Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Last Dance · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Family ·
ID: 397
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
The duties that Pippin and Diamond inherited at a relatively young age
must have been very overwhelming at times but I have no doubt that
they coped with such grace and dedication as they do in this sweet
story. I enjoyed seeing this glimpse of their family life interspersed
with official duties and the ending was gorgeous.

Title: Not Quite Any Other Day · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Family · ID: 631
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I liked the twist of this tale, that on the very day Esmeralda worries
that she is losing her brother she realises that she herself has
recognised the love of her own life.

The relationship between Paladin and Esmeralda was fun to read and I
enjoyed Saradoc's characterisation as well. I'd love to read more
stories about this generation as their experiences and
characterisations add so much to our understanding of their offspring!


Title: Pippin's Secret · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 599
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
This is an interesting tale and certainly one that is possible, which
adds to its enjoyment for me. I have no doubt that Pippin could keep
this secret safe until it became necessary for him to divulge it. I
especially liked Gandalf's reaction upon hearing Pippin's declaration
that he and Merry won't let Frodo go on without them!

Title: Healing the Long Cleeve · Author: TopazTook · Genres: Longer
Works · ID: 133
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
Spoilers!
When I first began reading this story I couldn't quite buy into the
author's version of the Shire but as I read further I couldn't help
but think that this particular tale of Pippin and Diamond was being
written as a hobbity version of a Mills and Boon (Harlequin Romance to
you Yanks!) romance story and so I was able to suspend my disbelief
and really get into the tale. Overall I really enjoyed it.

While I still don't buy into some details, for example Pippin not
telling his Merry for a whole seven years that he has been betrothed
against his will, and Merry not knowing that something was wrong, I
quite liked the way that Pippin's character was handled in the whole
`romance novel' genre way – gentle, noble and self-sacrificing,
qualities that he certainly has, without a doubt in Tolkien's
universe, but applied here in a way that is slightly different and
certainly appropriate given the context of this particular genre.

Topaz's Diamond is a well thought out version of a romance novel
heroine, determined to do her duty with her own feelings and hopes not
even considered and I particularly enjoyed the way that Pippin holds
back any demands that he might make of her until they are both aware
that they have come to love one another. The fact that he does this,
that he allows their love to grow naturally rather than live with
Diamond resentful of the situation and despite his own reservations
about the arranged marriage, really highlights the nobility and caring
nature of his character, his own youthful uncertainty and at the same
time his maturity. He knows that they are both in this for the
duration and that given the choice they might each have chosen
differently and he wants both of them to be comfortable with the
situation they find themselves in.

I also thought that the way that he patiently draws Diamond's own
personality to the fore and makes her realise her own worth as a
person in her own right by the end of the story was very much
something that Pippin would do.

The inclusion of the Healer's own version of Mills and Boon romances
was a nice touch! And too, I especially enjoyed Paladin's thoughtful
and credible reasoning as to why Pippin had initially left the Shire,
the scene at the fair, and also thought that the scene where Pippin
comforts Merry after the unexpected death of his father was very
believable and very much in character for both of them. I had always
thought that Saradoc died rather young and the author's reason for his
demise was very plausible.

I wish that the travels of the two couples and their time in Minas
Tirith, as well as their homecoming, had been explored in more depth
but that is a small quibble. Perhaps Topaz can write these particular
aspects of her story in more depth sometime in the future!

The machinations of Diamond's misguided brother and Pervinca's
misunderstanding of the situation based on her own sad life brought
some interesting conflict and excitement to the story. I think that
it's unlikely that Pervinca would have received that particular
sentence from Pippin but her fate in the story was turning out for the
best at the end, so I was pleased for her. I wonder where Ganelon
ended up!

All in all an enjoyable read, unique and from an interesting perspective.


Title: Of Cake and Crumbs and Distant Dreams · Author: Lindelea ·
Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 688
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
This is a lovely story and I am so pleased that it was written to
cheer me up at a time when I was feeling as blue as Pippin – once
again, thank you so much for this story Lindelea!

