Absolutely brilliant! I have read "The Making of a Ringbearer I" and now I have come to the last installment of this one. I really can't get over how wonderful this story is. Your characterizations of all of the characters are spot on. I just love the Gamgees, and Frodo is to die for. I also appreciate the great pains you take to perfectly describe just how blue Frodo's eyes really are ;). I'm eagerly looking forward to the next chapter! Oh, and could you email me the illustrations to this, if it's not too much trouble, that is. Thank you so very much!!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading! I'm so glad you're enjoying it so far. I actually looked up "blue" in a thesaurus way back when I started this, you know. I wanted to properly describe Frodo's eyes. ;) I just e-mailed you the illustration, so let me know if you don't get it.
Rowan
· 23 January 2004
· Chapter 33: Ruffians
I know your series, Making of a Ring-bearer, has been going on a while, but I
only just discovered this archive this very week, so bear with me. I downloaded
a bunch of stories, and your two were the first I read.
Being a Frodo fan, I'm always interested in stories of his early life, and I
must say your version is one of the most involving and engaging ones I've
come across. I actually had tears in my eyes when you had Bilbo reassuring
Frodo that he would never regret adopting him. (And I NEVER cry at stories or
movies, not even ROTK!)
I do think it could perhaps have used a bit more beta'ing and polishing before
posting, and I did kind of roll my eyes when you had Frodo get sick (I have
read SO many Frodo-Gets-Deathly-Ill stories by now that they're starting to blur
together for me). *But* on the other hand, your version of Frodo's first
meeting with Sam was the most charming one that I have read yet, and believe me,
I've seen a LOT of them.
So anyway, I'm eagerly awaiting the continuation of "Anchored", as well as the
third part of your Frodo trilogy. (I loved "Adrift" too, BTW.)
Rowan
Author's reply
Thanks for your kind review; I'm delighted you're enjoying this. I've always liked reading the "young Frodo" stories too. I wanted for a long time to do my own version and make it more involved and detailed than what I usually see. Your comment about needing more beta'ing gave me a chuckle! Not a single one of my chapters has ever been beta'd in the slightest, and I've been wondering for months when someone would finally notice! Anyway, I'm sorry about that, and if you notice any major mistakes please do point them out so I can fix them. I don't really have anyone I can ask to beta, and the best I seem to manage is a quick read-over before I post. One day I will read over everything more carefully and see what I can catch. Thanks again for reading; there's tons more to come, and I hope you continue to enjoy.
Obelia
Tathar
· 21 January 2004
· Chapter 16: Endings and Beginnings
**“But at least they have the decency to run away when they want to do their giggling,” Frodo muttered, half to himself.**
LOL, poor Frodo! Daisy has really traumatized him. ;D
**“Fwo,” Pippin said again, and reached one chubby hand forward as Paladin started to take him away. Frodo closed his eyes briefly and was startled to feel a tiny hand close tightly around his nose. “Pretty!” said the baby, casting back through his limited vocabulary and trotting out an old favourite.**
Ah, so "Pretty" wasn't gone for good, after all! I *thought* that was the case (once I was reminded of it, that is). My Acting-Captain is ordering me to eat again (sigh!) and this was the perfect place to pause. My giggling-quota of the day has nearly been reached, and just in the hour or two I've spent reading "Anchored!" ;D
Your humble obedient and giggling servant,
Lutnant Tathar
Author's reply
Well, thanks for re-reading and re-reviewing (and re-giggling)! I hope you're obeying your Acting Captain properly. I'd hate to see you courtmartialled...
Tathar
· 21 January 2004
· Chapter 13: No Yule Would Be Merry Without Pippin' Hot Food
"Peregrin’s eyes roamed all over Frodo’s face, and he reached one chubby hand forward to slide lightly over Frodo’s forehead and nose. “Pretty,” the baby said again, and the adults laughed."
Oh, yes, I'd forgotten about "Pretty"!! Sigh. I do love little Pip... such a smart child, even at this age! ;D
Author's reply
Yes indeed. Pippin the Perceptive. ;)
Tathar
· 21 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Breakfast
"What a charming lass that was, a perfect angel."
