Reviews (344)

GoodyWuss · 17 October 2022 · Chapter 51: The Light of Stars

I thorooughly enjoyed this story. Thank you.

harrowcat · 13 November 2021 · Chapter 52: Author's notes

I hope that others appreciate the story I’ve written and that it will continue to be happily read in the future. Thanks for reading this far. Definitely happy to be rereading this masterpiece so long after you first crafted it Larner. It has brought me joy yet again. Hugs 🫂

Skippy · 12 July 2020 · Chapter 52: Author's notes

This is my favorite of all of your stories. Please write the story of King Elessar’s journey to Camilla with his family and friends to see Lord Benai and Lady Nera married and a new realm of the Dunedain joined with Gondor and Arnor. I would very much like to read such a tale.

Freyalyn · 7 July 2019 · Chapter 52: Author's notes

I think this has got to be my favourite of all of your tales. The depth and detail that you've put into the worlds around the world that JRRT has left us with leaves me astounded every time. The idea of Camaloa is just wonderful, the careful adaption of ancient Egypt into the well realised culture of Harad, the suggestions of other races and ways of living yet further away... And an interesting comment you made in your endnotes about the minstrel and how he is struggling to adapt to the king he has found against the king he thought he'd have after Denethor's stewardship. I wonder how Hurin and Lynesse and others who were close to Denethor found themselves adapting to the new rule? We get detail on how Faramir loved his new king from the start, but I wonder how the others managed. (And if you think that's a gentle hint - you'd not be wrong.)

MP brennan · 23 May 2013 · Chapter 6: The Valley of the Sun

Hey Larner! Now that I finally have a little bit of time on my hands, I've been reading through this fic. Just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying it so far. The world-building in this story is really remarkable--none of it feels familiar or cliched and all of it feels very real and multifaceted. I especially love how you've interwoven the canon of the Valar with influences from the Egyptian pantheon (at least, I assume they're all Egyptian? my liberal arts education is getting rusty;). It might take me a while to read through the whole thing, but you definitely have me hooked. -Brennan

Szepilona10 · 12 June 2009 · Chapter 40: Troubled Rest

"Aragorn shrugged. “It’s a difficult art to develop at the first, for it is harsh on the lungs; and some I’ve had to advise to stop its practice. However, when I am under stress it appears to help me calm and think.”" Aragorn sounds just like my dad right there, he loves his pipe!

Szepilona10 · 11 June 2009 · Chapter 32: Desert Ride

Does Hildigor have a girl he likes?

Szepilona10 · 11 June 2009 · Chapter 32: Desert Ride

“I thought they didn’t know horses, Papa.” This is my favorite line in this story! I love little Elfwine!

Szepilona10 · 10 June 2009 · Chapter 21: A Pipe in the Night

Does Hildigor smoke? (I think he's handsome!:D)

Tigger · 5 August 2008 · Chapter 52: Author's notes

Hello M'dear, I was looking through my Favourite Stories list here the other night wanting something I haven't read in awhile and my eyes lit on the link to this. It has been a long time since I've read it, so clicked on it and... It's taken a couple of days, but this is such a wonderful story. It's been so much fun to revisit our favourite friends and family from Middle Earth's visit to Harad and then the Haradi Royals return visit to Gondor. It certainly has helped to pass the time of this latest bout of Insommnia and I thank you so much for that. Now to go and read the latest chapter for The Tenant From Staddle. I understand we've been invited to a Wedding? :oD Thanks again for writing and sharing this story w/us my friend. I really do need to print this one off one of these days, so I have it w/me whenever and where ever I am and would like to re read it again. :o)

Szepilona10 · 6 May 2008 · Chapter 52: Author's notes

I loved this story! And you always write very interesting Authers Notes too! What happend to Benai and his crew? Did they defeet(you know, cut the feet off) the slavers(jk)? Anyway thank you for writing such interesting stories! God bless! ~Szepilona10~

Soledad · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 51: The Light of Stars

This was another endearing story of yours - as I'm getting more familiar with your recurring original character, each new story is like another piece of a wonderful puzzle, waiting to be put together. BTW, I found "Go out of Joy", but where is the other story into which Bartolo has managed to worm himself? I don't seem to be able to find it.

Soledad · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 1: The Morning of the Hunt

This is a highly interesting start! I must admit that I've read your author's notes first - the geek in me always makes do so - and I find the parallels fascinating. Even though I always associated the Haradrim with the medieval nomadic realms of Iran and Central Asia in my head and Khand with Egyptians and Africa. Reading on...

