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| Fool's Gold by MP brennan | 9 Review(s) |
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| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/20/2014 |
| Oh, this is nicely done! Poor Denethor. What a wonderful character study of him, and for that matter, of Ecthelion and Thorongil. I wonder if Denethor was an unbiased observer of his father's "whims". Though he prides himself on being honest with himself, it may be that jealousy colored his opinions of those who came into his father's sphere, so as in the case of Thorongil he remained blinded to their true value? OTOH, he might have been perfectly right about them all. Author Reply: Thank you for the lovely review! I'm glad you appreciated the character portrayals in this. FWIW, I imagined Denethor as something of an unreliable narrator; even as he tried to be aware of willful self-deception, his biases colored his judgment. But, of course, there's more than one side to any issue, and I'm sure he wasn't the only one frustrated by Ecthelion finding a job for every nameless Tom, Dick, and Thorongil who showed ability. ;) -Brennan | |
| Marta | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/20/2014 |
| This is a really well-done study of Denethor's character, both psychologically (I loved the inner Stoic and the insistence on self-deception being for fools, which he is not) and also at a political level. It fits quite well with canon without being overcome by it. Speaking as a longtime fan of Denethor, I was quite impressed - not necessarily a copy of my personal vision of him, but one I quite enjoyed slipping into. Author Reply: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this portrayal! I find Denethor both fascinating and intimidating to write. -Brennan | |
| Wheelrider | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/19/2014 |
| (Typing "in the field" so I can't be too articulate, but...) I loved this! A great look inside Denethor's head. As EverleighBain said, makes later events all the more gut-wrenching. Author Reply: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! -Brennan | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/19/2014 |
| Truly a most unhappy situation from Denethor's point of view, and with good reason, of course. But at least he got back into the field and achieved his aims, even if he now feels there is an unwanted rival for his father's affections. Well done! Author Reply: Yes, this was sort of an instance of Denethor getting what he wanted at the cost of what he needed. I'm glad you enjoyed! -Brennan | |
| Suzelle | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/17/2014 |
| Oh my goodness, this was wonderful! I admit I am usually reluctant to read stories involving Denethor because I dislike him so intensely, but you make him so compelling here. He has the same hardness and "exacting" nature as in the trilogy, yet it's clear that his motivations come from a good place (and perhaps some daddy issues). I find myself sympathizing with him in a way I never have before, even as some of his attitudes still leave me pulling my hair out in frustration. Thank you for this tale! Author Reply: Thank you for the lovely, lovely review! As I said on LJ, I'm delighted that I could stir up some sympathy, especially for a character you normally dislike. It makes me feel like I have mind-control powers. >:D I've always seen him as basically a tragic figure (given his metaphorical self-destruction and not-so-metaphorical self-immolation). I tried to keep him true to the book portrayal while bringing out some motives that (to me, at least) make him more relatable. -Brennan | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/17/2014 |
| This is a brilliant story and filled with wonderful details.You make me feel sorry for Denethor and exasperated at the same time.You make it so clear how Denethor is his own worst enemy while at the same time it is sad how he craves his father's approval. I'm wondering now just how much Aragorn learned from Ecthelion about leadership? An outstanding story which should have won the contest.It was my first choice vote. Author Reply: Thank you once again for your lovely reviews! Mixed sympathy and exasperation is exactly the reaction I was hoping for with this tale. I really do need to write more about Aragorn and Ecthelion in the future. In my mind, Ecthelion would have found it easier to relate to Thorongil than to Denethor just based on their contrasting temperaments. I've been trying to work out what role Ecthelion would play in Aragorn's development (since he already has mentors in Elrond and Gandalf and probably among his own people as well). It strikes me that it's about leading by instilling loyalty. Aragorn already knew how to do that for small groups, with the men he commanded and the Dunedain remnant, but Ecthelion could teach him how to win trust on a larger scale and end up with loyal *armies* rather than just companies. Okay, end ramble. :) -Brennan | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/17/2014 |
| Poor Denethor! Be careful what you wish for. Great characterization in this! Author Reply: Indeed. Thanks for the great review! -Brennan | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/17/2014 |
| Poor Denethor really is his own worst enemy here, as in parts of ROTK. Excellent portrayal of the beginning of the Denethor/Thorongil rivalry; with excellent characterization of Denethor. Author Reply: He really is; I think that's what makes him so fascinating to me. I'm glad you enjoyed this story! -Brennan | |
| EverleighBain | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/16/2014 |
| So intriguing!! I had never really thought of Denethor in a soldierly position, but of course he would have been...you do such an incredible job of describing his "style" of commanding (especially as a foil to Thorongil and his much more companionable, fealty-inspiring approach.) But I also loved that in spite of Denethor's knowledge that his men have little affection for him he still remembered the name of the wounded soldier, and how he obviously takes more pleasure in the grime and physicality of soldiering than he does the pomp of court life. Most intriguing to me was this idea of Denethor almost in the role of "second-favored son"; despite his obvious talent and capability he finds himself in the shadow of one who holds his father's favor so easily. A repeating theme in his life. Somehow thinking of him in this light makes his later treatment of his own youngest son all the more gut-wrenching. Such a thought-provoking, light-handed piece. Thank you for sharing and I'm looking forward to reading more! Author Reply: Thank you so much for the awesome review! You picked up on so many of the themes that run through this story. Of course, we don't know for sure, but I do like to envision Denethor as being a soldier first and foremost before he ascended to the Stewardship. That was certainly the case for his sons when he was Steward (even Faramir, who didn't particularly like war) and it fits with certain aspects of his character, like the fact that he wore chainmail every day until the end of his life. Plus, it gives him plenty of opportunities to butt heads with Captain Thorongil. ;) -Brennan | |