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Too Long a Sacrifice  by Linda Hoyland 5 Review(s)
demeter dReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/27/2013
My previous review had been intended to be for chapter 2. Now I will continue the thoughts I had from both chapters. Your young Fikri reminds me especially of two young men from classic Real Life fiction. As well read as I know you are, I am sure you are familiar with the American novel,"Huckleberry Finn". For any readers who may not be, Huck was created by author Mark Twain. The character lived in the southern, slave-owning state of Missouri, I believe in the 1830s. (Been too long since I read it.) He was a poor white boy, who has befriended a black slave named Jim. In order to escape from slavery, and Huck's alcoholic father, they sail down the Mississippi river on a log raft. At one point in their adventure, Huck is really feeling the pressure of the society through which they travel, to turn Jim in. According to the beliefs of that white society, in helping him to run away, Huck is stealing property from the Widow Douglas who owned Jim. Huck believes that his "conscience" tells him to turn Jim in, and that he would rather "go to hell" than betray his friend. Some of my Christian acquaintances have been scandalized by that declaration. But I had an intelligent, loving, Sunday School teacher during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960's who believed that loving, innocent hearted Huck was really listening to the Holy Spirit, instead of the voice of the society in which he lived. I sense that potential in your Fikri.

Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. Yes, I have read Huckleberry Finn long ago. Fikri does indeed have potential if he gets the chance to realise it.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/27/2013
Hopefully Damrod's bow and Aragorn's sword are not far behind. I can appreciate his terror!

Author Reply: Let us hope they are in time. I can scarce imagine how poor Faramir must feel!

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/26/2013
The cart is full of logs. Hmm. I really did let that sail right past me the first time around! I had to read chapter three to have that sink in. No Mountain of Fire, then. One thing I always enjoy about your stories is the quotes from classic literature which introduce your chapters. They are always beautiful and thought provoking. You are conversant with many of the best things ever written. As always I admire how you, Raksha, and many other good Fan-fic writers draw threads from old stories and re-weave them into your own new tapestries. This young man reminds me of many others in fiction; Right now M.P. Brennan has a series of stories going on this site about a young man from Harad whose family rescued Aragorn from the desert during his wanderings. He managed to escape Sauron's army, but his son and a nephew fought on the Pellenor. His family secretly still worshipped their old Gods. But one wonders how easily it might have been for Sauron's followers to try to convert his younger kin. And, there is the scene where Sam and Frodo see the young Harad sodier who has been shot by Faramir's men. The speech Faramir gives is beautiful in the book, and beautifully performed by David Wenham in the movie. Indeed, your young Haradrim seems not to be really evil at heart. He has a strong religious belief in Sauron's power, but perhaps with gentle encouragement he can begin to see differently. And, there is another thread from the world of canon, not fanon, but I will save that one for chapter three.

Author Reply: Thank you for your lovely review. I'm pleased that you like the quotes. MP Brennan and I ended up (without each other knowing) with similiar themes for the contest this was written for and I think we influence each other as I greatly admire her stories.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/26/2013
Oh dear--evil cliffie! *grin*

I am wondering about young Fikri; clearly he has some serious doubts about this sacrifice.

I certainly hope that Aragorn is getting closer to the rescue. This is really waiting till the last minute.

Author Reply: I'm trying to keep my readers interested!
I'm glad Fikri has caught your interest.
Let us hope Aragorn is nearby.
Many thanks for your review.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/25/2013
I can't imagine a more horrific and nightmarish experience for Faramir. I hope Aragorn is ready to employ all the healing (especially emotional) at his command.

*paces anxiously*

Author Reply: Thank you for your much appreciated review. I'm thinking of assing some extra healing/comfort scenes for Aragorn!

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