Reviews (18)

PSW · 6 November 2019 · Chapter 999: Partings

This was a really nice story — I very much enjoyed seeing how Denathor and Aragorn might have worked things out between them. Thanks so much for writing.

iva1201 · 29 May 2010 · Chapter 999: Partings

Truly excellent piece. Thank you.

Celebne · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 999: Partings

It's a wonderful story! I have read it without stopping. Your Denethors is noble and nice. I have cried as he died at the end of the story.

Mysterious Jedi · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 999: Partings

I enjoyed this a lot.

insignia · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 999: Partings

Hi Eledhwen I have just read through both the stories you have posted at SoA and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed them. I especially enjoyed the way in which you allow the characters to develop, without being obvious or unsubtle, but always in tune with the great Professor (imho, anyway!) I also liked the way in which you describe action sequences. I enjoy being able to interpret from a character's words or descriptions of their actions how they are feeling: so much more interesting for the reader than being told outright that he or she "feels happy/unhappy" - you get to make up your own mind based on events! Yes, the way JRRT writes it Denethor does not survive to have to make decisions about how to respond to Thorongil's claim, but it is very interesting to speculate as you do so well on how his character as described by JRRT might react to having to submit to his old rival for his father's affections. The way in which Faramir, Denethor and Eowyn interact too is also nicely and realistically set out. I look forward to your next story. Best wishes insignia

bobo baggins · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 4: Readying the Last Stand

Before I continue reading this story, I wanted to let you know that this chapter filled my heart with joy and almost made me want to cheer. I always wondered what could have happened if Denethor had chosen differently, and I love the way you have brought Thorongil back to light. I was very interested in Tolkien's account of Aragorn as Thorongil.

Hai · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 999: Partings

That was very good! Thank you fur such and alternative way of ending ROTK! It was splendid! I liked when Denethor met with Galadriel that would be something, probably very similar to when Boromir met her, I tend to think they share the same stubborness. You did splendidly writing all the characters! Thank you!

daw the minstrel · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 999: Partings

Well, good on Denethor. I was repeatedly touched by his grief for Boromir and his devotion to his country. I liked seeing him turn into the man he should have been if the shadow hadn't come.

daw the minstrel · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 8: The Field of Cormallen

Sweet Eru, he did it! Good for Denethor. That can't have been easy. However, a Thain and a Master may get along in the Shire but I'm not sure a king and a steward can get along in Gondor.

daw the minstrel · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 7: Aftermath

Well, well, Denethor did OK and may turn out to be responsible after all. I hope so. It must be hard to release power though, especially when you are also concerned about the well being of your country.

daw the minstrel · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 3: After the Debate

Oh my god. Will Denethor go? I can see big problems either way. He stays in Minas Tirith and keeps power or he goes and divides loyalties. What a dilemma.

daw the minstrel · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 2: The Great Gate

This was a tense chapter. My own stomach was tightening up. I can't imagine having to deal with Denethor like this. I am now convinced that Tolkien took the only possible course of action with this character. I look forward to seeing how you play this out!

Tim the Enchanter · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 10: The Ringbearers

Now that the conflict is over, Denethor and Frodo are both having to face the fact that their lives are irreversibly altered. Neither expected to survive and indeed invited death... and yet they live. I remember a quote from Frank Herbert's Dune saga that anyone who lives through the decision to die is fundementally changed. I imagine Denethor senses that commonality with Frodo

Hai · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 10: The Ringbearers

I hope you are planning lots for Frodo and Denethor to get to no each other! I'm sure Frodo could charm his way into anyone's heart! It is so wonderful that they are all together again! You are doing wonderfully, I don't usually enjoy AU's this much! Looking forward to more, thank you!

meckinock · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 10: The Ringbearers

Your Denethor is so believable and the events following your departure from canon so credible that I can almost see Professor Tolkien sitting at his writing desk, saying, "Hmmm...Kill Denethor; don't kill Denethor?", and imagine that this is one outcome he might have come close to choosing himself. I really like the little exchanges between Aragorn and E/E, and especially the Frodo's line "Is that difficult?" and Aragorn's response, "It took me close to 50 years."

Tim the Enchanter · 8 November 2003 · Chapter 8: The Field of Cormallen

Wow - what an innovative idea for a story.

Hai · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 8: The Field of Cormallen

Wow! that certainly was a different way to write the last few chapters of ROTK! You did it wonderfully adding in Denethor and the problems that might have come from that, but really now Denethor can go into peaceful retirement though he may not be the type to retire. I hope things can be patched up with Faramir! They would probably really like each other if they only got to know each other! I liked Legolas and Gimli arguing when they found out Pippin was lost. Looking forward to more! Thank you!

meckinock · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 5: The Black Gate

Sorry for reviewing the whole story to date at once, I know I'm not doing it justice, but I just stumbled on it and couldn't resist reading it straight through. This is fantastic in every way! Your characterizations are just fabulous - your AU approach certainly allows a more thorough exploration of Denethor's complex character and motivations than canon permitted. You so effectively use interaction between the characters - each conversation was a window into a relationship and each character's personality. I loved the little descriptive touches like Aragorn's throwing himself into the chair as he asks Gandalf (your depiction of Gandalf was wonderful) if he was doing the right thing, and later noticing the glint in Elladan's eye as they rode to battle. Your narrative flows effortlessly, and there's so much wonderful detail like the occasional glint of light off a sword revealing the locations of the guards.