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Msg# 9662
MEFA Reviews for Wednesday, December 3, 2008 (Evening Set, Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk December 03, 2008 - 17:04:43 Topic ID# 9662Title: Dark Light · Author: Makamu · Races: Villains · ID: 585
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
A fascinating interpretation of the motivations of Sauron. This piece
provides an impressive amount of depth to a character we rarely see as
anything more than distant, untouchable, and evil. Although this tale
takes place out of time, there's a strong sense of place that grounds
the whole. Beautifully written, with a sure touch and impressive use
of language. I love reading stories that take risks, and this one
succeeds in bringing reason, loyalty and humanity to the ultimate
villain of the piece.
Title: Your Father Loves You · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 424
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I very much enjoyed this look into a younger Denethor who seems
untainted by the visions of the palantir and the weight of a faltering
realm. He's still very Denethor, and he looks at the whole picture.
Finduilas is never far from his mind. But in spite of this, he's very
much a loving father, and you can clearly see his protective spirit,
which probably had a hand in his downfall. But here, it's put to work
on Faramir's behalf, and the end result is a very moving portrait of a
loving father who knows all too well what he will have to ask of his
son in years to come.
Title: This crown of stars · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 586
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A beautifully poetic piece underlining not only Aragorn's doubts about
his own destiny, but his active rejection of it. The repetition of
first and last line is an impressive touch that bends the drabble into
a full circle, mimicking the crown itself.
Title: Reflections in the Smoke · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 294
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
There's such an air of change in this little ficlet. I love the way
this paints both Gandalf and Sauron; certainly it showcases the
contrasts between the two. I really enjoyed Gandalf's sorrow and
regret at the loss of a brother. And I also enjoyed the idea that his
power is now quiet since it's no longer needed. The imagery of Ulmo's
waves at low tide was vivid and beautiful. There's a sense of relief
and victory in this piece, but also a hint of bittersweet longing at
the idea that Gandalf is no longer necessary for Middle-earth. And I
think that bittersweet feeling is the case with all good endings.
Title: A Midsummer Day's Dream · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 422
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love the whimsical feel to this ficlet. It's very much a dream, and
the appearance of loved ones long lost came slowly and felt like the
musings of a wandering mind. At least, they did until Faramir spied
Boromir. Then the dream took on more substance, and it was the waking
world that felt like a dream. Beautiful and elegantly told story of
the passing of my favorite Steward. Thank you so much!
Title: Best Three Falls, No Gouging · Author: Brigantine · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 587
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A delightfully amusing outing. The Hobbits' observations of the fight
contrasted with Faramir's horror at the disagreement work to add an
entertaining depth to an already giggle-worthy situation. I love the
idea that Eomer and Eowyn are fighting over courting Faramir. Very
funny and sweet.
Title: The Fire of Hope · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 625
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Ah, I do love tales of young Aragorn, especially when they're this
well written. This story does an amazing job of blending past memories
with present vows and pointing them toward future promise. Do I sense
a bit of foresight coming into play, too? In any case, I thoroughly
enjoyed getting a peak into Aragorn's head at this young age and
seeing that his dreams have always been big. His resolve, too, is
definitely present, and we can see the stubbornness and the
determination that would hold him to his path through all the long,
weary years in the Wilds. And now we have a better understanding of
the foundation upon which he built.
Title: Arvedui v. Pelendur · Author: Roh Wyn · Genres: Non-Fiction ·
ID: 277
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A fascinating look into the legalities surrounding Aragorn's claim to
Gondor's throne. Roh Wyn provides a clear discussion of the law of the
land that is easy to follow without dumbing down or oversimplifying
the challenges that stand in Aragorn's way.
Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A delightfully creepy look into Boromir's Ring-darkened mind. I am
especially enamoured of how what's happened slowly spins out so that
at first, one only has the faintest of ideas, yet by the end of the
tale the reader has fully grasped the situation only to watch Boromir
lose his grip and fade under the influence of the Ring.
Title: Gifts · Author: Gloria Mundi · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 594
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A fascinating look into Smeagol's thoughts as Frodo's Quest continues.
