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Title: The Visitor · Author: Rowan · Genres: Drama · ID: 174
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:23:54
Spoilers!
I love the whimsical feel to this story. It has a dreamlike quality,
which is fitting enough for what happens. Elanor is beautifully
portrayed, and I love the tone of her thoughts. In particular, I liked
her musings on the Ring and how Sam had told her that nothing could
ever came out of it. Frodo was also very nicely drawn, and he was
exactly as I would picture a hobbit living among elves for an extended
period of time. He's adopted some of their mannerisms, but at the
core, he's a hobbit. And he never quite forgets it. Beautiful story.

Title: For Our Friends · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Drama · ID: 654
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:24:30
Spoilers!
This story is brilliant in its ability to build a climax. Merry's
journey from terrified, reluctant rider (who can't quite catch his
breath) to grim, resolved soldier is a gradual climb that feels very
natural. I especially loved how Merry's thoughts about friendship
seemed to grind to a halt when considering Pippin, because then it's
not just about friends. It's about family, and Merry drives that point
home very well. It feels like the final straw, and when Merry adds his
voice to the riders, I want to shout along with him.

Title: The Last Throw · Author: nau_tika · Genres: Drama · ID: 556
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:25:27
Getting into another's head and then regurgitating a tale is
difficult, but this is pulled off well. I love how there are no actual
interruptions in the text, though the narrator is clearly responding
to questions or comments from his listeners. But it reads as a
straight monologue, which makes it come across as crisp and clear
despite its rambling tone (which is in keeping with the narrator).
Very enjoyable.

Title: Loudwater · Author: Adaneth · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 63
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-16 20:29:28
Spoilers!
This drabble (which I'm very, very thankful to have received as a
birthday gift) revels in poetical, lyrical language, in alliteration,
in paralleling images, sometimes constructions that resemble Norse
kennings. There is almost a sense as if the narrative consciously
carresses every single syllable it passes, mirroring the passage of
the Bruinen in its long varied course to the sea as is described.

It gives a very nuanced and detailed image of the Bruinen, at the same
time it feels impressionistic, made out of fine, short brushstrokes of
brief, highlighted glimpses.

But it gives even more than a general impression of the river; it also
tells a precise moment of canon from an unusual perspective and so
enriches it: We see the scene in which the Bruinen rushes to overthrow
the Nazgûl who are trying to pass to capture Frodo who fled across the
river moments before.

I like the shift of focus here: it's not on Frodo, but on Elrond,
master of Imladris. It reminds us of the role the element water has so
often played in his family, notably for his father Eärendil. If I'm
not completely astray, I even sense a possibilty that ["the Master"]
might not refer to Elrond, but to Lord Ulmo himself, and his ties to
the family; and so offer the intriguing interpretation of this scene
describing a moment of "divine" intervention.


Title: Labour Pains · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor: Shire · ID: 483
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-07-16 20:43:09
Frodo's last days in the Shire seem to inspire more angst fic than
comedy. And while I enjoy such works as much as the next Frodo-angst
fan, I find Aratlithiel's "Labour Pains" a refreshing---and
hilarious--change of pace, as Rosie Gamgee proceeds to demonstrate
that the wrath of a woman scorned is as nothing compared to the [Wrath
of a Pregnant Person Denied Her Craving.]

The verbal sparring between Frodo and Sam that opens this story--Sam
managing to be simultaneously patronizing and politely deferential--is
simply priceless. A "gardening emergency" is the purported reason for
Sam's departure just as Rosie's time is approaching, and Frodo is
understandably skeptical: [Frodo's eyes narrowed further and he
crossed his arms over his chest. "Pansies running amok and threatening
the neighbours, are they?"] And Sam's explanation as to why the Gaffer
can't go in his stead deserves extra points for creativity: ["And
anyway, if I gave him my box of dust, he'd likely try to snort it or
smoke it and there ain't that much left."] The whole exchange reminded
me a bit of Bertie Wooster and Jeeves. I was almost as sorry to see
Sam go as Frodo was!

