Reviews (153)

Darkstar · 15 April 2016 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

Reading this was a healing journey of it's own. My gratitude.

Eluthaun · 18 June 2010 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

I can't imagine how to thank you adequately for having written this piece. It has brought me hours of satisfaction, and I send my every blessing on your mind and hand. I have overflowed, felt enriched. Thank you. Eluthaun

Armariel · 9 May 2009 · Chapter 2: Wasted Words

Hi...I found this story while searching for tales of Radagast, since I'm writing one that's to have him as a major character and so far have seen very little on him, and I am finding your story very charming and interesting in itself, so far. I like your take on him. Like your characterization of Frodo as well. Shall read more soon......:):):):):) Armariel ~~~~{~@

Alassiel · 23 May 2008 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

Greetings Jodancingtree, Two days ago, another admirer of Tolkien's writings told me about your stories. I immediately searched them out and have spent any spare time I had reading. I have just finished (at 3:30 a.m.) Following the Other Wizard. What a remarkable tale! I think the thing that moves me most about it is its illustration that even the seemingly irredeemable can be redeemed. A criticism that some have leveled at Tolkien is that his characters are mere types: the good being too good and the evil being too evil. I don't subscribe to this view, but I can see how people came to that conclusion. Here, in this tale, you have shown that beneath the apparent darkness of a person, there can be wellsprings of light, for all things were created good in their beginnings, even Melkor, even Sauron, and even those creatures that Morgoth twisted and tormented into what became Orcs. I am off to begin reading The Queen's Orc now. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into Tolkien's rich imagination, and your own. Blessings, Alassiel

Inkling · 14 November 2004 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

Dear Jo, Well after an even LONGER break from reading fanfiction—during which I never forgot this story—I finally finished it last night. Thank you for such a wonderful “there and back again” journey…ending, so sadly yet so beautifully, with Sam and Frodo “going home,” just as they did in “Beyond the Havens” and “Long Home of Mortals.” I usually find character death scenes too sad to read, but yours are so lovely and comforting that I’m able to get through them… The orcs—what a brilliant, original take on them! You have provided such fascinating answers to the intriguing questions that Tolkien raised, but did not answer: Are orcs irredeemably evil? Do they have free will? It put me in mind of a story I read long ago, “The Mirror” by Kete, which hinted at some of the themes you have explored so thoroughly here. There are more questions I wonder about, though: if orcs are immortal, what happens when they are slain? Would their spirits go to Mandos, like Elves? Frodo certainly got a lot of strange nicknames in this story: Donkey, Runt… What I found interesting about the orcs’ names for him was that Canohando, the orc closest to Frodo, gave him the rudest nickname, whereas Yarga, the one who hated him, used the most ostensibly “respectful” name—Ringbearer—though coming from him it seemed more a symbol of his hatred. Well, I know Canohando’s adventures continue in your current story “The Queen’s Orc,” and I look forward to catching up with him (never thought I’d say that about an orc!), once I get through several other long fics that I’ve been promising myself I’ll read. Two last comments, the first rather silly: I loved that in their last autumn together, Frodo and Sam went “leaf-peeping” (as they say in New England) up at Bindbole Wood—even staying at an inn! And, finally, of all the examples of your superb writing style—subtle, evocative, and powerful—this one from the end of the story has stayed with me: “The study seemed suddenly too small to hold him…” I can’t read it, even now, without getting a lump in my throat. Thanks again, Jo.

Meldewen Ilce · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

Oh Jo, I do love this story! Every now and again I find myself reading over it again even as I anticipate the next chapter of Canohando's ongoing story in "The Queen's Orc". This story is truly one of my all time favorites and Canohando one of my favorite original characters in the LOTR fandom (with Ferdibrand Took from Lindelea's stories being my other favorite). I'll say it again and again - Brava for such a lovely, lovely, lovely jewel of a story!

