Brothers at Heart by Radbooks
Hanasian · 3 September 2025 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
I quite enjoyed the read of this! I could see the stiffness in the early chapter smoothed out as you went along. I myself would have written Aragorn a bit differently in the beginning, but I still think this story is a worthy read in its entirety!
sue · 11 September 2019 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
Here we are at chapter 24. I've skimmed ahead, and the rest is much as I expected. I have to say that after the first few chapters of Aragorn getting to know people, having doubts, finding his way, the majority of the story seemed like a VERY well written novelization of a role-playing game. I could hear the dice rolling...you meet bandits; roll for initiative. You meet orcs; you meet another patrol, you sense wolves...what do you do; roll. You are hit by an arrow, roll, take 4pts damage...etc. The characterizations are good, but I thought that Aragorn was way too mature for a 20 yr old and 30-something Halbarad was way too immature and teasing. I appreciate all the work you did over a long time. I enjoyed reading this, but it was ultimately disappointing that the story did not *really* advance, it was just a strung together series of incidents.
LisaG · 8 March 2010 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
Wow! What a terrific story! You made me want to meet all of the Dunedain! In so many other stories I've read, authors have made them seem rather crude, crass, unclean and uneducated...I prefer your view of them as more refined and honorable. Poor Aragorn has certainly been tested this first year with his people...I can't imagine the stress of being so young and having to lead people you've only just met and are only beginning to understand their lives. His training with the elves has given him a depth and maturity, however, that has prepared him well for the role. I enjoyed the light hearted moments of banter and teasing among the Rangers...especially Halbarad's ribbing of Aragorn...the Chieftain needs to not be so serious all the time! Halbarad will be Aragorn's "Jiminey Cricket", giving advice and being his sidekick for the many trials ahead. I hope you keep writing many more Aragorn stories...this was a treat!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for taking the time to review my story; I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed writing this story, but I don't know when, if ever, I'll write any more stories set in this particular time frame. I haven't been writing much the last year or so and the stories I am working on are my Young Eomer and Eowyn series or part of an AU series that isn't on this site. Anyway, thanks again for reviewing, I do appreciate it!
LisaG · 6 March 2010 · Chapter 1: One
I really love the opening of this story so far...clearly, it was the best decision to raise Aragorn in Imladris, where he got a more extensive education than he could have in the village. For someone who's only 20, he's quite the diplomat and shows great empathy for people and wiseness beyond his years. I can't wait to read more!
Marethiel · 30 December 2008 · Chapter 27: Character List
I truly enjoyed this story, radbooks... in fact, I was in "can't put it down" mode... until 3:00 a.m. this morning! A little cumbersome with a laptop, but I managed it, by God... LOL Seriously, your writing is very rich, your plot and character development thorough. I adore your Ivorwen, btw; she's wonderful! Aragorn is thoroughly believable, and it was interesting to me how Halbarad struck just the right counterpoint in his development of response within the compound. Very cool character device... I may steal it (just kidding!) Seriously, I am very grateful for having this opportunity to read your views of the Dunadain. Many thanks for sharing your talent. ~Marethiel
Author's reply
Goodness! I just realized I hadn't replied to your review from the end of December. Forgive me for that! I usually do so right away but with the holidays and all the email must have been deleted. Anyway, thanks so much for your very kind words about my story. I'm glad that you enjoyed it enough to stay up so late... I hope you didn't have to work that morning. :) Ivorwen became a favorite of mine as I wrote that story too. It was fun to have her 'come alive' to me as a character. Thanks again!
Larner · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
Well, I finally finished it, and it is marvelous, Radbooks. The care and concern we see in the mature Aragorn in the books is to be seen here, already keen. The relationships are realistic, the writing for the most part excellent--a bit of unnecessary repetition here and there, but nothing to be concerned about. Descriptions are realistic and compelling, and we see development in the characters and their acceptance of Aragorn that is wonderful. Sorry to take so long, but the computer connections here are less than stellar, I find.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Larner! I'm glad that you enjoyed the story and that you found things to be realistic and growth in the characters, etc. You'll have to drop me a note about the repetition you noticed... it may be something I can work on. It will be nice for me to be able to concentrate on my 'Safekeeping' sequel now. I do have a short chapter almost ready to post but I'll be busy with company for awhile and so that will take away most of my writing and reading time for a few weeks. Thanks again!