But the real fun begins when Frodo and Rosie are left on their own.
Among other indignities, poor Frodo suffers through nine straight
meals of chipped beef, pretends to still be working on the
already-completed Red Book in order to hide out in his study, and
scours the Shire for sweet potatoes in March, dogged by the ridicule
of every produce vendor in Hobbition [He didn't give up, though; he
was Endurance beyond Hope, after all]. By the end, we have learned the
truth behind Frodo's anniversary illness and reason for leaving
Middle-earth.

Wickedly funny from start to finish!


Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-16 20:55:26
Spoilers!
I love how this drabble uses the limit of the form to its fullest
extent to tell a sweeping tale spanning many Ages of the world to
deliver its "message" to best effect.

You find yourself enchanted by the pictures that are evoked before
your eyes as you read, of primaeval nature, unspoiled, lush and so
fresh you can nearly smell it, or hear the songs the Avari sing to the
stars.

I like that there is little antagonism towards the other Elves who did
follow the summons to Aman, just a dispassionate statement of fact, a
calm disagreement and correction, and presenting of their own PoV.

The more poignant is this calm narration when telling of the ruin of
this paradise by the exploitation of Men, hiding the grief and horror
the Elves must feel at having to witness this and being unable to
prevent it.

It's as if the narrator makes a last "witness statement", just to be
able to have it out there, to have spoken it out loud, before fading
out of existence like so much of what was pristine and beautiful.

And yet, going by the last heartbreaking lines, the world as it now is
doesn't care, doesn't even notice.

What I also appreciate is the extensive author's notes, which further
show how much care and thought went into every detail in this drabble.

Title: One Last Wish · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 323
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-16 22:15:01
I re-read the story and this is positively one of most heartbreaking
stories I've read, fanfic or otherwise. I like the artful way in which
you narrated it, the repetition of the "gust of wind" to set up a
number of the major scenes was quite dramatic and contributes to the
melancholy mood. The madness that is slowly overtaking Feanaro is
quite obvious to me here and his agitated behavior made me wonder if
he had some "premonition" of what is to happen or maybe it was just
because he had been separated for her for so long. I was also touched
by how you portrayed the strength of their love in that Feanor
swallowed his pride and sought her out and an equally proud Nerdanel
stayed away but lived in anticipation of his arrival every waking moment.

Personally, I think this story gives a tantalizing view of "what could
have been". What could have happened if Feanor and Nerdanel reconciled
before the Oath, would she have gone with him to Beleriand, would she
have been able to prevent him from the Oath? What could have happened
if they had a daughter/daughters? How different could things have
turned out if one or few of the events had been "tweaked". I think
this is one of the reasons why it is very interesting to read Tolkien
fanfic--the wealth of the "what could have beens" or "what ifs".

The last scene of her alone in her forge was very sad and the "sliding
grains of sand" underscored this beautifully. My favorite lines were
the last three. It is easy to relate to the character especially when
one remembers moments of deep regret and draw upon the pain of those
experiences to assume how she must feel at that time. Of all the
members of the Feanorian family, I personally believe that Nerdanel
and Maglor had the worst of luck--at least the others had each other
before they died but these two had to go on living. I've read once
that death is a form of rest, but mother and son (?) are doomed to
toil until the end of Arda with their "haunted" past.

On a lighter note, (leave it to me to turn a serious work and make
"silly" conclusions about the details, oh well) this story also shows
a telling picture of Feanor and Nerdanel and how strong their love
must have been for each other. I mean he is exiled and dishonored and
separated from his wife and all and one of the first suggestions or
solutions he arrives at to "solve" the problem is for them to
procreate. How distinctly Feanorian (in my humble opinion), which is
why they are so interesting! They offer a wealth of "what could have
beens" and "even ifs".