Inkling · 10 August 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths

After a long interruption, I’m finally able to get back to this story (I had been reviewing it at ff.net, but now that I’ve discovered this lovely site thought I’d give it a try here). Just finished chapters 9-14 and what a pleasure it was, like catching up with an old friend! So much to enjoy on so many different levels--not least of which, for me, is your use of language. I love strange, archaic words like “trow” that force me to consult my dictionary--just as Tolkien forced me! I found it very interesting that you would choose not to write scenes depicting Frodo’s anniversary illnesses--a staple of so many fanfics--and instead just barely allude to them. It wasn’t until Frodo mentioned to Gimli that he’d been much better that spring that I even realized you’d skipped over it! It was nice to see Gimli; I’ve always been fond of him and thought you captured him nicely--so dwarvish, his interest in Arwen’s jewel! And I was even happier to see Faramir, another of my favorites and one who seemed to have such a special rapport with Frodo in LOTR. Tolkien’s portrayal of their bond has always seemed more convincing to me, or at least more fully drawn, than many other relationships in the book. So it was very satisfying to see your take on something I greatly missed in ROTK: a reunion between the two friends. Your vision of Rhosgobel is wonderful, and just so “right” for Radagast…while Gandalf was a rolling stone, it’s easy to see why the Brown Wizard would be content to stay put in a such a peaceful, lovely setting. And the scene with the birds, when Frodo catches a glimpse of the wizard’s true power, was sublime. I also loved the passage from the book written in the Black Speech…harsh and full of grief, yes, but when translated, so very eloquent and beautiful (once again your poetry skills show!). I’m very curious as to whether the author is your own invention, or a character from the Silmarillion…I’ve tried to think who it could be, but no one quite fits. And like Frodo, I wonder how Radagast would have come by the book…(hmmm, could make an interesting story!) Well, I can’t end this ramble without at least a mention of your wonderful portrayals of Frodo and Radagast…they just keep getting better as the story progresses. I like it that Radagast has his own demons to wrestle with…makes him seem more “human”! And dear, thoughtful, self-effacing Frodo…always a bit mystified that everyone is so loyal to him. So is he truly as healed as he thinks? Somehow I wonder, but will just have to read on to find out! Chapter 14 seems a good place to pause and take “the deep breath before the plunge” before venturing into Mordor, where the shadows lie…and where, I have no doubt, there be orcs! Well, if Frodo can take it I guess I can…

Morganna · 9 August 2004 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

Dear Jo, Your story is the first ever altered universe tale I've ever read. Calime recommended it to me, and therefore I had to read it! Having done so, I must confess that, had Tolkien kept Frodo on this side of the Sea, I believe this would have been the life he'd approved of for his little ring-bearer! Your story is full of fascinating, new characters, expertly drawn, and wonderful, wonderful descriptive narrative. Radagast was truly of Gandalf's kind - it was only right that Frodo should spend the time of his healing with a wizard. Your story moved me, but not only that, your method and form charmed me. A refreshing, long-to-be-remembered read! I'm off to read The Queen's Orc! M-

Calime · 6 August 2004 · Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet

Jo, I needed a few days to digest the last chapter before I could begin my final review. It was so stunningly sad and beautiful that I still feel funny in the pit of my stomach when I think about it. I guess I'm still grieving for the loss of Sam and Frodo even though they obviously passed on to a better place. It was that real! I can barely begin to tell you all the things I loved about your wonderful story, but I'll try to name a few. I've mentioned your impressive creativity and your flowing and easy style before, so I won't make much of them here except to say again that they have made reading this story an absolute joy. Your greatest strengths, however, lie in your thematic expression and your character development and growth. I came into this story with a great deal of trepidation as I don't like people to mess too much with Tolkien. The subtitle," A Journey into Healing," however, convinced me to take a chance and go with you on your journey. And I am glad I came! Though I was horrified by the fact that your Frodo had actualy planned suicide, I was quickly reasured by your obvious love of and respect for the character. In fact, my favorite thing about this story is what you have done with Frodo. He is still Tolkien's Frodo, but you have given him new opportunities to act and display his inner beauty. As he was healed he became a light so dazzling that one could not help loving him even more. Your other characters were equally well drawn in that we came to laugh with them and weep for them in the same way. Radagast, Nano,and Canohando took on flesh; I cannot believe that I haven't known and loved them all along. The thematic elements in your story are ones that the Professor could have found no fault with and that speak deeply to my own heart as well. You have skillfully woven the themes of healing, love and sacrifice into your story to create a quest of great beauty. Profound insights into the nature of suffering, love and beauty abound in your work. The analogies of the bird, the wounded fox, and particularly that of the worn shell showpiece your gently given wisdom. If I could find any fault at all, it would be that I would have liked to have seen more of Radagast and Frodo after they parted with Canohando. To return more to the primary relationship of the story. To not only know why, but to be shown why Frodo decided to stay on with Radagast after he was healed. I wanted to "see" that Radagast needed Frodo as Frodo needed Sam, to better understand Frodo's long absence from the Shire and from the one who waited for him. Don't take this too harshly, as this is definitely the most beautiful fan fiction I have ever read. I am very grateful you have invited us into your imagination and your heart. A devoted fan, Calime

Calime · 4 August 2004 · Chapter 32: A Time of Parting

Well that sure got the tears flowing! It was a beautiful chapter in other ways as well. The sights and images of Frodo and Canohando climbing and then lingering on the mountain were lovely!

