News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| With Hope and Without Hope by docmon | 9 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| PipMer | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/11/2008 |
| I found this story through the MEFA website that listed this year's winners. So far, I am finding this story very enjoyable, and very well written. The descriptions you paint are so vivid... you certainly deserved to win first place with this one :) Will continue to read, and leave more reviews. Author Reply: Why thank you, PipMer! I was truly honored by my win in the MEFA competition. I certainly didn't expect First Place!! I appreciate you taking the time to write a review. I hope you continue to enjoy the story. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/21/2008 |
| What a dreadful choice Gimli and Merry had to make. Author Reply: Yes, they were put to the test, weren't they. I'll try to be nice to them later. ;-) Thanks for writing! | |
| Thundera Tiger | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/9/2008 |
| Oddly enough, amidst all the planning, scheming, sneaking, and emoting that you've got going on (all things I love and crave in stories), the thing I like most about this chapter are the technical details of the escape. Particularly, the vent. For some reason, that idea gets me excited and I just want to cheer as Gimli immediately figures it out (Go dwarves!) and tries to lead Merry to the same idea. It's such a Gimli thing to realize, and it's a nice bit of technical writing to include both the chimney and the vent that would be necessary to supply fresh intake for the bellows. Essentially, this chapter showcases you as a writer who can tug at the heartstrings, piece together narrative action, and keep in mind all the little technicalities that would help in an escape like this. Very fun chapter! Author Reply: Thanks, Thundera! Coming from someone with such well-researched stories as yours, that's quite a compliment. And all it took was a little research on my part! (Go ahead, asking me about forging! Well, no, don't do that! When I said "little," I meant it!) Of course Gimli would see it at once - would you ever doubt your favorite dwarf? I'm just glad it comes off as believable. I didn't know if such a thing would seem possible even for a sturdy dwarf and a resourceful hobbit. Thanks for writing! | |
| Ainu Laire | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/8/2008 |
| Wow, excellent, excellent! Still excellent! I am really hoping that Gimli and Merry won't be discovered, for I don't see them escaping ever again if they are. If they do make it, Legolas is the only one now in Isengard, since Aragorn and Pippin are off to Edoras. Maybe Merry and Gimli will spy the two of them leaving. Though, I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure what Saruman is planning to do with Aragorn. In the end, he looks like he simply wants to double cross everyone, if he does not plan on bringing the Ranger to Sauron. I don't see either of them of being of any use in Edoras, even if Thengel is under a spell. And while Saruman knows that the Ranger is weakening, surely he doesn't think that he has Aragorn completely under his spell? So, yes, I'm completely baffled as to what he wants to do with Aragorn. And, I must ask this... where in the bloody world is Gandalf? Is is likely past March 1st, when the company originally met the wizard, so he should be out of the forest. Whether he's consulting with Treebeard or ruining Saruman's plans in Edoras by showing off there... or even if he is around at all! I know you are loath to give away plot details, but perhaps you can answer one question? Will Gandalf play a significant role in this story? Inquiring minds must know! ;) Author Reply: Thrilled to hear you're still enjoying the story! Your anxiety over all the characters is music to this author's ears. We will soon see how Gimli and Merry fare out in the fields of Rohan. And you're not as confused about Saruman as you think - he does have plans for every situation. The question remains, which will he follow through on... Ah, Gandalf, Gandalf... I never realized his absence would cause so much consternation! While plot details will remain safely tucked away, I will say this: In canon, when the Three Hunters found Gandalf in Fangorn, he had not fully regained his memories of himself. It was always my impression that the sight of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli brought his memory back to him. Well, remember that in this story the Three Hunters never arrived in Fangorn to rouse Gandalf. And that's all I'm going to say! :-D | |
| Fantasia | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/7/2008 |
| I'm late with the review, I was out of town and with no intentions to use a computer...but I miss some updates... Well, at least some air, fresh air and something good (?) are happening here. Hope that Merry and Gimli will be able to escape, to find help, to find the Ents, to find Gandalf, to find the Rohir...Just to find SOMEONE that could help them...after reading your reviews replies, I'm not sure if I want to know about Legolas, left alone with the Orcs, I should add, very angry orcs when they realize that they have two missing prisoners...Maybe they won't even find out with all the trip preparations, well I doubt it, you are bad with this poor guy, by far, he is the one that has suffer the most and elf or not, there is a limit to what a body and mind can take. Well, no idea what will happen to Aragorn and Pippin, you really are full of surprises in this fic, they won't be able to escape a full contingent of Orcs and Saruman (I hate this nasty, nasty wizard) Again, where is Gandalf? Thanks and post soon Author Reply: Thanks for writing, Fantasia! Yes, Merry and Gimli are free, but who they'll find on their way... you can only wait and see! :-D It won't be too much longer till we catch up with Legolas. Then we will see about those limitations. [beg] I'm thrilled to hear that I've been so unpredictable as to surprise you throughout this fic. A great compliment! Gandalf, well, he's not returning my calls... | |
| Tithenaru | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/7/2008 |
| Phew! I have no head for heights so could not have climbed that vent with or without the aid of a hammer and tongs. I am however, heartily glad Gimli and Merry made it. And of course Legolas (how is he???), Aragorn and Pippin will be rescued - won't they??? Can't wait for the next chapter Thanks Tithenaru Author Reply: Thanks for writing, Tithenaru! Glad to hear you're enjoying the story. Oh, we'll catch up with Legolas soon, but as I've said in a previous review - be prepared. We all know he hasn't been having a happy time! Aragorn and Pippin rescued? Well... freedom comes in many forms... ;-) | |
| Cairistiona | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/7/2008 |
| Whew! I feel like I'm breathing the fresh air right alongside Gimli & Merry. But heartwrenching to read their agonizing choice (which really was no choice) to leave Legolas behind. I'm very anxious to find out how he'll fare in all this. And there was just enough of a glimpse of Strider and his troubles (well, almost enough of a glimpse--an Aragorn nut like me could do with a little more but what you have fits the story just fine) ... and Pip. Curse that evil Saruman anyway, hitting poor Strider with his staff like that. I'd like to break that staff on HIS head. Humph. Author Reply: I'm thrilled to hear all that my story is doing to you, Cairistiona - your relief and agony with Gimli and Merry, your anxiety and and your anger with Saruman - sounds like I'm doing my job! [beg] perhaps I'll lend you Saruman for a bit, so you can whack him with his staff. :-D I'll agree he deserves it! | |
| Naledi | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/7/2008 |
| Finally! A glimmer of hope for Merry and Gimli. I do hope they manage to get away. But it must have been heartbreaking to have to leave their friends behind. If Aragorn and Pippin are leaving with Saruman and Gimli and Merry get away, that just leaves Legolas on his own with a bunch of orcs. *shudder* Author Reply: Thanks for your review, Naledi! You are right to shudder for Legolas - I wouldn't want to be left with a bunch of orcs! Though Gimli and Merry's choice, not too much better, I'll admit. We'll be catching up with Legolas soon, but be prepared! You have been warned! [beg] | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/6/2008 |
| PLEASE allow them their victory this time; and let it allow them to return for Legolas's freedom as well! As for grumpy wizards determined to allow the rest of the Fellowship to work for their own freedom--well, they'd best get over their grumps and lend a hand--or perhaps a firework or two, properly aimed, at Saruman's horse or something! Author Reply: LOL! you are funny, Larner! It sounds like you're enjoying yourself, at least. ;-) The fact that you're also begging, maybe I'll enjoy that myself... [eg] I will see what I can do about having a talk with the grumpy wizard... :-D | |