Reviews (165)

Daynawayna · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 4: Breathing Easier

I just read the first 5 chapters... wow! I'm loving the AU of it all... you are simply amazing shirebound. I like how you show how Pip needs to prove himself, and how practical Merry can be. I can't wait to read the rest of it. And you have so much more for me to read... that's the best part! :D

Edlyn · 12 July 2006 · Chapter 14: Facing Reality

“Don’t think about them anymore, Pip; I’m sure you’ll never see another troll.” Famous last words, I think. I'm really enjoying this story. You have a wonderful talent with wordcraft and I know that I'm going to enjoy all your other stories too.

Queen Galadriel · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 25: Epilogue

Oh Shirebound! I just love this "Quarrentined" universe! I've read "Quarrentined," "Reflections of the Past," "Estel's Birthday," and this story, and I can't tell you how much I love all of them! I'll just have to check out the other two...I just couldn't wait any longer to get to this one. :-) I'm not in the least surprised at your getting so many wonderful reviews! Keep it up! God bless, Galadriel

sleepy_orange · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 25: Epilogue

haiz...how weird is it that some of the best writers i know are fanfiction writers? this community of lotr fanfic writers are simply the most talented bunch and i'm honoured to be a part of it - even just as a reviewer. that story was simply lovely. and i must say that some of your writings have influenced the way i think and write too.

Dreamflower · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 25: Epilogue

Whew! This has been a long and lovely read, like most of your stories. Thank you very much! I was sorry to see it come to an end.

Dreamflower · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 24: Aftershocks

Oh my, what a wonderful chapter! I love Merry and Pippin and their determination, just as I have always thought of it. I especially loved the way Merry carefully tried not to influence Pip's decision. And now we know how strongly Aragorn feels about Frodo. He is definitely ready to defend his "little one".

Dreamflower · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

So Merry has it all figured out, now. Somehow that doesn't surprise me. And the truth is, it wouldn't even have to be AU for that to occur. Given the right hints, Merry would have figured most of it out; but he would keep his own counsel as well.

Dreamflower · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House

Here we are; I very much like your take on Rivendell. And it's nice to have the twins on the spot, so to speak. It's a shame they were away in the book, but your AU makes up for it. We seem to have another rather subtle departure due to your AU--no one is surprised to see Bilbo, since Aragorn has already told them about him being there. I love that Pippin is the first to encounter him.

Dreamflower · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen

Wow! Almost as heart-stopping as the original!

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 14: Facing Reality

Oh my word! Pip will never see a troll again, will he? Famous last words...

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 13: Mists and Shadows

Very nice little interlude. A quiet night in comparative safety, and lots of comfort for our weary hobbits. Thank you for giving them a bit of a respite.

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 12: Merry's Secret

Oh this was great! Merry as I love to see him, intelligent, perceptive, far-thinking, protective, slightly cynical, yet still filled with a deep love and devotion for his cousins. *Sigh*

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 11: Into the Wild

Oh my! Even though I *know* they are going to make it to Rivendell, I am anxious...on to the next chapter

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 10: Not By Chance

More excellent characterization for Merry and Pippin. We see more of Merry as caretaker and protector--quizzing Aragorn on the nature of Frodo's injury, standing Sam's watch, and *knowing* what Pippin was up to with Frodo. And of course we also see Pippin's own courage, fostered and bolstered by Aragorn's confidence in him and by his love for Frodo.

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King

A subtle change, due to your AU--because Aragorn had once needed athelas for Frodo in the past, he now keeps it on hand, so he didn't have to search for it. And of course, Sam has no reason to be suspicious of him, since he already knows and trusts him.

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 8: Ring-bearer

This was marvelous: when writing a gap-filler, and coming to a part where there is no gap, use a different POV--but I would never in a million years thought of using the Witch-King's POV! Brilliant!

