Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Dirty Jobs · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor: Shire · ID: 232
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This is a story I have enjoyed reading more than once. Pearl Took did
well in letting the show Dirty Jobs influence here in this story. It
was truly inspired. I loved Pippin's work ethic and his desire to
please as well as his generous nature, and the fact that he didn't
mind getting dirty in the least lent the tale a great deal of
verisimilitude. Pearl Took always handles stories which include
Pippin's family so very well, and this story is no exception.

Title: Destiny · Author: Cinzia · Races: Men · ID: 592
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
This is a shockingly gorgeous story, where fate and love intertwine to
make something far more powerful than any one man can withstand.
Theodred and Boromir's affection is beautifully set against a backdrop
of strife and war, and the rationale for their need to be alone and
unfettered by duty fits perfectly into the larger plotline. Watching
Aragorn slide into something dangerously close to obsession is
fascinating, and his desire for Boromir -- as his Steward, and as
something more -- is very clearly communicated to the reader. I'm
especially enamoured with the idea that this young man is the key to
his kingdom, and that that simple fact has set spark to tinder,
uncovering more than a simple desire to learn about the boy that could
potentially stand in his way.

Title: Daybreak · Author: Cinzia · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 591
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Spoilers!
This story is skillfully presented and moves from quiet sweetness to a
sad foreshadowing of what is to come. As a reader, a sense of
foreboding starts to sneak in underneath and colour the tale until one
cannot help but feel one's heart squeezed in the same grip that has
Faramir worrying for his brother's future. Cinzia not only uses
language like a master artist, but she also provides an impressive
number of signposts that subtly mark future events. This story is as
painful as it is beautiful, and I felt tears prickling behind my eyes
as I read it. Boromir's promise to always return is especially
poignant in light of how he will finally be reunited with his brother
and without being healed by the King. The contrast between the
brothers as children and the parting they are on the verge of as one
becomes an adult is absolutely heartrending. Beautifully done.

Title: On Hobbits · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 457
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
A fascinating personal discourse on why the author is drawn to
Hobbits. Insightful and interesting, even to those of us drawn to
other Peoples of Middle-earth.

Title: The Autumn of His Discontent · Author: jodancingtree · Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 157
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I do hope that this story will be continued some time, and sooner than
later, though I understand how life can take over and either the
desire to write or the time can be lacking.

JoDancingTree has topped my favourite authors list since I first read
her wonderful "Sam's Rose" and the two of us began to trade comments
on stories-in-progress. She has a way of setting the scene, of
involving all the senses until you feel yourself inside the story,
alongside the characters, feeling the textures, smelling the smells,
tasting the flavours, as well as hearing and seeing. With this new
story, she hasn't lost her touch.

Please, Jo, pretty please, if you're listening? Do put us out of
misery and add to the story? Pretty please with sugar on top?

Title: Home · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 647
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A touching story of Eomer and Eowyn's arrival at Meduseld, twined with
a fascinating take on Thorongil's place in the hearts of the Rohirrim.
The characterizations of the major players are fascinating, especially
that of Theodred and his cousins. Lovely.

Title: What Goes Up · Author: Dana · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 683
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Well, first off, you know I'm not much for movie verse, but if you're
the one to write it, Dana, I'll make a point of reading it.

Dana introduced me to drabbles in the first place, and retains her
mastery of the genre--packing the maximum impact into a carefully
measured word count. Even the title is wonderfully crafted, though its
impact doesn't strike until the last line of the drabble, which in
itself says so much about Pippin's character, his way of thinking and
doing things. Very practical hobbit, yet whimsical too.

I love the melding of past, present, and future in this small snippet.
Beautifully done.

Title: Five Turnings of the Year · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 685
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Oh, Dana. I don't know how you do it... make me laugh, and cry, and
laugh again, all in the space of a few moments' reading. Your
characters are so real, they nearly jump off the page.

Five different Yules, before, during, and after the Quest, and not
necessarily in that order. A different cast of characters in each,
with a common factor of Pippin (and Merry. Of course.).

Deft touch with conversation, just enough description to bring the
scene to life in the mind. Wonderful character sketches and drawing of
relationships. As usual, a beautiful job of writing, and fine reading
any time of year.

Title: Invisible Ink · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 4
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
A wonderful examination of the traditions of Rohan. Believable and
creative, as if Tolkien himself had laid down such customs. I
especially adore how the reader is led slowly to the realization of
all Eomer stands for and all his marks say alongside Faramir's own
exploration. A really beautifully crafted tale.

Title: Eagle of the Star · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 152
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Beautiful, simply beautiful. I love how Ecthelion's true intentions
spin out over the course of the story, and how it becomes less a story
of a man trying to protect his son, and more about a Steward
recognizing (or at least suspecting) his King. The amount of depth
presented here in all the main characters is stunning, and the author
breathes real life into what would otherwise be starkly drawn canon
portrayals. Wonderful.

Title: The Westering Fire · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits · ID: 200
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
A wonderful look at the Scouring of the Shire from Rosie's point of
view, hinting at fresh horrors that the male characters are never
really exposed to. Rosie's voice is so clear here, and the sudden rush
of hope at the end of the story is a wonderful touch that lifts the
reader's spirits.

Title: Secrets · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 229
Reviewer: Galadriel · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
Beautifully touching. Rosie is such a strong voice in this author's
hands, and provides an intimate account of not only Frodo's
sufferings, but how they affect the people around him. Additionally,
there is a poignant beauty in Rosie and Frodo sharing secrets, he in
hiding his ailments, and she in giving him back some small measure of
hope and health. Wonderfully done.

