Path of the Dead by M. Sebasky
Crimson · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
And another month. Need I remind you that you wrote, "this ain't no open-ended WIP.... The final chapters are on the way..."? They've been "on the way" for nearly three years now. Did they take a wrong turn somewhere?
Crimson · 6 February 2007 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
Another month goes by with no ending. It really is a pity you just left the story hanging. You were doing a great job. I'm sure whatever you've written so far is much better than you think it. And even if it's not, so what? It's not like we're going to ship you off to FanFiction Siberia if your ending stinks. And who cares what I think or anybody else. We don't know you from Adam. You're not making any dough off this. It's purely meant to be a) for fun, and/or b) for practise. If you're doing this for "a", then you should allow yourself the satisfaction of finishing it and allow us the satisfaction of reading it. If your reason is "b", then post the rest of it and let us give you feedback. The Lord of the Rings is the perfect example of the power of writing groups. The good Professor never thought anyone would like his work until he had the courage to share it with C.S. Lewis. And that one little step was a huge turning point for him. In one of his letters, Tolkien credited Lewis with giving him the encouragement he needed to keep writing. The small group they formed (the Inklings) served as their writing group. He read his drafts of Lord of the Rings to them and even resisted following their occasional bad advice. But they kept him on track, and I doubt he would have finished it if it weren't for Lewis and the others nagging him to get it done. So I consider this review my homage to the Inklings. Get on with it, friend. I want to read the ending!
Crimson · 14 December 2006 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
What the...? Where the hell's the ending?! You've got me right where you want me--on the edge of my seat, eyes glued to the computer screen, willing to pay money just to read the rest, holding my breath as I click "next" expecting to read the great climatic finish to the story, and instead I get this lousy 3 year old author’s note promising that this won't be just another orphaned WIP... Listen, damn it: You have got to post the rest of the story. I don't care how bad you think it is. I don't care if it's the fanfiction equivalent of the Godfather III! You have got to post the bloody ending. The only legitimate excuse for this unconscionably long hiatus is death or exile at gunpoint to a land without wireless connectivity. Pull yourself together, log in, and post the ending. Just do it. Now! ...Oh, and by the way, I LOVED your story.
Greylin · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
I'm sorry for my unfortunate typo. I wanted to say that I had very much ENJOYED reading the story so far. :)
Greylin · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
I never thought Faramir would betray his King, but there you go ... I guess anything's possible in an AU. I have very much reading the story so far and making the necessary mental adjustments has been a refreshing challenge. I'm worried, though, about your comment that "Chapters 4 and 5 are on the way. Then, the path, as all things must, comes to an end.". I've read chapter 5, and there's no way this story has come to an end. Please say it ain't so. I hope we can expect a resolution!
Author's reply
Thanks for the comments! I'm glad you're enjoying the story to date. And I do need to update my author notes as I originally thought only four chapters would suffice, but now, it's going to be six or seven. Once again, thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment! I do appreciate it!
Ariel · 13 July 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
OK, I'm caught up. You have set up a great love triangle and a very plausible story. That scene you had me beta works very nicely into this piece - I was wondering where you were going with it. Very nicely done - and you do promise more chapters are in the works, right? Ariel
Ariel · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 1: From the White Tower
Well, I knew this would be excellent (your reputation proceeds you dear) but have only just had a chance to start reading this. It is totally compelling and a lovely, flowing read. Thank you for sharing it with us... now, I have a few more chapters to finish... *rubs hands eagerly* Ariel
Artemis too lazy to sign in · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
Hrm...I like the twists you have in this story, although I'm more of an Eowyn/Faramir fan than anything...can't wait to see this updated, and great work so far.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm late replying to comments, but I'm glad you like it, even as an Eowyn/Faramir fan. That's awesome! Once again, thanks! I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
Acacea · 11 July 2004 · Chapter 5: From the Tower
We-ell... I liked it...lots. I rather liked the look we get at Faramir here. He does come out nicely! Liked Aglund too... But what I really like and look forwrad to is the promise of more to come!
Raksha The Demon · 11 July 2004 · Chapter 5: From the Tower
Ooh, my favorite chapter yet. Probably because we get a real good look at AU Faramir. Great interaction between Faramir and his son. You write older-Faramir very well. Can't wait to see his meeting with 'Dernhelm'.
Raksha The Demon · 11 July 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
Your notes are almost as fascinating as the story itself. Wanted to add that Arwen was, in earlier drafts of LOTR, named 'Finduilas' and Faramir's mother called Rothinel or Emmeril. I'd heard that Tolkien thought Aragorn too old and grave for Eowyn. Interesting, since Faramir is not exactly the life of the party. Of course, he's very good at not despairing even when hope is dwindled or gone. And he positively burbles with excitement when Eowyn accepts his love, and goes on about gardens blooming in Ithilien when the White Lady comes...
Author's reply
I'm late on responding; been out of touch, bu I wanted to thank you for taking the time to commment on this. I did not know that Arwen was called "Finduilas" in the early versions. That's very cool. Anyway, I thank you for reading. I'm taking a break before working on the next part, which, being towards the end, is difficult. Still we'll get there. Thanks again!
