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The Forest Has Eyes  by Budgielover 13 Review(s)
Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/29/2004
Forgive my lateness. This is still riveting!! A most apporpriate way for Billeh to die. I like Pippin redirecting his disappointment at being left into teaching Gimli about handling horses. And the marvelous change in Frodo's demeanor when the man is becoming entranced by the Ring. Wonderful indeed!!!

bobo bagginsReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/25/2004
I can't believe I hadn't reviewed this story yet! Sorry!

I know you have the reputation of being the Queen of Cliffhangers, but do you have to be so cruel about it? :'( If you don't update soon, yours readers may have to do something drastic!:)

Poor Frodo! What desperate act will he try now? And Legolas is only going to hurt himself more by his actions. Aragorn and Gandalf need to hurry up before it's too late.

Author Reply: Hi Bobo Baggins! I do have that reputation, don't I? *preens and tries to look humble*

I'm glad you are enjoying the story and appreciate your review. And the implied threat. Be assured that the next chapter has gone to my wonderful beta Marigold and should be back in a couple of days. My, your last three sentences are certainly prophetic... (Couldn't resist teasing you, there.)

docmonReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/23/2004
snapping bones???? I don't know whose bones I want it to be least! oww!

and master author is nassssty cruel to leave us with such a cliffhanger!!! Just as you get us going - swoop in with the 'TBC'!!

Both the fondness and cruelty Harlan is showing for Frodo are creepy in a way not often seen, certainly not in the books, and it adds to the mood of the story, the desperation Legolas and Frodo must feel.

I'm wondering a bit that Harlan's plan seems too simple and obviously flawed - but I think i'm just thinking through it too slowly. I htought Legolas can simply come back for him, but he can't, since Harlan's set a date of a month from now... so Legolas has to be ultra sneaky (not hard for him though) or he's forced to wait the month...

Not that Legolas is in any condition to think this out. Instead he reacts instinctively, as usual. But his attempt to free them is as doomed as Frodo's - he's still bound to his horse!

please, please, please! give us more soon! [and a longer chapter ]

monica
never too shameless to beg

Author Reply: Hullo Monica! I loved your 'never too shameless to beg' - I feel that way a lot, too. What a shame Real Life gets in the way of our fanfiction... :)

Thanks for your comments. I'm relieved that the Frodo/Harlan sub-storyline isn't too strong - I worked a lot on that, not wanting it to be too frightening (to the reader) but wanted it to be unsettling. This is a PG-13 story, after all, and you are right - it is a plausible aspect not seen in canon. You make me think I am succeeding.

Harlan's outlining of his ransom demand is based on some of the kidnapping documentaries I've seen (the Discovery Channel and Court TV have wonderful series on crime), where the kidnapper is trying to set up payment in a manner that most safeguards himself. You will see the results of his demands in the upcoming chapter. More soon - and it is a long chapter!

SheikanReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/20/2004
OH man! I hate to think whos bones that is snaping =[ please do update soon! I want to know who got hurt there ^-^

Author Reply: Hello, Sheikan. Thank you for your comment, and be looking for the next chapter in a few days. Your question will be answered. I'm so pleased your are enjoying the story. Thanks!

NikaraReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/20/2004
Oh dear. Whose Bones? Soon, please!

Author Reply: I had more fun writing that last sentence, Nikara. I wanted it to stay with the reader, and it looks like it has. Thank you for your comment, and for letting me know you are following the story. Thanks!

Timmy2222Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/20/2004
They had to find that Ring, hadn't they? Ah, I hope they won't mess around with it! Legolas' attempt to distract the man will only delay the taking of it, right?
One little nitpick: How could the horses of the hunters reach Boromir and company sooner than they met with Gandalf and Aragorn? How far apart are the three parties now?
It is a pity that the Fellowship splits up once more, but understandable nevertheless.

- T.

Author Reply: Hi, Timmy2222. Thank you for the reveiws - it is really kind of you to leave one for each chapter. I know that is a lot of work and I appreciate your effort. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.

Besides thanking you, I wanted to respond to your 'nitpick.' I gave that a lot of thought and decided that mistreated animals would most likely shy away from humans (and wizards). But herd-instinct would prompt them to respond to another of their kind (Bill the pony). So it was actually Bill that caused them to come forward, and then Sam was smart enough to offer them the sugar. Anyway, that was the explanation I thought of for why Boromir & Co. met some of the poor beasts first.


GalimerilReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/19/2004
Tell me more! Tell me more, oh suspensful one! This is what you do: sit your butt dow in front of that computer of yours and fortify yourself with snacks and coffee, and son't move until this is done! Hurry, you killing me with these evil cliffies!!!
Galimeril ;D

Author Reply: Now how did you know I work like that, Galimeril? (Except it is Diet Pepsi instead of coffee.) ;D

Thank you for letting me know you are following the story. Suspense and action/adventure are so much fun to write, and I am so tickled when people respond to a story like you have done. Please be assured that the next chapter will be up in a couple of days, and I hope you will enjoy it.

Gentle HobbitReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/19/2004
Crumbs! Here we go again. Another of your agonizing cliffhangers. Snapping bones? I really hope that those don't belong to the poor horses.

I like how all three characters (Legolas, Frodo, and whatsisname) reacted to the appearance of the Ring, each in their own way. Somehow, the pace or action of the chapter immediately slowed down and focussed in on the Ring as soon as it came out.

Author Reply: hee hee hee - "crumbs" yet - Gentle Hobbit, I may have to steal that from you. What an absolutely hobbity curse word!

I am so glad that you commented on the appearance of the Ring (though based on experience, I expect intelligent, thoughtful comments from you). I like imagining what Frodo felt carrying that evil thing, the strengh of will required not to let it twist and corrupt him. It is fascinating to see it influence another, always "trying to return to its master." I remember reading an interview with Peter Jackson in which he said he wanted to portray the Ring as a character, with its own motivations. That's the idea I was shooting for in that scene. (And setting up the cliffhanger - of course!)

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/19/2004
And then what happens??? Goodness, Budgie!

*stops for breath and paces frantically, waiting for Chapter 7*

Author Reply: Hi, Shirebound! After all the groaning I did (and made you listen to) on writing an "Elf-story," I find I am really enjoying this one. Lots of blood, gore, horror, outrage ... more to come ... er - Legolas will now join the hobbits in finding out where I live. I still expect to open the door and see the Fellowship glaring at me one of these days.

And congratulations on "Mind to Mind" being chosen as one of Marigold's Best Bets. I still owe you reviews on that one. A brilliantly conceived and written story.

melilot hillReviewed Chapter: 6 on 9/19/2004
(I had some catching up to do) Great chapters :)

Author Reply: Thank you, Melilot Hill! I'm going to need some bright happy hobbit-story when this one is done. I always wonder where 'the line' is in making a fic too violent, and how close I am to it. This one isn't for kiddies, but I'm glad that you are enjoying it.

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