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Shadows of Memory by Linda Hoyland	6 Review(s)
Adonnen Estenniel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/14/2011
Interesting turn of events. I'm quite intrigued by the vague mentions and Denethor's attitude. The lack of background information certainly makes this a compelling read. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you found this intriging.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/22/2011
Is Aragorn mistaking Faramir for his father, then? Most frustrating for Aragorn to think that he is Denethor's captive! Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I can only say all will soon be revealed!

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/20/2011
I enjoyed that story when I first read it, and I'm still enjoying it. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you are enjoying my more polished version of this story.

LisaG	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/18/2011
Hmmm...very intriguing! The Denethor called him Aragorn and the guard called him "sire", so perhaps everyone in Gondor knows who he really is and believe he's going to be crowned king! Though your Hamlet quote is very unnerving...does it relate to Denethor's treatment of Aragorn? I can't wait to read more! Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm delighted you are intrigued by my story. I've just posted another chapter,which I hope you'll enjoy. the Hamlet quote relates to what Aragorn is thinking.

Ellynn	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/16/2011
Wow, what a thrilling and mysterious start! I like this a lot and can't wait for more. :) Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm so pleased you are enjoying this story.

Darkover	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/15/2011
Dear Linda: Obviously your readers are in for another great story! When the story began, I was fascinated and every bit as puzzled as Aragorn. I fully expected to learn that Aragorn was dreaming, or hallucinating, or that this was all some sick, underhanded attempt on the part of Denethor to learn more about his rival Thorongil while the latter was in such a wounded, weakened state. I could not decide which scenario was more likely. The title chapter's quote from Hamlet suggested some manipulation on the part of Denethor; but the head wound made hallucinations seem just as likely, and Aragorn clearly is badly concussed. I even wondered if this was some kind of fever dream, and he was ill and back in the Last Homely House in Imladris, especially as you wrote that it looked as if his tapestries were hanging on the walls. Something bizarre is going on, for as you correctly had Aragorn observe to himself, Denethor would sooner turn cartwheels stark naked in the Courtyard (there's an image,) before he would take such solicitous care of his rival Thorongil. But(SPOILER ALERT, IF ANYONE OTHER THAN LINDA IS READING THIS REVIEW,) I did not figure it out until Aragorn encountered the guard and realized the man was dressed differently. It isn't Denethor who is taking care of Aragorn, it is Faramir! Once I realized that, it was so obvious, and I blush to admit that I was that far into the chapter before I even suspected! Apparently Aragorn did something heroic as usual--saving a child, apparently--and has sustained a very nasty concussion/head wound. Faramir, with his usual genuine concern and affection for his king, is watching over Aragorn until the latter is better. Or perhaps, as was suggested earlier in the chapter, they were already sharing a bed because of the cold winter weather. That was indeed a common custom in Britain and Europe during the Middle Ages, and as I understand it, it was considered a great honor to be asked to share a bed with the king. Since kings always had to fear assassination, the king would only ask someone he trusted to sleep next to him. I don't know where Queen Arwen is at the moment, but presumably there is some explanation. If the child Aragorn saved was his own--Eldarion, for example--Arwen might be spending the night in her own chamber, watching over the child. Of course, right now Aragorn recalls nothing of all this, and is bewildered and apprehensive. Faramir knows nothing of the king's mental confusion, as Aragorn still believes him to be Denethor and wonders if this is all some bizarre mind game or plot. This is great! A well-written, in-character LotR fan fic, that is also h/c and thriller! I love this first chapter! My only criticism is of one line you wrote. The guard tells Aragorn that "[The Steward] sleeps sleeping yonder tonight, sire." Did you mean to write the sentence that way? It sounds awkward. Otherwise, this story is yet another jewel you have produced. I eagerly await the next chapter. It may take awhile for Aragorn to understand who is caring for him, and what is happening. BTW, that line about Aragorn praying that "Denethor" would not bring him a glass of warm milk and sing him a lullaby, things were strange enough already, made me laugh out loud. It was just the thing to alleviate the tension a little, without altering the mood of this intriguing story. Even if Aragorn soon comprehends who is taking care of him, there might still be problems. The last thing he remembers is going to dinner with Steward Ecthelion. People with head wounds sometimes suffer memory loss, and those memories are not always swift in returning. There could still be problems; Aragorn might not even recall that he is king, or remember how he came to the throne. There is still much to be presented and explored to and for your readers. I am sure you will do your usual great job. I loved your character portrayal, your excellent prose, and your intriguing plot. I eagerly await the next chapter. Sincerely, Darkover Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.It was great to read your thoughts about the story and I'm delighted I had you puzzled for a while! I thought after writing "Kingdom of Ashes" it would be a good time to post this. Thank you too, for pointing out the typo which I've now fixed.

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