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| Beneath Strange Stars by Larner | 5 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Teresa | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/16/2014 |
| Dear Larner, thanks for this glimpse of Curumo's interactions with the other Maia and the Valar! It's fascinating to see how his gifts started to take a darker turn; and realize how under Melkor and Mairon they would be twisted to the destruction of himself and others. That discussion between he and Olorin reminded me of the friendship that Obi-Wan and Anakin shared, and how Palpatine destroyed it for his own purposes. It's also very sad too, that someone could have such strength of mind and purpose and yet lose those things because they cast everything aside for power over others. This vignette fits in well with Stirring Rings, and shows just how early darkness began to shadow Curumo.... As always, your work gives me great pleasure and further contemplation of one of my favorite series! Again, many thanks! :) Author Reply: In one of the stories written this year for B2MEM Annatar is working on Celebrimbor, and I thought, Hey! So, perhaps he was the model for Curumo on using the power of his voice and his skill at persuading to manipulate others! And this story grew out of that. Haven't really watched the prequels to Star Wars, although I've caught some glimpses as my kids and grandkids were watching them. One day I need to sit down and really watch them so I know the full story. Thank you! I love knowing that my writing provokes thought! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/15/2014 |
| for he could teach you to use such skills to guide others even more convincingly He is very eloquent, isn't he? What he really means has nothing to do with guidance but with enslavement and terror! And Curumo (Saruman)is so easily taken in by him. He only meant well for the Children! P.S.: Happy belated birthday to you! Author Reply: Or at least manipulation of others. I do believe that Curumo did start off well, as Gandalf indicated to Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. But once you start on the slippery slope of manipulating others it's hard to keep from sliding into doing so for your own profits rather than for what is truly best for everyone. And I had a delightful birthday, although Monday wasn't quite so nice. Heh! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/14/2014 |
| p.s. Happy Birthday! Author Reply: Thank you. It was Palm Sunday this year--won't happen on Easter again until I'm in my eighties! Last time my birthday fell on Easter I turned two; it's just not fair I have to wait so long between Easter birthdays! Heh! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/14/2014 |
| Whoa. Beautiful, chilling behind-the-scenes look at how Saruman might have added to his powers of persuasion, and his stated motivation. Is it possible he fooled even himself? Tyranny that grows from the seed of a "desire" to protect, is still tyranny none the less. The result, of course, is stunted growth and harm to those who are thus "protected". Very well done. (And Olorin makes me smile.) Author Reply: As you know, the road to Hell is too oft paved with good intentions! I'm certain Curumo/Saruman never appreciated what a slippery slope of ambition and tyranny he managed to put himself upon. But how many Inquisitors do you think did much the same? Or the likes of Joseph McCarthy? The stretch from "guidance and counselling" to interferance and despostism is too often but a small one. Author Reply: (And Olorin/Gandalf is always a joy, isn't he?) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/14/2014 |
| he had managed to so impress Mairon with his ability to explain matters to those of lesser intellect. Such a keen insight into Curumo's true nature. Nicely written. Author Reply: A bit insecure but still vain--isn't that too often true with those who seek to make tyrants of themselves? Thanks so, Shirebound! | |