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| By the Light of Earendil's Star by Branwyn | 89 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/31/2004 |
| Oh an update! Excellent! I've been away and am looking to see what I missed and found this. I was amused that Haldan sees himself as forced into a heroic death by Boromir. Actually, Boromir is very interestingly rendered in this chapter. He's plainly younger than Boromir of the Fellowship and he's more reckless ("noble but insanely reckless" as Eldahil thinks). But he's so clever and writers don't often give us a clever Boromir. I liked watching him think about how soldiers -- be they men or Orcs -- could become too well-disciplined. I also really felt for his horror at losing men to the orcs. I liked the little detail about not looking into the fire when you know you're going to have to shoot into the dark. I'll have to remember that. With your permission, I may find use for it. Author Reply: Thank you for the review! I am trying to portray Boromir as extremely intelligent, so I am glad you think he is clever in my story. While Boromir lacks the sharp insight into human nature which Denethor and Faramir possess and he does not share their love of languages and lore, this does not necessarily mean that he is unintelligent! It mystifies me that some writers portray him as a complete chucklehead. (Actually, I recall Tolkien saying that Boromir WAS interested in ancient lore--as long as it involved battles and head-bashing!) After years of experience as a soldier and commander, he has developed "battlefield intuition" (coup d'oeuil is the actual name for this)--the ability to quickly analyze a situation and seize on an effective course of action. When he was younger, I think Denethor would have made him sit in on strategy sessions and debriefings and then asked him afterwards, "Why did they do that? What would you have done? Why?" Sort of a case study approach to learning tactics and strategy. However, this being Boromir, I do think his heart would occasionally get in the way of making the most rational decision...but that is why we love him! But I ramble! (Sorry, I do have some strong opinions on this...) Sure, I wouldn't mind if you had the people in your story keep their backs to the fire so they don't lose their night vision! Just be sure to kill a few orcs for me. Regards, Branwyn | |
| Galimeril | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/31/2004 |
| Awww! Don't stop now! This is all that's keeping me going, as school starts tomorrow. :( What ever am I to do? This is a really great story and I'm thouroughly (sp.?) enjoying it. I usually don't read pieces with Boromir or Faramir, but this is quite the exception to the rule! Update soon! Galimeril ;D Author Reply: Galimeril-- Thanks so much for letting me know you like this! I don't have much free time to spend on writing, so the next chapter won't appear until near the end of September. Sorry about the slow updates. But I can hardly wait to publish this next one! *evil grin* Good luck with school (I can't believe the summer is over...) Branwyn | |
| RAKSHA THE DEMON | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/29/2004 |
| You really didn't need much help with this! Great chapter; the last paragraph is particularly scary; excellent visual of the orcs closing in, their eyes like those of wolves... | |
| annmarwalk | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/31/2004 |
| Branwyn: Please park yourself in your writing chair, with your lucky writing hat and socks on, and lots of tasty caffeine or golden beverages, and a goodly supply of fortifying snacks, and don't move until this is finished! Author Reply: Ann-- I will do my best to hurry, but I write really sloooowwwly (and then there are the many, much-needed rewrites....). I started on Chapter One back in the middle of February. But now I know the problem--I do not possess a lucky writing hat! With so many of the characters in this story carrying around sharp pieces of steel, I do feel a little uneasy about drinking and writing--someone might get hurt. However, I did just pour myself a nice cuppa coffee, so that should help. With luck, Chapter 9 will be out there before the last week of August. Thanks for writing, and I am glad you like the story. Regards, Branwyn | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/31/2004 |
| Yay! They're doing OK so far. I fervently hope that everyone you've introduced us to will survive. I like Boromir's determination not to leave the wounded man. Author Reply: Daw-- Yes, Anborn has been out in the woods with the orcs just a LITTLE too long. Please don't think I am implying that all rangers would act similarly; however, I do think there would be a few rangers like him. It would be difficult to fight such a ruthless foe without becoming equally ruthless. This man has gone over the line from being a soldier to being a partisan; at this point in time, he is following his own set of rules. It could be argued that he is acting correctly (and mercifully), but I don't think so and Boromir doesn't think so. Branwyn | |
| Eilenach | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/31/2004 |
| You are writing a great tale! In this chapter, just as I think you are going to wrap things up, events turn for the worse again and you ratchet up the tension level. I'm looking forward to the next chapter! | |
| Eilenach | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/31/2004 |
| Well, I'll admit, I had a problem with this chapter because of Boromir's actions. I do see your point that if Boromir was desperate enough to take the Ring, he would show this quality earlier in his life also. On the other hand, I would argue that the Ring itself had an effect on Boromir that would not be present here -- in the book, Boromir recognized after Frodo escaped that he had been suffering from a sort of madness, but that it had passed. I just think that Boromir would have appealed to his cousin with the truth first, and then escalated from there if he was still denied. Other than that, your story idea is definitely gripping! Author Reply: Maybe after Chapter 3, this chapter will seem more reasonable (I hope so, anyway.) A couple of things to keep in mind in this chapter. First, Boromir does not know this cousin very well. I tried to make that clear in the narrative (but may or may not have been successful, LOL). Also, as you find out in the next chapter, Boromir does not have a very high opinion of Eldahil. Since he is not sure this cousin is to be trusted, he doesn’t want to let him in on his plans. Second, Boromir is close to losing control at this point—he has to get out of Osgiliath very soon (if any of the higher-ups find out about this, they will stop him) and his cousin has the misfortune to be in the way. He does not feel he has the time to talk Eldahil into volunteering, and he (unfairly) doesn't think it would work, anyway. I don't see Boromir as regularly strong-arming people to get his way, but in this case, he is very, very upset, in a big hurry, and at his wit's ends. Gandalf describes Boromir as a “masterful” man; to me, that means someone who is used to being in control and having his way in all things, even without the influence of the ring. Thanks for writing! Branwyn | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/31/2004 |
| Hooray! A new chapter. Loved the fight scenes, the plot thickens, and poor Faramir is in peril - if the orcs don't get him, the fever might. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/30/2004 |
| No!!! Save them!! Get them back to the river away from those nasty orcs! I know Faramir and Boromir have to be all right - but don't hurt their cousin the deer hunter, or poor Haldan, who has spent the best years of his life trying to keep Boromir's head on Boromir's shoulders. I'd say Denethor to the rescue - but it seems a bit out of character for him to do anything so . . . proactive. Update quickly please - the tension is too much. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/30/2004 |
| Oh, dang. Just when I thought things were getting better. In truth, I like the fact that Boromir knew what Haldan was doing and would have none of it. But now I wonder how you're going to get them all out of this. | |