Reviews (191)

Sarasrati · 20 June 2010 · Chapter 61: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - 11th of March

I'M SO HAPPY, THIS STORY STILL LIVES!!!!! Thank you for posting another chapter! Denethor seems unexpectedly less crazy in this chapter--I particularly enjoyed his quip back to the lord who wanted him to do something about the earthquakes (...seriously? What on earth could possibly be done?). The scenes with Imrahil are also very well done, particularly their conversation about the exchange with Faramir. I feel that when I've read this scene rewritten in fanfiction, it's usually rather hard to swallow, often rather angsty on whichever side is being explored. Clearly, both are upset and hurt by the exchange, but there are character-appropriate ways to write the scene and there are others that are not. You've hit on a telling that is very believable, both in your own canon and in Tolkien's. As always, an excellent read. I've been reading this story for more than four years now, which is nowhere near as long as you've been writing it, of course, but no matter how many more it takes you will have a faithful reader!

Raksha The Demon · 26 October 2009 · Chapter 60: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - 10 March

What a shame that Denethor would die not knowing that Faramir's actions in Ithilien, i.e. not taking the Ring and allowing the halflings to continue their journey, would result in the defeat of Sauron. I guess it is a short jump, given Denethor's state of mind even now, from burning his and Faramir's bodies, to burning them both alive. Sad and evocative chapter.

Fantasia · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 60: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - 10 March

I can feel Denethor's despair, you make it so easy to see the situation from his point of view, it is so easy to judge him and forget what a great man he was and how much he sacrified for Gondor, all the wight of his responsibility with so little reward, he didn't even saw the final victory. Great chapter.

Tari · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 60: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - 10 March

The end is near and despair is rampant. My heart aches for Denethor. The palantir has warped his mind so much that he cannot see hope, no mater how little it might be. He has placed Haldan in a very difficult position. How can he expect anyone to set fire to him and Faramir? That is way too much to ask. I think you are going to feel a real sense of loss when the last chapter is finally written

Tari · 15 September 2009 · Chapter 59: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - 9 March

This version of Denethor’s meeting with Pippin is much more to my liking than P. J.’s. You show a side of Denethor that I’m sure was there, while P. J. made him seem cold and unfeeling to all except Boromir. We know this is not true. I found his conversation with Mithrandir to be interesting based on his total dislike of the Wizard. He does not want despair to fill his city, yet his own heart is full of it. How tragic. You have written another wonderful chapter which is unfortunately bringing us closer to the end.

Shemyaza · 15 September 2009 · Chapter 59: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - 9 March

I think to be honest, that your story should be required reading for all fanfic writers who either try to tackle the subject of Denethor and his sons and Gondor's fight to remain out of the shadow or those who fling a mention of foul old Denethor into their stories as the token nasty cruel Faramir hating old cad. Denethor was a complicated man, possibly one of the most complicated characters Tolkien created and the movies did him no favours whatsoever. We don't get the impression of a man torn in many different ways and forever over-shadowed by the horros he was shown in the palantir. Jackson didn't even mention the palantir with regard to Denethor. Instead he played Denethor not as a strong man at his wit's end and terrified for his children, his people, his city and his realm. Instead Jackson did him the disservice of portraying him as some monster who doted on his elder son and mistreated his youngest child. Y Yes he set high standards for his sons and was disappointed because Faramir was not a carbon copy of his brother. He wa shortsighted in that event, because if he had realised his youngest son's good characteristics, the outcome might have been different. I often wonder what would have happened had Faramir gone to Imladris instead of Boromir and I know it's been the subject of a couple of fanfiction. I haven't found one yet that actually hit me in the right place though. Anyway, your story and the history is tremendous. through it, Denethor becomes a real person.

Tari · 24 August 2009 · Chapter 58: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part Three

“The Lay of Finduilas”, what a precious gift Faramir gave to his father. The end is getting ever closer. I feel great sorrow for Denethor. He truly tried to do his best for his people. Unfortunately, he turned too often to the palantir, which led to his downfall. Tolkien left a lot of gaps in his stories with no answers anywhere which is why authors like you are having so much fun expanding on them and people like me are having so much fun reading what you have written.

