Reviews (156)

el_esteleth · 3 June 2006 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

I just wanted to post a little something to let you know that I've thoroughly enjoyed Don't Panic. I had expected to finish this story several weeks ago but my comp crashed, and I was honestly very upset that I couldn't finish reading this story. You've done and absolutely wonderful job with Penny and with portraying a realistic look at what being dropped into ME would be like. I admit I was skeptical at first when a friend recommended this story to me, but the fabulous writing, plot and character development completely got rid of any initial skepticism. I look forward to reading Penny's further adventures in the sequel. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent for writing and this wonderful story. Es.

AspenJules · 29 May 2006 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

I thought about reviewing as I went along, and I probably should have, but decided not to for a couple of reasons that really aren't all that important. I just have to say that I don't think I've ever read a fanfic that had me in tears for so many chapters in a row. OK, maybe I'm just a weeping Wanda, but maybe not. I was so very moved by Penny's dilemma of what to tell and what not to tell, and when. Of knowing if she tried to save a friend's life she could doom everybody to destruction. That truly is a heavy burden to carry, and yet, being a caring human, it's hard to ignore the fate of one person she knows for the fate of multitudes she doesn't. It's a mark of her very humanity that she had such a wrestle with it. Boz, this was amazing. If there was a prize for the challenge, I hope you took it. As is the case with any good tale, your story left me with much to think about outside the parameters of your story, and I don't believe I am the same person I was when I started reading it. On a lighter note - I love the funny parts as well, giggling hysterically when Penny comes on the half-dressed elves (now THERE'D be a sight!! *heavy sigh*), when she puts Lindir in his place, Elladan's reaction to Penny borrowing his comb and then telling Halbarad off for not buying her one, Aragorn snorting in his cup when Elrond tells Halbarad to apologize to her, and them all feeling like 12-year olds when she tells them off for continuing to laugh. There were so many other times as well. All there is to say then, really, is thank you. Thank you for the laughs, for the tears, and for the food for thought. Thanks for your efforts, and those of your betas. I'm off to start the sequel now!

Nienor Niniel · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 14: The Complete Set

He. I was wondering when *that* particular physical problem would come up. But at least it didn't happen when she was on road with Halbarad. I don't think she could have explained that to him! I wonder how she will solve it. I am glad you let Legolas stay a "normal" Elf, if there is such a thing at all. Take that, fangirls! You'll hear more from me later! Nienor

Nienor Niniel · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 11: The Proverbial Hits the Fan

I'm starting to catch up in earnest! I just love what you did... you thought of everything that Penny would be surprised about, and how her reactions would be. And I guess that making up the way Elvish latrines would be takes some imagination. It's great that she is asking the Glorfindel question: One or two? Indeed, who wouldn't want to find out? But she should really have used her chance to find out if the Balrog had wings. Well, I guess it would have been rude to ask. So now I'm going to see what Elrond is going to shout at her! Nienor

paranoidangel · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

I started reading this when Nilmandra recced it on her LJ, but have only just finished it. I really enjoyed it - seeing how much Penny changes and gets used to her new life. I really liked the relationship that built up between Penny and Halbarad - the end of the last chapter was so sad.

Nienor Niniel · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear As Mud

Oh, I think that him just leaving her in Bree would be an interesting alternative storyline. How would the people react? But I guess it will be a lot better if he drags her to Rivendell. This is really realistic! And I am torn between pitying both of them. They both are so completely right with the things they are annoyed at. What a dilemma! I love your AN! It's great when people actually know that! I'll read on, of course! Nienor

Nienor Niniel · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Horror of Bree

Oh, priceless! They are disturbed and disgusted about each other by exactly the same things. You are destroying all my images of Middle-earth. Not idyllic, just smelly? Sad thing is that you are certainly right. So will she get her bath? And what will she say about not having hair conditioner? I'll read one chapter more tonight, I think. Nienor

Nienor Niniel · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 2: Bunny Stew

