[HerenIstarion]

I have had an experience once - Nick Perumov (widely read author in post Spviet space, where Russian is still the lingua-franca for former socialist states) pursued an occupation in writing books about 4th age, with a warlike hobbits, Ringwraith Rings still around and a lot of other nonsense. Basic difference, which I then failed to see but now am able to put my finger onwas in philosophical background, though - for Mr. Perumov, the Good and Evil are equal forces.

But I stray. The publication was possible at all due to loopholes in international copyright legislation, I suppose (I'm not sure I'm sure about the thing, maybe it was headed 'fanfic' after all) Thing is, I've read it out of curiosity and thirst for all things even vaguely reminiscent of Tolkien. But my dissapointment with that particular piece (or pieces, as since 1994 when I first read it, Mr. Perumov went on to write the whole series of sequels), does not automatically imply I would not enjoy work of some other author, provided that it is fitting, philologically erudite, well written and does not chew over similar plotlines. Hard task for much advertised (by publishing houses) Tolkien's 'successors', but not impossible, I reckon

That'd be book one of mentioned by C7A up there. Another one (Russia again) is "Dark Wind" by Niennah (pseudonym, I once knew the proper name, but forgot it). This latter book is a Silmarillion from a point of view of the 'Dark Side'. Much better read than Perumove, and much cleverer, but equally standing on different ground than good old Professor dug his entish fingers into - arrogant, I daresay.

Or, in the latter case, I've been dissapointed, but not because the book repelling in its style or language mastery, and the plotline is quite interesting - though not original - basically repeating the Sil, just the standpoint is shifted. It is repellent in its morals, this time round.

So, the moral of my own post here maybe stated as mentioned, and now following:

Hard task for much advertised (by publishing houses) Tolkien's 'successors', but not impossible

But another moral still states:

The original is by definition of more value than its copy,

And yet third moral may be drawn:

All the men do is [sub]creation - basing once work on things already there.