Lords of Gondor by Linaewen
Larner · 9 March 2014 · Chapter 44: Rekindling Hope
It pleases me to think that the Steadfast Jewel who bore Hope and later the Sufficient Jewel who bore the Kindler found themselves each laboring and fighting alongside the one named Holy Hope by his foster father who bore the Flame of the West as well as the one who bore Narya, also the Kindler!
Lindelea · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 15: Parting Words
Beautifully done. I have read the last few chapters, and this one, on my phone. Writing a review is difficult on this device, and so I apologise for leaving so little feedback, except to say, well done! Looking forward to reading more later.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reading -- on your phone, no less! I'm loving all your encouraging comments. I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
Lindelea · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 5: 'We Cannot Leave Him'
"All that I do this day goes amiss. May I now choose aright, and change the evil fate of this unhappy day!" Nice! You worked that into the story very well. "Call me -- when it is my watch," he murmured, as he allowed sleep to take him. Ah, Boromir! Why am I not surprised?
Lindelea · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 4: A Hard Parting
A very long night, indeed. Alas, poor Boromir! (That he doubted his ability to resist the lure of the Ring, even knowing what havoc it had already caused.) This part almost reads like poetry: "A fine thing!" he murmured, as if to himself. "Boromir, captain of Gondor, pride of his people, defender of Minas Tirith -- of such little consequence to the enemy! The wave of war has passed over me and cast me upon the shore, and now the tide recedes and I am left behind."
Lindelea · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 3: All for the Aid of Boromir
Realistic and plausible, without being too graphic. I liked Legolas' gentleness, and the way he and Gimli worked together to ease Boromir's breathing.
Lindelea · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 2: Hands of a Healer
A skilled blending of book and film, and the departure as you creep into the AU-ness of the tale is subtly done. Looking forward to more.
Lindelea · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 1: Surrounded
Oh, most excellent! Written in the spirit of the original, and the descriptions so vivid I could see it all clearly unrolling before me. Clever Merry! ...to turn his eyes away, so as not to give Boromir away. The scene with Denethor and Faramir was heart-tugging. How tragic, that they both felt Boromir's approach, and heard the horn, and yet were so divided in spirit. Boromir's stand, in attempt to save the hobbits, is valiant, and inspiring, and hopeless. But you said this is an AU, and so I look forward to reading more. I'm very interested to see how you manage to weave this alternative in with JRRT's grand scheme.
demeter d · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 44: Rekindling Hope
Hmmm. Harthad and Narthad. Faramir does indeed kindle a new life after the war. I like the way Durlin is a presence in this scene even though he does not directly appear. In a time of war-time food rationing, he is still able to "scrounge up" a breakfast to fortify two who will indeed have the hardest day of their lives so far to face. And Rohirric horses and new hope? The countdown to destiny seems to be quickening, indeed. It is good to see that Boromir has still two with him trying to take as good care of him as Durlin would have.
demeter d · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 43: Assailing Doubts
This chapter reminds me of the scene in the Houses of Healing in the book. Gandalf has just summoned Aragorn to call Faramir back from the Black Breath. He comments on Faramir's compromised mental and physical state even before he received the arrow to the shoulder. If Book Faramir had had your Durlin trying to look after him, I wonder if he might have faced that attack in better spirits. I really do like your Durlin. He is well-developed, very real. He COULD have fit into the book rather nicely!
Agape4Gondor · 11 February 2014 · Chapter 43: Assailing Doubts
What a way to wake up in the morning. Seeing an email about Lords. I read the chapter voraciously. As always, stunning. The dialogue between the two was perfect.
Larner · 10 February 2014 · Chapter 43: Assailing Doubts
Durlin's faith in Boromir's survival is heartening, and his counsel is sound. Faramir does well to unburden himself to this man and to take his advice. Better to face the enemy tomorrow well rested and with a clearer mind.
Larner · 8 February 2014 · Chapter 42: Unexpected News
At least one party is now certain of his recovery and his approach to the White City! Hooray!
Larner · 8 January 2014 · Chapter 41: Memories of Boromir
I rejoice that so many are now thinking of Boromir and wishing him well, in the present or in retrospect. It will make it the better for the Man as he approaches his home city once more!
Larner · 24 September 2013 · Chapter 40: Widening Rift
Ah! Excellent advice to Boromir. And bless Duilin for his words intended to restore hope and defuse the situation between Boromir's brother and father.
