I found this story through Erfan’s recommendation and was intrigued to hear about a story with a not entirely bad orc in it. I ended up enjoying this a lot, most of all because of how very natural-acting and belieavable you’ve made the characters. It also fascinates me how you manage to describe Shagrat’s monstruos looks, his filthy clothes, smell etc. and yet make Faramir’s attraction to him perfectly believable. The only thing that disturbed my reading a bit in the beginning was that I had no idea when the two of them could have met earlier, or even roughly how long ago that was. I was very happy to find that explained in detail later on in the story :-) I was touched by the sweetness of the end, of course! Thank you for this rare and memorable story!

This is fascinating because of their interaction being so natural. I’ve only ever seen one other orc story done well, and your language here is so apt for him, not overdone, not underdone, never jarring. The other striking things are that both Faramir and Shagrat come over so well, and that there are all sorts of references to the back story that draw me on. I always like that a lot in a story, when it is done effectively.

I’ve seen few stories new to me lately which I enjoyed; this one is accomplished in the telling.

I didn’t like everything but the only bit I didn’t like so far was very minor and incidental, nothing to do with plot or characters anyway.

I think this is a charming and clever story, and it makes me smile and really makes me want to find out what happens and what happened, too. I’m fascinated with how you can do Shagrat, and Faramir, so unlikely are they, and yet you make it work.

Just re-read this—I first read on LoM, where there are no comments. It’s so different from other stories, especially orc ones. While I know that Shagrat is an Uruk through the whole thing, you’ve put more there. It’s like he’s still part Elf in there or something.

Rotten explanation. I’ve read part of “Orc in Ithilien” and I know there’s more written than what’s at LoM. Where could I find it? The Hobbit Ludlow is an unlikely addition to the mix, but with your Shagrat it works. It just works.

Dear Apostate
Thank you so much for posting your review and for your very kind comments – I’m so glad you liked the story. There is a very much longer and unfortunately rambling sequel in the works (‘Orc in Ithilien’) you might be interested in, that I will be submitting to this archive when it (eventually) gets finished. So, um, watch this space (but probably best not too avidly as the thing’s been in prep for years!)
Thanks again and all best wishes, K.

I subscribe everything in Smirra’s comment. Your story is magnificent. You write so well, I can picture in my mind all that happens in the story. I have greatly enjoyed your story and want to congratulate you for that.

I want to give you feedback to your wonderful stories, Captain of Morder and The Nazgûl’s Prey.
I really love both stories. Captain of Mordor is such a moving love story heartbreakingly sweet but with a measure of irony too, that it’s never get soppy.
It’s just such a good and clever idea getting young Faramir lost with a bunch of orcs. Shagrat just act heartbreakingly sweet, I fell in love with him immediately! But at the same time he’s a dangerous brutish fellow, not to underestimate even when he’s badly injured.
Your sentences and your wording have a poetic flow. Detailed so I can see all the rain and Shagrat’s misery closely but also to the point. I especially like the way the reader is tricked into Faramir’s dream of Shagrat and Faramir making love (such a pity, it’s just a dream!). There are a lot of nice pictures in it, the dramatic moments nicely detailed, perfectly captured.

You really have a good way to look at the orcs closely, also with these two stories as with your Muzluk stories, which I also like. There are some discussions about orcs lives. Despite what is written there (about orcs having family) I mostly think of them in the same way as androids in sf and the way I understand your stories you seem to think this too. They are really an interesting look at them closely. Also I think the way you described a few stray orcs left in middle earth is believable too me. There are so many good ideas in it, the barker, Shagrat communicating with the wolf.
I also like your characterising of Faramir and the way you point out what similarities they have. The way Faramir tries to escape his unconventional lover but really can’t as nobody’s giving him what he did. I was so glad that there was a happy end at least they both so happy even covered in grey rain. There are also so many truths in your story about love, sex. Not all explicit slash is written so competent (if it’s appropriate to put it this way), and everybody who writes about it should understand the core of it, the way it works (or not), to describe the action correct is not always enough in my oppinion.
I like that we get the events of his love story with Faramir from Shagrat’s point of view sometimes with different details in The Nazgûl’s Prey. It is very dark with the descriptions in the dreadful dark pits with the Nazgûl and spectating orcs. But it shows that love will fight everything and is stronger than anything else when Shagrat is able to fight the Nazgûl for that moment and exclude it out of his mind.

Hi,I just wanted to thank you for a lovely story. My only complaint is that it is finished.Thanks again I loved it

How does this not have any comments yet?! It’s utterly beautiful! (In a sweetly deranged way, I mean.) Tell you the truth, I’m not even really into LotR (and I ended up having to look up this “Faramir” fellow) but this was recommended to me as orc smut, for which I have a soft spot—and luckily, I have an even bigger soft spot for “evil creature is not really so evil” conventions!

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this. I got done and went back to read it again. It’s sweet, and it came close to breaking my heart a few times (“let me fall on your sword,” and Shagrat’s submission to the wolf, and when Faramir admits to his identity) and finally succeeded (when Faramir betrays him). I honestly wanted more when I was done, especially because the situation in which they land at the end of the story leaves open so many insane possibilities. I am glad, however, that you’ve come to THE END, or else I’d be yowling about the unfinished business for days on end.

You’re a fabulous writer. Absolutely wonderful. I wish I could sing your praises more specifically, but…but…eeee!