Calime · 3 August 2004 · Chapter 29: Binding Hearts

Wow! That was wonderful! I love the blood-brother incident with Merry, and the heart- brother memories of Sam. And now, Frodo has now bound himself to his new friends. This is just an incredible chapter.

Calime · 3 August 2004 · Chapter 28: The Hunt

Frodo's willingness to hunt with his friends in spite of his continued distate for death of any sort is a good characterization. His willing adventurousness here is very reminicient of Bilbo. At last we understand Lash's motivations. This was quite interesting, but the part about the bear was unclear. Perhaps it will be made plain in the next chapter.

Calime · 3 August 2004 · Chapter 27: Of Mother and Child

I like Lash's astuteness in naming Frodo, but am very curious about his wife. I'll have to hurry on to the next chapter to find out what that is all about. Twists and turns indeed!

Calime · 3 August 2004 · Chapter 26: Light-bearer

I really liked the way it took longer for Frodo's body to go along with his mind and spirit in regards to his healing. This just rings with a truth that I'm sure you must have experience with. Your writing is filled with all sorts of wisdom of this type. The other interesting thing about this chapter was its bittersweet contrasts. Yarga chose rightly, but then next time we hear of him we learn that he has died. Also, Frodo's thoughts turn to Sam and home when he meets Aragorn's men, and then a few paragraphs later we find that a score of years has passed and Frodo has not returned home yet. This sure makes me Sad, Jo, but it does maintain spirit of Tolkien's work in that their sepration is so long. A beautiful chapter!

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 23: Change of Direction

Sorry about the double post. That other one was for the last chapter. Interesting turn almost bumping into a Blue Wizard. Lash has made real strides. There'll be no turning back for him.

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 22: I Will Not Let You Die

This chapter brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure that isn't a typical response, but then I am pretty sensitive to good stuff like this. The light rages on against the darkness "though the darkness comprehends it not." Beautiful!

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 24: Hope and Threat

Canohando sure shines in this chapter, but then again who wouldn't die for the Frodo you have drawn. ;-) Very satisfying!

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 25: The Pit That Was Barad-dur

Yikes! Frodo definitely still has some things to work through, sneaking out to the pit like that. At least he forced Yarga into his choice, and how sweet it is darkest among us is redeemed.

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 23: Change of Direction

This chapter brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure that's not everone's reaction , but I am a silly, and sensitive thing. Oh, Jo, this is so beautiful.

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 21: The Green Country

The heart of The One, hmmmn. I love the waterfall analogy. A beautifully expressed truth that goes far beyond "story." I'm sure Tolkien would have admired it.

Calime · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 20: Fighting the Darkness

Wow! That was powerful! You have really brought this story into another zone entirely. From mystical and reflective, filled with beautiful and emotional revelations, to downright heart pounding. Will it evolve again? Onward!

Calime · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 19: Around the Fire

A beautiful rendition of the history of Arda. Your tone eased into high style as Radagast told his tale. Very reminiscent of Tolkien himself and the way he changed his writing styles to suit the thing he was telling. Lovely!

Calime · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 18: Storms

What a terrible realization for Frodo--that he may have come into the hands of his executioner. Character development in the Orcs has been progressing very nicely. We are left uncertain as to who will choose which side at the end, excepting Lash, who seems to have the best innate heart of the three.

Calime · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager

Gosh, this is good. How I love your giving Frodo a chance to show us his real grace. We get a hint of it in his final dealings with Sauruman, but you have really made his inner "light" evident.

Calime · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 16: Friends and Enemies

A very satisfying, yet disturbing chapter. I loved Frodo stepping to the forefront to lay full claim to his past and his rightful honor, but the last scene really grabbed me. The Orcs obviously still have a long way to go, and I'm sure that even Frodo is not near as far along in his healing as he thinks he is. You are delving deeply into the nature of evil--its persistent corrupting influence as well as its ultimate demise. I love the moral sense you bring to "your" Middle Earth.