MEFA Reviews for Thursday, July 15, 2010 (Part One)
...because it's already July 16 in MEFA Greenwich Mean Time.
Title: The Price of Duty · Author: Encairion · Genres: Longer Works: Incomplete · ID: 66
Reviewer: Spiced Wine · 2010-05-15 07:56:07
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So, if Tolkien had delved deeply into the lives of the individuals bound into the Doom of the Noldor, with all its pain and tragedy, it would have been something like this. I do not think Tolkien would have done such a thing, but Encairion has. Beginning in the First Age, with Erestor as the main protagonist, this story introduces both original and canon characters. And they bleed, they hate, they are twisted, dark, sorrowful, and incredibly real. The author writes at first, from the fringes of the great Lords, showing the forces at work among the less elevated. I simply adore the grittiness of the characters and the dark anger and pain that is a thread through the whole story.
Encairion uses canon elements and her own ideas to drag us into the thoughts of a young Elf whose father took place at the Kinslaying of Alqualondë and serves one of the sons of Fëanor. We do not see these people as they appear in the Silmarillion, where we almost have to look through a telescope, but up-close and very personal, and the Oath is a maddening and hopeless burden. There is sex, both het and slash, love, grief, hate, death, and it is not devoid of hope. Of course, this is the Silmarillion, written as my favorite authors write it, bloody, sexy, and *human.*. I revel in such work as this.
Title: Farewell · Author: mirasaui · Genres: Ficlet · ID: 78
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 09:50:22
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I love this bittersweet atmosphere throughout the whole story - the way Mirasaui intertwines happy and sad moments. Everything is perfect - descriptions, emotions, memories, atmosphere... It felt like I was there, inside the story, being able to see every picture author describes. So well done!
Title: Promises · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Drama: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 81
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 10:30:25
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Beautiful story. I enjoyed Lialathuveril's descriptions of the land, and there are so many little details that make the story rich; that I would call excellent writing style. I like the characterization, too. Lothiriel's feelings about Eomer are so wonderfully described, as well as their relationship and memories of their life. Perfectly done!
Title: Half-Brother · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Family or Children · ID: 82
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 10:36:55
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As usual, Ellie gives us one more lovely, warm story of Indis, Finarfin and some other members of their family. Characterization is great, emotions are so nicely described. And as she does very often, she surprises us at the end with an unexpected turn. Well done!
Title: Sacrifices · Author: Eärillë (AiedailWing) · Times: Ring War: Gapfiller · ID: 83
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 10:56:22
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The story tells us how all of Fellowship members had to pay a certain price and none of them was unchanged after the war, but in the end, the world was a better place - thanks to their efforts; Aiedailwing describes their sacrifices very well.
Title: To See the Light · Author: Mirach · Times: Ring War · ID: 89
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 13:04:28
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The thoughts of the undead and their longing for light is perfectly described. The last three words [Rest... sleep... peace...], with that slow rhytm, really give the feeling of finally finding the peace. Wonderful story.
Title: Returning to Cirith Thoronath · Author: Mirach · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 90
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 13:09:25
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Mirach managed to write a great mix of emotion, flash-back, action and tension. Most of the time, while reading, it was so tense, like watching a thriller movie. The thoughts of both Aragorn and Glorfindel are well described, and readers can feel the urgency in their actions, especially for Glorfindel. Well done!
Title: When the Stars do not Shine · Author: Mirach · Genres: Drama · ID: 91
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 14:23:35
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As always, we can enjoy Mirach's wonderful writing style - so vivid and suggestive. The reader sympathizes with Earendil and Aragorn and their troubles, especially with the latter, for he is not guilty for what happened to his friend. Wonderful story!
Title: Through The Mirror of Fire · Author: Esteliel · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves · ID: 94
Reviewer: Spiced Wine · 2010-05-15 14:48:06
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A beautiful short story from Esteliel, where Legolas is taken into the Harad, to be sold as a slave. There is a dreamlike quality to this piece, present from the beginning, and becoming more mystical with each sentence. We know Legolas was drugged, and one starts to wonder if in fact he is dreaming. Even the violence he is forced to use when escaping from the man who means to sell him to a mysterious emperor, is written in such a way, one can almost feel the drugs running through Legolas' mind.
Legolas should die in the desert, but there is a music that seems as much in his mind as audible, and leads him to its source: the maker of the music and water. I read this feeling the soporific effect of narcotics and the pitiless heat of the desert, gentled into beauty with the finding of the oasis and the one whose music drew him. There is a spell cast over this story, which somehow blends the exotic and dangerous Harad, with Elven-kind and Legolas' own thoughts and memories. Her Legolas is my favorite portrayal, as he is unusual and vulnerable, not what one usually reads, and although the Legolas in this story is older, he still bears much of her 'Anestel' Legolas' grace and charm. It feels as if it could be the beginning of a longer work, since many questions arise from it, but as a standalone piece, it is exquisite and gently sensuous.
