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| Ransom by MP brennan | 18 Review(s) |
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| S | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 8/17/2024 |
| Well, I think it's safe to say I found this fic a little later than some, but still I feel like I'm late to comment. I read it maybe a month ago now and I haven't been able to get it out of my brain since. Dakheel slides in so neatly alongside everything else about Aragorn that it's hard to remember that he wasn't there the whole time. I think that's the only neat thing about this story, which is an aspect I deeply respect. There are no neat solutions, no clear answers, no simple villains, and no clean hands. I find myself thinking about Azzam a lot. I imagine Hakim wishes that Azzam knew Dakheel lived, that the knowledge might have assuaged some of his guilt. I think Azzam did know. I think Azzam might have found the stories of mutinies (and burned down villages that he knows must have followed) far less comforting to have played a part in. But, then, would it have been better to kill Dakheel or abandon him to die? Obviously not. No clear answers, no clean hands. Aragorn gets as much blood on his hands in the business of healing as he does the business of killing. It's fascinating to trap him in a situation where neither is possible. I'm not really sure how to finish except to say thank you for this. I'll be chewing on it for a long time to come. | |
| Suzelle | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 9/7/2013 |
| I didn't quite know what to expect from this story, but given the subject matter/summary my hopes were quite high. And you did not disappoint in the slightest! I absolutely loved it. You treat your OCs with such care and you bring them to life in a way that gives me great fondness for each one. Truth be told, the ending broke my heart a bit, at least when it came to Azzam. But, as you say... "This is life, and life does not fit so easily into simple tales." No one's faced with easy choices in this fic, and I appreciate how starkly you lay that out, and neither condemn nor excuse the paths Azzam chooses to take. Your Aragorn is phenomenal as always: I love getting to see a slice of his life that's rarely explored in fic, but one that informs his time as king in more ways than one (both in terms his own character growth and the necessity of establishing peace with Gondor's old enemies). And I adore, ADORE your epilogue scene. I'm a sucker for long-lost-reunion scenes, and the foundations for peace that are laid here ring so very true. Thank you for this story! I am very much looking forward to reading the timestamps and sequels :) Author Reply: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. This fic was a labor of love for me; it's an idea that I kept returning to even during my five year absence from fandom. Azzam's fate hurt to write, but I tried to deal with it in a way that was true to the character. He's a very principled man, yet was repeatedly forced to compromise his morals for the sake of his family. In the end, I think, he just wouldn't be able to reconcile those two aspects of himself. I'm glad you enjoyed Aragorn's characterization! I see him as having an affinity with "common people" that is both rare and precious in leaders, and I enjoyed exploring that. I hope you enjoy the sequels, including the several that are still on my storyboard. -Brennan | |
| katharein | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/8/2013 |
| I have enjoyed this story - and its time-stamps and sequels more than I can say. The characters and their psychology are convincing. I had to skim some of the torture scenes, but they were just what Aragorn might have endured "where even the stars are strange" You have a real gift - keep it coming ! Author Reply: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I'm glad you've enjoyed this expanding tale, even if it is a bit harsh at times. -Brennan | |
| rs | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/6/2013 |
| PS - I appreciate the mention of the "Luthien and Beren" tapestry. He is such a romantic! Author Reply: :) He really is a romantic. I mentioned that the Luthien piece was a new addition because he probably would have inherited the rest of the study from Denethor, but that painting was of his own selection (or possibly a coronation present ;). | |
| rs | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/6/2013 |
| GREAT ending. Everything that I want to say have already be said in the reviews. I am so glad this story finally came out. Thank you caristiona for being the cheerleader! Love, love love this story and will print it out so I can read it over and over. I applaud you for keeping this reader interested and at the edge of her seat. Thank you! And I can't wait for the sequel. :) Author Reply: Thank you so much for the lovely review! I'm glad I finally got this out there, too. Now, if I could only make the sequel come out right . . . (Don't worry, it's progressing!) -Brennan | |
| bookworm | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/3/2013 |
| Oh wow, I loved this story! Really enjoyed seeing it from the "enemy"'s point of view - it was handled very realistically & I enjoyed the juxtaposition between time frames as well. Definitely looking forwards to a sequel if you write it! Author Reply: Thank you! It's great to hear that people enjoyed this tale. I hope you like my future work! -Brennan | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/2/2013 |
| I rejoice that Hakim recognized what was happening and took part in what proved to be the perfect object lesson for the lords gathered to see this audience. And I rejoice that Aragorn returned the sword even as he was so gracious to Dakheel. A wonderful illustration of Aragorn's nature and that many of the "enemy" were indeed merely common folk with their own needs, strengths, and weaknesses, sharing most ambitions, hopes, and fears with the Gondorim. Ayman is lucky to have such a father as Hakim has proved to be. Now, to see your next offering. My version of two visits Aragorn made to Harad can be found in my story "Lesser Rings." As is true of you, I see him coming to honor some of the more honorable of his hosts during his stay. Thank you so very much! Author Reply: Thank you so much for all your wonderful reviews along the way! I actually read the first few chapters of "Lesser Rings" not too long ago and was very intrigued! I've bookmarked the story to read through when I have a good chunk of time on hand. I look forward to it! -Brennan | |
| Morn | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/2/2013 |
| I've just read through most of this story in the past few days. I was interested in the viewpoint of the enemy in this. I think you portrayed the family very well, with their fear of Sauron ruling them rather than them being necessarily evil. And of course, the great twist that was coming to reward them for their kindness all those years ago. I enjoyed the story very much, an intriguing concept. :) Author Reply: Thank you so much! I'm glad this story caught your interest. -Brennan | |
| Celeth | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/2/2013 |
| I could almost feel the tension in the throne room as the scene between Hakim and King Elessar plays out. That was a wise move Aragorn made, to win over his advisors, especially the hardened ones who must have served under Denethor (who was not exactly forgiving, either) when Gondor was at constant war with Harad, to the idea of finally making peace with them. And his friend of old, Hakim, played a very important part in it. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during dinner, as they reminisce on the the old days, Aragorn's stay with them, and Aragorn's tales of his adventures after he was sold to Umbar. A very lovely ending to a beautiful and exciting story. Looking forward to the sequel, and to more stories *wink, wink* Author Reply: Thank you for another awesome review! I'm glad you appreciated the tension in this scene, and that you saw the wisdom in Aragorn's unorthodox tactics. He does have an uphill battle, politically, but battles are sort of his specialty! ;) Maybe I'll write more of the reunion at some point, but for now, I'm concentrating on the rest of Aragorn's adventures in the south. I hope my future stories live up to your expectations. -Brennan | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/1/2013 |
| Just a wonderful story that was very well written. I like how you portrayed the Haradrim, how they were complex characters with both good and bad qualities... in short, real people! :) The way Aragorn 'used' Hakim in this last chapter was a masterful stroke that will serve both people well in the long run - at least I hope so! :) I'm looking forward to the next story. Thanks again for sharing your story with us. Radbooks. Author Reply: Thank you! I'm glad you appreciated the complexity of the characters and especially glad that you liked Aragorn's politicking in this final part. I was worried that he might come off as too harsh, but I believe Aragorn would use every tool at his disposal since he's determined to make peace with Harad work. I hope you enjoy my future work! -Brennan | |