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| Last Hope by AfterEver | 24 Review(s) |
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| Shlain | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 11/12/2020 |
| Well we'll well! I do love the way you depict Elrond. Too many fanfics see him as this 'otherworldly' person. Here we see him as more down to earth and relatable if not still a bit lofty (as he should be!) The twins are written beautifully. Too many stories have them being child-like pranksters and not the fierce warriors who suffered a lot after losing their mother and other loved ones over the centuries and millenia. To me Elrohir seems a bit more inclined to be like Elrond where Elladan is the stern, if not a bit cold, leader who takes too much weight on his shoulders. Do tell me, is Telmoth and Elrohir in love? If not I massacred your brilliant story in my mind's eye for I felt a bit of a lovers tension. Ahh! I feel like reading this story again. Gilraen has that undercurrent of a noble Queen and too often she is depicted as over emotional. Here you have her carrying herself as stoic as she can for Estel's sake. Looking forward to reading your other stories. | |
| Angel | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/2/2005 |
| I turned each page breathless with excitement and fear. Afraid of what was coming yet tingling with anticipation. You wrote this flawlessly. Each word I felt was deliberate and very rarely do I feel that way about the written word yet I cannot help but ask the many questions that arose which am sure my cluelessness obscured the answers to. Why couldn't Gilraen have had her child? Who left the gifts for Estel? I know it was Elrond but was hoping for something more about them goodness there were many questions but my ISP ate up my earlier review so have now forgotten them. What I don't forget is the indepth research into the twins. I have loved the twins since first reading LotR. And am a naieve sap for their gorgeous pranking selves in the mainstream of fanfic, or rather dribble lol, yet I don't think I've ever loved them more than I did here - with their stoic defiance, against too much emotion yet battling them within. The love for their father versus the need to maim, kill, obliterate, destroy - that which robbed them of their mother, and not just her but plenty other loved ones. Their undeniable bond and the peeks of mirth and warmth that occassionally got through the barrier. BRAVO! And I absolutely love the individuality you gave each, yet at the same time they were halves of one whole for they felt the same yet not always at the same time! And Elladan was later Elrohir and vice versa, though I got the distinct feeling Elladan was in need of comfort in the beginning and Gilraen should not have held Aragorn back from hugging Elladan at the silverlake. Oh and Estel! How realistic for Elrond to grow into accepting and then loving him, the touch with him cheering Elrond after the twins ride off is priceless and their talks, their toys etc...as well also as the "chair" moment. Glorfindel was pristine! Thank you for including him and at least making him like Tolkien's :) And you made Gilraen bearable...okay likeable. I used to love her when I first read canon. Felt her pain at losing Arathorn and having to give up Estel, but my foray into fanfic destroyed that and subsequent rereadings of the books has never quite fixed it. But I tire of writers leaving her out and am grateful you included her and made her real. Her loss and naievety would be as one clever finds herself thrown into a new world. I just felt her presence a tad throttling on Estel. Elrond what a marvel! You gave him that mystique that Bilbo found, yet the warmth and love that accepts all the heirs of his brother in exchange of very little if anything at all and even in the face of their wrath. And you made him the guy that loved Estel. I cannot possibly ask for more... OOps all I really wanted to say was - thank you for this beautiful piece, I'll treasure it always :) Author Reply: Angel, thanks so much! I see you're reading the sequel too, and I'm glad to have you along for the ride. =D | |
| Hisie Lome | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 7/12/2004 |
| This was one of the only tales I have ever read that shows Gilraen as a living person. This was a great mix of different cultures and sacrifies for duty. Quite well done. Trully, thank you for all of your hard work. Author Reply: Hisie Lome ~ Thank you and you're very welcome. :-) | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 1/17/2004 |
| I just discovered that I hadn't provided a final story review! Bad me. This story was amazing from beginning to end. I've said before that the otherworldliness of the elves was one of the big selling points for me. This chapter amused me as Gilraen seems to be becoming "elvish" in that sense. Since we never saw Gilraen before her grief, I can't say whether she has recovered her old confidence or gained a new one. Either way, it was good to see her strong and useful. I would like to believe that she will become a great asset to the Rangers, Rivendell, and Estel in the future. Excellent story, AfterEver. I hope you will write more in the future. :-) LKK Author Reply: Thank you, LKK. Again, it's good to know that the story kept you reading and interesting from beginning to end. Now, more stories, you say? I'll think about it... ;-) (as if you could stop me). -AE | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 12/6/2003 |
