Reviews (166)

Eirinn Leigh · 17 April 2016 · Chapter 33: Recompense

It grieves me that a dwarf and an orc are given leave to cross the sea but not the Ringbearer himself. And I must confess I do not understand your reasoning behind such a decision. If Frodo was not worthy to cross to the undying lands what makes Gimli or Canohando more worthy?

Eirinn Leigh · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

The story you presented here was so outlandish at first sight that I would never have read it - and never thought it could be anything more than Crack!fiction - had I not first read 'Following the other Wizard' as an introduction to Frodo's Orc-brother. But I am very glad that I was wrong and very very glad to have found your works. They are wonderfully and poignantly executed.

Eluthaun · 20 June 2010 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

I would very much like to make mention, so as to honour, the vast humanity of your writing. I wish there was a different word than "humanity" -as we are often savage, and capable of the sort of deparavity I dare not imagine- but so too we make works of our mind and hand like your writing. A blessing on your mind and hand. Eluthaun

rrappelle · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

Thank you so much for a very fine tale. I also read the whole story as one piece, and was very impressed at the integration of images across the chapters. It is a long way from the prologue to the end, but I loved the fact that ultimately Canohando came to see the Shire as Frodo did. My favorite example perhaps was the parallel descriptions of the sky, " so intensely blue, [Frodo] thought he could have swam in it," and 40 chapters later, Canohando felt that he was "travelling under an inverted sea." Visually graphic closure for characters who also experience emotional and spiritual closure and reunion. I too cried over the grave, and am just as happy that Canohando will be able to visit it again, and that someone will be there to remember him for a long time. Thank you for sharing his journey with us.

Morannun · 5 February 2005 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

I loved all 41 chapters from beginning to end! I sat for more than five hours reading the whole thing and I adored it all! My goodness! This fic is so well-written, poignant, with excellent fleshed out OC characters, from elves, orcs to hobbits. I'd say that my favourite characters have to be the main ones, Canohando and Malawen, at first I was a bit wary of the orc/elf pairing, but the way you have written it is simply fabulous, genuine and heartfelt. Half the time I wanted to cuddle and squeeze Canohando and Malawen to cheer them up in the sad pieces of the fic and the other half I wanted to shoot Itaril in the rear with his own bow and arrows. The hobbit characters too were memorable, especially little RosyPosy, who had about a quarter page of writing and one or two sentences, "Baby" and "Baby sick?", she was wonderfully portrayed. All in all a wonderful read!

Calime · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

Now to confess my great sin of leaving so many excellent chapters unreviewed. Sorry; my only excuse is that I was too wrapped up in your story to take the time. And what a story it was! Your bittersweet ending was a lovely mirror to the ending of Tolkien's story. For the love of others, Canohando gave up his heart's desire to sail West. Frodo gave up the Shire and the love of his friends, for their sake as well as his own. In a sense, he had to sail West. You also mirrored "Following the Other Wizard" in that Frodo desperately wished to go and was denied, while Canohando was adimtted and turned away. This story nicely fit the canon that you had established in your previous story. Elves could go West (and we must face the fact that Canohando was indeed an elf in the sense that he descended from their immortal strain); mortals could not. Of course our hero did not go, but here too there seems to be some right sense in his staying (other than the rightness of his noble sacrifice) in that, I'm not sure how we would have felt having Frodo denied only that he might open the door for another. I enjoyed turning over all the stones in this piece, as I'm sure you can tell. ;-) A favorite part was the appearance of the hidden but ever important Frodo--a most satisfying and happy event. I felt that I, too, was skipping alongside. You do your Frodo well, even when he's not around, but around is best. A fabulous story Jo! You're my favorite fan fiction author. Put me on your mailing list; let me know when you post something else--I'll be there. Calime

Calime · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 33: Recompense

I knew it! Canohando can sail. But we have way too many chapters to go for it to be so simple as that. And then there is the Shire. *sigh*

Calime · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 32: Morning and Night

I'm quite intrigued by Celeborn in this chapter. What must he be thinking? I'm inclined to believe it must be something about Canohando's place as one of the Firstborn, and his right to sail west. Though, of course, I'll have to wait to find out.

Calime · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 31: Encounters in Rivendell

Wow! Wow! I'm just speechless about all that was in this chapter. A adored this line which brought tears right from the start: Radagast smiled. "Leaps-for-the-light, I called him. It is not enough for him that he turned away from Darkness; always he must keep striving higher, reaching for the sky. There are few like him in any world, little one." But that was only the beginning. Canohando's encounter with Celeborn, the return of the jewel, Malawen's confession, their union. All very powerfully written. A simply awesome chapter. As to your comments to Meldewen Ilce, I agree that Malawen did not consciously consider the orc baby a child of hers, but I think that she was immediateld scarred by her actions. Though she only became conscious of the infant's personhood when she started to think of Canohando as more than an orc, deep down she had to have known it was wrong. I think that intensified her hatred toward the orcs more so than just what the abuse would wrought--her knowing what their actions had brought her to. I agree with the others--you need to write your own stories. Your light and elegant prose is always a joy to read. It's never preachy though it is filled with insight and truth. And, most importantly, your characters come to life in a such a delightful way. All you really need is a great storyline.

Calime · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 29: Pride

Indeed, who is the elf? I wanted to cheer at Canohando's curse. The truth is finally begining to seep into his head though he is not quite aware of the full implications of what he was saying. I have faith that he will get there though. :-) I really liked his pondering of strength and weakness as well. Those two are never quite what they appear at first glance; are they? Well done!

calime · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance

Calime · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen

You have deftly turned your story from one of relationship to one of action in this chapter--forcing us to worry and wait. And a surprise to boot, with the elves being so unkind. Where are we going I wonder.

Calime · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance

He loves her! He loves her! Now If I can just climb down from the chair long enough to tell you how good that was.

Calime · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 24: The Last Farewell

Elladan was a surprise tear-jerker in this chapter. There seems to be so much left untold in his story. If we don't see him again, you might consider revealing this elf of mystery to us in another piece. Even so, it adds depth to this story to have hints of things beyond our knowledge.

Calime · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 23: The Passing of Arwen

Tears and more tears, but not for Arwen. I like how you kept the emphasis on Canohando and Malawen. A fresh view of her death.

Calime · 14 January 2005 · Chapter 22: The Fading of Lothlorien

A simply gorgeous chapter. These two lines are my favorites: "And that is a victory for the Dark Lord after all, is it not? The warrior has become prisoner of his own sword." So poetic and Tolkienesque. "Because it is the land of Light, and while I live I battle against the Dark. I was hungry and did not know what I hungered for, but now I do know. It is the Call upon the First-born, and I feel it but I cannot answer it; my race is cursed!" How eloquently it fits Tolkien's pre-Christian epoch and at the same time reflects the Christian struggle against sin. Very like what Paul wrote. I am never dissapointed at the depth of your writing, Jo. Bravo!

Calime · 14 January 2005 · Chapter 21: Waking

No, I didn't forget this story, Jo. Just got a job, Christmas, etc., but I'm eager now to find out about my favorite orc. :) Intriguing as usual. I like the direction you seem to be heading with Canohando and the elf--anticipating their relationship. But first I have to sniff my way through Arwen's death if past stories are any indication. Enjoying as ever.

Frodo_B · 6 January 2005 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

Another great story by a master. I feel privileged to read your stories that cover the essence of what it is to be a human being. The part about Canohando weeping on Frodo's grave had me in tears - reliving a similar moment in my past. Thank-you and don't let us wait too long for another one. Like Esamen I would be interested in reading other samples of your work. D.G.

esamen · 16 December 2004 · Chapter 0: A Different Point of View

Hello there -- Hey, I didn't mean to leave you hanging so long after you answered my review. I have company, and the whole holiday season is full swing at my house. Yes, I'd love to read your non-LOTR work. I have some of my own going on, and I miss the friendly camaraderie of the website. Send me a sample at my personal email -- kroth@utsa.edu. My name's Karen Roth and I'll look forward to hearing from you. Happy typing. Karen

esamen · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

Oh, this is beautiful. A truly beautiful story. I love the way you left Radagast a little open for a sequel . . . I have come to know him and love him. You have given this story a wonderful growth, with the characters learning and changing. It's a great tale. And Frodo is here! Now that is a bit of sheer writer's genius. Wow, what a scene. These lines will remain with me as one of the amazing pieces of writing that I've ever read: “And here is Bag End,” said Farador, but Canohando knew that already by the rush of glad homecoming at his side. He felt a flash of great joy from the invisible presence, and for an instant his runt’s face was clear before his eyes. Then the moment passed and they were only four travelers once more. Oh, I almost cried. I hope that you will continue writing. I absolutely love everything you do. Please note my email address -- If you develop something besides what you post here, be sure to let me know. I would love to R & R. You've got talent, woman! My best congratulations on a work very well written, Esamen

Debbie Adams · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

What an absolutely lovely story! Like the rest of your alternate universe stories, it keeps us wanting for more. I hope you continue on with this line. Thank you Jo, for your hard work and the love you pour into the characters.

FantasyFan · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

I haven't been very faithful in leaving reviews, but I have been reading and enjoying this story, and now that it's finished I want to offer you congratulations and accolade. Canohando is a great character - complex in his motivations and feelings, with a fully reallized story and evoking true sympathy. His choice seems right to me: sometimes someone must give up what they have longed for, for the sake of the greater good. That is maybe the most important thing he learned from his runt, along with the knowledge that peace and reward are to be found in that choice as well. I loved the little glimpse of Frodo in this chapter, welcoming his brother to the Shire. Like Canohando, I was pleased that he was not forgotten by those that he loved and sacrificed for. Good job! (what's next?)

daw the minstrel · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

What an absolutely gorgeous ending! And it's fitting, since in your AU, Frodo didn't go to Valinor either. So now, after long pain, there's peace and love and happiness. :-)

daw the minstrel · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 40: The Road Diverges

What a dilemma! Of course, it's not like Arwen. Canohando and Malewen should still be immortal, but still!

Breon Briarwood · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 41: Frodo's Country

What a wonderful job you did! A lovely ending. You had me worried for a bit with the ruffians, but of course, good triumphs over evil. (Would be nice to see a final installment about Canohando and his children guarding the Shire and all. Hm, 'The Shire Orc'?) :D