Title: Hospitality · Author: Wormwood · Races: Men: Drabbles · ID: 79
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2010-05-15 14:54:50
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I have SO.MUCH.LOVE for this drabble. Miraculously Alive!Boromir is one of my favorite kinds of Boromir (next to Boromir-and-Théodred Boromir), and I particularly like the way the author has channeled a bit of Boromir-as-Odysseus in here. Mussel-gatherers! That's brilliantly original. I like the way she has shown how Boromir is welcomed and comfortable among the lowest levels of society (as I'm sure he was as Captain-General, with his lowest-ranking troops) even as there's something nagging at the back of his memory [echo of one he once was; often the centre of the room..], something he knows he will need to seek out and face one day.
Wormwood_7 is new to the fandom, and brings a freshness of interpretation, of language, of fascination and delight in the characters and their world. She's exactly the kind of enthusiastic, vibrant author we need to attract and support and encourage. Thank you, wormwood_7, for sharing your gifts with us, and reminding us of everything we love about our fandom.
Title: Calm · Author: Wormwood · Genres: Character Study: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 80
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2010-05-15 14:57:42
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There are two, or perhaps even three, really wonderful stories happening in this drabble at the same time, and I'm in awe of wormwood_7's skill in spinning them, weaving them together, and presenting them to us so prettily in only 100 words. Wow.
The first story tells of the mad excitement and exhilaration, city-wide, in celebration of Boromir's return from His First Big Exciting Mission. I've always imagined Boromir as someone like the sun in splendor, with everyone turning towards him like sunflowers to bask in that glow. ["A homecoming...his brother...the night before."] What a day of boozy festivity as Gondor's Favorite Son returns triumphant!
The second story is of young Faramir's hero-worship for his brother, the feverish anticipation of his return. This aspect really resonated with me on a personal level - I have a child very much like Boromir, and another one quite Faramir-ish, and am very familiar with sense of tension and excitement that surrounds a family get-together, with little chance of [calm and contemplation.] So the imagery of Faramir both delighted and exhausted from Boromir's presence, until he just crashes, the poor lamb, really made me howl with laughter and recognition.
The third story is Mithrandir's: his frustration with how the celebration is interfering with his need for quiet study and research ["the City itself prevented him from settling into calm and contemplation"], the distraction and exhaustion of his young assistant ["a consequence of less control and more exuberance"], his tenderness at the sight of ["Faramir sleeping across the table; forehead in the crook of his arm...tangles of hair trailing into patches of sunlight']. It's lovely, heartwarming imagery, and after we've shared in the mad rush of celebration, it gives us a feeling of restfulness and peace, too.
Title: Scion · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Drabbles · ID: 4
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2010-05-15 14:58:10
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There are SO many things I love about this drabble! Things that made me chuckle and laugh and snort and howl and then go, "Hmmm..." in an only-slightly-entish way.
[The baby stared at them, frowning slightly. He looked back and forth, from the hobbits to his father]
For some reason, this put me in mind of The Baby With One Eyebrow from The Simpsons; that tiny bit of suspicion started me thinking that things might not quite be what they seem.
[his eyes reflecting the dappled light of the woodland.]
"Well, that's pretty," I thought to myself, "though slightly odd. A dysfunctional baby elf, perhaps? How the heck..."
[He winced as the baby clenched it in his fist.]
"Aiyeee!" I thought to myself. "It's Temeraire! Or a Smauglet!"
[The baby gave a small cry, a cross between the sound of an owl and a broken clarinet.]
OMGWTFBBQ! Best descriptive line EVER!
[“That means he’s hungry, ” Treebeard said]
Ok, the fact that the other major character in the drabble is very mischievously left out of the character list makes this one of the most super-surprising totally-out-of-the-blue drabbles in the History of Drabbledom. Awesome!
Title: Freedom Is Never Free · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 132
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 19:39:23
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This is such a beautiful story. Its saddest part, at least for me, is the moment of Halbarad's death - it must've been one of the most dificult moments in Aragorn's life. Nieriel describes it so poigantly.
I love the way Aragorn comforts his son; he is really wise. I enjoyed reading this.
