News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Shadow of the Past by Linda Hoyland | 6 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/4/2009 |
| Tolkien invested ROTK and the Appendices with considerable psychological drama, pitting Denethor against Gandalf, Denethor against Thorongil/Aragorn, and putting Faramir in the middle of these conflicts as pawn, player and prize. In an earlier draft of the Denethor/Gandalf confrontation at the Pyre, Tolkien had Gandalf demand that Denethor "yield" Faramir to him; which makes the conflict between the wizard and the Steward for Faramir even more intense, personal and dramatic. Although that line was not used in the final version of LOTR, the force of Gandalf's demand lingers in my head, and echoes in this story; though I have no idea whether Linda read the same part of HoME III: The War of the Ring that I did. Here, the last struggle for Faramir's allegiance occurs after Denethor's death, and Aragorn takes on the most active role; claiming Faramir for his own regime and Gondor's future. And I very much liked Gandalf's injunction to Denethor to "Rest in peace", Gandalf's compassion is in character; and he always admired Denethor, despite their differences of opinion. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I've only read snippets of HOME, but I think you told me about that passage a while back. I'm pleased you like my Gandalf as he is character I rarely dare to write! | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/1/2009 |
| Rather scary but Faramir is wise enough to give his own father the boot - interesting that he does do that in his dream - and that he wants to serve the rightful king and follows him instead. Love that Aragorn claims him for his own, after Denethor had abandoned him. Faramir will know love now. Interesting also and a nice touch that Gandalf says to Denethor's ghost to rest in peace. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed my story. It fascinates me that Denethor who gave Faramir life sought to take it, while Aragorn gives Faramir his life back. May God bless you too! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/1/2009 |
| Evil has such a hold on the world, and Denethor sought to hold too closely what he could have held so much better had he held it with open hands. Lovely, Linda. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.Alas, evil does indeed have a hold.Everything could have been so different for Denethor.I'm pleased you liked the story. | |
| Estelcontar | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| That was a wonderful Halloween story. It was good that Aragorn and Gandalf were there to help Faramir. Happy All Hallow's Eve Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm so pleased you enjoyed this Halloween story. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| You would have killed your son, by so going, you forfeited your rights over him. I claim him now! Very believable! Poor Faramir, nearly torn in two... but the past is the past, and the future is finally bright and clear. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you found my spooky tale believable. | |
| utfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| Great Halloween tale. Will join my favorites. Happy Halloween to you as well. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm delighted you enjoyed my spooky tale. Happy Halloween! | |