UTfrog
· 10 April 2013
· Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
First, I had not expected such a fast update and was thrilled to see a new chapter. What a chapter! My heart was racing first when the dogs attacked and later when the parents came home. Looks like all will be well for a short time, but I am sure you have more problems to come. Thank you.
Author's reply
Yes, life is about to get crazy for a few days, so I figured I should get this chap up while I had the chance. I'm glad you appreciated the tension in this chapter. I promise more troubles for the characters in the near future. ;)
-Brennan
shirebound
· 10 April 2013
· Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
This continues to be a wonderful, rich story.
Author's reply
Thank you!
-Brennan
Linda Hoyland
· 10 April 2013
· Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
What a wonderful chapter! I loved it.You portray Aragorn brilliantly and I love the way he cared for Kali.
Author's reply
Thank you! Healer!Aragorn is one of my favorite to write.
-Brennan
Jay of Lasgalen
· 9 April 2013
· Chapter 5: Dark Tales
I've been lax in reviewing this wonderful story! The OCs are very believable, from the father's pride and fear laced with compassion, to Hakim's curiosity about the stranger, and Kali's total acceptance of him.
Even in these difficult circumstances Aragorn is still noble and dignified, still a ranger and king-in-exile. I like his discreet questioning of Hakim, and his horror at the fate of the slave rowers on the galley ships :(
And you used Tolkien's reference to his travels to 'where the stars are strange'!
Author's reply
Thanks for such a wonderful review! I'm glad the OCs are coming across well and that Aragorn's character shines through despite the unusual circumstances.
I hope you continue to enjoy this fic!
-Brennan
UTfrog
· 7 April 2013
· Chapter 5: Dark Tales
This is one of the best stories I have read in some time. Your characters grow more vivid with each chapter. While I am very anxious to hear about their reunion in Gondor, I love these details of both lives. Also, if Aragorn really was using the twins weapons in the a storage room, I wonder that he survived them finding out.
Author's reply
Thanks for another awesome review! I'm glad the details are drawing you in. As for young!Aragorn's misdeeds, that's another story for another day. Maybe. ;D
I hope you keep reading!
-Brennan
Linda Hoyland
· 7 April 2013
· Chapter 5: Dark Tales
I enjoyed this chapter very much and loved the way you wove bits of canon such as the "strange stars" into the story. You have me increasingly worried how Aragorn will escape!
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad you commented on the bit with the stars; that image of Aragorn looking up at the sky and discovering unfamiliar constellations was one of my earliest pieces of inspiration that led to the development of this story. It's a small moment, but I enjoyed writing it.
-Brennan
shirebound
· 7 April 2013
· Chapter 5: Dark Tales
Out of respect for the secrecy of the Shire, Aragorn has edited the hobbit out of this tale
It's details like that -- the things told and untold -- that make your story so compelling.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you appreciated the little details.
-Brennan
rs
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 4: The Empty Men
I felt the anger that Darkheel must have felt! For all of them...really. The feeling of helplessness....I'm so irritated!
Most memorable seen..."my gaze was drawn again and again to a lonely figure who stood out in the wastes, gazing west into the dying sun". That scene stayed in my mind for a long time. Very powerful!
Author's reply
*offers a relaxing massage*
:)
Kidding aside, I'm glad the emotions of this piece are coming through and very glad that you find some of the imagery memorable. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
-Brennan
rs
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
A very intense chapter. I love the moment between Darkheel and Hakim at the end.
Author's reply
Thanks! Parts of this were tough to write, so I'm glad you liked the finished product.
-Brennan
Mysterious Jedi
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 4: The Empty Men
This is an interesting story. Your characters and setting have a real depth to them. I look forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you're liking this tale so far.
-Brennan
Celeth
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 4: The Empty Men
I find myself drawn more and more into this story. It's fascinating. I never thought much of the Haradrim except as evil enemies and allies of the Dark Lord, but this shows them in a whole new light, as victims to be pitied too. I'm looking forward to the coming chapters.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're enjoying this! I've always been curious about the "evil men" who served Sauron. The Haradrim were especially interesting to me, since Aragorn is known to have traveled among them and one of the first things he does as king is to make peace with them. This was my attempt to explore that culture a little more. I hope you enjoy where it leads!
-Brennan
Linda Hoyland
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 4: The Empty Men
An excellent and gripping chapter.I was on tenterhooks lest the slavers find Aragorn!
At least the family seem to be turning away from Sauron worship.
Author's reply
Thanks for another awesome review, Linda! I'm glad you appreciated the tension in this chapter.
-Brennan
shirebound
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 4: The Empty Men
What a frightening and uncertain life, but these good folks are surviving it. Oh, the amazement and delight they will know when the identity of the new King is revealed to them!
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! Yes, I'm trying to show the Haradrim as an oppressed people, to an extent, with Sauron as a corrupting influence on their culture. In my mind, there will always be people who try to profit from that kind of situation and people who just try to survive it.