I'm especially enchanted by his strangely twisted kindness and
observation of both his and Sam's places in Frodo's affections.
Title: Blood and Iron · Author: Ribby · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 122
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A beautifully forged story. I especially like the touch of the three
drops of blood. Nice resonances not only to the fate of all the Free
Peoples and the bloody battles the sword has seen, but the Three Rings
of the Elves themselves.
Title: Tangled Webs · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 100
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I absolutely love the fascinating touch of magic and prophecy worked
into this story. The idea of fortune telling via lacework is so
wonderful, and I love the conceit of the broken thread, the idea that
few have patience for the slow spinning out of their futures. A
gorgeous tale that weaves together sorrow, loss and hope.
Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A gentle tale of past and present and moving on without losing
connection to what has made you. The joy of friendship and quietness
of the piece comes through in language and tone, creating a tender whole.
Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
For such a short story this tale truly packs a wallop! The story is
well crafted, as I have come to expect from this particular writer. I
loved the characterizations, and also truly admired how the last
sentence just made this story. Who could ask more from a drabble? Very
well done, so much so that I had to review it even though I don't
really care for drabbles. That's how good it is!
Title: The Journey · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Times: Late Third
Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 604
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A wonderful exploration of Pippin's own inner journey to match his
outer one.
Both a sweet and strong portrayal of the youngest Hobbit, providing
insight into his mindset that we would not otherwise have. Lovely.
Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I always enjoy stories where Pippin's alleged fairy blood has a part.
Pearl Took's universe is so very good for this, and I have loved from
the beginning the manner in which she has presented this so-delightful
universe. I found the emotional content in this story extremely
satisfying. The behavior of the children rings true to the nature of
children everywhere and Pippin's concern for his son is carefully
crafted with the verisimilitude of a writer who respects the
characters. Pearl never writes hobbits too child-like, as so many
authors do, and I find this makes the story even better. The dialog is
also excellent as well as the story arc, making the tale a true
pleasure to read and one which I found easy to write a good review for.
Title: In Passing · Author: Altariel · Races: Men · ID: 104
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
A beautiful tale of a very wise Faramir and what seems to be a
precocious yet well-mannered great grandson. I love the way that
Faramir decides not to teach outright but rather to play and display.
Of course, he's going to get in the odd lesson or two, but really, the
lesson is for the readers. His wisdom in taking what he has and
allowing others to do the same is profound. I love the passage in
which he decides that the morning will soon be gone and reflects on
the fact that a lifelong tale can be learned over another lifetime.
Wonderfully elegant writing at the same time that it contains all the
simplicity of childhood.
Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
I'm a sucker for just about anything that involves Legolas and Gimli,
and when they're this skillfully written, it's love at first sight.
Bodkin crafts a wonderful story here that had me both laughing and
sorrowing in turns. The underlying purpose of the journey becomes
clear not long into the story, but it remains just that: underlying.
Not until the very end does the search for peace come to the forefront
of the story. But prior to that, you can feel hints of it here and
there, much as the Sea itself infuses its way into Legolas's life. A
lovely parallel that is skillfully hidden by some very clever dialog.
I especially liked Gimli's opinion that underestimating Thranduil's
feelings toward him would probably be safest for all involved. That
was brilliant. Fantastic story, all around!
Title: Black Memory · Author: mrkinch · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 603
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
An impressive piece that tells us so much in negation, laying out the
horror of Morgoth, yet at the last moment presenting an even more
grotesque image rooted in something that should be beautiful -- it's
fascinating in how light brings the real terror rather than the
expected darkness.
Title: Comfort · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: House of Elrond · ID: 161
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I tend to approach stories about Elladan and Elrohir with mixed
emotions. They've been taken to so many different extremes. The saving
grace is the fact that skillful authors still tackle them, which is
why I was so excited to find this story by Bodkin. Elladan and Elrohir
are brilliantly depicted. They're definitely twins, and the thread of
brotherhood runs strongly between them. But they're also individuals
who care for one another but are not necessarily willing to surrender
to the other's will. Fantastic characterization, and wonderful insight
into two of Tolkien's most intriguing characters.