Calenlass Greenleaf · 4 March 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
*Shakes head* I should've left this review a long time ago... I enjoyed this entire story. The portrayals of Tolkien's characters and OCs are interesting, believable, and excellent. The Dúnedain are brought to life by your story. ~Calenlass
Author's reply
I'm happy to get a review at anytime, so thank you for taking the time to do so now! I'm glad you enjoyed the story so much and that it was believable, that's what a writer strives for...
Linda Hoyland · 4 March 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
This has been a most enjoyable story and I thought the ending very fitting. I usually write my stories as a rough draft before I post a new one I shall eagerly await your ARahorn and Eomer story. Thanks for a great read !
Author's reply
Thanks for being such a faithful reviewer, Linda! I'm glad that you liked the ending... I actually wrote that part last summer which is unusual for me. I mean, I knew how it was going to end but I actually sat and wrote it down on paper which helped a lot when I got to this last chapter. :) I've always sort of written a rough outline for my stories and I know the endings and some of the major points along the way, but then I just start writing and posting. Normally that's been fine... it worked well with 'Safekeeping' but it got really hard with this story because my time for writing has just become limited. In any case I want to finish the 'Safekeeping' sequel and then work on starting the Aragorn and Eomer story. But then I'd also like to do some of the challenges and things too! Never enough time for everything you want to do. :) Thanks again!
ponypetter · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
What a great view into Aragorn's youth. It's nice to see both the mature qualities we're familiar with, and a little of the hesitant young man he must be. He's had a lot thrown on his shoulders recently! I find it easy to forget that Aragorn would have developed a close relationship with his people, since he lived with them for some time. I also like your portrayal of Halbarad's and Aragorn's relationship. Halbarad seems important to Aragorn's growth because he's someone Aragorn can both teach and learn from. I imagine that most of Aragorn's experiences before were mostly one-sided, with Aragorn as the learner. He's discovering that does have things to teach, while still having more to learn.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing my story, I appreciate it. I enjoyed writing Aragorn at a younger age, though I also found it difficult at times to strike the right balance between the maturity that Elrond obviously saw when he sent him out to his people and yet the fact that he was a young man in a very foreign environment. It was fun developing the relationship between the two young men. Aragorn needed someone of his own age to relate to... he'd never had that of course. And from that small glimpse you get of the two of them in The Two Towers - the way Aragorn reacts when he sees Halbarad there is a sense they were good friends... at least I took it that way. :) Thanks again.
Grumpy · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
Just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed this story. From Aragorn and Halbarad to all the rangers and thier families, grandma was the best. You did a great job of discribing the villages and the way of life. Glad that Aragorn and Halbarad had a little heart to heart, about Halbarad getting hurt. Looking forward to more stories from you.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing. I'm glad that you enjoyed the story and the characters and the settings, etc. Yes, Aragorn and Halbarad definitely needed to talk about what had happened... it was an important part of the story and actually the reason I started writing it in the first place. It just kept growing way beyond what I had intended! :) Thanks again.
Amy · 18 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
Congratulations on finishing! I love how Aragorn insists on taking care of Halbarad and vice versa. *clings to your happy!AU In Aragorn's Safekeeping, where Halbarad survives.
Author's reply
Thanks, Amy! I'm glad that you enjoyed the story and I'm also glad that you enjoyed 'In Aragorn's Safekeeping' where Halbarad does live... I'm sort of fond of that one myself! :)
Misty · 18 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
I was so glad to see this chapter up! It was interesting to see Aragorn begin to step into his role as Chieftain of the Dunedain throughout the story. It was beautifully done, especially the scene with Aragorn taking up his father's sword. I don't like seeing the story end, but I was glad to get this last chapter. It was a joy to read. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thanks, Misty! I'm glad that you enjoyed the story and I thank you for your encouragement over the course of it... I certainly appreciated it. I'm glad to hear that you liked the ending... those can be difficult for me so I'm glad that it worked! :)
SurgicalSteel · 18 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
*applauds* An enjoyable read, start to finish!