| What a satisfying end to this tale. I feel as comfortable as Gilraen in her living arrangments amongst Elves. Elrond has become a friend and mentor and someone to whom she can place the utmost trust for her welfare and that of her son's. I'm not even sure Gilraen is aware of how much of a friend Elrond is to her, but no doubt this realization will come in time. Little Estel is a delight and has adapted so readily to the Elvish way of life. Already Elrond is his favorite person beyond his mother and will become (if not already) the substitute father for the little boy. I like that Elrond has provided Gilraen a "position" with responsibilities to maintain, and I am sure Gilraen is most appreciative. She seems to be fully embracing her new station and fate. Already a year? Yes, Gilraen is adopting not only the Elvish way of life, but their perception of the flow of time. Next, she'll be sprouting pointed ears! This was very well written and held my attention throughout the story. I do hope we see other offerings from you as the days unfold. Well done. Author Reply: Thank you, Brenda, for all your feedback. I'm really happy to hear that the story interested you from beginning to finish, and that it ended on a good note. Here's to hoping that we'll meet again! :-) -AE | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/1/2003 |
| I want to apologize for seeming to have abandoned this lovely story. I haven't really. I've read each chapter faithfully as you've posted it. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to leave any reviews. But I want you to know that I am still reading and ENJOYING this wonderful story. Your writing continues to enthrall me. Gilraen's growth in Rivendell is a constant source of interest as is the complex relationship between Elrond and his sons. And your little Aragorn (now Estel) is a delight. Keep up the great work! LKK Author Reply: No need to apologize! Thanks for sticking around, and I'm thrilled that the story has kept your interest. Sadly the next chapter will be the last; here's to a good run! :-) | |
| Muinthel | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/18/2003 |
| I have not been online for a while and try to catch up on all stories.....And to tell you - yours is very special! The last chapter especially the things Gilraen goes through means soooo much to me...! Your discription of the Charaters is so "deep". I like the mystique you put around Elrond....(he is my favorite character in Tolkiens novel) and the uncertainty Gilraen feels around him. His wisdom and his loyalty and his sensitivity in dealing with humans, makes me want to meet him. I also envy Gilraen to live in Rivendell and to get to know more about elves....but a livetime of men would not be enough to understand elves. I'm waiting to find out more about the growing relationship of Elrond and Aragorn and also the influence the twins will have on him. (So just to give you some hints for more stories :-) ) And your right...one has the feeling of twilight while reading your story...I could not find better words for what I feel. Author Reply: Muinthel ~ You're too kind, but I thank you for the input. I must say, I've probably read Elrond's parts in the books more times over than most others. Very happy that my portrayal of him here is to the liking of a fellow Elrond fan! :-) -AE | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/17/2003 |
| Poor Gilraen. I know she is starting a different part of her life and that it too can be interesting and rewarding, but she has lost her husband, her hope of a new baby, and the continuity she could create by telling her son about his father. I like the slightly dark atmosphere you have created here. Author Reply: Thanks, Daw! Another reviewer once said that the story had the mood of twilight... I've tried to keep that in mind with the hopes that it would continue to shine through (pun, ouch!). Glad that it is. :-) -AE | |
| Antigone_Q | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/16/2003 |
| I don't think I have reviewed your story before, but I have been reading it for a while (on fanfiction.net, then here). Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your 3-dimensional characters, and especially how you are writing Gilraen and Elrond. It's a little unusual for a fan fiction piece to have this much depth - very nice work. Author Reply: Hello, Antigone. I'm glad you've enjoyed the tale so far, especially the characterizations and depth, both of which I struggle over so. Hope it continues along to your liking. :-) -AE | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/15/2003 |
| It is amusing to me to see that living with Elves is beginning to affect the passage of time, or should I say the awareness of the passage of time, for Gilraen. "Weeks?" She seems to be adapting nicely. So sad that the cord of companionship for young Aragorn with the sons of Elrond must be so quickly snapped by their leaving to go north again, but I know the reason for Gilraen's smile! Elrond has stepped in as their replacement. He who will eventualy become a true father figure to Aragorn has already begun his training for that role, and Elladan and Elrohir will soon enough fill their roles as siblings to the child. What special creatures are the Elves! I can't think of a race that intrigues me more or one that elicits my envy as much as they do. Ah, well, we take what we are given, and I was not granted wternal youth, immortality or pointed ears! Still, reading about them is so rewarding. I like the pictures you paint of the Elves in this story. It will be interesting to see how Gilraen further adapts to her new home and its occupants. I'm waiting for her first, truly heart-felt outburst of joy in her new surroundings, and for that first glimmer of when she truly and fully embraces what for her will be the rest of her life, in Rivendell, with Elves. It was a nice release for her to spend some time with her mortal friends. Well done. Eager for your next installment. Author Reply: Brenda G, You're so observant that even I'm left reeling by your insight, and I *wrote* the thing! LOL Thanks so much for your input. I've been saying forever that the story's soon over, but after writing the epilogue I've decided to do one more chapter for the sake of pacing. So there's yet three to go total. Very much hoping that they will not disappoint. :-) | |