to offset, but it's still a grim reminder that most don't come
through these things unscathed or unchanged.

Title: Hidden Watcher · Author: kitt_otter · Genres: Drama · ID: 702
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
This is a really great portrayal of Legolas and a really interesting
look at Gollum following the Fellowship in Moria--of course he did not
get by Aragorn and Legolas! Great story!

Title: Orc Talk! · Author: kitt_otter · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 703
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
This is a riot! Of course we all either did this ourselves or have
children who did. But I laughed as hard reading this the second and
third time as I did reading it the first!

Title: Here's To The King! · Author: Jael · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands
· ID: 204
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
The first part of this has me rolling on the floor laughing. The
second part of the song and Legolas's distinctly different reaction to
it is priceless. Hilarious!

Title: Choosing · Author: docmon · Genres: Drama · ID: 473
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
A great theme to write on, the thoughts of those choosing who to send
to Imladris. And well executed--I think this captures what these
people must have been feeling very well.

Title: Whatever Harm Encroached · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times:
Second and Early Third Age · ID: 708
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
I absolutely love the image of Thranduil as the hunter--I can totally
see that. Great story and great characterization of the Elven King!

Title: Hold To Hope · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 709
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is a moment in Mirkwood that I think has great potential for
drama and that few people write about--I love how you have captured it
here. Very good characterization of Thranduil and the range of
emotions he must feel on hearing this news. Great writing!

Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is awesome! One of those stories that makes me thankful for the
MEFAs because I had not seen it before. I love that Thranduil came and
Gimli is so wonderfully characterized in this. Just great!

Title: Sing My Worth Immortal · Author: Perelleth · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 168
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 9
Spoilers!
This is an absolutely hilarious story from the elves' reactions to the
dwarves' reactions. I love speechless Glorfindel (and I can bet that
the combined wrath of the females of three generations of Galadriel's
family would have exactly that effect). But even better is the image
of Galadriel wiping the froth of her ale off her lips with the back of
her hand while informing the dwarf how the making of ale was actually
the domain of elven women--and better still why dwarven men were
involved at all. Hilarious! At least the dwarf by then figured out to
play it cool and not get openly offended. Celeborn's comments were
hilarious too. Poor males. They should have just resigned themselves
to their trouble when the ladies walked in. Along with the humor of
the reactions of all the characters, the legends you made for the
brewing of ale were both great stories in themselves. I particularly
like the reference to alchemy in the second one. That was a great
touch and totally in keeping with non-Tolkien legends surrounding
brewers, of course, so that made it even more fun. This is a great
story, Perelleth! I loved it!

Title: A Problem Shared · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: elliska · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
I love this story for so many reasons. First of all: Its got Thranduil
and Radagast! What else can I say? I love those two characters, so it
doesn't get much better than that in my book! Second, it is just so
well written. The images and descriptions are really well done. Third,
I think you have captured the Istari so well here. All Radagast's
meandering ramblings about rabbits and mice over and over again. It
would really be enough to drive someone like Thranduil insane if he
wasn't able to respect Radagast's love for the forest so much. So that
makes it even greater when the penny finally drops and Thranduil gets
what Radagast has been saying. Perfect! Perfect for Radagast, who
undoubtedly has Mithrandir's habit of talking in riddles too and
perfect example of Thranduil's somewhat impatient personality--he may
be a little impatient with such interactions, but not so much that he
can't finally get the point. This is very much the Thranduil in The
Hobbit, I think. I absolutely love it!

Title: Trouble at Bag End · Author: Angiet · Races: Hobbits: Childhood
· ID: 728
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
This is a very sweet story! If it had happened I could see it
happening just this way, lol!

Aragorn is in wonderful character here and Angie has managed to keep
him so throughout, despite the unfamiliarity of the situation in which
he finds himself. I really enjoyed the descriptions of how small Frodo
is in relation to the Ranger and how gentle Aragorn is with him. And I
could just imagine Aragorn chiding Frodo about something fifty years
later with "I changed your nappy, young hobbit!"

I also liked the way that descriptions of Bilbo's cooking were
interjected, which added a further layer of hobbityness to the story.
I thought that his character was very well written as well and the
touch of wistfulness Bilbo showed over Primula was a subtle hint into
a entirely different story altogether!

Really enjoyable story Angie, thanks!



