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| Thain by Lindelea | 5 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/22/2026 |
| Am rereading. I still grieve for Bucca and Tokka, although at least Tokka managed to take advantage of the Man's stupidity. But--oh,P8ppin! What is to be done with you? Author Reply: Oh, I'm glad to hear that you're re-reading. Unfortunately, this story has stretched out so long... Please, if you would be so kind, let me know if you notice any inconsistencies in the newer chapters and the upcoming ones. I just have to get past the big battle with the Witch-king, and it's relatively clear sailing after that to the end. | |
| Lyta Padfoot | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/17/2004 |
| Interesting that you've achieved such a clear picture of the state of Paladin and Pippin's relationship without having them meet in this chapter! Paladin appears to expect Pippin to behave in a certain way and is angry when his son fulfills his expectations. Attempts at behaving are not probably given positive reinforcement and Pippin comes to see his father expectations as too high - so why bother? Its a sad situation for Paladin, on some level he has to know he isn't doing the right thing but that knowledge only makes him angrier. Author Reply: I'm sorry to say that their relationship began to sour a few years ago, when Paladin was caught in Mistress Lalia's trap because Pippin's childish actions opened the way for the Mistress to accuse Paladin of disloyalty. He tries to crack down on Pippin's behavior; mother and sisters think he's being unusually harsh, and so they are more lenient, Pippin acts out more, and Paladin cracks down harder, etc. It is a sad situation, as you said. | |
| Connie | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/17/2004 |
| I can see there is going to be a lot of head butting between Pippin and his father in this story. I try not to think too baddly of him, but I think he tries too hard to make his son over in his own image. I see a lot of stress coming. Connie. Author Reply: There is a lot of stress. It's not all Paladin's fault, nor is it all Pippin's, though each of them have a share of the blame. A lot of it can be chalked up to a society that is heavily bound in tradition and expectation, which fits the hints Tolkien provided about Shire-folk and life in the Shire. Sigh. | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/17/2004 |
| Well, Pip is a thoroughly disruputable scoundrel, isn't he? Why, he reminds me of my youngest! Not that Raven ever has stolen a plate of gingerhobbits, but she has been known to wheedle her older brothers into finishing her chores. But Pip sounds a bit more spoiled than Raven, who really does have a good head on her shoulders. It sounds like this story will feature Pippin getting into more than a little trouble. Good thing we know it all turns out well in the end. I'll register my vote on your latest poll here. I think that for the time periods that you are writing in right now, in Starfire and here in Thain, that we are not likely to avoid the Ferdi-angst no matter what. Ferdi's worst time fast approaching, and he's not too sure of himself even in the time of Starfire. With all you've already written of him, you can't avoid stressing him out a little in these stories. But, I think it is worth considering whether some other hobbits need to get a little focus as well. Ferdi has had so much happen to him, and has come out of such terrible trials so many times, that he's almost a super-hobbit now. And that's not bad - we love him for all of it. There are few who can write a hobbit OC as strongly and completely as you do. And the 'supporting hobbits' like Rosemary and Tolly have each gotten a chance for development, here and there, but I'd like to see more. Not necessarily angst, although I understand that there has to be conflict and resolution to keep a story interesting. I would dearly love to see more of your stories focusing on the wonderful strength of the ladies of the Tookland, and it would be great to hear more of the hobbits of Ithilien - the story of Forget-me-not and Frodovar has been mentioned, and it's and example of the type of thing I'd love to see it. Just my humble opinion, all of it, and I will love and avidly devour anything you choose to write. FF Author Reply: Belated thanks for the food for thought you provided here and in so many other reviews. Over the years, you always helped me to see my characters more clearly and highlighted my blind spots and assumptions that cropped up here and there, and the stories became stronger because of your feedback. Best wishes to you and yours. | |
| Beruthiel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/17/2004 |
| I've just been reading your later stories, and I barely recognized Pippin here. I'd forgotten how irresponsible he was in his youth! Can't wait for more. Author Reply: Ah, yes. It's difficult to write about character growth if a character starts out sounding too good. Or maybe "too good to be true"? Thanks! | |