Reviewed by: dkpalaska -- Score: 10

Nilmandra's writing style is personal and warm, drawing me in and making me feel like I am part of the family life and friendships that she portrays. She also has a lock on some characterizations in my mind, namely Elrond, Celebrian and Arwen. I think my vision of them will always be colored to some extent by her interpretations, no matter which author's story I am reading. Her Elrond is incredibly well thought-out. Nilmandra thoroughly and believably shows his growth in mind, body and spirit over the ages. I love even more how she has portrayed Arwen and her mother. She has shown them as strong, capable, intelligent beings in their own right, perfect compliments to the powerful men they marry. Another feature I adore in Nilmandra's stories is her exhaustive research into everything Tolkien wrote on the subjects/era that she is exploring. She constantly pulls in obscure references and makes interpolations that are completely plausible. I think this is particularly impressive in her ["History Lessons: The Third Age"] because she is working with the very thorough and well-read LotR trilogy. I never felt even the semblance of a conflict or "smoothing over" with the canon narrative. I enjoy reading her author's notes and responses to reader questions, as I always come away having learned something or seeing a connection where before I had not.

Reviewed by: Lindelea -- Score: 3

Nilmandra is another author on my "want to read" list, especially her "History". I find her Elves very true to LOTR, and am even drawn to learn more about the characters she writes about.

Reviewed by: Imhiriel -- Score: 3

Nilmandra has managed to cover three Ages fo Middle-earth from the viewpoint of Elrond's family. But it isn't the many world-changing events, but rather the emotions, personal interactions and growth and change of the characters, that are at the heart of her writing.

Reviewed by: Marta -- Score: 2

Nilmandra does a good job of writing Aragorn throughout his life. His reactions are age-appropriate in all her stories, but connected to one character.