Reviews (56)

UTfrog · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 9: In a Distant Land

I haven’t even read this chapter yet, but I wanted to thank you most sincerely. I have a terrible head cold and I am cranky. Seeing a new chapter of this excellent story gave me an emotional lift.

Erulissé · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 9: In a Distant Land

I love this story!!! I can’t wait for the next chapter. I have been reading it all throughout today. You nail how I would expect Faramir to be, and how Aragorn would respond. I had never considered how the Grey Company would feel about the change and their Chieftain’s elevation. It definitely is an interesting thing to contemplate! That lady, Ivriniel. My goodness, she is something else. I am curious what Aragorn will say to her/how he deals with her, I won’t lie. And I am very curious as to her reaction to Arwen when she comes. It sounds like she could stir up some trouble here in the future. I am also curious what Dirhael is going to do. I hope he will take the high road. Faramir doesn’t deserve his jealousy. I am afraid of how that will end. I hope you are doing well and I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! Kudos x 100!!!

Lindelea · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 9: In a Distant Land

Ah, hobbits! (Whose idea was this nuncheon gathering, I wonder...?) The connection between the Northern and Southern Rangers makes sense. They're both used to conducting a different sort of warfare than Knights and Guardsmen, with the latter's drill and polished mail and ceremonial as well as practical duties. Rangers live rough and fight using more guerrilla tactics, I think? The Steward gazed at him, searching to understand whether he meant the curtness. Then the man nodded graciously. Does Dirhael not know about the blood of Westernesse running "nearly pure" in Faramir's veins, as Gandalf described him? (Gandalf also talked about Denethor, saying, He has long sight. He can perceive, if he bends his will thither, much of what is passing in the minds of men, even of those that dwell far off. It is difficult to deceive him, and dangerous to try, which I assume would also apply to Faramir.)

Lindelea · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 8: A Son of the North

This is such a perfect picture of the Dúnedain: On long nights of patrol around Bree, when the wind howled and the rain soaked through his cloak and mail, he would clutch the silver star pinned upon his cloak, reminding himself that it was the King of Arnor whom he served. The king of the last remnants of Númenor—though he bore neither sceptre nor crown, and dressed as shabbily as the rest of them. On the brink of battle with Orcs and other foul creatures, he would recall the towers of Armenelos. They had risen bright above the sea, unbowed and unbent, just as his people must stand, though no citadel remained to shelter them. The Northern Rangers have long fascinated me, especially the thirty who rode South and trod the Paths of the Dead. (And I've often wondered what that departure meant in terms of how many were left behind to guard the North-lands? And how they fared in the larger scheme of things, knowing how the King of Dale and King under the Mountain were slain in battle during that time. Did the Rangers guarding Bree and the Shire face similar onslaughts?) Halbarad knew his death lay "beyond" but went forward anyhow... Dirhael's funk sounds very plausible here, combining the letdown after the adrenalin of battle plus the ostentatious-seeming unfamiliar surroundings (for some reason Bilbo's poem comes to mind: "not all that glisters is gold") plus the momentary uncertainty that their Chieftain will no longer be theirs.

shirebound · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 9: In a Distant Land

“Might as well rise and do some useful deeds.” I think I'll get in the habit of saying that to myself! Poor Dirhael, what a sad and confusing time. You might enjoy my short fic, "The White Tree of Annúminas", in which I envisioned a son of Halbarad chosen as Steward in the North.

shirebound · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 8: A Son of the North

they felt an unexpected pang of loss. A new age had begun for Aragorn, and where was the Dúnedain’s place in that age? A quite understandable concern!

PSW · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 9: In a Distant Land

Ha - sometimes it’s hard not to be angry at someone for being just too perfect, right? :-D Another good chapter exploring this new and uncomfortable phase (for Gondor as well as the northern Dunedain, I’m sure, though Gondor at least has the home field advantage at the moment). It’s good that they’re mixing with all, though - barriers can’t be broken down if you keep to yourself. It seems he and Faramir have some work to do, though… Lovely writing, as always. Thx for sharing!

PSW · 20 February 2025 · Chapter 8: A Son of the North

Good chapter. It was interesting to get inside a few Dunedain heads and feel their confusion and unease - their realization that there was nobility and valor left in Gondor as well, their unease at losing Aragorn. They’re feeling overwhelmed by the grandeur of the city. I’m sure they didn’t really know what to think at this point…

Lindelea · 6 February 2025 · Chapter 7: Commendation

The wise among the Dúnedain sound very wise indeed. Everyone should, indeed, have an aunt, but only if she is as wise, observant, insightful, and well-spoken as Faramir's aunt. While I might have quoted all of Auntie Ivriniel's pithy thoughts, it would make this review much too long. So I will offer just one of the quotes that made me chuckle: I am not speaking of grave faults. Well, over-scrupulous and long-winded come to mind. Regarding guest reviews: Yes, people can read and review even if they do not have an author or reader account at SoA. When someone who is not signed in to the site clicks the "Review" link at the bottom of a chapter, the form that comes up includes the opportunity to log in (for those who have an account), plus two optional fields to fill in, one for a user name (reviewers may fill in anything they wish, including Anonymous, or leave the field blank for an unsigned review) and the second field asking for an email. Emails (whatever is written in the "Email field) are hidden and only used by the software to send a review notification to the author and to send the author's review-reply to a reviewer who fills in the email field. (The site's email function is not currently working; it is under repair or replacement; I'm not sure when it is estimated to become functional again.) A non-member or anonymous reviewer must also fill in the validation code at the bottom of the review; the instructions should be self-explanatory. Please let me know if you have any questions. (p.s. I did find your email buried in a glut of emails in my inbox, and I sent an answer. Letting you know here just in case it went to spam.)

