Canafinwe
· 16 November 2009
· Chapter 1: Foreboding
Oh, no! Scarcely has Mallor been introduced, and now he's dead! You write Aragorn's anguish so poignantly: how hard to lose one of his men, doubly so one of his chosen elite, and one so young, at that! There is nothing so difficult for a captain than to lose his people, and what a horrible, senseless way to die: having done everything "right" in the battle, Mallor is felled by an ill chance.
In this chapter I particularly loved your skilled painting of the scene: "The October dawn draped its golden mantle across the forests". And that description of the glowering orc -- eaugh! That was especially vivid (perhaps a little too much so right after lunch...).
The foreshadowing is also beautifully done. Aragorn's unease and the mounting sense of dread do much to weave a web of suspense that I expect will only increase in the next few chapters. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Canafinwe! Er, sorry about spoiling the digestion with that orc, though. ;)
I'm glad you like this. Yes, poor Mallor didn't survive the first chapter but sadly it likely was something that happened quite often to the Dunedain, losing their youngest and perhaps often even their most experienced warriors to, as you aptly put it, ill chance. It does seem senseless, but he did at least save Denlad's life in so doing. A warrior cannot ask for more, I don't think.
And interesting that you quoted that particular sentence, because that's the sentence that, along with a scene I had been carrying in my head for months (a scene that comes much later in the book), inspired the entire story. I was driving around, looking at the beautiful fall colors, and thinking about the Dunedain and started wondering about the awful contrast of doing battle in such scenic surroundings, and the genesis of a story was born.
Thanks for the review!
Canafinwe
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 0: Prologue
All right. Picking up shortly after "Keeping Watch", I gather, we find Aragorn composing a letter...
First let me say that I do like the idea that he was able to get the occasional letter home to Rivendell. There must have been some sort of infrastructure for providing Elrond with dispatches to keep him abreast of the situation in Eriador.
Oh, but Aragorn's words are so harsh, so filled with pain. He does not spare his father the details in this first draft, does he? There were a few lines that struck me in particular:
"Time is weighing heavily on me, and hope seems a thing that is as shifting and impossible to hold onto as smoke from a fire."
and especially
"I feel almost trapped, unsure what the future holds and helpless to do anything about it."
Can it be that Aragorn is feeling a little dysthymic? I'm worried for him: he had a hard spring, with his own illness and the grievous loss of life. It is only natural to feel a little blue, but this seems more serious. I confess that "trapped" and "hopeless" are frightening words, coming from the hale and hardy Ranger we know him to be.
As a side note, I am glad to see that he is making use of the tent. Given the trouble that Halbarad went to to haul it for him, I'm sure his second-in-command would concur with me!
The bittersweet words about the young man (sixteen? Oh, he's only a boy!) are very touching, particularly "I think we all wish for sons like him." Poor Aragorn: all he really wants is a home and a family, I think. And a little peace. Not yet, dear Strider. Not yet.
The image of Halbarad pacing before the tent is a very endearing one. Ooh, will we get to meet his wife? That would be lovely. Your view of the Dunedain runs closely with mine: most of them would have had wives and children hidden away on distant homesteads somewhere in the Wild. Such a hard and bitter life, not only for the Rangers but for their brides.
I do like the tantalizing hints as to the personalities of your crew of Rangers. I look forward to becoming better acquainted with them!
"Of late it seemed that sorrows plagued him like a pack of curs nipping at his heels, but there was no sense in burdening Lord Elrond with what was his alone to bear." Oh, Aragorn! He's definitely dysthymic. Surely he should know that he can confide in his foster-father! After all, everone from Gandalf to Thorin to Galadriel turns to Elrond for aid and advice! Though Aragorn's determination to bear his burdens alone is admirable, it's also heartbreaking, and it does make me fear for him so! He has such a yoke to carry, and he does not feel able to lay it by even for a moment. What will happen when it breaks his back?
And his fresh letter, beginning "It has been a hard summer, but hope has not deserted us..." Ack! You're plucking at the heartstrings already, and the story has scarcely begun! A most auspicious start: I shall eagerly read the rest as time allows!