Title: In absentia · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: House of Finwe ·
ID: 84
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-16 22:26:20
I felt heartbroken at how you portrayed Maedhros after his rescue from
the clutches of Melkor but it is very convincing. I can just imagine
how hurt, helpless and humiliated the once proud son and heir of
Feanor must have been right after his rescue, even if it was his
cousin who found him in such state.

I hung onto every word in the scene where Fingon was trying to reason
with him and wondered what must have been going through their minds as
it unfolded. I liked Fingon's unique way of talking some sense into
his cousin and best friend.

Thanks for sharing this.

Title: U elyë, Ar-Pharazôn · Author: Elitihien · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 486
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-16 23:30:25
Spoilers!
An exciting, gripping story which really evokes the narrator's passion
and the passion of what she describes.

The structure of the narration - the use of direct address towards
Ar-Pharazôn, the use of imperative as the story unfolds - hightens the
feeling of personal involvement of the readers, as it gives a feeling
as if they, too, were being addressed by the narrator. This is all the
more strengthened because of the emphasis on the senses: ["Hear...",
"Feel...", "See..."] and the direct questions.

The violent upsurge of the elements, of the sea and the very earth is
evoked amazingly well, it really makes your heart pound. The Downfall,
seen here, seems both so agonisingly slow that you can watch and
experience every detail, and so rapid and inevitable that absolutely
no action is possible - no attempt at flight, no attempt at finding
something to hold onto, not even time to cry to the heavens.

The story points out the utter failure and the utter vanity of
Ar-Pharazôn's endeavour: by trying to reach for immortality,
everything connected with him comes to utter ruin and destruction
beyond recall.

There is a sense of mixed emotions in the narrator's voice at
witnessing all this: mockery of and contempt for Ar-Pharazôn (["a fool
you are..."]), but also despair, perhaps even a little of a feeling of
surrendering to fate, and a hope for death as the gift of Men.

Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-17 02:01:22
Boromir has a surprise when he tests his swordsmanship against that of
Peregrin Took for the first time, and learns that Hobbits are nowhere
as helpless as he thinks.

It's lovely to see Pippin showing up the proud Captain of Gondor, and
proving that small does NOT necessarily equal helpless. The writing is
wonderful, and the characterizations are good; and the situation is
very satisfactorily depicted with just the right level of humor.

Go, Pippin!

Title: Adar & Ion · Author: Sivan Shemesh · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 582
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-17 02:14:28
A sweet, short tale of Legolas's birth and his father's coming to
terms with his wife's death.

Title: Two Prisoners · Author: Lord Branwyn · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 724
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-17 02:25:05
A nice blending of Middle Earth and World War I here! And the ending,
with the one soldier noting that these two's boots are clean of the
all pervasive mud, is priceless! Yes, I suspect a goodly number of
soldiers would love to learn that trick! Heh!

Very nicely done! What a way for Tolkien to have perhaps learned the
history of Middle Earth. Shows as much knowledge of the Master as it
does of the Silmarillion.

Title: Bearer of the Ring · Author: ConnieMarie · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 396
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-17 02:31:19
A gentle poem looking at Frodo's commitment to see the Ring brought to
the mountain, with just the right level of pathos. Very sweetly done.
I'm not the only one who's heart has been caught by Frodo Baggins,
obviously.

Title: Dark Dreams · Author: Avon · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 282
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-17 02:39:57
Spoilers!
A lovely vignette featuring Imrahil comforting his two young nephews
during a visit to Dol Amroth. At thirteen, Boromir is fiercely
protective of his eight-year-old brother, even while he charges
towards his warrior destiny. [(Boromir) had arrived for his holiday
with no fewer than three practise swords and a wicked-looking dagger I
was sure he was not allowed to wear at home...].

Faramir has suffered his dream of foundering Numenor, and suffered it
in very vivid detail. Fortunately, his uncle is able to offer the
reassurrance that the two young boys need. Afterwards, however, the
experience causes Imrahil some uncomfortable speculation and visions
of his own.

The boys are quite appropriately drawn for their ages, and Imrahil is
lovely.

