News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Grey at the End of the World by jodancingtree | 108 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 11/24/2005 |
| I got notices of your last two chapters in my in-box the same day, and read them together. I realized just now, going to comment on your epilogue, that i quoted a line from here when I reviewed the previous one. Well, done, both of them. I have known so many real men just like Logi in how he treated Freiga toward the end. Gruff, always sullen and resentful at all of life's trials, yet when something serious threatens those they love, they finally realize what they have, and might lose. I wonder if the younger Haldar ever married and had children as he followed his father about the land. As I said, I have known many Logi's among the world of men. Perhaps he and his mortal "little flea" left their legacy with us. The wonder of the good professor's world is that there are so many stories to be told within it. The stories of this world and its people could go on without ending. Thank you for letting us journey with you for a time. Author Reply: Yeah, there are a lot of Logi act-alikes running around our own world, to their own sorrow and that of their loved ones. Thank you for coming along on this long journey, Demeter. And you're right - the good professor has bequeathed us such a wonderfully rich landscape of fantasy, enough to keep lovers of Middle Earth busy tracking down new stories for many years to come. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. jo | |
| finafyr | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/23/2005 |
| I have followed your stories.. since you first wrote of Frodo and Radagast and Canohando..you are very good at your writing.. but and I am glad that Logi could finally find some happiness.. but I would know what happened when Canohando landed in Valinor.. that is something that I have wanted to read about since Malawen refused to go across the sea.. could you not at least let us know what happened.. Please Author Reply: Oh my, Finafyr! Yes, I'd like to know that too - but what a ton of research it would take! For an Orc to set foot in the Blessed Land of the Elves - and no Radagast on hand to speak for him - the great ones bade him come, but how would lesser folk receive him? Maybe I'll write it someday, but I'm not well-versed in Elvish history and kindreds, and I have a suspicion that would all play into it. But thank you for reading so faithfully - I'm so glad you've enjoyed the stories. I'll keep your request in mind (comes to that, I'm even more curious about Logi. Radagast surely would return to Valinor someday, and he would try to bring Logi with him - but would it be permitted?) jo | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/23/2005 |
| Wonderful. Almost all threads tied, we go from the magical old world to the new one of men and hidden little people. The one tear at my heart strings, still, is that Logi has not forgiven Freiga, or himself. She gave up her people and her old life for him, after all. Beautifully done. It made me cry. Author Reply: Thank you, demeter. And I know what you mean: taken all in all, poor Freiga had a tragic life. Logi learned to love from his grandfather, yet even his love was destructive - some human beings are like that, and as for Orcs... There are few like Canohando in any world. jo | |
| Rose Sared | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 11/23/2005 |
| Awww, you old softy, you gave us a sorta happy ending. (sorta, 'cos she's going to die, and Logi goes on and on.) What a fate. I think I will imagine, when the world has changed utterly, that the Brown one and the Grey find at least some surcease in the undying lands, and Logi is able to face his friend at last to be granted forgiveness. (Because I am a softy too.) Thank you for this truly epic tale, your wonderful characters and the redemption of the hobbits so that they may live on into this barren world. Love your work and your imagination and will be looking out for anything else you write. Rose Author Reply: Ah, you know I have to have some kind of happy ending - it's in my nature. And indeed I do picture the Brown and the Grey at last in Valinor (though what manner of arm-twisting Radagast might have to do, to gain entrance for Logi there... but by then the Orc will be ready for it, refined in the furnace.) Thank you so much for following this painful tale all the way to the end - and thanks especially for all your encouraging reviews! jo | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 11/23/2005 |
| Couldn't read this one because of the summary, but when I read the description of the Epilogue I thought I'd dip a toe in. Sad, bittersweet, yet ultimately hopeful. Beautifullly written, as always. Author Reply: Thank you for stopping in, Lindelea! Yes, I was afraid this wouldn't be your kind of tale, and I was sorry not to have your commentary as I went along. It's delightful to hear from you here at the finish. jo | |
| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/15/2005 |
