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With Hope and Without Hope  by docmon 4 Review(s)
Thundera TigerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/26/2008
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love your Orc-speak. It's so authentic that I can actually hear the characters saying their lines. And I absolutely love the way that you showcase the Three Hunters from an outsider's perspective. It definitely sets the tone for this chapter. Nothing is within their control anymore, and you set that up nicely with Norgry's POV. And I have to commend you on the way you handle "sport." There's just a taste of it. A teaser. Nothing too graphic. And really, that's the way it should be. Show too much, and your readers get bored. But give them a hint, and they'll do all the work for you. And you hint very well. Awesome chapter!

Author Reply: Ah, the Orcs were so much fun! And they sounded just like my cousin Vinny in my head... (um, no, don't have a cousin Vinny ) But they truly "spoke" in my head that way. I suspect I was influenced by Peter Jackson's Orcs, but most of them just had New Zealand accents, so that wouldn't be quite the same.
It is creepier to hint at the "sport," isn't it? Because our imaginations will come up so much worse. Thank you!

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/7/2008
Just found this story and am thoroughly enjoying it. I usually shy away from AU stories about the Three Hunters being captured, or Aragorn instead of the Hobbits, or any of the other variations on a theme, but this one intrigued me because from the summary it sounds as though you're going to be taking it back around to canon eventually, and that intrigues me. And I'm finding that even if you don't, I'm really enjoying your writing style and characterization. Hopefully another update is coming soon!

Author Reply: Thank you for the review, Cairistiona! I'm glad you found this story to your liking. Yes, things will eventually return to canon, but it will be a bumpy ride until then! I appreciate your comments. Another update is just around the corner!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/4/2008
And the situation grows more grave. At least they are able to communicate with one another. But where are the Hobbits?

Author Reply: Yes, fortune has not been on their side, I'm afraid. But you'll have to wait for the answer to your question! Chapter 3 won't be long in coming.

meckinockReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/4/2008
Your premise made me think about how in Tolkien, so many chance things end up having a purpose. I never took the time to think about how badly things could have gone, if the Three Hunters had actually caught up to the orcs! An interesting take on things. And your orcs are well drawn, at odds with each other and with distinct personalities and agenda.

Author Reply: Thank you, meckinock! The Orc characters were fun to write actually. Once I thought of the idea, it wasn't hard to see how easily things could go very wrong for them! Thanks for taking the time to review!

docmon

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