Title: Wild Swan · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 328
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-17 02:46:28
A delightful drabble series that touches upon most facets of Imrahil
of Dol Amroth's life, made more extraordinary by the fact that they
weren't written originally with that purpose in mind. Glimpses are
given of Imrahil's relationship with Denethor, his nephews, his wife
and Aragorn. He is seen both at war and at peace. Tanaqui has done a
lovely job with these, part of her drabble-a-day challenge to herself.

Title: The Last Words · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 409
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-17 04:06:29
Spoilers!
It got very nervous reading this story, because I have a completely
different take on Feanor and the Silmarili than most people. I do not
really take the story very literally, but rather as a bit of a
character assassination written by people with an anti-science,
anti-Noldor bias (I know, I know, I'm the heretic here—but I just must
believe that Tolkien must have liked him on some level to have given
him such a buildup). So I wasn't sure I even wanted to read it. (I get
all fragile like that sometimes, much too involved in the characters.)

Anyway, this story is compellingly and beautifully constructed. I had
no problem being drawn into it, despite my trepidation. When I was
getting well into, however, I started to get really anxious again (I'm
a Bad Reader—I want to see things my way! I am actually pretty
flexible about nearly everything in canon except Feanor and, by
extension, Nerdanel and his sons). Bear with me here please, I do have
a point. I started thinking that you were going to try to convince me
that Nerdanel didn't love Feanor. That my huge, biggest ever, canon
one-true-pairing, was going to be written a bit like the story I might
write of the divorce of me and my ex-husband! Oh, no! When she first
starts yelling at the Silmarili, I thought you were trying to tell the
reader that she just didn't care any more, that Feanor was old, boring
history, etc., etc. Well, she clearly cares and gets horribly,
convincingly upset. You handle the emotions, recriminations, and loss
all so well.

But then at the end. I wasn't sure I got it. She says to Mahtan ["That
is what you think," Nerdanel answered quietly, laying her head against
her father's shoulder and allowed him to carry her away from here.
Finally, it was finished.] Hmmm. Well, OK. I still think she loves
him, he loves her, and he will not be cast into the void at the end of
all things, but the Valar will finally figure out what idiots they
have been and give him back the stones and he will help re-make the
world and he and Nerdanel will live happily every after. And don't
send me an email telling me that that was not what you meant!

Great story, beautifully done, appropriately scary emotional
breakdown, I highly recommend it.


Title: In Dreams · Author: Phyncke · Genres: Romance: Elven Lands ·
ID: 609
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-17 04:43:16
Spoilers!
Oh, Phyncke! What a great feel good story and written with such a nice
twists. I love your bold Glorfindel and your imperious, vain and
slightly bored Fingolfin, who is rewarded without knowing what has hit
him for…well for whatever motivation the Valar might have had (they
are as inscrutable to me as the Greek gods and goddesses on their
worst behavior), he deserved it. Afterall, he had a really bad hand
dealt him, took terrible risks, and met his challenges with courage
and endurance, and then died in a really tragic way (I guess that is a
description of most of those gorgeous Noldor). I adore the convention
you use of the repetition of the phrase: ["You already know in your
heart."] It was absolutely fabulous when you put it in Glorfindel's
mouth at the end. Another favorite quote that I have to repeat is:
Erestor: ["You are playing with fire there, my friend. That is the
High King."] Glorfindel responds (and I just want to hug him here):
["Former and I know."]

I love a happy ending. It is also elegantly, yet lightly written,
appropriately perfect style for the plot and subject matter. Thank you
for this lovely story. I needed to smile.


Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 360
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-17 05:08:58
This is a fun story to read, Raksha. Thank you, Aragorn for not
letting Faramir go try to say good night to Éowyn in that condition. I
rather doubt that his state would have pleased her, after all that she
just went through. Or maybe she would have been too tired and happy to
have noticed. I love the way that Aragorn takes him under his wing,
shares the joy, but one step removed, just enough to look after his
friend and Steward and keep him from toppling over and taking that new
White Tree with him. Now that would have been an unfortunate ending to
a good night.