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 7: A Tale Only Fire Can Tell

You pack so much information into this little chapter: I love that Merry is always thinking--his idea about the Ring might have been a good one, if only Frodo could have brought himself to it; Aragorn with the pipe Frodo made him, so sweet; the information that fire would help keep the Wraiths away (one of my beefs with the film)all of this without it seeming strained in any way.

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 6: The Power of Words

Good for Merry, even though in this case it is misguided, and Sam helps him to see it, it is still good that he resents the idea of his cousin being patronized! Well, I'm going back to bed, now, have to work tomorrow, but I'm coming back to this story ASAP. Can't think how I missed seeing it before...

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: More Midges than Water

Oh boy, more lovely character development! And the midges and lights on Weathertop to keep us anchored. You are so good at this, I almost forget it is AU!

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Breathing Easier

Oh, this is very good--I find swamp vapors quite convincing! I love that it is Pip who rescues Frodo. Funny, though that you said you only made up "swamp malaise" because I really thought you were simply using that as a Middle-earth word for malaria.

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Strider

More excellent characterization. Merry and Pippin being seen through a fresh set of eyes, and proving themselves worthy kinsmen to Frodo's old friend. Very nice.

Dreamflower · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 1: The Doom of Men

After reading your adorable bit of "puppy fluff", I was tempted to come and check out your other AU stories. I was surprised to remember I had read "Quarantined" before I had figured out how to leave reviews. But somehow I had missed this one. A *very* promising start. I like the idea of keeping events the same, while changing only the interactions of the characters. Love your Merry--absolutely perfect!

Budgielover · 6 December 2003 · Chapter 25: Epilogue

As I so often do with your stories, I had to sit back and think about this one for a while. Not because they were convoluted or difficult to understand, but because I felt a deeper meaning than went beyond the surface words. I was both surprised and satisfied with Gandalf's move of making Aragorn forget his earlier memories and affection for Frodo, for you are absolutely right - how could Aragorn send someone he loved so into such dreadful danger and hardship? I admire the thought processes that led you to this conclusion. As for the story in total, I thoroughly enjoyed it. As you always manage to do, your hobbits shine forth with a light of their own and include us in their circle of friendship and love. Wonderful, wonderful story.

Pearl Took · 5 December 2003 · Chapter 25: Epilogue

shirebound, I read this a bit ago, but didn't review right away. It took me a bit to get a handle on this epilogue. I like it. An interesting twist on decisions that may or may not need to be made. What indeed would happen if others could make such decisions for us. Which choice would Aragorn have made if choosing between the two options had been offered to him? It is a wonderful "What if?" I will look forward, as always, to your new story. Pearl Took

Little Mouse · 3 December 2003 · Chapter 25: Epilogue

Hey Shirebound! I'm sorry it's been soooo incredibly long since I reviewed this story, but, well, as the song goes: "Life Happened." So back to buisness. This was such an awesome story! I thoroughly enjoyed every minutes of it. It made me smile when things weren't going so well, and reading each chapter gave me a few moments of rest in an otherwise hectic day. I thank you for that. I have to admit, when I began reading the epilogue, I didn't like it. It didn't make sense. But then Gandalf appeared, and explained, and suddenly it made perfect sense! I salute you, as well as Gentle Hobbit, for comming up with the idea. Well done. You deserve a round of applause. *leads the general populice in said round of applause* Very well done indeed. Confession time: I went back and read all of the stories you've posted. Every single last one. And now for the compliment and encouragement: You've done such a wonderful job, even at the very beginning you were a wonderful writer. Now, you are phenominal. I mean that. You've gotten better. I can tell because I can see the differences between your earliest fics and this latest one. You really have improved your writing with each story. You explore something new in each one, placing the characters in different scenarios and seeing what happens to them. The stories have gotten more complex, and the characters themselves are more defined and well-developed. No wonder I like you so much. You not only have good ideas, you've learned how to make them come alive, and you continue to hone your craft and find new ways bringing out the spirit and life of your characters. Bravo!! I will never fail to learn from you as an author. Again, I thank you. I can't wait for the next story! See you then! -Little Mouse