Author's reply
Thank you, Canafinwe! I'm so glad you found the prologue intriguing and poignant... I really did want to pull the reader into Aragorn's state of mind and having a glimpse of his own words via an aborted letter to Elrond seemed to be an effective way to do it. There's an intimacy in letters that's often absent in conversation, and indeed, Aragorn realizes here that he's opening himself up too much. I imagine him often struggling with his desire for that father/son relationship but also trying hard to prove himself independent and worthy of kingship and, of course, Arwen's hand. I see Elrond and Aragorn as always having a loving relationship, but that issue standing between them was bound to, now and then, cause problems and misunderstandings and wrong assumptions, and exploring that is one of the layers in this tale.
Dysthmic... I had to look that up! LOL Yes, I think there could have been times when Aragorn found himself in that state, where pessimism and sorrow may have gained the upper hand for a time, when perhaps even his own great store of hope might falter. And being the Chieftain of a fading people had to have been very draining at times, especially I think at this point in his life, when the throne of Gondor seemed impossibly out of reach and evil was starting to stretch out and spread from the East.
I hope you enjoy the original characters... I took a bit of a page from author Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe novels and the idea of "chosen men". I think Aragorn's Grey Company was probably the cream of the crop of the Dunedain, and there were likely four or five men among that company, Halbarad foremost, who were his closest associates. I don't see the Dunedain as having especially strict and formal military ranks and organization--they were far too few and scattered--but to the extent they were able, I do think there was a type of military hierarchy. So we have Denlad, Galadh, Eledh and young Mallor. And yes, I'm with you completely in that all these Dunedain likely had families, or wanted to have families, and other duties besides protecting the realm. A hard life indeed for all of them.
Thanks so much for the review! I hope you enjoy the rest of the story. :)
Imbecamiel
· 3 November 2009
· Chapter 26: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 2
Well, this certainly took me longer than expected. Things got a liiitle crazier than I'd anticipated. But my reviewing motto is "better late than never", so... here I am.
I must admit, in sitting down to write this I went through an internal debate. Maintain a literate and relatively intellectual demeanor as I attempt to leave some form of helpful feedback... or simply break down into squeals of general incoherent delight? Ah, the dilemma... But I shall try to show some restraint. ;)
So, for the story: Absolutely loved it, as you may have guessed. Not only can you create a a well-crafted plot, but your writing style just makes it shine. And when you add to that a real understanding of canon characters (and courage in writing some characters that I know many find intimidating!), plus the ability to create well-balanced and thoroughly enjoyable original characters... It makes for some wonderful reading indeed.
Even above all that, though - which certainly makes for very enjoyable fanfiction as it is... This story struck that chord of undefinable longing which the books themselves stir in me, but which I only rarely encounter in fanfiction.
Hmm, how to go further without giving in to the temptation to quote back your story line-by-line in order to comment on all the wonderful parts? I think I'll have to summarize and go completely out of order, as things occur to me, or I'll be here all night.
I just love your sense of humor - and the way you blended so well the seriousness, and tragedy, with lightness. It was, in many ways, a dark story, and yet it was far from being a depressing story. The way you've portrayed the events, characters, and settings seemed very in keeping with the books. (As a matter of fact, the overall feel of your style reminded me strongly of what I've read of meckinock's work. I read, and loved, all that she'd done, back when she had only posted a few here - and now that I've seen how much more she's written, definitely intend to catch up.) So much to enjoy, both in the broader strokes and the little details you make use of.
Your portrayal of the Dunedain was delightful - both canon and original characters. Halbarad - what can I say? I already loved him, and you've made me love him even more. All of Aragorn's interaction with him was just brilliant. And I absolutely loved every one of your OCs, not only for what they contributed to the plot but as excellent characters in their own rights. I'd definitely like to see more of them in future stories!
Aragorn himself was just perfect. You balanced his awesomeness with realism, his own doubts with just how competent and capable he really is. I can't think of one way your portrayal of him could have been improved.
And Gandalf! I know a lot of people shy away from writing him - and I know I'd certainly be intimidated by the thought of it myself. But your smooth sure-footedness doesn't waver even here, and I loved his parts in the story.
And your elves... First I must simply say this: GLORFINDEL!!!!!
Ahem. Yes. I am a huge fan of Glorfindel, and have gone on plenty of hunts for good fanfiction featuring him. There's not nearly enough of it in the world... And I have to say, what you've done with him in this story ranks up there with my favorite stuff ever. All of it, but most especially that fight with the Wraith. Oh yes, even if this story hadn't already qualified on other grounds, it would definitely be making it to my list of "stories that must be re-read many times", if only for that. You have made me very, very happy indeed.
