News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Measure Of A Man by Virtuella | 109 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/7/2008 |
| Oh, goody! Goody, goody, goody! *grins widely* I won't say more here--I don't want to make spoilers for others who might read this, but I'm so glad to see this part! Author Reply: Well, yes. I don't think would have liked to keep him miserable much longer without a glimmer of hope! Thanks for your review. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2008 |
| Oh, Virtuella--this is absolutely lyrical! I put off reading it until I had time to savor it, and it was the proper choice, I deem! Oh, how sad that he thinks of himself as not a proper man and will deny his love due to that. It appears Fana is still interested! Now, to see what brings him back from his despondency to accept there is life indeed even for those with but one foot! I love your writing, and the theme is one that is dear to my heart, of course. Author Reply: Well, I need to start of sad, so that things can get better. ;-) Thanks for your review! | |
| Celeritas | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2008 |
| Dearig's frustration with his disability and its implications was so saddening! Niarl seems to have hit a sore spot when mentioning the girl. Eowyn watching for the arrival of the funeral procession immediately reminded me of the parallel scene in the Two Towers films, but coupled with your gentle descriptions of the landscape showed how much she has changed over the War. I don't know if that was intentional or not but it worked very well! It is good that the locals recognize the contribution of everyday people such as Dearig as well as those of the Great. I admit I am intrigued by the introduction of Fana and hope that we get to see more of her! Finally, your descriptions, especially of the environment, have some great imagery to them. I always like it when writers appeal to more senses than just sight. Author Reply: I didn't have any parallel to the movie in mind, but yes, I was trying to show that she has changed, perhaps mellowed. It'll be a theme in the story that other people haven't escaped unscather, either. Thanks for reviewing! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2008 |
| Oh my! This chapter is just filled with wonderful gems. The encounter between Dearig and his friend in the tavern was very realistic--Dearig has a long way to go to adjust to his new state. I hope that his friends will be understanding and firm, and not give up on him! It was good to get a glimpse of Eowyn--she's waiting not only for her brother, and for her uncle's shell, but also for her betrothed. I appreciated the hint that she's not entirely healed of her injuries yet, but still, she is definitely in command of herself and of Meduseld at this point. Dearig gets a greeting from Merry! That was delightful: I hope that we do see Merry coming to visit him, and that he will introduce his cousins and Sam! Fana seems very young. I hope she won't be hurt or put off by Dearig's reactions. And that last paragraph was beautiful! The song of a lark carried over from the barrow-field, the singer nothing but a tiny speck in the blue sky. The sun stood in the south, behind the White Mountains and the shadows were short at this time of day. On the low stone wall that marked the edge of their small kitchen garden a little green and brown lizard basked in the sunshine. It was panting in the heat, its flanks moving quickly. The stones had soaked up the midday sun and would cling to it while the day lasted, unlike those other stones that were now cooling under their blanket of turf into the endless chill of death.Déarig put his hand on the bench beside him and felt the warmth of the rough wood. Thyme and rosemary that grew among the roots and cabbages scented the air. He drew a deep breath, filling his lungs with as much air as they would hold. When he moved his head, the lizard scurried away. The imagery here is absolutely wonderful--without showing any of his thoughts, but just his outward reactions, you show us very much his state of mind. Skillfully done! Author Reply: "I hope that we do see Merry coming to visit him, and that he will introduce his cousins and Sam!" That would be sweet indeed, but it would also bend canon a bit too much for my taste. And people rarely introduce their friends and family to someone they've spent a few days in hospital with. ;-) I'm glad you liked the closing paragraph. I must say I quite like it myself. Thanks very much for reviewing! | |
| Celeritas | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 10/16/2008 |
| Ooh, I like this--I have a thing for OCs, the more ordinary the better, and the ways that their lives may have been adversely affected by the Greats (both events and people) that we read about. The sky was pale and dull, like thin milk in a dark bowl Beautiful description here--describing the weather and scenery in an original fashion is very difficult to do, but you did it! I liked the tantalizing bits, the things left unsaid--snapshots into a person's life seem so much more realistic that way. I hope that all becomes well for these people--to be an Eorling unable to ride is like losing a part of your soul! Author Reply: Thank you. I think good scenery/weather description comes from good observation. I've often thought this thing about the milk before when the sky has been that uniform blurry white. | |
| Soledad | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 10/16/2008 |
| A very moving scene. Beautifully done. Now I need to run off to read the other story. Author Reply: Thanks! I'm glad you find it beautiful. The aesthetics of writing are very important to me. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 10/15/2008 |
| I loved this glimpse of the ordinary folk who are only mentioned in passing.It must have been very hard for a Rider to be crippled.His emotions are very true to life.Beautifully written Author Reply: Thanks, Linda. This guy was my favourite of all the characters I created for Promise and Sorrow, and I felt I couldn't just leave him to his fate. ;-) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 10/15/2008 |
| It appears she has gotten beyond the near-hysteria brought on by fear and relief and concern for the future combined. This was a lovely gift, well thought out and prepared. Now, for him to learn he doesn't need to avoid his old love and old friends! Author Reply: Oh, I believe she still has her moments, when she lies awake at night, but she can't let him know that, can she? | |
| Eluthaun | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 10/15/2008 |
| In particular I revelled in the image of the starlings "plunging" downhill! A really eloquently written image. I imagine already that this Fana is the owner of the carefully avoided house; once the near-betrothed of our Déarig I deem. What a great cliff-hanger! You have me waited with baited breath! I love it already, and how succinctly it has been written, and yet with compassion! Author Reply: Thanks. I guess it pays to write straight from real life: I saw the starlings when I was at the playpark with my children the other day. I should have been more subtle about Fana, eh? | |