Reviews (84)

ilvanya · 23 February 2024 · Chapter 6: Fool's Gold

You're Bilbo is brought to life remarkably. Thank you for this warm and cosy chapter.

Kara's Aunty · 3 November 2008 · Chapter 999: Sam

Hello Primsong, Wow, this was a terrific story, well worth reading over and over again. I loved every part of it: from Bilbo's wanderings to the Elven towers, his torrid relationship with the S-B's, the sweet interactions with young Sam (and all the Gamgees - especially his conversations with Bell) to his growing maturity (even at his age) from comfortable batchelor to proud 'parent.' It was a weel-researched, evocative and beautifully poignant story, filled with moments of humour and truly lovely descriptions of wildlife and places. I look forward to reading more of your works - if this story is anything to go by, then I have a treat in store for me the next time I click 'Primsong' on the search button of SoA's homepage. Excellent work! Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 2 November 2008 · Chapter 63: Descendants

Hello Primsong, I had such a laugh at Bilbo tricking Lotho and his cronies! I'd forgotten what a great length of trouble he went to to pull the wool over their undeserving eyes. You must have had a good deal of fun planning and writing those chapters! And can you believe it, I'd completely forgotten about the adoption! How sad is that? So it was with great pleasure that I read that chapter as if reading it for the first time! Such a great story. So well thought out and descriptive. And now I'm on to the last eight chapters. Wish it was longer... Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 1 November 2008 · Chapter 56: Hedge Row

Hello Primsong, I thoroughly enjoyed the picnic scenario. It was good to see the Baggins boys coming to a mutual understanding with each other and implement their strategy to deal with the gossips of Hobbiton. I'm always amazed at how much Hobbits can eat, though! I definitely have a fancy now for some hot, buttered popcorn... And so the odious Lotha is plotting to take what is not rightfully his. I have a small recollection of what Bilbo does to avenge himself, but am looking forward to reading it again to see what I got right. Poor Sam, missing his Frodo by a minute after baking him a lovely cake! But how sweet to offer it to Bilbo and have to promise to make a new one. I'm glad that Frodo finally knows he'll be coming back to stay permanently in the Autumn - and I noticed you used 'Autumn' several times in these past chapters! On to the next seven chapters... Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 1 November 2008 · Chapter 49: The Inn Crowd

Hello Primsong, Another great set of chapters. The picture I had of Dwadul carrying a sleeping Sam home was too cute for words - and imagine the Gaffer's expression at having a dwarf in Number 3 Bagshot Row; Sam will be annoyed he slept through it! Bilbo and Sam's vigil at the tree was delightful, especially when Sam asked Bilbo (and later Frodo) if he was an Elf! It's great to see Frodo finally in Bag End where he belongs. I feel for poor Bilbo, unable to be direct in asking the lad to stay there permanently because he's not sure how the request will be received. You've captured his desperation for Frodo to remain very well indeed. Now I'm going to find out what happens at the picnic - I think I remember some unpleasantness from the S-B's (no great surprise there), but can't remember what, so I get to discover it all over again. Great work. Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 31 October 2008 · Chapter 42: Mapping

Hello Primsong, another packed seven chapters: Frodo, screaming Merry, Gamgees galore, Dwarves, travels, unexpected gifts and expected nasty pseudo-relatives! It's just all happening here! I loved the scene between Bilbo and Bell Gamgee. Touching and poignant. It's a bit sad to think that as Bilbo plans his new life with Frodo, Bell's own life is ending. Frodo's arrival in Hobbiton has always marked the end of her life (for me anyway) and a great sadness for Sam and the remaining Gamgees. I am so enjoying this story. It's like a stroll on a warm summer day with good company and an enormous picnic, followed by a pint in the pub on the way home and a soft, cosy bed. Just the best! Brit tips (for your help and amusement): 'Snicker' for the US is 'snigger' for the UK, 'bangs' for the US is 'fringe' for the UK. Keep up the great work (that's probably a moot point though as the story's finished and I know it's good all the way through). Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 31 October 2008 · Chapter 35: Starlit Walk

