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Land of Light and Shadows  by Thundera Tiger 2 Review(s)
ErialoReviewed Chapter: 6 on 2/2/2011
I am very much enjoying this story. Character evaluation is always so interesting, and I never grow weary of delving into these particular characters. It adds new interest to have their evaluations being done by someone who clearly got out on the evil side of his bed this morning.

I appreciate how detailed your writing is, truly giving this a history. Love it.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled you feel there is history and weight behind the writing. A lot of this came out of college research and found form in writing (with lots of embellishments, of course). As for the evil side of the bed... Well, sometimes drama brings out characteristics that are more easily written about.

Thanks again!

fadagaskiReviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/24/2005
I remember liking this chapter when I first read it, because it is truly the beginning of a new realm. Yes, Aragorn was on about water in the last chapter, but here we enter into Harad and suddenly, as the descriptions change, so does the readers expectation. We learn more about the tribes and their hierarchy, about Dashnir and Khurintu, and about the desert itself - am particularly struck by Legolas' thoughts regarding the entire lack of life. It's such a weird thing to think, I being Rohirrim (of course!), but to an elf, it makes sense. Heaven help us, there's elf in you too! :P

Dashnir's thoughts on Legolas and Gimli's friendship were awesome, specifically the rather dry sentence about their dealings with each other. Made me laugh.

I understand that it has a lot to do with plot, but I find it odd that Aragorn is being so evasive and retiscient about his suspicions around his closest confidants. Of course, if he DID spill every last thought of his, there would be no drama and suspence, but still. It sits strangely with me on a third reading.

Author Reply: Part of what I really enjoy about this story is the chance to explore a land that's basically been taken to extremes. I've had fun playing with concepts of desert travel, so it thrills me to no end that you've enjoyed that, too. It makes me feel a bit less guilty about indulging my passions for desert lands.

The evasive and retiscient Aragorn is operating on a few different principles. First of all, he really doesn't know anything yet. He has vague suspicions, but nothing that anyone can act on or do anything about, so he's reluctant to share. Secondly, he's switched into almost a need-to-know mode, and at this point (especially since nothing hostile has happened) no one really needs to know. They just need to be on their guard. Third, he's running into the same problems Imrahil faced earlier: he just doesn't know how to put his suspicions into words. There's no way to voice them, so he's going to let the situation develop in order to put names to things he's feeling. But still, I do see your point, and Aragorn is being fairly evasive.

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