News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Last Hope by AfterEver | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |