Reviews of Lady Love an Outlaw - Parts 1 through 4

viv · 20 November 2004 · Chapter 4: The Sweetest Song - Rated R

Incredible. The way this adventure was paced, I just couldn't stop reading it. The fight scenes were exquisite, the Onion Man and healing scene so thick in the senses I swear I smelled onions. I loved the characterisations of Lothiriel and Eomer both as poets, and of her "elvish blood." I wasn't looking for plot holes, but I certainly didn't find any: every action begat the next in such a sensible way that events never felt forced or contrived. That is masterful plotting; I am so envious of this ability. Overlying all of the technical genius, though, were the details: how many miles Eomer could travel in good conditions and in bad, the architecture of Edoras, the split skirt that Lothiriel wore to ride. Those little details made the setting come alive. This was masterful storytelling from beginning to end. Thank you so much for the wild ride.

Author's reply

Thank you, Viv. I love to tell stories. It is a delight when a reader responds to the writer's favorite story elements. Thanks especially for your remarks on the detail, the plotting, and the fight scenes. I wrote the key scenes and fights many times over. The architecture of Edoras is based on library research of Viking longhouses, research being my all-time favorite cure for writer's block. Wow, what a great review. Regards - Chathol-linn

Lindorien · 10 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

This is a really good character study of the, um...characters! Gosh, that sounds lame. Anyway, probably the best I've seen so far of how Grima gets enticed to the dark side. Pleasant story-telling style also. Excellent pacing. An aside: I tried to post this over at TFF, but the system wouldn't take it. Hopefully, it is not now crashing around Mike's ears as I type. Technology and I were not made to co-exist peacefully. Lindorien

Author's reply

Hey, Lindorien. Great to hear from you. "Lady Love an Outlaw" is actually the end part of a trilogy that tells how Saruman manipulated 2 families (Grima's, Theoden's) for 3 generations to place an agent near the throne of Rohan. I spent a lot of time thinking about Grima and Saruman in this context. So especially thanks for commenting on the characterization. Regards - Chathol-linn

EomerofEastfold · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 4: The Sweetest Song - Rated R

This is certianly one of the most unique Rohan stories I have ever read, and I much enjoyed it. However, I did find Lothiriel to be somewhat, I don't know, overeager, if that is the right word, for a princess. And I've heard enough about Eomer being so dashingly handsome to be jealous of him for the remainder of my days. But, it was a very nice, well-written and engaging story.

Author's reply

Hi, EomerofEastfold! Knowing your interest in the Rohirrim, I was hoping you'd review this story someday. Yes, I do like strong-minded and unconventional women characters, and their strong-minded men like Eomer, who are a match for them. Thanks for your comments. Good to hear from you! Regards- Chathol-linn

Hisie Lome · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 4: The Sweetest Song - Rated R

I read all of this at once. The characters really came to life. But I have to laugh at the medicine. I understand privies and dead animals;but knuckles? Fine writing, and thanks for a great evening. Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome

Author's reply

Hello, Minna Sedh. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, especially on the character development. The reference to boiled knuckle bones may be unusual, but I promise I was writing from personal experience! I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Best regards - Chathol-linn

Chathol-linn · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

Hello. I originally published this story in 4 parts, like a serial. So the parts appear on other pages, separately, in Stories of Arda. In March 2004 I suffered an attack of re-write fever and revised the 4 chapters to add missing detail on dreams, horses, and fighting. Then I put them all together here, under the original Part 1, Deceit and Danger. For those of you who read the original chapters and especially those who commented so favorably, thank you very much. The major story elements are unchanged. Regards - Chathol-linn

Nihar · 8 December 2003 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

I really liked it. I like it how you humanized Wormtongue. Showed people that he had a human side. I can't wait for the 2nd piece. Nihar

Chigger · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

I'm glad I'm finding this after most of it, is already up, or I would be very impatient. So far it's very, very good and it has me hooked like a fish, so you had better hurry up and post the last quarter before I catch up with you.

Nilmandra · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

I like the view you give of Grima, of how Saruman turned him to his purpose. Most like to make Grima inherently evil, yet most are not that way. Somehow they allow themselves to be led to that point, or a choice is made to cross the line. Most of us, if we are honest, should be glad never to be in such a position (whether by chance or choice) or we might be saying 'there, but for the grace of God, go I'. So Grima has crossed the line - and Eomer is now the target?

daw the minstrel · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

'a fire start to burn in his lonely, divided heart: the anger of the clever who has been cleverly duped" -- that's wonderful line for a number of reasons, starting with the sympathy for Grima in that word "lonely." This whole story felt very real to me. Eomer and Theodred came alive in very few words. I think it was the dialogue, but it could also have been the nice detail.

Levade · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 1: Deceit and Danger

I don't think I'm really qualified to comment on Rohan or the Rohirrim as I know little of them, but I am enjoying this story. The idea that Grima had a choice and chose the easy way is good. I liked the scene where his mother's spirit comes to him and he still continues on his path. The roads before us that we choose.... Looking forward to more. :) Regards, Levade

Reviews (10)