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Following the Other Wizard: journey into healing  by jodancingtree 5 Review(s)
CalimeReviewed Chapter: 25 on 7/30/2004
Yikes! Frodo definitely still has some things to work through, sneaking out to the pit like that. At least he forced Yarga into his choice, and how sweet it is darkest among us is redeemed.

TatharReviewed Chapter: 25 on 2/28/2004
Ach, it's so *sad*!! I was teary-eyed by the end. I knew they'd have to part ways eventually, but... I became so fond of Canohando and Lash, and I still feel sorry for Yarga -- even moreso after his confrontation with Frodo. It's still such an incredible concept, that Frodo is their hope for defeating the darkness within them; I love it. And it seems that Canohando and Lash, at least, are well on their way to doing so. Hopefully they'll be able to help Yarga, too. Will we get to see any more of them?

You are truly an amazing writer, Jo. I can't wait for more!

Author Reply: Thank you, Tathar! I really think that the choices we make will somehow, subtly or not so subtly, affect others - so something as difficult as Frodo healing from the Ring, would be bound to cause some reaction around him, like rings spreading from a stone thrown in the water.

And the orcs? I tell you what, orcs are *pushy*! I'd no sooner written them out of the story, than they turned around and barged right back in!

jo

Gentle HobbitReviewed Chapter: 25 on 2/27/2004
Another excellent chapter. It seems to me that the central theme (or at least *a* central theme) is the question of whether or not the yoke of Morgoth can be thrown off: the land, by greening once more; the orcs, by choosing to act for themselves instead of behaving out of blind vengeance and *re*action; and even Frodo, by not being bound by the fear and hurts of his experiences with the evil of the Ring.

I am completely caught up in the fates of the orcs. You have made each one of the three such compelling characters. I hope and trust that we may see them again. I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter.

Author Reply: Hi, Gentle Hobbit! You hit it right on the head: I started out to write about Frodo's healing, and somehow all these other aspects of woundedness worked themselves into the story. I'm so glad the orcs have come across as real and individual characters - I was so afraid of writing sort of "generic" orcs, but they sort of took on their own personalities, especially Canohando...

jo

cpsings4himReviewed Chapter: 25 on 2/27/2004
Jodancingtree,

I am absoultely spellbound by your story! It is always a joy to come into this place and find you have updated with a new and exciting chapter. I am really ashamed that I have not reviewed this before now...for it certainly deserves a review.

I also read the mother story to this "Another Way of Leaving" and was enchanted by it as well. This is just excellent writing! The characterization is just incredible and the plot is intricate and always moving. I find myself experiencing a huge range of emotions while reading this. I think the sweetest moment in the story so far (for me) was when Frodo was bitten by the snake and Frodo realized he no longer wanted to 'catch up with death'. I think that that is the point at which Frodo really realized just how far he had come in his healing. A very triumphant moment.

I hope you don't mind my saying that I love the fact that there are a lot of Christian themes in your stories (though, I do not know if you intended this or not). But the idea of healing through turning the focus OUTWARD instead of inward is definately one of them and one that I personally have had to employee in my own life. Beautiful stuff!

This last chapter had me on the edge of my seat - especially at the last! The peace you described in Frodo's eyes was wonderful...completely incomprehensible to the orc! Our dear Frodo is an amazing creature is he not...to be able to inspire (dare I name it?!?) LOVE in an ORC! That hug at the end was both heartbreaking and wonderful!

Great job! I can't wait to read more!

Blessings!
cp

Author Reply: Thank you for reviewing, cp! I'm so glad you're enjoying the journey, and the Christian themes as well. I don't put them in "deliberately" - it's just that, as a Christian, that's the way I think, and it can't help but show up in my stories. The whole faith thing - that evil does really exist, but it does not have to triumph - indeed, ultimately it *cannot* triumph, although it causes great suffering...

Frodo is my favorite person in all of literature - amazing creature indeed!

jo

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 25 on 2/27/2004
"Go," he muttered.

Frodo's hand reached out as if by its own will and took Yarga by the arm, pulling him toward camp. "Come back," he said.

Wow.



Author Reply: Thank you, shirebound.

jo

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