Reviews of Tales of the Eldandili

Galadriel Gardner · 20 March 2023 · Chapter 2: Kevin's Tale: Part 2

I was captivated by this from beginning to end and, in fact, didn’t want it to end at all, although I don’t think I could have put it down even for a break if I’d had to and was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read. Where to start? Kevin is such a relatable person, to such a degree that it almost hurts. Ruth is lovely! That poor, poor scribe, bless his good heart, a slate and stylus! (Intended with humor!) In fact, every character is lovely, warm, and alive, such real, complete beings, from the Valar to Kevin himself. The settings are beautifully described, and the concept of this story is absolutely captivating. This was such an engrossing experience that I’m almost disappointed to have finished and to find my immediate surroundings unchanged. That, above all else, truly captures the essence of Tolkien’s work. ~GG

Antane · 6 January 2014 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Greetings, Mari - I am having trouble finding your email so hopefully reaching you through here to belatedly thank you for the CD of music you sent! I was on vacation so not sure when it originally arrived but have listened to the instrumentals - some of them twice - and enjoyed them! Thanks for thinking of me. Happy New Year! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Istarnië · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Kevin's Tale: Part 1

Like Tolkien’s ‘Smith of Wooten Major’, this is one of those rare stories I feel I have *always* wanted to read. There is so much to it – so many images and details and thought provoking situations that I almost feel like Kevin, struggling to take in all the ‘otherworldly’ beauty. I also appreciate the dry humour, and laughed out loud at: “Kevin shook his head, not so much in negation as in utter bewilderment. "I don't get it. I'm a logical person; I hate sci-fi and fantasy stuff, and I don't take drugs. I don't get it." I hope and suspect Kevin will ‘get it’ before the story is through, though as he is said to be of ‘Noldorin temperament’, it should prove an interesting journey. Many thanks to you for a wonderful reading experience.

Istarnië · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

What a fascinating prologue, Alassiel. I love the way Manwë is portrayed here, listening and speaking with his Atar. Wonderful imagery. The notion of finding a way for the first and second children to renew their broken friendship is enough for me to want to read more. My mind is already racing ahead with the possibilities of encounters in the realm of Faëry. And you have already mentioned my favourite Maia!

Antane · 3 September 2008 · Chapter 2: Kevin's Tale: Part 2

What do you mean, the end?! It's just beginning for Kevin! It is true that poets can see more of the invisible world than the logical, it's-only-real-if-I-can-see-it people. How good that Kevin is beginning to see that world and will embrace his identity as Iluvatar's child. What a lovely chapter. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 3 September 2008 · Chapter 1: Kevin's Tale: Part 1

Poor Kevin - too based in scientific reality, to know there are other realities that are real too. But I understand too his fear and disbelief. I'd like to be whisked back to the end of the Third Age - before the Quest - to Hobbiton where I can see Frodo happy. :) If my family could be assured that I'm all right that is. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 3 September 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Suilie! Well, this is an intriguing beginning... Nice to see some 'old friends' still about and love Manwe calling Iluvatar Atar. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Nieriel Raina · 17 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Kevin's Tale: Part 1

Finally getting a chance to delve into this more, and WOW. I am completely drawn into the tale! Very well done. I'm on to the next chapter now.

Author's reply

Hello NiRi, I'm glad you can now read Kevin's Tale. I hope you enjoy the rest of it. It was written some years ago for my friend Eruanneth_Luin. Blessings, Alassiel

Nieriel Raina · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Alassiel, I really enjoyed this opening prologue. It has peaked my interest greatly. Now if only Real Life would give me time to read the rest! Hopefully soon. Keep up the great work! NiRi

Adrianne · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Kevin's Tale: Part 1

Forgive me, Alassiel, for taking so long to come in to read and review your latest chapters. Lots of real life stuff keeping me busy. However, I am delighted that I have had time this weekend to come in and finally resume reading. I am enchanted and hooked. By the way, I believe I am an Eldandili. Thank you for sharing your particular gift and your love and knowledge of Tolkien.

Author's reply

Greetings Adrianne, Yes, I definitely think you are an Eldandil, for you not only love the elves, but you especially love the noble ones. If you read the other part of this tale, I hope you like it. There will be more tales in this series, as inspiration comes. I am now working on Michael's Tale, in which you will find out how he met Beleg and learned who he is. Thank you for the encouraging review. Blessings, Alassiel

Ces · 4 February 2008 · Chapter 2: Kevin's Tale: Part 2

I just found your stories by way of Fiondil and am so glad I did. This is a wonderful story so far and I do feel for Kevin. To be faced with all this and keep his sanity just goes to show he's special. Love the stylus and slate - how original! Your buildup to what's coming definitely has me on the edge of my seat! Ces

Author's reply

Hello Ces, Thank you so much for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. It was written several years ago for my friend Eruanneth _Luin, with whom I wrote a tale called Makalaurë, which is also on this site under her name. Though Kevin's story is told (for now at least), he will appear in others in this series. Each tale is to recount how the Elf-friends found the Eldar and each other. I am working on Michael's Tale now, as inspiration comes. Thanks again for your encouragement. Blessings, Alassiel

Larner · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Kevin's Tale: Part 2

Ah, trust comes at last. Very good. And love the slate and stylus! I carry a set in my purse, and another in my computer bag, and another in my teaching bag....