It is so easy to picture poor Pippin here, not wanting to be a burden
to his cousins and friends and it is so appropriate that elder cousin
Frodo goes in search of him. Poor Pippin had to grow up so fast and I
love the way that Frodo knows just how to comfort him, by taking him
back to a simpler and happier time with his story. I loved the
beginning of the tale, when Frodo begins it and Pippin completes the
line! I also love the fact, that regardless of all that he has faced
and been through, that a simple tale like this, told by a caring
cousin, can still mean so much to Pippin. He still has a childlike
innocence about him despite his adventures.

And of course Merry wouldn't be far behind in the search for Pippin! I
love the way that the three of them are so in tune with each other.

An excellent story, written by an excellent author! Thanks so much!


Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
I love fics that deal with the memories and anniversaries of the
Quest, particularly those of Merry and Pippin and this is a wonderful
one. It is dark, but not over-written or needlessly angst-ridden – it
is written in a very hobbity way, straightforward and with common
sense, as hobbits are of course.

The bond between these two cousins is very clear in this story, and I
loved seeing Merry being taken care of by Pippin, and that Merry let
him care for him.

Very nice story Slightly Tookish! Thanks so much for writing it and
sharing it.


Title: The Work of Small Hands · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Longer Works · ID: 352
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I am just beginning to learn to enjoy Silm-fics and to be completely
honest, still find many of them incomprehensible - but this one was
excellent. Tolkien seldom went very deep in exploring his female
characters and that was the aspect of this particular piece of
fanfiction that I enjoyed the most. It's more than just the actions of
menfolk that make the world go round after all!

This story is dark and realistic and at the same time manages to
convey a sense of hope through the actions and emotional strength of
the characters and I felt real anger and frustration at the response
of the Valar. The story had me totally drawn in and invested emotionally.

Excellent and compelling writing and extensive research went into this
story and the author is to be commended for giving us fanfic readers
such a quality story!


Title: At Cormallen · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 730
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I am a sucker for Cormallen stories and I really enjoyed this one. The
descriptions are just lovely and Merry's emotions are very well
described. I really liked the deference that Legolas showed to Merry
and that Merry didn't seem to notice. The dialogue was believable and
so were the actions of all of the characters.

A most enjoyable Cormallen fic!


Title: National Treasure · Author: Baranduin · Times: Modern Times ·
ID: 201
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love the originality of this tale and the believability. Who among
us diehard fans don't have the wish or unspoken hope that Middle-earth
and the inhabitants that are so familiar to us really did once exist
and that it would be possible to find such proof as the two
archaeologists find in this story?

Excellent, and I too could see this being turned into a much longer
work! I, for one, would certainly read it!


Title: The Edge of the Knife · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 274
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
I have to admit to being amazingly short-sighted when I first clicked
on the link to read these drabbles. I expected to find drabbles about
the Last Alliance, the arrival of the Faithful on the shores of
Middle-earth, etc. And while these thing are here, what I did not
expect to find was the prevalence of Numenor in these drabbles.
Dwimordene helped me remember that AU turning points can be found not
only in the end but also in the beginning. For some reason, the
tragedy of Numenor feels so fated in my mind that I had trouble
remembering the turning points. So I thank Dwim profusely for opening
my mind to a world of possibilities. But despite the enlightenment of
"un-fating" Numenor in my mind, I have to admit that my favorite
drabble was the last one in which Isildur lets himself fall, too. The
emotion in that segment was beautiful.

Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I thoroughly enjoy Raksha's version of Faramir. There's a wry sense of
humor to him that never fails to make me grin. His observation that
this would be an interesting use of translation skills was perfectly
timed and fit well with the almost droll nature of this piece.
Faramir's evaluation of Elboron is fascinating and speaks volumes on
his characterization as a father. I can only wonder if Eowyn would
have such an open view on her son's pursuits. In any case, Faramir's
seeming neutrality on the subject provides for what must have been a
rather unique bonding moment with his son, and the scene closes on
more of that dry wit that makes Raksha's stories so good.

Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Ioreth is often ignored, demeaned, or belittled in fanfiction. When
she does appear, she is usually one of Tolkien's more maligned
characters. But Dwim proves that there's much more to a character than
a seemingly inexhaustible capacity for talk. Behind the battle,
there's also wisdom of a kind and a protective nature that undoubtedly
serves Ioreth well in the Houses of Healing. As far as Eowyn's
concerned, Ioreth reads her as shrewdly as does Faramir. Lovely bit of
characterization work!

Title: The Blessing of the Waters · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 61
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
For as tragic as this little ficlet is, there's such a feeling of
peace to it, also. I think part of that is Elrond's refusal to let
himself turn to rage as an outlet for his grief. When he thinks of the
last time he heard Celebrian laugh, he praises it rather than longs
for what can no longer be. And his attitude toward the sea is equally
telling. Elrond proves that peace can come both from within and from
without, and even though he weeps (or struggles to keep himself from
weeping), his thoughts are on the healing that Celebrian might receive
from others.

Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
As powerful as the entirety of this drabble is, what really hit me was
the last line and I wish we could have seen that conversation. What
would Aragorn have said to Denethor? How would he have broken the news
that he was present for Boromir's death and was himself unscathed.
What a concept! But more than that, I love the way this drabble had
Aragorn claiming Boromir as his Steward. It makes the moment that much
more poignant, and it certainly brings home the idea that things are
very much amiss in Aragorn's world right now. Gandalf's gone. His
Steward's gone. The Ring-bearer is missing. Awesome drabble that puts
the capstone on Aragorn's declaration that all he's doing is going amiss.

Title: The Kindly Airs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 480
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I love the symbolism caught up in this story as the East wind finds
itself liberated and helps the Eagles fly back over the mountains. It
really embodies the idea that Sauron had truly enslaved all he could
touch and that with his downfall, all good things could now lift up
their voices and rejoice. Even the winds.

Title: A Time to Hope · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete ·
ID: 302
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Spoilers!
I have always felt that Merry should receive more recognition for the
bravery he showed as the hobbit that had to stay behind, the one that
had to cope on his own with the worry over his absent companions and
then cope with the reality of their injuries once the Ring was destroyed.

Dealing with those painful separations and the waiting and not-knowing
the fate of his kin and friends and then being summoned to sit with
them as they healed was extremely difficult and Merry showed
incredible strength in dealing with all of this, especially since he
himself had been injured both physically and emotionally. He deserves
a lot of credit for his steadfastness and strength of will.

This story nicely showcases Merry's emotional strength and how
difficult it is for him to maintain sometimes. His relationships with
those around him are believably written and his interactions and
dialogue with Pippin especially are well-done.

I really enjoy Cormallen stories and am looking forward to more chapters!


Title: The Conscience of the King · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 649
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I love the protective big brother syndrome going on in Eomer. Being an
oldest child myself, I can sympathize. And Eomer in particular would
probably be very susceptible to over-protectiveness, having had to
watch as Eowyn became shadowed by Grima Wormtongue. I wonder if
Faramir realizes he has a silent adversary watching. Knowing Faramir,
probably. Thankfully, Eomer talks himself out of his slump, and that's
best for all involved, though I was rather enjoying his prickliness.
Loved the last line, too, particularly how he wished for them to
"[increase]." That was particularly good.

Title: Into the Woods · Author: Gloria Mundi · Times: Modern Times ·
ID: 593
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I'm usually not one for crossovers, but this story blends two worlds
so effortlessly as to be fully convincing. I especially appreciate how
the journey of each man echoes the other, and how they find common
ground and similarities at the same time as they recognize
differences. Deftly done.

Title: Fennas Haradren · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Adventure · ID: 280
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
When Boromir arrives at Fennas Haradren his worst suspicions come
true. I could see the gruesome sight before my inner eye during
reading. Now I know why Boromir's reaction to the cave troll in the
movie was so cavalier. I liked the description of the outpost and it
is sad that it can't be used anymore.