Poor girl! The scary thing is that I can see myself behaving pretty much the same. Although I would not have touched the sword, probably. You convey the insecurity she is feeling so very well. It's miles from the usual "I AM IN MIDDLEEARTH!1!!ELEVNTY! WHERE IS LEGGY?" I always wish that the people who write the Sue-fics would at least try to create believable human emotions when they drop their characters into a completely foreign world. I have already come to pity Halbarad very much. Something tells me that he is not going to be rid of her in Bree. Poor man! Greetings, Nienor

Nienor Niniel · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 1: You Have To Be Kidding

Well, I think I will finally read this famous "And it can really work" story. I'll do so in pieces, so you will probably get many a review. Great start! "Die, Mary Sue..." Poor girl hopes for a Range Rover, and what does she get? A Ranger. I wouldn't mind one, but if you're in that state... Oh, I think I'll really enjoy this fic. You'll hear more soon! Nienor

Daynawayna · 7 January 2006 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

Wow. Great job Boz!!! This was the best thing ever! You are such a gifted writer-- I'm so glad I have more to read! Awesome, awesome story. Thank you so much for sharing!

Daynawayna · 6 January 2006 · Chapter 26: Sending Out An S.O.S.

Another amazing Chapter. I'm astounded at how mature she is for 23 (right?)... and how serious she knows her words can be and what any knowledge can cause. God/Eru works in mysterious ways, doesn't he? I can't wait to read, Okay NOW panic! :)

Daynawayna · 5 January 2006 · Chapter 24: ... Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

Ok... that's at least 2 chapters in a row I've cried, young lady. :) This story just goes beyond words. You are amazing.

Daynawayna · 4 January 2006 · Chapter 23: So Long, Farewell...

That's it.. make me cry again! That was beautiful, Boz, just beautiful. Poor Penny. I'm glad she got to tell Halbarad the truth. I just wish he wouldn't die. :( Or does he? It's been 2 yrs since I read it so I'm trusting what you write. This just keeps getting better and better. And I keep repeating myself, don't I? LOL Can't wait to read more!

docmon · 4 January 2006 · Chapter 23: So Long, Farewell...

Oh well, I tried to stop rambling, but I found I have MORE to say. I had to comment on the relationsihp you've built between Halbarad and Penny. Nearly a father-daughter sort of relationship, I found it touching, interesting and rather a natural development of things. Very well done, and of course, very anti-MS. Again, well done!

docmon · 4 January 2006 · Chapter 23: So Long, Farewell...

To quote your wonderful main character, this is fan-bloody-tastic!!!!! I can't say enough, though I suppose I will try, so apologies if I ramble. It was telling enough how this would go when, after I'd printed out the whole story, I was up the first night to 3 am reading!!! I considered berating you for not putting a warning on this, something to the effect of 'you will not be able to put this story down, so make sure you have plenty of free time ahead of you.' ;-) But you don't deserve berating! High praise only! I am so enjoying the adventures and misadventures of Pen-ii - you have portrayed her ordeals so realistically, every page rings true. I particularly was impressed with your portrayal of her near-madness as she struggled to come to grips with what had happened. It was so realistic (as far as I can tell, not having gone through a similar experience ;-)) - with the anger, disbelief, the sick sinking feeling of something VERY wrong, more disbelief, and of course the denial (that ancient river in Egypt, indeed! LOL). Even her grief over what she thought was true madness, and yet it paled next to what she felt when she finally understood. Not overdone at all, but so much how I think it would go. Especially that she wasn't overjoyed over being in Middle-earth, but saw the true implications of such a thing. Rather than gloss over her struggle with her emotions, you led us through the whole roller coaster ride - and Halbarad's struggle to deal! I cannot finish without mentioning how moving this chapter, and the farewell scene with Halbarad, was. It literally took my breath away. Her despair that led her to tell Halbarad and his understanding were heartwrenching. But then to see him vow to watch over her upon his return, knowing there won't be one(unless this isn't his final trip) - no words, wonderful is not enough. Ok, I'm going to stop rambling! Can't wait to finish this, and very, very glad to see there's a sequel in the works. Yay! Great work! docmon

Daynawayna · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 22: A Friend In Need

