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Dawning Hope  by Radbooks 10 Review(s)
elanor winterflowersReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/14/2007
I knew Théoden would turn out to be a good, kind uncle! It's funny sometimes how even the nicest people can seem cold and frightening when one is little and powerless in unfamiliar surroundings. I like the relationship you have built here with Théodred and Théoden, too; very warm and close. No wonder then that Théodred's death was such terrible blow to his father: he lost both not only a son and heir, but a friend as well.

There is wonderful insight into Éowyn here, in terms of backstory for others who might be writing her at a later point in her life; you have texturized her really well! And I have a feeling things are going to be looking up soon! :)



Author Reply: Thanks so much for your very kind words. I imagine that Théodred and Théoden were close just because they only had each other up until that point. Being a king can be pretty lonely and so I've chosen to write him as being close to his son, though I think that Tolkien's writing also gives that indication. I'm glad that you like how I've written Éowyn, I've discovered recently that I enjoy writing children, so it's been fun writing both her and Eomer.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/13/2007
This is the Theoden who Tolkien didn't write, who existed before Saruman and Grima's malice weakened him - strong, kindly and kingly; a sturdy father-figure for his sons and his sister's children.

Looking forward to the next chapter!!

Author Reply: Thanks, Raksha! I shudder to think about what is going to happen to all four of these characters in the future. I also wonder where Grima is and when he starts in on Theoden. From the books it says that Theoden started really failing about 12 years from this point - in 3014 - so they do have a good long time as a family together, but it makes me wonder about Grima. I doubt he just suddenly showed up and became a counselor in 3014... is he even now lurking about somewhere? Well, best not to go there as I don't intend to write him! :)

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/13/2007
I am enjoying this Radbooks. RL is stopping me reviewing properly. Hope to come back soon.

Author Reply: Thanks, harrowcat! I know how busy RL can be at times, so thanks for taking the time to leave even this, it's very much appreciated!

PentangleReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/12/2007
Ah, poor Eomer! Lessons *all* morning! Of course, when I was his age, I would have given anything to have his *afternoon* lessons! I can't wait to see the surprise!

Pentangle

Author Reply: Thanks again! Yes, the horror of having lessons and learning is hard on most 11 year olds when you could be out riding and learning to use a sword! I agree with you at least on the riding part of the afternoon lessons. :) You'll have to wait until Saturday to see the surprise. *grin*

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/11/2007
Theoden is right that they need routine. They need lessons too, if only to keep them busy. But I can see why sitting inside would rankle.

Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing, Daw! There is security for kids in knowing what is coming next in the day, too much free time - as much as they'd like it - is not a good thing. Besides, they do have much to learn!

MistyReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/11/2007
So what did Theoden do? lol Eomer's reaction to lessons was like so many little boys when it comes to schoolwork.

Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing, Misty! Eomer's reaction was exactly what any of my nephews would do - my nephews would be less polite! - and what almost every boy in my school would do. :)

Violin GhostReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/11/2007
You've gotten me excited. What COULD be the surprise waiting for Eowyn?

Lovely story, I like your idea very much. Continue. :D

Author Reply: Thanks so much for reviewing, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I can't tell you the surprise. *grin*

insigniaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/11/2007
Another good one, Radbooks, thank you! It's nice to see some attention being paid to the young orphans, and how they build relationships and trust with their "new" uncle and cousin. And Theodred was quite a bit older, wasn't he?

I was entertained by the list of learning topics for Eomer. Will he learn Sindarin too?

I hope that they will settle in soon and make some new friends, and maybe Eomer might even get that puppy he was thinking about ... Looking forward to your next chapter(s)..

Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing! Theodred is 13 years older than Eomer, 17 years older than Eowyn. According to the books they did become as close as brothers and sisters and Theodred and Eomer were fiercely loyal to one another which was very important later when Grima tried to drive wedges between them.

I don't know if Eomer ever did learn Sindarin, it won't come up here, in any case.

This story is only a four chapter story. However, the characters have really, really grown on me and I'm working on another story that takes places immediately after this one ends. So, I suppose it really won't be a separate story to anyone but me. :) This is not my usual type of story... I'm much more of an Aragorn fan, but this story and these characters just hit me and I had to write it! :)

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/11/2007
Poor Eomer. The whole morning wasted on tedious lessons like Westron and arithmetic and writing and reading ... Every morning ...

I'm glad Theoden has a surprise planned for Eowyn. She's very young to be orphaned - and although Eomer and now Theodred are doing their best, she does need a bit of stability in her life.

Theoden must have found the time to devote himself to raising them (at least until Wormtongue came along) as they both loved him dearly.

Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing, Bodkin! I know very, very few 11 year old boys that enjoy sitting inside WASTING time on schoolwork. There are quite a few of the boys in my school that do chose to read books and I know they enjoy it, but would still like to be outside doing something different.

In LOTR and in 'Unfinished Tales' it says that Eomer and Eowyn really look to Theoden as a father so he did make time for them. I'm not sure when Grima shows up, but Theoden starts really declining in 3014, or 12 years from when this story is set. Grima had to have been lurking around somewhere... shudder

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/11/2007
Do they have their old nurse, then? I do hope that Eowyn will indeed like whatever change has been made.

Author Reply: Hmmm, you'll have to wait and see what happens next. I can't give away secrets! :) Thanks for reviewing!

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