Tari · 16 May 2007 · Chapter 51: The Light of Stars

This chapter is by far the icing on the cake. It is beyond description. Beaitiful and awesome just don't seem to be enough. The last paragraph brought me to tears. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience. Tari

Tari · 10 May 2007 · Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti

This chapter was spooky. Very chilling. I almost felt sorry for Setra’amun. His stubborness was his undoing, but at least he repented (I think) in the end.

Tari · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Road by Sea

Ohhh! This is so good. I do have a question though. What does Farozi mean?

Tari · 17 April 2007 · Chapter 5: An'Horubi

I just read the first five chapters of "Lesser Ring" and am abosolutely fascinated. I can't wait to read more. Tari

Christina · 16 March 2007 · Chapter 51: The Light of Stars

Once again you made me cry. I have enjoyed your stories and look forward to more. I'm also enjoying "The Tenant from Staddle" and "Stirring Rings." (Hint)

Queen Galadriel · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 52: Author's notes

I've had to go through the rest just enjoying but unable to review. The nearer June gets, the crazier everything gets, it seems--I can't wait till the day I leave for the CCFB, since it will at least provide some relief and a very welcome change from this chaos that is my life right now. How nice that Ankhrabi and his family got to come to Gondor for a while, as well as the others. And it was good to see some of those most familiar to me--Master Faralion, Mistress Loren, Lasgon, and of course Ruvemir and Elise! I had to smile at Faralion trying to compose while listening at the welcome feast, and the way his hands moved as if he were already plucking the strings of a harp. Glad I'm not the only one who finds myself doing that, scarcely even knowing it at the time. :) I hope that in time Faralion and Aragorn will become close friends. I love that your royal household is inhabited by cats! :) Kitling seems to be the type that could get into a good bit of trouble if she wanted to. :) And it's so sweet that the little white kitten attached itself to Aragorn. That's just what he needs. :) And Ruvemir's gifts are wonderful! Wow, painting too? It was truly touching that he would do a portrait of Aragorn with his two brothers. Aha! So Aragorn was finally trapped into joining the guild of bards! *grin* And I trust it wasn't a small conspiracy that arranged that. Very clever! :) The vision of Frodo and the butterfly was beautiful, and I love it when you end your tales in Tol Eressea. That last chapter was very moving, and the description of the light and the butterflies *so* vivid and almost lyrical. So glad Frodo got to meet Earendil--I hoped he would, and I think they would find that they are kindred spirits. Wow! You really put a lot of effort into this--linguistic elements and everything! But it's perfect; the cultures and language blend perfectly together, and if you hadn't given the details on what was your own invention, I wouldn't have been the wiser. I think, even if I should read other stories of Harad in the future, "Mamari and Babari" will always be "Mother and Father" and "An" will always make me think of a ruler, and so forth. I've enjoyed this very much, and I'm almost sorry I've reached the end, though it's a peaceful and satisfying one. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 15 May 2006 · Chapter 36: Healings and Betrayals

I tried to slow down so that I wouldn't end up writing reviews the length of short chapters, but I guess I didn't manage it after all-sorry. :) Yes, I can well imagine that the distribution of alms might make the Shirefolk uncomfortable, open and accepting as they generally are. It horrified me, even being quite familiar with some of the typical reactions today, when my grandfather told me of when he was a boy, seeing those who were blind or otherwise supposed to be different selling pencils by the roadside or more often near shops--horrified and angered me for obvious reasons and doubly because of the perception of blindness that such sights instilled in Grandpa which, seemingly, nothing I do or say can overcome. But to Pippin it must have been worse, being pretty much unfamiliar with such treatment of people, and knowing Ferdi as he did. I can't see Ferdibrand Took being made to beg and liking it--no one with any dignity would submit to something like that, or at least I should hope not. I got a kick out of Ruvemir's tale of the flabbergasted guild master! LOL! That is so believeable! It's a sad thing that he and Ririon have to make such demonstrations--they can make one feel ridiculous sometimes, depending on who the audience is--but it will be to the good in the long run. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could live in a place like the Shire? :) That a grandmother, a *grandmother*, and a mother--that any creature capable of love could seek to ruin the happiness of her daughter and then to slowly kill her own grandchildren is so terrible that it's almost incomprehensible to me. I must suppose then that it was not love that drove her, but malice and selfishness. She couldn't love her daughter and yet subject her to that kind of suffering. Those poor children! I love the dreams and the prophecies, and how they were brought about. That battle has to be one of the most suspenseful I've read in a while. I was terrified that Ma'osiri would die! That act of bravery was so touching. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 30: Sharing Memories

