Reviews (253)

SlightlyTookish · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors

Ooh, how interesting! The fire sequence was so terrifying and I suspect Frodo will need lots of comfort after that. And you're very right, I'm looking forward to the Pippin h/c :D

Sila Lumenn · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors

Eeee! Re-reading this story is just like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in a long time. I'm tempted to go back to my own copy and read further along, but I think I'll wait for you to post the next chapter instead. :D

girlofring · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors

Phew! That evil Saruman up to no good again. Leave our poor Ring-bearer alone I say!

Cuthalion · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors

Aha. Mr. Curunir, I presume? *grins* (Very well done, Janet, and absolutely thrilling!)

Garnet Took · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors

I don't know why I didn't review the first chapter of this, but I'm gonna try to make up for that with this one.:) This is an interesting and exciting story. I figured Saruman was involved as soon as Frodo reached the top of that hill. Can't wait to see what's going on with Frodo and Aragorn being even tireder than they should be after surviving a magical grass fire. Thanks. Garnet Took (formerly Connie B.)

French Pony · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors

There's always a great deal of story potential in this part of the saga -- what was it, a week or so on the river completely glossed over in the book? Anything could happen. I like how you play on the Enemy's two major kinds of magic trouble: the illusion that something is Out There, and the natural-disaster-that-might-not-be-so-natural-after-all. Both Sauron and Saruman seem to have a history of using both those devices to lure the unwary to their doom. The fire is almost certainly unnatural, as no one seems overly concerned that they've camped in a big ol' wodge of now-burning tinder. I'll bet that fire burned itself out once it realized that it couldn't get either Frodo or Aragorn. I also liked Pippin's admission that he didn't study maps because he didn't think he'd need to know the geography between Imladris and Mordor. The Fellowship wasn't a done deal until a few days before it left. It also points to the "education on a need-to-know basis" system to which most of the peoples of Middle-earth seem to adhere.

Armariel · 9 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

oohh this looks really good already. Lovely to see a little gap-filling action. As always the voices are right on the money! ~~~{~@

cpsings4him · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Shirebound, this is off to SUCH a great and promising start! There are so many little elements in it that I love. There were moments of serious reflection upon the true precariousness of their situation - such as when Aragorn was instructing the other members of the fellowship in the importance of vigilance. I love the way that you used that moment to show the GROWTH of the members of the fellowship (most especially Pip) from the outset of the journey to that present moment. Sadly, the innocence is slowly being chipped away. :-( And, on the other hand, there were moments when I laughed out loud, such as when Aragorn and Frodo were talking about age and Aragorn joked that he could still toddle about and look after himself on occasion. Hehe! Ooh...and, of course, you know I LOVE that there appears to be some Frodo h/c on the horizon. :) I can't wait to read more! *is hooked*

lindahoyland · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

This is just lovely,what a treat to find a new story from you,as you are one of my very favourite writers. I love the way Aragorn cares for the Hobbits and how you are showing the effects of the ring.

Baggins Babe · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Wee-hee1 Another Shirebound story! Great start too. Yes, a good description of Sam's about the Ring. Sam is so supportive and full of sense. Nice bit about the transition to the outside world from Lorien. A bit like jet-lag, I imagine. Looking forward to more.

Breon Briarwood · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Squee! A Shirebound story I hadn't seen yet! Good ol'Sam! He's practically perfect in every way, isn't he? Can't wait for more. *grabs bowl of popcorn and sits back to wait*

French Pony · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

This is a fascinating beginning. I love how you work with the large cast. Everyone has their own little moments, but you never lose sight of who's who, and no one comes off as a caricature. This part of the story has always deserved more attention, so I'm glad to see something so good written about it.

Grey Wonderer · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

I have never read this one before and I am enjoying it very much. I liked the discussion that Frodo and Sam had with Aragorn about age. I suppose that it must have been quite a shock to see Bilbo again and realize that he had aged so much without the ring and it must have been a concern of Frodo's that once the ring was gone he would begin to look his proper age as well. I look forward to more of this one.

