Reviewer:Denise Date:05/29/06
This was so marvelous! Threatening to undercut all the other lord's trade - go Imrahil! I love him more with every story you write about him. And as usual you put in the best small touches: "See fishie", Aragorn & Faramir's reactions to Imrahil's threat, Imrahil's comment on his wardrobe, talking to Andra, his reassurance to the queen. And it was so nice to see that glimpse of Brand. Thank you for a wonderful story (again).
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[2] The Recall by:Isabeau
Reviewer:Radbooks Date:05/29/06
This was wonderful. I loved how it connected to several of your stories as well as Red River (I had to go back and re-read it, though!) But to see Imrahil stand up to those lords who only wanted to increase their lands and their wallets at the possible outbreak of war was wonderful. Men can be so short-sighted. Yet, it was sad to see him grieving for the loss of Andra. Liked seeing Brandmir there and wondered what exact role he played there on the council. Loved your Aragorn, as always... I know you say he doesn't talk to you, but I always like how you write him! :) It was interesting to me that Arwen came to get him and not Hethlin. *cough* :) Nicely done.
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[3] The Recall by:Isabeau
Reviewer:Imhiriel Date:05/29/06
The disputes about the reparation reminded me sharply of the Treaty of Versailles. You show very well, also in the allusion to "In All But Blood" and the reason for that war, how overmuch punishment, restrictions, and demands for reparation of the loser in a war may breed resentment and new wars. And how leniency and reconciliation can prevent them and further prosperity and peace for both sides.
It's sad to see how hard Imrahil has taken the loss of Andrahar, but I'm glad to know he has lost none of his wisdom, cunning and the willingness to apply both where it is needed, and that the fire seems to be coming back slowly (and that the pirate is still there, somewhere ;)...).
It was also very nice to have a short glimpse of the man Brand has become, true and brave and just, a credit to his father and his foster-father.
And as ever, I very much appreciated those tiny links and allusions to your other stories, from "Ultimatums" to "Noble Jewel" to "In All But Blood".
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[4] The Recall by:Isabeau
Reviewer:Altariel Date:05/30/06
What an entrance, Imri.
“I know perfectly well what happened to Lord Forlong-I was trying to cut my way through trolls and Variags to get to him when it happened!” said Imrahil.
Phew, yes - and Imrahil's direct family may have survived the Ring War, but he lost a nephew when Faramir lost a brother, as I think Brand might want to make sure is clear to Daerlath. I love this glimpse of Brand as a young man coming to his full powers.
The Haradrim boy born today, who sees his people struggling, who sees the majority of the wealth they generate going into our coffers, is going to ask why. Why must I be punished?
Bang on.
I love the use of the line that Faramir said to Frodo, just perfect for this story. The scene with Arwen is lovely. And I'm so glad Imri meets Raksandhar at the end.
I love it. You make trade war infinitely more exciting than The Phantom Menace ever managed ;-D
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[5] The Recall by:Isabeau
Reviewer:Anne Date:07/28/10
wonderful story, it's very nice to see that Gondor and Harad do not need a second all out war to settle these thorny matters of recomensation and revenge...(unlike 20th century europe)
The allusions to Europes history made me thinking..Perhaps it would be an interesting story as well if some sort of revolution (for example because of a sharp economic downturn resulting from years of bad harvests, exerbated by the folly of some lords to still tax pre-crises amounts) would happen in Gondor in which common folk are pitched against the nobility...That the nobility in Gondor is of another ethnic bacground than most common people would make such a situation even more explosive...(Brands character for example would be one of many caught in the middle)
ah plot bunnies...
But back to the revieuw.. I very much admire all the stories from the Best Loved Sons arc, (and I hope of course that there are many more to come! )
Regards
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