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| Following the Other Wizard: journey into healing by jodancingtree | 153 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Darkstar | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 4/15/2016 |
| Reading this was a healing journey of it's own. My gratitude. | |
| Eluthaun | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/18/2010 |
| I can't imagine how to thank you adequately for having written this piece. It has brought me hours of satisfaction, and I send my every blessing on your mind and hand. I have overflowed, felt enriched. Thank you. Eluthaun Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you for letting me know, and bless you. Jo | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/9/2009 |
| Hi...I found this story while searching for tales of Radagast, since I'm writing one that's to have him as a major character and so far have seen very little on him, and I am finding your story very charming and interesting in itself, so far. I like your take on him. Like your characterization of Frodo as well. Shall read more soon......:):):):):) Armariel ~~~~{~@ | |
| Alassiel | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 5/23/2008 |
| Greetings Jodancingtree, Two days ago, another admirer of Tolkien's writings told me about your stories. I immediately searched them out and have spent any spare time I had reading. I have just finished (at 3:30 a.m.) Following the Other Wizard. What a remarkable tale! I think the thing that moves me most about it is its illustration that even the seemingly irredeemable can be redeemed. A criticism that some have leveled at Tolkien is that his characters are mere types: the good being too good and the evil being too evil. I don't subscribe to this view, but I can see how people came to that conclusion. Here, in this tale, you have shown that beneath the apparent darkness of a person, there can be wellsprings of light, for all things were created good in their beginnings, even Melkor, even Sauron, and even those creatures that Morgoth twisted and tormented into what became Orcs. I am off to begin reading The Queen's Orc now. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into Tolkien's rich imagination, and your own. Blessings, Alassiel Author Reply: This was one of those stories where the characters sort of "came to life" and took over the plot, and I found myself running to keep up - I love it when that happens! I'm so glad you enjoyed the result. Thank you for letting me know - your review really made my day! Blessings to you, as well. jo | |
| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/14/2004 |
| Dear Jo, Well after an even LONGER break from reading fanfiction—during which I never forgot this story—I finally finished it last night. Thank you for such a wonderful “there and back again” journey…ending, so sadly yet so beautifully, with Sam and Frodo “going home,” just as they did in “Beyond the Havens” and “Long Home of Mortals.” I usually find character death scenes too sad to read, but yours are so lovely and comforting that I’m able to get through them… The orcs—what a brilliant, original take on them! You have provided such fascinating answers to the intriguing questions that Tolkien raised, but did not answer: Are orcs irredeemably evil? Do they have free will? It put me in mind of a story I read long ago, “The Mirror” by Kete, which hinted at some of the themes you have explored so thoroughly here. There are more questions I wonder about, though: if orcs are immortal, what happens when they are slain? Would their spirits go to Mandos, like Elves? Frodo certainly got a lot of strange nicknames in this story: Donkey, Runt… What I found interesting about the orcs’ names for him was that Canohando, the orc closest to Frodo, gave him the rudest nickname, whereas Yarga, the one who hated him, used the most ostensibly “respectful” name—Ringbearer—though coming from him it seemed more a symbol of his hatred. Well, I know Canohando’s adventures continue in your current story “The Queen’s Orc,” and I look forward to catching up with him (never thought I’d say that about an orc!), once I get through several other long fics that I’ve been promising myself I’ll read. Two last comments, the first rather silly: I loved that in their last autumn together, Frodo and Sam went “leaf-peeping” (as they say in New England) up at Bindbole Wood—even staying at an inn! And, finally, of all the examples of your superb writing style—subtle, evocative, and powerful—this one from the end of the story has stayed with me: “The study seemed suddenly too small to hold him…” I can’t read it, even now, without getting a lump in my throat. Thanks again, Jo. Author Reply: Hi, Inkling - Oh, I'm so glad you came back and finished the story - and thank you for all your kind comments! I have to say, writing this has gotten me quite interested in Orcs. I'll have to look up The Mirror. I've wondered, too, if the spirit of a dead Orc would go to Mandos like the Elves (and if any Orc could go there, surely it would be Yarga, slain defending his friend? Hmmm... that might make a story...) Welcome back to fanfiction land - the supply of great stuff just keeps on growing. As soon as I finish The Queen's Orc, I've got to go catch up with what Lindelea's been writing (so many stories, so little time)! jo | |
| Meldewen Ilce | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/11/2004 |
| Oh Jo, I do love this story! Every now and again I find myself reading over it again even as I anticipate the next chapter of Canohando's ongoing story in "The Queen's Orc". This story is truly one of my all time favorites and Canohando one of my favorite original characters in the LOTR fandom (with Ferdibrand Took from Lindelea's stories being my other favorite). I'll say it again and again - Brava for such a lovely, lovely, lovely jewel of a story! Author Reply: Thank you, Meldewen! There can't be any finer praise for a story than to say you come back to re-read it, and I'm very honored. And Ferdi! Oh, yes - he's one of my favorites as well, and Lindelea is a master story-teller! jo | |
