Reviews (108)

Cuthalion · 23 September 2005 · Chapter 18: Retribution

"I came to face your judgment. Send me after him, and in the world of shades I will search him out; I will bow down and kiss his feet." I remember holding my breath when I first read this sentence. You know I've been reading (and beta-ing) your tales for nearly two years now, and this is the quality that makes me always return to your stories... hope, confidence and bottomless, unerring love, rising like a phoenix from the ashes... and no one has fallen deep enough not to be redeemed. I know this is a cruel tale, but still very Tolkien in thoughts and philosophy, and you've made me care for Logi - very deeply. May Freiga be corageous and strong enough to help him. It is so very hard to face your own misdeeds, but what ever was left in Logi of pride and hate is burnt out by guilt and pain - how very fitting that you use fire here for his punishment. I bow to you for this tale, my friend. It is truly extraordinary.

perelleth · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 17: Captured

Yes, sure there is mercy, and hope, what I meant is that we tend to forget darkness, which is a substantial part of light, for were it not for the darkness what would we know of hope and light? So I believe that there are dark times that are somehow needed to bring out good things... much as with Canohando and Logi here, which is what brought me back reviewing: She could not rob him of what he never had. Yet in fact it turned out to be the other way, Logi needed to walk down that terrible path to its terrible bottom, before finding out that, indeed, he did have honour and he was a faithful orc. No concessins to easy, short lived hope in this story, no hope that Tulco is alive, that Osta will survive, that any of them will, for, who would want to when all you have known has been destroyed and all your loved ones have been swept away? Yet we hope that Logi may somehow redeem himself and that Canohando shall understand. BEautifully, deeply and most compassionately done, jo, I bow to your skill! :-)

perelleth · 17 September 2005 · Chapter 17: Captured

The Darkness never rested. Again and again it returned to wear him down, and he was grown weary Now I know why this story hooked me so. Although I uderstand, and pity, and sympathize with Logi, it is Canohando I feel closer to... Damn, this is way too good and deep for these troubled times. May these orcs find their deserved rest. When the time of harvest arrives, it is a foolish thing to hope that the earth would yield something different than it can produce, and Darkness has been around since ever. Gee, bad, fatalist week to be reading this, but I'm still here. And enjoying. Wonderful job.

Raksha The Demon · 17 September 2005 · Chapter 17: Captured

Will Freiga and her unborn child pay for Logi's sins? I don't like it that Canohando is displaying evil Orcish tendancies; and it's worse that he's aware of the Darkness creeping up on him, and trying to fight it. I'm sure he's got some ghastly torture in mind for Logi; but I think Logi won't live to endure it. One can only hope he dies bravely, accomplishing one good thing. I'm not even sure that Canohando will survive the ruin of the Shire... Update soon, please!

Raksha The Demon · 17 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Freiga

A poignant look inside little Freiga, previously relegated to the position of shallow pretty girl and traitor-bait. Her fondness for Logi, who has been cruel as well as kind to her, is sad; she longs so much to matter to someone that she accepted an enemy and ruined them both. Yet she finds courage at last; though she refused to leave her tribe for Logi, she won't let her tribe kill her baby. She's awakened to a new maturity in a very dark time, though; I'm not sure either Freiga or her baby will survive, though I'm almost certain that Logi won't live to see the child born. Very sad, but enthralling story.

Rose Sared · 16 September 2005 · Chapter 17: Captured

Oh my goodness, I forgot, when you get to action, you really get action. such raw feelings here, from Canahando, from everyone really. I ponder what will become of the hobbits en masse. Great chapter, wonderful writing - enter Mab stage left? Rose

Rose Sared · 12 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Malawen's Ride

Um, nice to see Malawen in action again - she ever was feisty and I love the way she uses her elvishness to her advantage. I am worried tho' on her own she would be the match for any, but encumbered by wounded. Rose's brow furrows, not good, methinks. Lovely lively chapter for a gets here to there one, wish I could be so clever - still with you on this story. Rose

perelleth · 11 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Malawen's Ride

Gee, now you got me soooo worried for sooo many characters! Poor Osta, trapped inside a death trap, poor malawen trying to find the commander, and Where is Canohando? Freiga in search of her orc, and Logi, where's Logi? And now that his grandma is about and away, he'll be bound to fulfill his promise to the river and protect her? This summer won't end in glory, I fear...

perelleth · 2 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Freiga

Apologies for the delay... I was hoping to read from her! So that's how life turned out for Freiga... gee, such a couple of bereft people, and such a poor comfort she finds in her brutal orc...women's lot was always the poorer, then, But she's resolute enough. Now I'm wondering what's going to happen to them. Poor thng, just thinking they could ran away together.... Wow! This gets more and more entangled by the minute! chain mailed riders coming!

Inkling · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 14: The Little Hero

So sad to see Bag End ravaged once again…and to know that this time, it probably won’t be restored. I hope we’re going to see the scene you seem to be setting up here: Logi at the Ring-bearer’s grave. Will he finally understand? Perhaps Frodo can still help another orc, somehow…

Inkling · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 13: The Heart Refuses

So he can kill his cousin, but not a Hobbit! Even Logi has his limits…perhaps finding the bear’s tooth, with all it represented, did him some good. And I wonder, too, about the Lady’s jewel…will it do Freiga some good?

