Reviews (56)

aykevin · 16 February 2017 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

This is so good.... keep writing authornim

Kwistowee · 30 August 2014 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

This is the most incredibly well written story based on Tolkein's characters of Middle Earth that I have ever come across and it was such a pleasure to read! I couldn't put it down. It is a rare thing to find a writer who captures the essence and spirit of the original books while seamlessly blending in elements of their own. Every single character was beautifully written, never once seemed to slip out of character, and their stories were developed realistically. The way you took elements of each character from the books and supplied events and experiences that explained what makes them tick was just brilliant! Great care was obviously given to Legolas's journey and to his relationship with Thranduil. What a bitter-sweet experience to ride their ups and downs with them! My heart ached with them as they struggled and endured loss or pain, and it rejoiced for them as they found peace. This story had me smiling, holding my breath (in anticipation, excitement, or dread), crying, and laughing. I think this is how I will forever think of Legolas's years before he became one of Frodo's companions, because I cannot imagine anything could do more justice to those years than you have done with this story. I fully intend to reread this whenever I read 'The Hobbit' or 'The Lord of the Rings', and I plan to share this with anyone else who would appreciate it. Very well done! Thank you for this beautiful labor of love!

TiTaN · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 17: All Things Must Change

now I hate legolas' mentor and mirkwood's captian even more, he has defenatly ruined a family!!!!

Ivy-Green · 9 September 2009 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

Okay, so I read this story YEARS ago now, and I absolutely LOVED it!! It's one of the best I've ever read, and I'm being honest here. I found it when I was younger, and silly me, never thought to write down the author and soon forgot about you, but remembered the story. I FINALLY remembered the name this year, for some random reason, and looked it up, and now that I can, I wanted to say that this is BRILLIANT!! I loved it, and you are a great story teller and writer. Thanks for the wonderful tale. It's still enjoyable, even after all these years!!!

Noor · 7 September 2006 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

I read this stoy earlier this year and thought that I had sent you a review. My mistake. I loved this story! It is so well written and the characters are so well thought out even though they are canon. It was a pleasure to read. many thanks Noor

Noor · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

Just finished reading your excellent story! Very well written. Excellent characterisations. Thank you

docmon · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

wooooo-hoooooo! What a great story! It was fun, and sad, touching and heartwrenching, filled with adventure and drama - terrific! You described action scenes so well, not only could i see the action happening, I felt it - often I was out of breath! Your use of language did well to set the tone, and you did a magnificent job of keeping the tone of the narration consistent with the books. I think it would be very hard to write in the same tone (at least that's the word I'm using for it) as Tolkien. Many words are used differently as we use them today, or put together differently. Yet you manage to do this so well, I felt like I was reading the books. And when you got to the Council of Elrond scene, you blended your words with Tolkien's so well, it was hard to see where one ended and the other began. I thought your interpretation of the characters in that scene was dead on; everyone's thoughts rang true to how I saw it unfolding in the books. In fact, I found your characters kept true to the characters as Tolkien wrote them. I never felt a person was out of character. And, AND (as I go on and on), your original characters were terrific, never 2-dimensional, or placeholders, but real characters. Poor, Tathar! How I missed you! Silivren was so awesome! And then the novices! Your descriptions of the characters emotions were so strong, so telling, I felt their anguish when someone perished, and laughed with them when they pulled pranks. When the family thougth Legolas was dead, it simply brought tears to my eyes. Their despair and anguish were so keen, and you simply wrote it so well, I felt it with them. And so too with Legolas's absolute despair when carrying home the novice... I felt it. What else can i say? But nothing rang true more than the drama, ups and downs, of Legolas and Thranduil. This is how families are, how they struggle, how they live. Two strong personalities, far too much alike, clashing violently, then dancing around each other for too long. Who doesn't know a family like that, if not having lived it themselves? It so often takes nearly losing one of them for both of them to realize, you both love each other, why are you so afraid to show it? Those two each could face a hord of orcs without blinking, but it took Legolas apparently dying for them to forgive each other. And they both had things to forgive. I loved how balanced you portrayed that relationship. Neither one was always right or wrong; they both had faults and did wrong. Like real life. Believe it or not, I think I'm even forgetting thigns! Like the hysterical match making scenes! And tons of other things I enjoyed about this story. Oh! I almost forgot - how you used the movie-verse for Arwen taking Asgolath to rescue Frodo, and Glorfindel all put out b/c she 'stole' his horse - ROTFLMAO!!!! When you first hinted at this I thought it was just poking some fun at the movie, but then you took it further, and it was hilarious! I love your sense of humor and how you can get it in even in the serious moments (like Legolas falling off teh roof when asked to join the Fellowship!!!) Sorry I didn't reveiw by chapter, but I just had to read this all at once. Wonderful, terrific job! Please write more! monica

docmon · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 18: Fight or Flight

