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Without actually knowing anything about the author, I think of Erin Lasgalen's The Price of Freedom (FF.net link) as an early fanfic effort showing huge amounts of potential. The story needs polishing and scrubbing for spelling, grammar and formatting, but what's there shows so much raw talent, so much no-holds-barred asskicking storytelling, that I was completely engrossed from beginning to end. Then I went back to the beginning and read it all over again. All 131,000 words of it.
The story branches off from known canon after Éowyn's stay at the Houses of Healing, with a brief prologue showing her at Helm's Deep. Instead of agreeing to marry Faramir, she sets out to travel Middle Earth by herself, and eventually ends up becoming the captain of the guards (all female) for the young Queen of a tiny nation. Things kick off when an ancient evil tries to take over the land. It's all told with credibly Tolkien-esque flair, and the portrayal of the women who make up the guard and the Queen's court is quite thoughtful and refreshing (especially compared to the canonical LOTR sausage-fest).
It's labeled Éowyn/Legolas, and that relationship is indeed central -- but it doesn't play out as a typical romance. Some incredibly dark stuff goes down between them and around them, and while I raised my eyebrows at a few passages, I could still believe there was a real depth of mutual respect and regard underlying all the passion and drama. What I especially like about their dynamic is that Legolas himself seems to understand this is primarily Éowyn's story. He steps back and lets her take care of court intrigue (again, all female!), battle strategy, arrogant former enemies, and even himself.
The author's notes promise a sequel, but that was back in 2003, so let me quell the excitement now and say it doesn't seem likely. Still, 131,000 words is plenty -- set aside a good chunk of time to read this one.
Also: note that the odd formatting in the prologue at FF.net is limited to that section only -- the other chapters are all fine. You can also read a slightly fancier copy here.
The story branches off from known canon after Éowyn's stay at the Houses of Healing, with a brief prologue showing her at Helm's Deep. Instead of agreeing to marry Faramir, she sets out to travel Middle Earth by herself, and eventually ends up becoming the captain of the guards (all female) for the young Queen of a tiny nation. Things kick off when an ancient evil tries to take over the land. It's all told with credibly Tolkien-esque flair, and the portrayal of the women who make up the guard and the Queen's court is quite thoughtful and refreshing (especially compared to the canonical LOTR sausage-fest).
It's labeled Éowyn/Legolas, and that relationship is indeed central -- but it doesn't play out as a typical romance. Some incredibly dark stuff goes down between them and around them, and while I raised my eyebrows at a few passages, I could still believe there was a real depth of mutual respect and regard underlying all the passion and drama. What I especially like about their dynamic is that Legolas himself seems to understand this is primarily Éowyn's story. He steps back and lets her take care of court intrigue (again, all female!), battle strategy, arrogant former enemies, and even himself.
The author's notes promise a sequel, but that was back in 2003, so let me quell the excitement now and say it doesn't seem likely. Still, 131,000 words is plenty -- set aside a good chunk of time to read this one.
Also: note that the odd formatting in the prologue at FF.net is limited to that section only -- the other chapters are all fine. You can also read a slightly fancier copy here.
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