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Out_of_the_Frying_Pan_and_Into_the_Fire  by bryn 87 Review(s)
iiiionlyReviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/12/2010
So ... sadly I have come to the end of this wonderful tale upon whose quest Thundera Tiger sent me. And what a no hands! roller coaster ride it has been! I have laughed like a hyena, snorted like a troll, sighed like a love lorn maiden and spilt tears a plenty over my keyboard.

From flaming beards to Borafora, to that prancing vanity of a horse, to spiders chasing squirrels 'round a soap waxed floor - I stayed up way into the night trying to read just one more chapter (before I HAVE to go to bed) every night for the last four nights. This was an epic adventure to rival the original one!

So I have to say, this reminded me of a Shrek movie, where there's lots of in-your-face hilarity, but many subtle wink, wink homages as well - like Gandalf talking to the rabbits (I was sooooooooooo seeing my favorite Hare thumping his adorable big feet as he blushes via a Disney paint brush), not to mention Shadowfax's hilarious Puss-n-Boots vanity, and those are just the ones I can think of right off the top of my head. I also have to say, I was hardpressed not to skip straight from the soaped floor boards to the Mirkwood King's suppression of ignomy within his halls, by the sons of his own loins! I admit I raced through the northern contingent chapters to get to the wrathbuster scene and was rewarded beyond measure. Thranduil's ire was wonderful to behold, but his subsequent talk with Legolas aterwards, had rivers of tears threatening the Last Bridge.

I'm new to LOTR fan fiction, though not the fandom, so this rollicking ride with Lord Glorfindel (sorry, new computer, can't figure out how to go back and check spellings without losing my place in this love letter), Legalos and Gimili, OH! and Aragorn sleeping with Orcs! had me splitting my guts. The cat has refused to reside in the same room as I for the last four nights.

For all it's hilarity though, this was not just a laugh-a-minute page turner; the sober storyline woven throughout, Mirkwood in pain, Mirkwood's heir in even deeper pain, the travail of the very earth itself as the shadows encroach further and further into the lands of Middle Earth is emotively portrayed throughout the entire story. A incredibly woven, incredibly intricate word tapestry that moved me beyond words.

I will be rereading this again and again. And looking for more stories by bryn. May the blessing of nimble fingers, attending a nimble mind, upon a stellar keyboard continue to flow forth for us lesser mortals to enjoy!





Kara's AuntyReviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/21/2008
Hello bryn,

One of my favourite lines so far: “Stop being so thick-headed, you old bat!” Very funny to have Gandalf address the regal Lord of Elrond thus!

And Boromir with his twitching shoulder LOL.

The image of all those nasty crebain digging sharp beaks and claws into tender hobbit flesh was painful to say the least.

But among the many, many amusing ones were: Gimli's punishment at his father's hands; Aragorn and Boromir trying to think up casual ways to break the ice, anything with Shadowfax in it; Legolas and Gimli's silent treatment contest; the owl and the bunnies... Well, the list goes on and on.

You have an excellent sense of humour - I am thoroughly enjoying it!

M ;)

Kara's AuntyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 11/21/2008
Hello bryn,

Every chapter so far is delightful.

You have the personalities of the characters spot on - an impressive task for a story which may contain two or three main ones, but even more so considering the sheer amount of people in this story and the various races they stem from. I applaud you.

Tut, tut, Gimli for throwing rocks like a sneaky lad! I'm surprised at the rascal! Wait until his father finds out how dishonourable he was, and under the roof of their gracious Elven host, too (laughs in gleeful anticipation).

May I suggest that in the chapter titled 'Flight from Rivendell' (which was hysterical - the eventual message received by Frodo was priceless) that 'two cents' looks a bit out-of-place? Perhaps 'contribution' or some other non-contemporary word would represent Pippin's eagerness to be included just as well?

I'm loving this story!

M ;)

Kara's AuntyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/21/2008
Hello bryn,

I laughed at Gandalf's inappropriately timed mirth and Elrond's jolt from the gravity of their situation to join him.

Frodo and his leaf - very poignant. That leaf could have been either a symbol of his slowly growing lust for the Ring or the inevitability of his own fate after the conclusion of the Quest. Beautifully done!

M ;)

Kara's AuntyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2008
Hello there!

I don't know if you still get reviews sent to you (this story's a few years old), but I'll leave one anyway.

Your Glóin is so deliciously Dwarven! His speech, mannerisms, thought processes (I mean, all those colourful names for Elves - excellent). And I could almost see the look of disgust on the Elves' faces as he fiddled with his pipe - whether he lit it or not.

Great job!

M ;)

Aranel of the Golden FlowerReviewed Chapter: 19 on 5/5/2007
I was reading out some of the phrases in this chapter thinking that it sounded like french! It is also a little like a mix of Flemish/dutch, with a little of scots gaelic in it.
Je parle francais et Gaelic, et mon ami Anton parle hollandais!
je présume tu parle francais ou Je vous ai probablement confondu!

NoorReviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 9/9/2006
I loved this yarn. It had everything; humour, drama, action, slapstick and pathos. All the characters were well drawn and it was wonderful to have a tale set just before the journey to end all journeys.

Many thanks!

Noor

amasaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/24/2006
Sorry, but I have to correct you. Elves have been slain by dwarves: In the sack of Menegroth during the First Age.

NoorReviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/9/2006
A brilliant yarn!
I am really impressed.
I have read a lot of fan fiction on this site by now....and I loved your tale. It had action, humour and pathos.

Thank you very much!

When are you going to finish the other tale??

Thanbks again

Noor

docmonReviewed Chapter: 36 on 10/6/2004
*cackle, snort, giggle* "When Orcs fly!" LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And then *insert whistling noise* they do!!
I *love* that Aragorn mutters, 'didn't see that coming' after a moment.

Just hilarious!


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