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With Hope and Without Hope  by docmon 6 Review(s)
CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/1/2008
Oh, that Ents were more hasty! But then they wouldn't be Ents and Treebeard wouldn't be Treebeard. Still, I feel like banging my head on the keyboard as I read this, although in a good way, if that's possible, because I love the ever-building tension of each chapter. I'm afraid to ask how much more our fellowship can take....

Author Reply: Oh, be afraid, be very afraid...
Is there a good way to bang your head against a keyboard? Lots of readers would like to know I'm sure. :-D
Glad to know you're enjoying the building tension!

EmilyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/28/2008
I really like this story!! I'm sorry for missing it until now. I appreciate your heavy involvement of Gimli in this story. It's not another typical Aragorn/Legolas angster. My, the Orcs are cruel! But then, what else should we expect? I hope we see more Hobbits soon, and I hope you update soon! =)

Author Reply: Thank you, Emily! Glad to have you along for the ride, whenever you arrive. And, no, no, no, not another angster here. Although, you may feel some angst, but the characters, well, they will be feeling more pain, I'm afraid. It's the Orcs fault! They ARE cruel, nasty creatures, aren't they? Don't worry, more hobbits are on the way!

Thundera TigerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/26/2008
The most heart-wrenching moment of this chapter is not when Legolas is captured. Or when he is punished. Or all the agonizing waiting that surrounds the attempted escape. No, the most heart-wrenching moment is that moment of lost opportunity when Treebeard rouses enough that he considers action but in the end does nothing. It hurts, because you could see it all being resolved right then and there. But of course, fate is rarely so kind. And a good thing, too, because then the story would be over and we've barely begun.

I have to say that I am in awe of the level of tension you bring to this chapter. And then you manage to hold that level throughout, which is no easy thing. I don't know that this chapter is significantly shorter than the others, but it reads quickly and part of the reason for this is that tension. You can't help but push yourself through the chapter so that you have a chance to get to the next section and see what happens. The mood is spot on, and all the drama that infuses these signs is felt by readers and characters alike. I'm beginning to suspect you of a possessing a masochistic delight in taking all of us to the emotional wringers. But we love you for it! Nicely done!

Author Reply: Yes, we couldn't have the story over so quickly, could we? Then my enjoyment in torturing my readers... I mean, in bringing you the stories that have been cooped up in my brain, that's where I get the enjoyment, really, truly, no kidding! ahem...

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/25/2008
Okay, Treebeard--think on what you felt, and let your curiosity draw you and yours out! There must be something to be done!

Author Reply: thanks for the review, Larner! You'll just have to practice be as 'not-hasty' as Treebeard to find out! ;-)

EnvinyatarReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/24/2008
I'm amazed this doesn't have more reviews. It's a gripping story, very well told, and everyone very much in character. When I read it, I keep being reminded of plasticChevy's 'The Captain and the King' - not just because that's the only other story I've read that deals with a somewhat similar scenario, but because it's just as exciting.

Holding out hope for Treebeard to come to the rescue, and looking forward to reading more.

Author Reply: Thank you for reviewing, Envinyatar! I enjoy every one! I'm glad you find it such an exciting story. I'll have to look into that other one.
Thank you again, and I promise there's more excitement to come!

NalediReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/24/2008
Oh no! I thought Treebeard might save Legolas from the orcs, but I should have realised that an unhasty Ent would never spring into action like that.

I'm interested to see where this is going and how the characters are going to achieve their destiny now the odds are so stacked against them.

Author Reply: Oh, we have no hasty Ents here! No, no. I am glad I was able to surprise you. ;-)

Do stick around to see what happens next! I hope I won't disappoint.

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