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| My Sword Weeps - Book Two - 'My Sword' Series by Agape4Gondor | 4 Review(s) |
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| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/3/2007 |
| Hi Agape, I decided I would read a dozen chapters at a time and leave a review on those chapters. Time constraints prevent me from reviewing every chapter. Sorry. What I like about this story so far is that you've brought in Aragorn and the twins. Aragorn obviously has some feelings toward the House of Húrin that goes beyond the fact that he once served under the Stewards as Thorongil. I think he has paternalistic feelings towards Denethor's family as their king even though they are not aware of his existence as the Heir of Isildur. I loved how as soon as Mithrandir told him the news he was rushing out the door. I suspect that Aragorn often fantasized about returning to Minas Tirth as king and having Denethor welcome him and now that fantasy is dust and ashes. It must have been heart-breaking for him, so it's no wonder he wants to rush off to save little Faramir. The boy is now his Steward after all. Elladan and Elrohir are much as I imagine them with their light-hearted older sibling banter and their obvious love for Estel. They are good companions for him and I think they are good for Aragorn on other levels, because they help keep him from taking himself too seriously. Indis is an amazing woman for any age and it's a pity more people aren't like her, whatever their gender. She's loyal and resolute in her love of Faramir, thinking only of him and never of herself and her own dignity and self-worth. I wonder in our own world and history how many good men and women were destroyed (spiritually and/or emotionally) by other people's lack of respect for them and their abilities because they were the wrong gender, or the wrong social class or didn't have the proper pedigree. It's nice to see that someone like Imrahil (whom I have always admired for his obvious nobility) respects Indis enough not to patronize her or tell her to not to interfere in matters beyond her understanding. The Rohirrim, given their culture, were more patronizing towards her, even Théoden to some degree, but at least he and Éomund are willing to learn from their mistakes and trust that Indis has a brain and a will no less worthy of respect than theirs just because she's female. Young Théodred and Targon are adorable (as much as 13-year-old males can be) and it saddens me that they have to grow up so quickly. We speak of "crimes against humanity" and I think the worst crime is when children are brutally robbed of their innocence. We must all lose it to one degree or another as part of the maturation process that allows us to function as competent adults, but it's one thing to lose that innocence naturally through the normal experiences of growing up, but it's another thing when that innocence is stolen or ruthlessly destroyed. It was one of the themes I tried to explore in RETRIBUTION. The description of the visit to Isengard set my hackles up. Saruman is so slimy and I could easily see Christopher Lee playing this; he does "slime" very well. Aragorn and the elves had every right to feel that something was horribly wrong and it is a pity that they had no choice at first but to trust in Mithrandir and Elrond's own trust in Saruman, though, really, I often wondered how Mithrandir could have been so bloody stupid... not to mention the Valar. Do you realize, when taking into account the tale of the Wizards in UNFINISHED TALES that both Sauron and Saruman were originally servants of Aulë? That poor Vala must wonder if he's cursed or something to have two of his most trusted Maiar fall into Darkness. The "spell" under which Aragorn fell was frightening, all the more so because alll three of them have to wonder if Elladan and Elrohir have also been affected. If nothing else, even if there are no further manifestations of the spell occurring, the doubt alone will set them second-guessing themselves at critical moments that could spell doom for them all. And now the journey has begun... for all of them... but to what end? Author Reply: Hi, Fiondil - I can't thank you enough for the lengthy review. And especially for your RETRIBUTION tale - it is splendid! I became a lover of Hobbits when I first read LOTR - but quickly changed to a lover of Men - so I was surprised when the Muse asked me to write of Elves and wizards and such. I'm very glad my attempt has proved worthwhile to you. As for the boys - I am especially fond of them - the utter horror of the age they are living in reminds me of children all over the world, caught in war zones. Their lives are forever changed - hopefully, for the better, but not always so. In fact, too many times, they end up victims. Horrible victims. I hope you continue reading and promise to get to the sequel soon - if 10,000 years ever lets me rest! And health concerns STOP! | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/6/2007 |
| This is getting interesting indeed - what if all three are bewitched? "You spend too much time trying to hide things from me," the boy said quietly. "I am old enough to have seen one I love murdered before my very eyes. I am old enough to have taken vows and kept them. I am old enough to gain some respect at least." Well said!! Author Reply: That is truly the question, Pearl - who is affected? *shivers* Also - I love writing the young boy hero's in this tale - Targon, Boromir (sobs), Theodred.... | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/24/2006 |
| Love the responsibility that each involved in the chapter shows. Thanks! Author Reply: It felt so good to have them finally on the road. Took Indis forever to decide this... and she might very well rue the day she did! Thanks for reading and especially for responding. | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/23/2006 |
| Good for Theodred, speaking up; he's enough of an active partner in this quest to at least be spoken to directly. Indis is obviously under stress here; I hope Aragorn doesn't take forever to meet up with them; or there might not be anything left of Faramir to save (sob-sob, don't you dare kill him off, I'll throw wet noodles at the screen or something!). Author Reply: Sorry about the delayed response... my computer at home has been afflicted with the 'blue screen of death' - finally a cousin took it home to heal it - perhaps some athelas will help??? As for Theodred - I just have come to love this little boy who has grown to adulthood way too fast. I have no idea where the Muse is going to take him... it pains me to think he might die. Oh dear! He finally will be accepted - but horrid things will happen before that, as usual (LOL). As for Faramir - you should be sending good vibes, Raksha... something like, 'if you let him live, I'll send cookies' ???? Again - thanks for reading.... | |