PSW · 6 February 2025 · Chapter 7: Commendation

I love that she is looking out for not only her kin, but his as well. I have already expressed that I have concerned for the situation of the northern Dunedain, and I’m glad someone is bringing this to his attention. Honestly, the more I think about it the more dissatisfied I am with the loose ends around the Dunedain. Tolkien of course wasn’t looking for that kind of closure - he had a myth to write! - but the more I think on it the more I wonder how they fared after Aragorn took the throne. Especially if, as you wrote in ‘Of Claims and Councils’, they were neither on the Council (which is less an issue, as I’m sure they have their own for the north) nor had monetary aid from their sister kingdom in the rebuilding. The northern Dunedain were not, I don’t believe, particularly rich. I really may have to at least consider writing something about this, darn it…. :-P Lovely as always, thx for writing!

PSW · 6 February 2025 · Chapter 6: Hope Blooms

‘Little price indeed. I pity the man who dares to seek your daughter’s hand.’ 🤣 I love it. This was such a poignant chapter. Faramir has indeed truly lost so much. Indeed, not even bodies to mourn. It is good that he has someone to whom he can turn - a friend, but a seasoned friend with the wealth of years upon which to draw. It is lovely that Sam was the one to tend the tree and notice the first bloom. ‘Ha been looking at a dad tree all his life.’ Dear Sam …. Thx so much for sharing!

shirebound · 6 February 2025 · Chapter 7: Commendation

I love this chapter so much! What wonderful advice, graciously given and received.

shirebound · 6 February 2025 · Chapter 6: Hope Blooms

A dreadful end shall not erase a lifetime of service Beautiful. What a joyous and healing chapter! You might enjoy my (very short) piece from the POV of the sapling, chapter 3 of this story: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=5840

Lindelea · 6 February 2025 · Chapter 6: Hope Blooms

I am struck by Elessar's generosity and thoughtfulness, to think of Faramir as he brings the White Tree sapling down from the mountain. I had an inkling of the parallel between the old tree and Denethor. Well portrayed! And another milestone in Faramir's healing is seen in his finding release in tears. And how poignant, that he has no bodies to bury and grieve. It was fitting that Sam, a prince among gardeners, was the one who first noticed the fruit. It was also fitting that the first person he alerted was Faramir. Eminently practical Sam. I love his logic. Lovely to see the two unlikely friends discussing Arwen's anticipated arrival. And I love the ending of the chapter, with its note of hope and balanced mindset.

PSW · 5 February 2025 · Chapter 7: Commendation

Hey there! I haven’t fully read your chapters yet (that will have to wait for when I’m not working), but I saw the comments at the end about leaving a guest review. I’m pretty sure you can just click on ‘Leave Review’ at the bottom, enter your name by Name (Penname), do the Captcha, and post. I’m doing this one that way to see if it works….

Lindelea · 1 February 2025 · Chapter 5: Light Dawns

The understanding between these two Men is beautiful and breathtaking. Also, this chapter provides a marvelous exploration of Faramir's character and deep insight into his motivation and strength of will. Aragorn's wisdom and sensitivity are also on full display here. He may have misstepped earlier, but he is learning. Wonderful!

shirebound · 1 February 2025 · Chapter 5: Light Dawns

“You spoke of reclaiming the weight of duty from the Ruling Steward, my lord,” he said gravely, “and indeed, the heaviest burden now rests upon your shoulders. Yet you need not bear it alone. Nor should your sons grow up knowing little else but duty. I will gladly share the weight, for what it is worth to one as high as you, surrounded by wise and mighty friends among Elves and Men.” This is BEAUTIFUL. No king could wish for a more valuable steward... or friend.

