MEFA Reviews for Thursday, July 15, 2010 (Part Two)
Title: Mightier than the Sword - Indigo · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Humor: Mixed Drabbles · ID: 49
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-16 19:16:49
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Linda Hoyland's drabble series are always worth reading, and the one from which this drabble is taken is one of my favourites. It's concept is simple, but effective: a string of vignettes explores aspects of Middle-earth, each representing a colour of the rainbow. The significance of the rainbow as the biblical symbol of hope and renewal is subtly implied.
All the drabbles in this series are charming in their own way, but I like this one best. As usual, Linda Hoyland has created a scene that seems so natural, so immediately convincing to the reader that one wonders at the sleight of hand with which she makes her elegant simplicity look so easy.
The scene is Minas Tirith, in the king's palace. When a scream of pain is heard from the king's chamber, the guards rush in, only to find Aragorn subjected to no greater danger than Arwen's pin cushion. She is fitting him for a new garment of indigo silk from Harad. What is, on the surface, an amusing scene, gains additional depth through Aragorn's comment on having been conquered not by the swords, but by the fabrics of the Haradrim. It makes for an uplifting commentary on a world now at peace, where swords are turned not only into plough-shares, but also into sewing needles.
Title: A Disgrace to Gondor · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Mystery · ID: 47
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-16 19:29:40
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Linda Hoyland tackles a subject here that rings but too true and reminds us of sad realities in our own world. I thought of homeless people "cleared" off the streets in preparation for grand public events, or of the street children of Latin America being killed by those who deem their existence a disgrace for which the victims are to blame.
A similar problem has occurred in pre-war Minas Tirith. A number of beggars have been sneakily stabbed and there is fear growing among them. A newcomer learns about this from an established beggar, but he ignores the man's warning and decides to sleep in the street nevertheless. The reader begins to suspect what soon comes to light: this newcomer is no beggar, but none other than Thorongil in disguise, trying to solve the mystery of the murders. That he succeeds in this goes without saying, and the solution he eventually finds for the beggars is satisfactory, without seeming overly optimistic or unrealistically grand. Their lives are made a little easier, a little safer, in a manner that their society would indeed have been able to accommodate. I found this portrayal of a younger Aragorn very convincing and thought-provoking without being preachy.
Title: Seasons of Gladness · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Character Study: Drabble Series · ID: 60
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 12:22:40
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This drabble series showcases Raksha's polished prose to very good effect. The concept is elegant and precise in its simplicity: starting with spring, each drabble is set in one of the seasons, and the sequence from early manhood to old age also makes use of the classic motif of the seasons representing human life.
However, Raksha gives this classic set-up additional interest by brushing it against the grain. The spring drabble is not an idyllic scene of hope and budding romance, but rather an intense moment during battle, with more battles still to come, and the only gladness to be derived from the situation is sheer survival. The summer drabble follows a more traditional path, but the drabble for autumn again surprises, because the sedate feeling of harvest and achievement gives way to continued passion. Finally, the winter drabble does not focus on death and despair, but on overcoming bereavement and finding beauty still in a world that has, at least temporarily, become chilly and harsh.
Another neat aspect of this series is the choice of companions Raksha chooses to give Faramir in each drabble: Boromir in the first, Eowyn in the second and third, and Aragorn in the last. They represent, successively, family bonds, courtship and love, and finally, friendship, and Rasksha shows beautifully how each of these aspects shapes Faramir's life at different times.
An exquisite series, resembling a set of paintings.
Title: Goldilocks and the Three Balrogs · Author: Clodia · Genres: Character Study: The Silmarillion · ID: 76
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 12:25:26
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All of Clodia's Silmarillion stories feature compelling characters, exquisite prose and unusual, often delightfully whimsical plot lines. This charming story is no exception. The way she describes Glorfindel's return to life, very much like a physical shock, is touching and profound and yet the high pathos that permeates parts of the story is married harmonically with the fine irony and dry wit which are among the hallmarks of Clodia's style. The insights she offers into the mind of both Saruman and Gandalf compel the readers to reflect, but don't stop them from squeeing with delight the moment Melinna appears on the scene. Of all Clodia's achievements (and they are many) I deem the creation of Melinna the finest. She is convincingly Elvish, but without any of the blandness that often affects Elven characters, she is very much herself without overshadowing the other charcters, she has amazing dialogue and a sense of humour that is simply enchanting.
