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The Minstrel's Quest  by Gentle Hobbit 7 Review(s)
BudgieloverReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/9/2005
I was so pleased to see what period of time you are covering here - it is one of my favorites. Like the time of Frodo's recovery in Rivendell, this is passed over much too quickly in the books. I love your use of Tolkien voice, the formal phrasing, and look forward to the development of this story. I DO wish you had given us more of the Ring-bearers' arrival by Eagle - that was too short. Of course, 500 pages wouldn't have been long enough...

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/7/2005
So it indeed must be, whether one crafts this lay or sculpts a memorial. Obviously the theme strikes a chord with me.

trishetteReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/19/2004
Oh, what a wonderful idea this is for a story! I do not recollect anyone ever endeavoring to write about the thinking process of the minstrel(s) who composed "The Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom." Are you going to write up an actual lay, or just the tale of the thinking process? Well, I suppose I ought to proceed to the next chapter in order to learn more!

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/28/2004
I noticed this story for the first time only when the new chapter came up and I've been trying to get to it since then. What a wonderful beginning. I think there's something especially thrilling to us story-tellers in the tale of the one who told a story we love.

Author Reply: There *is* something thrilling about it, isn't there! Thank you for saying that.

And the character of Frodo is so rich with so many nuances that are often forgotten or glossed over. By Farohan taking the time to learn all he can, perhaps there is a way for this story to bring back the rich depth and breadth of Frodo's personality, and the changes he goes through.

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/19/2004
This is a wonderful start! I love stories set at this time and I enjoyed your 'Trial' so much, I am sure this will be as wonderful a tale. Looking forward to more...

Author Reply: Thank you! I hope that I can live up to your expectations! I see this story as fitting into the "Trial universe" (if there is such a thing).

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/19/2004
Someone's finally writing this story! What a wonderful beginning, GH, and the dialogue is just perfect. Can't wait for more!

Author Reply: I'm also surprised that someone hasn't done this before. But I like to write about things that haven't already been explored -- I can come at this completely fresh with only my thoughts and ideas.

GrimnirReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/19/2004
What a great idea for a story. Now we will finally listen to the complete lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers?! ;-)

Your writing is very "Tolkienish", I love that.

"My task now is to learn truly about the Ring-bearer Frodo. Who is he, and what may we learn from him -- he who saved us all." Great task to explore. I'm looking forward very much to your new chapters :-)

Author Reply: Thank you, Grimnir, for your review. I'm glad you like the story's premise -- it is one that I have planned and looked forward to writing for a long time!

But I am sorry -- I *won't* be writing the lay! I don't have any talents in that direction. I realize that in writing such a tale I am laying myself open to such expectations. Nevertheless, the story is about Farohan's search for understanding about Frodo, and not (directly) about the lay itself.

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