Lindelea · 1 February 2025 · Chapter 5: Light Dawns

My eyes are closing of themselves, telling me (even before the Elder Cat begins his nightly nagging) it's time to seek my pillow. So I'll have to read this chapter tomorrow. I just wanted to stop by and thank you for leaving a review on the Boromir-and-mushroom-soup story! :)

Lindelea · 30 January 2025 · Chapter 4: A Steward's Place

Even Lord Erestor of Imladris would have been impressed by how the scribe conveyed his plea as factual reporting, while maintaining a disinterested expression. I agree! This observation made me chuckle aloud. Another laugh: “It took him many days to pack them, since he often couldn’t resist re-reading one before putting it in the box.” He is a kindred spirit! I have a terrible time with organizing or reorganizing if books are involved. And the hobbits are wonderfully written. "four pairs of eyes" and "munching an apple" are great details. "fellow ranger" What a wise tack to take! “I came because I was summoned,” Aragorn said. At Faramir’s askance look, Aragorn continued, “Seek for the sword that was broken. When your brother spoke that riddle, I knew my time had come.” This feels like a turning point of some kind. I would imagine that Faramir heard stories of Thorongil growing up? But now he has the chance to put the name to the face and the actual Man. Aragorn's arguments are sound, and of course he is wise to remember Faramir's earlier resistance, but what I really love is the meeting of minds when Faramir talks about it being good to have a lord. Well done! Looking forward to reading more.

PSW · 30 January 2025 · Chapter 5: Light Dawns

Lovely. ❤️ I look forward to more. :-)

PSW · 30 January 2025 · Chapter 4: A Steward's Place

I love that Faramir chose to think on Aragorn’s request rather than to simply comply immediately. It will be better for both of them if he works this through on his own and decides because he thinks it is right, not simply because Aragorn wishes it of him. ‘It’s is a blessed thing to have a lord, my lord.’ There’s a lot in this that bears thinking on - and what a beautiful thing that Aragorn understands him, having his own experience of such a blessing. “would their Chieftain ever return to them, now that he was King of Gondor, Lord of this great city?” This. TBH, I have wondered about his more than once - it does seem … not quite fair to the northern Dunedain somehow. Not that ‘fair’ is a thing to spend much time worrying over, but the line of Chieftains has been theirs for so long, and when he comes finally to his glory they find themselves taking a place behind Gondor. At least it must seem to them. I have considered writing about it, though I do not think it would be a quick project…. Perhaps some day… Anyhoo… enjoying as always!

Lindelea · 28 January 2025 · Chapter 3: Some Were Pleased, Some Less So

Well, I don't know if there are *many* stories about Sam's famous mushroom soup, and apologies if I gave that impression! What I meant to convey was that I read many excellent stories by the authors I named in my previous review, along with others (Dreamflower, Thundera Tiger, Frodo Baggins of Bag End, and too many more to list), before I wrote my first fanfic (as well as many outstanding stories after I began posting my own stories – Nilmandra, Fiondil, and Boz4PM are three authors who come to mind). I focused my reading mainly on hobbit-centered stories or Fellowship gap-fillers. (Though I was always looking for stories about Beregond, I don't remember finding any in the early 2000s, so I ended up writing several of them myself. RabidSamFan wrote an excellent story about Bergil, though, and I wish that story had gone longer as it didn't include Beregond's trial and reprieve.) Any of the hobbity writers whose works I read beginning in 2002 could have mentioned Sam's mushroom soup. On the other hand, I might even have been the first to do so! It's just so long ago, I don't remember anymore. I am simply reluctant to take the credit if there's a chance the idea appeared in a fanfic work that I read before I began writing. This was, I think, my first mention of the Soup in one chapter of a story published in 2003: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=309&cid=1227 And here is another very early mention, in a stand-alone story from 2004: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3065&cid=24206

Lindelea · 28 January 2025 · Chapter 3: Some Were Pleased, Some Less So

Three very different scenes! Patience was never a strong suit in the Dol Amroth family. What a marvellous detail! With a single stroke, you give the reader firm expectations of certain characters. I love their appreciation and support for Faramir. How well they know him! (Doesn't every family have an Aunt Ivriniel? If not, they should. Though I agree that one such person in a family is enough.) Lord Hador is a piece of work. I growled inwardly while reading his thoughts. The one bright spot was the mention of Beregond, though not by name. Ah, Sam's famous mushroom soup. It's good to see it pop up in yet another story. (I wonder who was the first to write about that soup? Shirebound, perhaps? Baylor? Budgielover? Grey Wonderer? Someone else? I remember reading so many wonderful stories when JoDancingTree first introduced me to LOTR fanfic. I even featured that mushroom soup in a few of my own stories over the years, but I don't think I was the first.) I also have to mention that it's the little details like the following that make a story come to life and immerse the reader in the scene: ...beneath the old tree where he had been reading. The air smelled faintly of earth and flowers, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves above them.

Lindelea · 28 January 2025 · Chapter 2: Ithilien

I can't help smiling at the irony of Faramir arguing, all unknowing, against his own reward. His angry rejection of the idea was surprising at first, but his arguments make sense. I love the images that punctuate the discussion: swordplay, the chosen arrow... altogether fitting for two warriors. The progression of emotions as the discussion continues is natural and believable. And then, after he finally seems to accept the idea, the piling on of duty upon duty and responsibility... LOL! I can almost hear Faramir saying, 'Bring it on! What're you waiting for?' (But, of course, he's probably much too noble to state it in such common street-brawling terms.)

shirebound · 26 January 2025 · Chapter 3: Some Were Pleased, Some Less So

I love the journal entry of Lord Hador. Perhaps his mind will change, in time, as he sees the golden age truly upon them all.