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| Evil Beauty by jenolas | 4 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/15/2005 |
| What a clever tale. I really like it. I think you nicely suggest the little conflicts that arise between the members of the Fellowship and the relationship between Legolas and Gandalf is clearly a special one. What a good job Thranduil did in raising such a polite and selfless son ;-) The description of the spinning of the web was just beautiful. I absolutely hate spiders and yet I was completely entranced. And I adore how fascinated Legolas is. It’s so very elfy and shows Legolas’ ability to appreciate beauty wherever he might find it, something that has more impact when we are reminded of the dark creatures that the elves of Mirkwood face every day. “As Adar has often told me in the past, usually when I was in trouble for one reason or another.” LOL! I guess most parents probably feel like that sometimes… The ending was brilliantly done. Apart from the old lesson about appearances being deceptive, I think I’m left with the feeling that everything has the potential for evil, just as it does for good. For me, one of the most powerful parts was Gandalf’s line “Well, let us hope that you can keep your darker side hidden, especially from that ring.” Even this beautiful, strong, noble Elf has a part of him that may be corrupted. It makes a great impact on the reader to realise this. It’s something in us all, even those we think strongest or most beautiful. Very well done! :-) Author Reply: Hi Dot, I see that you caught some of the more subtle depth I tried to write into this, as I have come to expect from one who seems to be very much on the same page, as the saying goes, with my style and interpretations. (After all this time I still find this amazing, considering the fact that for we are really practically strangers!). As for the end, well, although Tolkien never mentioned much about the effect of the ring on Legolas, it no doubt had the potential to corrupt the Elf. I am pleased you enjoyed this and thanks for your kind words, jenolas | |
| White Wolf | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/14/2005 |
| I really like the fact that despite his long years of experience, Legolas can still find such childlike joy in watching something so simple as a spider spinning its web. Good description. I love the line: Gandalf laughed heartily at his own recollections, many centuries old, of hearing Thranduil wonder how such a beautiful child as Legolas could find it in himself to be so wicked at times. I bet he could often be a handful for Thranduil. Very nicely done. Author Reply: I like to think Legolas took time to indulge his curiousity, even along the journey south. And yes, no doubt Thranduil faced some trying times, I guess young ones of all races are not so dissimilar when it comes to their interpretations of 'fun'. Thanks for the review, jenolas | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/14/2005 |
| I was wondering why Legolas would not react to the little spider with revulsion or hostility given the terrors he most likely had seen in Mirkwood; I had just about decided you were writing an uplifting story about acceptance and the beauty of nature. Then came that surprising little sting at the end and I realized that you had just woven a pretty web to catch us readers unaware! I think this is what is meant by "hide in plain sight". Very clever! (And creepy :-D) ~TF Author Reply: The twist at the end seemed the perfect conclusion to me and I am delighted to find it appealed to you as well. Your feedback is much appreciated. jenolas | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/14/2005 |
| Though I hate spiders as much as Legolas does, I have sometimes taken the time to stop and watch a web being woven as well. It's truly beautiful. And once I watched a poor fly being wrapped up for lunch later - I wouldn't want to be in the fly's place, but it was fascinating to see. And yes, I've sometimes come across butterflies enmeshed in webs, just as Legolas and Gandalf did. Nature is beautiful, but cruel. Nice story, Jenolas. Author Reply: Thanks Jay. I just felt like giving Legolas a more elvish moment that did not require weaponry, battles with orcs or a cantakerous Dwarf (or avoidance of unwanted advances from fan maidens). Glad you liked it, jenolas | |