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Broken  by Thundera Tiger 10 Review(s)
obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/17/2011
A touching journey through Elrond's life. He really is a tragic figure. How he endured it all is beyond me. I love the way his connection to Celebrian is portrayed.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! Celebrian was a lot of fun to work into the story. She ended up being much more influential than I originally intended, and it's always fun when characters surprise you. Thanks again!

docmonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/18/2010
Well, finally got to read this! Too little leisure time these days.

This is an amazing piece of writing! You've constructed a series of peeks into the life of Elrond that create something greater than the individual pieces. At one time, we have small vignettes into different points in Elrond's life, each with its poignant moments. But then taken as a whole, you see the great span of this life, the many trials, the few triumphs, and for myself, I think I began to understand the weight of immortality just a little bit.

That weight comes down hardest at the very end, with Elrond's final words, "Or break it." I felt I understood Elrond's weariness for the world that would drive him to the Havens. To see the extent of his losses laid out as you have, it is a wonder Elrond stayed in M-e as long as he did. We can only imagine the strength it took to do so. Perhaps we can imagine a little better after reading Broken.

Elrond never seemed so imposing, so formidable, so compelling a figure. You've done it again, Thundera

Author Reply: Hey Docmon,

Thank you so much for the review! The piece went through many different incarnations with the focus shifting back and forth from the snippets of life to the whole, and it was a struggle to find a balance so that one can see both the forest and the trees, as it were. I'm relieved you felt it culminated in the final words, which was the goal. That and to tighten up my handle on Elrond's characterization. I'm still not entirely comfortable writing him, but I think I have a better handle on him now. Thank you again!

EluthaunReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/16/2010
This piece has been very special for me. Never have I thought in this light of the life of Elrond. Seeing some of this depth of sadness, burden, and duty: it makes the fact that Elrond is as kind as summer all the more noble.
So thank you, I have enjoyed not only reading what you've related here, but many hours of thought, reflection, and day-dreaming all brought into being thanks to you and yours.
A blessing of fruitfulness on your hand and mind.
Eluthaun.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm so glad it made you think. That's one of the best compliment I can receive! Elrond really has led a varied and interesting life, and I love the idea that the character we meet in both LotR and TH is so kind and wise after having endured everything that's happened. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with me!

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/13/2010
Amazing story. I rarely (if ever) read Elrond stories but knowing it's from you, i decided to give it a try.
What research you did in order to write this! I appreciated the back story spanning from the 1st Age to the choices that Elrond had to make regarding Vilya, facing the fact that Celebrian and Arwen had to have choices different from his.
I love your writing and your details and i always appreciate descriptions of the angst and the anger that had been present in all of Elrond's long years in Middle-earth. Your story really describes really well the trials that Elrond has gone through that supports his actions and words when he was bidding the Fellowship farewell on Dec. 25th.
Thank you for this! Really liked it! =)

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your review! I'm thrilled you decided to give the story a try. I certainly understand your reluctance. I'm a reluctant Elrond-reader and -writer myself, though I think much of that comes from a lack of understanding of the character. For both TH and LotR, he seems to glide in and out of the story. The Silm and UT give so many details that really flesh him out as a character, but I hadn't gone through and tried to piece those details into what is essentially a life sketch. It makes all the difference in the world. Thank you again!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/13/2010
So many griefs he has known--but this has been the fate of the Elves of Middle Earth: to bear with the griefs as well as the triumphs of this world!

Author Reply: Hey Larner! Many thanks for the review! And you're absolutely right: by throwing his lot in with the elves, Elrond would have to endure the lumps as well as the sweets. Thanks again!

AdrianneReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/12/2010
When I read your stories it makes me want to come back to my own writing, but then I remember, I cannot write with such power and eloquence and beauty.

This is one of those stories that makes me wonder if Mr. Tolkien was more generous than we realize in the creation of his remarkable world. How wise of him to leave many things unsaid so that they stirred the vital and fertile imagination of such talented writers as yourself. How fortunate are we that you rise to the occasion and give those of us who hunger and thirst for more such a feast.

Extraordinary! I loved every word.


Author Reply: What a compliment! Please, continue with your own writing! The more the merrier, and there are many different ways to achieve power, eloquence, and beauty.

As for this story, I'm so glad you enjoyed it and felt that it could be a valid exploration of Elrond's words. I wondered if I was stretching a bit with some of it, but they seemed so weighted whenever I read them. Thank you again for such a lovely review! I very much enjoyed it!

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/11/2010
Now, this was a truly excellent story! During his long life Elrond would have experienced much pain, including some situations - like the death of his brother and his daughter - that would likely be quite alien to other elves.
Also, just growing up during the War of Wrath would no doubt have left scars on his soul - in addition to having the hated Fëanorionnath as foster-parents, and all the other losses and traumas of his life - it is a wonder that he had any sanity left at all as the sun was setting on the Third Age!


Author Reply: Thank you so much for your review, Sunny! I'm actually surprised by how normal so many elves turned out given everything they've been through. And everything they've put themselves through on purpose. What a crazy bunch! It's always good to find someone thinking along similar lines. Thank you again!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/11/2010
This is a very rich and powerful story, giving us a poignant glimpse of Elrond's journey of heart, mind, and spirit. An excellent piece.

Author Reply: Thank you for the review! I'm thrilled that you felt the story touched on many aspects of what made up Elrond's character. Thank you again!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/11/2010
One of the most powerful stories I have read in a long time. Thank you.

Author Reply: You're very welcome, and thank YOU for the review!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/11/2010
But Elrond had sworn himself to the life of the elves so that he might remember, and remember he did: those who would not break with sworn words were doomed to be broken upon them.

Oh my! I think that you have more than come to terms with Elrond. This is one of the finest pieces about him I have ever read.


Author Reply: Thank you so much, Dreamflower! Coming from someone like you who reads so many different things, that's a giant compliment. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!

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