Title: The New Queen’s Bounty · Author: Larner · Genres: Character Study: Dunedain · ID: 136
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 20:07:25
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Larner's description of Aragorn and Arwen is wonderful. She portrays their characters so well: they are nice, gentle, caring, good-hearted persons, and it can be felt from her story. Their help to the mother and her children described in the story is so in character: Aragorn and Arwen do not feel as being above work and ordinary people.
Well done.
Title: This Side of Paradise · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Humor: Comedy/Drama · ID: 134
Reviewer: Aeärwen · 2010-05-15 20:12:09
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This story is one of the funnier ones I read this past year. It is an intimate glimpse into Master Elrond's family toward the end of the Third Age, and an excellent portrayal of how humor in an Elven family would work. The situation is utterly believable, even while approaching one of those utterly absurd events that plague every family from time to time; and the reactions of the various characters are spot-on, as far as I'm concerned.
I would recommend this story to anybody needing to enjoy a chuckle that doesn't really come at the expense of anybody else. Well, on second thought, I suppose Aragorn could have done without the entire experience; but I suppose he should be glad that some of the other canon characters that would have been present at the Last Homely House at about that time didn't make an appearance as well. Nicely crafted to build the sense of the absurd, this story doesn't disappoint on any level.
Good work, NiRi! Good work!
Title: Riding the Fire · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 62
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-15 22:19:53
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Raksha the Demon has a talent for deviantly humorous situations, and this AU story is a fine example. The premise is a wild one: that Feanor should have survived and been biding his time until the twentieth century, when he participates in NASA's space programme in a crucial position and with a view to travelling in one of the future rockets in order to get the Silmaril back off Eärendil! Moreover, Maglor is becoming famous as a (fifth) member of the Beatles, whose music, in true fatherly fashion, Feanor dismisses as hardly music at all. Crazy as it might seem, the image of Feanor with [surgically rounded ears] driving about in a custom made Cadillac convertible comes across as very much in character and the reader is left to feel that this is exactly as it should be. Who other than Feanor should have designed the engines for the space rockets?
Beyond the bizarrely amusing, however, lies a more profound reflection on the nature of immortality. That Feanor should have waited this long, that after thousands of years he still entertains hopes of his wife waiting for him and most importantly, that he should have been holding on to his grudge for such an incredibly long time - this makes the story not just a whacky piece of entertainment, but also a brilliant character study.
Title: Tales from Vairë's Loom: Beyond The Galvorn Door · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Horror · ID: 159
Reviewer: Ellie · 2010-05-16 03:05:07
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Fiondil has written such an incredible tale of sorrow, redemption, reward and grief. His characters are so wonderfully protrayed and the main messed up elf, for lack of better term off the top of my head right now, is so believably depicted. His unmaking and remaking are frightening and wonderous to behold.
This story truely is exquisitely beautiful. This tale is so full of terror and Mercy and Love though not redemption - unless perhaps it was indeed the redemption of the one who existed before the kinslaying. I think this is one of the coolest stories Master Fiondil has ever written. So much power and emotion and understanding are present here and yet so much sorrow and grief. And our dear Namo receives a blessing in the end as well - something he never seems to get as Doomsman of the Valar. Nothing joyful ever seems to happen to Namo and no reward ever seems to come to him. No one writes Namo like Fiondil writes Namo. He clearly sets the standard for characterization and depicting this frightening, important, yet under appreciated Vala.
Title: Hand to Hand · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 167
Reviewer: Aeärwen · 2010-05-16 05:49:29
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I came late to Adaneth's Dunhebaid saga, but I've been enthralled by this latest installment. The characters that she writes are well-rounded and realistic, the world they inhabit so imminent that I feel that I could almost reach out and feel the textures of things. The detail and thought that have gone into the development of her Dwarven culture is without rival.
With Saelon, I have laughed and wept and wished I could smack her upside the head sometimes. The Elves are suitably portrayed with the kinds of personalities that would result from living for so long and seeing so much. And the human culture is rich and deep. What's more, reading this is an adventure in visiting a late-midieval setting and getting to know the sights, smells, vocabulary and intent of people who lived in that kind of setting.
I truly look forward to seeing each new chapter as it emerges, and would recommend this story to anyone for whom Men and Dwarves are a favorite race.
Title: To Represent the Wizzards · Author: aotearoan · Genres: Crossover · ID: 63
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 06:26:37
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Ah--a writer after my own heart! Having written Death within Middle Earth, and Ridcully competing in a chili cook-off, I have to appreciate any visit from the Diskworld into Middle Earth. And the insertion of Rincewind the Wizzard into the Council of Elrond is masterly! Thanks so for a wonderful laugh! May Pratchett find his writing helps preserve his mind!
