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Land of Light and Shadows  by Thundera Tiger 1 Review(s)
AdrianneReviewed Chapter: 11 on 3/1/2007
I guess now is as good a time as any to leave a review. I started reading this story (and in fact came to Stories of Arda) at the recommendation of my friend TithenFeredir. I will admit to being hesitent despite her very respected opinion. This is mostly do to a certain intimidation factor. TF has from time to time sent me little gems from this website to read and I have found the quality extremely impressive, both in authorship and in the knowledge of Tolkien's world. However, that said and being a Tolkien Fanfic writer myself, after reading said gems I often found myself saying, 'Why do I bother!' Something that TF chastises me for on a regular basis. 'Be inspired, my friend, not intimidated.'

I finally broke down and decided to join Stories of Arda because many of the Tolkien fanfiction sites I've been to are iffy in quality at best. And this partictular story was recommended for very specific reasons, which I will not go into here.

So, on with my review. I burned through the first 11 chapters without leaving any feedback because I could not stop reading. It's as simple as that. The only reason I have stopped now is that I sense really bad stuff on the horizon and need a breather to prepare myself for what lies ahead. Not that Legolas losing his Elven senses isn't bad enough. In fact it is down right painful to read. Your 'fleshing out' of existing Tolkien characters is amazing and spot on in my humble opinion. But what is more impressive is the writing of your original characters. You have created and developed characters that are every bit as fasinating as Tolkien's own, and fit them into Tolkien's world flawlessly.

I am further amazed by your attention to detail, your development of a desert culture, your use of languages and a myriad of other knowledge that you sprinkle liberally throughout the story. This has been an intense and exciting read...and yes, intimidating. But at this point being intimidated by your talent and storytelling ability is the least of my concerns. I am totally captivated. I have not read your profile so I do not know what your background is and if it contributes to the amazing authenticity of your work. In any case, I see that you have done your research, both in Middle-earth and else where.

A stunning piece of work.
Adrianne

PS: On a totally hormonal note, that scene where you have Legolas shoot the hawk out of mid-air from who knows how many leagues distance, knocked me out of mmy chair. "Did you doubt my aim", indeed.

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