Reviews (558)

Dreamflower · 13 July 2016 · Chapter 24: Returning Home

At last a peek at those left behind in Valinor! I wonder if Helyanwe is now regretted her choice to leave Glorfindel behind!

Larner · 11 July 2016 · Chapter 24: Returning Home

Most satisfactory that they rejoice to be home and with their beloved wives and families; and I do so hope that knowing more Elves will be added in Endore will help those in Aman to also hope again in the future.

Soledad · 11 July 2016 · Chapter 24: Returning Home

Arafinwe seems dedicated to bing new winds into Elven society, doesn't he? Let's hope that it ends well, seeing that the Valar didn't want to allow this kind of technology in the Blessed Land. I love how Olwe deals with the people of his household. He seems to be the most easy-going of all the Kings. I really hope they can get satellite tv for him, so that he can keep watching Natural Geography and stuff.

KathyG · 11 July 2016 · Chapter 24: Returning Home

“It’s time for the Noldor to fire up their secret forges once again.” But not for the same reason as before, thankfully! Building and using computers is a much wiser use of their talents than making more weapons for kinslaying, don't you think? As for children, I would hope that the elder Elves would encourage the younger ones to get married before having children! What some of the mortals are doing is one example that the Elves do not need to follow. I like it that in Fiondil's universe, the way back to Earth has been opened to the Elves. In the old days, it was a one-way trip: those who went to the Undying Lands could not return. That's why Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam could never return to Middle-earth once they had been healed. I think it's neat that in these stories, God (or Eru, as the Elves call Him), in His mercy, has made it possible for the Elves to travel back and forth. Too bad that Fiondil's not alive to read this!

UTfrog · 7 July 2016 · Chapter 23: Meanwhile, On the Way to Valinor…

Love, love, love the conversation about Olwe wanting TV, etc. He appreciate mortal inventions for sure. Thoroughly enjoyed that we received a glimpse of what is happening in Valinor.

Larner · 5 July 2016 · Chapter 23: Meanwhile, On the Way to Valinor…

I love transition chapters! Poor Ingwe has much to accept, I suspect.

6336 · 4 July 2016 · Chapter 23: Meanwhile, On the Way to Valinor…

Well it looks like the Kings have their work cut out for them, just how do you inspire a younger generation to go on procreating, especially when the Dagor Dagorath is nigh and they have no idea what will happen to them afterwards, do they even have a future? Makes you understand why they envy the Second Born and their 'Gift', keep on keeping on has to get wearying after awhile. Have to laugh at the Valar and their comments about Olwe and his T.V. addiction, I don't see why they couldn't set up a satellite relay, I am sure Aule could come up with something. Heads up to Cliff House with Hot dogs, brownies, chips and dips, and settles in for the fire works, well it is the Fourth and I think the Cliff House would be an ideal spot to watch! Lynda

obsidianj · 4 July 2016 · Chapter 23: Meanwhile, On the Way to Valinor…

The first ones that need to find Estel are the 3 Kings. Ingwe especially. For the first time in ages they have a real task ahead of them and Ingwe is giving up before they even started...

Sunny · 4 July 2016 · Chapter 23: Meanwhile, On the Way to Valinor…

Hopefully, things will now start getting exciting in Valinor as well - though I suspect the three High Kings will then start pining for the peaceful days of yore. And Námo is already complaining about Olwë wanting a satellite TV connection? He ought to be relieved that the Wiseman elves had not had time to introduce Olwë to the Internet, because then he would no doubt be clamouring for a high-speed Internet connection, with the rest of Aman close behind. Because then their kin in Wiseman would be only a Skype call away. And of course there is Netflix. Among many other things. And figuring how to get Amazon to deliver to the 10th dimension.

Jenniem · 4 July 2016 · Chapter 23: Meanwhile, On the Way to Valinor…

Thank you for posting this episode of Elf Academy. I'm still re-reading the first four Elf Academy stories, and I never fail to be amazed at the richness of the imagination shown in them. Glorfindel will get a grip, he's never really let anyone down, not yet, and the need that the others have for him to live and lead them will bring him back to himself. And I want to see Gareth and Nielluin married and happy, they deserve it. PS: I can see Merry and Pippin playing D&D, creating havoc as they do it.

Dreamflower · 29 June 2016 · Chapter 22: Explanations

LOL! First the SCA, and now D&D! I love it! And I can so see Merry and Pippin playing it, although I can see all four of them confused by the D&D version of halflings, who are almost invariably thieves. I'm sure they would blame it all on Bilbo, who allowed himself to be called a burglar! *grin* Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olorin AKA Uriel--it is perfect for him. I'm glad he's the one watching over Glorfindel. I am glad that Glorfindel is finally going to let Ron try to help him with his dreams. Maybe we will get to the bottom of who is trying to influence him to fade.

Lindelea · 28 June 2016 · Chapter 22: Explanations

We sort of inherited a third cat, even though the older generation in the household (moi included) had drawn the line at two. It was just supposed to be cat-sitting, until the cat's owner moved into a cat-friendly apartment. Well, the cat's owner finally found a new dwelling, but -- alas for them -- still not cat-friendly. So we have a feisty warrior-queen who is much younger than the resident stodgy middle-aged gentlemen cats... "Rumble" would suit her well, as she often seems to feel the need to stir things up. One of the things that has been unique about the EA stories was the interaction between the readers, answering each other's speculations, carrying on a discussion of sorts in the reviews, bringing sustaining supplies to the Cliff House... I still see glimmers of it, once in awhile. Bless you and yours.

obsidianj · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 22: Explanations

So, D&D is also used to train recruits. I have some co-workers that play D&D and they are way past college age. I had to chuckle at the scene of Lord Ulmo playing in the water with the youngsters.

obsidianj · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 21: At the Riley Creek Campgrounds

When Nate showed up I had the feeling that these Mortals would be in. They heard too much and if they were not supposed to know all this Nate would have made them forget. Let's see where that will go.