Hello Primsong, Just read chapters 28-35 and I got my wish - Sam! He's such a sweetie. Actually the entire Gamgee clan are sweeties and so concerned with making sure Bilbo has all he needs - not just because he's Hamfast's employer, but also because he's a good Hobbit and they like him. Thank goodness he has such genuine people for neighbours and no wonder Sam is such a wonderful example of a good, honest person. You write the relationship between them all very well indeed. And now Sam's learning his letters. Excellent! I'm glad that you were okay about me pointing out the few odd words from previous chapters. I know it's difficult to use British words/vernacular when you don't come from Britain. But you're doing a fantastic job. I would be hard pressed to use American vernacular (I'm making a huge assumption here that you're from across the pond), so kudos to you! If you're looking to brush up on any other wee slips, I've only found another one or two which appear continually: You sometimes write 'couple' (e.g. couple times) when we would use 'couple of' (couple of times, couple of handfuls, couple of chairs, etc). Also you mention Fall instead of Autumn. Apart from that grammar, punctuation (my own biggest problem when writing - cringe) everything's terrific. There's no faulting you on plot, continuity, characterisations, etc. If this is one of your earlier stories, your writing these days must rival most bestsellers! I'm happy now that Bilbo's travelled to see Frodo. The sooner he can get him home to Hobbiton where they both belong, the better! And did you write all of Bilbo's poems and songs yourself? Because they are great! So Bilbo-esque that I can't tell if Tolkien penned them or you! You really understand the elder Baggins! Well, I'm off now to enjoy another seven chapters. See you soon (okay, not 'see', but you know what I mean). Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 30 October 2008 · Chapter 27: Tales and Tonics

Hello Primsong, I am very much enjoying this. You have a very rich imagination and the descriptions of towns, places and bogs with their many varieties of plants and wildlife is absorbing. Did you have such knowledge prior to writing the story or did you have to research specifically? I did - it took me so long to research even the smallest detail of a paragraph that I thought I'd never finish a chapter let alone a story. So I am very impressed with all the fine descriptions of each new environment Bilbo encounters. It's great to see a bit more of the Gamgees too now that he's arrived back home (I hope there's some Sam coming up, he's my favourite!). Trust Bilbo to get ill on the last leg of his journey! Just one wee thing - there are a few terms that look strange being used in conjunction with Middle Earth: flea market, Finch saying he 'bust' his arm (I think that's an Americanism) and Bilbo: calling himself 'crazy' - these aren't necessarily bad things because they get your point across, but they look a bit odd. Sorry if that sounds picky. I'm a bit of an eejit when it comes to that and I know from personal experience that no matter how hard one tries to keep to a particular vernacular - especially if it's not normally used by oneself - there will always be the odd error or two. These minor things, however, do not detract from my overall enjoyment of this terrific tale. Great work again! Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 30 October 2008 · Chapter 21: The Little Things

Hello Primsong, It is a testament to your talent that you can write several chapters with only one character but keep the story interesting. I really enjoyed reading about Bilbo's adventures in the Elven Towers, discovering their secrets and 'meetng' the harpist whose instrument dwells in the mathom house. The Todefoots are as miserly as ever, but Bilbo is too clever for them by half! I laughed at his small revenge on them and would love to have seen their reaction when they woke up later that morning to discover they had been outsmarted by their victim. On to the next 7 chapters. Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 30 October 2008 · Chapter 14: Up the Steps

Hello Primsong, so, I've read the next 7 chapters and enjoyed every one. Your Bilbo is so true to form with his wandering and singing and manner of speech. It's delighful to see his growing realisation of the appeal of taking an heir - so realistic that I could imagine this is exactly how it happened. The other characters are interesting: Lardy Took, Finch Cornfield and I particularly liked the Baggins According to Baggins chapter where Bilbo was trying to describe himself to the small-minded Brockhouses without giving away his identity. I feel for him though, in his lonliness and realisation that almost every other Hobbit he knows has no sense of adventure. Still, as this is what brings him to the point of adopting Frodo, then he needs to go through it. I loved the poems and songs you have written for him to sing - they are so authentically Bilbo that Tolkien himself could surely not have found fault with them. Excellent work! Maureen :)

Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 7: Dogged Steps

Hello Primsong, I've read this story a couple of times before, but the last was over a year ago, so I thought I'de revisit it and reaquaint myself with this truly delightful story. I can't remember reviewing it before (being a bit of a lurker in the past) so let me make amends by doing so now. I'd intended to review every chapter, but forgot that there were so many, so forgive me if I review only every seven. This is my favourite Bilbo story ever. You have his character nailed to perfection. His hobbityness and sense of adventure shine through in each chapter. I love the way he determines to avoid all the sponging 'relatives' that come round to clear out his larder and just goes off on an adventure. I love his interaction with others (especially the forgetful Hugo whose early morning grumpiness reminds me of myself) and his sweet manner with Posey and her precious Sunnyface. Your gentle story with its descriptive passages and memorable characters endeared itself to me upon first reading it. I feel like I'm travelling the roads and fields with Bilbo as I read. It is completely captivating. Favourited (should've done that the first time I read it on ff.net). Great work! M :)

PipMer · 1 December 2007 · Chapter 7: Dogged Steps

Hi, Primsong. I just wanted you to know that I'm enjoying your story so far! I just finished this chapter, and I'm on to the next one. I enjoy long stories, and I came across yours in a listing of MEFA winners. I can see why it got recognition.... it's very well written. I love your descriptions of the countryside as Bilbo goes along on his walking trip. Very nice!

Queen Galadriel · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 999: Sam

Oh, Primsong! I enjoyed this so very much! I'm so glad I finally followed the reccomendations of Larner and Dreamflower and sought out this lovely gem of a story. Nothing of note indeed! :) I just love the detail, the natural feeling you put into this, and yet you make everything tie together. The mistake with the apple saplings becomes a blessing when Frodo moves to Bag End because he's fond of apples, and so many other things. And I love the picture you paint of the Shire. This is definitely one I want to read again. God bless, Galadirel

Queen Galadriel · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 6: Fool's Gold

Oh, how perfectly wonderful of our Bilbo! :)

Queen Galadriel · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Hugo's Bookcase

Hahaha, clever Bilbo! *grins*

Queen Galadriel · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Mad Baggins in the Spring

Mad Baggins indeed! LOL!

Ms_Banazira · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 22: Omelettes

I absolutely loved the description of law, all using food illustrations! How hobbity, and totally hysterical! And I'm loving your Bilbo, my first hobbit love; exactly as resourceful and humorous and just and generous as he should be! Thank you!

DoBeeDeux · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 999: Sam

Bravo! Standing ovation! A wonderful story that has had me enthralled since the minuted I clicked on it.

Bodkin · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 999: Sam

Goodness, you've made me waste a lot of time today! I so enjoyed meandering through Bilbo's year that I've been pinned to the screen. A lovely Bilbo - and a delightful account of his adoption of Frodo, from a Bilbo-centric point of view. And I'm very pleased to see Lotho get his come-uppance. Probably a good thing that Ivy settled for the sausage-master, though. She could have been rather a persistent nuisance, had she hung around. A most enjoyable read.

Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 999: Sam

Aaww... Dear, dear Sam! What a lovely epilogue. I am hoping so much to see a lot more stories by you here. I am very greedy when it comes to good fics--as you can see, I tend to just gorge when a great new story comes my way! I am so glad that you have begun posting here, and look forward to being treated to more of your talent!

Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 70: Cake

This is just wonderful. I love the way Bilbo and Frodo are so in sync with one another. Your little Sam is absolutely marvelous. He's only nine at this point, (and if you convert to hobbit-age, that means about five or six in maturity) but of course hobbits are taught to cook at a very young age according to JRRT. He obviously has a long way to go, but you can tell he'll really be a good cook one day. I cannot begin to tell how wonderful I found this story; as I said Bilbo-fic is hard to come by, and I am certainly looking forward to more of your other one. I really meant to save a few chapters to take to work with me today, for my lunch break, but I just got too caught up in reading to manage it.

Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 69: Presents

Of *course* there's always room for mushrooms! LOL!

Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 67: September 21st

Oh. You just had me in tears. And the poem is...perfect.

Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 66: Gifts

Again, so very sweet and touching. I am glad that Bilbo finds himself able to be guided by the wise Bell. My Bilbo did throw an adoption party, not a huge one, but a nice one. The circumstances were rather different though.

Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 65: Letters

AAaaww...this was so sweet and touching. It's lovely that they both wrote to one another at almost the same time, as well. And such a nice touch at the end.