Reviews (42)

Larner · 10 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Deep in the forest

And we continue in our destruction of the world and its beauty and diversity....

daw the minstrel · 9 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Under The Stars. Part 1

I love the idea of Celeborn having a "mane." The lynx's POV is wonderful, making it clear that a human POV is not the only possible one in this ravished forest. And of course, elves have a different POV yet. "Herds" of birches, alders, lime trees, oaks! Now that's elfy and I suppose lynxish. I laughed when Maria compared him to an elf lord. The discussion of the oaks' problems was fascinating and very well presented as dialogue. And the mixing of personal and environmental problems was so sad, stripped of sentimentality. he knew everything about fruitless wars That's a wonderful line, very evocative. So the scene in Valinor. Hm. Time is ebbing to a close? And who is this troublesome elf? TBC? Yay!

French Pony · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

Hi! It's in the middle of Exam Week here, so I haven't been able to remember to read and review things as often as usual. But I did want to let you know that I read this and that I enjoyed it.

elliska · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

This is incredible, Perelleth! I love these stories. The modern setting and the elves in it--you are the only author I have read that can pull it off. Maybe because of the details you include, certainly because of how well you capture the elves. I love it. And of course I love the themes. Wonderful!

Bodkin · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

I just love this, perelleth. Father Nino is a great character - a real selfless priest whose faith gives him sight beyond the everyday - and a genuine philanthropist, too - to whom others are more important than himself. I love what he is doing for the people of the village. And his kindness even extends to the doctor (little though the doctor realises it). And he's right - Insa can do far more for his people as a lawyer than as a rice farmer. And then - the Bakin. Powerful, strong, elemental - and vulnerable. I love the way the old priest can spare his last moments to reassure the tormented elf ... “And I know of guilt, and shame, and forgiveness and redemption…and the deep mysteries of creation. A creator capable of bringing to life a being of light like yourself...cannot fail to take your grief…and shame…and remorse…and turn them into blessing and forgiveness…no matter your deeds,” So what Maglor needs to hear. And he sings ... I hope they do meet again. Eventually.

Redheredh · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

What an absolutely wonderful character is Father Nino. Right off, he made me think of Dr. F. and his life's work on behalf of others. What I like best was Father's deep-rooted faith, which I think, gave him the ability to see the supernatural for what it was. But, he certainly had Maglor's number. I really really really like how to the last he performed his role as priest, including giving the elf absolution - which was not a gift but earned by contrition and penance and restitution. Just as it should be... Maglor flew to them, like a moth to a night fire, hoping to drink their strength and find the source of their courage, their invulnerability against despair that he so badly needed. That was an very enlightening paragraph. Maglor fit well as a Bakin. Oddly, I thought of how the elves become pixies in Western culture and wondered if that was the ultimate fate of the Jola's legends - to diminish and become local color. That almost happened to many Native American beliefs. Will the messenger dolls become trinkets and be made for sale one day? I could not help but feel a parallel between the son of the old friend who continued to send wine and Insa, the heir to his family's business, carrying on for the sake of tradition and the honor that commitment represented. I am glad that you did not entirely remove the deadlier conflicts in these people's lives in favor of the dangerous jungle setting alone. For me, the egret that appeared was not just a feathered honor guard for his tomb, but the spirit of Nino allowed to linger for a while and watch over his village. A beautifully written tale - as always! A touching story of young and old, youth and elder, faith and knowing... Man, I love this series.

meckinock · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

Father Nino is truly a steward, isn't he? He loves his adopted people and embraces their culture, even when they don't conform to his own ideology. His faith is utter faith and lack of fear in the face of death is inspiring - exactly what Tolkien would have hoped for. I loved how at home he had become with the Jola, and how death for them is just a part of life - and a welcome part. It was nice to imagine a departing spirit carrying away their messages to their departed loved ones. I absolutely loved how the Jola saw Maglor as a forest spirit, but Father Nino saw him as he truly was. I loved his absolution of Maglor, and the revelation that Maglor has been searching, always searching for answers, and sometimes finding them in these fragile mortals. Your use of language is amazing. What a lonely image of Maglor, "stranded on the shore of hither." This story is truly beautiful, Perelleth.

The Karenator · 4 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

Let me add: I just read Daw's review and I agree you had some outstanding wordsmithing going on here. Hope was unnecessary when confronted with more reassuring certainties, but hope, he reminded himself, was also the truth of youth; and youth was the only disease that was actually cured by time. I also love that line. It was perfect for where Father Nino was at the time, taking pills he knew offered little other than making a young doctor feel as if he were making a difference. I must have read it three or four times when I came to it in the story. However, I would beg to differ with the good priest. He had not been completely cured of hope, just of youth. :>)

The Karenator · 4 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

Perelleth, that was beautiful. Even as the priest realized his time had come and he fought to finish a last bit of business, there was a peace about him and a sense that all was as it should be. He had the chance to take one last survey of his life's love, the people and the village, the children, and the opportunities he had been able to help offer them. Maglor was, of course, wonderful. Father Nino didn't know who or what Maglor was, but he did know him well. The priest's words of forgiveness gave me chills. A few simple words went deep, penetrating through several layers. They connected man and elf, creation and destruction, and the hope all things hinge on. I suppose little is more powerful than love and forgiveness, though there are other things that make more noise. I'm glad Insa will go back and complete his degree. There are more ways than one to be a defender of your people. I'm also glad he was granted his mask. He's set now to come fully into his own and help his people. And, much to Maglor's pleasure, I'm sure, he got a good glass of current-age Dorwinion.