Inkling · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 12: The Shire Takes Cover

Back from travels in Hobbit Country—aka the British Isles—and trying to catch up with everything, including this story. What a ripping good tale this continues to be, Jo! I have a fondness for beginnings and endings, I guess. I loved Lindelea’s “The Shire: Beginnings,” and this one makes rather a good bookend with it.

Rose Sared · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Freiga

I almost hope she finds Canahando before she finds Logi, such a tale of woe and the babe has done no-one wrong. Looking foward to more - as ever. Rose

perelleth · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 14: The Little Hero

So, I've found myself trying to remind me what Logi did. You know I've pitied him since the very beginning, because of the seemingly unavoidable curse of his nature. Such a harsh way apppointed to this orc to grow up! Boy, his remorse is heart wrenching and he must have found out by now that love with Freiga was all different from love of his family and respect and trust from his friends. So Canohando's guilt some chapters before that he had not thought to find him a wife to prevent this is proven right... in a way. Deep inside he's so wise and discerning! Perfect tragedy, yet again...Logi standing before the ringbearer's tomb! poor one!

Rose Sared · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 14: The Little Hero

"The thought brought Canohando very near, and it came to him that he wanted his grandfather. He'd kill me the moment he laid eyes on me! But perhaps that was what he wanted after all – to be judged, and pay the penalty. Anything to close his ears to Haldar's scream" And there encapsulated is the great tragedy of this tale - I find myself caring less what happens to the hobbits - but boy do I care what happens to Canohando and Logi - Sign of pretty good writing indeed. Still enjoying Rose

Nina the powerwriter · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 14: The Little Hero

The last few paragraphs had me in near tears. He himself had not been loyal. In some obscure way he felt he owed them an apology. That clenched my heart. Wonderful writing, Jo! You never cease to amaze me. You write redeemable villians so well too! I am urger to see what happens next.

perelleth · 17 August 2005 · Chapter 13: The Heart Refuses

I was missing Logi. Even his wild nature must feel uncomfortable at these barbarians' careless despoiling of what used to be *his* country, his duty and his people. And now he's sobering up and seeing through. Even if he knows that his people are not his people any longer, he knows he's not one of the barbarinas either, who shun and distrust him so he's only got his own counsel to follow. His thought of his grandpa was poignant. Ufff!!! And they still taunt him with the burning! Poor Logi. Is he happy with Freiga at least?

Rose Sared · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 13: The Heart Refuses

Too late for repentance and far to soon for forgiveness. How on earth will he save the hobbit and his own life. Talk about cliffies Jo - my heart may not survive to many chapters like this! Do keep it up. Loving the ride - Rose

Nina the powerwriter · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 13: The Heart Refuses

O.O is Logi having a change of heart? That would be something if he did! It'd be wild if he redeems himself. I'm glad he took the tooth since that was so important. It wrenched my heart to think of Bag End being burned after so many years of it staying safe! Made me want to cry :(

perelleth · 11 August 2005 · Chapter 12: The Shire Takes Cover

Wow! I'm impressed at how you write strategy! Unfortunately I don't have my map of the shire at hand, as my books are still packed, but I believe I can make a reasonable guess at to what is going on... and it makes a lot of sense to me, how they're spreading their forces. It was dismaying, though, to see the Guardians overwhelmed by these barbarians... And it was great fun to see the mathoms from the War of the Ring come to use after three millenia! I loved the strategic talk, and this fifth son of Canohando seems a good commander. It always impresses me when people are ready to do their duty, even when saidduty means that you may die. SIgh. I love well laid plans and strategies, too, but unfortunately this is going to be an unavoidable massacre! Now that I come to think of it, these guardians have taken up the place of the dunedain rangers in a more than worthy manner, haven't them? I'm loving this.

Rose Sared · 11 August 2005 · Chapter 12: The Shire Takes Cover

Is there ever a reasonable emergency -LOL! Nice getting from here to there ch, Jo and I like your hobbits - sensible and organised, very hobbity to come through in a pinch. Still reading, still enjoying Rose

perelleth · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Retreat

Sorry I'm so behind in reading and reviewing. I've just moved, ( have changed country, continent and hemisphere in one shot!) so some things have been postponed and time is now going to be scarcer for pleasant things.. I so loved the contrast between the grimnes of last chapter, battle and harshness with the gentleness inn htis one, the suport, and solidarity, despite the danger. OSta is a great character for his role, and he must have been reat comfort in this situation. "So, after an Age being shielded by the Guardians, it comes our turn to succor you," Feldibar said when they were seated by the fire..." I so much loved this. It is so hobbitutsh, so typical of their solidarity and the kindness of this race, glad to be able to be of help after such a long time! IT perfectly captured the spirit of the race, I think! Thanks for the kind respite. I suppose we shall be back to the carnage soon..Sigh!

Rose Sared · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Retreat

Ah, I like the way things are moving on, and how nice for the hobbits to not only be able to return care for care but to be so prepared to do so. Malawen is redoubtable these days isn't she - no more fears just certainty. Lovely chapter - keep it up. Rose

Cuthalion · 7 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Retreat

I like the humorous courtesy of Feldibar Took - like a small shine of Pippin's happy mischief! And am I wrong or is there a chapter missing? Cúthalion

Inkling · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 10: The Inundation

Two more splendid chapters, with the moments of reflection standing in poignant contrast to the fury of battle. Interesting, Logi’s decision not to tame the trees if it came to that, even to save himself…he is on no one’s side at this point. Not even his own.