News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| In Empty Lands by Larner | 16 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/17/2015 |
| I have just started this today, and I'm really enjoying it so far! It's very interesting to see the other characters from an outsider's perspective, as Boromir surely was at that point. I especially liked his meeting w the Rangers at Weathertop, and this one w Aragorn... Thanks for writing! Author Reply: And thank you for responding. How Aragorn must have at times managed to bring to mind his own father, and yet how different the two Men, who were after all contemporaries, were from one another. This was my first work in which I've considered what Boromir did to add to the Fellowship, and I find I like the Man more and more as I write of him. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/21/2008 |
| Boromir's perception of Aragorn as being like his father and Faramir and yet very much his own person--very interesting. I look forward to seeing how he perceives the others who will be his companions. Had to laugh at the boring book bit. Mom says that works for her all the time, but I always manage to get interested. Yes, it would work for Boromir, I think. :) Author Reply: The resemblance between Denethor and Thorongil was much remarked upon in the Appendices; that there would be one with Faramir as well made sense to me. And I've known a few who depended on boring books to allow their brains to shut down. I obiously felt Boromir would be one of them--heh! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/15/2008 |
| Ah, how very like Boromir to seek for *boring* books to fall asleep reading them! *lol* Somehow I've seen the purpose of reading books a tiny little bit different! And I remember the title of the book Aragorn recommended from 'King's Commission'. Yes, that might be better than any sleeping pill - with or without understanding Adunaic ... That was an interesting first meeting between the son of the Steward and the Heir to the throne of Gondor. I really enjoyed it, knowing a bit more than poor Boromir. Boromir's comparing the stranger to his father, the little aside about the stud books of Rohan, their discussion about the fight at Osgiliath ... so many little details woven into this chapter! Author Reply: I like to think that Boromir's interest in literature was perhaps a good deal more prosaic--and oddly practical--than his brother's! And I do like to weave the stories together, as you already know! Heh! Thank you so for the review! | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/14/2008 |
| I absolutely loved the ticking off of the foods poor Boromir was nappy NOT to be eating - especially a certain few that had delitirious consequences for him! :) Oh - and the spoor of trolls! Shame Bilbo and the Dwarves didn't know how to read THAT sign! Oh - I do so love the description of Aragorn vs Denethor - it really had to be a shock to Boromir - it was to Pippin when he first met Denethor - this was truly delightful for a Denethor fan. The little details that always amaze me about your writing are here in proficiency too! The studbook! Excellent little side quip! I think these are my favorite lines - 'It could have been Boromir’s father accepting the spoken report of one of his captains. - Boromir found himself straightening automatically, and answering...' The ending was perfect! Wow - great chapter - so much learned about both men A question or two - My research suggests that Boromir arrived early morning the same day as the Council... also, I had always remembered that only four survived the Battle of the Bridge? I'd love to know what reference you use for Boromir's arriving the night before and also the seven compared to the four? Blessings and many thanks for a great, riveting chapter! Author Reply: For someone who has traveled as far as he has without the in-depth experience his brother undoubtedly had, Boromir had to have had at least a few misadventures with what he hoped were edible plants he encountered along the way. But I would expect him to be able to identify the tracks of orcs and probably of trolls as well. The most lordly person he's known is his father, and Aragorn is, after all, a contemporary of Denethor's who learned much of rule from the same source as Denethor--from Ecthelion. Boromir must have felt some level of confusion in recognizing mannerisms in this stranger and not necessarily appreciating precisely why they seem so familiar. And when Aragorn began demanding answers, of course Boromir would naturally snap to attention--don't you think? In one place it appears that Boromir arrived in the night, and in another on the morning of the Council, (FOTR, Council of Elrond as opposed to The Tale of Years), so I sort of having him arriving sometime after midnight so as to meet both expectations. He tries to get a bit of sleep, but ends up getting none. Was it only four who survived? I couldn't quite remember, but thought the number was seven. I've definitely made my share of mistakes with canon, so I'll check it out again and correct it when I can get to it. Anyway, thank you so for the feedback! | |
| Kara's Aunty | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/14/2008 |
| Hello, I enjoyed the conversation between Boromir and Aragorn (impressive dialogue and the manner of their speech was beautifully done). The two of them trying to accurately read the other was amusing. And Boromir's idea to find a book so boring as to knock him senseless brought a wide smille to my face, particularly this bit: 'His brother had been shocked to see the book of treatises and the second of poetry that lay ever on the table by Boromir’s bed; but the warrior had ever found the dullness of both was able to so deaden his mind he could then sleep.' Extremely funny! I forgot to commend your beta RiverOtter in my last review, so kudos to her/him too for a job well done. Thanks for a great read! M :) Author Reply: Again, I am honored. I took a minor in speech, drama, and communication when I earned my B.Ed., so dialogue has always had a good deal of importance to me, and I try to render it realistically. When he was quite young my older brother saw books as deadly dull, although that changed when he got a truly gifted literature teacher in seventh grade. Boromir's use of dull literature to help him sleep I patterned in part on Big Bro when he was younger. I will pass your commendations on to RiverOtter, and I am certain she will greatly appreciate them. Thank YOU for the feedback--you know how much feedback is always appreciated. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/12/2008 |