Tari · 24 July 2009 · Chapter 54: Ch. 25 - Third Age 3018 - Part Four

Denethor whishes he shared in the dream! I think he has enough on his plate without sharing Faramir and Boromir’s dream. Denethor thinks the palantir is doing his bidding. How sad. If that were true, he would be able to see anything he wished to see, including where his sons were. They think they are protecting Boromir when truth be told; they have sent him to his doom. I see I have a lot of catching up to do. I think this is where I left off. If not, I’ll just be rereading, but that is fine with me. I love this story.

Sarasrati · 6 July 2009 · Chapter 57: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part Two

I think the scene between Faramir and Denethor after the finding of the horn was quite touching... well, for a few paragraphs, and then it was a very believable segue into Denethor's madness. It's getting so close to the end now, it's hard to read. I can't imagine how hard it must be to write, especially considering how long you have been working on this story. And always, thank you too for the interesting tidbits in the footnotes--I did not know that about the history of whiskey!

Raksha The Demon · 5 July 2009 · Chapter 57: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part Two

Gondor and Rohan have lost their heirs; and Denethor is reaching the wrong conclusions from the Palantir. Denethor is also pushing Faramir away when their shared grief should be uniting them. Somewhere, I'm sure that Sauron is smiling. Good, if painful, chapter.

njomo · 1 June 2009 · Chapter 56: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part One

Hi Agape. I don't know how I missed finding this wonderful story until now-my fault I'm sure as I'm usually looking for tales involving Elves. Anyway, I find myself captivated by your rendering of the life of Denethor and his sons. I first read the LOTR when I was 10 or 11 and I remember thinking even at that tender age (a few years have gone by since then, but who's counting!) that the Palantir must have a huge effect on Denethor-on his actions and on his relationship with his sons. In fact, the way that Tolkien tells the tale, we see a Palantir and what Pippin saw in it and we know who Aragorn struggled with when he looked in it before we are introduced to Denethor and Minas Tirith. In light of that, we know what (or should I say who) is influencing Denethor and this makes his actions right before the end of his life even more tragic. And while PJ's movie makes good dramatic effect, I am much happier reading a story such as yours that tries to stick to canon while at the same time exploring in depth the lives of these three men. Thank you for it. I'll keep an eye open for the remainder of the tale. Joanne

Aiwen · 15 May 2009 · Chapter 56: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part One

It's getting very close to the end now. I really like the story; I think you capture the dynamics within the house of Hurin well, and it is very nice to see Denethor portrayed as you do.

Linaewen · 14 May 2009 · Chapter 56: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part One

While this one was very hard to read, knowing what we know about Boromir, it was also amazing for all the details and background you have added to Denethor's preparations for the coming battle. Even as he is on the verge of desperate despair, he is still thinking clearly about what to do to keep his people safe, and he is thinking quickly when presented with each new hitch or problem. He can make decisions without wavering, and somehow, he is able to command people to do what needs doing based on his visions in the palantir, without having to deal with too much explanation. I can truly see he is the kind of man that his people follow without doubt or without questioning, and that's important at this time. Even so, a bit of questioning might have been good for the man, he holds too much in his heart and doesn't share it, and that's what leads to despair that can't be contained! I'll be watching for more with an eager yet heavy heart.

Raksha The Demon · 14 May 2009 · Chapter 56: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part One

“Valar!” he wailed aloud. “Let him live. Please let him live. He is my all. All I have left. Please. Oh please, let him live.” Heart-rending, and very Denethor. It doesn't seem to enter his mind that Boromir isn't all he has left; that he has another son; Denethor can only think of Boromir. Faramir is very much the after-thought here, so when Denethor realizes Boromir is truly dead, he will be inconsolable. I don't know whether the Fords of Isen were closer to Minas Tirith, in terms of mileage, than Parth Galen, but the Anor-stone does have a limited range; I think it's 600 miles. Or maybe, because Denethor is so heart-stricken, his emotions are interfering with his ability to work the stone to find Boromir. Just as well, really. Watching Boromir get perforated and die would probably give Denethor a stroke; not to mention seeing Thorongil turn up as Boromir's dying but not before.

Sarasrati · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 56: Ch. 26 - Third Age 3019 - Part One

I almost didn't want to keep reading this to the end. I knew where you were going to end it when the chapter started--such a picture of despair and sadness and a smidgen of hope, but maybe not enough. It seems wrong to say it is well-written because of all the grief. Not even said outright, this despair, just felt. But I imagine that is what it might have felt like to be there in those months, and that came across masterfully.

