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An Unexpected Adventure [IN HIATUS]  by KathyG 3 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 81 on 3/6/2021
Healing is being offered to more than those wounded near the Black Gates and before Minas Tirith. Understanding is a great, healing gift in its own right. Hooray that Denethor's mind is opening to new thoughts, understandings, and ideas.

Author Reply: I agree. It certainly is a great healing gift, which is to his benefit and that of his sons. K.G.

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 81 on 2/26/2021
Well done!

I must admit, I began reading this chapter with a smile - because this is an AU! And Denethor has a happy continuation of his story rather than a tragic ending! But somehow I found myself brought to tears not once, but multiple times in the reading. Looking eastward to see a sky he'd forgotten the look of and never expected to see again. His response to children's laughter. His interaction with the little ones, kind and patient and not at all patronizing.

Then you fleshed out the Brown Wizard's story and journeys (I loved the bit of the bird perching on his staff, which reminded me of a video I saw yesterday of a woman living Down Under who is visited by many colorful birds every day). Fascinating, but not inconceivable that Saruman's fellow Wizards were swayed by his Voice. Such a powerful magic of his.

And then tears again, to see his new-found love of Faramir, their relationship, and the reminder that (in this story, at least) Boromir was not lost.

(And I like the Visitors' spring tradition of service projects, too.)

Author Reply: I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. Just think: if the McCloud children hadn't been transported to Middle-earth, Boromir would have died, and things would have ended just as they did in the book and the movie trilogy. One thing's for sure: for the McClouds, when they become acquainted with Tolkien after they return home, reading the novel and watching the movies is going to be rather like watching "It's a Wonderful Life"! =)

Dreamflower did a good job of fleshing out Radagast's story, which was told in "The Council of Elrond." K.G.



Author Reply: Oh, and the McClouds' custom of service projects is one of the ways that they prepare for Easter.


shireboundReviewed Chapter: 81 on 2/26/2021
So much he had missed, so many comings and goings, when he had been enthralled by the palantír. He had believed himself to be informed by it of all that was important, yet now he realised that it had withheld much information, but had shown him only what Sauron had wanted him to know.

That explains it all when it comes to Denethor's disintegration. How wonderful that he came through it all to find delight in children, puppies, and wizards.

Author Reply: Yeah, isn't it, though? =) The children have made such a difference in the lives of Middle-earth earth characters, including Denethor's. K.G.

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