Title: Passover and Pilgrimage · Author: Larner · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Gondor · ID: 53
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-16 12:23:44
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When I first read this story, I overlooked the fact that it was meant to be a story for Passover and only realised it when I read the author notes. On reflection, though, it is indeed a very fitting story for this festival, not so much, maybe, because of the idea that death had passed over Frodo and Sam, but because of the central theme of rememberance, which is a core theme of Jewish culture and faith, and of Passover in particular. This aspect is beautifully brought out in the early passages of the story, when the memorials in Ithilien are revealed. Larner reminds us that in order for us to fully understand suffering and to acknowledge it appropriately, it needs to be made personal and concrete. The death of thousands remains abstract and meaningless to us until we "see," in one way or other, individual victims and their fate. This is the function of the statues that form the new path of pilgrimage.
The second part of this story takes us into Mordor and all the way to Mount Doom with the notion that the characters are completing the quest and walk the rest of the way that the Fellowship did not walk. What I like here is that this pilgrimage is not restricted to the surviving members of the Fellowship, but includes some of the women and children. The surprise this group of travellers gets when they reach their destination is so overwhelmingly beautiful that I cannot find the words to do justice to it. Suffice to say that the core of Sauron's former realm is transformed completely and in a way that is entirely credible.
Finally, we see Sam arriving in Valinor and bringing this experience to Frodo in word and picture. This rounds off the story in a very unexpected, but deeply satisfying manner that explores the theme of healing on several levels. Altogether, this story is one of Larner's masterpieces.
Title: To Represent the Wizzards · Author: aotearoan · Genres: Crossover · ID: 63
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-16 12:40:03
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Aotearoan is a supremely funny writer, and both the concept and the execution of this story are utterly hilarious. Crossing over Middle-earth and Discworld is a delicious temptation and a suitable one, given that these worlds share such a great number of creatures. Of course, wizards in Discworld are quite a different thing from wizards in Middle-earth, and that is the starting point for this story. Rincewind, who cannot even spell the word "wizard" correctly, never mind perform the simplest of spells, is known for spending his life trying to get away from danger and inevitably getting thrown into it. Knowing this, he has come up with a surprising new strategy, namely that of not-volunteering. He is convinced that whenever there is a dangerous quest proposed, he //will// end up involved in it, but he likes to make his aversion to that fact known in advance. We see this wonderfully whacky idea presented in Terry Pratchett's "Last Hero," and aotearoan is using it to great effect in her story. Rincewind appears at the Council of Elrond and not-volunteers to take the Ring. The reactions of the Tolkien characters to this entirely unexpected and highly disturbing occurrence are masterfully drawn and laugh-out-loud funny. I shall not spoil it for you by quoting any of the funny lines - just go and read it yourself.
Title: The Fifteenth Fosterling · Author: Inzilbeth · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 14
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 17:32:17
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While his latest fosterling from amongst the Dunedain of Eriador wanders in the lands of his enemies, Elrond ponders the sons of the Chieftains of that people he has fostered over the years, remembering the strengths and weaknesses of each with nostalgia, and realizing how strongly each had lived up to his name and how deeply he'd loved each one. But it is the latest he realizes he has loved the most, and he worries at how difficult it is to be so long separated from the Man he has become.
A wonderful look at an anxious Mettare that becomes eased as Elrond reaches out for reassurance, and as he finds reason to rejoice in the Mannish season in spite of its apparently bleak appearance. Well wrought, and good use of the names of each of the fifteen Chieftains.
Title: Orcs at School · Author: Virtuella · Genres: Humor: Parody or Black Humor · ID: 9
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 17:46:09
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Ah! What is an orc schoolmaster to do when a few of his charges seem intent on following distinctly un-orcish behavior by proving--cute, or even intelligent! A horrible prospect, what?
Virtuella has written a witty, delightful look at the trials and tribulations such an individual might expect to know. Truly a story well worth the reading, and filled with chuckles. An honor to reread this once more and comment on it. Thanks so, my friend!
Title: The Battle of the Kitchen · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 102
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 17:54:10
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It must have seemed such a natural decision at the time, to employ chefs from both Gondor and Rohan so as to have the best of both culinary cultures served at the table in Emyn Arnen. However, things are not going particularly well as the two each proves a prima donna, each certain that THIS is what should be served the White Lady as she bears the first child she bears her beloved husband, Prince Faramir.
A witty look at the battles taking place below stairs from the point of view of one of the lesser lights of the kitchens of the place, until at last Faramir proves his reputation for wisdom and fairness by decreeing peace and providing a workable compromise. Very well written, and giving a wonderful glimpse at the life behind the scenes in the Steward's household within Ithilien. Definitely a must-read, and so worthy a gift to us by one of our best of writers in our genre.