That argument b/w Thranduil and Legolas was heartbreaking! The emotion of the scene came across very well, and very strongly, because I was getting upset myself! great job! I love this story! monica

docmon · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 3: A Novice No More

I just wanted to say what a great job you did writing this race. I was out of breath while reading it!! You did wonderful in creating the action and the tempo of the scene. Just terrific. I'm enjoying seeing this developmental story of Legolas. And the matching making (a bit later than this chapter) was hilarious! great fun. back to reading, monica

websterans · 8 April 2004 · Chapter 26: Those Words We Said

By the way, love this story. Just one detail: Legolas isn't going to cast spells in Quenya, because that is the high speech of the elves from Valinor, the Noldor and the Sea Elves. The royal family of Mirkwood has never left Middle Earth--they are Sindarin, and their people are Silvan.

mistry89 · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

Can't think of much to say - I've commented now and then as I've read each chapter, and it seems redundant to say I've thoroughly enjoyed your view of pre-LOTR Legolas and his world. I've appreciated where you've stuck to canon, or at least not broken it! And where you have .... buckled it, rather than bent it, you have acknowledged it and provided a reason - whether or not I agree with it/them :) Thank you very much, a story rich in both detail and scale, and combining enough humour and sadness and danger and hope to feel as if it can be slotted into the bookshelf marked "Tolkien's Middle Earth". I'm off to look for the "Elven Song" you mentioned in the footnotes. Cheers, Helen

mistry89 · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 24: An Elf Alone

"I think the next chapter will probably have some serious angst. Not all climaxes involve a big battle." Well, after the light-hearted chapter we just had ... This was so very exciting/sad. Lanthir was a hero. Very moving. Thank you.

mistry89 · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: Each Night I Dream of Home

“Fate has a way of leading ordinary people to extraordinary deeds,” Langcyll was as wise as Gandalf. And as good at inventing a dound-bite - no wonder Legolas looked to Gandalf - aside from G being Maia and all that :) “Get off my horse!” OOh, great image!!! Thranduil, it is to be hoped, gets a clue before it is too late. As it stands, he is losing his other children, more of this and his people will begin to question his sanity and fitness to rule (well, *I* think he needs a kick in the pants!) Thank you, great stuff, I'm not fond of evil! or bad!Thranduil, but you have supplied a reason for his possessiveness over his last child.

mistry89 · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 20: Trust

An excellent and most exciting chapter. Like the humour despite the tense situation - shades of movie-verse battle-banter. Glad that they revealed their true names. Thank you ... oh, dear, I'm 2/3 of the way through. I don't want it to end!

mistry89 · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Farewell to Lorien

"And remember, there are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of the world.” No kidding! A fabulous chapter - fast but I can see your point. However, I do enjoy the day-to-day events of their lives, whether fighting, patrolling, or just growing up. *whistle* not that there's any pressure or anything :)

mistry89 · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 11: Ears and Beards

Excellent - an informative and exciting chapter. Bit of a cli... um, cave-hanger ending, though!

mistry89 · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Out of the Door

Excellent chapter, I'm so enjoying your view of pre-LOTR Legolas and his world. I also liked this nod to the movies :) "Several yards away, he saw Langcyll use an arrow in his hand to stab an orc in the throat, then notched the arrow onto his bow and let it fly into the heart of another. In spite of his own predicament, Legolas thought, *I must remember that!*" And he did!

mistry89 · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 7: The Nudge

"....scarcely any of Mirkwood’s people knew that their Prince Legolas, last child of King Thranduil and Queen Minuial, champion archer of the Elven Realms, was departing the world of training games and competitions to test his skills against living foes." Can't say anything other than what a moving chapter. Lots of pre-lumps in throat (ready to grieve!) and so so sorry for Thranduil. Thank you (but I'm glad I wasn't around when Thranduil discovered Legolas's absence!)

mistry89 · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Rights and Privileges

Gandalf said gravely, “The king seems loathe to part with the last of his children.” With a sigh, Belhador nodded. “Our father will do all that he can to delay our brother’s departure. But it will come. Sooner perhaps than even we had thought. Legolas will desire to explore the world of which he has only heard stories until now. Even as a warrior, I believe he will not remain in Mirkwood. And I dread the day our father is forced to face it.” Which nicely explains how, in FOTR, Legolas is so very experienced at fighting orcs (presumably he gets a go in Mirkwood) and yet so litlle travelled. "yet…he could not seem to rid himself of this odd glee at having faced down Queen Elenath. It was a strange sensation. Though elves by nature do not tend toward excesses of emotion--and excesses of behavior still less--Legolas was unusually reserved and serious even by elven standards. He was not easily excitable--his friends often accused him of being blasé." Aha! Legolas gets a clue! Oh, that's unkind, but this is great, he is at a turning point and it will no doubt shock him as much as it does his family! *I think perhaps I will enjoy adulthood after all.* Yup “I hope this has clarified the matter for you, my son.” It was worse than I thought. Poor Legolas. Poor Thranduil.

mistry89 · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Girls, Girls, Girls!

