Reviews (153)

Breon Briarwood · 4 March 2004 · Chapter 28: The Hunt

Intriguing news. This explains a bit about Lash, but still wondering about the woman and what developments the winter will bring. Also, just /what/ are they going to do with the cub? Do I have time to stock-up on popcorn? :D ! *waiting*

Tathar · 4 March 2004 · Chapter 28: The Hunt

Ohhh, now this was unexpected! A bear-hunt. And Lash -- he did always seem different than the other two, but I never would have guessed... Wow! You're so creative. :) Tor-mrog... I'll be interested to see what comes of the bear cub. And I am glad that Frodo and Radagast will be staying, even though Lash's wife doesn't like the "Light-bearer" -- for good or ill, I think Radagast is right and there was a reason they were drawn here. Amazing, as always, Jo -- I can't wait for more!

Frodo_Baggins · 3 March 2004 · Chapter 3: Bronwe Athan Harthad

jUST WANTED TO let you know I'm reading this. i read the first story on fanfiction.net, and I'm glad to read the sequal! so far it is very good. different than anything else I've read....written very well.

Breon Briarwood · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 27: Of Mother and Child

Ermm... what's her problem?

Yavanna · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 27: Of Mother and Child

Hey, Jo, I've to say that you surprised me in this chapter! I thought it would be difficult keep the tension after the climax in Barad-dur, because I felt there was not more a clear goal for Frodo and Radagast...but now, with the new characters, you got it anew. Thanks!

shirebound · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 27: Of Mother and Child

You update more quickly than I can review! I love how Frodo was able to equate his relationship to Radagast with Sam's relationship to him. It seems that there's always something new for Frodo to learn, no matter how many years and experiences are passing.

Tathar · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 27: Of Mother and Child

Ohhhhhhh, Frodo the orc-child! Gaah, I laughed out loud when I read that, sniffling at the same time. How wonderful! I love Lash more than ever now. Canohando too. I'm so glad Lash, at least, is at peace -- I hope Canohando will find peace about Yarga, too. Might Frodo be able to help him in that? (And I can't wait for The Orc's Quest -- as I said before, I'm glad those orcs are pushy!) This wife of Lash's worries me a little, though -- a bit too much like Yarga for my comfort. Although I can certainly see how one could become bitter after such grief as she has had... And Frodo -- the Light-bearer, even if he prefers not to be called by that. I never would have thought I could possibly love him any more, but somehow, with each chapter of this story I find my respect, admiration and love for him growing. And Radagast: I adore him too! Frodo's thoughts about him here were especially interesting; I hadn't considered it that way before: "As Sam was to me, so I to you, Radagast, he thought. I follow you wherever, as Sam did me, and whatever your task may be, it is mine as well. Only this once have I forged ahead of you to go the way I myself chose – and in truth I did not choose it. I was drawn, as I told her." What an amazing story-teller you are, Jo. I really don't know how you do it. I can't wait for more!

powerwriter · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 26: Light-bearer

Jo, now you've gone and done it! I am so amazed by this story! Not only is it a wod=nderful piece of work to read, but it's inspiring! You have made the characters so intriguing and deep and just good to read about. I'm so glad for the orcs! Though it's sad that Yarga was killed. Frodo's character is probably the best I've seen out of any story...he's quiet but powerful at the same time. You already know how much I like Radagast :D This last chapter has once again inspired TWO story ideas for me! Both about the orcs too. Do you mind if I take another crack with your characters? I'll email you the ideas and see if their okay. Is that all right? Anyroad, WONDERFUL STORY!

Woodswalker · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Gorgoroth Plain

I am really glad to find new chapters for this lovely tale. It is an especially wonderful plot turn to redeem even the Orcs from evil. It is the most heartening sign that the 'shadow' has been defeated...that the formerly evil can be healed. Thanks! Laura

Nivina · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 11: The Lord of the Glittering Caves

I'm fascinated by this story! I've been away for two weeks, and now I am amazed to see that you've updated so many new chapters! :) Wonderful - so I can dive into your story again... I love the way you describe the characters and "paint" the story. In this chapter I particularly loved how Nano found a "his destination" in the Glittering Caves.

Tathar · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 26: Light-bearer

I'm *glad* those orcs are pushy! I missed them just through the first part of this chapter. I'm so glad they came back... and I cried for Yarga. He redeemed himself in the end, and I was able to forgive him. Frodo comforting Canohando was wonderful, too -- as was their reunion! I was so happy to see Canohando and Lash again! I've grown very, very fond of them... I'll never think of orcs in the same way again. And Frodo is healed indeed -- that struck me again in this chapter! I'm so, *so* happy. I thought this part here really summed it all up: He strode ahead of the wizard, a slight figure but wiry and strong, his step vigorous. A squirrel scolded from a branch above him, and Frodo pursed his lips and chattered back at it, sounding like a squirrel himself. Radagast laughed aloud, and it was not only the healing of the forest that gladdened his heart. *sigh* How wonderful. :) And Lash has a wife and sons! HA! I laughed out loud reading that bit. :D I hope the orcs will hang around a bit longer... and will Frodo hear back from Sam? I hope so. Can't wait for more!!

Breon Briarwood · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 26: Light-bearer

Wow, the pit, the orcs- powerful stuff. The image of Frodo chattering like a squirrel? Priceless! The orc song for Yarga? Very moving. Who would've thought the death of an orc could bring tears to your eyes. Then to find out about the woman??? Wow, just... wow...