The story has many memorable scenes and motifs, but the one that struck me most was the painted stone. Its link with Gondolin gives is depth and melancholy significance, and at the same time Clodia uses it to make us smile. Well, then, is it a paper weight or a door stop? We really, really need to know!
Title: Five Things That Never Happened To Bilbo Baggins · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 58
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 12:29:39
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Dreamflower has previously reflected on The Importance of Being Bilbo in a very interesting essay; here she puts the spotlight of speculative examination on the crucial role of this character in a neat packet of well-written vignettes that show scenes which - fortunately for Middle-earth - never happened.
The fate of Middle-earth would have been grim or, to speak less dramatically, the plot line of Tolkien's main tale seriously warped, had the efficient gardener at Bag End seen the scratch marks on the door and painted them over before the dwarves arrived or if, the Valar forbid, Gollum had killed Bilbo in his mountain tunnel. Similarly catastrophic, and heart-breaking in the bargain, would have been the scenario in which Frodo drowns along with his parents. That Bilbo might have joined Balin in Moria is, as soon as one considers it, a natural and convincing assumption. How would Frodo have responded if he had found Bilbo's grave alongside Balin's? And finally, what would have happened if the Council of Elrond had accepted Bilbo's valiant offer to take the Ring? It is not to be assumed that he would have had the strength for the quest, and yet, who knows? Someone might write that story one day. For now, we thank Dreamflower for these inspiring miniatures.
Title: Ice Sculptures · Author: Shipwright's Trick · Genres: Drama: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 59
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 12:31:00
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It is always a delight to see new talented authors entering the scene and to encounter good writing skills in young people. Shipwright's Trick is such a debutante who puts a smile on my face. In this story, she is tackling a difficult scenario: the death of Finduilas. There are many pitfalls in this scenario, especially for the fledgeling author, and Shipwright's Trick manages to avoid all of them. There is no overdone sentimentality, no purple prose, no stereotypical characterisation of Denethor. The family dynamics are sympathetically and convincingly rendered, the prose is smooth and fitting. Denethor's most pressing problem in the story is whatever he should say in this situation, and his helplessness makes him silent. It is little Faramir who, feeling that they should not sit by their dying mother without offering the comfort of words, suggests that they tell her a story. This is so appropriate, so in character for a child, especially a child who will grow up to be Faramir, and it is very moving and memorable. The child's request then allows Denethor to take ownership of the situation and tell a story that helps the entire family to cope with their grief. A compassionate and touching tale, skillfully crafted.
Title: A Dragon Tale · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 51
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 12:41:19
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Pearl Took is a writer who specialises on Hobbit stories, but every now and then she picks up a different strand of Tolkien's work and works on it to surprising effect. Such a story competed last year, in the shape of a very chilling AU that had Galadriel seize the One Ring, and such a story we have again here. We find the narrative linked, at the end, to Peregrin Took, but the main body of the text is concerend with the origin of dragons.
That Morgoth made the dragons, Tolkien explains himself, but how he made them, Tolkien did not elaborated on. Pearl Took fill this gap and gives us a very convincing account of their genesis. Both the motivation and the method that are shown here fit Morgoth to a t: he wants control, he wants utility, and he get these by corrupting a living creature and instrumentalising it for his purposes. That he kills the snake to find out how it works is the central point that tells us just what's wrong with Morgoth, and it also raises uncomfortable questions about our own treatment of animals. The concluding paragraph with the conversation between Pippin and his pet dragon brings up the nature/nurture debate and related issues of moral philosophy. A most interesting read indeed.
Title: How the East Was Won · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 124
Reviewer: Spiced Wine · 2010-05-17 12:41:49
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Again, Pandemonium effortlessly, stylishly and with incredible realism, takes us into her universe. When looking at this story on the SWG, I was stunned by the imagery and the sense of feeling I truly was back in a very ancient time, but that it was this earth, in a time unrecorded or remembered now only in myths. Pandemonium always manages to evoke this submersion into a real past, with real people. Her Sauron, in this, slides so easily, so perfectly into something from our own mythology, that one thinks 'Yes, this must have been how it was.'