Title: The Price of Duty · Author: Encairion · Genres: Longer Works: Incomplete · ID: 66
Reviewer: Spiced Wine · 2010-05-15 07:56:07
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So, if Tolkien had delved deeply into the lives of the individuals bound into the Doom of the Noldor, with all its pain and tragedy, it would have been something like this. I do not think Tolkien would have done such a thing, but Encairion has. Beginning in the First Age, with Erestor as the main protagonist, this story introduces both original and canon characters. And they bleed, they hate, they are twisted, dark, sorrowful, and incredibly real. The author writes at first, from the fringes of the great Lords, showing the forces at work among the less elevated. I simply adore the grittiness of the characters and the dark anger and pain that is a thread through the whole story.
Encairion uses canon elements and her own ideas to drag us into the thoughts of a young Elf whose father took place at the Kinslaying of Alqualondë and serves one of the sons of Fëanor. We do not see these people as they appear in the Silmarillion, where we almost have to look through a telescope, but up-close and very personal, and the Oath is a maddening and hopeless burden. There is sex, both het and slash, love, grief, hate, death, and it is not devoid of hope. Of course, this is the Silmarillion, written as my favorite authors write it, bloody, sexy, and *human.*. I revel in such work as this.
Title: Farewell · Author: mirasaui · Genres: Ficlet · ID: 78
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 09:50:22
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I love this bittersweet atmosphere throughout the whole story - the way Mirasaui intertwines happy and sad moments. Everything is perfect - descriptions, emotions, memories, atmosphere... It felt like I was there, inside the story, being able to see every picture author describes. So well done!
Title: Promises · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Drama: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 81
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 10:30:25
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Beautiful story. I enjoyed Lialathuveril's descriptions of the land, and there are so many little details that make the story rich; that I would call excellent writing style. I like the characterization, too. Lothiriel's feelings about Eomer are so wonderfully described, as well as their relationship and memories of their life. Perfectly done!
Title: Half-Brother · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Family or Children · ID: 82
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 10:36:55
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As usual, Ellie gives us one more lovely, warm story of Indis, Finarfin and some other members of their family. Characterization is great, emotions are so nicely described. And as she does very often, she surprises us at the end with an unexpected turn. Well done!
Title: Sacrifices · Author: Eärillë (AiedailWing) · Times: Ring War: Gapfiller · ID: 83
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 10:56:22
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The story tells us how all of Fellowship members had to pay a certain price and none of them was unchanged after the war, but in the end, the world was a better place - thanks to their efforts; Aiedailwing describes their sacrifices very well.
Title: To See the Light · Author: Mirach · Times: Ring War · ID: 89
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 13:04:28
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The thoughts of the undead and their longing for light is perfectly described. The last three words [Rest... sleep... peace...], with that slow rhytm, really give the feeling of finally finding the peace. Wonderful story.
Title: Returning to Cirith Thoronath · Author: Mirach · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 90
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 13:09:25
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Mirach managed to write a great mix of emotion, flash-back, action and tension. Most of the time, while reading, it was so tense, like watching a thriller movie. The thoughts of both Aragorn and Glorfindel are well described, and readers can feel the urgency in their actions, especially for Glorfindel. Well done!
Title: When the Stars do not Shine · Author: Mirach · Genres: Drama · ID: 91
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 14:23:35
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As always, we can enjoy Mirach's wonderful writing style - so vivid and suggestive. The reader sympathizes with Earendil and Aragorn and their troubles, especially with the latter, for he is not guilty for what happened to his friend. Wonderful story!
Title: Through The Mirror of Fire · Author: Esteliel · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves · ID: 94
Reviewer: Spiced Wine · 2010-05-15 14:48:06
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A beautiful short story from Esteliel, where Legolas is taken into the Harad, to be sold as a slave. There is a dreamlike quality to this piece, present from the beginning, and becoming more mystical with each sentence. We know Legolas was drugged, and one starts to wonder if in fact he is dreaming. Even the violence he is forced to use when escaping from the man who means to sell him to a mysterious emperor, is written in such a way, one can almost feel the drugs running through Legolas' mind.
Legolas should die in the desert, but there is a music that seems as much in his mind as audible, and leads him to its source: the maker of the music and water. I read this feeling the soporific effect of narcotics and the pitiless heat of the desert, gentled into beauty with the finding of the oasis and the one whose music drew him. There is a spell cast over this story, which somehow blends the exotic and dangerous Harad, with Elven-kind and Legolas' own thoughts and memories. Her Legolas is my favorite portrayal, as he is unusual and vulnerable, not what one usually reads, and although the Legolas in this story is older, he still bears much of her 'Anestel' Legolas' grace and charm. It feels as if it could be the beginning of a longer work, since many questions arise from it, but as a standalone piece, it is exquisite and gently sensuous.
