Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Holding Back the Flood  by shirebound 392 Review(s)
lbiloverReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Wow, what a fascinating premise. You did brilliantly getting inside the Wraith's mind and showing us the other side's POV in all its chilling, terrible logic. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you continue the story.

Author Reply: It definitely is 'logic', albeit from a mind warped by servitude and arrogance. Whew, what a challenge to write.

Thank you! :)

LilyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
It's been so long since I read any of your stories. I forgot how great they were. And I honestly admire you for writing the Nazgul's POV - something I have not yet dared and might never do. Excellent beginning!

Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. This certainly wasn't an easy POV for a G-rated soul like myself!

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Oh, this is soooo good! *bounces* I love the wraith's POV. Interesting to see things from his viewpoint - what if his spell had not been strong enough? Seeing it only from the Fellowship's POV, we know that Frodo's determination and strength of will and plain hobbit toughness helped him to resist the blade for so long. But that the spell was not strong enough is a good explanation also, and I think combined can give a more thorough answer than we get from the book alone. Intriguing!

I don't like this plan of his. Nope, not at all. I can see this is going to be angsty! Don't scare yourself writing this, hon. *sends hobbits to comfort you*

This is off to a great start.

Author Reply: It was most likely Frodo's own strength that kept him going while that shard was inside him, but how could the wraith-sorceror even consider such an impossible notion? To him, hobbits are merely fragile children. It really is fascinating and chilling to try to see things from his POV.

Thank you! The hobbits and I will take all the comfort we can get. :)

Lily FrostReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Ooh... this is interesting. Don't think I've ever seen anyone attempt a 'what if' after the ring wraiths are separated. Please continue, I'm excited to see what happens.

Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. It's a challenge to imagine new scenarios. The Professor was very kind to leave us so many 'what if' gaps to fill. :)

ElflingimpReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Shirebound what an imagination you have! This is great, I'll be waiting for more! Hugs The Imp

Author Reply: Thank you, Imp! :)

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Wow! What an interesting beginning!

I have thought of the wraiths as war-lords, but it is absolutely possible that one of them might have been a sorcerer. And the Ring of Power intensified his spells so that he was able to sent them even through massive stone. Very plausible!

Now I'm a little worried about what might happen to Frodo (and others). But knowing you I'm looking forward to much healing and comfort :)

Author Reply: When I read that quote by Tolkien that begins the chapter, I started wondering just how different the wraiths all were, and if they had different strengths and ideas about how to accomplish their goal.

There will be MUCH healing and comfort. Thank you for reading, and for the trust!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
...and, of course, hoping for glimpses of Merry and Pippin...

Author Reply: They're on their way! They both join the story in chapter 2.

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Oooo, chilling...

Author Reply: Eeeee, chilling! Of course (being me), I already can't wait to get to the comfort that follows any drama that might ensure.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
Ooo! Scary! But plausible, I can see one of the wriaths remaining behind. Even if they did find all the horses who is to say they all went back to Mordor?
More please, as soon as the wrists allow,
Lynda

Author Reply: I'm just thrilled that this seems plausible. Yes, who's to say they all went back to Mordor together, after being scattered by the river? What fun to speculate.

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/25/2009
This is a very scary beginning. And so possible - why else would all those patrols have been sent out, searching for so long, if it had not been a distinct possiblilty that one of the wraiths might have stayed in the vicinity! I also am intrigued by the notion that each of the rings of Men might also have a certain affinity, as the Elven rings each did. Or for that matter, as the Istari each had their own affinity and powers. Middle-earth does seem to be a place where things are divided up.

And I also wonder who else besides Frodo might be in danger, once the cavern is discovered, and what role Aragorn is to play.

As always, I'm looking forward to another of your well-written and captivating stories.

Author Reply: That's exactly it! Why wouldn't each ring -- and bearer -- have its own focus or strength? I'm so glad this scenario feels possible, and even likely.

Thank you so much. And... Aragorn makes his appearance in the very next chapter. :)

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List