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A Long and Weary Way  by Canafinwe 19 Review(s)
joyjoyjoyReviewed Chapter: 82 on 7/27/2023
I re-read this story about once a year. Amazingly written. Thank you very much for the effort and time dedicated to this story. Best wishes!

KateReviewed Chapter: 82 on 1/6/2021
Canafinwe, I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I just had to take the time to say how much I appreciate your work. For years, this story has been bookmarked in my phone and I quite regularly just dip in to whichever chapter I fancy. It has brought me much solace and distraction especially in the dark times the world is currently experiencing.

I think your skill is unmatched in the fanfiction world. I'm in awe of you. And I really appreciate the sheer amount of research and time that you must have put into this. I don't have the incredible way with words that you do, so I just cannot emphasise enough how amazing I think this story is, and what a privilege it is to be able to read it.

I live in hope of a new chapter to Eagle on the Ramparts. But if one never comes, for whatever reason, this community will forever be blessed by the wonderful pieces you have already contributed.

I hope you are well.

K

lisagReviewed Chapter: 82 on 8/7/2017
stupendous story! so finely crafted and detailed...loved every word! :)

RowanfairReviewed Chapter: 82 on 2/3/2017
As dark as it is in places, this is a mighty tale of honour, compassion and love.
It leaves me utterly curious in how you came to that huge amount of much detailed knowledge according to medical and survival issues (pine bark for nourishment!), medieval habits and dress codes as well courtly as rural, horselore and many more. I love the way you always manage to weave in the emotional part, the subtle or frank social interactions, the mirth children bring, the ordinary blessings in life and especially the way you deliver philosophical wisdom avoiding scholarly arrogance.

In your version of Aragorn you shape a character most royal and dignified as it befits his noble and highest ancestry without neglecting a lovingly human touch in his doubts, emotions, affections and deepest cravings of heart. He leaves the wish to emulate his values as close as possible in oneself.

I must confess your tales coax me into re-reading and savouring as only my most treasured literature manages to do. Tolkien is top of that list, but you are certainly to be found within the uppermost ranks.

Always a pleasure, thank you!

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 82 on 11/22/2015
And so we come to the end of this story. It is a beautiful ending to a very satisfying story and what a wild ride it was. Going with Aragorn to the depth of despair to healing in Imladris and the last parting from Arwen. You paint a vivid picture of all the characters and the landscape. I enjoyed the story very much and I'm glad when I found it by accident. I'm looking forward to read more of you.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews, and for following this story so faithfully! I am delighted that the ending was satisfying, too. It's always hard to say goodbye...

RowanfairReviewed Chapter: 82 on 11/18/2015
Whoever you are, having created this beautiful piece of literature, I truly admire your skill and detailed imagination! In terms of style as well as in affectionate shaping of your characters, lively accounts of events and interactions or captivating detailed descriptions you deliver an amazing, most entertaining and inspiring tale.
No elf could have fashioned this piece with greater love and detail!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind and beautiful words! I am so glad that you have enjoyed the story and that the details (which obviously I love!) are interesting for you as well. Your praise and your feedback are treasured. Thank you.

KathReviewed Chapter: 82 on 11/15/2015
I have enjoyed this book SO much!
I have learned a lot more of the background to 'The Lord of the Rings' and understood the story more fully.
The thing I enjoyed most was your portrayal of Aragorn. He appears as a fully rounded (as opposed to almost starved!) character, so truly noble, brave and wise. You explain his self doubt in wonferful detail. His relationship with the other characters is also well drawn and informative.

At times this wasn't an easy read as you really put the hero through the mill! I gasped out loud when Gollum crushed Aragorn's windpipe!
Now I need to read more!

Author Reply: Thank you so very, very much! It's one of the loveliest compliments I could imagine to know that you learned from my story. I love to bring together all the beautiful threads the Professor has left us, and to combine them as neatly as I can. As someone who values characterisation almost above anything else, I'm also just so touched by your kind words about my portrayal of Aragorn. Thank you.

(Sorry about the windpipe... *shudder*)

Cimarron's Girl Reviewed Chapter: 82 on 10/19/2015
And so at last we come to the end... I'm sorry to see this story conclude, but this is a perfect note on which to do it, and I'm bursting with excitement at the thought of reading the appendices!

Once again, this has been a beautifully descriptive, impressively researched, perfectly-characterized, and just all around well-written tale. I enjoyed reading it so very, very much. Every chapter was lovely, and this one is particularly touching to read. I'm so glad that Aragorn is finally well enough to wield his sword and even best Glorfindel, in front of Arwen! The interactions between Aragorn and Arwen are very sweet, and I loved the little hint of Arwen's future project with the black silk. Also, I'm pleased that you threw in a detail about Moroch returning to Mirkwood; I enjoy seeing little details like that, which addresses in brief any doubts about what happened to a character. Of course, I should additionally note that it was lovely for Aragorn and Arwen to finally share a kiss - it was such a sweet release, if only for a moment, of all the longings and emotions that lie, often unsatisfied, between them.

Again, thank you for sharing this epic saga with us; I'm sure it was hard work to produce it, but know that your labors have been immeasurably appreciated by readers around the world.

Best wishes!

Author Reply: Thank you for all your wonderful feedback! I'm a little stunned to be finished, honestly: it's been six years of writing, and sixteen of planning!

I'm glad it's satisfying to see Aragorn recovered, and showing his best before Arwen. It's lovely that you noticed the bit about Moroch! I had to resolve that, after all. Thank you, too, for your remark on the 'sweet release' of the kiss: that's just what I hoped to capture!

isabel villenaReviewed Chapter: 82 on 10/19/2015

Ooooh, it is over! What a wonderful ride! I am not exagerating when I tell you it is the best fan fiction story I have ever enjoyed, with its incredibly ambitious scope and staggering achivements. I can not believe you are not a professional writer...

Now, I can enjoy an indepth rereading of this beautiful work, many long hours of it, to get me through until your next project graces my computer. You have made addicts of us, you cannot fail now!

Thank you so much for your all that talent and hard selfless work; and may the Universe give you back all the good times you have gifted us.

Author Reply: Thank you so much: what high praise! I am honoured that you think so highly of the story, and so very gratified to know how you've enjoyed it!

I wouldn't say 'selfless', though! I get more joy out of writing than out of almost anything else in my life. Connecting with so many wonderful people around the world only adds to the delight!

BitsayReviewed Chapter: 82 on 10/19/2015
Thank you Canafinwe for this magnificent Tolkien-esque tale. I was riveted and delighted. I do
love your stalwart Aragorn and your crusty Gandalf. All the renderings of the various characters feel very 'true' to canon. I very much enjoyed 'A Long and Weary Way.'

Author Reply: Oh, thank you! It's the most important thing to me to make these characters faithful to the original. It's so lovely of you to say that they feel 'true'!

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