HASA Reviewed Stories February 2011

Since the previous Bulletin, 9 stories have been reviewed and there are currently also 12 stories in review. Make an author's day and review a story! New submissions are of course welcome as well!

As I type this, there are 12 stories waiting to be reviewed (remember to log in before you follow the link).

Member participation is crucial for reviews. The more people are involved in reviewing, the more different opinions are represented. Just as importantly, having more people involved means that stories pass through review more quickly - which is good for everyone. If you are an active reviewer, why not go and check out a story?

Or, if you are a writer, take the plunge and submit a story for review (and when you do, remember: Put one in, take one out).

By submitting a story for review, you are asking nine other members to read and evaluate it. So why not do for the other authors who have a story in review what you'd like other reviewers to do for you: check out one of the stories already in review and give it a read.

Becoming a reviewer
If you're not an active reviewer, but think you can spare a bit of time... – even if you just review one or two stories in a month, every review is welcome. If you are logged in, you can sign up here if you've been a member of HASA for thirty days or more.

Daunted by the idea of reviewing? Don’t worry, reviewing at its simplest comes down to asking yourself: “Would I recommend this story to someone?” Then, whether the answer is 'yes' or 'no', you can make a choice from the capsule reasons to clarify your decision. If you want to, you can add a few more words to convey what you (dis)liked about the story, but just the capsule reason is perfectly fine as well.

And remember: even if you think you're too critical or not critical enough: your review is only one of nine, and all points of view are welcome. Not every reviewer has to review every story and in the end it does all level out to a balanced judgement.

Reviewed story spotlight
These stories have passed through review since the previous bulletin. Congratulations to all authors; well done!

Until We Meet Again by Tanis
Rating: General
Genre: Drama
Era: 4th Age
Summary: A difficult farewell between two friends bound and parted by destiny. Mild slash relationship references.


Wings of Summer by Raksha
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 3rd Age - Post-Ring War
Summary: The new Lords of Gondor are bound to duty, but are they its slaves? Distractions and diversions tempt Aragorn and Faramir. An 800-word (as counted by MS Word) standalone ficlet. Not slash.


After the Sun Rises by Maethril-of-Mirkwood
Rating: General
Genre: Other
Era: Other
Summary: (Non-Slash) Millennia have passed since the War of the Ring, and alone in Valinor, an elf laments those he has lost, wondering whether immortality is truly a blessing or a curse.


Faithful Friend by lindahoyland
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 4th Age
Summary: Faramir has found all his heart desires. But when he risks losingmuch of what he had gained, help arrives from an unexpected source. With grateful thanks to Virtuella and Raksha. Dedicated to Raksha on the occasion of her birthday. Teitho Contest - Finder's Keepers - First Place. ...


A Question of History by Marta
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 4th Age
Summary: Sam and Pippin discuss a puzzling passage from the Red Book. (Betas: annmarwalk, Dreamflower, and Linda Hoyland)


Lingering Shadows by lindahoyland
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 4th Age
Summary: Faramir is worried that something is threatening his baby son and seeks Aragorn's help. With thanks to Raksha and Virtuella. Written for the LOTR GFIC "Believe it or Not" Challenge.



A Deck of Heroes by Larner
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 3rd Age - Ring War
Summary: A collection of ficlets inspired by the cards of the major arcana from the Tarot deck.


Orcs At School by Virtuella
Rating: General
Genre: Humor
Era: 3rd Age - The Stewards
Summary: Because little orcs need to learn, too.


Above All Shadows by IgnobleBard
Rating: Adult
Genre: Drama
Era: 3rd Age - Ring War
Summary: Aragorn sees Legolas stumble as they run towards Rohan, but doesn't know it is one of the first signs of the Elf’s dark secret. - Slash