News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Children of Iluvatar by Antane | 72 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/25/2007 |
| Yes, I recognized the Lady's hand in the poetry. That moment of defiance and the love that lifted Frodo and found the burden so light--I remember how much respect I felt for the two of them from the very first reading oh, so many years ago now. And I feel it the more the older I get. Author Reply: Isn't she wonderful? :) Speaking of growing respect, I just bought a used book that is a series of postcards done by various professional artists. There is a marvelous one of Frodo and Sam crossing Gorgoroth that is truly moving, Frodo is crawling and Sam is supporting him. I am going to put up in my bedroom and when I think I have it bad, I will think of that and it will put everything in prespective and I will keep going, knowing my trouble are nothing. I don't know how well you can make them out but here's a picture of it I found on the web - it's by Ted Nasmith - I love his work! http://img-fan.theonering.net/rolozo/images/nasmith/gorgoroth.jpg Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/25/2007 |
| Wow, this chapter is very powerful! I know you are with them, Ada, but how can any parent bear to see their children suffer like this? It is not suffering so much as it is love, my child. The loving will suffer anything for the sake of their beloved and not count it as such. Sam’s heart encompasses his master as a warm cloak and Frodo’s encircles all of Middle-earth. I love this. And thank you for the honor of the song! As always you show true talent for putting them just where they would naturally fit--something I have yet to learn, though I do write so many. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: God knows about suffering and love all right - some thousands of years in the future He will watch His Son die because of hate and out of love. So glad you are enjoying, ammelda! Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :) | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/25/2007 |
| I could feel the agony. You remind me of the song 'He 'aint heavy, He's my brother.' Are you taking this right to Frodo and Sam's eventual deaths? I hope so. Author Reply: Indeed the saying is very true for these two. I've even given a donation to Boy's Town in honor of them. I wasn't intending the story to get that far, but since you asked so nicely... :) It would help Elrond too I think. *watches plot bunny blink its cute little innocent eyes at me* Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| Elemmírë | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/24/2007 |
| Each time the Elf lord could feel another tear in his brother’s fea as it fought off the assault and tear would close but not completely. It was bleeding in so many places now. Elrond wished to cradle it, but he knew not how to staunch such a great number of wounds. ...... his fea having received the balm it needed to make it through another night. It was then that he truly noticed that it was through the wounds that the light shone through and it was growing brighter. What imagery! I especially liked this line, loving will suffer anything for the sake of their beloved and not count it as such. It's very profound and also very true; it's reminiscient of a parent that will do/suffer anything for their child. I personally think that we are all supposed to live with some degree of suffering in our life. We suffer now for His suffering was for all of us and then, after our suffering is complete we may move on to Heaven where the Light is and Peace. And what a beautiful, peaceful song! I just knew it had to be one of the Queen's :) She's got such talent in writing lyrics. I can just picture Elrond singing Frodo to sleep with those words either in Minas Tirith, in Rivendell, or even in the Blessed Realm. ~Elemmírë~ Author Reply: Is that another plot bunny I see blinking its eyes at me? First harrowcat and now you, dear! Hmmm.... The queen is talented, isn't she? :) I can't take the credit for sacrifice is not sacrifice but love - that's from Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Very true, isn't it? I love the imagery myself that it was through the gaps and tears made in Frodo's body that his soul shone through. Hantanyel for enjoying that too! :) Have you read the end of Love Endures since you were my inspiration to continue it in the first place? I would be anxious to hear what you think. :) Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :) | |
| Elwing | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/20/2007 |
| I rather enjoyed this - you didn't succumb to corniness or to angst, either or both of which would have been all to easy. One thing, though. Like apparently every other author of LOTR fanfiction, you have used the word "ada" to mean "father". The word is actually "atar", as in "Iluvatar", which means "Father of All". The confusion arose with Liv Tyler's sobbed mumble in The Two Towers, which admittedly sounded like "ada". Other than that (which is really nitpicking), this chapter was gracefully and poignantly done! Kudos! Gah I've been reading too much - I'm talking like Tolkien. :P Author Reply: Thank you! I got 'ada' from the language section at Council of Elrond website which has it translated literally as 'daddy'. Can't really imagine Elrond calling his Father 'daddy' but it's still neat. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| Adrianne | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/7/2007 |
| Antane, this lovely, gentle, hopeful chapter is the first I have read of your stories. I loved and appreciated the tone of it. I especially loved your ending paragraph: "Thy Will be done. He then looked down at the sleeping halflings, trying to send them the strength he knew both would need. You will be safe, my brothers, held in the strongest Arms of all. Rest there when the burden becomes too much." How wonderful. To those who try to tell me that Frodo failed in his quest I always tell them that Frodo went as far and did as much as any could do and when he had done all he could, God did his part. This is as it is for all of us, after all we can do, God is there to help us to the finish. Just beautifully done Antane. I like the spiritual brotherhood that exists between Frodo and Sam and you express it quite profoundly: "Are they brothers? Not by blood, but so they regard themselves for I have knit their hearts and souls together. But the second serves the first and the first will serve all." It brought tears to my eyes. A very reverent start to what promises to be a wonderful story. Adrianne Author Reply: Hannon le for such a kind review! Always wonderful to find a new fan! :) You honor me with your tears and appreciation. You are so right about Frodo as the professor himself said. Frodo was created by God to be the Ring-bearer and Sam was created to love Frodo enough to get him to the Fire, to be a visible sign of the invisible Love that had created them. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story and my other ones. You may enjoy Love Endures also. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007 |
| "Oft evil will does evil mar." Very true in this case. Author Reply: Indeed. Sorry I'm getting so behind in Second Mum again, so busy, but I shall catch up one of these days! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007 |
| I am not sure why Antane but this chapter reminded me so much of one of my favourite hymns by John Henry Newman.... 90. The Pillar of the Cloud LEAD, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home— Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene—one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou Shouldst lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path, but now Lead Thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years. So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on, O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone; And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. At Sea. June 16, 1833. Author Reply: It does fit - Frodo and Sam didn't know Who was leading them on, but still they followed the One Who did. Hannon le for quoting that! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| Elemmírë | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007 |
| Awesome, Antane! Another powerful chapter. And Elrond's really begininng to question himself, his faith, and Illuvatar now. I'm anxious and curious to see what you do with what's coming next. Your "characterization" of Illuvatar is fantastic. You write him very wise, very patient, and very understanding. You write with him with deep insight and it shows the depth of your own spirituality as well. Enter not the darkness, but the light beyond it. Hmm, that would make for a great title for either a story or a chapter. I like it; it's a very striking sentence and thought. :) I once read somewhere that part of the purpose of having Frodo and Sam being forced to march with the orcs was so that in a way it got them to Mt. Doom even faster than they would have if they had walked on their own and at their pace ... and it also cut down the time they would have been completely without food and water. I was thinking of that when Illuvatar reiterated to Elrond, I am with them, my child. All is happening as I will it to be. I was thinking that it was His will that Frodo and Sam be forced to march faster so they would reach their goal, for Frodo's strength was greatly flagging by this time and he might not have made it otherwise. This way too, He ensured that there would be some lembas and water left for them, not very much, but enough to sustain them for the days when it did indeed run out. He may not have willed the sting of the whips upon his two belived children, but he did see that there would be a way out for them, that Evil defeats itself. ~Elemmírë~ p.s. going back now to reread and find those chapters I missed while I was AWI (absent without internet) Author Reply: Hannon le, dear Elemirre for such a long, kind review! I love yours. :) I have read the same about the forced march - there is so much good that God pulls out of evil. I'm glad you like the way I am protraying Him. It's a challenge and easy at the same time. Sometimes I feel the same Hand that guided the Professor's pen is guiding my hand. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 5/19/2007 |
| This is so beautiful and deep. One of the best yet, since the very beginning! This whole story so beautifully illustrates the patience and love of God for His children. Do you see, my child? He knows not Who is watching over him, but he trusts enough to let Someone else look after his master for this little while, as Frodo is trusting also. Their faith is strong even in their ignorance. As mine is weak in my knowledge. You are teaching me much, Ada. I am ashamed that You have to. It is enough that you are humble enough to learn. Wow! God bless, Galadriel | |