Reviews (12)

French Pony · 16 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Reckonings

I enjoyed this story a great deal. You made a good job of imitating Tolkien's style without parodying it, and I like the way you've portrayed Faramir. He's very methodical, yet relentless in his quest for the truth. He's tactful when thanking those who saved him, especially with Beregond -- I love the details of their childhood friendship, especially the intimation of Faramir being the leader of that duo and instigating mischief. At the end, I especially liked the distinction you made between law and justice. The two do not necessarily coincide, and you have made that abundantly clear while not dismissing the gravity of Beregond's situation. Almost makes Faramir out to be a superhero: Crusading for truth, justice and the Gondorian way!

Elena Tiriel · 16 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Reckonings

What a remarkable story! I was pulled in by the epistolary beginning, and noticed how the tone of the two letters seemed so appropriate -- one to his respected liege, and another to his respected and beloved kinsman. When reading the books, I was truly impressed by Elessar's creative justice for Beregond, so I was disposed to like this story. But you added so much richness and texture to the decision that I appreciate Tolkien's version of the passage all the more. Thank you! - Barbara

Chathol-linn · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Reckonings

A beautiful and moving conclusion to a story which should not have held surprises but thanks to the author's skill, did. Overall, a well-told tale with no flaws. Better - it's an affirmative and impressive use of story-telling techniques. Other features that I liked: it's about the right length to actually tell a story. Also, you completed it before you began posting. At least that how it looked to me. With apologies to those who start and post chapters in progress, I prefer stories to be completed before the posting begins. (I know I'm in the minority here.) It seemed to me that the author knew exactly where the story was going and how it was going to end. Good job. - Chathol-linn

Parker · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Reckonings

This is just lovely! It drew me in from the first with the letters (you've got the formality down perfectly!) and kept me interested (*anything* having to do with Faramir will keep me interested) through to the end. Very Tolkienesque, yet the language was not stilted at all. I really like the themes of mercy and justice--and they seem to be quite intertwined in this piece. Thanks for a beautiful piece--I look forward to reading more from you.

Chathol-linn · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 2: Revelations

What I like about this part, and its support of the story overall, is the balance it provides among narration, description, and dialog. I always think of these three elements as *the* elements of fiction. There was more narration in this part, and it was necessary to move the story along. It balanced the previous chapters that contained description and dialog. I was going to offer a featherweight criticism on the greater reliance on archaic terms and sentence construction. Then I realized that it all occurred as dialog in the mouths of the characters, which makes it sound natural instead of jarring or overdone. Once again, well crafted! - Chathol-linn

Chathol-linn · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Reunions

In this continuation I thought you did an especially good job with the dialog. Hobbits sounded Hobbit-like; Numenoreans and Rohirrim sounded natural and distinctive. Regards - Chathol-linn

Chathol-linn · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 0: Reports

What a competent touch you have with the tone and style of this correspondence. High quality indeed. Each word counts; there is not an extraneous one to be found. And you don't overdo the archaic approach by over-using reverse sentence constructions and odd vocabulary ('naught' 'ere' 'mayhap' etc.) but rather accomplish it through a very formal tone. The only archaic word I noticed was 'bethink' and you used it perfectly. Your story telling technique catches the reader's interest by promising a development in a specified time -4 days in this case. Well crafted beginning! - Chathol-linn

daw the minstrel · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 2: Revelations

I liked the memories of their shared boyhood that Beregond and Faramir call up. Poor Beregond. The men he killed were only doing their duty too and they were comrades of his.

daw the minstrel · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 0: Reports

I liked the contrasting tones of the two letters. I've always thought that the fate of Beregond was an interesting one. If there were true justice, of course, he would be rewarded, but those over him also have to maintain discipline for everyone else. So what to do?

Raksha The Demon · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 2: Revelations

I like the way you write Gandalf. Poor Faramir has had plenty of practice in striving with terrible fear and pain and mastering them. Loved the back story on Beregond and Faramir; I've always wondered why Beregond was so fond of Faramir and risked so much to save him.

Raksha The Demon · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 0: Reports

You really approximate the style of quasi-medieval correspondance quite well. I can't help but feel that this is how Faramir's letters to his king and to his uncle would read. The Warden of the Houses of Healing had quite a way with words - telling Faramir that Denethor wished himself cremated is a very creative, yet honest way of shielding Faramir from the horrible truth of Denethor's end.

RogerGamgee · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Reckonings

Maya, I truly enjoyed this story of yours. I've always been a fan of Faramir since watching the movies (and am now in the process of reading the books). Faramir's pain and anguish at Denethor's death come through very vividly in your writing. I was touched by how he pleaded with Aragorn for justice as well as mercy in the case of Beregond. And that hobbit quote about friends having no debts, only gifts freely exchanged...how much we humans could learn from that. Well done!