Her knowledge of pre-history is rendered beautiful by her skill in writing. I specifically remember her Sauron noting that the men he met looked ill-nourished and how he knew that this was caused by the massive disruption in the weather patterns caused by the cataclysm of the War of Wrath. This is something Tolkien touched on but little - a war powerful enough to sink Beleriand under the ocean would have affected the weather of the whole world. Yet Sauron is brilliant, he simply is, he will survive, and he is courageous, again little is spoken of Sauron that equates with courage, but I see it in Pandemonium's version of him: Too intelligent, curious, but also possessing courage. He did not wish to return to Valinor and the judgment of the Valar (Hah! What judgment?) because he believed his freedom would be taken away from him - and that did frighten him. I do not blame him for that; Valinor does not seem made for the kind of freed, voracious, brilliant mind Sauron has. His acts speak for themselves, but in Pandë's universe I find I sympathize with him.
Title: The House of Uial and the Tale of The Last son · Author: Elvenson · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 195
Reviewer: Elfique · 2010-05-17 13:03:49
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This is one of the best and inspiring examples of fan fiction that I have ever read.
The reader follows the life of Celebrin, an orphan of Doriath and woven into this tale is the deep friendship - beautifully crafted and written - between Celebrin and an orphan of Gondolin: Alphindil.
The two characters are so well rounded and considered that their story literally dragged me in. It is so rare to find such a decently written tale about 'brotherhood' rather than slash, I don't believe I have read anything that has come close. In this regard especially, does this fan fiction really ring true to Tolkien.
In all other regards this fic is perfectly within Tolkien cannon and the flowing descriptions and dialogue only seem to enhance this. An extra bonus to this work is the wonderful poetry/song/lyricism that crops up in chapters and sets the scene for the entire piece.
A whole host of familiar characters appear throughout the tale, all perfectly and believably characterised.
Exciting battle scenes, gripping drama, warming and heartbreaking dialogue ... this really is a fantastic piece of work. I can't emphasize enough how truly brilliant this is!
Title: The Abduction of Éomer, King of Rohan · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance · ID: 3
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 17:04:52
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Lialathuveril entertains us with another scenario of how Eomer and Lothiriel met. This one I would call "aberwitzig" (Lia will understand) and it involves, without wanting to give away too much, Lothiriel accidentally wrapping up Eomer in an old carpet and dumping him in the River Anduin. How, after such a beginning, romance can develop between these two, is told with charme and smooth confidence. I particularly enjoyed how the setting, the riverscape and its wildlife, entered into this story and enriched its texture.
Title: To See the Light · Author: Mirach · Times: Ring War · ID: 89
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 17:12:12
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I first read this story when it competed at the Teitho contest and was immediately impressed by it. Taking on the perspective of the ghostly oath breakers and telling the encounter with Aragorn from their point of view has merit in itself, and doing it well is even more commendable. The sad non-existence of these pathetic ghosts is rendered very convincingly, the prose of this piece gains considerable power from repetition and contrast. In particular the terrible, distressing cold and the accompanying desire to devour the warmth of the living make this a gripping read. A very well written story indeed.
Title: Questing · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Dwarves · ID: 117
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 17:25:57
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Gimli is a character whom Thundera Tiger has portrayed repeatedly, and he gains considerable depth in her caring and capable hands. Here we see him in his youth, living in the Blue Mountains with his exiled kin. Thundera Tiger makes him a trader, which is an interesting and fitting backstory that can account for many of the skills we see in Gimli later. She explores with great care and understanding the moral and emotional conflict arising from Gloin's decision to join Thorin Oakenshield's quest, provides a believable and satisfactory resolution and hints at how this incident would have affected the later story. The prose is rich and engaging, the characters, both canon and original - Gimli's mother is a gem and I really hope we will see her again in another story! - are vibrant, realistic and sympathetically drawn. A most interesting and thought-provoking story that I read with much pleasure.