Title: Nothing Less · Author: Archet · Races: Men: General Drabbles ·
ID: 606
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A lovely story exploring the value of desire, hope and trust. I'm
especially taken by the parallels between Aragorn's desire to win
Boromir's heart and the more canonical struggle for Boromir's
allegiance. An excellent piece in which Aragorn's longing carries the
reader along and leaves her/him wishing for more for him as well.
Title: Meant to Be · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 137
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
What an absolute delight this story is! Pearl has yet again done her
homework, which always lends a kind of concrete, solid reality to such
a fanciful tale. I loved the point of view as well as the
characterizations. The dialog is, as usual with Pearl Tooks work, very
sound and natural. The descriptives were also good as well as the
story arc. This story shows a great deal of imagination rooted in the
every-day life of a little sick Pippin being nursed by his mother. All
in all a well done tale which was simply delightful as stated at the
beginning of this review...and which bears repeating yet again:
delightful!
Title: For Our Friends · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Drama · ID: 654
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
For such a short work the author packs quite an emotional punch in
this story. As stated the emotional content is good, yet let us not
neglect narrative and descriptive along with voice. All of these are
handled well and truly with great care. This is a story which speaks
to the heart, a story of bravery, yes, but fist and foremost a story
about how love is truly the only thing worth fighting for.
Title: Silver Rain · Author: Empy · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 589
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
A complex portrayal of love and desire against the backdrop of loss.
Empy's use of language is delicate and perfect, as no turn of phrase
or choice of word is ever a misstep. The entire story carries itself
beautifully, the tone light, yet hiding and revealing by turns depths
of emotion. The way this tale fits into the canon text is stunning, as
it slides home as if it has always been part of the larger tales of
Middle-earth. Gorgeous.
Title: Dirt and Gold · Author: Empy · Times: Mid Third Age · ID: 590
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This story is absolutely captivating. The contrast between the
wrongness of the sibling's desires and Grima's own claim on Eowyn is
fascinating and pulls the reader in two directions, unsure whether to
rejoice in Eowyn and Eomer's love or wallow in Grima's accusations.
The tale provides rationality to Wormtongue's hatred of the ruling
house of Rohan, yet does not wipe away his oily, creeping nature. A
wonderful story with Empy's trademark deft touch.
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
A fascinating interpretation of the motivations of Sauron. This piece
provides an impressive amount of depth to a character we rarely see as
anything more than distant, untouchable, and evil. Although this tale
takes place out of time, there's a strong sense of place that grounds
the whole. Beautifully written, with a sure touch and impressive use
of language. I love reading stories that take risks, and this one
succeeds in bringing reason, loyalty and humanity to the ultimate
villain of the piece.
Title: Your Father Loves You · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 424
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
I very much enjoyed this look into a younger Denethor who seems
untainted by the visions of the palantir and the weight of a faltering
realm. He's still very Denethor, and he looks at the whole picture.
Finduilas is never far from his mind. But in spite of this, he's very
much a loving father, and you can clearly see his protective spirit,
which probably had a hand in his downfall. But here, it's put to work
on Faramir's behalf, and the end result is a very moving portrait of a
loving father who knows all too well what he will have to ask of his
son in years to come.
Title: This crown of stars · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 586
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A beautifully poetic piece underlining not only Aragorn's doubts about
his own destiny, but his active rejection of it. The repetition of
first and last line is an impressive touch that bends the drabble into
a full circle, mimicking the crown itself.
Title: Reflections in the Smoke · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 294
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
There's such an air of change in this little ficlet. I love the way
this paints both Gandalf and Sauron; certainly it showcases the
contrasts between the two. I really enjoyed Gandalf's sorrow and
regret at the loss of a brother. And I also enjoyed the idea that his
power is now quiet since it's no longer needed. The imagery of Ulmo's
waves at low tide was vivid and beautiful. There's a sense of relief
and victory in this piece, but also a hint of bittersweet longing at
the idea that Gandalf is no longer necessary for Middle-earth. And I
think that bittersweet feeling is the case with all good endings.
