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An Act of Betrayal  by Manderly 12 Review(s)
Starlight and MoonlightReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/27/2018
Manderly, I just wanted to leave a review on this last chapter to say that I enjoyed this fanfic very much. I find it extremely hard to believe that English is your first language: you are such a talented writer. I cannot wait to read your other fics.

AlessaReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/9/2014
You mean to say that English is not your first language? You're a brilliant writer and I would have never been able to mistaken you for someone whose mother tongue is not English! I truly, dearly loved and enjoyed this story and It appears as though I've neglected to review all due to the reason that this site is still quite foreign to me and quite unlike any other fan-fiction sites there are on the internet. I assume it's been at least 10-11 years since you've written a fan-fiction story involving Thranduil and Legolas, however, now that a movie has come out that displays them both, will you not right one more? Also, when Salque died, you had me in tears and you still have that hold on me whenever you mention his death. I love the way you portray Legolas's brothers, they truly are the way I would have imagined them to be, realistically speaking. All in all, I could not have asked for a better author upon to which I would read his/her stories :)

So YunReviewed Chapter: 14 on 8/25/2006
Wow another awsome story, i am hoping you have gotten some inspiration and can pick up a pen and paper and write more stories. I hope very much that you do manderly and well done on writing these 2 awsome stories!
Yun

Author Reply: Well, I am very glad you liked this story as well. As for inspiration, I have an idea rattling around in my brain and as soon as I can pin it down in an intelligent way, I will start writing. Every time I finish a story, I always think it will be the last, but writing is like an addiction. After a while, I get itchy again to put words down on paper.

Thanks again for reading and reviewing.

AlfirinReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/31/2005
Another yet wonderful story. There's not much more i can say other than I dearly hope you continue to write more. Even though english may not be your first language as you so have stated, it did not mar your storytelling skills. I do love all the personalities you have given to Legolas's brothers, particularly Tavaro. I do hope you will write more and bless us readers with entertaining and heartfelt stories.

Author Reply: Very nice to get another review from you. I am rather fond of Tavaro too since he's a lot of fun to write. I am working on another story right now and hope to start posting it soon. I am one of those writers who doesn't like to start posting until most of the story is finished. Since I am an avid reader of these fanfictions myself, I know how irritating it is to wait forever for the next chapter to be posted when I am following a story, so I try very hard to not to irritate the readers of my stories in the same way.

Again, thank you for your kind words. It's reviews like yours that encourages me to write more.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 14 on 8/6/2004
Manderly, just a quick review...I read through this story after I finished ch.10 of "First Journey", and I 'm almost glad I waited to do so. The events of this story were so much more gripping with the background I've gotten by reading about that younger Legolas in 'Journey'...and Tavaro, and Thranduil - bless their hearts, so loving and concerned and enraged (not to mention Feren and Aldeon!). This was a great story...and I read that English isn't your first language? Wow! I am so impressed! You are doing one fine job!

linda

Author Reply: Thank you for your review. To tell the truth, when I wrote the first story (Princeling), it was originally intended as a one-shot thing, but I guess writing is kind of addictive, so I went and wrote the second one - Betrayal - just to give the first story a more complete ending. Then the urge to write the prequel came so now you have Journey. I guess by the time I got to the third story, I have a better idea of all my characters so it becomes easier to develop their characterization. It's kind of fun going backwards in writing (time wise, that is), and it is certainly interesting to get your view on how the stories read by going "backwards" as well.

Hisie LomeReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/28/2004
What a fine tale...and english is not your native tounge! I am impressed...

This was such a touching tale. This family has certainly overcome some serious heart ache. Poor elfling- so much confusion! Legolas still grieves over his shadow's death, then Meldon turns out to be cruel (and then dead), elves can't always be trusted , and add just a little bit of torture. Mahaha!


I thought it provoking that many warriors volunteered to aid, yet some had to stay. The 'bratling' certainly had the respect and love of the realm's forces! This put a different twist to the tale...each warrior had a personal stake in Legolas' safe return....he was more than just an assignment!
The Thranduilions show great love of their youngest. He will need much time to heal. Legolas showed strengh and love of realm. It was so moving when Legolas told his ada that he 'wished for death' and that he knew that his king's decision would bring this end. That would have made the Halls of Mando's a very crowed place to be indeed.

I loved also that all knew of the King's great love for his child. This was demonstrated many times in the tale. Each Opherian displayed a wonderful mixture of the hard warrior and the kind sanctury towards for Legolas.

I am glad that the traitors were banished. Mayhaps, fading would eventually come to some. Others, however, would live very long lives and come to realize their errors.

I loved the blood bath jokes ;) !


Although commonly stated as "less wise, than the Noldor", the Wood Elves would have remembered the Kin-slayings and would not have wanted this new stain added to their troubles....Ai, Elbereth knows, some time in the future many would want to jouney to Valinor. None would want that door shut!

It is good to know that like a game of chess, there are many layers to logic in this tale. (Like a king and family that would someday like to "see" their Queen again.) Perhaps, other colonist could feel for the traitors, but that their king would show mercy, when all would know that death was a very real option considering the personal insult and strife, could only strength the love of the royals and a sense of duty to all.

Please continue to write. You have shown such improvements in this tale (and I thought the other was superb!)