Title: Unravelling the Past · Author: rhyselle · Times: First Age and Prior: Noldorin Elves · ID: 30
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-17 22:01:11
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What a very interesting AU story this is! Let us imagine that Maglor alone of all his brothers had refused to take the Oath and remained in Valinor - would history have changed for better of for worse? Rhyselle gives us a convincing picture of what might have been. The imagery of weaving and unravelling is employed to great effect, and rhyselle's prose is beautiful and polished as usual.
Title: The Fool · Author: Marta · Races: Other Beings · ID: 216
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-18 08:42:09
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It's always good to see some attention given to Radagast, and this ficlet manages to give an amazing depth of characterisation in a very short space. A bit of Diogenees, a bit of Socrates, a bit of Frances of Assisi, yes that's a credible mixture. And Beorn, too, somehow is does seem much more likely that he, rather than the elves, would understand.
Title: End of Days · Author: Shipwright's Trick · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 71
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-18 13:41:43
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Shipwright's Trick presents a powerful poem here in which lines from canon and her own words are skillfully blended. The heroic tone is very Tolkienesque and the pathos palpable but not forced. Well done.
Title: The Last Gift · Author: Ellynn · Genres: Drama: Family or Children · ID: 10
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-18 13:53:31
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One of the most heart-breaking experiences of humankind is the separation of parents from their children, grandparents from their grandchildren, by huge geographical distances. In the present age, electronic communication is a blessing in such situations, allowing for a swift exchange of words, photographs and films, and air travel makes it possible to visit even the remotest loved ones at least every now and then.
How different Arwen's situation! Though both her parents are alive and well in Valinor, she has no means to communicate with them and let them know about the joys of her chosen life. This is harsh and grievous, but Arwen thinks of a way to amend it. Over the years of her married life, she accumulates a treasure of images, drawn by her own hand and later also by her children and grandchildren, all with a single purpose - to have these precious documents of her happiness sent to her parents as some little compensation for their loss. Once Ellynn begins to tell of this project, it seems so natural, even necessary, that one cannot imagine that Arwen would /not/ do it. It is a tale full of compassion and tenderness, told in a melancholy tone that yet succeeds in feeling uplifting and comforting.
Title: The Tower · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Ficlet · ID: 96
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-18 16:38:54
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This story impressed me in a number of ways. Raksha the Demon always delivers highly polished prose, so the poetic quality of this piece is compelling, but comes as no surprise! With much precision, we are given an insight into Sauron's mind from the moment the One Ring is destroyed to him eventually facing judgement in front of Eru Iluvatar. The clarity of the structure seems at first only to be designed to show Sauron's undoing step by step, but at closer inspection reveals a more profound aspect: That every paragraph begins with "his" shows better than any direct explanation what Sauron's evil actually consist in: the endless desire to own. Sauron can think only in terms of what is "his". So, perhaps, his salvation is achieved the moment he looks at his creator and says "thou," thus shifting his focus from himself and all he owns to another, the ultimate Other. We get the impression that this would be the way he would have to be remade, being able to see others as persons in their own right and not possessions or means to his ends.
Title: From the Ashes · Author: Marta · Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 185
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-18 16:44:18
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[She heard, and now she longs to un-hear.]
That is a very impressive sentence which sums up this ficlet perfectly. Atrocities must beget trauma, even in those not directly involved, the bystanders and onlookers, even more so those who are concerned with healing and see the destruction of bodies all too clearly. A well crafted ficlet, well worth reading.
Title: When Winter Comes · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Dunedain · ID: 138
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2010-05-18 17:48:41
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A charming variation on the old theme: It's cold outside, but it's warm in bed.
Title: Ice Sculptures · Author: Shipwright's Trick · Genres: Drama: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 59
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2010-05-19 00:50:11
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I don't often read Denethor, but I'm so very glad I clicked on your story. This is a beautiful and poignant telling of both their meeting and their parting. Very, very well done. I was glad to have had this glimpse into those parts of their lives.