| A fascinating meeting between Aragorn and Boromir.I liked the way you brought out how like Denethor and Faramir Aragorn is.YOu convey Aragorn's presence brilliantly.I also liked the touch about Boromir unable to sleep in the fine bed as I've done the same with Aragorn. I guess it is difficult to get used to! Author Reply: I'll admit it was in part your story about Aragorn finding his bed too comfortable that helped spark this story. Oh, yes, it would take getting used to, just as not having to worry about enemies possibly attacking in the darkness of night. The Appendices indicate that many saw a strong likeness between Thorongil and Denethor, to the point they appeared very brothers; and so it must be that Faramir also must resemble Aragorn at least some, I'd think. Certainly I'd expect Boromir to see the likeness. Thanks again for the feedback. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/5/2008 |
| Puff, puff, puff, here I am at last. I have wanted to tell you for the last week, how much I am enjoying your new story. Poor Boramir, sent off to the north looking for the hidden city of the elves. I myself had to get my maps out and trance his journey. (at least mine are not all wet) Loved his meeting with the rangers, the elves and Estel. I am now going to sit here, and wait for more to come over the airwaves. Hurry, I can only keep the cats out of this room for so long. Author Reply: And here I finally am to answer you! Again, this was originally intended as a one-shot, but the third chapter made itself known first and the others demanded to be written that the third might be properly introduced; and now here comes still another! Yes, he has met many new peoples, and has more yet to encounter! And I have had to fight off the cat who is intent on constantly unplugging telephone line and power plug as he butts his head against the laptop as it lies cradled against my knee. The next chapter is now posted. | |
| Celeritas | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/1/2008 |
| A good first meeting, before Boromir truly learns who this man is (and am I right in wondering that Aragorn still remembers Boromir from when the latter was three years old?). I enjoyed in particular the displays of ignorance: both Boromir's ignorance of the history of Arnor and his shock at Aragorn knowing of Gondor. Too often fandom assumes that since we are privy to obscure bits of lore in Middle-Earth, so were all the other characters. Author Reply: Oh, I do think Aragorn does remember the toddler he last saw in Minas Tirith, and is amazed to see how he has turned out! As for thinking Boromir would know much about Arnor's history--I can't imagine he'd know much more than what he might have heard Gandalf say, and he probably ignored much of that save for the reports of wars and battles. No, his knowledge would undoubtedly be very sketchy, or so I'd think. And personally I doubt Aragorn would admit to him who he'd been in Gondor's history. Thanks so very much for the review--I do appreciate it! | |
| Ainariel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/1/2008 |
| I have been a 'lurker' on this site for the past several years (there a quite a few good reads within!) I usually read about the Rohirrim - I relate most strongly to them (I learned to ride at such a young age I don't remember it, and the vision of Rohan from the films tie in with my celtic/norse background) I've never been particularly drawn to Gondor, except for Aragorn...until now. I truth, in both book and film, Boromir has never really been a favorite character of mine - but I love the way you have fleshed him out in this tale. You are right in line with what the Professor wrote of him, but there is so much insight into his motives in this tale that I am truly intrigued by him! I must comment also on your descriptiveness - I can 'see' this story unfolding(like a mini-film in my mind's eye), right down to the expressions on Aragorn & Boromir's faces as they converse - very important when they speak so much with so few words! Wonderful, well written tale - I look forward to the rest of it! Westu hal! Author Reply: I am truly honored, Ainariel. I rarely write Boromir, and to find myself writing primarily about him or from his point of view is a departure from my norms as well. And I am so honored you feel this about the way I've used description. Thank you so very much! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/31/2008 |
| A wonderful look at the first meeting between Boromir and Aragorn, frought with mystery and wonder on both sides. I love the echoes of both Denethor and Faramir that Boromir sees in the mysterious stranger, and the hope that the latter inspires in the weary Captain-General. Author Reply: Am so glad you like this meeting. Yes, more than a bit of wonder, seeing this strange man sitting there as if he belongs, and yet he obviously IS a Man, not an Elf. Tolkien himself indicated that Thorongil and Denethor looked very much alike; that Boromir should see the resemblance both in looks and behavior, particularly as Aragorn is a Ranger as was his brother and is used to command as is Denethor and has his own presence to consider just seems so likely. And I hope that he did indeed manage to inspire some hope in Boromir, who needed some of that commodity, I think. | |