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Kingdom of Ashes by Linda Hoyland	6 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/12/2011
Alas for the self-centeredness of Denethor. He lost so much in his rivalry with Thorongil, which was so one-sided to begin with. And I love the thought he might have been looking into the Anor stone when Aragorn was revealing himself to Sauron. Take that, old One-Eye--here's a poke in it! Well done indeed! Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. It is so sad that Denethor was so self centred and jealous.I'm pleased you liked the idea that Denethor might have seen Aragorn reveal himself to Sauron.

Ellynn	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/10/2011
I really like the dark atmosphere in the chapter, that matches so well with darkening of Denethor's mind and soul. The last line is so perfect! Thanks for a wonderful story, Linda. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm delighted that you enjoyed this story and felt I caught the darkening of Denethor's soul.

Laikwalâssê	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/10/2011
Dear Linda, until now I had troubles to understand the motives of Denethor but your wonderful description of his character made me look at him with different eyes and sometimes I pity him. This is really a great written story. Thank you. Lai Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm thrilled to hear that I helped you understand Denethor better!

Darkover	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/9/2011
Dear Linda: Wow! This final chapter was intense, and very absorbing to read. Denethor was comparing his sons--to Faramir's detriment--as soon as the latter was born. The loss of Ecthelion, followed all too soon by the loss of Finduilas, not only grieved Denethor, it deprived him of two people who might have provided some emotional and psychological stability to his life. As time passed, Denethor became even more power-absorbed than ever--and he still continued to be obsessed with Thorongil! You did an excellent job of showing how, even with the Captain gone, Denethor's anger and resentment of Thorongil continued unabated, and it added to his growing pride and anger. He even resented Faramir because the characteristics of his younger son reminded him of his hated rival! Denethor took up the use of the palantir as much because he wanted to know where Thorongil was and what the latter was doing, as because he wanted to know and thwart the plans of Sauron. As you portrayed the growing pride and madness of the Steward, you also did an excellent job of using threads from Tolkien to weave consistency into this final chapter. This was skillfully done, and I admire your deft use of canon. I agree with your final implication that Denethor tried to kill Faramir and then himself as much because he did not want either of them to serve "Thorongil," as because he did not want them to become prisoners or slaves of Sauron. Denethor still blames Thorongil for allegedly depriving him of his father's love, and assumes the former Captain will be able to command Faramir's love, as well. Of course, the King will be able to; but once again, Denethor can see things only from his own bitter perspective. He cannot comprehend how Faramir might love the King because the King is the kinder father-figure Faramir has always wanted and needed, or how Faramir's surrender of the white rod to this man would be an act of duty, not betrayal. Denethor still sees everything as being about him! The Steward is so full of hate and rage against the man whom he has always regarded as his rival, that he will take his own life and that of his son's as one final, dramatic act of spite. Your last line: "Come, Thorongil, and inherit your kingdom of ashes!" is particularly well written! Each chapter of this story has packed an emotional wallop. Thank you very much for writing and posting such an interesting and dramatic tale. Sincerely, Darkover Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I loved reading your thoughts about this story and this chapter.It was so sad that Denethor lost the people who might have helped him and his jealousy warped his mind.Thanks again.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/9/2011
Poor Denethor; in the end, his pride is all he has left; and it didn't have to be that way. A good interpretation of the last third of Denethor's life... Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I do feel pity for Denethor,such a pity he let pride and despair destroy him.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/9/2011
If Imladris did indeed still exist, it might well be where Thorongil was hiding, and most likely Mithrandir with him. They would easily beguile Faramir and bend him to their will, setting him up as an agent against his lord and father. That's a fascinating reason why Denethor might have sent Boromir and not Faramir. This is a very well written story. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you liked my reason for why Boromir was sent to Rivendell and enjoyed the story.

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