Reviews of In The Forests of the Night

BKB · 10 February 2006 · Chapter 15: To Mourn

I'm so glad to see that you are continuing to revise your earlier story. It is a great improvement and I hope that you feel, as I do, that it is worth the efforts. It's a logical development to have Eowyn acting as the "older" and more experienced comforter to Arwen in this situation that involves the loss of loved ones. It also allows A & E's relation to grow as A learns that there are some things that humans many understand better than elves. Thanks again, BKB

BKB · 10 February 2006 · Chapter 15: To Mourn

Raksha The Demon · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 13: Judging Anew

I loved the interaction between Faramir, Aragorn and Arwen! A lovely notion that Faramir's decision to wed a woman who will die before he does resonates with Arwen's (and Luthien's) choice. And I could just see Faramir almost-daring Aragorn to object to the proposed marriage with Eowyn. I would think that, given the close ties between the Fellowship, and the links they forged to the Rohirrim, that Merry and Pippin would have told Aragorn of Faramir's interest in Eowyn. And many people saw Faramir and Eowyn smooching on the walls; surely Aragorn heard something to indicate that a new alliance was being forged there...

Raksha The Demon · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 6: In Twilight

The image of the exhausted Eowyn lying in her bed with eyes reddened from weeping, as Aragorn bids her a kind farewell, is heartbreaking. And her response to Faramir is quite interesting. There's life under the ice after all. You've written her confusion well, it would be very disconcerting for Eowyn to be in a situation where she is not in physical or emotional danger, and where Theoden no longer needs her aid, and she no longer needs the armor that has served her so well...

BKB · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 13: Judging Anew

Welcome back! I had indeed despaired of hearing from you again. Your revision continues to improve a story that was already good. Though it is not necessary, I think that you have made the story better by bring it more in line with the book. That Arwen continues to think of Eowyn as a "girl" inspite of Arwen's increased understanding and respect, rings true. No matter how great their deeds or wisdom, Men must always seem immature to Elves who always have accomplished more during their much longer lives. Thanks again, BKB

BKB · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 13: Judging Anew

Jen · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Marriage of True Minds

Glad to see a new chapter today. I always loved this part of their story, but I've also enjoyed how you've portrayed what comes next. Can't wait to see the next chapter.

Ilna · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Marriage of True Minds

love this story. i'm always so happy to come home and see there's a new chapter. perfect blend of tolkien and narrative. bravo!

Jen · 14 December 2004 · Chapter 10: In Doubt

I love all the new details added to this chapter. I just saw the extended version of the Return of King and was a little disappointed at the brevity of the scene between Faramir and Eowyn. Thank goodness I have this story to make up for all the "missing scenes."

Author's reply

I know. I ws sorely disappointed with the extended cut - there wasn't nearly enough of Éowyn and Faramir. The way their relationship was presented in the film annoyed me - there was no sense of the growth that was necessary for their love to develop. It looked completely shallow (even though they played it really well) and it didn't get to the heart of it at all! Sorry for ranting! Anyway, I'm glad this has made you feel better; hopefully I'll have the next chapter fairly soon.

BKB · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 10: In Doubt

Brava! Brava! This is an excellent chapter, especially in comparison to the orginal version. You've added more depth and detail in rendering Eowyn's thoughts and feelings, especially their circular, or rather spiraling nature. It is definately worth the work that you put into it. As always, I'm looking forward to your next instalment.

Author's reply

"Spiralling" So, so true. Éowyn needs someone to break her out of her tendency to fall in vicious circles of thought, which don't only undermine her relationship with Faramir, but, I think, help to produce her depression as well. I've always thought that the reason she was so 'cold' towards him was that she simply couldn't be sure that he loved her - that "Speak plainer" comment comes from massive frustration I think. Aragorn's rejection of her, and the fact that Faramir has not actually said anything, combine to make Éowyn doubt what I think she knows in her heart; that Faramir truly, deeply loves her.

BKB · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 9: Upon The Brink

An excellent chapter! In comparing this chapter to your orginal version at Scribe Oz, I see that you have fully dramatized an incident that rated a breif paragraph of description. I find it much more satifying to "watch and listen" as Eowyn tries to resist her growing physical and emotional attaction to Faramir. In the revision of your previous chapter(s), I must confess that I regretted the loss of the heighten drama of the more "violent" expression of emotions. However, I think that the restrained behavior is probably more in keeping with Eowyn's and Faramir's characters. Their social and political postions, and the need to act accordingly, are completly ingrained into their personalities. I'm definately looking forward to your next chapter.

Author's reply

I know what you mean - but I felt quite stronly that I needed to counteract a certain...soap-opera quality in the writing (it is a long time since I first wrote it, and certain scenes of the original now make me blush). Éowyn is also once bitten, twice shy so to speak - though I have to admit I prefer the tension that a single touch can create between them, to all the hugs etc they were exchanging before!

Raksha The Demon · 4 November 2004 · Chapter 9: Upon The Brink

Oooh; I'm feeling the heat. Wake up and smell the coffee, Eowyn! Faramir warms her like no one else can, huh? It's only a matter of time. And only natural that she's now shying away from him like a nervous filly. Warmth and comfort and the possibility of love are things she's disavowed; and it's hard to let them back into her life. The problem is, Eowyn is a passionate creature underneath that ice. And spring is here, the ice is going to melt. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Author's reply

Exactly! The only thing I would add is that Éowyn thinks far too highly of Faramir to accept his love if she couldn't return it, or couldn't return it fully (which she isn't quite healed enough to do just yet.) The ice is going to melt - eventually - but just remember, the longer it takes, the more satisfying it will be! (That's my excuse for torturing more in the next chapter!)

BKB · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 8: Healing

I'm glad to see that you have updated! I've been following your series of stories for nearly a year and I would be sorry to lose them. Revision is very important, but it is never as much fun as the original writnig. I hope that you post soon again.

Shireling · 11 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Hinge of Despair

Despair indeed! You have captured the essence of Eowyn really well in this story, her loneliness, her isolation and her despertion to play a part in the events even if it is only with her death. I look forward to reading more. shireling

Reviews (14)