Wow. Leave it to Arwen to make it right and put death into perspective. ::peers at you thru the screen:: are you SURE you aren't writing from experience or something... Penny? ::giggles::

Daynawayna · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 21: The Prodigal Son

UHHHhhhh ohhhhh.... Penny's got a crush on a Ranger!!! (as if I didn't see it coming when she first started to worry about him. hee hee!) How cute! Of course it makes sense... he did save her after all. ::wink wink:: And she's a sharp cookie to play the 'wounded' part so well with Boromir. What a difficult situation to be put into: knowing he will die in 3 months, wanting to know him but fearing the pain her knowledge will cause her as his death looms nearer. What a quandry to be in. Keep up the good work!

Daynawayna · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 20: Open Mouth, Change Feet

Once again... I can't say enough about The Saga of Penny In ME. Your depth of research and grasp of the Characters is Amazing. I can't wait to read more! One of my favorite things about your writing is your "British-isms"-- things you take for granted in your everyday language that make this American go.. "wait... what did that say? 'Talking nineteen to the dozen'? Huh..? OHHHhhhh!!! OK! Talking a mile a minute. Got it." ::giggles:: You made my husband laugh; he wants to use it now! LOL Your gift of understatement makes reading this story very enjoyable and surprising. :) And Eru love Arwen for that snippit on Lindir! LOL!

Daynawayna · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 15: DO Balrogs Have Wings?

I'm a bit slower in reviewing since work has become more demanding, so I'm now printing it out 5 chapters at a time and reading when I can. So please know, Boz, that my reviews will trickle in slowly, and I am still blown away by the depth of this story and all the fine nuiances of its characters. You are a truly gifted writer, and I can not WAIT to move on to 'OK NOW Panic!'!! :) I even read 'the proverbial hits the fan' to my husband, and he was impressed with how well you've done. Of course, he's not reading the story, but I still fill him in on the goings on and he likes it. So thank you for this amazing story, and I'll stop my mindless blathering now. :)

phoenix23531 · 16 December 2005 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

Eeep! Grins sheepishly - sorry, I was confusing Nargothrond with Eregion. I thought Eregion was first then Nargothrond. D'oh! Please disregard all my earlier silliness. Oopsie! :-) Mural, yup, mural works! :-)

phoenix23531 · 15 December 2005 · Chapter 24: ... Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

Hello, Just checked on the sack of Nargothrond bit (it was driving me nuts that I couldn't remember it clearly), and it was in the First Age (according to Encyclopedia of Arda, it was sacked in approx 496 First Age, whereas Imladris was founded in approx 1695 Second Age (not long before the Last Alliance, as Gil-Galad was negotiating with those from Numenor and Elrond was off trying to gather folks together and flee Sauron). But like I said earlier, if you change 'mural' for 'painting', it is far more transferrable and shouldn't make anyone blink. :-) Hope that helps.

Pearl Took · 14 December 2005 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

Bravo! Bravo! Bravisimo!!! I will begin the next tale in the morning :) This has been a wonderful, wonderful story. I am so very glad you wrote it and I read it. Thank you so very much :)

Pearl Took · 14 December 2005 · Chapter 24: ... Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

Bravo!!! *sigh* So perfectly done :)

Pearl Took · 14 December 2005 · Chapter 23: So Long, Farewell...

I'm glad she go to tell Halbarad the truth. It truly would be a terrible burden to know who will die. Well done, Boz. Well done indeed :)

phoenix23531 · 14 December 2005 · Chapter 27: The Final Curtain

Sob, sob, sob. Poor Halbarad. :-( I absolutely loved this story. You have done an oustanding job of it. This was simply one of the best jabs at the Mary Sue genre I have ever read. You have a truly Tolkienesque way of writing about the melancholy of the elves, the gravity of the whole situation, and a wonderfully irreverent way of sticking poor Penny in some of the worst and most hilarious situations ever. (I'm still chuckling over the eight at the river bit.) Thank you so much for sharing this with us. All the best with the next one, and hopefully I haven't overloaded your review-box. :-)