Author's reply

Greetings Larner, Since Kevin's Tale is one story, I am replying to all your reviews. Yes, I also carry a slate and stylus, which is, for those who don't know, a way of writing in braille. I am very slow, however. I imagine that Pengolodh is very fast, with hands which, as Tolkien says of Legolas, move quicker than sight. I'm sure Kevin will have moments of doubt, as we all do, but at least he has supportive friends. As for Faëry, I love Smith of Wooton Major (I want to read the new edition if it ever becomes available in an accessible form) and wanted to bring both of Tolkien's visions together—that is, the one in his earlier writings and that in Smith. Also, I love the Celtic idea that Faëry exists alongside of or parallel to our daily world, and that one can enter it. Thank you for the encouraging reviews. Blessings, Alassiel

Larner · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Kevin's Tale: Part 1

Ah, panic and fear can be so very overwhelming! You know I'd love Ruth with her braille and Isil. And to meet Lady Yavanna in person! Poor Kevin--it will take time for him to come to believe, I fear.

Author's reply

Greetings Larner, Forgive me for taking so long to reply. I'm still having a bit of trouble navigating the site. I hope you enjoy the rest of this tale. It was written some years ago for my friend Eruanneth_Luin. Blessings, Alassiel

Larner · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Ah, so Faerie is born! Wonderful! And the reason Elves have left Middle Earth is all too plausible. Today Hughes is behaving, and finally I'm able to review this. Read this chapter the other day, but haven't been able to stay on long enough to do anything about it.

Nerdanel · 29 January 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Suilië Alassiel, I know this is going to prove to be a wondrous and charming tale, and I can't wait to read more!

Edlyn · 28 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Kevin's Tale: Part 2

Lovely, absolutely lovely! I'm sitting here just reveling in how good this story is. Kevin is most definitely an Everyman. He has the same worries, doubts and questions I do. This is definitely going onto my favourites list and I look forward to the next installment.

Author's reply

Greetings Edlyn, I'm so glad you enjoyed this tale. I wrote it several years ago, but finally got up enough courage to try posting it. Kevin is the kind of modern person who finds it hard to accept what he cannot sense. It requires estel to do it, and I think that estel is one of the most most difficult things in the world to cultivate. I ask every day for the grace and courage to continue to do it, despite "the ways of the world". Thank you for the review. Blessings, Alassiel

Neilia · 26 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Kevin's Tale: Part 2

So Kevin, the unbeliever, is going to get acquainted with the One. Wish more would. The One does exist...and we can know Him, if we want to. I am looking forward to more.

Author's reply

Greetings Neilia, Yes, He does. I hope I can be as subtle as Tolkien was in expressing this, for his writings are interwoven with his faith and hope. Like him, I don't like allegory, but I do like applicability. Also, in this tale, I wanted to express the positive value of myth in our lives. By myth, I do not mean falsehood, but an understanding that our daily experience is only one aspect of reality. See Tolkien's essay on fairy tales and his poem Mythopoeia for a much better explanation than I can give. Thanks for the review. Blessings, Alassiel

Adrianne · 12 January 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Ahhh, I can't wait to see what transpires. Some of my favorite Elves have answered the summons so far. Will there be others? And what of Men? Who will answer the call on their behalf? Descendants of some we know already? Very interesting beginning. I'm intrigued. Adrianne

Author's reply

Hello fellow Finrod fan. I'm glad the idea intrigues you. Believe it or not, I have been working on these tales for over forty years, as I have always thought it a shame that elves and men were sundered. Since the dominion of men came at the end of the Third Age, the elves can't return to Middle-earth to stay, but what about friendship? As for descendants of the heroic Atani of old, I don't know yet myself. Blessings, Alassiel

Inglor · 12 January 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

bated breath...

Author's reply

Please don't turn blue. That would not be a good thing. The next chapter is in the final stages of editing, so I hope to post it soon. Thank you for your encouragement.

Alquawende · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 0: Prologue

Please continue! This is a very good beginning so far.

Author's reply

Thank you for your encouragement. I am doing the final editing on the next chapter and hope to post it soon.

Reviews (20)