Reviews (43)

Larner · 30 January 2012 · Chapter 4: Of Rings

This discussion on the Rings of Power is fascinating, from the common symbology associated with rings in general to the motives for him working on rings specifically intended for use on Elves, Men, and Dwarves. Love the questions and answers regarding Hobbits and why Hobbits were particularly protected from the influence of such things as the One Ring, and the experience with time seeming to speed up as we age (certainly I've noted the apparent swifter experience of the passage of time as I've aged and have thought of how that phenomenon occurs just as Sauron explains it in his letter). And I love, love, love Bilbo's description of how it is that Hobbit nature is antithetical to tyrancy for the most part. As for Bilbo's feelings of discomfort engendered by what he read and his specific responses to the various offending questions or comments--I felt it was indeed most likely and appropriate for Bilbo to respond as he did. As for the references to your other works--I smiled as I caught and identified them! Great!

Larner · 30 January 2012 · Chapter 3: On Language

I love the correspondence already! Dear, dear Bilbo!

Larner · 30 January 2012 · Chapter 2: Incarceration by pandëmonium_213

Fascinating!

Larner · 30 January 2012 · Chapter 1: Foreword

Definitely a--different--partnership! Heh!

Larner · 30 January 2012 · Chapter 0: Introduction

It's my first real chance to read this, what with all of the stresses I've been through in recent months. Am interested to see what the two of you have made of the unusual correspondence! The idea of it for some reason brings to mind "The Screwtape Letters," one of my favorites of the Master's friend's writings.

pandemonium_213 · 29 November 2011 · Chapter 5: The Years of the Trees/Riddles in the Dark

Thanks so much, Shemyaza and Alei, and my apologies for the belated response. My appreciation is no less sincere! Re: Shemyaza. On Sauron's redemption, say rather "rehabilitation." I don't think redemption is a possibility here, at least how I define the word. Bilbo is certainly a good, if altogether unexpected, influence. Re: Alei. Yep, Sauron's contempt for Gollum (as well as for the Witch-king) is an example of his highly compartmentalized thinking, which comes in handy to justify his actions. I expect examples of similar approaches can be found in our primary world, and not always for the "bad guys." And this... "And I'm curious- what type of creatures are the Maia (or atleast, Sauron and his sister) in Pandeverse? I read Light Over the Mountain on SWG, but I'm still a bit confused. How related/similar to the Valar are they (genetically or otherwise... if we can even talk genetically about partially physical/incorporeal beings...)?" Heh. Oh, this is a subject for a huge, goofy and scientifictitious discourse on my part so I'll spare you that, so for now I'll just say that the Valar and the Maiar of the Pandë!verse, although lumped into the category of Ainur generally, are distinct from one another and even have different origins. I extrapolated this bit (uh, extrapolated a lot) from Tolkien's notes on the root word *phan* in Parma Eldalmaberon 17. JRRT described the Valar as beings of light, when not in corporeal form, but the Maiar can be detected by their fragrance (as opposed to light). To me (a life scientist), that screams different species! Or in this case, different genera (VERY different genera), but with the common feature of a high degree of intelligence and self-awareness...like the Eruhini a.k.a. humans. I have a draft in progress on iLugburz that alludes to the Valar's original forms, which I'm sure will cause some eyebrows to be raised. :^D There's quite a bit more, but at the risk of a) being too pedantic and b) spoilers, I'll stop there. I'd be delighted to elaborate by email: docbushwell@gmail.com Thanks again, both of you!

pandemonium_213 · 29 November 2011 · Chapter 8: Distant Kindred

Thanks, mews and Aiwen, for having a read and the compliments. Very much appreciated! I have no idea why Sauron is so entranced with golf and fly casting for that matter. It's certainly not self-insertion!

mews1945 · 28 November 2011 · Chapter 8: Distant Kindred

A very intriguing chapter. It's enjoyable to imagine Sauron becoming fascinated with golf, and looking forward to Bilbo's letters. And I enjoyed reading about the hobbits' experiences through Bilbo's pov.

Aiwen · 27 November 2011 · Chapter 8: Distant Kindred

This is wonderful. An extremely original idea that would not have occurred to me, well written, characterized and thought out.

