Shadow of Himself by Edoraslass
nancylea57 · 7 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Six
you make such a compelling agrument on the plight of the families of mias. this is a man is dead and his family has build their lives on that fact and now friends have to decide to be truthful or to be merciful, god the irony. think if he had only been missing and his family was activiely searching for him, what then? oh the mirror you hold up to project such choices.
Violin Ghost · 16 April 2007 · Chapter 6: Six
This made me cry. It's the very first story/fanfic to make me cry. And that's including books. Just thought you should know. :)
Author's reply
Wow, thank you! It did make me a little weepy in the writing of it.
Nieriel Raina · 30 November 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
That was absolutely fabulous. What an interesting turn. Brilliant! NiRi
Author's reply
Wow, I completely missed this comment. Thank you so much! Glad the twist caught your attention. :)
Indigo Bunting · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
Damn. This story packs quite a wallop. It's such an intriguing premise, and you've done a wonderful job with it. There's really no pat, happy ending to a scenario like this, but I think it's come out about as well as it could. I feel for Legolas and Gimli, having to keep this knowledge secret for the rest of their lives, and for Boromir, getting hints of a past that he doesn't want to know anything about. Great job with the portrayal of the tension and loss between these three. And I loved that little moment at the end of the second-to-last chapter, where Boromir asked about his brother. Beautifully done.
Author's reply
Ooops, I missed this one! I am often a fan of things with no pat, happy ending - it's interesting to explore possibilities that aren't perfect. I'm glad the tension worked well; it was hard to get it right without tipping it over into unbelievable or just melodramatic. Thank you so much, and sorry I took so long to reply! EL
docmon · 11 June 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
This is perhaps the most original premise for an AU I've come across, and it really impressed me and left me wanting more. As heart-breaking as Randir's decision and reasoning was, it made sense. But the heart break Legolas and Gimli felt at the moment paled to me compared to the burden that they now must carry: how do they now face Faramir, and even Aragorn and the others, knowing that their lost Fellowship member lives yet they must not tell anyone? As true as it was that Boromir did not truly survive, that this man Randir was someone entirely different, it surely didn't ease the grief the two must have felt all over again. And I must say I felt it with them, to regain their freind only to lose him again. The emotions in this story were handled so well, the scene between the three of them was very intense. The parting dialogue between Boromir/Randir and Legolas was shocking and intense. I was relieved to find they would keep the secret though I wondered how. How appropriate an ending that they should drink to their friend who they've lost all over again. Sorry this review is kind of all over the place. I was very, very impressed with this story.
Author's reply
Reviews all over the place are great! I must admit, I wasn't sure how readers would react to the entire idea - I'm well aware that it may not be the most satisfying or pleasing of resolutions- but it was (IMO) the only possible ending, so I'm glad Randir's reasoning makes sense. The emotions in this story were handled so well, the scene between the three of them was very intense. I have to agree, and it was very difficult to do properly - I kept wanting to make it easier or lighter, which wouldn't have been right at all. I do find it very upsetting that Legolas and Gimili will have to live with the knowledge - I can't imagine how difficult that will be for them. Thank you! And sorry it took me so long to respond to you.
Chibi-Kaz · 30 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
Wow. I'll say it again. Wow. I hope this isn't the end! I hope, pray, that Randir rethinks his position, at the very least regarding Faramir. Besides, what happens if that pretty little girl grows up and moves to Minas Tirith? Please let there be more! Cheers, Chibi-Kaz
Author's reply
Thanks! And sorry, this is definitely the end of this arc. The only other thing I might do is write vignettes about those lost years. But I dunno when that might happen.
Lyn · 29 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
Well said. I think this particular point of view was well written. Gimli and Legolas at least have each other to comfort as they adjust to having such knowledge. One wonders if Randir would hide the cloak and brooch for the rest of his life to prevent any more such encounters. This is also the possibility that gifts from unknown givers (Gimli and Legolas) might find their way to Randir in the future. I have no suggestions for improving this story as it is quite professionally written.
Author's reply
Thanks! That's part of the reason I chose Legolas & Gimli - it would be too large a burden for one person to have to bear.
Bodkin · 29 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
Legolas and Gimli are probably right to bear this one themselves and keep it from everyone else. But it's sad. Boromir has been granted a life - just not his own.
Author's reply
Thank you! At least he's got a life, and has (mostly) come to terms with his situation.
elliska · 28 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
Wow, this is a really good one too. I just happened to look at you author page and this intrigued me. So I read it and I am very impressed. I actually like this AU quite a bit--I love the idea of Boromir being happy and whole somewhere. And I hope his troubled dreams will be eased somewhat in the knowledge that he was honorable, whether he wanted that knowledge or not. You wrote the tension and the emotion in this really well. Great story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I wanted to do a Boromir Lives!, but I didn't really want to put him through the trauma of coming to terms with trying to take the Ring. So this seemed like the perfect alternative. :)
Lamiel · 28 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
This is very well written, and an intriguing AU. It is interesting less for the circumstances by which Boromir survived -- which are scarcely hinted at -- than for Legolas and Gimli's reaction to him, and his to them. You draw their emotions in stark detail, and one can almost hear the strain in their voices, the confusion and pain and joy all mixed together. I think the most powerful moment was when Boromir asked "Is he well," and Legolas answered without turning, "Your brother is very well." Both Legolas' knowledge of what Boromir was asking, even if Boromir himself did not know, and the manner of his response strike a powerful chord.
Author's reply
Thank you! It was tough to get the balance between stark and flat. I just thought that once he was made aware that he had a brother, Boromir wouldn't be able to resist asking about him, even if the answer meant nothing to him, emotionally or intellectually.
Jay of Lasgalen · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Six
This is very intriguing. I don't usually like AU, but the 'but what if ...' element here is very interesting. I particularly like Legolas and Gimli reasoning why it wouldn't help anyone to reveal the truth about Boromir's fate. This is a very different, unusual tale. Thank you. Jay
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad that you liked it, especially since you're not big on A/U! I myself am a total sucker for A/U -- I can't seem to resist when a "what if" gets hold of me.