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| The Eagle on the Ramparts by Canafinwe | 11 Review(s) |
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| WindSinger | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/20/2016 |
| Well, I have finally had time to find this latest chapter and, although I often do not take the time to review, I wanted to let you know how very much I am enjoying your tale. When I make time to scan the new fan fiction postings, I first look for yours. You have such a wonderful gift of creating a reality I have no problem sinking into. Wonderful characterizations - very believable while also being enviable. Kudos! And thank you so much for sharing!!! | |
| someone | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/31/2016 |
| Poor Minardil, he's nearly like a fish out of water in the confusion of the battlefield. Nearly, because he is able to hold the men together, but can't make sense of the situation. And now Denethor is most likely furious with him. He really didn't choose a good moment to tell who is the strategist of the Tenth. I think that Denethor got some of his sharp tongue from his mother... Nelior hasn't been an exactly sympathetic character until now, but he clearly knows how to do his job. And Denethor is really impressive on battlefield! It was a nice touch to put a little humor in the middle of the battle ("Which way’s southwest in this soup?"). Thorongil clearly knows how to make an entrance! I like the little details you have put in this story, like the not-pretty knife of Noldorin steel. And now I'm curious as to why Thorongil has been so glad of his plain-looking knife. Midhon didn't get his wish of seeing as few injuries as possible. I'm not at all surprised that he seems to be a little hysterical. And now, Thorongil intends to patch an artery in the middle of the field? I hope he succeeds, but it doesn't seem likely. And it is good that there is an impartial witness (Herion), in case no one believes that Thorongil was the one to do that. | |
| Camp6311 | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/27/2016 |
| Wow,excellent battle scene!, rich in detail, centered on the main characters, but not overly done, I was captivated through the whole thing. From Minardil's battle: "when Minardil lopped off the arm of one dour warrior he gave a cry of torment to chill the blood." I'm assuming this was the cry that alerted Aragorn, details like this are so helpful in keeping a timeline of all the action that is going on. (I was also glad it wasn't a Gondorian) If you are keeping a poll, I would vote updates over replies any day! The effort you put into sharing this story with us is truly appreciated. | |
| quodamat | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/24/2016 |
| Wow...what a chapter! As usual, your writing is richly atmospheric and vivid, and I loved how you showed how different characters reacted to the dire situation. This chapter really let Minardil "prove his quality" in his compassionate attitude even to enemies. I love how you write this character, especially how you portray him as heroic but not omnipotent, and humble enough to acknowledge his lack - for example, he keeps his head all through the battle, but is horrified when Denethor expects him to show off his strategy. That was a really interesting way to develop the plot: I have a feeling that moment will come back to haunt Minardil, and I think Thorongil may owe him a big apology for putting his captain in a position that was not only personally uncomfortable, but potentially dangerous. I also really liked what you did with Midhon. I hope you continue to develop this character, as I'm finding his story arc very compelling. This was such a baptism by fire for him - he's come a long way from checking foreigners for lice at the city gates. Like Minardil, you write him with a moving combination of courage, competence, and human frailty. It was also interesting how Denethor actually comes across better in this chapter than he does in most. It kind of makes me think that he might have been a much better leader if he'd ruled Gondor in a time of open war or some other grant project, rather than being on the defensive for so long. It's clear that he's a man of action, like his first son, and - again like Boromir - seems to be at his worst when he has too much time to sit still and think and worry. I've definitely encountered people like that, who seem made for action rather than contemplation - and vice versa. So much hinges on whether someone is suited to the role history assigns them. Then again, there's also the need to recognize one's strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly, and to cultivate the virtues needed in the circumstances one finds oneself in...but that's another issue! Anyway, I think much of the depth of this story comes from the way it examines different types of leadership. You have an incredible gift for injecting your stories with psychological and even sociological insight! Final note: I love the little dashes of humour you include even in this very dark chapter. I think my favourite was the aside about Thorongil's knife. I can just picture Gandalf laying into the smiths at Rivendell who want to make it far too pretty! | |
| Sneha | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/24/2016 |
| So now Denethor knows the truth, I can't wait to see how this plays out! It was interesting that Thorongil chose to save the Easterling, I don't doubt that Aragorn in later years would have done it too but he might come off across as less naive, I don't know how you managed that! It is wonderful to see you write again! Take care and best wishes! | |
| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/24/2016 |
| Thorongil showed all his colors in this battle. From warrior to healer. There is no hiding any more. Too may witnesses. Loved the battle description with the mist and the chaos surrounding our heroes. Not knowing how many foes there are, just trying to survive. | |
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/24/2016 |
| Being snowed in, I saw this new chapter and yelped in pleasure. Sorry for life overwhelming you. We all totally understand. Fantastic chapter and well worth the wait! All the major characters did their jobs well. Thank you so much. | |
| Ryanwe | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/24/2016 |
| Hi Canafinwe, finally I have my account on Stories of Arda! I'm really happy you've updated despite the difficult period. I particulary liked this line: "He was without mail or helm to cover him, and his dark hair flowed and rippled loose in his wake. So swiftly he moved that the fog could not escape him: it swirled in eddies and tendrils about him as his long sword found its mark again and again and the bright blade grew black with blood." What a wonderful description of Denethor! The description of Minardil's impressions at his first battle against the armies of Mordor is very realistic, I actually could feel his confusion and fear. Thanks for writing. | |
| Matt | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/23/2016 |
| Just glad to see you writing at all, one always worries that when an author goes silent that other, even worse, things are happening. Good to see that this is not the case. Great battle scene, and although I disagree with the ethics of Thorongil's choice in saving the Easterling the military logic can't be argued. Looking forward to future installments and really glad to see this one. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/23/2016 |
| It's impressive to see our healer-warrior tending friend and foe alike, and setting such a good example for the men. | |