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My Sword Trembles - Book Three - 'My Sword' Series by Agape4Gondor	3 Review(s)
elanor winterflowers	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/19/2008
I have not had the pleasure of reading the two "My Sword" stories that precede this one, but I intend to go back and do so. You have created a spine-tingling AU in these six chapters and I want to know how all this came about! Wonderful characters! It is so interesting to see the familiar ones (Theoden, Theodred, Imrahil among others) in earlier days, to glimpse the shadowy Thorongil and meet the stunning Indis. And Faramir is such a dear little boy to be at the center of such dark and harrowing events--a brilliant creation! The style very much suits such a wrenching history: clipped, efficient, factual. Hemingway-esque, deceptively layered! The effect is very powerful and compelling. I suspect I owe you an apology for Left Behind. Denethor's most constant scribe must have found the contents of that story horrifying! You gave me such a lovely review at MEFA--thank you! And know that my intention was not to demonize him, but to show how much of his life and his inherent pride and decency had been compromised by the cunning of Sauron, and his heart broken by the imperatives of duty.I meant it as a sensitive portrait of a tragic ruler, as I think you suspected. Fate was not kind to the poor man! I very much enjoyed reading these chapters and look forward to more! Author Reply: Hello elanor! Thanks for writing. Just a quick note - I started "My Sword Sings" because Indis (Denethor's sister in 10,000 Years) was such a compelling charactr that I felt she deserved her own tale. So though the books might 'seem' to be about Faramir and others, intrinsically, it is about Indis' part in their lives. A huge part. I have found I really admire the woman... as do her cohorts. The tale, however, went to places I didn't expect, and so the second book came along... I NEVER expected this 'Trembles' one - for the next part was supposed to be "My Sword Reigns" - the ending book - but that will be forthcoming someday! LOL Your kind words are MOST appreciated. I am stunned by the adjectives. Thank you. As for 'Left Behind' - it is a stunning tale - the kind of tale that sticks with the reader forever. Faramir and Pippin were profound. As I said in my 10-point review at MEFA, Denethor's actions were plausible. You wrote it well. It is the mindless bashing of the Steward for quick and easy gratification that galls me. You gave him heart and character and decency. Even though he took a path I hoped he would not, it was masterfully written. I thank you for that.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/18/2008
Faramir does need to grieve; he hasn't had enough time yet and he's certainly suffered too many losses. He also needs one or two companions of his own age or a bit older, who aren't awed by his near-sacrosanct status, if he's to avoid being raised like a hothouse plant - it's a shame that Edoras is too dangerous for him to spend a few months there. And eventually, Indis is going to have to find him a trustworthy caregiver; someone who is patient, firm and kind; she's going to be too busy running Gondor to attend to Faramir all the time. But for now, Faramir can use some TLC. I loved the scene with the boys fooling around with the cookie dough while eating it. Author Reply: It would be perfect if Theodred could stay - the two of them are bound closely. And yet, it cannot be. Also, Targon would be great... but, though he is loyal to Gondor and would do it if Indis asked, his heart is on being a cook and he just couldn't do his apprenticeship with Faramir hanging on his tales... I have an idea... but not sure if I dare run with it... or if I have the expertise to... we'll see. Thanks for reviewing!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/18/2008
The grief and horror will come back to haunt him again and again. Now, to find the right setting for the healing.... Author Reply: The muse has an idea of where Faramir could go that would be safe and free from horror... but I don't know. We'll see who wins.. me or the muse!

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