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| History Lessons by Nilmandra | 8 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| TolkienFan | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/19/2003 |
| Wow, what a thrilling fight! Was this *really* in the Silmarilion? I had a hard time slogging through that book, but I can't imagine I missed Vingilot and Eagles fighting with Dragons! Guess I'll have to go back and read it again - and maybe stay awake this time! Seriously, your story just keeps getting better and better, Nilmandra. Can't wait until the next chapter! | |
| Fadesintothewest | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/18/2003 |
| What a wonderful chapter! The excitement was palpable as I read, and imagined the fury of the dragons swooping down upon the Elves and Men and the final defeat of the dragons was just awesome! At least thanks to you, that's how I envisioned it. I definitely have a new found respect for Elrond and Elros and the mighty war that raged internally for them. It is for these reasons that Elrond is as wise as he is, b/c he has sensed both the world of Men and Elves, and the sadness related to both. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/17/2003 |
| Nilmandra, What a wonderful chapter! There was such a fine balance of action and introspection. The battle scenes were so well done. For a moment, I even found myself feeling sympathy for the older dragon as Elrond wondered if the slain younger dragon had been its child. There were so many points that caught my eye that I don't think there is enough room to comment on them all...Celeborn and Glorfindel being predatory and Celebrian's scathing looks...the battle, the arrival of the Valar, the brothers "M" and their all consuming tunnel vision on the silmarilli, the moment they took to seek out young Elrond and Elros, the final exhausting blade dance between two brothers who felt they have no one but each other, Elrond's thoughts on the matter and Gil-Galad's resolve to speak to the Vala about these two caught between two destinies. All these scenes and others I did not mention specifically, were so well done. The distress of the Peredhel was so wonderfully described. Oh...my heart breaks for them.....I look forward to the next chapter. Thanks for all the work you've put into this. Your story has put this complex history into such a reader friendly version. Even I can follow it! :>) Karen | |
| Antigone_Q | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/17/2003 |
| It is now 3:01 in the morning. As luck would have it I don't have to work tomorrow, so I decided around chapter 10 that I would just read until I was finished. But the story isn't done yet! Anyway, beautiful piece of work. Liked the past history weaving together with the present, and the Elflings picking up some practical applications to what they are hearing from Elrond, Glorfindel, and Celeborn. Also like that the history given is also a family history, and am enjoying Elrond coming more to terms with his past as he remembers it. Am also impressed by the gentleness with which the main characters treat one another throughout: it is clearly gained from the individuals experiences, some of which were hurtful to begin with. Loved the fact that all the characters experienced growth and change, and thought the depth of the characterization was terriffic. Also, you have a sly sense of humor. Have both laughed and cried (literally) during the reading of this fic, and would love to leave a longer review with more detail, but am very tired. I certainly hope another update is soon to come. | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/17/2003 |
| Oh, my heavens, that was a gripping chapter. The dragons, the ship, the kinslayers, the binding of Morgoth, the breaking of the land ... I must say that this is the story I've always wanted to read. It gets better with every chapter, it beautifully fills in all the gaps I've ever wondered about. And the end! The peredhil who heard both calls but can answer neither! I've always wondered about the difficulty of the choice they have to make, for as surely as they heard both calls they must have that desire to be bound to Arda forever and to fly away from it to the fate of men. I suspect that as Elros lay dying he felt Arda calling to him to stay, and every moment that Elrond continues he feels the call beyond. And poor Gil-galad, who does not know what fate he should plead for. You're breaking my heart, here. All of this is so masterfully, brilliantly done. Looking forward to where you take us next. | |
| Marnie | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/16/2003 |
| What can I say? This chapter was just fabulous! Loved the beginning with the twins leaping on their dad and getting their grandad into trouble. Loved the dragons, and the clever idea of netting one on rope. The battle between Earendil in Vingilot and the eagles and the dragons was awesome, but I really liked the little touch that Elrond hadn't noticed he was wounded until then. The mention of the captives of Angband being freed was very moving. And Maedhros and Maglor turning up was done really well - you really got the feeling of how much of a pariah they were. And of course, lots of lovely Celeborn, being down to earth, practical, unflappable and generally wonderful throughout :) My cup runneth over. I particularly loved that little gesture of tenderness towards Elrond, brought on by seeing Maglor again. Wonderful! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/16/2003 |
| I thought this chapter was wonderful. I would never even attempt to write about something as sweeping and mythic in stature as this battle. And I actually teared up at the sound of the call of the Valar and the idea that Elros and Elrond heard both calls. The glimpse of the Feanorians was strangely moving. What a tragedy that all way. Thank you for giving me something to read! | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 10/16/2003 |
| A beautiful, bittersweet chapter. It made me a little sniffly. Celeborn and Glorfindel are a hoot, but the twins (elder) situation is heartrending. Excellent work, as usual. Thanks for sharing it with us. | |