Title: A Fair Trial · Author: Maeve Riannon · Genres: Humor: Valar &
Maiar · ID: 403
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Spoilers!
This hilarious spoof of Sauron's refusal to submit to the judgement of
the Valar recalls the wild anarchy of Monty Python--Sauron at one
point actually shape-shifts into a Knight of Ni! I especially liked
"the Music" as catch-all defense, and the choice between Saruman and
Bombadil as ["the only Maiar who were willing to defend you"]. Great fun!

Title: Sing My Worth Immortal · Author: Perelleth · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 168
Reviewer: picara · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
This story is very typical of the type of story the Perelleth writes
and that I love--fully of legends that are so detailed and real. This
story also happens to be incredibly funny!

Title: A Problem Shared · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: picara · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I have always loved Radagast because he loves the same things I
do--nature and animals. So many people portray him as just silly and
meaningless in his love of nature. So that is why I like this story so
much. On the surface, Radagast is just babbling about some animal that
he sees as fierce, but which everyone knows is the most meek animal on
the face of the planet. But his statements are not those of a madman
or a fool. They have meaning if people will just hear and think about
what he is saying, as Thranduil finally does. That is so cool and so
very much like the wizards. And since I also love Thranduil, I love
him in this story. Fretting over all the problems his people are
facing like the great king that he is, it is very nice to see him get
a little reassurance, even if he does have to work really hard to get
that reassurance!

Title: Shadows · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 698
Reviewer: picara · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Oh my gosh this is sad! To think that her spirit was still there in
the woods! The connection between Legolas seeing the spirits of the
dead that fought in the war and then realizing the truth of what his
father said so many years before is really a cool idea.

Title: Wizards' Pupils · Author: Altariel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 108
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This story deals well with two things I have always been curious
about--whether Saruman and Denethor might have had dealings in the
palantir together, and that Saruman's influence might have had an
effect on Denthor; and Faramir's relationship with Gandalf.

The framing story, of young Elboron recieving his father's experience,
and then relating it to his own son is a brilliant device, and draws
together the whole theme of wisdom and age and fathers and sons.

Title: The Importance of Being Bilbo · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 686
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Dreamflower writes meticulously crafted, richly detailed stories. They
are obviously researched with care, and she brings an historical
perspective to her writing that adds depth and believability.

Her nonfiction is no exception. This essay on Bilbo explores both the
obvious facts and the nuances that tie The Hobbit and The Lord of the
Rings together. Her literary analysis is respectfully done, with an
eye to author's intent, and without trying to stretch a point to fit
some postmodernist theory or other. It is clear that she endeavours to
deal with "just the facts, ma'am, just the facts" and yet even within
this constriction new possibilities and speculations arise, leading to
the discovery of new lodes for the mining.

As usual, excellent work and well-worth repeated reading.

Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I love the way the three characters in these three drabbles are linked
through the blooming of three mallorn trees. Seeing them in the "now",
after their labours are complete, when they can (in a manner of
speaking) rest on their laurels, is a refreshing bit of reading.

One of the fascinations I have with drabbles is how so much can be
said using so little words. In the best-formed drabbles, there is a
world left unsaid and yet plain to the inner eye. Larner is well-known
for long, detailed stories, and yet these shorter writings also show
off the craft of a skillful writer.

Title: A Maid Waiting · Author: Larner · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 691
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I am afraid I'm out of time, and that the reviewing period will close
before I get a chance to do this story the honour it deserves. This is
a placeholder review, but if I don't get back to add the detail I
wish, it will have to serve as a vote.

And so, to any reading this, may I encourage you to explore this
richly detailed, delightful story? Larner's OCs take on a life of
their own, bringing a smile or a frown to the reader. Often one will
recognize in the writing familiar personalities. Conversations sound
as if they are drawn from life, and the description of settings makes
you feel that you are there in the place you're reading about.

And of course, Tolkien's characters are always handled with respect
and obvious affection.

I enjoy Larner's take on Middle-earth and hope that the bunnies keep
on biting for a long, long time.

Salute!

Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This account of the friendship of Legolas and Gimli is so solid and
comforting. While it is Legolas who needs the stillness, it is Gimli
who has seen that they went in search of it. And Legolas'
determination to hang on to Middle-earth for as long as he can rings
so true, as we see only too clearly the main reason for that
determination.

A beautiful bit of insight into the characters of our favortie Elf and
Dwarf, and their relationship.

Title: A Taste of Home · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 138
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
This little story of Pearl's, originally written for a recipe!fic
challenge, is a favorite of mine.

Most stories about Merry and Pippin in their retirement years in
Gondor are melancholy and sad. This one is delightfully funny, as a
tetchy Merry has poor Pippin running all over the White City in search
of the perfect hobbity Yuletide fruitcake.

I love how manipulative Merry is in this, and how willing to be
manipulated Pippin is. Those two are a delight, whatever their ages!

And the recipe sounds wonderful!

Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Spoilers!
LOLOLOL!

How well I remember such experiences, draggling along behind an
indefatigable father as he returned to his roots. It seemed to give
him new energy, beyond the (usually superior) energy of youth enjoyed
by his children, such that he became the one charging ahead with
enthusiasm, while we less-than-energetically brought up the rear. And
just such grumbling!

Perfect capturing of the moment.

Title: The Portrait · Author: agape4gondor · Races: Men: Pre-Ring War
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 288
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
I love this little double-drabble--what a thoughtful gift! I'd love to
see a follow-up where we see Denethor's reaction.

Title: Acquittance · Author: Aprilkat · Genres: Drama · ID: 337
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
You reap what you sow--in the case of Serinde, she reaps the benefit
of the good will she has built up by her treatment of patients that
others disdain...

Very touching, and a lovely tribute to SS.