*gag, choke, cough*
Tathar
· 21 January 2004
· Chapter 4: Winter Fun
**Sam nodded in agreement, and Halfred grinned suddenly. “Daisy was right, though.”
“What about?” Sam asked suspiciously. His eldest sister was one of the silliest girls he knew.
“Mr. Frodo does have uncommonly blue eyes.” Halfred kept a straight face for a moment longer, then all three boys burst into laughter. Sam was terribly fond of Frodo, but who in their right mind cared about the colour of someone’s eyes?**
WIMCLASC!! I'd forgotten about that bit. :D On a whim last night, I started re-reading "Adrift" and that of course led me to "Anchored". I'm trying to read slowly, so I take my time getting to the current last chapter, but the more I read the more I remember how much I love this story, and I wanna read more of it as soon as I can, so flu-germs or not, I may have to start prodding you to finish chapter 34 soon, or at least to spoiler me! *eyes cattle-prod menacingly*
Your humble obedient and impatient servant,
Lutnant Tathar ;^)
Author's reply
LOL. I'm the one who should probably reread all I've written so far. I'd forgotten that bit and probably many others! And ch. 34 will be along within a few days, I think... but if it's not, I'll succumb to cattle prod threats and spoiler you at least. :D
Hai
· 12 January 2004
· Chapter 33: Ruffians
Poor, Frodo! Good thing Gandalf was there to watch out for them! I like how he directed them the wrong way. Taht was he didn't have to kill them but they may end up dead anyway as their food supply might no last. I guess those other "guards" will have to make a tighter watch ;) Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks for all your lovely reviews. I just recently figured out how to reply this way; sorry I never did before! Anyway, I really appreciate all your kind reviews and support, and I wanted to thank you for reading this far. There is plenty more to come, which I hope you'll enjoy just as much. :)
Hai
· 5 October 2003
· Chapter 31: A Happy Reunion
I hope your updates wont be taht long! I'm excited to find out what kind of an adventure a wizard and two hobbits will get up to! I like how Sam was soon comfortable enough around Gandalf to talk about his family the way you wrote it! Wonderful! I liked how Gandalf was ominpotent as well, lol. Thank you and I'm looking forward to more fun!
Miriel
· 5 October 2003
· Chapter 31: A Happy Reunion
I liked how Gandalf's perception of Frodo unnerved him so much. Very amusing.
Wow! 4-6 weeks! It must have taken you a very long time to write this much! Since your in the business of writing, I would like to request more Daisy. :)
Many cheers!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading this far and all your kind reviews! It only just occurred to me that I could reply this way... :-\ It did take me a fairly long time to write those first thirty or so chapters, but the bulk was done before last September (I started grad school in September and suddenly found myself with a lot less spare time). I seem to be averaging one update a month now! Oh, and I can tell you for sure, Daisy will have a major appearance in a few chapters, maybe chapter 40. ;)
Shireling
· 5 October 2003
· Chapter 31: A Happy Reunion
Obelia,
I really like the the way that you manage to write about ordinary happenings and day-to-day life with such freshness and originality (not that a wizard coming to tea is ordinary!!!). You have captured all of the characters so well, but I have to claim a special fondness for Sam he has charm, innocence and a lovely sense of humour.
I'll try to wait patiently for an update.
Helen/shireling
Author's reply
Thanks so much for all your support and patience! I only just figured out how to reply this way... ;) I'm delighted you're still enjoying this. I seem to average one update a month these days, but the next one should be up this week.
Obelia
Hai
· 2 October 2003
· Chapter 30: A Rampaging Oliphaunt
lol, what a way to meet Gandalf! It would seem that hobbits were falling from the sky right into his cart! How very brave of Frodo to grab onto the reins of the horse, being a hobbits and all it would be even more daunting! I wondered when you would insert Gandalf in this tail! so glad to see him ;) Looking forward to more, thank you lots!