Title: A Midsummer Day's Dream · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 422
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
I love the whimsical feel to this ficlet. It's very much a dream, and
the appearance of loved ones long lost came slowly and felt like the
musings of a wandering mind. At least, they did until Faramir spied
Boromir. Then the dream took on more substance, and it was the waking
world that felt like a dream. Beautiful and elegantly told story of
the passing of my favorite Steward. Thank you so much!
Title: Best Three Falls, No Gouging · Author: Brigantine · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 587
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A delightfully amusing outing. The Hobbits' observations of the fight
contrasted with Faramir's horror at the disagreement work to add an
entertaining depth to an already giggle-worthy situation. I love the
idea that Eomer and Eowyn are fighting over courting Faramir. Very
funny and sweet.
Title: The Fire of Hope · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 625
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
Ah, I do love tales of young Aragorn, especially when they're this
well written. This story does an amazing job of blending past memories
with present vows and pointing them toward future promise. Do I sense
a bit of foresight coming into play, too? In any case, I thoroughly
enjoyed getting a peak into Aragorn's head at this young age and
seeing that his dreams have always been big. His resolve, too, is
definitely present, and we can see the stubbornness and the
determination that would hold him to his path through all the long,
weary years in the Wilds. And now we have a better understanding of
the foundation upon which he built.
Title: Arvedui v. Pelendur · Author: Roh Wyn · Genres: Non-Fiction ·
ID: 277
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A fascinating look into the legalities surrounding Aragorn's claim to
Gondor's throne. Roh Wyn provides a clear discussion of the law of the
land that is easy to follow without dumbing down or oversimplifying
the challenges that stand in Aragorn's way.
Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A delightfully creepy look into Boromir's Ring-darkened mind. I am
especially enamoured of how what's happened slowly spins out so that
at first, one only has the faintest of ideas, yet by the end of the
tale the reader has fully grasped the situation only to watch Boromir
lose his grip and fade under the influence of the Ring.
Title: Gifts · Author: Gloria Mundi · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 594
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A fascinating look into Smeagol's thoughts as Frodo's Quest continues.
I'm especially enchanted by his strangely twisted kindness and
observation of both his and Sam's places in Frodo's affections.
Title: Blood and Iron · Author: Ribby · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 122
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A beautifully forged story. I especially like the touch of the three
drops of blood. Nice resonances not only to the fate of all the Free
Peoples and the bloody battles the sword has seen, but the Three Rings
of the Elves themselves.
Title: Tangled Webs · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 100
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
I absolutely love the fascinating touch of magic and prophecy worked
into this story. The idea of fortune telling via lacework is so
wonderful, and I love the conceit of the broken thread, the idea that
few have patience for the slow spinning out of their futures. A
gorgeous tale that weaves together sorrow, loss and hope.
Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A gentle tale of past and present and moving on without losing
connection to what has made you. The joy of friendship and quietness
of the piece comes through in language and tone, creating a tender whole.
Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
For such a short story this tale truly packs a wallop! The story is
well crafted, as I have come to expect from this particular writer. I
loved the characterizations, and also truly admired how the last
sentence just made this story. Who could ask more from a drabble? Very
well done, so much so that I had to review it even though I don't
really care for drabbles. That's how good it is!
Title: The Journey · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Times: Late Third
Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 604
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A wonderful exploration of Pippin's own inner journey to match his
outer one.
Both a sweet and strong portrayal of the youngest Hobbit, providing
insight into his mindset that we would not otherwise have. Lovely.
Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I always enjoy stories where Pippin's alleged fairy blood has a part.
Pearl Took's universe is so very good for this, and I have loved from
the beginning the manner in which she has presented this so-delightful
universe. I found the emotional content in this story extremely
satisfying. The behavior of the children rings true to the nature of
children everywhere and Pippin's concern for his son is carefully
crafted with the verisimilitude of a writer who respects the
characters. Pearl never writes hobbits too child-like, as so many
authors do, and I find this makes the story even better. The dialog is
also excellent as well as the story arc, making the tale a true
pleasure to read and one which I found easy to write a good review for.
Title: In Passing · Author: Altariel · Races: Men · ID: 104
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Spoilers!
A beautiful tale of a very wise Faramir and what seems to be a
precocious yet well-mannered great grandson. I love the way that
Faramir decides not to teach outright but rather to play and display.