I hope you keep reading!
-Brennan
UTfrog
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 4: The Empty Men
Chilling chapter. Listening in the dark, Aragorn must have wondered at his own safety. He does have much to be grateful that he was found by an honorable family.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad this is holding your interest.
-Brennan
Robbie
· 2 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
Wow. Your story is quite impressive. You manage to take Hakim's viewpoint so completely one is as bewildered as him. I like it very much and will wait for more =)
Author's reply
Thank you for the awesome review! I'll probably post another chapter tomorrow.
-Brennan
MusicDreamer7
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
A very interesting and original idea for a story! I love the dynamically interesting characters you have created. Kali is adorable. I love how well you are portraying the hard life the people of Harad had during the time of the Dark Lord. You really captured Aragorn's greatness so very well. This entire chapter was very chilling.
I did find the use of the word "Ma'am" threw me out of the story for a moment. It seemed such an odd word to use. I just can't really imagine a boy from Harad using that word....
Otherwise I loved this. And whoohoo new chapter will be up soon.
Author's reply
Thank you for the wonderful review! I was a little worried that I couldn't pull off a story that relied so heavily on original characters, so I'm glad you're enjoying them. I'm particularly fond of Kali, so it's good to know she's coming across well.
The next chapter will probably be up tomorrow. I hope you enjoy!
-Brennan
Agape4Gondor
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
Sadly, my life is insane now. I find I cannot review every chapter, but will stop when I can and do so.
You know I love your writings. I wait and hope for another tale to be offered.
This one is awesome. I love the characters. The gut-wrenching hardness of their life and their ways.
Excellent, as always.
PS. I love Kali.
Author's reply
:) Don't worry about it, just read when you can and I hope you enjoy! I'm glad you like this one so far. Thanks for taking the time to review!
-Brennan
iboneki
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
This story is so original - I'm entranced!
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope you keep reading!
-Brennan
UTfrog
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
Hooray for a new chapter and the promise of another soon. I love the little girl who won't leave Aragorn alone. Please do not have some horrible fate in store. I realize it is probably her son in chapter 2 who returned to Harad with news of the others. I really like her.
This is a very powerful chapter. The beating is chilling, not so much for the violence, but for the terror the people of Harad lived under.
I am having some fun trying to imagine how the story will end, but I am sure your version will be better. Thanks.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying Kali--she's a lot of fun to write. Heh, I tried not to be *too* horible this time around. It's true that I have a *terrible* record with fictional child abuse, but yes, Tawil from chapter 2 was definitely her son.
I hope you keep reading!
-Brennan
Linda Hoyland
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
Another great and powerful chapter, which Had me glued to my seat. You truly show Aragorn's greatness here. I know he would rather be beaten than worship Sauron. You also capture the horror and fear behind Sauron worship brilliantly.
I read here as ff.net has messed up your formatting. Two minor points "fix a meal" and "Ma'am" sound very modern American to me in what is otherwise a very Tolkienish story.
I'm just loving this and eagerly await the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you for the lovely review! Thanks also for the heads up about FFN formatting. Ugh, that was a headache.
I appreciate the concrit. I'll try to do a better job at catching details like that.
The next chap will probably be up tomorrow. I hope you enjoy!
shirebound
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
This is a very rich and creative story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy it.
-Brennan
rs
· 31 March 2013
· Chapter 2: The Limits of Charity
So the discovery of Darkheel comes in full circle in this chapter!! It is awesome how you did that! You got me thinking in the first chapter that Darkheel must be a relative or a soldier. But BAM!! you got me!
Love the exchange between the Father and "the stranger". Can't wait for the next posting.
Author's reply
:) Yeah, I had some fun with that little bait and switch. When I dropped that name in the first chapter, I wasn't sure if anyone would remember by the second, so good for you! I'm glad you liked this chap! The next one should be up soon.
-Brennan
rs
· 31 March 2013
· Chapter 1: Old Customs, Old Fears
You have a way of grabbing your reader right away and leaves them wanting more. Excellent opening.
I already like your narrator/primary character. I am actually seeing and feeling everything that your character is going through...and it is a feeling of uncertainty and resolute.
I like your shift from present to past. From the bustle of a city courtyeard to the tranquility and peace of open space and....goats! Awesome! And the family is endearing!
Author's reply
Thanks for the awesome review! I'm glad you like this story so far! I'm especially glad that my narrator, Hakim, is coming through clearly. I always get a little nervous about original characters, but I can't seem to stop writing them. ;)
I hope you keep reading!
-Brennan
iboneki
· 28 March 2013
· Chapter 2: The Limits of Charity
Love it!
Author's reply
Thanks!
-Brennan
shirebound
· 27 March 2013
· Chapter 2: The Limits of Charity
You're crafting a wonderful story, and I'm enjoying it very much.