Lindelea · 25 October 2011 · Chapter 6: Of Marbles and Golf

I had a few moments only, this morning, to sneak online and read, something I haven't done in weeks... but the announcement of this chapter in my email was so intriguing, and I so miss Middle-earth and hobbits and such. I had to carve more time out of the schedule than I meant to, but it was worth it. I love how Bilbo's good manners and pity shine forth. I laughed at some of your sly turns of phrase (a good walk spoiled, indeed -- sounds as if Bilbo might be able to write a book by that title, or perhaps he already has, under a pen name?) Sobering and encouraging by turns. Thank you for sharing the gift of words and mind-pictures. I do hope I can manage to get back soon to read more. (My own stories have been simmering quietly on the back burner for so long, I hope they've not boiled dry. sigh.) *hugs* and glad to see you keeping up the good work.

Raksha The Demon · 24 October 2011 · Chapter 3: On Language

I loved Bilbo's confusion as to how to address a letter to Sauron. Dear Mr. Sauron indeed! And Bilbo's comparison of addressing Sauron to addressing Lobelia is priceless! I couldn't remember which language the Dunedain spoke at home; did Tolkien clarify that they too used Westron as their primary language? I'm not disputing it; just too lazy to check out the appendices. The idea that the Elves of Rivendell had a Sindarin primer for the instruction of their Dunedain fosterlings makes sense, too. And I love the bit where Bilbo confesses that he is the author of that early incarnation - very early - of the Earendil saga. I always liked that early version, it's got such a jolly rhythm; and one could definitely say a hobbity style. And I don't believe for one second that Sauron is as harmless as an old toothless cat! This is the guy who let himself come to Numenor as a chained captive and ended up co-ruling the place. Of course, the Valar are supposedly less corruptible than the Numenoreans, but there was Melkor, and all those Maiar who followed him...Still, I think that Sauron is trying to reform, repend, make amends, at least as much as he is capable of doing so. Only time, and probably lots of it, will tell how far that repentance will go...

Shemyaza · 21 October 2011 · Chapter 5: The Years of the Trees/Riddles in the Dark

I am thoroughly enjoying this. I love your insights into what might be going through Sauron's mind now he is incarcerated and presumably working towards redemption. I am equally enjoying Bilbo's responses to him. I look forward to reading more.

AleiTheLeaf · 20 October 2011 · Chapter 5: The Years of the Trees/Riddles in the Dark

Hello again, I must say that I am incredibly delighted to see a new chapter posted here so quickly! And now for a proper review! (And since it's my first proper review, I must warn you, it's a bit long... and a little haphazard... ok, really haphazard.) "I wonder, though, do the hobbits notice the difference in the sun's light here?....How would they feel if they knew the particulars? He dashed the thought.... and really, did he want to destroy any cherished notions the old hobbit and his kinsman held? No, that would not do. What would be the point?" I like how you keep Sauron's train of thought consistent with his characteristic orderly-ness and logic with his personality you've already set up (here and in other stories). Yet in the second part, you show him being a bit more thoughtful about Bilbo's feelings. That has me wondering if Sauron is beginning to learn (or relearn) empathy. It makes me smile to think that Bilbo's good influence might be rubbing off on him. On the other hand, I find it ironic that Sauron finds Gollum to be the lowest sort of murderer, and yet, he's caused the death of thousands (if not millions) of people. Granted, he thought it was for a good cause at the time, but still... "Bilbo stopped writing. He was breathless and had palpitations, as though he had only just then escaped from those darksome holes of his memory. This was not the lighthearted account he had given to the children of the Shire for generations-the Ring never entered those stories. And it was not even the account he'd later given at the Council of Elrond. This felt like reliving the whole thing." Hmmm, I wonder if reliving the memory had some hidden effects, since later on he's feeling better.... By the way, the interactions between Frodo and Bilbo were incredibly sweet and believable. And I wonder what Gandalf has to say about some of the more dubious comments Sauron makes? And I'm curious- what type of creatures are the Maia (or atleast, Sauron and his sister) in Pandeverse? I read Light Over the Mountain on SWG, but I'm still a bit confused. How related/similar to the Valar are they (genetically or otherwise... if we can even talk genetically about partially physical/incorporeal beings...)? Oh,and I can't wait to see how Sam plays into the conversation between Bilbo and Sauron. The curiosity Sauron displays toward Pippin and Bilbo's responses were very amusing. Yours, ~AleiTheLeaf p.s. And who is the women that brings his food to Sauron...? I'm looking forward to finding out by the end. :D