Hai
· 1 October 2003
· Chapter 29: Goodbye, Hamson
That was really nice! I got a bit teary reading it and all. Hamson having to leave and Bilbo and Frodo making sure to come down for a good-bye as well. Frodo even making candy, hom sweet. I bet Sam is happy! I hope all goes well for him, looking forward to more, thank you!
Hai
· 29 September 2003
· Chapter 28: Beware of Bracegirdles Bearing Bargains
How terrible of that mean old hobbit to take advantage of the Gamgee's that way! Maybe this will convince the Gaffer to let Sam learn his letters! Shameful! I am looking forward to more! Thank you!
Shireling
· 29 September 2003
· Chapter 27: Arrangements
He could have signed up for anything?
I just can't imagine not being able to read.
I do love this story--Keep going!
Helen
Shireling
· 28 September 2003
· Chapter 25: Lessons in Loyalty
Obelia
It's always a treat to find a new chapter.
I really like the way the Gamgee's all look after Frodo. Fancy him apologising for Lotho.
Great chapter
Helen
Hai
· 27 September 2003
· Chapter 24: The Fortress
That was great the way they recruited all the kids to help them with their fort! I love how they all have their man names, you even gave them all titles this time! They are quite a community! We played like that with a bunch of kids in our neighborhood before we had to move. I like Falco and how he took a personal responsibility for Frodo's health, in the books I wasn't he considered a good friend of Frodo's? You have done his character wonderfully! Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Author's reply
I used to play like that with the neighbourhood kids when I was little, too. :) Folco was indeed a good friend of Frodo's in the books; he's one of those who helped Frodo move to Crickhollow, I think. Glad you like him! :)
Hai
· 25 September 2003
· Chapter 23: A Bump in the Road
I hope Sam will be allowed to continue his lessons! I like how you have included the Cotton family in your story! Kind of helps set the stage for later happenings! Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Shireling
· 25 September 2003
· Chapter 23: A Bump in the Road
What a treat, coming in from work to find a new chapter!
You have done really well to portray the negative, rather parochial nature of Hobbit society, with its class distinctions and rigid hierarchy.
Don't you just want to shake them!!
Great chapter
Helen
Shireling
· 24 September 2003
· Chapter 22: New Endeavours
Obelia,
This story just keeps getting better and better.
What a joy
Helen
JULES
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 22: New Endeavours
Very nice - I love the soft and cuddly moments between Sam and Frodo - keep up the good work. This chapter was nice and gentle to read but still had tons of enjoyment.
Hope you write more soon.
JULES
Hai
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 21: A Mother's Touch
Sweet, Sam wishing that Frodo would become better so he could take care of him. That really shows a lot of Sam's character. I got sad the little bit about Frodo with remembering his mother. It was very sweet of the Gamgee's to be so readily available. You are doing such a splendid job! looking forward to more!
Shireling
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 21: A Mother's Touch
Obelia,
I love the interactions and the care they all have for Frodo and each other.
Sam wanting to look after Frodo for ever had me reaching for my hanky!
Helen/shireling
Hai
· 21 September 2003
· Chapter 20: Dr. Hornblower
Dear, Bilbo I'm sure he is worried sick! I love your Bell Gamgee! Such a sweet motherly lady! I want one of my very own! ;) I hope this won't last too long....being sick and all. I hope you are planning on writing more of Frodo with his cousins! I meant to mention it earlier but I like how you have written a bit with Fatty and Falco! Looking forward to more!
Shireling
· 21 September 2003
· Chapter 19: Progression
What a great story.
I love your Hobbits. You have made them realistic and believable.
I think you have captured the relationships really well.
I look forward to reading more.
Helen
Hai
· 19 September 2003
· Chapter 19: Progression
I liked how you wrote the little vision Bilbo had of Frodo's parents, very nice. I hope Frodo doesnt' get too sick, poor guy! I hope Bilbo is up to the tast of Frodo being sick! I love how you have wrote their relationship. Beautiful! Looking forward to more!