As for the other elves that appeared in the story, you handled them brilliantly as well. Hmm, how to explain it? In my mind, there is the "book version" of LOTR elves, and the "expanded, fanfiction version." Though I've enjoyed both versions greatly, the fanfiction version does certainly tend to diverge from the book version to greater degrees than characters of other races generally seem to. Not always a bad thing, as I've certainly enjoyed reading versions I see as going well beyond the realms of behavior likely in the book-verse elves, but yes. All that to say - it seems to me in this you've drawn out so many of the most enjoyable traits frequently found among fanfiction depictions of the elves, and portrayed them in such a way as to seem easily compatible with those found in the books. Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Erestor, your OCs... Just wonderful!
And speaking of Elrond... Mmm, oh yes. The way you handled his relationship with Aragorn, the rift caused by Aragorn's love for Arwen, the eventual easing of tension between them - this was amazing. I've seen the issue glossed over too easily, and I've seen it drawn out to the point where reading it was just really painful. I loved the balance you struck in this story. Beautiful.
A few other particulars I'll just toss out for specific mention, because I loved them: Little Estel and his forty-eleven peppermint sticks! Your excellent use of little details, from the books and histories. (Tolkien's original intention to have a hobbit named Trotter rather than the Strider we know and love - I don't think I've ever seen that referenced in a fanfic before!) Your beautiful use of language, which helped more fully immerse me in the world of Middle Earth. (Ah, I have seen so many stumble - badly - when attempting to in any way mirror Tolkien's "higher" style of writing, rather than the usual, more casual style of fanfiction writing that more people can manage well. The more formal style is just delicious when done right, and the more casual style can be truly excellent as well. But not everyone knows which is appropriate for their own story, skill set, and writing style.) The fact that you mentioned Legolas, even though he wasn't in the story! (Yes, yes, I love Aragorn and Legolas friendship stories very much...)
Oh, so very many things, and there are just dozens more that I would love to exclaim over at length. But it is late and I am tired, and I fear approaching the limits of my coherence for the day.
And now, as I believe I have shown a great deal of restraint thus far, if you will excuse me -
EEEEE!!!! SUCH an awesome story! And Aragorn was COOL! And he got HURT! And there was lots of good stuff with other people getting worried and caring about him! And - and COOL! And FUNNY! And I LOVED it, because it was reallyreallyreallygood. And - *SQUEE*
Ahem. Yes. I really, really like your writing. I've kind of taken a break from most LOTR fanfiction reading for a while, for... a number of reasons. But now you've gone and reminded me of all the reasons I've so long adored the fandom, and now I've got the wild urge to go and re-read all of my favorite stories, and read those stories I've been meaning to get to, but haven't. Which would probably not be good, because not only do I not really have time, but then I'm going to start getting the urge to go and start writing more stories myself, which I seriously Can Not do, with all the writing projects I already have going. Hmm. Ah, temptation.
I should maybe be irritated. But I'm too happy. Please keep writing. For a very, very long time.
I shall be attempting to leave reviews on the "Ranger and the Hobbit" story from here on out. :)
- Cami
Author's reply
Wow, Cami, thank you! When you leave a review, you really leave a review! And one that has left me smiling from ear to ear. I'm glad you opted to give both the intellectual review and the "OMG!!!! THIS IS SOOO GOOD!!!" review. *g* They're both fun.
I don't even know where to start... I feel almost as though I need to leave a review for your review, but that can get to the point where it feels like you're sending a thank you card for the thank you card. But to touch on a few things--I love Meckinock's stories. They were the first ones I stumbled across and her kindness to me was instrumental in helping me take a few baby steps into a fandom I knew little about and seemed impossibly huge and intimidating. That you liken my writing to hers is just about the highest compliment you can give me. And I don't really try to "be more Tolkien than Tolkien" in my writing style. That would be, er, incredibly bad and clunky. Tolkien is the only one who can write like Tolkien, and the rest of us just need to bow down and genuflect at his inkwell, methinks. If I tried to do too much in the way of his "Behold!" type dialogue and high prose, it would just be sadly cheesy. Stinky, Limburger-y cheesy. So I try to draw a line between the casual and the higher and hope it works.