| Oh no, not the Tower! I liked to think of that enduring, sort of like a monastery in the Dark Ages. Well, at least the stones are still standing. On the bright side, I’m relieved that the way West is still open to Canohando, as I’d hoped it would be. And that Radagast will stay on, now that he’s had his “sabbatical.” AND—what a wonderful thought that Haldar may be waiting for them in Valinor, or at least getting rehabbed in the Halls of Mandos! And if he is…well, he’s not the only immortal offspring, is he? *thinks of Osta, and maybe even…?* Ah well, enough speculation! Looking forward to the exciting conclusion…as I’m sure it will be! Inkling P.S.—having read demeter d’s review, I have a story rec for both of you, if you haven’t already read it: Werecat’s “Dolor Meus,” posted here at SofA. In this lovely, deeply moving blend of Middle-earth history, medieval Christianity, and Celtic mythology, Radagast’s connection with the real St. Francis is very strong indeed. I don’t want to spoil it by saying more than that…it’s quite short and well worth the read. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Inkling! I went and read "Dolor Meus" and it's simply beautiful - now I want to find time to read more of Werecat's work; if that story is a good sample, this is an author I'm very glad to discover. Thanks for tipping me off. jo | |
| Rose Sared | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/15/2005 |
| Ah, softly, softly we get to the end of this massive tale - what will you do without these compelling characters whispering in your ear? What will I do without your updates. Sigh I love the way you keep all your characters in character, and still allow the mercy of the Valar. Great writing Rose Author Reply: Sigh... what will I do, indeed? It's not that I don't have other things I want to write, but Midle Earth is so enticing. It's hard to tear myself away. But I'm so glad this story works for you. Thank you! jo | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/14/2005 |
| So Canohando and Malawen might yet go to the Undying lands. They have certainly earned the blessing. Both of them have found redemption by losing themselves in an age of service to Hobbits and Men. But is Arato ready to lose his parents and assume leadership by himself? On the other hand, are any of us ready when such times come? Arato and his band of Quardians have been blessed to be raised in the last of the Elven light from the past age. Walt Whitman in his "Intimations of Immortality" writes of the light we all are born with slowly fading into the light of day as we grow older. I see this happening to your people now. Yet, there still is light. And yet, those open to it can still perceive the echoes of the light before. And, I am very much enjoying the return of Radagast. So he has had a long sabbatical, but is now ready to return to work. It is a nice thought that he might still be at work in this shadowed old world! You know, the comparison to Dumbledore was good, but I have also found something rather "St. Francis-ish about Radagast. For certain, that spirit he represents is still at work in our world. Anxiously awaiting the next chapter! Author Reply: Yeah, Radagast has always seemed rather like St. Francis to me, too - perhaps a bit more practical and less mystical/poetic, but he has his moments, as Frodo saw at Rhosgobel. And as the Elf-light fades away, it's a comfort to think of Radagast still plying his healing arts in the backwaters of a hurting world... and patiently teaching anyone willing to join in the good work. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Only two chapters to go now... jo | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/14/2005 |
| So Canohando has been given passage to the west? (I did not read the first story) That was a great, welcome surpirse! I so dearly wish that he manages to reach that boat! Radagast's matter of factly and practical approach to things is such a relief here. I'm wondering what's going to happen to Arato, though.. shall he learn to be a gardener, or to dig a hole where he can fit? I really liked him so much. And I'm so looking forward to Logi's redemption. The poor orc has learned his lessons well, but in the worst of manners. Yet I'm hoping for the light at the end of his tunnel since he killed his cousin. BTW, I was impressed by Melawen's decay, but it is only too understandable, after all... Have I told you how much I like Canohando's gruffy manners? great job, jo, agin, I'm dying to get back home for Christmas to have time enough to sit back and re read it as a whole. I'm so loving it, in many levels! Author Reply: I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Perelleth! And I suppose Arato might learn to farm - he seems a pragmatic, sensible fellow, and willing to try new things. But he'd probably slip away to do a bit of hunting when he could - I think there's something of the old Rangers still alive in him. I picture him sitting on a log by his campfire after a day in the woods, enjoying a quiet pipe and watching the stars come out... pleased to get away for a little while from the routine of seedtime and harvest. jo | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/7/2005 |
| Well, now you got me laughing the whole chapter away" Guardians learning to be gardeners and Canohando's gruffiest side... Radagast being Dumbledore.. apologies, but it brough him to mind with the calmness with which he "made up" breakfast while the others were fretting.. and the funny, well humoured hobbits. Author Reply: LOL! I hadn't thought of Radagast as resembling Dumbledore, but of course you're right.. and not a bad character to be like, if it comes to that! And after such a grim storyline so far, I'm glad this chapter made you laugh. jo | |