BM · 15 September 2013 · Chapter 40: Widening Rift
wonderful to see a new chapter of this up! I have been patiently following it all these months, and was just thinking about it the other day! I've seen a lot of Boromir lives stories, but they are none anywhere close to the quality of this one. You have great talent and a way with words that really brings the scenes and the characters to life, and your wording matches Tolkien's so closely that if fits perfectly in with his work! I really appreciate the effort you put into each and every detail, keeping as close to canon as you possibly can and still let Boromir make it home, and this latest chapter is just another shining example! It makes a world of sense for Boromir to come with Theoden's host and by doing so, allows all the events that happen in Minis Tirith before the arrival of the Rohirrim still occur unimpeded. I am so very much enjoying this story and can hardly wait to see where you go with it next! One question though: Aragorn knew Boromir was alive, and Legolas left Boromir in decent enough shape. I would have assumed that Gandalf would have been told everything that had occurred after his fall in Moria, and indeed, Tolkien's own words seem to indicate this. That being the case, why does Gandalf tell Denethor and Faramir that Boromir is dead? I know that the conversation was quoted directly from the book, but I was just wondering about that little point in accordance to the scene from your story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for following my story! Your review is so encouraging to me! What you say is true about Aragorn and Gandalf both knowing that Boromir was alive and in decent shape to start with. However, in Chapter 28, when stealing a look in the palantir that he's taken on the sly from Gandalf, Pippin sees Boromir dead (or so he thinks -- he's actually catching sight of Boromir unconscious after an ambush, but he does look dead enough to be convincing) and he tells the others about it. They believe it to be true (though perhaps they are too easily convinced!), and they are now once again assuming Boromir is dead.
shirebound · 17 July 2013 · Chapter 39: A Chance Meeting
Oh, what a wonderful and heartwarming reunion with Surefoot!
Anonymous · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 2: Hands of a Healer
Oh he's got a sucking chest wound, doesn't he? I bet A uses the sap to leave one side of the bandage open...clever. You've done your research!
Author's reply
Hah, this is awesome! You know exactly what's going on here! I did do a lot of research for this healing sequence, and I also had the help of a wonderful friend who worked in first aid. So between her telling me what needed to happen and me trying to figure out how it could work in a Middle-earth setting, it turned out pretty well, I think. Thanks for reading with such insight! Linaewen
Larner · 6 July 2013 · Chapter 39: A Chance Meeting
Aha! What a warm reunion between Boromir and his lost horse! It was said that the horse returned without its rider, and now Boromir knows that to be true himself. Now--to share news, and possibly for Boromir to find a swifter and easier means home!
Agape4Gondor · 16 May 2013 · Chapter 37: The Darkness Closes In
Excellent chapter. Loved seeing Legilas and Aragorn. Most of all, i liked the Rogir.
Larner · 16 May 2013 · Chapter 38: What Have You Done?
Excellent expansion on the book-moments here. Faramir's thoughts are so eloquent--too bad his father refused to understand! And in the end the fool's hope came true! Now, if Boromir were here rather than on the way Denethor would learn both his sons have other perceptions and opinions than his own!
obsidianj · 23 March 2013 · Chapter 37: The Darkness Closes In
Oh, Boromir will meet up with Eomer. I just hope they come to an understanding before they start fighting. In this murky gloom everyone is on edge and short-tempered. But this is Boromir's chance to get a new horse and come to Minas Tirith before it is too late. Very good description of the oppressing shadow and what it does to our heroes.
Linda Hoyland · 23 March 2013 · Chapter 36: Fateful Folly
I hope Gandalf's faith in Denethor is not misplaced.
Larner · 18 March 2013 · Chapter 37: The Darkness Closes In
Oh, well met--the Rohirrim and Boromir's party! Excellent indeed! Well written transition chapter!
Agape4Gondor · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 36: Fateful Folly
I love Gandalf's advise to Pippin. In the books, Tolkien firmly states, many times, the respect Gandalf has for Denethor. This is nicely written and true to the professor. Dear me. You write so eloquently of Denethor's trust in Faramir. The devastation caused by that betrayal. Oh my! Eomer was truly right in the knowledge that the darkness was a mistake by Sauron, but was instead a blessing, hiding the Rohirrim on the journey to answer Denethor's call. Lovely tale so far. Can't wait for more! Sorry I've been remiss in commenting in a timely fashion.
Agape4Gondor · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 36: Fateful Folly
Glad I am that someone acknowledged the fact that, though Denethor, with his foresight and planning, could not save Gondor, his actions did contribute to the stalling needed to get Frodo to Mount Doom! Nicely written. Denethor wouldn't have liked the idea that he couldn't save his beloved Gondor, but he did what was needed, as did Boromir in the book and in this, your wondrous AU. Wow! Great imagery! "He seemed to Imrahil like a steed held on a tight rein, straining hard at the bit even as he stood seemingly quiet and at attention." You know, one thing I really missed in the movies was the Red Arrow. I know PJ had an awful lot to put in, but it was significant and I had fallen in love with the heroic Hirgon. Also, it shows again (which PJ obviously didn't want to show) that Denethor made every effort to call upon Rohan to keep their pledge of aid. Whoo hoo! Boromir is on his way - and determined. Best not get in the way of a determined Lord of Gondor!!! "...for I am done with despair and hopelessness."