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| Path of the Dead by M. Sebasky | 18 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 7/11/2004 |
| Your notes are almost as fascinating as the story itself. Wanted to add that Arwen was, in earlier drafts of LOTR, named 'Finduilas' and Faramir's mother called Rothinel or Emmeril. I'd heard that Tolkien thought Aragorn too old and grave for Eowyn. Interesting, since Faramir is not exactly the life of the party. Of course, he's very good at not despairing even when hope is dwindled or gone. And he positively burbles with excitement when Eowyn accepts his love, and goes on about gardens blooming in Ithilien when the White Lady comes... Author Reply: I'm late on responding; been out of touch, bu I wanted to thank you for taking the time to commment on this. I did not know that Arwen was called "Finduilas" in the early versions. That's very cool. Anyway, I thank you for reading. I'm taking a break before working on the next part, which, being towards the end, is difficult. Still we'll get there. Thanks again! | |
| Lindorien | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/11/2004 |
| Okay, now I really am tearing up. Great minds, M! Faramir echos the sentiments, though they come straight from the author herself: To his surprise, a rueful smile appeared on his father's face. "In truth, I do not remember much but thought it delirium brought on by the fever. Yet Aglund, the point I am making is that one act was not the sum of the man your grandfather was." A tired smile graced the Prince's face. "What trials befall us at the end of our lives may not always be indicative of the men we were for the rest of the time," he said, shaking his head. "If you would remember only the faults of your ancestors, I shudder to think how you would label your own father." Eru! This is wonderful stuff! Lindorien Author Reply: I am very glad you're liking this. I like it much myself, which as you know, is strange for me as I generally find fault with all I do. As for timeline, I will address this later, or make it clear in "To the Bridge." There may be a line the Sergeant can have that will allow this to be clear. Faramir waited quite a while before marrying, probably in his mid-forties, early fifties. Aglund is early thirty something, the other two boys in their mid to late twenties. The Princess died young. So glad you like it. I mean, really. I think it will all hang together in the end. Which is all that's left to write. Well, that and a prologue which will prove important. You'll see. ; ) | |
| Lindorien | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/11/2004 |
| Okay, MSebasky, this is wonderful. Memorable moments: "More the fool you," Prince Faramir replied. "If I were your age, I would be at the ale house and not sequestered with my books." so true. The Prince sighed and put down his quill. "You make it sound very grand." "History does not lie, Father." Ah, youth. How long does that illusion last? Although, truthfully, I am confused by how old everybody is. Aglund is under 40 years of age, I understand that. A little bit of a timeline in the author's note would be grand. This is where you made me cry and stop to write this review. I don't know what passes beyond this line yet, but I can only imagine Faramir's pain at reading this: "In here you call refer to your uncle as 'the fallible Boromir.' Is this history's perception or was the choice of words your decision?" Aglund's grin quickly faded. "I know my uncle was a great man," he said, trying to explain. "Yet history bears witness he tried to take Isildur's Bane from the Ring Bearer. He redeemed himself by trying to save the Halflings, but he did fall." His father's displeasure was clear. "Isildur's bane poisoned him; used his love of Gondor against his better nature. Does that label him forever flawed? Would you condemn him to history's judgment and not remember his deeds of valor and sacrifice?" "Yet when presented with a chance to take the Ring, you did not," Aglund said gently. "It was not the same." "Nay, Father; I believe it was." His father slammed his flagon back upon the table. "Were you there?" For youth, although Aglund is no kid in this sequence, it's all so cut and dried. Perhaps likewise for the old. The need to pigeonhole all. That a man should be remembered by the most ignoble of his acts rather than by all those noble acts which preceded it. History is a hard taskmaster. Thanks for writing this, M. hugs, Lindorien | |
| circini | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/28/2004 |
| my review should be posted in chapter 3 - can you delete as i don't want to spoil anything for other readers. sorry about that. | |
| circini | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/28/2004 |
| i like this story very much and can't wait for additional chapters, very well written, mysterious. the use of norse mythology is quite fitting to the rohan culture. i am intrigued by the plot, who did she betray and how? who did she abandon? is it a dream or a memory? excellent job - i can hardly wait for more. | |
| Lindorien | Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 6/26/2004 |
| This is so excellent! When does the rest go up? LOVE the orc. LOVE the corpsmen. LOVE the detail that makes them real. | |
| Carol | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2004 |
| I'm loving this story. It has great stuff concerning the cultural differences between Gondor and Rohan. It's interesting to see Aragorn having to deal w/ Eowyn aging and leaving him - the opposite of canon, where it's Arwen who gets left behind. Eowyn's interaction with her mother was very moving. I look forward to finding out the rest of the story concerning Faramir. Author Reply: Carol, Thank you so much for your insights and kind words about the story to date. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment. Part three should be posted in the next week or two. I'm hoping it will contain a sufficient enough twist to keep things hopping. :) Thanks again for your review! I appreciate it! | |
| Lindorien | Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 3/14/2004 |
| This is an amazing story. Your author's notes are the best. What an interesting way to consider doing an AU, basing it on what the author himself was originally considering and not just on our own notions of what we would have liked to see happen. As an aside...does Tolkien ever make mention, to your knowledge, that he considered letting Boromir survive? Thanks so much. Truly, the best AU I've had the pleasure of reading. I look forward to part 3. Thanks for letting me be a part of this. Lindorien Author Reply: You're welcome. I couldn't have done it without you. And I'm glad you like the author notes. I thought they were a little friendly, but hey, I am friendly by nature. ;) Thanks again. I appreciate your words. And I'll look into the Boromir thing for you. I don't know off the top of my head. | |