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Inklings of Frodo's Youth by Aunt Dora	6 Review(s)
Speedy Hobbit	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/22/2010
Yeowtch, poor Frodo! It's so good at least Bilbo is bothering to give him the time of day!

Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/17/2010
Just started reading this. Quite delightful so far, I like the way you portray Bilbo.

eiluj	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/11/2009
Very good portrayal of Bilbo. If you know about his other adventures with Gandalf, please tell us! Rather than "straw tick krabattos," how about "straw tick pallet?” Or simply "pallet" or "straw tick." Just to remind you in case you're not aware: both Rory and his sister Primula were first cousins of Bilbo's, their mothers having been daughters of the Old Took. So Primula was a closer relative of Bilbo’s than her husband Drogo, who was a second cousin. If ten years passed before Bilbo knew his cousins had died, that would require more than simply Bilbo not visiting Buckland during that time. Primula had a slew of Took first cousins. Did the Brandybucks not notify them either? They were Bilbo’s first cousins as well, and probably would have said or written something to him. And we’d have to assume also that the Brandybucks hadn’t notified Drogo’s siblings either. Dora, we know, kept up a regular correspondence with Bilbo, and surely would have mentioned her brother had died. Speaking of Dora, I hope we will meet her in this fic. Author Reply: All extremely good points, eiluj, and I will be addressing all of them in the course of the story. I'll do my best not to let the whole thing unravel before the long-expected party. The prologue and appendices of my copy of LOTR are pretty dog eared. Dora - and her reams of good advice - will be appearing shortly. Author Reply: Oh,and I made it a plump cushion instead of a straw tick krabattos. I wanted to indicate it was movable, but nevertheless comfortable.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/8/2009
Ah! A very different take on young Frodo and his time at Brandy Hall, pre-Bag End! While I have a hard time imagining that the grandson of one Master and the nephew of another, would be treated quite so cavalierly by his relatives, it's still an interesting and valid interpretation. I also found it somewhat disturbing that Bilbo had not been informed of Drogo's death-- after all, he was the head of the Baggins family, and propriety would seem to dictate that. But you put a good spin on it-- Bucklanders as suspicious of the Hobbits of Hobbiton as the other way around-- and I find myself curious to see how the scenario plays out. I really like your characterization of Bilbo in this. I especially like the thought that perhaps Bilbo did occasionally go with Gandalf on a jaunt outside the Shire from time to time. A very interesting idea-- and perhaps you will expand on that sometime. I was very touched by the little scene in which Frodo leaves the story-telling to do his duty serving Bilbo's luncheon, a neat bit of characterization that foreshadows his future sense of duty and responsibility. I also like your choice of author name; Aunt Dora is one of my favorites among the minor canon characters. Welcome to Stories of Arda, and our little group of hobbit-writers! Author Reply: You are right, Dreamflower, it is somewhat disturbing. I remember when I first read LOTR, back when I was 15, I had all sorts of questions about why, if Frodo was 12 when he was orphaned, did it take Bilbo 9 years to adopt him? And where were Dudo and Dora all that time? So when I sat down recently to think it through, I thought I'd consider the premise that they didn't even know about him and see where it led. It has the benefit of (possibly) never having been done before. I've always been extremely fond of Bilbo. He showed such wisdom and moral character in the Hobbit, and was game to carry the ring in the LOTR in spite of his age. I really enjoy writing about him. His developing relationship with Frodo will be forefront in the chapters but yes, I'll expand on his jaunts. What made me most curious about Frodo has long been the question of just what was it about him that caused Bilbo to adopt him and Merry,Pippin and Sam to go on his quest with him. That will be explored at length. I'm hoping the Stories of Arda group will like it in the long run.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/7/2009
Ah--Quite a different childhood from the one I've imagined, I must say; but a most intriguing one! I look forward to more! Author Reply: Thanks, Larner! I will do my best to keep it intriguing.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/7/2009
What a creative way to explore this important time in Bilbo and Frodo's life. I really enjoyed this chapter, and look forward to more. Author Reply: I'm glad you are enjoying it, Shirebound. There's more in development.

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