"Narmeril turned on her heel and walked from the hall, leaving an aroma of affronted ego in her wake." Such a clear image :) “Let him be,” Berensul replied firmly. “Legolas is uncomfortable any time that he becomes the center of attention. He is a prince of Mirkwood. He shall have to learn to face his people sometime. He will be fine.” Again, I like how you distinguish Legolas from the "norm". "Perhaps it was merely hunger, but Legolas felt a small twinge of nausea." *giggle* "A child is always a weakness to the parent, but seldom to such a degree as this. He has come of age, yet still his father guards him." I really like this side of Thranduil - even if it is/going to be a problem. "Although Legolas had always been particularly good at jumping straight into trees without making a sound, Langcyll would be pleased by how much practice the champion of Mirkwood was getting." Great example of practical application of theoretical knowledge - handy for orc-stalking, no doubt. I just love the marriageable maidens and their determined mamas - very Jane Austen/Regency/Marriage Mart. A delightful chapter.

mistry89 · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 4: Of Elven Princes and Arranged Marriages

From chapter 3: *He is intriguing even by elf standards, this Legolas. His coming of age may mean a great deal for Middle Earth.* Yup, you said it Gandalf, wise, wily wizard! "Legolas was actually the youngest of the participants in the Gathering Trial, a fact that had made his victory all the more sweet to his people." Actually, this fits in with my view - that of the "great and the good", Legolas is the youngest. I think that for many years before the events of 3019, the elves would have stopped increasing their families - many left ME, and they would not produce elfings who (possibly) would still be enamoured with ME and be reluctant to leave ... if that makes sense. I do think that wood elves stayed, so they may have had elflings. Thranduil is *really* reluctant about the marriage thing for Legolas. It is sweet (I'm assuming it is because he sees him as the last link to his Queen, and so is keeping him close). I like the lightness of the story so far, but sense a darker strand, and reading about the "doings" of elves is always a treat. Thank you.

mistry89 · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Friends, Foes and Snapping Branches

Phew, very tense. The elf that was unseated was a favourite, so either he will get Legolas back or there will be a draw or repercussions or something. C won't mind losing to him - he obviously has before :) I like the wagering and general rambunctiousness of the elves (even if I secretly think this is a wood-elf rather than Sindar or Noldor "thing" - still nice to see Galadriel having a good time!) Thank you.

mistry89 · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 1: The Quiet One

I was only going to leave a review at the end, but I won't make it through in one go, and I'll forget the details! I really like the idea of the Gathering, and how you've coloured it in so well. Also, the way in which you describe Legolas as different, not just from his friends, but even from his siblings, and the other elves around him - that there is a palpable "otherness" there. His fea, destiny .....?

Estel_Mi_Olor · 25 January 2004 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

I am totally blown away by this fic. It's amazing. The fight between Legolas and Thranduil was so moving. "You don't realize what you've got until you've lost it." Or almost lost it, in this case. I really liked the meeting of Aragorn and Legolas. And the party at the end was great. Perhaps you'd consider writing a sequel to this? Please do!!! Cheers!

rgbj · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 999: Famous Last Words

So Araagorn is forced to put up with Legolas on a quest again. I think they both will survive. As far as Arwen's choice of mortality, it is my understanding that only the Peredhil have that choice set before them. Any other elf that bound themselves to a human might die of a broken heart when the human died but the elf would go to the Hall of Waiting and wait to be reborn to the Undying Lands. Having said that I know that your writings are fanon not canon and I could be wrong anyway. Arwen though of course will die and be a great loss to her fellow elves. The world will change again and we know how Legolas reacts to change. Not all change is bad or disorienting though. This change will be wonderful. And I think this change will set Legolas free from his past. He will finally put a lot of demons behind him and be his own elf. The apple motif again and the black pearl on Gimli's finger now. Tathar again in Legolas' thoughts. Probably never very far from his thoughts. Tathar did say the Legolas was destined for greatness and his friends remind Legolas that Tathar was seldom wrong. He did talk the prince into joining the Great Gathering and he scored the highest score ever. I just wish Tathar were alive to see how right he was about his dearest friend. SOB! And Legolas misses him still. He will right up to the time they meet again in the Undying Lands. But his friends have given him good advice about change, seeing the world change for the better and finding new friends. All these things will come to pass as well as many others. He will still have to wait to marry until he goes over sea though. At least the good professor gave us that impression. You even gave us famous last words at the end. "I will never know so great a friendship again." So all good things do come to an end. Do you think you would ever be interested in writing more about the friends and their early adventures. I want to read more of Tathar and Legolas. You portrayed their friendship in such an ideal way that I want more. I will admit that when I first found this story on Henneth Anun and saw the word count I really couldn't see myself sitting still for long enough to read it. But I was wrong. I was mesmerized and completely caught up in your efforts. You get an A+ for such a fabulous adventure if you still like to be rated. Thank you for sharing this lovely story with us.