And Elves, eek... I never really know how to write them, but I do like the Rivendell Elven folk. They seem a little more easy to understand to me, for whatever reason. And Elrond, yes... he's a loving father to Aragorn, even though they have that Big Problem. But the Big Problem I think caused the occasional misunderstanding but never completely overrode the love. That's cairistiona's #1 Rule of Elrond and Aragorn Relations. :)
I do intend to keep writing... I love it too much not to. :) Thanks again for the lovely review... I'll be feasting off this one for days!
Dreamdeer
· 13 August 2009
· Chapter 26: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 2
And finally, the ending that segues neatly into prologue for the familiar ground of Tolkien's legendarium. Thank you, Cairistiona, for an outstandingly good fanfic!
Author's reply
I feel I should be the one thanking you for all the lovely and encouraging reviews! I'm so glad you enjoyed the entire tale, and I very much appreciate you taking the time to tell me in such detail your thoughts as you went along. Those are always the best kinds of reviews. :)
Dreamdeer
· 13 August 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
A good wrap-up. Realistic about the slow grind of convalescence, this chapter also fills in much-needed information that closes the wounds of earlier trauma in the tale. I particularly like seeing Halbarad's wife with child, since the story began with Aragorn's concern about his people's dwindling numbers, worrying about their possible extinction.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer... I'm glad you liked the wrap-up. It was a bit unusual, switching over to a journal style, but I wanted it to echo the letter in the prologue and hear Aragorn's direct thoughts. I like that you drew the connection between Halbarad's growing family and Aragorn's concerns... I hadn't really made that connection myself, but you're right, it's a nice balance, and reassuring to Aragorn. Thanks again for your review. :)
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
And finally the eucatastrophic chapter, the cathartic moment when Aragorn finally lets go, and full healing can reach him, when he knows his father's love, and his place in the world, and his light returns. Weeping and laughter and thoughtful silence by turns overpower me as I read this. (And I loved the way Cairistiona found a way to weave in the outtake of Trotter!)
Author's reply
Wow, I had to look up "eucatastrophic"... that was a new one on me. And now, knowing what it means and where it originated, I'm more than a bit humbled that you'd use it in conjunction with this story. I don't like deux ex machina endings and tried my best to assure that this story was, yes, eucatastrophic instead. I wanted to be sure there were threads woven throughout the story leading up to the moment of release and relief for Aragorn, and it's reassuring to know that you found them there. And glad you liked the Trotter reference. I couldn't resist!
Thank you again for the kind reviews you've left me for this entire story. It's been such an encouragement to me as a writer.
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Beautiful. We learn more of Elrond's heart from this one chapter than many people put into entire collections of fanfic dedicated to him. Not all of it directly, and perhaps it's better that way.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dreamdeer... that is high praise indeed. I see Elrond as such a loving influence on Aragorn's life and a father in every sense except physically, and that is what colors my "take" on him. I'm glad it struck such a positive chord with you.
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Skillfully throughout the author has walked the tightrope of showing us Aragorn's increasingly disordered perspective, making it credible that he should believe what he does, while making sure that the reader knows just how unfairly he perceives himself. Now comes the painful promise of relief, that finally someone with authority will cure the man of his doubts and self-destructive delusions that he has till now been too wary to confide. Laying bare the fullness of his suffering at last hurts, but finally brings us back over the edge of Hope to a promise that the long-neglected, infected wound will be cleaned--on all levels.
What powerful metaphors Cairistiona has laced this story with!
Author's reply
Wow... thank you! I can't say that I consciously created all the metaphors--they just sort of happened. In fact, that the physical wound was a metaphor for the spiritual wound wasn't anything that even occurred to me until you pointed it out. I have a feeling if I tried consciously to do that, it would have been clunky and unwieldy. LOL Thank you for your kind words, always.
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 20: Splintered Fragments
In someone else's hands this would be the slow part of the novel. Yet if anything, Aragorn's battles now stand out as starker, bloodier, than anything you could pin down with a sword. The childhood details of his old bedroom throw his adult exhaustion into sharp contrast. And it all reads as true, down to the final, lying line.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer! Yes, after all the battles and the drama and suspense, this chapter may well have dragged the story to a halt, so I'm that you felt it didn't, and that it served it's purpose, which is to bring Aragorn finally to that place where he must be healed, physically and spiritually, or all will be lost.