Author's reply
Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
DJ · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
Hi, Radbooks, I really enjoyed this story of Aragorn's first taking his place as Lord of the Dunedain. And, of course, the characters you created for his family, and for the Rangers were wonderful. In this last chapter, I really liked it when Halbarad confronted Aragorn and told him that he had to listen to his _older_ cousin. We don't know for sure if Aragorn functioned as Chieftan from the time he first joined the Rangers, or if whoever was subbing for him as he grew up remained in that role while Aragorn started in the ranks & took on his responsibilities gradually. If he did take up the Chieftainship at such a young age, he really would have needed older men who were not afraid to sit him down for a talk when he made a mistake or got off-track. (Not that he wouldn't also need counsel as he grew older and more experienced as well...) Halbarad is very near his age, and I think they will be good friends. I admired his bravery and detemination in confronting Aragorn here. BTW, does it have to be an AU to have Halbarad live? I have this theory, that there was more than one man with that name, and an experienced warrior--as _this_ Halbarad would be by then--would be more likely to be fighting than standing around trying to hold up a flag. So it was another Halbarad who was killed, not this one. Thank you for this lovely story. DJ
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the story, DJ, I'm glad that you enjoyed it! I certainly enjoyed creating all of the original characters that made up the Dunedain village and Aragorn's extended family. Glad you enjoyed the talk that Halbarad and Aragorn had, good friends have to do that at times, I think. In the 'world' that I have created for them it was necessary for the two of them to have such a talk as it does set things up for future events. Well, there are other things besides Halbarad living that make my other story an AU (the story is not on this site). But I do believe that it was the same Halbarad that was killed. The Halbarad that was killed was named as Aragorn's kinsman so it probably wouldn't have been anyone else. Carrying the standard was a very high honor and was not given to just anyone but to someone that you could trust to stick by you as that flag was used to rally the men to let them know that the leader was still alive... we need to keep fighting hard, etc. Thanks again for taking the time to review, I do appreciate it! Radbooks
Raksha The Demon · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
Very good job on the entire story, and congratulations on finally finishing it. I just loved the ending with Aragorn pondering the two swords, then deciding to stop using the Elvish blade and take up his father's sword - that was a wonderful touch.
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha! I'm glad that you enjoyed the story and that you liked the ending. I find that ending a story can be difficult, so I'm glad that it worked. It just seemed that Aragorn needed to fully accept his Dunedain heritage and I thought that would be a good way to show it. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement over the course of this story... I do really appreciate you taking the time to leave me reviews.
harrowcat · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 26: Twenty-six
I am sorry to see this end Radbooks and am looking forward to your next offering. Loved the heart to heart discussion and Aragorn choosing to wear his Father's sword. Would love to see a follow up where he decides to carry the shards of Narsil and meets the hobbits. It has always struck me as strange, as well as brave, that he would choose to carry what is essentially a useless piece of weaponry. I would think that it is impossible to wear two swords so he would have to rely on bow and knife!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your faithful reviews, harrowcat, I have appreciated them. I'm glad that you liked the ending, I thought it would be a good way to show that Aragorn was fully accepting his Dunedain heritage. I, too have wondered how and when Aragorn switched to carrying Narsil. He would have had to have carried a real sword when he was in Rohan and Gondor because I'm sure he left Narsil in the North... well, maybe not, but he would have had to have had a real sword to fight in those countries. You also don't become a great swordsman without using a sword! :) Now you've got me thinking about that and I don't need another story to think about right now. *grin* As I said, it will be some time before I start any new stories as I have a couple of other stories that need to be finished up but those aren't posted on this site, only on ff.net and a couple of other places. Thanks again!
