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| Following the Other Wizard: journey into healing by jodancingtree | 9 Review(s) |
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| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 8/10/2004 |
| After a long interruption, I’m finally able to get back to this story (I had been reviewing it at ff.net, but now that I’ve discovered this lovely site thought I’d give it a try here). Just finished chapters 9-14 and what a pleasure it was, like catching up with an old friend! So much to enjoy on so many different levels--not least of which, for me, is your use of language. I love strange, archaic words like “trow” that force me to consult my dictionary--just as Tolkien forced me! I found it very interesting that you would choose not to write scenes depicting Frodo’s anniversary illnesses--a staple of so many fanfics--and instead just barely allude to them. It wasn’t until Frodo mentioned to Gimli that he’d been much better that spring that I even realized you’d skipped over it! It was nice to see Gimli; I’ve always been fond of him and thought you captured him nicely--so dwarvish, his interest in Arwen’s jewel! And I was even happier to see Faramir, another of my favorites and one who seemed to have such a special rapport with Frodo in LOTR. Tolkien’s portrayal of their bond has always seemed more convincing to me, or at least more fully drawn, than many other relationships in the book. So it was very satisfying to see your take on something I greatly missed in ROTK: a reunion between the two friends. Your vision of Rhosgobel is wonderful, and just so “right” for Radagast…while Gandalf was a rolling stone, it’s easy to see why the Brown Wizard would be content to stay put in a such a peaceful, lovely setting. And the scene with the birds, when Frodo catches a glimpse of the wizard’s true power, was sublime. I also loved the passage from the book written in the Black Speech…harsh and full of grief, yes, but when translated, so very eloquent and beautiful (once again your poetry skills show!). I’m very curious as to whether the author is your own invention, or a character from the Silmarillion…I’ve tried to think who it could be, but no one quite fits. And like Frodo, I wonder how Radagast would have come by the book…(hmmm, could make an interesting story!) Well, I can’t end this ramble without at least a mention of your wonderful portrayals of Frodo and Radagast…they just keep getting better as the story progresses. I like it that Radagast has his own demons to wrestle with…makes him seem more “human”! And dear, thoughtful, self-effacing Frodo…always a bit mystified that everyone is so loyal to him. So is he truly as healed as he thinks? Somehow I wonder, but will just have to read on to find out! Chapter 14 seems a good place to pause and take “the deep breath before the plunge” before venturing into Mordor, where the shadows lie…and where, I have no doubt, there be orcs! Well, if Frodo can take it I guess I can… | |
| Calime | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 7/28/2004 |
| I just couldn't discipline myself to wait for the story at TORC, and I'm glad of it. Up to this point your quest has followed a winding, but emotionally satisfying path; now it is getting exciting! In this chapter you did an excellent job of uping the tension and then backing off again to let us suffer/recover a bit. ;) I love it! On to the next! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/14/2004 |
| One detail I really liked in this chapter was that they found the old Elven boat that Aragorn had hidden. It seems like a artifact of a different time, speaking of hurry, and fear, and the contrast to the peace of now is nice. | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/8/2004 |
| By the way, chapter 13 seems to be missing - it goes from 12 right to 14, and the text that is in the teaser doesn't appear anywhere. Perhaps you could check that out? Author Reply: Thank you for pointing that out! I'm so bad at chapter numbering; it's not the first time I've muddled it up. There wasn't a chapter missing, just a mis=numbering - the text that's in the teaser is from the Prologue (which I added after I had a lot of chapters posted, because one reader hadn't read Another Way of Leaving and was confused about what Frodo was doing, wandering around with Radagast). jo | |
| Fantasy Fan | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/8/2004 |
| Frodo says twice here that he is healed: he even sends it to Sam in a letter. I still don't trust it. But it is a very good sign that he is thinking of others, of Sam, and eager to meet with Faramir. He is truly a noble friend, and it's good to see him healing Ithilien in his own way. Somebody's got to tell them, though, that a marvellous green country is not best viewed from narrow windows behind a stockade. Perhaps when Legolas and his band of Elves arrive, the men will be eased. I can't imagine Elves living behind fences. Author Reply: Perceptive, aren't you? >g< There's still healing that Frodo needs to do, of course, but at least he's got his will to live back, and some measure of acceptance of who he is. And you're right, Elves wouldn't live behind fences! But it's the sad aftermath of war, to still be suspicious and afraid. jo | |
| Shireling | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/8/2004 |
| Jo, This story just gets better and better. I am so pleased that Frodo met up with Faramir and had the chance to contact Sam. His healing is good to see and I love the way he tries to look after Radagast. Beautifully written, as always. Helen Author Reply: Thank you, Helen! I'm so glad you're still reading. It's just like Frodo, isn't it, as soon as he's healed at all, to start trying to take care of Radagast? Even in the Tower, he was insisting that Sam eat something! He's a proper hobbit... jo | |
| Carol | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/7/2004 |
| I enjoyed your story "Another Way of Leaving" very much, and this is a terrific followup. Radagast is delightful, and the story is creative and thought-provoking. Author Reply: Thank you for the kind words, Carol! Radagast is a joy to write - he just about writes himself, and I'm enjoying getting to know him myself! jo | |
| Tathar | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/7/2004 |
| Oh, yay! I was hoping we'd get to meet Faramir. Yet again, your characterization was perfect -- I could perfectly imagine Faramir acting and speaking the way he did. And best of all -- Frodo is healed!! I nearly cried for joy when he said that. Oh, he deserved it so much! All that strength and iron will that abled him to go through Mordor with the Ring is back, stronger than ever. A good thing, too -- he could not have made the trip to Minas Morgul without his healing, I am sure. Yet again, I remember why I love Frodo so much. I know that *I* couldn't have returned to Mordor after an experience like his, even with Radagast... *sigh* I just adore this story. I can't wait for more! Author Reply: Thank you, Tathar! I was really nervous if I got Faramir right - I'm glad you think I did. And you're right, he needed to be healed before he got to Minas Morgul. jo | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/7/2004 |
| You're taking us on such an incredible journey, and it's wonderful to greet old friends along the way. I'm as entranced and intrigued by this tale as I was at the beginning, and am so happy that you update so often! Author Reply: Oh, it's fun bringing in old friends - poor Frodo, he's been trying so hard to avoid people, and yet when he meets Gimli and Faramir it's so good for him! But there are no old friends in Mordor, although it's not quite empty. jo | |