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 19: No Answers
Honest. Vividly honest. Aragorn's struggle is everyone's struggle, sooner or later in their life, and the author makes the reader identify with it. Yet a host of rich details also make the character distinct, make the story as new as it is old. The willow-refuge in particular was a touch of genius.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer... your reviews are incredibly reassuring and encouraging. This chapter was a risk. I wasn't sure it would be accepted that someone like Aragorn could reach such a nadir that he might actually, at least fleetingly, consider ending it all. Of course, Aragorn being Aragorn, his innate strength and hope, battered though it is, makes that an impossibility. But I do think everyone has those incredibly dark moments. Hopefully most of us will then take a deep breath and go on anyway. I'm also glad you liked the willow... I read about the remnants of Gondolin and knew I had to bring a touch of Nan-tathren into Aragorn's life here, because it suited the story so well with its mix of refuge and sorrow. Thanks again for the review!
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 18: Ride Through a Nightmare
Grueling, touching, and above all real. Anyone who has pushed on through pain for another will recognize the authenticity of this writing, will feel it and hear it and taste it. Either she taps directly into experience or exercises an uncanny degree of intuition. From the grim beginning to heartwarming end, this chapter rings true.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer... obviously, I've never had to tie a friend to my back and haul him to Rivendell before he died, but I think all of us have been through similar situations on smaller scales with helping friends through trying times and hopefully everyone has known the relief of getting through the ordeal intact. I merely took those emotions and amplified them a bit to fit the severity of Aragorn and Halbarad's situation. I'm glad it rang true and real. Thanks again!
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
The intense detail that makes this chapter so realistic does not slow down the emotional rollercoaster in the least. The writer puts the reader through too many changes to describe, in a breathtakingly short period of time.
Author's reply
This chapter, admittedly, I had a very fun time writing, simply because of all the emotions that ran through it. I got to yank everyone--especially Aragorn-- from hither to yon by the end. I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the review!
Dreamdeer
· 10 August 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
The interplay of cotrasts in this piece weave a tapestry of dark and bright, fear and courage, pain and determination, battle-lust and friendship. It's hard to stop long enough to review it, the momentum of the story tugs so insistently.
Author's reply
It may have been hard, but I'm very thankful you paused a moment to leave a kind review! (And I see you've hurried on to more chapters...!) Thank you, always, for your encouraging comments.
Dreamdeer
· 7 August 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
How vividly this chapter captures the mood of each character, place, and event, from least to greatest! It reminds us that heroism does not aimply mean a string of victories, but often means plunging on into the aftermath of defeat, willing defeat to not become permanent.
If I had to pick a single word to capture Cairistiona's style, it would be "Truth". Everything rings true. Action, setting, characterization, dialogue. This chapter feels especially true.
People who call fantasy escapist have no idea how unflinchingly the best fantasists wrestle with the grim side of life. Cynics can only argue that fantasists like Cairistiona imagine too much courage in answer to the grimness, in chapters like this one, for "realism". I would contend, however, that Cairistiona, Tolkien, and their ilk understand the human spirit most truly. And if one could argue that not everyone lives up to these ideals, then such stories still inspire more real life courage than would otherwise exist.
Author's reply
My goodness, I'm not sure I deserve being put in the same ilk as Tolkien, but I thank you for your kind words. I *do* try my best to show that people can and do show great courage and great fortitude even when all seems to be going against them. I think that is my favorite theme in Tolkien--never giving up, which is tied inseparably to hope. I know how much Tolkien has inspired me to not despair despite challenges (and my own are on a far, far smaller scale!), and I hope as I wield my pen to his characters, my own stories reflect Tolkien's attitude. Thank you again for your thoughtful words. :)
Dreamdeer
· 7 August 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
First, one quibble. Neither Glorfindel nor anyone else would have mentioned Vilya out in an open space like that. In the books, when Frodo mentioned Galadriel's ring, Aragorn told him that he should never have mentioned it, "even to me." Nor would they have assumed that Sauron calculated Elrond's Ring into his strategies as a known factor--because they kept it so carefully guarded a secret. The verse, after all, misleadingly pointed to three elven Kings--not a loremaster (Tolkien never calls Elrond "Lord" but always "Master") a Lady, and a non-elvish wizard. For that matter, we aren't even certain if Sauron knew Rivendell's exact location until the War of the Ring itself--why else would Elrond make Rivendell so hard to find?
Having said that, this chapter did a beautiful job of further tightening the tension of the inevitable coming confrontation, pitting the irresistable force of Aragorn's duties against the immoveable object of his injuries. Even as everyone abandons any pretense of believing him well, they also cannot resist the logic that the crisis in Windydale cannot wait for his recovery.
