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Beneath Strange Stars  by Larner 82 Review(s)
LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/3/2015
Lovely insight! Middle-earth began with languages, with the creation of new words built on old principles, or so I remember reading.

I am loving my birthday present, collections of words. My hands can't help caressing the leather bindings as I hold a volume and peruse the letters there -- the books fit the hand so well as paperbacks, yet with more substance and elegance than a paperback could ever hope to attain.

Thank you again!

Author Reply: I rejoice that that small set found its proper home! And we are told that our beloved Arda came into being because of an urge to develop languages, so I felt that this was the proper way to honor the Master. Thank you so! And I loved seeing you yesterday!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/3/2015
In the Kalevala the Wizard can utter words of power that can change reality, and songs can build worlds!

Oh, wonderful! I love this little glimpse of him.

Author Reply: I am so honored, Shirebound. How mythology and legends drew him, and in building his own how he has drawn us to follow him! Thank you so!

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/5/2014
Well, that was a nice happy ending for him, wasn't it. And maybe it was so, so under the influence of despair and the Shadow that perhap he would not have been morally responsible for his suicide.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: I would hope the Creator would rejoice to have him Home again, now that his spirit is healed. Sauron was, after all, the cause of his fall. Thanks so, Antane.

FreyalynReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/26/2014
Lovely little chapter, thank you.

Author Reply: Thank you, Freyalyn. It was nice to do a happy Denethor for a change!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/26/2014
So very beautiful. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Author Reply: Thanks, UTfrog. I hope it will go well. Will be sharing Thanksgiving with a client and her son. It ought to be full of enjoyment.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/25/2014
This was lovely. I'm glad Denethor has found redemption and wisdom.

Author Reply: I do hope that we all do, Linda! Thanks so much, and thanks for the card!

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/25/2014
Thank you! It's lovely to imagine that the hurts and jealousies of this life will end in reconciliation and joy.

Author Reply: Oh, I imagine that this is what we are meant to know. God bless you on your birthday, my friend, and I so hope I can save some money and come over to your part of the world in, say, a year's time. Haven't been to Britain in over twelve years, and it seems like forever.

Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/25/2014
O well done Larner! This is a work of art, and I so adore the thought of this family so reunited beyond the Circles of the World - yes, Aragorn too is their family to me, for I think Denethor and Aragorn could have been as brothers, if Aragorn had just been given the chance by Denethor. :) Maybe now they will have that.

Kaylee Arafinwiel

Author Reply: I so hope as well, Kaylee. Thank you so!

TeresaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/16/2014
Dear Larner, thanks for this glimpse of Curumo's interactions with the other Maia and the Valar! It's fascinating to see how his gifts started to take a darker turn; and realize how under Melkor and Mairon they would be twisted to the destruction of himself and others. That discussion between he and Olorin reminded me of the friendship that Obi-Wan and Anakin shared, and how Palpatine destroyed it for his own purposes. It's also very sad too, that someone could have such strength of mind and purpose and yet lose those things because they cast everything aside for power over others. This vignette fits in well with Stirring Rings, and shows just how early darkness began to shadow Curumo.... As always, your work gives me great pleasure and further contemplation of one of my favorite series! Again, many thanks! :)

Author Reply: In one of the stories written this year for B2MEM Annatar is working on Celebrimbor, and I thought, Hey! So, perhaps he was the model for Curumo on using the power of his voice and his skill at persuading to manipulate others! And this story grew out of that.

Haven't really watched the prequels to Star Wars, although I've caught some glimpses as my kids and grandkids were watching them. One day I need to sit down and really watch them so I know the full story.

Thank you! I love knowing that my writing provokes thought!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/15/2014
for he could teach you to use such skills to guide others even more convincingly

He is very eloquent, isn't he? What he really means has nothing to do with guidance but with enslavement and terror!

And Curumo (Saruman)is so easily taken in by him. He only meant well for the Children!

P.S.: Happy belated birthday to you!

Author Reply: Or at least manipulation of others. I do believe that Curumo did start off well, as Gandalf indicated to Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. But once you start on the slippery slope of manipulating others it's hard to keep from sliding into doing so for your own profits rather than for what is truly best for everyone.

And I had a delightful birthday, although Monday wasn't quite so nice. Heh!

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