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| Keep Alive the Memory by Celeritas | 8 Review(s) |
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| Beatrice | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/15/2010 |
| Oh wow, that's so crazy to think that the Travellers' tale became a myth that most hobbits don't believe. Very reminiscent of the way people considered the One Ring to be a myth. Meanwhile Kira and Kerry are interesting and compelling characters so far and I'm looking forward to following their arcs. On a minor note, I noticed a slight typo in this chapter: "Though that doesn’t necessary make us related." I'm guessing you meant "necessarily" instead? Anyway, a very solid and intriguing chapter. Moving on... :D Author Reply: Well, there are plenty of other interpretations out there. But we do know that Mad Baggins tales, at least, continued to exist long after the truth was forgotten. And I don't think necessarily they became myths universally, either. Different people put stock in them differently. Oh, gosh, thanks for pointing out that typo! I'll fix it right away. | |
| Virtuella | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/25/2008 |
| This chapter captivated me from the start with the very vivid description of the hobbit party. How well you represent the history, which some consider myth bu now, the horn, the Traveller's Tales, the lockholes. The character of the lonely little girl is well done, not too dramatic, but touching enough to make the reader care for her. Author Reply: Oh, excellent! I had a lot of fun writing those opening descriptions (ages ago, now!!!)--I simply love hobbit parties and they're a great setting to get characters to interact that wouldn't be able to under normal circumstances. I've always been fascinated with the relationship between memory, history, and myth, especially in cultures that have physical reminders of key events built into their landscape (which as an American I often lack). A good chunk of the reason why I set this tale when I did is that Kira's generation is the first to grow up without having known the Travellers--so if they're to get any enjoyment out of their history it will be more because they're fans than because of the direct relationship it has with them. You should see more snippets of this sort of thing as you progress through the tale. not too dramatic Well, that's a relief! | |
| Kara's Aunty | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/7/2008 |
| Hello, Poor little Kira and her sore foot! So isolated and lonely and trying desperately not to mind. Thank goodness for Kerry. He seems a nice lad. This is very good. I've never read a story based a hundred years or so in the Shire's future and am looking forward to reading more of this. The characters are engaging and it's going to be nice to hear about the Travellers' from such a different perspective. Will read more tomorrow :) Byee! Author Reply: "Trying desperately not to mind" pretty much sums up the hobbit's (by which I mean hobbitkind, not just Kira) reaction to any sort of trouble which can't be helped. An amazing coping mechanism, but also limited. Most of the 4th Age stories that I've come across are all very questy, action/adventure "oh noes an evil remnant from the Third Age!" type stories, which while great fun often fall flat because they're trying to be sequels to something that just can't be sequelled (Tolkien abandoned his own attempt for that very reason). Which is why I wanted to focus on everyday characters and their relationship to the (true) Myth they've inherited. Thanks for the read and review; I hope you enjoy the next chapter! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/29/2008 |
| Just a quick note to say that this is a good story; one that raises some question about the wisdom of Elessar's decision to protect the Shire from Men by not allowing the latter race to enter it...Though the hobbits have tended towards isolation before. It is fascinating, and sad, to see what has been forgotten and/or disbelieved. Author Reply: I've often wondered about how smart the Ban really was--while in the short term it made a lot of sense, in the long term it made what is outlined here (by no means the only logical interpretation of 4th Age!Shire) quite feasible. Hobbits--at least those in the Shire--do tend toward isolation, which makes it harder (and it was already hard!) to accept change as it comes. Hence the situation here laid out. | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/27/2008 |
| Very nice chapter... and yes, I am getting very attached to this lass. Not quite a fun life for a little Hobbittess.... And I've very glad that Kerry has taken an interest in her. Author Reply: Good, because I rather dislike those stories in which you have no feelings of sympathy or empathy for the protagonist... unfortunately they seem to be getting ever more popular in the Actual Fiction world. Kerry is the sort of conscientious fellow who will take an interest in anyone he feels is slighted by circumstance, which is why he's such a good companion for Kira. | |
| Trix | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/27/2008 |
| Poor Kira, I'm glad she is finding one friend at least. Interesting story so far! Author Reply: Kira is a little out of her element at the moment, but she does have one friend right now and if all goes well she'll also be on her way to having books to keep her company. Thanks for the review! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/23/2008 |
| A descendant of Merry's who doesn't know her own genealogy, or the family stories properly? Who thinks Travelers' tales are but tales? Who doesn't think Frodo Baggins did anything? Which of Sam's children lingered for a time in Michel Delving? And she doesn't even know how to read???? Criminal! Author Reply: The "old Mayor's son" actually isn't one of Sam's children--he's a couple of generations down the line. About this no more can be said at the moment. As for the rest of the review... suffice it to say that the Shire is in a bit of a reactionary period at the moment... >_> Ah, well. You've got to start from somewhere. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/22/2008 |
| Oh, this looks like a very intriguing premise! I really like your little heroine a lot, and young Kerimac seems to very much favor his ancestor Meriadoc in his attitude. I really look forward to seeing how you've developed the Shire in the Fourth Age! I could not help but notice that you have set it a year before the passing of King Elessar, and hope that perhaps that has some significance to your story. At any rate, I will be watching for more! Author Reply: Thanks for the read & comment! Kerry has grown up on the legends of his great-grandfather--he's one of a large generation that is the first in the Shire that did not know the Travellers in person, and that colors his (indeed, most of my "bookish" characters') outlook accordingly. a year before the passing of King Elessar Actually, we're at two years prior at the moment--this is November 1539, but since it's so late in the year I thought I'd just round it up--1540 is when most of the plot takes place. Please do keep an eye out for more, and I hope you enjoy! | |