Title: Refuge · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 423
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
The extremes are what really make this ficlet work. At first, there is
nothing but war and death. It's all Elrond can really fathom, and his
fear easily extends itself to readers. I could see the carnage of
battle and hear the sounds of the fallen and continued fighting.
Maedhros's entrance was terrifying, and then just as quickly, Maglor
steps in. The difference is night and day. I love the idea that Elrond
would pattern Rivendell after the same kind of refuge that Maglor
offered two small children so very long ago. Beautiful imagery
throughout made all the more compelling by the extremes that bracket it.

Title: Wind of Change · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 47
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love this linking of fates that Raksha creates. Eowyn's birth is of
great significance to Rohan, naturally, but it means even more to
those touched by foresight. The Witch-king's confusion is a wonderful
omen of things to come, and Glorfindel's recognition at the arrival of
prophecy was equally good. Tolkien's world is already so
interconnected, and its fun to see even more of these connections
explored!

Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
This story managed to provoke a rather loud guffaw. I have to admit
that I like the picture it references and hadn't paid much attention
to the color scheme. Now I can't get it out of my head. Strange sights
indeed! One has to wonder who is stranger: the orange-fringed Faramir
or the hobbits. I love Faramir's wry musing that perhaps he can
frighten the Haradrim away with his. That is so very Faramir. And the
fact that Faramir's men would rather have him run around as an
orange-bedecked spectacle in exchange for cranberries is just
priceless. Hilarious little ficlet!

Title: Galadriel Remembers · Author: Savageseraph · Genres: Poetry:
Drama · ID: 583
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
The longing and regret in this piece, while depicted with a
beautifully light touch, becomes more and more overwhelming as the
poem spins out. I am especially captivated by how the author makes
Galadriel's yearning for the West double back on itself and reverse
into sadness at making the choice to diminish and go home. The use of
language is such that one can almost hear the gull, the waves, the
silence, so oppressive after experiencing such fire and life for so
long. An amazing poem.

Title: Dirty Jobs · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor: Shire · ID: 232
Reviewer: Marigold · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
Spoilers!
I love the portrayal of Pippin in this story. He doesn't balk from
doing what needs to be done and his motives are admirable and based on
love. He's a hard-working and thoughtful lad not afraid to do a dirty
job and raise a sweat as he endeavours to do something nice for
someone that he loves – in a way much as he does on the Quest, though
of course the circumstances here aren't dire. Still, we can see here
in this youthful Pippin the Knight of Gondor that he will become in
just a few short years.

This to me is a very accurate depiction of his character, much more
accurate than he is quite often written in fanfiction and certainly in
the films. Pearl has not forgotten that he is a farmer's son and I
like very much that so many of the tasks that he takes on here are
related to farming, especially the butchering and the delivering of
the calf. I like that he has obviously learned to do these things as
part of how to manage the family farm and it supports my own feeling
at how much his father mentored him and helped him to grow up into the
hobbit that we know from the Quest. He couldn't have become the Pippin
we know if he didn't have an exceptional and loving father and the
glimpse of Paladin that we get here reinforces that idea.

The story itself is enjoyable and believable and it's one of my
favourites by Pearl!


Title: The Strength of Men · Author: Savageseraph · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 584
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
An affecting portrayal of Isildur's struggle with the Ring. I
especially adore how both Elrond's and Isildur's points of view clash,
and while the reader is aware that Elrond is right, Isildur's beliefs
make so much sense in context, illustrating the lure and corruption
the Ring provides, how it works its will on even the most stalwart of
men. This story also adds another fantastic layer of meaning not only
to Isildur's relationship with Elrond, but Elrond's later
understanding (and scorn) of Men. Isildur's strengths and weaknesses
are laid out in stark relief, and it's impossible not to sympathize
with him at the same time as wishing he'd successfully resist and
destroy such an evil thing. A wonderful interpretation of a pairing I
would not have otherwise considered, this tale adds more depth and
sorrow to the already sorrowful Last Alliance. Heartbreaking.