Title: Threnody for the Dispossessed · Author: Kenaz · Times: Post-Ring War and Beyond · ID: 67
Reviewer: Elfique · 2010-05-19 13:17:07
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Amazing descriptions and beautiful images from the off along with fantastically developed characters. The sense of both characters emotions is so clear and real this makes a very touching read; something helped by clever dialogue thats both harrowing and cutting.
On top of all that the way music is referenced and wound so subtly but perfectly throughout really makes this a very accomplished work.
I'm not a fan or follower of slash but here it was a more a backdrop to a larger tale and this was just done so well it gave me chills!
Title: A Singular Honour · Author: Shemyaza1 · Genres: Crossover · ID: 238
Reviewer: Ellie · 2010-05-19 13:39:59
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Shemyaza1 has written a most interesting and enjoyable tale in A Singular Honour. Her original charcters are very realistic and downright fun! She deals with subjects which your average run of the mill fanfiction authors would not attempt to cover such as a love interest for Eonwe and a mortal one from modern day earth at that. She also explained very credibly, broached and resolved the possibility of the redemption of an orc who started out mean, cruel, vicious, and loyal to Morgoth like all orcs yet in the end he makes a choice to stop following his evil master and Namo takes him to Mandos in the spirit form of an elf upon the orc's death. That whole process was beautifully presented. Shemyaza1 also has an intereseting twist with Eonwe and his love interest becuase Eonwe is actually present in modern day as a member of the British military named Gary Matthews on a mission from Eru and he's also present in the War of Wrath as Eonwe. When Gary and the other mortal original characters end up in Middle-earth after traveling through a rift in time in the Mendip Hills in modern day England, the suave, more racy Gary keeps switching bodies with Eonwe during the War of Wrath. I really felt sorry for Kim the love interest when Gary/Eonwe kept making mistakes with their romantic relationship with her because of the body switching. It was terribly funny and at least Eonwe got to be the one to do the deed with Kim when she got pregnant even though she thought he was Gary, which he was but he was also Eonwe. Anyway, the twists and turns in this story are delightful and well worth staying up all night to read.
Title: First Snowfall · Author: curiouswombat · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 5
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2010-05-19 22:31:05
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What a wonderfully dramatic and emotional portrayal of the lessening of magic due to Her Ladyship's leaving. Heartrendingly beautiful and poignant. Very well done, thank you for sharing this with us.
Title: The Prince and the Shepherdess · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Romance · ID: 154
Reviewer: Olorime · 2010-05-20 00:51:31
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I loved this story when I first read it and I awaited patiently for the author to finish it. I liked Nieriel Raina's take on Valinor where not everyone is rich and a king or a queen. It reminds us that all employment, however humble has honor in it and that the blessed lands may not automatically bring redemption to an elf.
A very sweet Romance and a must read for all of the Peredhil lovers. Elrohir's characterization is very well done in this story, far from the custard like prankster that is his usual characterization in fanfiction. I particularly enjoyed the time he spent as a shepherd to sort out his life and feelings. The OFC is also very sweet.
Title: Meeting of Quiet Minds · Author: Virtuella · Genres: Ficlet: Eriador or Shire · ID: 70
Reviewer: Larner · 2010-05-20 07:41:26
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In "Meeting of Quiet Minds" Virtuella has created a gentle, thought-provoking tale in which we see the first true exchange between the two women who love the son of Arathorn best--his mother and his beloved Arwen. It is told primarily from the point of view of the latter, and we see her truly examining the mortal woman point by point, noting the imperfections and yet finding them particularly beautiful in a manner alien to her own experience. Considering what she is contemplating sacrificing in order to know the bliss she expects to share with Gilraen's son, this is especially touching.
The realization that she is finding herself even envying Gilraen, so many years younger than she chronologically and yet far more mature than she in terms of life experience, is well depicted. She finds herself realizing the intensity that mortals must feel in order to find their lifespans satisfying, and that she needs the knowledge the woman can give her to more fully appreciate who Aragorn is and how he came to be that way; and she realizes also how she can perhaps reassure Gilraen as to her child's future.
It is a tale that struck me and caught at my imagination from the first, and I have been proud to have nominate it for a MEFA this year. I only hope others find it as gently satisfying as I have.
Definitely strongly recommended.