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A Slight Case of Magnificence  by Zebra Wallpaper 6 Review(s)
AralindeReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/16/2004
This is a great story! You left off at a real cliffhanger...can't wait for the next chapter :)

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/21/2003
This is very different from the other hobbit stories that I have read and I find it very interesting. I am looking forward to seeing if Pippin's little one continues to play Merry against Pippin. I also like the fact that Pippin and Estella have a little secret now. Can't wait to read more. Also am wondering if Diamond will turn up in future chapters.

EllyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/10/2003
Hi there!

Just to say that this is wonderful. It's good - and unusual - to see a hobbit story in which all is not perfect, and there are disagreements and misunderstanding. You make Merry and Pippin flawed, while staying convincingly true to the books, and keeping them utterly sympathetic. And Faramir is a lovely creation. Your prose style is very fine, too.

I'll be coming back often to see when the next chapters are up!

I'm now off to look at your other stories... *grin*

Elly

JesslotrReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/7/2003
I am really enjoying this series.. i cannot wait for the next part

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/2/2003
I don't know if I have reviewed any of the chapters of your story either here at SoA or over at ff.n, but I have been reading and enjoying them.

This is an interesting take on Pippin's and Merry's friendship. They are not nearly as sure of each other as in most stories you read. Certainly, they've shared experiences no one else in the Shire can understand (except maybe Sam), but time and responsibility seem to have pushed them apart. Pippin still thinks Merry is the bravest knight ever, and Merry still feels like the older brother, but he also thinks Pippin is thoughtless to the point of irresponsibility at times, and Pippin is quite hurt that Merry doesn't confide his fears to him. I'm not sure whether Faramir is helping or not right now. He's a focus for anxiety for Merry as a phantom of what might have been, as well as a gentler reminder of how things used to be when Pippin was young. Perhaps he'll end up being a catalyst for the two old friends to renew some of their closeness.

By the way, I don't think this chapter was too long at all. It finished when what you had to say was over. That's always the perfect length for a chapter. I thought the description of Frodo as a ghostly pawn was inspired. Made me shiver. And it was quite sad to think of the nursery, lovingly furnished for how many years, waiting for someone to need it. Now Pip knows why Merry was scared, though I'm sure he's still hurt that Merry couldn't share his fear and grief. I'll be looking for the next chapter.

MirielReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/2/2003
I liked all the dialogue. Somehow the story becomes more personal that way as opposed to simply reading about the events.

Yes, the Hobbits were pawns. I appriciated the sybolism.

How interesting that Farry really, really, dislikes his father. My, but Pippin is neglectful.

I hope that Merry and Pippin straighten everything out soon. (And that Farry doesn't beat Merry to the top of the "mountain", although that would be very humerous!) Update soon!

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