Of course, I am a sucker, for Faramir and his books.Glad you included
the cite for the naming of Faramir's son. Simply because I remembered
seeing it a while ago and then I couldn't find it the next time I looked.

Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: mbumpus_99 · 2008-07-17 05:27:21
Spoilers!
We see so very little about dwarves - especially of the female
persuasion - that this is a very welcome discovery. Just enough
information is given to leave the reader to understand exactly what is
meant without overburdening the drabble.

Nicely done!

Title: Out of the Blue · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 205
Reviewer: mbumpus_99 · 2008-07-17 05:39:50
Jael's stories were among the very first that I read when I started
reading LoTR fics, and Not Fade Away was quickly one of my favorites.
This is a very nice sequel that takes us just another step further
into her modern-age elven enclave. The handling of this story is
careful and yet very complete - we get a very good feel for Thranduil
and his family as they make their home in this very new world. It's
fun to see Posie from Not Fade Away make a cameo appearance too.

I highly recommend her entire series. Very well done!

Title: Cat's Paws · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 58
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-17 05:46:05
This story is so well done. I read it again in order to write this
review and was excited all over again. I have to echo the same
expression that Celebrimbor used to describe that godawful statute on
the steps. This is classic Pandemonium. Although, of course, I'm not
using it to avoid saying anything here. Here's a toast to
Celebrimbor's well-earned right to a bit of intellectual snobbery. I
appreciate Annatar as a connoisseur of fine wine. I'd love to have
dinner with him, if we could only skip the nasty parlor tricks and all
the really bad stuff that comes much later. The entire bit with the
cat's paws is so deliciously, outrageously creepy. Throughout the
entire story there are just too many delectable details to list all
the ones I loved. The neurotransmitters in Valarin is an extremely
nice touch. I very much like that Celebrimbor has good manners. (If
one comes from such a large extended family the little niceties like
manners and cooperation are absolutely necessary to avoid total chaos
and we all know Fëanor could not have worked in chaos.) The
reminiscences of Fëanor by Celebrimbor are well done as well. Also got
a huge kick out of the resurgence of Noldorin nationalist and its
manifestation in language. This is just a perfect short story.

Title: Wayward Sons · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 408
Reviewer: mbumpus_99 · 2008-07-17 05:46:09
After reading Not Fade Away last year, it was with great delight that
I found this wonderful prequel. I always thought that Thranduil got a
very raw deal - but Jael takes what could have been a tragedy and
turns it into a triumph. And in this tale, we see Thranduil move from
being almost completley beaten down by the blows his life has dealt
him to finding the strength to continue.

When I first started reading Jael's work, I had no idea that she had a
complete story arc that spanned from The Last Alliance to the modern
age. Each piece fills in more of the details and gives depth to the
characters. From her original characters to the canon characters, she
makes these people live and breath with strengths and weaknesses.

Her work is superb.


Title: Drawing the Eye · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 569
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-17 07:38:16
Spoilers!
I think this is the first time any fanfiction writer has written this
scene, where Aragorn challenges Sauron in the palantir, from the point
of view of Halbarad. Linda Hoyland does so in this crisply written and
evocative ficlet.

There's an appealing mixture of boldness and melancholy - Aragorn does
what no one else around him is known to have done, deliberately
challenging the great Enemy in a contest of will, to
shake-rattle-and-roll the Dark Lord and distract him from Frodo and
Sam's hidden errand. But Aragorn's boldness, his coming into his own
and declaring himself as Sauron's foe, is going to have sad
consequences. Other lives will be drawn into the contest, and some of
them will be lost. One of them is Halbarad, who is well-drawn here as
Aragorn's faithful and attentive companion. Aragorn's knowledge that
Halbarad will not survive the conflict undercuts Aragorn's apparent
victory in the long-seeming palantir battle against Sauron, a
masterful stroke by Linda, and a powerful comment on the ultimate
price of even necessary war.

