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While Hope Lasts  by MP brennan 9 Review(s)
SamaraReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/10/2009
My God. You are such a joy to read. I love the way you are pacing this fic. It is perfectly well done. You always give us a little more, yet leave us yearning to read more as well. Again, I cannot even begin to tell you how much your imagery touches me. I am severely sight impaired. I had better sight when I was small, though it never was full sight. Your imagery brings back the scenes and memories of seeing things better. You make me see again, and that more than anything makes me adore you.

I always respect great authors, and I respect you for this incredible tale.

Author Reply: Every once in a while, I wonder why I devote so many hours of my life to telling these tales. Then, I get a review like this, and it makes it all worth it. I'm incredibly moved and humbled that you think so highly of my work. It truly is a labor of love for me, despite the difficult moments, and it's wonderful to know that this story somehow moved you. I truly cannot thank you enough for these wonderful reviews.
Gotta go before I make myself cry. I wish you all the best, and hope you enjoy the conclusion of this story.
peace,
-Brennan

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/10/2009
Minor concrit:

The young woman had told Arandur how she had given up hope of seeing her tiny sons again when Gilraen walked, soot-streaked and shell-shocked, into the makeshift camp with both children in tow. - the term shell-shocked is much too modern for the story, at least in my opinion; it speaks to me too much of World Wars I and II; not to mention that I think shell references bullets, which are not prevalent in Middle-earth in the late Third Age.

I really like this story; it's such a good portrayal of the very difficult and endangered lives of the Northern Dunedain. Arandur's discussion of the Dunedain's purpose is quite interesting; I wonder what he and the others thought of the Elf-raised Estel when Aragorn returned to their people, and later, when Aragorn seemed to be off wandering more than he was ruling as Chieftain. I'm not sure that the Southern Dunedain would agree that their main purpose in life was to protect the exiled king, though! Would there be more Dunedain in Aragorn's time if they had been less devoted to maintaining Isildur's line, or allowed sister-sons to inherit?



Author Reply: Thanks for the concrit. "Shell-shock" Gheeze. I have a bad habit of writing whatever word pops into my head first without pausing to think about the connotations.
Thanks for such a thoughtful review as well. I think you've put your finger on the difference between Northern and Southern Dunedain. Yes, there might be more in the North if they hadn't devoted so much to protecting their chieftain. On the other hand, might there not be a king of Anarion's line still in the South had they focused more on protecting the bloodline?
-Brennan

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/6/2009
So, that's what happened to the missing girl, and why the brother disappeared when he did--blackmail! And whether or not she likes the idea, Gilraen is on her way to Rivendell, even if the plan isn't yet formed!

Author Reply: Thanks for the review! It's good to see readers are picking up on the little details. As for Gilraen and Rivendell, more detail will be up in the next chapter (probably tomorrow). This is a gapfiller, not AU, so you know how it's all going to end, but the manner of her arrival is (hopefully) significant to my interpretation of her character.
I hope you keep reading!
-Brennan

grumpyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/2/2009
What a great story, I just love the way you have the Dunadan village. The first chapter was just wonderful and so is this one. The Dunadan want to protect Aragorn, but just do not have the means. Poor Halpharn, I think I know what is being held over him. looking forward to more.

Author Reply: Thanks for the wonderful review! It's great to know you're enjoying this story. The next chap should be up soon.

ViresseReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/27/2009
Really love those conversations between the twins, especially ˇ§Iˇ¦ve been thinking,ˇ¨...ˇ§Never a good sign.ˇ¨

Hope to see more Elladan in this story. Would his "clear" mind helped the whole situation? ...or worse?? Please update soon.

Author Reply: Thanks for the great review! The twins will be back, though the next couple chapters focus a bit more on the Dunedain. Elladan and Elrohir are among my favorite characters in LotR, so they will be playing a big role.
Hope you keep reading!
-Brennan

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/26/2009
Wow - excellent chapter again. Once I saw this posted, I had to stop and read, though it is quite late at night here. Cannot spend the time reviewing as I would like... but this was an excellent chapter.

I loved Gilraen's opposition - seemed only right - and who would ever have thought that the 'end' would occur so quickly. Do so wish the twins had stuck a little closer to the town....

Already death flows through the North.

Again - great chapter. Can't wait for more!

Author Reply: Glad you enjoyed this chap! Sorry to be contributing to the sleep deprivation . . .
I'm glad you liked Gilraen. IMO her reaction is the biggest thing that sets this story apart from similar ones I've read, so it's nice to hear that it was believable. Yes, things are quite grim in Arnor. More angst will be coming soon (to an archive near you:)
Thanks so much for taking the time to review!
-Brennan

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/26/2009
A gripping chapter with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I found your scenario all too plausible.Poor Gilraen!
By the way,hickory is not found in Europe,oak would be the most likely wood to make furniture from.

Author Reply: Ah, but if I didn't make at least one Old World goof in a chapter, how would you know it was me? ;)
Seriously, though, thanks! I'll add "hickory" to my list of things not to mention and do a little tree research before I post again.
I'm glad you're enjoying this story. Thanks for the wonderful review!
cheers,
-Brennan

curiouswombatReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/26/2009
This is simply a note to say how much I am enjoying this story. I can feel and hear the Dunedain village, relate to Gilraen's sorrows and fears, and weep for poor Halpharn. Beautifully written, thank you.

Author Reply: Thanks for the lovely review! I'm glad you're enjoying this tale. More should be up in a few days.
cheers!
-Brennan

ElflingimpReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/26/2009
Ah! I'll review, it was great!!!! I felt like I was right there with them(Glad I wasn't)lots a action, now I just want more! Please? Hugs The Imp

Author Reply: Thanks for the great review! Fear not; there's more on the way.
cheers,
-Brennan

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