Title: Hospitality · Author: Wormwood · Races: Men: Drabbles · ID: 79
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2010-05-15 14:54:50
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I have SO.MUCH.LOVE for this drabble. Miraculously Alive!Boromir is one of my favorite kinds of Boromir (next to Boromir-and-Théodred Boromir), and I particularly like the way the author has channeled a bit of Boromir-as-Odysseus in here. Mussel-gatherers! That's brilliantly original. I like the way she has shown how Boromir is welcomed and comfortable among the lowest levels of society (as I'm sure he was as Captain-General, with his lowest-ranking troops) even as there's something nagging at the back of his memory [echo of one he once was; often the centre of the room..], something he knows he will need to seek out and face one day.
Wormwood_7 is new to the fandom, and brings a freshness of interpretation, of language, of fascination and delight in the characters and their world. She's exactly the kind of enthusiastic, vibrant author we need to attract and support and encourage. Thank you, wormwood_7, for sharing your gifts with us, and reminding us of everything we love about our fandom.
Title: Calm · Author: Wormwood · Genres: Character Study: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 80
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2010-05-15 14:57:42
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There are two, or perhaps even three, really wonderful stories happening in this drabble at the same time, and I'm in awe of wormwood_7's skill in spinning them, weaving them together, and presenting them to us so prettily in only 100 words. Wow.
The first story tells of the mad excitement and exhilaration, city-wide, in celebration of Boromir's return from His First Big Exciting Mission. I've always imagined Boromir as someone like the sun in splendor, with everyone turning towards him like sunflowers to bask in that glow. ["A homecoming...his brother...the night before."] What a day of boozy festivity as Gondor's Favorite Son returns triumphant!
The second story is of young Faramir's hero-worship for his brother, the feverish anticipation of his return. This aspect really resonated with me on a personal level - I have a child very much like Boromir, and another one quite Faramir-ish, and am very familiar with sense of tension and excitement that surrounds a family get-together, with little chance of [calm and contemplation.] So the imagery of Faramir both delighted and exhausted from Boromir's presence, until he just crashes, the poor lamb, really made me howl with laughter and recognition.
The third story is Mithrandir's: his frustration with how the celebration is interfering with his need for quiet study and research ["the City itself prevented him from settling into calm and contemplation"], the distraction and exhaustion of his young assistant ["a consequence of less control and more exuberance"], his tenderness at the sight of ["Faramir sleeping across the table; forehead in the crook of his arm...tangles of hair trailing into patches of sunlight']. It's lovely, heartwarming imagery, and after we've shared in the mad rush of celebration, it gives us a feeling of restfulness and peace, too.
Title: Scion · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Drabbles · ID: 4
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2010-05-15 14:58:10
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There are SO many things I love about this drabble! Things that made me chuckle and laugh and snort and howl and then go, "Hmmm..." in an only-slightly-entish way.
[The baby stared at them, frowning slightly. He looked back and forth, from the hobbits to his father]
For some reason, this put me in mind of The Baby With One Eyebrow from The Simpsons; that tiny bit of suspicion started me thinking that things might not quite be what they seem.
[his eyes reflecting the dappled light of the woodland.]
"Well, that's pretty," I thought to myself, "though slightly odd. A dysfunctional baby elf, perhaps? How the heck..."
[He winced as the baby clenched it in his fist.]
"Aiyeee!" I thought to myself. "It's Temeraire! Or a Smauglet!"
[The baby gave a small cry, a cross between the sound of an owl and a broken clarinet.]
OMGWTFBBQ! Best descriptive line EVER!
[“That means he’s hungry, ” Treebeard said]
Ok, the fact that the other major character in the drabble is very mischievously left out of the character list makes this one of the most super-surprising totally-out-of-the-blue drabbles in the History of Drabbledom. Awesome!
Title: Freedom Is Never Free · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 132
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 19:39:23
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This is such a beautiful story. Its saddest part, at least for me, is the moment of Halbarad's death - it must've been one of the most dificult moments in Aragorn's life. Nieriel describes it so poigantly.
I love the way Aragorn comforts his son; he is really wise. I enjoyed reading this.
Title: The New Queen’s Bounty · Author: Larner · Genres: Character Study: Dunedain · ID: 136
Reviewer: Ellynn · 2010-05-15 20:07:25
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Larner's description of Aragorn and Arwen is wonderful. She portrays their characters so well: they are nice, gentle, caring, good-hearted persons, and it can be felt from her story. Their help to the mother and her children described in the story is so in character: Aragorn and Arwen do not feel as being above work and ordinary people.