SurgicalSteel · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 25: Twenty-five
I enjoyed this chapter - and as a surgeon, I found it plausible. ;) If you're ever looking for medical advice for fic again, feel free to e-mail me. I'm always more than happy to help, especially as it usually gives me more good fic to read.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing! I'm glad that you found it plausible, that was my main goal here and so I'm glad I was successful. Thanks for your offer, I may take you up on that for future stories... I'm sure there will be other wounds! :)
Raksha The Demon · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 25: Twenty-five
I'm not a medical person either, but the description of Halbarad's wound and the resulting infection and fever were definitely credible, and quite suspenseful. Good work on the battle, too.
Author's reply
Hi, Raksha! I'm so glad that you found that it all worked well together. Sometimes when I work on a chapter for a long time - and this one was a very long time - I can lose sense of the suspense and whether or not it is working like I had hoped. I think it's there, but I'm not sure until my betas and others read it. Thanks for reviewing.
harrowcat · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 25: Twenty-five
Another great chapter Radbooks which, I for one, am glad to read any time that you can get around to posting. Don't worry, I know all about RL getting in the way! Looking forward to the rest of this.
Author's reply
Thank you, harrowcat, I'm glad that you enjoyed the chapter and thanks for your patience!
Larner · 16 October 2006 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
Swift action from the capable Rangers saved the day indeed. Now, to find out just what those orcs are up to! Hope the year is starting to calm down now.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! Ah, yes, those pesky little orcs... what will happen with them? I actually need to write that chapter! I find it hard when I get towards the end of the story to finish it up... it's all in my head but getting it down on paper becomes difficult. I've been working more on the 'Safekeeping' sequel right now. The year is a little calmer now. I'm used to the schedule now and that makes it easier. Then, last week we had this fairly big name children's author in for all 1400 5th and 6th grade students and me and one other librarian were in charge of that. I'm so glad that's over! Thanks for asking.
Linda Hoyland · 10 October 2006 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
It seems there is never a dull moment or routine patrol for Aragorn. He had better start giving swimming lessons next !An exciting chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! No, there really hasn't been... I think I've put a little too much all in one story in fact... ah, well. :) But, there were months and months when he was at home and months on patrol after Bree that they didn't really do anything... you just don't write about those things. :) River crossings can be dangerous and I liked the idea of showing that nature can be just as deadly as an orc.
harrowcat · 5 October 2006 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
The thought of trying to cross such a river while not being able to swim is very scary! Well done Halbarad!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter. Men tend not to show their fear and he could swim a little so you just do those things when you have to. :)
Linda Hoyland · 29 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
I loved seeing Ivorwen soften a little .I hope one day she can see Gilraen again. I loved the way the youngsters adore Aragorn. He is becoming good at making decisions too.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter! I think that she will see Gilraen again when Gilraen moves back to the village. Gilraen died young, but Ivorwen is a tough old bird and I see her living for quite some time yet, especially now that she has a couple of grandsons to watch over. :) Children can tell when people like them and are pretty good judges of character... at least that has been my observation as I work with them. So, I think they would be naturally drawn to Aragorn, both because he is a good man (just like adults are drawn to his leadership and authority) and because he genuinely likes children and is interested in them. He takes time with them and doesn't brush them aside as many adults do.
Grumpy · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
Loved your chapter, on the return of the rangers, to their village. I so love Aragorn and Halbarad's grandmother. I do think Aragorn should tell his mother to return to the village and visit her mother.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter. I'm glad that you like Ivorwen, she has really grown on me as well. I never quite intended for her to play such a role in the story that she has, but sometimes characters just sort of worm their way into a story and demand your attention. ;) Aragorn doesn't go back to Imladris for years - I don't think - and Gilraen will eventually move back to the village, but it won't be for a very long time either. I don't think that people traveled back then like we do now... not just to visit. But, it would be nice. I do think that now they should at least be able to write to each other since Aragorn is no longer in hiding.
Larner · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
Learning to make command decisions has proven less difficult than it might have been, and speaks well of the preparation Elrond and his people have given him. More orcs near the Bruinen? Yes, time to deal with them indeed.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the latest chapter, Larner! Yes, Aragorn was very well prepared before he ever returned to his people and it really didn't take too long for him to learn some of the things he needed to learn. I also think that he had just such a natural charisma that drew people and that helped a lot as well.