I knew Sherfiramun wasn't to be trusted; acted suspicious of everyone, and to say such a thing to Pippin in front of all the court as well as some of those who loved him (Pippin) best! Plus, he was rather tempramental, and I'm afraid I'm slow to trust those who become angry over trifles. To get into a temper over losing a sparring match--for pity's sake! How childish! So, Merdirion was that guard! I can't believe it! I thought he was a questionable but almost harmless character, and it's sad to see what he came to in the end--just sad. And that remark about the camel is no longer funny. :( The only reason it seemed so at the time was because it seemed to have been spoken merely to get a reaction out of Aragorn, but if Merdirion can do what he did, I can hardly believe that was its only purpose. I hope that's the last of those dreadful rings. I just love how you use intrigue and mystery in these stories! I knew something was going to happen on that hunt, and I really admire the way it was dealt with. And yes, leave cooking to Pippin when thrown into difficult or interesting circumstances. ...perhaps some rice to have with the duck (“I’m glad Frodo isn’t here so we don’t have to listen to his complaints about it,” he said with a rather sad smile which the King mirrored);... LOL! I wouldn't mind listening to Frodo's complaining, much as I can't stand griping in itself, if he could be there with them. I was obliged to eat rice two meals in a row out of necessity the other day, and while I was making it I realised I'd never eat it again without smiling and thinking of Frodo and his description (and yours) of it being like eating laundry starch--and that's a good thing, because generally when I have to eat plain rice, it's because I don't really have a choice, and of course those are the times when I would rather have anything else. The children's little party and improvized school were so charming--love the conversation there. You capture children perfectly. They're such a joy to write, aren't they? :)Poor Melian--I've tried eating in a reclining position before, much as the people of ancient cultures did, and it did *not* work. I can't see what Hasturnerini finds so funny about eating sitting up, but it's good that she's happy and laughing again, after such an ordeal as she went through. :) Poor Ankhsarani! I hope she does find happiness with another. Sherfiramun didn't deserve her. The archery practice was great! I especially love Hardorn wanting the ring again and Aragorn's "Use your own!" *laughing* Such things are heard every day around here, in perfect good humour. I think we all need to have a part of us that doesn't "grow up" and become sober and serious, and these two certainly have. I'm coming to love Aragorn more and more through reading and writing about him so much. And Pippin and Bard taking over the kitchens was priceless! Those poor cooks and taster, never to have tried mushrooms! *grin* An interesting evening for everyone, especially the haradrim. Love Ruvemir's sculpture, of course! *sigh* I wish I was as good with clay as he is with stone. My own attempted sculpture has come to nothing yet. I've done it, but I think this try will be a model, as the clay was not forgiving, to say the least; the nose is over-large (that is an embarrassing fault to have), the feet just aren't right, the face is good except the nose and that it stands out too far from the head, the left hand needs more detail--and I found out the hard way that I am not good at closed eyelids. I'm proud of the right hand, though, and don't ever wish to have to remove part of such a tiny finger again. Yes, Elanor and her parents will be glad to see the flowers there, I think. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 19: To Market, to Market

I read all this yesterday, and then had to get ready for a dance and didn't get time to review, so I'm likely to overlook something. Yes, this visit *is* proving to be interesting! Wow! I love Ankhrabi and his sons, and seeing Sorabi as Farozi is very interesting. He is a good one, though. It's interesting that the prefix "An" is added to the ruler's name. Did Tolkien invent a language for the Haradrim, or is it based on something else? Or did you come up with this? Poor Bard--hopefully the homeward journey will be easier for him. That was interesting about the headrests. If I've heard of such a custom before, I've forgotten it. But I can't imagine how they could be comfortable! And unfortunately, as hard as we might try to make things just right, someone is always going to do something that is *not* to be done. :) I loved the moments with An'sorabi, Ankhrabi, and Aragorn out in the garden--a beautiful scene. I had tears in my eyes as Aragorn thought on Frodo and sang that beautiful song. Oh! Speaking of songs, the song of the frog and the mouse is very cute! :) How like the King and Queen to rescue Benai and Hasturnerini. That Benai was descended from the Numenoreans was a surprise, but quite a pleasant one! How wonderful for him that Arwen saw him. Poor Hasturnerini--what a terrifying experience, to lose her father and everything she owned and suddenly be forced into slavery. I love the way you used the doll there, as a sort of symbol of promise. That's our Gimli--bargaining away, pretending to be annoyed while really enjoying himself immensely. :) You know, I'd just love to see him try to shop for fabric. LOL! It's probably a good thing Legolas handled that side of the business! Melian is so sweet! God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 8: Road by Sea