Thank you for all of your hard work! Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome





Author Reply: Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! I really can't tell you how much I appreciate such a thoughtful and detailed response to this story. As I am so new to this writing business, it is very important to me to get feedbacks from the readers. I am just amazed that people not only read my story, but they actually like it! It's also very gratifying when readers tell me that they like the characters that I have created. I have tried to give each his own distinctive personality and worked at maintaining the consistency of that character throughout the story. I hope it worked.

Once again, many, many thanks for your kind words!

WantanelfReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2004
I just finished both your stories, From Princeling to Warrior and Act of Betrayal. They were both great. I can't believe English is not your first language. Those pesky tenses are hard to master. Keep writing. I enjoy your work!

Author Reply: Thank you for your review. Someday I will get those tenses straighten out, so meanwhile, I guess readers will just have to bear with me. Writing these stories has been a very enjoyable experience for me and I hope I have enough imagination and creativity to continue writing. Thank you again!

FirnsarnienReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/22/2004
Ah, at last we get a Tavaro/Legolas moment! :) *satisfied sigh* And it was sooooo touchingly sweet! *another satisfied sigh* I loved Tavaro's over protectiveness
of his younger brother, then his chagrin at Legolas at actually doing it.

And most certainly, I agree with you, or at least with Tavaro. If anything had happened to Legolas, all of them would never have recovered. Thranduil would have soon followed Leggy to Mandos' halls, and Tavaro, Aldeon and Feren probably soon after. Legolas is the glue that holds this family together, without him I fear all would be lost.

This meloncholy Legolas is most adorable. I loved how he stared into the flames before answering Tavaro. Most appropriate and it clearly showed the inner turmoil and confusion Legolas is dealing with as a result of his captivity, first by Elves then by men.

And wasn't it sweet how so many warriors volunteered to go on the mission to free Legolas. They aren't the only ones who love him. I think there were a few (quite a few actually) readers who would have loved to have joined that mission too! ;) Heh, heh!

Ah, and as I read on, another wonderfully sweet moment. I loved how Thranduil took Leggy a tray of food, only to find his son fast asleep. And the way he could not tear himself away from Leggy's side. *sigh* Just wonderful. :) LOL Funny line...tree branches breaking under Leggy's weight...that was perfect! LOL Ai, and that confession to Leggy at the end...bittersweet. I'm just glad that this family is whole again and is well on the road to recovery.

Now, I wish I could only say the same. I find myself falling apart at the seams now that this story is over! You've got to write another! *arm falls off and clatters to the floor* See, I'm falling apart already without a story to read from you! Hurry and write another! :) Please?

Author Reply: I must admit I like the Tavaro/Legolas moments too. Tavaro is a lot of fun to write. He would be a great brother to have, fun yet loving. I had thought of bringing the other two brothers into this last chapter, but found that I just couldn't fit them in.

As for another story, I am really working hard at it. I am playing with the idea of writing a prequel to these two stories. Something with Legolas and Tavaro. What do you think?

Once again, I would like to thank you for taking the time to submit such wonderful reviews (and so entertaining too - as good as some the stories on this site). I can't tell you how encouraging you have been. Many, many heartfelt thanks!

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/21/2004
Hi Manderly,

I've been sort of hanging out in the bushes, lurking about reading as you have posted, but forgive me, I've not reviewed. I have truly enjoyed your tale. But there are two thing I've most wanted to comment on: 1) I'm mightly impressed with what a good job you've done when English is not your first language, and 2) How much you've grown as a writer. I thought your previous story I read was quite good, but as I watched this one unfold, I saw you become more confident and your writing go from being good to being excellent. I think it's the tone. It's hard to explain exactly. You just seem to catch the wind and fly higher with each chapter. The flow of narrative was smooth and engaging. Your characters had distinct personalities. You handled difficult dialogue and situations well, giving the reader what they needed to know without belaboring your point or belaboring the action to the point of fatigue. It was a well done balance. You also kept the story line moving without falling into the pits of wallowing in unnecessary information--something I'm bad to do. :>) I just can't tell you what a pleasure this story has been for me to read. I felt almost as if I were watching a rose unfold. You have a talent and a natural ability to tell a story. You go girl! I think you have found your calling. You will only get better and better, something I think all writers always strive to obtain. Even the most accomplished writers constantly work their craft. I think it's part of the thrill of transcribing words to express thought and then offer it as a gift to your readers. And a gift, it is. I truly look forward to more of your stories. Keep writing! Karen

Author Reply: Wow! Your review has left me nearly in tears. Thank you so very much! It is really overwhelming coming from a writer of your calibre. Really makes me want to reread my own story to see if I am really as good as that (the ego is flying high here). I think the greatest reward for a writer is to know that the readers have enjoyed the story. Given my rather novice status in this writing business, it never ceases to amaze me to hear that people actually like my stories, especially so since there are so many wonderful authors out there whose stories surpass even the professional published writers in the quality of writing. I think I have a long way to go yet compared to those writers, but I promise to keep trying.

I too must apologize. I read your "Serious Trouble" and enjoyed it immensely though I did not leave any reviews (I am really bad with reviewing, something I am trying to correct). Is it too late to do so now? You have a wonderful sense of humour and I can't tell you how many times you had me giggling and laughing like an idiot. And yet your serious moments are so very touching as well. Dare I hope that you are working on another story for us?

AlyReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/21/2004
Wonderful job! I've truely enjoyed both of your stories. I hope to see more from you in the future!
Thank you for sharing your talent with us!
Aly

Author Reply: Thank you for your review! Your comment of talent rather overwhelms me as I am so new to this writing thing, but thank you nevertheless. A big boost to the ego!

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