Tigger · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Yes Aragorn, Sam *does* do everything else well. Especially helping Frodo when he most needs it. Loved Aragorn picturing Gandalf paddling w/that hat. *snort*!! That *is* quite the picture indeed. :oD This looks right up there w/your usual quality m'dear. Looking forward to seeing where this heads as our favourite Fellowship heads down the Anduin. :o)

Larner · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

I now understand the title and approve of it. Nice look at Frodo's concerns for the future, and how the Ring is now trying to get at Frodo via vanity and concerns for how he might age.

girlofring · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

I just love it. it really is book base and hits on some hard questions answered that might have talked about during that part of the quest. Thank you for a delightful storyline that I cannot wait until the next installment.

GamgeeFest · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

This is off to a great start. I love the way Aragorn and Sam are able to make Frodo smile and even laugh despite everything that is weighing upon his mind. I love that Pippin is acting more mature already. Sam's vehemence about being in a boat is perfect, and that was a good analogy between the dragon and the Ring.

SlightlyTookish · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Wow, what a great beginning! There are so many interesting things here: Frodo's aging, speculation about Gandalf's plans, but my favorite is the idea of havign to undergo a transition between Lorien and the outside world. It makes so much sense given the strange passage of time in that land. Thank you for posting this story here!

Andrea · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

I remember this chapter, but luckily I've completely forgotten how the story went on. So, I'll be with you :) Maybe, it's a good thing that Frodo found the source of his youthful appearance. I'm not so sure, if Bilbo ever found out. And I loved this: “Forget about the paddling, Sam. Frodo is right --- you do everything else very well indeed.” - Very, very true!

Amy · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Eee, it's a delight to find this unexpected story, shirebound! *savors fic* Poor Sam in a boat reminds me of cats walking through water and shaking their paws, all twitchy. I love Strider's reminders about Rules for a Fellowship on a Dangerous Quest. And I adore Aragorn carrying sleepy!Frodo. *squee*

TheHobbitWaffle · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

I remember this one! Aragorn put his arm around Sam’s shoulders. “Forget about the paddling, Sam. Frodo is right --- you do everything else very well indeed.” Amen, sister.

Lindelea · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Random impressions: A little Pippinhealing is a wonderful thing to anticipate. I like the precautions Sam and Merry take as they are settling to sleep. Frodo is so very understanding about Sam and paddling... he knows just the right thing to say. Frodo and the "age thing"--that is one of the ways I reconciled myself to such a young actor playing him in the films. “Fifty is hardly old and frail,” said Aragorn after a few minutes. “I passed 50 quite a few years ago, and I can still stagger about and feed myself on occasion.” Just love that flash of humour. ...and Sam is so very wise in this chapter.

harrowcat · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

An unpublished Shirebound story! I'm with Dreamflower - can't decide whether to sit on my hands or go over to ff.net! Oh well as I'm at work I suppose I had better just wait! But what else have you got lurking shyly round the corner please introduce us. We are all well trained reviewers - we may lick you to death but we don't bite, especially not favourite authors like you!

Cuthalion · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

Wonderful, Janet. I particularly like that exchange at the end of the chapter, between Frodo, Sam and Aragorn. Sam is such a heartwarming being!

Pearl Took · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 1: The Dragon

“Fifty is hardly old and frail,” said Aragorn after a few minutes. “I passed 50 quite a few years ago, and I can still stagger about and feed myself on occasion.” I'm glad to be off on another shirebound adventure! That discussion about age hits home. I've been feeling time rather acutely of late, realizing how fast it is flying and how old I'll be in 20 years. But I'll take the years over any rings or such foolers anyday. I found this quote from a Robert Browning poem when I was in highschool and it has stayed with me: "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. The last of life for which the first was made." I pray this be the case for all of us :) Now, on with your wonderful story! :)