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| With Hope and Without Hope by docmon | 11 Review(s) |
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| Cairistiona | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/23/2008 |
| *deep contented sigh* And a small sniffle because we've now reached the end of this tale. I have to say, I never have enjoyed an AU tale more, and it was largely because throughout, canon was still respected and visible at the end of the long dark tunnel. You managed to keep everyone in character, and that made this work. The ending was very poignant, just as so much of Tolkien's stories are ... it gives me that same sort of ache I get when I read LOTR (I can never quite put my finger on what it is about Tolkien that puts that feeling in me. The books and the movies both do that to me). I really like how you handled Aragorn and his doubts. He does not shirk from his destiny but doubts his abilities to attain it and that's what makes Aragorn such an endearing hero to me. I've never been one to enjoy the super-confident, never a moment's doubt type. I like how you have him "appear" at Legolas' side--yes, Rangers are sneaky that way, aren't they? And enjoyed Legolas very laconic summing up of Eowyn, "Formidible." Indeed! Well done, and I hope you have more new tales in the works for us to read someday. :) Author Reply: Thank you, Cairistiona. It's very satisfying to hear you point out that I accomplished what was important to me while writing this story: to remain "parallel," as I put it, to canon, keeping each character in character, and to handle the story in a similar way as Tolkien would (not inserting behavior, events, or even dialogue he wouldn't bring into M-e). Aragorn did express doubt in himself several times. So I felt that what he went through (Ok, what *I* put him through [beg]) simply expanded on what was established in Aragorn's character. And Rangers are a sneaky bunch, though they can't hope to sneak up on an elf. Glad you enjoyed the closing. I felt it was enough to send the Fellowship on their way. I had to hope readers felt the same! Yes, someday, there will be more. Thanks for all your reviews! | |