Tari · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 54: Ch. 25 - Third Age 3018 - Part Four

Having to decide which son to send into danger is beyond imagining. Who else could he send; certainly not himself. This is one decision I would not want to make. Then there is the Palantir. He thinks it his friend and obeys him. Not. Poor Denethor. He thinks he is saving Boromir when in fact, he is sending him to his doom. I liked the brothers taking time to lie in the grass, look at the sky and dream a little before erupting into a mild tussle. Too bad there is no time for more episodes like this.

Tari · 1 December 2008 · Chapter 53: Ch. 25 - Third Age 3018 - Part Three

I think it is a blessing that the palantir does not show Denethor his sons. He would probably have lost his grip if he saw Faramir and thought him to be dead. Boromir is not only stubborn; he is also prideful. Had he been carrying Faramir, they both would have fallen and probably sustained injuries. Then there was the withdrawal of the enemy. Not knowing why would scare anyone. Faramir has a good dose of pride himself. I’m sure his men would not see him as being weak; rather as someone who is willing to go into dangerous territory with them regardless of the results. Boy, am I glad I don’t remember many of my dreams. Thankfully, none are nightmares.

Sarasrati · 1 December 2008 · Chapter 55: Copious Notes for TA 3018 - Parts 3 & 4

As always, wonderful updates and well worth the wait! Denethor's vision of Boromir on the Anduin is a very good touch. I can see the seeds of his final madness beginning in a way much more convincing than anything else I have read; it is not simply that his son is dead, but that he may have brought it about in trying to save him. It gives me chills. I absolutely love the banter between Boromir and Faramir in their little copse, too. "I would laugh as I saw you lost in Rohan..." Priceless.

Rugi · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 51: Ch. 25 - Third Age 3018 - Part Two

I'm so sorry to to have dropped off the earth - I've been blindsided by RL lately and my reviewing as suffered. This chapter ended so excitingly. The bridge moment is so iconic but you still added your own touch. Love what you're doing!

Aiwen · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 50: Ch. 25 - Third Age 3018 - Part One

I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying this story. It is very well written and vividly imagined. I like your characterization, especially of Denethor.

Sarasrati · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 52: Copious Notes for Ch. 25 - Parts 1 & 2

I am always astounded and awed at the amount of research you put into these chapters (and yes, I read the whole of your notes, however copious they may be!) I think I may have to try making that Chocolate Pecan Pie sometime. I do hope you will post the next chapter soon since you left us rather afloat (hah, hah)...!

Sarasrati · 28 June 2008 · Chapter 50: Ch. 25 - Third Age 3018 - Part One

As always there is so much to think about in this chapter! The depth of the characters and the story itself simply grows and grows, and your power to make us sympathize with the emotions and thoughts of each one develops more with every installment. And the details are wonderfully well done--not many people would consider the age of the scrolls and how they were preserved for so long. I particularly like the scene of Denethor drawing. It is very human of him--something so simple can bring pleasure even in this crazy time for Gondor.

Soledad · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 999999: Regarding Denethor and Faramir

Thanks for posting those lines - I didn't know them, and they do shed a whole new light on their relationship, don't they? This story is the next on my to read-list, but I wait for the end of the term to have the peace of mind to focus on it. A Denethor story is something I've been looking for a very long time.

Rugi · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 49: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Twelve

Fantastic chapter! It was fully of Hurin conversations and togetherness which I always love. In some ways, for all I felt sorry for Faramir that he was sick, I almost thought it was a good thing as well since it allowed him to engage with Denethor in a non-confrontational, simple way - they got to simply be father and son together instead of lord and vassal. It's so interesting how you show that the damaged relationships Denethor has in his past effect his relationships now - it's interesting and tragic to think that the harm that was done him can sour the thought of Boromir and Faramir working together to achieve his aims. I felt for Boromir in the last scenes, though I think, in the end, Denethor is right - it is their duty to serve Gondor and Faramir has an Ithilian mind - his patience and wisdom would work well in a guerilla-war setting. I'm glad that the brothers have made some peace with their futures, even though they can sense the darkness growing in their father and in the future. Can't wait for more!

Sarasrati · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 49: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Twelve

Wait a second, we're in 3017, not 3018... now I'm confused. Typo? Or does that mean good things for the upcoming chapters in 3018? ;)