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| The Shoemaker's Daughter by Soledad | 5 Review(s) |
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| ecrm | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/23/2008 |
| I really like reading your stories about Halabor; it's always interesting when someone writes about whats going on in rural areas away from the court. I agree with you about the Dunedain not making up a majority of the population of Gondor, although they would probably make up a majority in the cities especially Minas Tirith and Pelargir. My thinking is that many natives of what would become Gondor gradually adopted Numenorean culture over the centuries, a process that no doubt accelerated with the foundation of the Kingdom. A good example in the real world would be the Slav invaders of Greece from the late sixth century AD onwards. The original Greeks retreated into the mountains or fortified cities and after a time the Slavic culture essentially became Greek. Like in Greece the natives would have had an incentive to adopt Dunedain ways and customs, not least because of the power of the King. Maybe I should write an essay about this when I have the time. Anyway, love your writing. Author Reply: Thanks. It's an interesting theory you've come up with. I'd like to read that essay, should you find the time to write it. | |
| Haleth | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/5/2006 |
| I just found this story and enjoyed the first chapter very much. The explanation of the town's history really caught my attention. It makes the town itself a character in the story, not just the generic setting in which the action takes place. The original characters also have their own stories which gives the tale depth and their are plenty of details, like the young lord's taste for silly hats, that make them come alive. Author Reply: Thank you. :) I'm always happy to find a reader who isn't frightened away by all the descriptions. I like them myself - both reading and writing them - but I know it's not everyone's coup of tea. If you liked this story, you might like "The Last Yule of Halabor" as well. It takes place in the same town and features some of the same people. It's posted here, too. | |
| Lasse-Lanta | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/30/2005 |
| The idea of using original characters and weaving them around canon situations has always been intriguing to me; and one I whole-heartedly support. In many ways I find it an even greater compliment to Tolkien than to just place his characters in new situations. If anyone can do this, it would be you, Soledad. Your detail of place and personality with original characters always sets your work well above the usual and expected. Being given the gift of beta-reader simply enhances the experience for me. My only suggestion at this point is to perhaps not warn people that there are mainly original characters, nor would I say that there is no suspense left for those who have read you other work. Rather, I would call it an enhancement or back story to something else you've written, as I did with my "Adventurers". This might lead new readers to other works and more enjoyment :-). My second suggestion; and it's so very selfish *g*; is to please don't make us wait too long for that second chapter. Lasse-Lanta | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/30/2005 |
| I will confess I had a little trouble getting into this, Soledad, because the first few screens seemed pretty heavy with exposition. But once the characters came on stage and started talking and interacting, I was engaged. Herumor is an appealing young man, and Henderch is interesting. I can see potential for all kinds of stories here. Author Reply: Yes, I'm aware of the fact that there might be just a bit too much information to digest. But it's going to be a rather long story, and the settings are very important for future events. I'm glad the first few pages didn't frighten you off. :) | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/29/2005 |
| This is excellent so far. :-) The setting and the characters are extremely well developed. I think it has the making of a fine novel. Author Reply: Thanks. I hope I'll be able to keep a good balance between background and action. | |