Well...I said I was going to read *one* chapter tonight. Just one. Mmm-hmmm. Since when have I held to my word on that? :) But then, how can I when there is so much intrigue? I am just amazed. I don't recall Tolkien mentioning the cultures of Harad and Rhun, unless it's in one of his works which I haven't yet read. The Rhunam put me a little in mind of the Arabian culture, and Harad and its people as portrayed here are remarkably similar to ancient Egypt. The names of the "gods," the emblems and creatures that represent certain deities, the people and culture themselves. Even the title "Farozi" bears a slight resemblance to "Phaaro." But it's different enough to still be interesting in its own right. I know this is a question that has no real answer, but... Wow! How do you do it? I've often thought building a fantasy world is an experience, and so it is, getting all the details just right and so on; but to take an already-created world, more detailed than any other in any fantasy that I know of, and add so much more depth and richness...I just can't imagine, and am still awed by such an ability. Loved Aragorn just stepping in and dealing with Maruset, and I'm so glad it never came out, or he might have been in trouble. Good for the crocodile! That sounds terrible, but I can't say I regret it. That Virubat is a nasty villain, if ever there was one. His perpetual forced evil smile certainly suits him, and though I'm never one to judge by looks I have to say that made me suspect him from the first. Ugh! Poor Aragorn to have to deal with killing him! And not exactly the most painless end, either. It struck me as sad that even maids should be spies, so I'm happy for Pe'elisiri, that she was uncomfortable with what she had to do and at last got her wish. Ah, Ma'annubi is a good servant. :) I don't usually trust omens and such things in life, our society being what it is, but it's amazing how the priest interpreted all he did, and I loved his mention of Aragorn's brothers. The entire affair of the star was amazingly done. It's a good thing he didn't have that brooch when he was being examined! The idea of Aragorn being part of such a vile cult as the guards thought he was is so ridiculous that it's amusing. "Your mother must have mated with a camel." LOL! I'm not siding with the guard, but that was a very clever strategy! In Aragorn's place I'm afraid I would have laughed and given myself away. Certainly it was an insult, but it's one that sounds so funny that I find it hard to believe anyone would take it seriously. I love your Dunedain, and Hardorn has to be my favourite. So loyal, with such a great heart, and with such imperfections as a little rashness and impatience...He's wonderful! *smiling dreamily* :) Only when I stop to breathe do I realise that I've read through the entire first section of this, but I can't wait to read more! God bless, Galadriel

Endaewen · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 5: An'Horubi

This is interesting. Are you version of the Haradrim based on the ancient Egyptians? It certainly appears that their religion and land is.

Etharei · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 51: The Light of Stars

How do you find the time and energy to write so much? *g* One can barely keep up with you- not that that's a bad thing, o' course :-D So sorry for taking so long to finally comment here, and I haven't even started on your new story yet! First of all, let me say that I would have to write several pages worth of review to do your story any justice. There's just so much to applaud, from the way you portrayed a race of Men only vaguely mentioned by Tolkien, to presenting such wonderful ideas such as Frodo's meeting with Earendil, which would have been a sight indeed. I must admit to being a little anxious at the start of the story, because I've seen any number of depictions of the Haradrim- and there are some *really* bizarre ones out there, let me tell you- and I was greatly relieved when you portrayed them as not evil, but oppressed by evil. Like in The King's Commission, you manage to combine a gripping narrative with convincing characterizations *and* an exploration on the themes of honour and dignity. Strangely enough, looking back on the story as a whole, I have found that my favourite bit was actually the choice of Setra'amun to return to the Light, even though when I was reading it I initially felt that it was diverging from the main plot (until I got to the end and realised what it was there for, of course). I guess I am a sucker for the concept of second chances ^_^ I love the sense of depth in the culture of the Haradrim, especially as I have a long-standing interest in Egyptian mythology. Your reasoning behind making them 'proto-Egypt' makes sense, and I'm surprised that not many have thought of it that way. Mostly I've seen Haradrim culture being based on Arab/ Islamic tradition, which has a beauty of its own, but this is a refreshing change. On that note, after reading your Author's Notes I was very impressed with the research that went behind the writing of the story, and the effort you went through in making the less conventional threads of the story relevant to social and cultural history. I find the idea of the 'black Dunedain' intriguing. It is entirely possible that other ships left Numenor near the end (maybe even before the King set sail for the West), and the Akallabeth only covers the ships from Romenna under Elendil's care. My only criticism- and it's a very minor one that you can ignore, really- is that at times the narrative either begins to drag or feels rushed; I felt the latter particularly in the second to the last chappy. I was also sorry that we didn't really see much of Ruvermir here, though I know that it's mostly Aragorn's story. At times I also felt that the praising of Frodo, whilst justified, begins to sound a little over-the-top. Personally I like characters who seem real, with vices to balance the virtues, and at times Frodo is being made into a saint-like figure. I still love it, though, and the character deserves it, but I thought I'd mention it. Hopefully you haven't fallen asleep yet ^_^ Thank you for yet another wonderful story, I guess I have to do some quick reading to catch up the your new one. Please, don't ever stop writing (or I'll throw chalk sticks at you)!