| 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… | |
| Morganna | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 8/9/2004 |
| Dear Jo, Your story is the first ever altered universe tale I've ever read. Calime recommended it to me, and therefore I had to read it! Having done so, I must confess that, had Tolkien kept Frodo on this side of the Sea, I believe this would have been the life he'd approved of for his little ring-bearer! Your story is full of fascinating, new characters, expertly drawn, and wonderful, wonderful descriptive narrative. Radagast was truly of Gandalf's kind - it was only right that Frodo should spend the time of his healing with a wizard. Your story moved me, but not only that, your method and form charmed me. A refreshing, long-to-be-remembered read! I'm off to read The Queen's Orc! M- Author Reply: Dear Morganna - Thank you so much for your review! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the story, and especially that you think Tolkien would have approved - the Professor gave us such a treasure, and I do want to handle it in a way that honors him. I hope you'll like the continued adventures of Canohando. jo | |
| Calime | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 8/6/2004 |
| Jo, I needed a few days to digest the last chapter before I could begin my final review. It was so stunningly sad and beautiful that I still feel funny in the pit of my stomach when I think about it. I guess I'm still grieving for the loss of Sam and Frodo even though they obviously passed on to a better place. It was that real! I can barely begin to tell you all the things I loved about your wonderful story, but I'll try to name a few. I've mentioned your impressive creativity and your flowing and easy style before, so I won't make much of them here except to say again that they have made reading this story an absolute joy. Your greatest strengths, however, lie in your thematic expression and your character development and growth. I came into this story with a great deal of trepidation as I don't like people to mess too much with Tolkien. The subtitle," A Journey into Healing," however, convinced me to take a chance and go with you on your journey. And I am glad I came! Though I was horrified by the fact that your Frodo had actualy planned suicide, I was quickly reasured by your obvious love of and respect for the character. In fact, my favorite thing about this story is what you have done with Frodo. He is still Tolkien's Frodo, but you have given him new opportunities to act and display his inner beauty. As he was healed he became a light so dazzling that one could not help loving him even more. Your other characters were equally well drawn in that we came to laugh with them and weep for them in the same way. Radagast, Nano,and Canohando took on flesh; I cannot believe that I haven't known and loved them all along. The thematic elements in your story are ones that the Professor could have found no fault with and that speak deeply to my own heart as well. You have skillfully woven the themes of healing, love and sacrifice into your story to create a quest of great beauty. Profound insights into the nature of suffering, love and beauty abound in your work. The analogies of the bird, the wounded fox, and particularly that of the worn shell showpiece your gently given wisdom. If I could find any fault at all, it would be that I would have liked to have seen more of Radagast and Frodo after they parted with Canohando. To return more to the primary relationship of the story. To not only know why, but to be shown why Frodo decided to stay on with Radagast after he was healed. I wanted to "see" that Radagast needed Frodo as Frodo needed Sam, to better understand Frodo's long absence from the Shire and from the one who waited for him. Don't take this too harshly, as this is definitely the most beautiful fan fiction I have ever read. I am very grateful you have invited us into your imagination and your heart. A devoted fan, Calime Author Reply: Thank you so much for all your thoughtful reviews, Calime - it has been so encouraging to read your reactions as you read from chapter to chapter, and I tremendously appreciate this final summing up! Frodo is my hero, and I'm glad you feel I did him justice, and that he is still "Tolkien's Frodo" in spite of all his new adventures. And I'm touched and very happy that Radagast, Nano and Canohando became real to you as well - I think the Orc has joined Frodo and Sam in my heart; it's almost as if he sprang to life on the page without me doing anything but describe him. But Tolkien said that too, didn't he? that he felt he was just recording things that really happened, rather than inventing them? There's something about Middle Earth: it's a very magical place... I was a bit afraid to write much more about the years after they left the mountains, in case I set in motion another ten chapters or so and the story never did get finished! (This started out to be a few little vignettes of the travels with Radagast: 5 or 6 chapters, maybe...) But I can see that I got them out of Mordor rather abruptly, and if ever I can think of a *short* way of showing why Frodo stayed so long, I may write it in. My own feeling is that he just lost track of time: it takes Radagast pointing out the hobbit's grey hair for Frodo to realize how long he's been away. All those years he was just living day to day, not looking forward or back - and sixty years drifted by. Sort of a "real life" version of the old tales where the hero thinks he's been away a single night and it turns out to be fifty years. Anyhow - thank you for reading, and thank you double for reviewing! jo | |
| Calime | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 8/4/2004 |
| Well that sure got the tears flowing! It was a beautiful chapter in other ways as well. The sights and images of Frodo and Canohando climbing and then lingering on the mountain were lovely! | |