Larner · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 22: Explanations

Really, Glorfindel needs to start giving Namo some cr edit, I think. There is always an Enemy, always one who is envious and seeks to take all power for himself. And they are being watched over. Fantasy has always helped people to face reality, I've found. Glad these five individuals have found it so useful!

UTfrog · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 22: Explanations

This is a great chapter on many levels. I love the D&D references and the idea to use it for teaching. I love the swimming play. I am chilled by the many references of evil stalking us all. Great job.

Larner · 21 June 2016 · Chapter 21: At the Riley Creek Campgrounds

Well, because that's their current job! Heh! The Maiar do what they are told, after all. But Glorfindel needs to stop making things up to impress other people--I'd think he'd have learned that by now.

Lindelea · 20 June 2016 · Chapter 21: At the Riley Creek Campgrounds

p.s. Yes, another million-dollar question. Why are the Maiar following them? And just what did the trees know? (I can't recall the trees near Winterdark Tarn being concerned, but that might just be my faulty memory.)

Lindelea · 20 June 2016 · Chapter 21: At the Riley Creek Campgrounds

I'm so sorry to hear about Rumble. There are no adequate words that I can find, even as our own Percy rubs himself against my leg in passing. Ah, at last. There is so much I *could* find to say in response to this chapter. As early as the battle with the Watcher, I was thinking, Aha! Interesting way to recruit new students to Elf Academy... Glorfindel lied again, or has been playing fast and loose with myth and truth. I wonder if this is worrisome? It was interesting to see Legolas' waking nightmare sketched out in modern psychological language. And nice to see a glimpse of hobbits. And interesting to see the current crop of Mortals representing themselves well in the courage department, up there with Samwise the Brave. “More to the point, is that what is sleeping in Winterdark Tarn?” Finrod added. Bingo! Give that Elf a cigar. Exactly what I've been thinking, ever since the first tentacle showed up. To be honest, I had forgotten about Zombie Camp. (And it was amusing, the Mortals finding out about Werewolves and Vampires, and Zombies being “Only on TV”. I can't help it; this exchange reminds me strongly of Spock and Sarek, discussing Amanda. ("She is very emotional, isn't she?" "She has always been that way." "Oh, then why did you marry her?" "It was the logical thing to do.") “Mortals are so impatient, aren’t they?” Legolas said in Sindarin. “It’s their nature,” Finrod responded in the same language. “Their lives are so brief.” This made me laugh. “You have a newsletter?” Gary couldn’t help asking. Why, yes. Newsletter, email... and swords. “You do realize that nothing about this is coincidental, don’t you?” Finrod stated. Finally! I was wondering when the Elves would twig to this fact. I don't know if the written chapters go that far, but I can imagine Fiondil grinning as he imagined this lot meeting the regulars from Elf Academy, at some future point.

UTfrog · 20 June 2016 · Chapter 21: At the Riley Creek Campgrounds

Hooray, the mortals got an explanation, sort of. I like the idea that they were tested and reacted well.

KathyG · 20 June 2016 · Chapter 21: At the Riley Creek Campgrounds

Sooo--more recruits! This ought to be interesting.

Dreamflower · 18 June 2016 · Chapter 20: The Watcher in the Water

Oh mercy! What an encounter! So the Watcher was more than a mere creature. That was a breathtaking chapter. I like this bunch of mortals, with all their questions. I hope we'll see more of them.

Lyana · 14 June 2016 · Chapter 20: The Watcher in the Water

Yikes!! So it looks like Alaska has multiple pits of Utumno that didn't get cleaned out?? Oh boy. And it takes THREE Maia to deal with it? Ouch. I loved Finrod's internal dialogue as he is being pulled into the water by this hideous thing - but something tells me that where Glorfindel and Finrod are concerned, they're basically just not going to die because Namo appears ready to stand on his head to keep them from wrecking havoc in Mandos again! Legolas' reaction - poor guy. Seems like Glorfindel's not the only one with post-traumatic issues that need addressing. Good thing Elrond is training - Ron already has his hands full. And a Mortal who knows about elves... curiouser and curiouser! Can't wait to see what part these five play.

Larner · 14 June 2016 · Chapter 20: The Watcher in the Water

Now, they really ought to have thanked the three Maiar, I think. And of course Olorin would say THAT! Heh! I can appreciate Legolas's shock--the last time he faced such a creature was just before they lost Gandalf, and last time it was Frodo who was being dragged into the lake. The Enemy really wants Glorfindel and Finrod gone--that's obvious. Now, to see how they handle the mortals.

obsidianj · 13 June 2016 · Chapter 20: The Watcher in the Water

So, it was a watcher. That was kind of a surprise. I feel sorry for the mortals. I hope they get an explanation that will satisfy them. Maybe they will swell the ranks of mortal supporters, although with this kind of introduction they could just as easily turn into enemies.