Title: The Quest for the Hairless Cat · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 524
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I loved all of the banter in the first section of the story,
especially the way that even the elder hobbits so much enjoyed keeping
up Merry's little jest, even when Merry didn't want them to do so, and
thought it very in character for Merry to finally give in and go along
with it all to please Pippin.

The second part of the story, knowing the events from the past, was
great! And I have to agree, that a hairless cat is a pretty scary sight!

A fun idea for a story, entertainingly written!


Title: The Five Rules of Cooking · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 523
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
Spoilers!
I really like this particular author's characterisations of hobbits,
especially young ones, and this story is no exception. Though she is
first and foremost a Sam fan she is equally as talented in writing
other hobbits as well and her descriptions of Merry and Pippin in this
story are really enjoyable! I could just see Merry, at the beginning,
being so careful in choosing his wardrobe and in his grooming for the
day and the descriptions of his awards due to his competitive streak
really sets up exactly what Merry expects from the day – he is used to
being a winner and has high expectations for himself. The fact that he
has chosen Pippin as his partner and still expects to win speaks
volumes of the relationship between the two of them! And I love the
fact that Merry isn't out only to win for himself, but has something
to prove for Pippin's benefit as well.

Pippin is delightful in this story, a real bundle of Tookish energy,
trying so hard to be helpful and happy to be spending time with his
cousins as well as being pleased about being in the competition. His
enthusiasm throughout the day is just wonderful, as is Merry's
patience with him. I love the way that the two of them get on so well,
despite the difference in their ages. They are so different in
temperament and yet are clearly bound together by a special bond and
the author really does a good job of capturing that in this story.
Frodo's inclusion in the story is a good one, as he is able to make
his own observations on Merry and Pippin's interaction and this adds
another layer to the already enjoyable and well-done characterisations.

The descriptions and dialogue are well written and very hobbity. I was
able to picture all of the scenes clearly and that really added to my
enjoyment of the story, drawing me in to the excitement of the fair
and the competition. I also like the way that the event was used by
Merry and Frodo to teach Pippin – I thought that was very in character
and elder-cousinly of them. I loved the image of Merry and Pippin with
their clasped hands and held breath, waiting to hear the results! The
fact that they achieved the prize that they did was perfectly
believable - they worked hard and as a team, but they were younger
than some of the other competitors and I thought that the prize they
received was realistic.

Really enjoyed this Gamgeefest!




Title: Lock Out · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits · ID: 307
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Excellent use of the idiom in this story! I think that Pippinfan's
characterisation of Diamond is a good match for the Pippin that we all
know and love! I liked the way he became distracted by the lacy
petticoat – he is on his honeymoon after all and he may as well enjoy
it, inside the house or out of it – a very Pippinish attitude!

Funny and enjoyable and a perfect answer to the assigned idiom for the
Challenge. Thanks for writing it!

Title: The Westering Fire · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits · ID: 200
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
Spoilers!
Very nicely done from Rosie's pov and I especially thought it was
fitting that Marigold was spared because of the message about the
Travellers approach - including Sam of course!

Title: Before the Black Gate · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age · ID: 45
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
What a telling little story! Here we have Pippin, of all the hobbits
to accompany Frodo possibly the least likely to give in to despair,
and it seems he can no longer see hope. I wonder if his focus on food
was a final act of defiance against the misery and gloom all around
him. If so, then it was a shrewd move, because Beregond is able to
provide some relief in that area. I like that idea that the food isn't
filling, and the situation still isn't resolved. But even so, there's
a little bit of hope left in the end for the readers, since Pippin
isn't quite willing to give credence to it.

Title: Grandmum's Button Box · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Family · ID: 135
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
This is a very lovely story, and my own great-grandmother also had a
similar button box, though as far as I remember she never told the
stories that went with the buttons, which was a shame.

I loved the vision of the extended family sitting comfortably together
so companionably – very domestic and homely and warm. The bittersweet
tone in the background of the story doesn't overshadow the warmth and
loving feeling of the tale, just brings it into sharper focus.

I thought that it was wonderful that Eglantine gave Faramir his
grandfather's button so that he wouldn't forget him and I got the
fancy that somehow that particular button on his nightshirt would
always make Faramir feel safe at night. I like to think that when that
nightshirt was outgrown that Faramir would insist that it be moved to
his new one!

A very loving tale, told simply and beautifully.