Well done.
Title: This Side of Paradise · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Humor: Comedy/Drama · ID: 134
Reviewer: Aeärwen · 2010-05-15 20:12:09
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This story is one of the funnier ones I read this past year. It is an intimate glimpse into Master Elrond's family toward the end of the Third Age, and an excellent portrayal of how humor in an Elven family would work. The situation is utterly believable, even while approaching one of those utterly absurd events that plague every family from time to time; and the reactions of the various characters are spot-on, as far as I'm concerned.
I would recommend this story to anybody needing to enjoy a chuckle that doesn't really come at the expense of anybody else. Well, on second thought, I suppose Aragorn could have done without the entire experience; but I suppose he should be glad that some of the other canon characters that would have been present at the Last Homely House at about that time didn't make an appearance as well. Nicely crafted to build the sense of the absurd, this story doesn't disappoint on any level.
Good work, NiRi! Good work!
Title: Riding the Fire · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 62
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-15 22:19:53
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Raksha the Demon has a talent for deviantly humorous situations, and this AU story is a fine example. The premise is a wild one: that Feanor should have survived and been biding his time until the twentieth century, when he participates in NASA's space programme in a crucial position and with a view to travelling in one of the future rockets in order to get the Silmaril back off Eärendil! Moreover, Maglor is becoming famous as a (fifth) member of the Beatles, whose music, in true fatherly fashion, Feanor dismisses as hardly music at all. Crazy as it might seem, the image of Feanor with [surgically rounded ears] driving about in a custom made Cadillac convertible comes across as very much in character and the reader is left to feel that this is exactly as it should be. Who other than Feanor should have designed the engines for the space rockets?
Beyond the bizarrely amusing, however, lies a more profound reflection on the nature of immortality. That Feanor should have waited this long, that after thousands of years he still entertains hopes of his wife waiting for him and most importantly, that he should have been holding on to his grudge for such an incredibly long time - this makes the story not just a whacky piece of entertainment, but also a brilliant character study.
Title: Tales from Vairë's Loom: Beyond The Galvorn Door · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Horror · ID: 159
Reviewer: Ellie · 2010-05-16 03:05:07
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Fiondil has written such an incredible tale of sorrow, redemption, reward and grief. His characters are so wonderfully protrayed and the main messed up elf, for lack of better term off the top of my head right now, is so believably depicted. His unmaking and remaking are frightening and wonderous to behold.
This story truely is exquisitely beautiful. This tale is so full of terror and Mercy and Love though not redemption - unless perhaps it was indeed the redemption of the one who existed before the kinslaying. I think this is one of the coolest stories Master Fiondil has ever written. So much power and emotion and understanding are present here and yet so much sorrow and grief. And our dear Namo receives a blessing in the end as well - something he never seems to get as Doomsman of the Valar. Nothing joyful ever seems to happen to Namo and no reward ever seems to come to him. No one writes Namo like Fiondil writes Namo. He clearly sets the standard for characterization and depicting this frightening, important, yet under appreciated Vala.
Title: Hand to Hand · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 167
Reviewer: Aeärwen · 2010-05-16 05:49:29
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I came late to Adaneth's Dunhebaid saga, but I've been enthralled by this latest installment. The characters that she writes are well-rounded and realistic, the world they inhabit so imminent that I feel that I could almost reach out and feel the textures of things. The detail and thought that have gone into the development of her Dwarven culture is without rival.
With Saelon, I have laughed and wept and wished I could smack her upside the head sometimes. The Elves are suitably portrayed with the kinds of personalities that would result from living for so long and seeing so much. And the human culture is rich and deep. What's more, reading this is an adventure in visiting a late-midieval setting and getting to know the sights, smells, vocabulary and intent of people who lived in that kind of setting.
I truly look forward to seeing each new chapter as it emerges, and would recommend this story to anyone for whom Men and Dwarves are a favorite race.
Title: To Represent the Wizzards · Author: aotearoan · Genres: Crossover · ID: 63
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 06:26:37
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Ah--a writer after my own heart! Having written Death within Middle Earth, and Ridcully competing in a chili cook-off, I have to appreciate any visit from the Diskworld into Middle Earth. And the insertion of Rincewind the Wizzard into the Council of Elrond is masterly! Thanks so for a wonderful laugh! May Pratchett find his writing helps preserve his mind!
