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| Shadows of a Nameless Fear by Budgielover | 9 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Cuthalion | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/10/2006 |
| “I do mean it … and I don’t. I know you didn’t force him to do it, and only someone as strong and pure and loving as Frodo could have succeeded.” His shoulders sagged a little more. “I know you didn’t want him to go through that, but someone had to do it, and Frodo was the best choice. But a part of me won’t ever forgive you for making this happen to him.” Yes. Oh yes. And how good I understand this quiet rage, and how very well it fits with the image I have of Merry. Strong, stubborn, loving, with a fiery heart. Absolutely marvelous - not only this, but the whole chapter. *bows before thee* | |
| Ariel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/13/2006 |
| You go, Merry. Spot on. Grrr... But by the same token, I agree with Frodo. Someone has to be the one to sacrifice for those he (or she) loves. Nicely handled. Author Reply: Whew! I'm glad you liked Merry's little outburst - I wasn't sure how that would go over. I would feel that way, in Merry's place. 'My' Merry is less forgiving than either of his cousins; there is an edge to him. But I wasn't sure if that edge fitted into other peoples' incarnation of him. I guess that's why we write our characters as we do ... to explore the endless facets of this universe. | |
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/10/2006 |
| awww angst at the last part and all throughout... The part where Frodo was on the edge was so scary-- i'm on the edge of my seat right now so i'm going to just continue on. And i love merry's outburst because sometimes i feel it unfair too--but then again hobbits are resilient beings-- and i love them so much for what they sacrificed fro Middle Earth--especially Frodo. Also love that bit about Frodo thinking of his parents and the stars--lovely imagery during that part of the chapter. :) Author Reply: "Both the sweet and the bitter," to quote Arwen's speech to Frodo as she gives him the Evenstar. I agree with you; life (and certainly fanfiction) is most unfair to the hobbits. I'm glad you liked Merry's outburst - I wondered if anyone would believe that scene. It rings true to me ... but I wasn't sure how others would accept it. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed both the scene and the story. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2006 |
| Oh, I am *so* glad you are posting the rest of this here! I loved the beginning of it, at the Exchange site, and now I get to the rest. You really have built up to this, from the more-or-less light and humorous tone of the first chapter, to the building up of Frodo's distress in the next, and finally his actual peril in this one... Some of the touches I loved were Merry saying his mother would be able to handle Frodo--and Gandalf's agreement! Sam's attempt to get Frodo to come in for "Mr. Bilbo"! And Frodo's instant response to the thought that Pippin was in trouble--yes, that would do the trick! Brilliant! But I truly love Merry in this--his insight, and his love and loyalty for Frodo really do shine here! I am very much looking forward to the rest! Author Reply: I am so glad you are looking forward to this story! We do love the hobbits' time in Minas Tirith, don't we? Well, the groundwork and backstory has been laid, so we can get to the action. On with the fun (for everyone except Frodo and the hobbits and the Fellowship and Minas Tirith, of course ... but you can't please everyone. :D ). | |
| songspinner | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2006 |
| Merry's comments made me breathless for a moment there. I'd never really looked at it that way, but from his perspective, it makes perfect sense. Good character piece, from details like Pippin's using his "little" voice to the reactions everyone had. Author Reply: I am not sure why, but I have always seen Meriadoc as the least 'easy-going' of the hobbits, quick to take insult and fiercely protective of the others. I was surprised and delighted to see MovieMerry adhere somewhat to that vision of BookMerry that I have had for years. I think Merry would have felt as 'my' Merry did - he loves Frodo too much not to. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2006 |
| Ohhh, I'm loving this story so much (as you know!). The mischief in Chapter 1, the slow-building illness and distress, the love and concern of everyone around Frodo, the comfort and TLC yet to come... *happy dance* Author Reply: I am so glad you are enjoying it, and not groaning in horror. As promised, there will be lots of comfort and TLC, but the 'hurt' must come first. I hope you do continue to enjoy it, even through what's coming... (Poor, sweet Frodo ... even the Frodoll on my desk is looking horrified...) | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2006 |
| Oh Budgielover. This is great and I can't wait for more. My heart was in my mouth the whole time Frodo was on that stone. Not being able to reach dear friends when they are in the midst of such anguish is really heart-breaking and you are showing all the emotions so well. I, too, was laughing at the 'umm' delicacy that Aragorn couldn't stomach. I wouldn't have even tried! An the empty plate was a master-stoke! Looking forward to having a moment to sample your web-site as I have really missed reading your stories on a regular basis. You and Shirebound were the first to truly hook me into fanfiction. This addict thanks you for that even when she is late for sleep or work - again! Author Reply: I know what you mean, Harrowcat! Real life sometimes takes a poor second place to LotRs fanfiction. I treasure your remark that I was one of those who got you 'addicted' - I am honored. I haven't done much more with my website than post stories, but have all sorts of plans for it. What a wonderful new toy to play with! | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2006 |
| Oh! Poor Frodo...poor everyone! To see him all the way up there, completely unaware of his danger, and to not be able to persuade him down! Reminds me of the worst case scenario--small child on some high place, totally innocent, and the frantic onlookers and loved ones below, not knowing what to do. Oh, poor Merry! I hope he can forgive them, but I know the feeling, and it's a horrible one. You really have the intrigue up, and I just know I'm going to lose a little more tolerance for cliff-hangers before this story is over. :) God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: I hadn't consciously thought of the parallel to a small child, lost and alone, but I can certainly see it when you point it out. There is something childlike about Frodo, even after all he's been through. I wonder if that is why we want to protect and nuture him? (And is so ... why do we do these horrible things to him? There's a fascinating critical essay in there someplace.) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2006 |
| I can certainly appreciate Merry's protests. Poor lad. And the thought of Frodo on a crumbling merlon makes even me cringe! Author Reply: Our beloved Frodo on the merlon was a fun scene to write ... in a sick, twisted way. He was so sweet and innocent, holding all his friends hostage to the slightest misstep. If I ever have a spare billion dollars, I am going to round up all us LotRs fanfic authors and pay for psychotherapy sessions. Wouldn't the results be fascinating? | |