Reviews (42)

Sage · 25 February 2026 · Chapter 44: Prancing Pony

"Gondor came to the aid of Arthedain when Angmar attacked near six hundred years past. I had no armies no fleets as they did in routing the Witch King, just my sword. To have turned my back on Gondor in its hour of need, no matter how modest my contribution" I like this long ago reference. I always love how you portray the wise, twinkly-eyed wizard Gandalf. He is always humble and witty and well… you just portray Gandalf as I always see him in my mind. And I particularly like the start and ending of the story in the Prancing Pony. This Inn has seen much history during its long tenure in Middle Earth.

Sage · 25 February 2026 · Chapter 43: Dundedain

Everyone is winding down and returning home. Even Aragost. "The wolf in him had come out for a time. But then retreated to a distant lair". ...nice.

Sage · 25 February 2026 · Chapter 42: The End of the Day

"An hour of madness, his elven forged sword whirring and cutting, wild angry faces screaming curses, bloody death in his wake. Then suddenly it was done." Nice turn of phrase. Also, I like that you brought Steward Cirion and Chieftan Aragost together. Cirion is the 10th Steward. It was long settled that the Northern realm (the Dunedain) were not the rightful heirs to Gondor. But it was good to see a little angst in Cirion's mind.

Sage · 25 February 2026 · Chapter 41: Survivor

I like that the author follows the antagonists to a conclusion as well. It is interesting that the author gives some positive characteristics and loyalty to the character Dezoch. Despite being constant enemies of the Gondorian heroes in the LOTR world, they are still human.

Sage · 25 February 2026 · Chapter 40: Fortunes of War

Nice. A nod to Sauron in Dol Guldor which sits on the East side of the battle field and yet holds sway over these Misty Mountain Orcs.

Sage · 25 February 2026 · Chapter 39: Swords of the Eotheod

Overall this chapter’s sword and sandal and horse calvary depiction is the best I have ever read. The imagery and the strategy described is spot on. I’m there. I particularly like the scene where Borondir, without concern for himself, bravely bravely fights to save his Steward. There are so many great phrases or pieces of imagery. Here is just one. “Aragost spurred his mount on to join him, a long dormant wild fire of battle bringing fury to his face and death to his sword, now a silvery blur of elven taught skill”.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 38: Turn of the Tide

Another great chapter that puts you there. This time from two different points of view: Dezoch and Brandor.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 37: Charge of the Eotheod

The second paragraph really gripped me. And.. "The ground grew slippery with their blood, the air foul with their odor and spittle ridden curses" sentence puts you there.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 36: Gondor Cornered

"Then it would be the butchery of war." I can feel the helplessness starting to creep in...Great description.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 34: Eotheod form for Battle

"The sun was shining in a vault of deep blue. A fair west wind rustled the grass. It was a day meant for victory." I feel the excitement and tension in the men; the day is ripe for battle and glory.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 35: The Orcs Await

Love the Orcs speaking in a cockney accent!

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 34: Eotheod form for Battle

"His sword slid easily out of the scabbard. He hefted his lance then replaced it in its long sheath… " Nice, showing rather than just enumerating his weapons. And I am glad you have that map at the beginning so we can overlay it on your description.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 33: Field of the Celebrant

"Barring a miracle they would all be dead by dusk… .....Fear did not find any purchase" Brave men indeed, these Gondorians.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 31: Storm

The integration of the storm into the battle accentuates the action. Also, you must have read a good deal about battle tactics for the era of fighting; it shows in the battle plans and actions during the battle.

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 30: On the Battle Line

I like that you narrow the battle down to a single soldier. It allows us to understand what it is like to be there. And your descriptive language is great. “had sent over twenty to oblivion" “slaughtering them as their human waves broke upon the death jetties of Gondor’s shields” "the hinge of the door of soldiers now swinging" "his helm and chain mail darkly silvered against the pending storm."

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 29: March of the Orcs

As the story continues to progress, I like the distinct character and atmosphere differences between the Men of the West, the Orcs and the Easterners (as I think of them).

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 28: Crisis

A quick and logical response from the King to arrange his battle lines. And perhaps Galadriel and Gandalf are behind the serendipitous storm clouds??

Sage · 24 February 2026 · Chapter 27: Death from the South

Always that perfect opening description. We get it all from Dezoch's POV. And the ambush begins!

Sage · 22 February 2026 · Chapter 26: Face to Face

Narrowing the activities from an abstract battle strategy to the single point of view of one soldier really makes the point: bloody, personal combat.

Sage · 22 February 2026 · Chapter 25: Dezoch Waits

Clearly they have planned this ambush well with this terrain.

Sage · 22 February 2026 · Chapter 24: Day of Days

Once again I like the author's ability to describe the environment and the mood. I hadn't mentioned before, but I also like that the chapters are short. My attention doesn't wander.

Sage · 22 February 2026 · Chapter 23: Southern Threat

Always the opening descriptor to capture our mind's eye. And description of the enemy camp--ruder, cruder-- is in stark contrast to Eorl's.

Sage · 22 February 2026 · Chapter 22: Prelude to War

I like the time spent laying out the battlefield and initial plan. The map at the beginning of the story is very helpful.

Sage · 22 February 2026 · Chapter 21: Riding between Good and Evil

I like that the author always adheres to the LOTR mythos that is available. A good example is Galadriel's mists.

Sage · 17 February 2026 · Chapter 19: Balchoth Crossing

The first map DEFINITELY helped here.