Yet the tension works even more captivatingly on the emotional level, where love and anger, frustration and admiration merge under pressure. Friendship, brotherhood, and the relationships between leaders and subordinates, suffer blows that only forge the links tighter, in a beautiful play of contradictions true to the human (and elven?) spirit. Only the ones you truly love can inspire that special kind of rage that one feels when someone refuses to stay safe for infuriatingly noble reasons (I know--I'm feeling that right now for a certain daring friend in Iran! I want to shake her and tell her to stay home and stop getting beaten up at protests, stop breaking the law to post on the internet, stop defying the government to keep her classes open, etc. but if she comes through this alive I will be so proud of her! And really, I'd like to think I'd do the same in her position.)
Again I find the writing beautiful, heart-rending, and true. And all too relevant in the real world.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer, both for the praise and the quibble. I'll take your thoughts on Glorfindel and do a bit of research but I feel I can't change the story at this point... it's a "complete" story as far as MEFA's are concerned and I wouldn't feel right editing it at this point--I've always sort of taken the "the story must stand or fall as it may" once it's finished. Maybe after MEFAs are over I'll come back to it and see what might need changing.
Onto your other points... it is very true that only love can bring about that sort of frustrating, teeth-grinding anger when you see someone you care about rush into doing something noble, heedless of their own danger. That sort of "If you survive this, I'll kill you!!" sort of thing is definitely what all those around Aragorn are feeling right about now. I'm glad you found that rang true.
I do hope your friend comes through Iran safely... that's definitely a perilous land to be in these days.
Dreamdeer
· 5 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
And now the tension builds, as the reader realizes that the respite draws to an end. Knowing that the hero still hasn't completely healed, body, mind, or soul, cranks it up a notch. The interactions still ring hauntingly true, committing the reader hopelessly to the reading on...
Author's reply
Ah, I like hearing that a reader can't help but keep reading. *grin* I'm so very glad you're taking time to give me your thoughts on each chapter--that really does let me enjoy the reader's journey through this story. And yes, Aragorn is far from healed in any way, much as he would argue otherwise. Thank you for yet another lovely review!
Dreamdeer
· 5 August 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
I enjoyed this peaceful interlude between storms, taking the time to get to know Denlad's back-story and how it interwove with his present life. Cairistiona keeps the reader's awareness of the setting and situation fresh even as she tells stories within stories. As usual, well done!
Author's reply
Thanks! I do like a story that's multi-layered and it worked well to focus on Denlad and telling his story in this particular tale. Other stories will do the same with Eledh and Galadh, so they'll have their moments in the spotlight. And yes, a story as intense as this one needs those places to let the reader catch his or her breath... but not too long a moment. ;) Thanks again!
Dreamdeer
· 5 August 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
Aragorn's realistically slow recovery gives the reader a chance to breathe and enjoy the comfort of camaraderie between these increasingly beloved characters. But we're never completely off the hook. Enough darkness enters in to keep the reader on edge, knowing that Aragorn's not off the hook yet.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer! It really warms my heart to hear a reader refer to my characters as "increasingly beloved". Wow. I'm so glad they've grown on you hopefully as much as they grew on me as I developed them. It's always chancy, writing original characters in a fandom. Thank you for the kind words. :)
Dreamdeer
· 4 August 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
The banter and teasing that seemed so lighthearted before now becomes a lifesaver thrown out into Aragorn's black ocean. Jesting on the edge of such profound anxiety takes a particular kind of courage, and this comes through powerfully in the story.
Author's reply
Thank you again, Dreamdeer... having come from a family who handles grief and stress with humor, I know firsthand the relief and the strength that can come from that sort of "therapy". Not that my Rangers are cognizant of using humor as therapy of course, but it's part of the bond that holds them together--and yes, it sort of tosses a life ring to Aragorn as he struggles against the lingering effects of the Black Breath. Thanks again for another lovely review!
Dreamdeer
· 4 August 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
I remember the impact of reading this the first time. The author had so firmly established Aragorn's strength and courage, that to see him utterly helpless like this physically frightened me. I could simultaneously experience his illness and Halbarad's fear.
