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| Fool's Gambit by Lindorien | 8 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Imrahoil | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/12/2004 |
| Chess, that's nearly as bad as poetry. And I had to look things up because of your story, that's not nice either. Pondering the timelines is more than I usually do, not that there is much to ponder, but I had to find the 2 entries first regarding the abandoning of Ithilien. In short with a little stretch of imagination Faramir may have the honours (even if he won't get them)for the Southern rangers - major concession -. ;-) Good story, does it really not get boring to hear it all the time? Author Reply: You know, in review at HASA somebody said something that the Rangers were a stealth force from the time Ithilient was abandoned in 2954. I may be wrong, but I didn't find anything in my research that indicates this. I'm sure the Rangers hung out there and there was probably some kind of fighting going on there, but there's nothing to indicate that they were organized at any certain point. Unless this is one of those things buried in HoME or Tolkien's letters or something. In other words, Faramir didn't invent the Southern Rangers, they'd been there a long time. I had him RE-invent them into a different sort of fighting force. I made up the pieces for chess - advisor, sages, nobles, instead of bishop, rook and knight. Hmmm...can't remember is I meant the advisor to be a bishop or a rook for this piece. In any event there's no real need to no much about chess to 'get' this piece. It's unusual to advance all the pawns first. The basic idea is to get the powerful pieces out first, pawns meant to sacrifice and protect. So Faramir's repeated advance of the pawn made Boromir wonder what he was doing and provided the opening Faramir needed to explain his gambit. And it NEVER gets boring to hear somebody likes my story, or thinks its good. Its not like anybody's paying me to do this, y'know! Lindorien | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/11/2004 |
| I really like this look at the brothers Gondor. They seem true to life - their personalities fit to how I saw them in Tolkien's work. And using chess is brilliant. Faramir is a thinker, but he doesn't need credit - just the job done. Author Reply: Nilmandra, I'm so glad you like this. That they seem true to life and fit how you'd picture them in Tolkien is the highest of compliments. Its so sweet of you to say so. Thanks! Lindorien. | |
| maya_ar | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/10/2004 |
| Lindorien, Wow. I liked the chess metaphor very much. What an interesting view of how Faramir's thankless and lonly guerilla war may have begun! Your Boromir is a lovely, lovely man. cheers, Maya Author Reply: ah, thanks, Maya! Yes, my Boromir is a lovely, lovely man. So glad you enjoyed this! Lindorien | |
| Shireling | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/10/2004 |
| Lindorien I really enjoyed this, well done. I know only the basic outline of chess but you have used it very skillfully here as a basis for examining the intricasies and the nuances of Gondorian politics and the stategic difficulties of a Nation under threat. I admire the way you create such telling dialogue, you convey meaning and character with such ease. Bravo. shireling Author Reply: Thanks so much for your comment, shireling. I sometimes wonder if I do well with dialogue because I spend so much time talking to myself...I must ponder that. This one seems to be going over well, so I achieved my goals. I'm glad you liked it. Chess is an ancient game used to teach strategy for war and politics. It is why it has endured, I fear, for war and politics are never-ending. Lindorien | |
| Nijijin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/9/2004 |
| Beautifully written. I love the use of chess in the reality of the story as well as on the board itself. Well done. I like that Boromir heeds Faramir's council so well. This is the first story that Faramir is titled as Boromir's 2nd in command. I rather like that concept. He's not just another Captain. Well done! Nijijin Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked the way I used chess. In 'Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit' OR in 'window on the west' not sure which chapter now - Faramir states he's heading things up until Boromir returns. It's logical he'd be second in command. I wrote him that way in Free Fall. But, I agree, I don't think I've ever noticed anyone else formalize the relationship that way. I wonder why? Thanks for enjoying. I can so see these two working together to solve a problem. Lindorien | |
| Chathol-linn | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/9/2004 |
| It is not often that a work of dialog holds my attention. This one did through the skillful portrayal of the brothers' characters. And Boromir and Faramir are not my favorite characters either (ducking B and F fans)! I also enjoyed the renaming of the pieces to reflect Gondoran culture. Also, the references to probable features of the ruling society such as the Council, the Harad ambassador, and the trade agreements. Nice touch, good job. Regards - Chathol-linn Author Reply: LOL! Then I'll take this as a very nice compliment, if you don't tend to B and F AND you don't gravitate towards dialogue works. I'm glad you like it and the nuances I tried to instill. As long as it all rang natural and true, and provided a satisfying read, then I've done my job as the author. Thanks so much for reading and enjoying. Lindorien | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/9/2004 |
| What a wonderful portrait of these two! It's so clever and catches them so well. The chess analogy is used very nicely. Author Reply: Thanks, daw. Chess as an analogy for war is as old as the hills and I hoped to portray it just a little differently. I'm glad you thought I captured the brothers. Thanks so much for your kind words. I so appreciate them. Lindorien | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/9/2004 |
| Goodness - I liked that. Faramir and Boromir are just so great. It is NOT FAIR that Boromir was killed. Good thinking on Faramir's part - in more ways than one. Nice piece. Author Reply: Thanks, Bodkin. Neither of those boys was a fool. And I like to think of them working together on things. JRRT shoulda just winged the older one. :( Lindorien | |