Halbarad and Aragorn are each well-characterized here, their
relationship written as the easy, natural and familiar comradeship of
years of friendship.

Title: They Also Serve · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 365
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-17 07:38:46
Spoilers!
Marta has written a lovely vignette about a part of Rivendell we
rarely see - the kitchens. Through the eyes of Arwen, who is yearning
for the absent and overdue Aragorn, we are shown the workings of one
of the most important areas of the Last Homely House.

Marta does not indulge in sentimentality. The portrait of the kitchen
is realist. The mistress of the kitchen, Edhwen, and her staff, work
hard. But, like any well-run kitchen in any great house, mortal or
Elven, there is a certain grace in even homely tasks that are done
with diligence and to good purpose.

What is most touching here is that Arwen is not just going to the
kitchen to distract herself from nagging fears for her betrothed who
is Rangering through hostile territory - the kitchen is a touchstone
for Arwen, a link to her childhood and her relationship with her
mother. Thankfully, Marta resists the temptation to make the crusty
Edhwen a second mother-figure to Arwen; but the mistress of the
kitchen does articulate what Arwen probably does not want to - that
Arwen still needs her lost mother, and misses her.

Arwen's visit to the kitchen and participation in the making of food
reminds her that although she does not go out on warrior-errands like
her brothers, the skills that keep a household fed are equally
necessary to their survival. The reference to Idril, the princess of
the great White City of the Elves in the First Age, combing the wilds
for berries to feed her son after Gondolin, is a nice, and very
appropriate, touch.

Title: The Apprentice · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 52
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-07-17 08:50:33
Spoilers!
[Spoiler's ahoy!]

I was first introduced to the character Sámaril when reading [the
Elendilmir] and within a chapter: I loved this guy. In that sense I
read [the Apprentice] perhaps in the wrong order, but the strength of
Doc B's writing is so strong that one can read the stories as stand
alones (yet if you ever want to know how life will continue for this
endearing OMC, do read [the Elendilmir]).

There is in canon not much written about the events on Ost-in-Edhil,
but Doc B takes you there, she makes you `see' the surroundings and
taste the life of how the Noldor lived there. Secondly, the author
does show us how the mighty smiths fell under Sauron's thrall and
well, even though the outcome is an utmost bitter one, she still makes
you understand and sympathise with them. Doc B brings you the story
mainly from Sámaril's perspective, giving you a look into this
brilliant mind and not only that, the chosen perspective connects you
to this character at a very intimate level. From a young eager student
to a Master in his own craft, we follow Sámaril during this scientific
journey of discovery where at the same time you just can see how
Sauron misuses this ambition for his own purposes. There are many
ethical questions abound, also for the elves, however they are misled
in such a way (and this is so immensely brilliantly written) that they
make the decisions themselves. Partly because they do want to advance
in their craft, partly because they truly do believe it is for the
greater good of all beings living on ME. By illustrating this so
powerfully in her story, Doc B connects the world of Tolkien with our
own, you do not need the scientific background to take this story to
you, but I can imagine that scientists like her might recognise
Sámaril's struggles and ambition. One might say that [the father of
the Nâzgul] is a villain in this story, that he had often chances to
withdraw and say no to what Sauron offered to him, but I do believe
that this character (and many other master smiths) simply had to other
choice.

Besides this all Doc B presents Sauron to us, a character of who you
know wants to manipulate and betray, and yet she shows to the reader
that with the intricate facets of this person, even within there has
been a battle between good & evil. Aulendil vs Gothaur, the beautiful
allusions to the three Hindu gods are just fabulous details that
enriches this tale even more and makes the fit in Tolkien's
legendarium quite snugly. This story makes you want to read on, eyes
glued to the screen and feeling closely connected to its main
characters. You start to feel for them, worry or even almost starting
to give them advise as you read along. So yes, this is a novel to
completely immerse yourself into and it just leaves you completely
astounded at the end, wanting to console the Master Smith at the end.
This is a brilliant novel, from the first page to the last.