Lindorien · 11 July 2004 · Chapter 5: From the Tower
Okay, now I really am tearing up. Great minds, M! Faramir echos the sentiments, though they come straight from the author herself: To his surprise, a rueful smile appeared on his father's face. "In truth, I do not remember much but thought it delirium brought on by the fever. Yet Aglund, the point I am making is that one act was not the sum of the man your grandfather was." A tired smile graced the Prince's face. "What trials befall us at the end of our lives may not always be indicative of the men we were for the rest of the time," he said, shaking his head. "If you would remember only the faults of your ancestors, I shudder to think how you would label your own father." Eru! This is wonderful stuff! Lindorien
Author's reply
I am very glad you're liking this. I like it much myself, which as you know, is strange for me as I generally find fault with all I do. As for timeline, I will address this later, or make it clear in "To the Bridge." There may be a line the Sergeant can have that will allow this to be clear. Faramir waited quite a while before marrying, probably in his mid-forties, early fifties. Aglund is early thirty something, the other two boys in their mid to late twenties. The Princess died young. So glad you like it. I mean, really. I think it will all hang together in the end. Which is all that's left to write. Well, that and a prologue which will prove important. You'll see. ; )
Lindorien · 11 July 2004 · Chapter 5: From the Tower
Okay, MSebasky, this is wonderful. Memorable moments: "More the fool you," Prince Faramir replied. "If I were your age, I would be at the ale house and not sequestered with my books." so true. The Prince sighed and put down his quill. "You make it sound very grand." "History does not lie, Father." Ah, youth. How long does that illusion last? Although, truthfully, I am confused by how old everybody is. Aglund is under 40 years of age, I understand that. A little bit of a timeline in the author's note would be grand. This is where you made me cry and stop to write this review. I don't know what passes beyond this line yet, but I can only imagine Faramir's pain at reading this: "In here you call refer to your uncle as 'the fallible Boromir.' Is this history's perception or was the choice of words your decision?" Aglund's grin quickly faded. "I know my uncle was a great man," he said, trying to explain. "Yet history bears witness he tried to take Isildur's Bane from the Ring Bearer. He redeemed himself by trying to save the Halflings, but he did fall." His father's displeasure was clear. "Isildur's bane poisoned him; used his love of Gondor against his better nature. Does that label him forever flawed? Would you condemn him to history's judgment and not remember his deeds of valor and sacrifice?" "Yet when presented with a chance to take the Ring, you did not," Aglund said gently. "It was not the same." "Nay, Father; I believe it was." His father slammed his flagon back upon the table. "Were you there?" For youth, although Aglund is no kid in this sequence, it's all so cut and dried. Perhaps likewise for the old. The need to pigeonhole all. That a man should be remembered by the most ignoble of his acts rather than by all those noble acts which preceded it. History is a hard taskmaster. Thanks for writing this, M. hugs, Lindorien
circini · 28 June 2004 · Chapter 2: From the Meadow
my review should be posted in chapter 3 - can you delete as i don't want to spoil anything for other readers. sorry about that.
circini · 28 June 2004 · Chapter 2: From the Meadow
i like this story very much and can't wait for additional chapters, very well written, mysterious. the use of norse mythology is quite fitting to the rohan culture. i am intrigued by the plot, who did she betray and how? who did she abandon? is it a dream or a memory? excellent job - i can hardly wait for more.
Lindorien · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
This is so excellent! When does the rest go up? LOVE the orc. LOVE the corpsmen. LOVE the detail that makes them real.
Carol · 15 March 2004 · Chapter 2: From the Meadow
I'm loving this story. It has great stuff concerning the cultural differences between Gondor and Rohan. It's interesting to see Aragorn having to deal w/ Eowyn aging and leaving him - the opposite of canon, where it's Arwen who gets left behind. Eowyn's interaction with her mother was very moving. I look forward to finding out the rest of the story concerning Faramir.
Author's reply
Carol, Thank you so much for your insights and kind words about the story to date. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment. Part three should be posted in the next week or two. I'm hoping it will contain a sufficient enough twist to keep things hopping. :) Thanks again for your review! I appreciate it!
Lindorien · 14 March 2004 · Chapter 999999: A Note from the Author.
This is an amazing story. Your author's notes are the best. What an interesting way to consider doing an AU, basing it on what the author himself was originally considering and not just on our own notions of what we would have liked to see happen. As an aside...does Tolkien ever make mention, to your knowledge, that he considered letting Boromir survive? Thanks so much. Truly, the best AU I've had the pleasure of reading. I look forward to part 3. Thanks for letting me be a part of this. Lindorien
Author's reply
You're welcome. I couldn't have done it without you. And I'm glad you like the author notes. I thought they were a little friendly, but hey, I am friendly by nature. ;) Thanks again. I appreciate your words. And I'll look into the Boromir thing for you. I don't know off the top of my head.