Cairistiona uses well Poul Anderson's rule to include at least three senses in every scene. No matter what happens in the story, the reader experiences it vividly.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer! I have to confess to not knowing that was actually a rule ascribed to someone, to use at least three senses in every scene. I do try to engage all the senses as much as I can in my stories, because that's what brings a fictional world to life. And to think I actually induced physical fear in you is a bit mind-blowing, to be honest. I'm so glad you felt the scene's full impact. Thank you for letting me know that. :)
Dreamdeer
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Beautiful! Horrifying. Beautiful because of the courage and devotion in the midst of horror. The writer does not stint in portraying the terror of the character, and thus makes every leaden step towards what he fears all the more courageous. As usual for this writer, the credible characterization holds allthe rest together like a keystone.
Author's reply
"Credible characterization"... I think that's the highest praise a fanfic writer can earn, and I thank you for it. To me, if a story doesn't capture the essence of Tolkien's characters, it's a miss, no matter how compelling the plot. And even the original characters need to stay true to Tolkien's vision. I'm reassured that you're finding this story holding that line. Thank you!
Dreamdeer
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 6: Unexpected
Each chapter just gets better and better. The emotional veracity of this one shows no flaw that I can detect. Not every writer could handle the rapid shifts of humor, grief, compassion, loyalty, defiance, gentleness and anger, but Cairistiona manages deftly.
Author's reply
Thank you again! My goodness, you're doing my ego good with these reviews. I always try to get the emotions of the characters as right as I can... I don't want the men too weepy but nor do I want them emotionless automatons. Finding the balance can be tricky, so I'm relieved you've found I'm hitting it right each time. :)
Dreamdeer
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
(I guess this signs automatically anyway, even if you're not part of Arda, since the writer has written to me.)
I found this an exceptionally moving chapter. It does not pull punches. It sets up one expectation and plunges you into a different outcome altogether, one truer and more difficult, but the reader does not need babied and the author knows it. The tension does not let up, yet the love between the characters makes all bearable. Cairistiona makes every detail of the situation vivid and pressing, from the most physical to the most abstract. And while she's at it, she sets us up for future chapters in an unexpected way.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer! This was another difficult chapter because I so wanted to save that child, but the story insisted that it couldn't be. Interesting how stories will take on wills of their own that way. I'm gratified that even though this was a hard chapter to read, it moved you. Thank you again for your kind reviews. :)
Dreamdeer
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
(From Dreamdeer) The author took great care in balancing the horror in this passage with just enough light touches to make it bearable. The warmth and vividness of the characters keep us reading with concern, for by now we care about them too much to turn our backs when the going gets rough. Very rough--as it should be.
Cairistiona does not shy from writing what the soul needs said, no matter how dark. And the sould does need to read horrific passages now and then, for life does not spare us, we feel lonely when others pretend otherwise, and we trust most the writers who can face that in their fiction. As much pain as Aragorn goes through in this novel, the thing that makes it all bearable is that even when he thinks himself all alone with his burdens, he never is. In a good book, even in the most hideous passage, the character has some consolation of love, even if it's for someone far from the scene, even if it's love for something as abstract as humanity or Good, and the reader can carry that into daily life. Cairistiona does a good job of making that happen.
Author's reply
My goodness, where do I start? Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful reflections on this chapter. I do think that a good story must explore the dark as well as the light--while I don't think the detail need go so far that the reader is repulse, to skim over the horrific parts too vaguely can leave a story unbalanced and the reader unfulfilled. I'm glad you found I hit the right balance between light and dark in this chapter. I must admit it was a hard one to write.
Thanks again for a lovely review!
Dreamdeer
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 1: Foreboding
(From Dreamdeer) The very first paragraph wastes no time in capturing the setting while plunging the reader into action. Although the action initially seemed derivative (kicking the body and screaming in anguish, encouraging an underage recruit by examining his blade, both echoing the second LotR movie) this writer will soon leave all derivation behind as she finds her own footing and stands tall on it. On the whole this chapter interested me vividly enough to encourage me on to the next one, and the more I read, the more impressed I became.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamdeer! (What a lovely name, by the way.) I'm glad this chapter drew you into the story. There was a bit of the same feel as the movies, and part of that simply stems from the commonality of the military experience--a captain does check that his new men are keeping their blades well-maintained. The kicking/screaming may be derivative but I prefer to think of it as a nod to Viggo's interpretation of Aragorn, which I felt was spot on insofar as the parts that followed the book canon (we won't go into the whole Elrond/Aragorn conflict or the "I don't want to be king" bits, which I did not like). I think there's a case for blending movie- and book-verse where they fit together without conflict.
Thank you for the lovely review!