daw the minstrel · 4 March 2007 · Chapter 3: By the Ocean

I am officially blown away. This is just stunning, Perelleth. You weave legends, knowledge of the jungle, Tolkien, and a compassionate sense of character together in a way that I can only envy. I started trying to quote the lines I like best, but I think there might be too many of them. Hope was unnecessary when confronted with more reassuring certainties, but hope, he reminded himself, was also the truth of youth; and youth was the only disease that was actually cured by time. That's a great line, Perelleth. Sometimes I think medicine does so badly in dealing with age because so many of the praticioners are still young. I also really liked the "flighty" autumn sun. Every once in a while, you come out with these terrifically innovative uses of words. keeping the secret of the jungle’s affairs. Wow. Wow throughout. This was wonderful.

The Karenator · 6 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Out in the desert.

Lovely. Just lovely. I adore Cyrus. He's such a well rounded character, completely believable and wholly sympathetic. He was at a difficult juncture in his life; perhaps, within the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth of nature's own rhythm: The Big Picture. Things seem to be slipping away from him, or, are at least, beyond his ability to understand or control at the moment. Daeron was a wonderful addition to this tale. He certainly knows of loss, and from his own pain and the ages he's had to observe and learn, he has a little magic to share with a grieving scientist who needs a little reminder about why he's needed. The details about the desert, the Bedu, their traditional stories, and the often clashing needs between cultures was delightful. I enjoyed this tremendously. But then, you know I love this creation of yours; this tale of ancient wisdom and current concerns. Thanks.

Redheredh · 6 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Out in the desert.

Oh, thank you so much for the birthday wishes! And yes, I definitely enjoyed this episode! Heck, I love anything with Dr. F in it! But, this story happens just after the loss of his family and he is so sad. :( Poor guy... at a real low point it seems. Thanks for sending in Daeron. :) The content was truly interesting! You have made me very curious now about the Bedouins and desert ecology. The New Year's celebrations was a nice way of showing that all peoples share this world and have more than a few things culturally in common. Your writing always captures me. Because, it always rings true. The breath of your stories is so deep. And you never forget to include the realistic sort of humor that someone like Asim would perpetrate. lol! I like Asim - reminds me of your Beliond - and admired the sheikh. However, it was Cyrus and Daeron together that was the best part for me. Tea and sympathy - elf-style. Brilliant. I really like the conversation and the consolation they offered each other. That bit where Cyrus shrugs and drinks Daeron's potion anyway was a priceless little detail! Thank you so much, Perelleth! The birthday dedication was sweet of you! Actually, I think you would do very well in the Blessed Realm. However, I fervently hope your mission in Ennor is not yet done. Ah now, don't think I've forgotten them for here they are: Hugs! :)

daw the minstrel · 5 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Out in the desert.

Very haunting, Perelleth. In some ways, living through all of time would be an incredible burden. And you have to wonder what Arda Marred comes to mean as these characters struggle with the changes in the earth.

Bodkin · 5 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Out in the desert.

Poor Cyrus. It's not surprising that he feels more jaded about fighting the tide than does Daeron who has a whole different length of time for his perspective to represent. And to lose his wife and little George like that - I can see why he wanted to keep this appointment with the desert and the white camels. I love the desert you describe - and the Bedouin. And the rather smug, self-satisfied, patting-themselves-on-the-back, foreign experts come to tell the desert peoples that they don't know what they're doing. And Daeron ... Well. Not a character for whom I've ever had much sympathy really - but all you've got to do is change the prism round and it gives you a whole new look at him. I would like to think that he might be happy one day - but I somehow doubt that Luthien's long-lost twin sister will turn up for him. A gorgeous story, perelleth. I loved it. You are so good at combining real life and the irritations of bureaucracy with magic and the unknown. Brilliant.

Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Deep in the forest

I am in a state of confusion here. I know this was here earlier and I know it appeared again last night. So if you suddenly find it's where it should be and you have an additional, slightly confused, review, that's why. Lindelea's 'Love Light Gleaming' story did the same thing - and has now returned to its original date plus original reviews. Weird.

daw the minstrel · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Deep in the forest

Perelleth, I think I must be getting senile. I thought I read and reviewed this already but I see from the posting date that that's not possible. Anyway, I liked this glimpse of Thranduil trying to relate to these people who are like his own, but lack his centuries of wisdom. And he does seem wise here. He knows what will happen and he also knows he can't stop it.

Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Deep in the forest

I love Thranduil here in the forest - I'm not surprised the shaman appreciates his presence. The shaman's recognition that his people are fading must have been painful for Thranduil, who has seen his own people disappear from their natural environment. (Although I still think there is an element of self-inflicted - their gene pool is far too small and blood feuds are not a good way for the population to thrive.) I liked this before - and enjoyed it again.