Title: Passover and Pilgrimage · Author: Larner · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond: Gondor · ID: 53
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-16 12:23:44
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When I first read this story, I overlooked the fact that it was meant to be a story for Passover and only realised it when I read the author notes. On reflection, though, it is indeed a very fitting story for this festival, not so much, maybe, because of the idea that death had passed over Frodo and Sam, but because of the central theme of rememberance, which is a core theme of Jewish culture and faith, and of Passover in particular. This aspect is beautifully brought out in the early passages of the story, when the memorials in Ithilien are revealed. Larner reminds us that in order for us to fully understand suffering and to acknowledge it appropriately, it needs to be made personal and concrete. The death of thousands remains abstract and meaningless to us until we "see," in one way or other, individual victims and their fate. This is the function of the statues that form the new path of pilgrimage.
The second part of this story takes us into Mordor and all the way to Mount Doom with the notion that the characters are completing the quest and walk the rest of the way that the Fellowship did not walk. What I like here is that this pilgrimage is not restricted to the surviving members of the Fellowship, but includes some of the women and children. The surprise this group of travellers gets when they reach their destination is so overwhelmingly beautiful that I cannot find the words to do justice to it. Suffice to say that the core of Sauron's former realm is transformed completely and in a way that is entirely credible.
Finally, we see Sam arriving in Valinor and bringing this experience to Frodo in word and picture. This rounds off the story in a very unexpected, but deeply satisfying manner that explores the theme of healing on several levels. Altogether, this story is one of Larner's masterpieces.
Title: To Represent the Wizzards · Author: aotearoan · Genres: Crossover · ID: 63
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-16 12:40:03
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Aotearoan is a supremely funny writer, and both the concept and the execution of this story are utterly hilarious. Crossing over Middle-earth and Discworld is a delicious temptation and a suitable one, given that these worlds share such a great number of creatures. Of course, wizards in Discworld are quite a different thing from wizards in Middle-earth, and that is the starting point for this story. Rincewind, who cannot even spell the word "wizard" correctly, never mind perform the simplest of spells, is known for spending his life trying to get away from danger and inevitably getting thrown into it. Knowing this, he has come up with a surprising new strategy, namely that of not-volunteering. He is convinced that whenever there is a dangerous quest proposed, he //will// end up involved in it, but he likes to make his aversion to that fact known in advance. We see this wonderfully whacky idea presented in Terry Pratchett's "Last Hero," and aotearoan is using it to great effect in her story. Rincewind appears at the Council of Elrond and not-volunteers to take the Ring. The reactions of the Tolkien characters to this entirely unexpected and highly disturbing occurrence are masterfully drawn and laugh-out-loud funny. I shall not spoil it for you by quoting any of the funny lines - just go and read it yourself.
Title: The Fifteenth Fosterling · Author: Inzilbeth · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 14
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 17:32:17
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While his latest fosterling from amongst the Dunedain of Eriador wanders in the lands of his enemies, Elrond ponders the sons of the Chieftains of that people he has fostered over the years, remembering the strengths and weaknesses of each with nostalgia, and realizing how strongly each had lived up to his name and how deeply he'd loved each one. But it is the latest he realizes he has loved the most, and he worries at how difficult it is to be so long separated from the Man he has become.
A wonderful look at an anxious Mettare that becomes eased as Elrond reaches out for reassurance, and as he finds reason to rejoice in the Mannish season in spite of its apparently bleak appearance. Well wrought, and good use of the names of each of the fifteen Chieftains.
Title: Orcs at School · Author: Virtuella · Genres: Humor: Parody or Black Humor · ID: 9
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 17:46:09
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Ah! What is an orc schoolmaster to do when a few of his charges seem intent on following distinctly un-orcish behavior by proving--cute, or even intelligent! A horrible prospect, what?
Virtuella has written a witty, delightful look at the trials and tribulations such an individual might expect to know. Truly a story well worth the reading, and filled with chuckles. An honor to reread this once more and comment on it. Thanks so, my friend!
Title: The Battle of the Kitchen · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 102
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-16 17:54:10
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It must have seemed such a natural decision at the time, to employ chefs from both Gondor and Rohan so as to have the best of both culinary cultures served at the table in Emyn Arnen. However, things are not going particularly well as the two each proves a prima donna, each certain that THIS is what should be served the White Lady as she bears the first child she bears her beloved husband, Prince Faramir.
A witty look at the battles taking place below stairs from the point of view of one of the lesser lights of the kitchens of the place, until at last Faramir proves his reputation for wisdom and fairness by decreeing peace and providing a workable compromise. Very well written, and giving a wonderful glimpse at the life behind the scenes in the Steward's household within Ithilien. Definitely a must-read, and so worthy a gift to us by one of our best of writers in our genre.