Of course, he's going to get in the odd lesson or two, but really, the
lesson is for the readers. His wisdom in taking what he has and
allowing others to do the same is profound. I love the passage in
which he decides that the morning will soon be gone and reflects on
the fact that a lifelong tale can be learned over another lifetime.
Wonderfully elegant writing at the same time that it contains all the
simplicity of childhood.
Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
I'm a sucker for just about anything that involves Legolas and Gimli,
and when they're this skillfully written, it's love at first sight.
Bodkin crafts a wonderful story here that had me both laughing and
sorrowing in turns. The underlying purpose of the journey becomes
clear not long into the story, but it remains just that: underlying.
Not until the very end does the search for peace come to the forefront
of the story. But prior to that, you can feel hints of it here and
there, much as the Sea itself infuses its way into Legolas's life. A
lovely parallel that is skillfully hidden by some very clever dialog.
I especially liked Gimli's opinion that underestimating Thranduil's
feelings toward him would probably be safest for all involved. That
was brilliant. Fantastic story, all around!
Title: Black Memory · Author: mrkinch · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 603
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
An impressive piece that tells us so much in negation, laying out the
horror of Morgoth, yet at the last moment presenting an even more
grotesque image rooted in something that should be beautiful -- it's
fascinating in how light brings the real terror rather than the
expected darkness.
Title: Comfort · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: House of Elrond · ID: 161
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I tend to approach stories about Elladan and Elrohir with mixed
emotions. They've been taken to so many different extremes. The saving
grace is the fact that skillful authors still tackle them, which is
why I was so excited to find this story by Bodkin. Elladan and Elrohir
are brilliantly depicted. They're definitely twins, and the thread of
brotherhood runs strongly between them. But they're also individuals
who care for one another but are not necessarily willing to surrender
to the other's will. Fantastic characterization, and wonderful insight
into two of Tolkien's most intriguing characters.
Title: Nothing Less · Author: Archet · Races: Men: General Drabbles ·
ID: 606
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A lovely story exploring the value of desire, hope and trust. I'm
especially taken by the parallels between Aragorn's desire to win
Boromir's heart and the more canonical struggle for Boromir's
allegiance. An excellent piece in which Aragorn's longing carries the
reader along and leaves her/him wishing for more for him as well.
Title: Meant to Be · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 137
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
What an absolute delight this story is! Pearl has yet again done her
homework, which always lends a kind of concrete, solid reality to such
a fanciful tale. I loved the point of view as well as the
characterizations. The dialog is, as usual with Pearl Tooks work, very
sound and natural. The descriptives were also good as well as the
story arc. This story shows a great deal of imagination rooted in the
every-day life of a little sick Pippin being nursed by his mother. All
in all a well done tale which was simply delightful as stated at the
beginning of this review...and which bears repeating yet again:
delightful!
Title: For Our Friends · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Drama · ID: 654
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
For such a short work the author packs quite an emotional punch in
this story. As stated the emotional content is good, yet let us not
neglect narrative and descriptive along with voice. All of these are
handled well and truly with great care. This is a story which speaks
to the heart, a story of bravery, yes, but fist and foremost a story
about how love is truly the only thing worth fighting for.
Title: Silver Rain · Author: Empy · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 589
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
A complex portrayal of love and desire against the backdrop of loss.
Empy's use of language is delicate and perfect, as no turn of phrase
or choice of word is ever a misstep. The entire story carries itself
beautifully, the tone light, yet hiding and revealing by turns depths
of emotion. The way this tale fits into the canon text is stunning, as
it slides home as if it has always been part of the larger tales of
Middle-earth. Gorgeous.
Title: Dirt and Gold · Author: Empy · Times: Mid Third Age · ID: 590
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This story is absolutely captivating. The contrast between the
wrongness of the sibling's desires and Grima's own claim on Eowyn is
fascinating and pulls the reader in two directions, unsure whether to
rejoice in Eowyn and Eomer's love or wallow in Grima's accusations.
The tale provides rationality to Wormtongue's hatred of the ruling
house of Rohan, yet does not wipe away his oily, creeping nature. A
wonderful story with Empy's trademark deft touch.
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