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False Faces  by Alisha B 3 Review(s)
Timmy2222Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/9/2004
This chapter had quite a plot point! First, I would not have thought the young man to be dead (very bloody ending, though. that causes me to pity the man as well as Aragorn, who had to see him). I thought he would be able to escape and bring help. Second, I would have guessed the whole story will take place at Isengard. Now, wrong again. I look forward to see where this turn will take me to.

- T.

luinthienReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/7/2003
I'm sorry for not reviewing lately, but I am enjoying the story very much.
The inner struggle that Aragorn is going through is very compelling to watch unfold. I'm wondering when he is going to realise that the elixir is causing it? I guess not for a while! I particularly enjoyed the part where the spirits were talking to him, that was very good!
I'm very afraid for him when he gets to Sauron!
I'm looking forward very much to the next chapter!!
Keep up the great work!!

KathiraReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/7/2003
This is very good work, well-written with good characterizations. Love that Aragorn angst and torture! I was sure the young couple were in on it, being forced to cooperate with Saruman in breaking down Aragorn's resistance. I like his inherent mental toughness, btw, that worked well. I encourage you to continue developing your writing. This is reasonably convincing as an AU event, but you may want to think about why Aragorn doesn't tell Gandalf about his experience with Saruman (once he escapes or is rescued, of course), since in the books Gandalf still basically trusts Saruman up to the events leading to the Council of Elrond. Memory clouding effects of the drug, perhaps? Anyway, I am anxious to see where you are going with this. Poor Aragorn, we do love to see him beat up!

Author Reply: Hey! I did think about Aragorn telling Gandalf. By the time my story ends and Aragorn escapes, (hope I didn't ruin it for anyone. lol) I've put him right before he finds Gollum. So my explanation for it is Aragorn finds Gollum in the Dead Marshes, goes to Mirkwood with him then heads back toward Rivendell. Sometime in all that, Gandalf goes to Minas Tirith, in April of 3018 he's in Hobbiton, and in July he's already at Isengard according to the timeline in Appendix B. I'm going under the assumption that Aragorn may not have been in contact with Gandalf, other then letter instruction. example: "Aragorn, make sure you meet Frodo in Bree if I'm not back yet, and take him to Rivendell." I don't think it's too much of a stretch considering how hard it would be to actually find either of the two while they're traveling. Their paths may not have crossed during that time. Somewhere around chapter 16 or 17, I have Aragorn address the topic a bit further. Thanks for the review!!

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