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Mordor Vacationland  by Stefania 4 Review(s)
ireneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/20/2009
Oh well. I'm just back from Africa and once more missed the beginning of one of your delicious stories. I'm not sure what to make of it by now but enjoyed the two chapters immensely, as always. You just have to write - I like it! The idea of a vacation in Mordor could only be Èowyn's. And oblingly, Brutal Red will do as she wishes instead of taking her south to the beautiful sea... but, of course, there will be reason enough to explain the title of your story.
Go on, please!

And I'm so pleased to read another story of you -- thanks!
Irene

Author Reply: Hi Irene -

Forget Mordor, I wouldn't mind vacationing in Africa. It must have been so exciting. I've been up to my ears with real life right now but hope to continue with Mordor Vacationland soon. Thanks for keeping up with my musings.

- Steff

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/5/2009
Brutal Red, the terror of Orc-kind; I love it. Denethor might indeed have been impressed; Boromir surely would have been.

Minor quibble - I don't see Faramir using the term bloke; it's just a bit jarring.

Faramir blends wisdom and compassion and practicality in his dealings with the Orcs; the idea of the treaty with Harad and the accomodation of Orcs who are at least willing to work at something other than slaughtering Men is ingenious. And Faramir's going to track these thieves to their lair; excellent!



Author Reply: Hi Raksha -

I understand about "bloke", but I'm not sure what synonym I would substitute. I wanted to use "bloke" as an expression of Faramir's strong negative feelings. To me, the word "bloke" sounds tough and uncompromising, but that might be because I'm an American. I think the British and Australians have a more positive meaning for the term "bloke."

I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Who will track the thieves to their lair? Do the thieves even have a lair? The mind boggles. Now that I put him in the story, that pesky elf seems to think he's needed as a tracker.

- Steff

IthilienReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/5/2009
Intriguing beginning... and you anticipate making this a lengthy story. Oh boy! I'll look forward to it. Your characters are very fleshed out, and your detail makes everything come to life. Loved Faramir's thoughts about his dress. Small stuff like this makes a story come alive. Looks like there are a lot of characters to play with too, orcs and men and such. Eowyn is obviously a part of this. I'm hoping we'll have Faramir and a certain elf too, especially now that you've introduced them to the story. I don't know how often you anticipate updates, but I'll send out a prayer that the muses remain with you and we'll see much of this story in the weeks/months ahead!

Author Reply: Hi Ithilien -

I do know how the story ends, but it always takes more time to get from point A to point B in my fiction. I plan to keep my chapters short and succinct, concentrating on just one or two locations or characters. So I suspect this will take a long time to complete. Sigh.

Yeah, there will be a lot of characters, which is a management problem. You've already met most of the protagonists, Lady Gothmog, Faramir, and Eowyn. The last protagonist is a book-only character. As far as the elf is concerned, he's a supporting character so far. I've never tried to write Legolas or any elf so I don't know how far I'll go with him. He does have a vested interest in keeping the new elf colony in Ithilien safe.

Thanks for reading.

- Steff


Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/5/2009
After the last chapter I actually felt sad some Orcs were killed! I loved your use of the classic Dad's Army joke.
It seems very in character for Eowyn to want to visit Mordor!I'm enjoying this very much.

Author Reply: Hey, don't feel too sorry for the orcs. Most of them are depraved, amoral characters who would knife a Gondorian at any given opportunity. I wanted to make the point that orcs and other denizens of Mordor have less evil sides, illustrating Sam's speculation when discovering the fallen soldier in Ithilien. Of course, most of that speech was given by Faramir in the extended Two Towers film. So my Faramir continues wondering about the people who once were his enemies.

- Steff


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