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The Great Hobbiton Race of 1435  by Llinos 7 Review(s)
MarigoldReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/8/2008
I loved all of the descriptions of the townsfolk in this chapter! You really brought them to life and managed to give each one a personality even with just a line or two of description or dialogue. Their reactions are just wonderful!

This bit: "Then kindling and coal had to be brought and shovelled into the firebox, and Pippin ceremoniously lit the first match and set it to the fire." made me think of the scene with the stolen fireworks in the film and had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen this time! To have Pippin so confidently working the controls was a nice way of showing how he's matured since then! Or so it seems!

Once again, I love Merry's use of technological jargon! He's obviously memorised the manual and he really does *seem* to know what makes the engine tick – so does Pippin for that matter. But I get the feeling that Pippin just sort of picked it up whereas Merry tackled the learning far more intently – again, in perfect character for the both of them!

Sam's speech is very diplomatic and Mayor-ish! It's obvious that he's been to his share of events where he isn't quite sure of things and yet doesn't want to cause offense. I love his calling the machine a " magnificent contraption" and a " thingamabob" and Merry's grand speech is perfect as well!

Pippin should have known better than to suggest a competition, especially one involving something so dear to Merry's heart!

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/27/2007
This is just so Merry of a thing. I can so easily picture him starting the Industrial Age of Middle-earth. :D

InklingReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/27/2007
Sam's a born politician, all right...when in doubt, make a speech! Loved the gammer flapping her apron...

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/26/2007
A race? Seems that those that race machines against men--or Hobbits, in this case--don't always come off too well in the endeavor.

Pippin getting in and doing, Merry and his technical jargon and schematics, and wise Sam and his retreat to a speech in preference to getting caught up with this--thingamabob! So wonderful!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/26/2007
"Of course it's safe!" Merry had to shout over the racket of the crying, shouting and the loud thumping of the engine. "It's a beauty. It's got a superheater header; main steam pipes to the cylinders, blower and ejector exhaust pipes. It's even fitted with a spark arrestor, to say nothing of the drop grate and hopper ashpan."

*giggle* Trust Merry to be captivated by the technology! Just imagine what a geek he'd be in today's world!


Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/26/2007
I noticed there was more of this posted (Yes!) and so I started reading again with this part. I like it when Pippin makes the machine 'scream again'. It shows that he is still a lad at heart!

("Of course it's safe!" Merry had to shout over the racket of the crying, shouting and the loud thumping of the engine. "It's a beauty. It's got a superheater header; main steam pipes to the cylinders, blower and ejector exhaust pipes. It's even fitted with a spark arrestor, to say nothing of the drop grate and hopper ashpan.") This reminds me of all the men I've ever known talking about their cars and bikes! LOL

PIppinfan1988Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/26/2007
Omg...the high-pitched screech and the hobbits running for cover *still* had me rolling! I'm so glad you've continued and posted this wonderful story! And it's no less hilarious than the first read. :-D

Off to read the rest of this excellent tale.

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