Tathar · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 25: The Pit That Was Barad-dur

Ach, it's so *sad*!! I was teary-eyed by the end. I knew they'd have to part ways eventually, but... I became so fond of Canohando and Lash, and I still feel sorry for Yarga -- even moreso after his confrontation with Frodo. It's still such an incredible concept, that Frodo is their hope for defeating the darkness within them; I love it. And it seems that Canohando and Lash, at least, are well on their way to doing so. Hopefully they'll be able to help Yarga, too. Will we get to see any more of them? You are truly an amazing writer, Jo. I can't wait for more!

Gentle Hobbit · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 25: The Pit That Was Barad-dur

Another excellent chapter. It seems to me that the central theme (or at least *a* central theme) is the question of whether or not the yoke of Morgoth can be thrown off: the land, by greening once more; the orcs, by choosing to act for themselves instead of behaving out of blind vengeance and *re*action; and even Frodo, by not being bound by the fear and hurts of his experiences with the evil of the Ring. I am completely caught up in the fates of the orcs. You have made each one of the three such compelling characters. I hope and trust that we may see them again. I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter.

cpsings4him · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 25: The Pit That Was Barad-dur

Jodancingtree, I am absoultely spellbound by your story! It is always a joy to come into this place and find you have updated with a new and exciting chapter. I am really ashamed that I have not reviewed this before now...for it certainly deserves a review. I also read the mother story to this "Another Way of Leaving" and was enchanted by it as well. This is just excellent writing! The characterization is just incredible and the plot is intricate and always moving. I find myself experiencing a huge range of emotions while reading this. I think the sweetest moment in the story so far (for me) was when Frodo was bitten by the snake and Frodo realized he no longer wanted to 'catch up with death'. I think that that is the point at which Frodo really realized just how far he had come in his healing. A very triumphant moment. I hope you don't mind my saying that I love the fact that there are a lot of Christian themes in your stories (though, I do not know if you intended this or not). But the idea of healing through turning the focus OUTWARD instead of inward is definately one of them and one that I personally have had to employee in my own life. Beautiful stuff! This last chapter had me on the edge of my seat - especially at the last! The peace you described in Frodo's eyes was wonderful...completely incomprehensible to the orc! Our dear Frodo is an amazing creature is he not...to be able to inspire (dare I name it?!?) LOVE in an ORC! That hug at the end was both heartbreaking and wonderful! Great job! I can't wait to read more! Blessings! cp

shirebound · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 25: The Pit That Was Barad-dur

"Go," he muttered. Frodo's hand reached out as if by its own will and took Yarga by the arm, pulling him toward camp. "Come back," he said. Wow.

Breon Briarwood · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 24: Hope and Threat

Just like real life, some are capable of accepting change and growing with it, some are not. I guess we'll have to wait and see what Yarga's capable of.

shirebound · 25 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Change of Direction

You're taking us to Lugburz!!??? Omigosh. Lead on, Jo.

Cúthalion · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 22: I Will Not Let You Die

Again... this is so beautiful and so moving... and better than anything I could ever write or will ever write in the future... If anyone should ask me of my favourite fanfiction ever... this is it. And will ever be.

Brian Briarwood · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 22: I Will Not Let You Die

wow, either you saved up a bunch to post at once or I've missed a few! well here goes, three chaps in one review... #1) What is it with Canohando and his need to remind Frodo of how easy it would be to kill him? #2) Forget Canohando, be afraid of Yarga! Be very afraid. #3) OMG. I knew there was reason to be afraid! Why did he do it? I mean, I know why, but, WHY??

Tathar · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 22: I Will Not Let You Die

Oh. My. Have I mentioned how much I love Frodo? Well, it bears repeating -- I LOVE Frodo!! I really didn't think that it was possible for me to love him any more, but since reading your story, I have been proved wrong. One of the things I always admired about Frodo (as I think I've already told you) was his pity, and kindness toward Gollum -- and now that pity and kindness is extended toward even orcs! "Canohando! I will not let you die!" Wow.... I nearly got teary-eyed reading that part. And I realized how fond I had become of Canohando, and Lash, as well -- and when Radagast (whom I absolutely adore now!) explained to Frodo the reasoning behind Yarga's actions, I found that I pitied him as well. I am completely in awe of you, Jo. And totally hooked on this story. I can't wait for more!

shirebound · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 22: I Will Not Let You Die

You are such a word-smith, Jo. "bits of hopeful green" and "His lungs were filled with air and not water this night, only because this orc had braved the flood for him." This is a beautiful story.

FantasyFan · 17 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Fighting the Darkness

The thing I find most interesting is that the orcs are coming to grips with who they are. They did not even think to deny the truth of Radagast's story about their origins. Frodo believes Canohando can smell a lie in this chapter, perhaps he could tell the truth of what Radagast was saying. It is brutal, to never allow even a little lie, for the truth of the world is often brutal indeed. I like the way that Frodo is courageous, at the same time as he is afraid. I remember someone telling me once that bravery isn't the absence of fear: it is the acting on what you know you must do even when you are absolutely terrified. Frodo here certainly embodies that definition, but it's very much like him to follow through on his promises, no matter the personal cost. I am enjoying how you write his character.

Carol · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Fighting the Darkness

I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed this story all along, but since the introduction of the orcs has made it more compelling than ever. I love the idea of the orcs having the opportunity to change because Sauron is gone and his influence is fading. Frodo's courage is amazing. He hasn't set himself an easy task!

Gentle Hobbit · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Fighting the Darkness

This continues to be brilliant. I am particularly fascinated by the internal war that Canohando is waging, and the kinship he feels (if reluctant to admit) with Frodo. I also find it a fascinating idea that the orcs can sense a mark of the Ring upon Frodo, a leftover presence of sorts, that they respond to, for better or for ill. I am eagerly looking forward to your next chapters!