pandemonium_213 · 19 October 2011 · Chapter 4: Of Rings

UTfrog, Lynda, Raksha and Alei, Thanks a million for the kind words! It was a wild hair of a notion to have these two monumental characters correspond with one another, and as Dreamflower aptly notes, it's an organic process. I love Dreamflower's version of Bilbo Baggins, Esq. and have been following her stories for quite some time. I am so tickled to see Adamanta and Trotter get mentioned (also two of my favorites). Her hobbits really resonate with me. Bilbo's voice is wonderful in the series, very authentic, I think, and the way she handles his conflict is so well done. It also takes a lot of courage to step into the Pande!verse with a more humanized villain. My Dark Muse never knows what Bilbo will say and conversely, I think that Mr. Sauron provokes Bilbo in any number of ways. It's tremendously entertaining. Alei, I am wildly flattered that we drew you out of lurkdom. Lynda and UTfrog, you are familiar "faces" to me from Serinde's saga, so it's a pleasure you're following Dreamflower's and my experiment. Raksha, you sly dickens, you! :^D If I elaborate more on D.L. Sauron and his feelings toward the Holocaust, that takes me into late 20th century territory of the Pande!verse and would be a *significant* spoiler. Maybe you can wheedle a clue or two out of me during our next perambulation. On Sauron's withholding his true name from Gandalf, that's a nod back to Light Over the Mountain. Keeping his real name to himself is something of a neurotic thing, probably linked to early trauma. Thanks again, everyone!

AleiTheLeaf · 19 October 2011 · Chapter 2: Incarceration by pandëmonium_213

Hi, I'm usually a lurker, but I just couldn't contain myself when I saw this! This is amazing! Seriously, two of my favorite writers are writing together!!! This is fantastic!!! I can't wait to read the rest! (Love the metaphor with the kitten and silmaril, by the way.) Sorry, I'm so excited right now that I can barely type a coherent sentence! Yours, ~AleiTheLeaf, a longtime lurker who made an account just to tell you how happy I am!!! This is awesome!!!!!!

Raksha The Demon · 19 October 2011 · Chapter 2: Incarceration by pandëmonium_213

A correspondence between Bilbo and Sauron in Aman - what an inspired idea! I thought the possibility did exist that Sauron might have survived and could have been intelligent enough to seek redemption, even if it meant humbling himself before the Valar. Whether he can truly repent of his terrible deeds or not is debatable, but Sauron does seem to be making a genuine effort. The bit with Sauron reading Mein Kampf is fascinating and very telling. His reaction to it, and to the knowledge of the Holocaust the book helped spawn, is supremely rational - he sees it as a stupid waste of resources, the waste of people who would have been ideal citizens of Hitler's empire. Of course, on one level the Holocaust was a tremendous and stupid waste of human resources; but that pales before the ghastly horror of all the cruel and unnecessary slaughter of innocents, Sauron cannot empathize with those innocents, or even feel compassion for them. One wonders if he ever will. Is this deficit because the horror of the Holocaust has not happened yet; Sauron has not experienced it? Sauron does seem to feel a certain empathy for Bilbo. His memories of the confrontation with Frodo are interesting. I love Sauron's remembered anger over Frodo's bearing of the Ring and its consequences, what did he think would happen, and 'might as well give a Silmaril to a kitten'. Sauron was right in that the ring was made for him to wear, not a fragile mortal hobbit; but of course, the Ring had to be thrown into the fires of Orodruin and it was not going to walk itself there, so someone had to carry it. It does make sense that Sauron would feel conflicted about this; and not recognize the horrors he had inflicted on the world and the necessity of sacrificing even one's life to stop him; if Sauron had totally repented of everything all at once, it would be too easy. Since Mairon and Olorin had a distant shared past, why is Mairon refusing to tell his real name to his long-ago friend, especially when he acknowledges genuine respect and liking for him? Looking forward to seeing where the story ends up...

6336 · 19 October 2011 · Chapter 4: Of Rings

Hi Dreamflower, I have been reading this over on M.P.T.T.and have much enjoyed it, while I enjoy the much lighter aspects of most fan fic sometimes it is good to read something with a bit of meat on its bones, as it were, this fits the bill! One could, almost, feel sorry for Sauron in his captivity and I expect in some ways he was a likeable person, when he wanted to be,after all he did pose as Annatar, Lord of Gifts but the price he demanded for those gifts was prohibativa, total domination of Arda is a little bit out of most peoples reach! I am not sure which bits I like the best, Saurons life or the letters. Huggs, Lynda

UTfrog · 19 October 2011 · Chapter 3: On Language

I have been reading this wonderful tale on another site. I am so glad that you are posting here so I can review. This is Outstanding Work! Character development is superb. I am very eager to see what we all learn. You authors are among my favorites (with Surgical Steel) for the quality of your universes. Thank you so much.