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Following the Other Wizard: journey into healing  by jodancingtree 6 Review(s)
Gentle HobbitReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/8/2004
I have been reading solidly through the chapters, growing more and more enamored of this story, and of your vision of Frodo and Radagast. I still have many chapters to go, but I just had to stop here to say how much I thrill to your descriptions of Rhosgobel. How I wish that I, just like Frodo, could wander about, rest, and grow roots into the very floors of this place.

Utterly enchanting - and the story of the Elf in Mordor sobering and heartbreaking.

Author Reply: Thank you, Gentle Hobbit. Rhosgobel just wrote itself, when I tried to imagine what sort of house Radagast would make for himself - I want to go there too! And the tragic poet is a sort of foreshadowing...

jo

YavannaReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/5/2004
Iīm a voratious reader of Frodo-centered fanfiction. I love so much the character that I canīt resign myself to say him goodbye at the end of LOTR...
However, in general, I prefer canon fiction, because of the lack of respect that so many authors show for Tolkienīs work when writing AU stories. After telling that, I have to confess that Iīm enjoying greatly your fanfic and Iīm finding very interesting the healing "pilgrimage" of Frodo with Radagast (although I would never agree with the initial point: Frodo trying to commit suicide, for me, simply it doesnīt fit with his personality and his ability to endure).
Please, continue,
Yavanna

Author Reply: Greetings, Yavanna! Thank you for giving my AU story a chance, even when you can't possibly imagine the event that sets Frodo on this pilgrimage. I'm so glad you're enjoying it (and I think even a very strong personality, like Frodo, might be driven beyond the point he could bear, but we'll agree to disagree. >g< He'll have more to endure when they get to Mordor...)

jo

TatharReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/4/2004
Oh, I can't tell you what a joy it is for me to read this, and see Frodo find his healing, bit by bit. From the very first time I read LotR, it was always painful to me that of all the heroes of the story, the most deserving of all was unable to find peace in his own homeland, and that he did not get a true "happy ending," but a bittersweet one. I suppose that is how it often is, for "real" heroes, but it doesn't make it any less sad. Even though, in your story, Frodo has to leave the Shire to find peace, at least he is able to stay in Middle-Earth and, if he were to wish it, could return to the Shire. That's so comforting!

What a perfect companion Radagast is -- if I hadn't loved him before, this last chapter completely won me over! And what a wonderous place, Rhosgobel! It reminds me almost of Tom Bombadil's house (as Radagast reminds me slightly of Tom himself), but very different, too. I liked the small revealing of Radagast's power -- just a reminder that he *is* a wizard, after all.

I would hate to ever choose between your chapters, but (as I've said before, I'm sure) this is definitely *one* of my very favorites so far. I loved meeting Grimbeorn (and Frodo's defense of Radagast was wonderful!), being introduced to Rhosgobel... everything. Saying farewell to Cuina was sad, but I hope that Frodo will meet her again, when she has a family of her own!

*sigh* Thanks for a wonderful read, as always, Jo. I can't wait for more!

Author Reply: Thank you, Tathar! It's fun trying to get Frodo to encounter people like Grimbeorn and Gimli -- and see how they respond to him, wounded as he is. And Rhosgobel - I want to move in!
So glad you're enjoying this!

jo

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/4/2004
What a wonderful chapter - a time of rest and relaxation. And Rhosgobel is a wonderful house! Does Tolkien ever say what it translates to? It sounds like a perfect place - plenty of books, a view to nature from every room, and of the unconcious type of construction that would make a hobbit very comfortable. Not to mention a pantry that seems to share the same inexhaustable magic as Radagast's sack. No wonder Frodo doesn't want to leave - I'm not sure I would either.

The lament of the fallen elf is terribly sad. The idea that the harsh sounds are full of grief is interesting. In a way, it is similar to the sadness Frodo feels in thinking himself unredeemable. I loved his courage in standing up to the shape changer, not only physically with his sword, but also in his words about the fall of Gandalf. It is typical that Frodo finds his courage when the threat is to those he loves.

Author Reply: Thanks, FantasyFan! I've never seen any translation of "Rhosgobel" - it would be interesting to know what it means. The harsh sounds of grief, I think were suggested to me by some music my son recently introduced me to: a German band called "Diary of Dreams". The lament of the fallen elf is a bit of a foreshadowing for something that comes later in the story...
I like Rhosgobel so much, I'm thinking what I need is a stained glass panel to hang in one of my windows (since I can't persuade my dh to cut little round windows here and there in the house, and fill them with colored glass!)

jo


shireboundReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/4/2004
Rhosgobel! Thank you for taking us there -- I've always wanted to see it.

Author Reply: You're very welcome! Once I got to know Radagast, I really wanted to see the place he refused to leave for so many years. And now I know why!

jo

Breon BriarwoodReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/3/2004
Another beautiful chapter. This story is such a pleasure. It is, for the most part, quite peaceful to read - not overly angsty. Very relaxing at the end of the day. Please continue. :D

Author Reply: Thank you, Breon! I guess, since it's a story of healing, the angst level is fairly low - there'll be a bit more, later on, but not extreme...

jo

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