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| When Winter Fell by Lindelea | 195 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 4/9/2026 |
| I find I am not warming to Grim, whose temper matches his dear-name. Smarmy fellow if I've ever seen one. Glad that Isen is able to support his mother first, and that she is so glad to see him full of life and in his glory. Author Reply: Grim is not the most sympathetic character I've ever written, true. He may or may not improve. We shall see. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 4/9/2026 |
| To be on the cusp of maturity is proving an irritant and a glory for this tween. May he find steadiness. But we know in time his Took side will shine out for him, and so many will consider him Mad Baggins when he is truly at the height of his abilities. Author Reply: Bilbo is growing up. Not only that, but Isen's sojourn with the Bagginses of Bag End, along with other events to come, will help the process along. Isn't it ironic that his heroism and self-sacrifice, along with flexibility and willingness to learn new ways, were associated with madness in the eyes of his fellow Shire-folk? To my mind, they would have benefited from allowing even a little such madness into their lives and attitudes. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/9/2026 |
| A good, Hobbity journey, filled with good meals and pleasurable company. And Bilbo wants to start over? Heh! Love the new walking cane. It should prove handy in many ways, even might be useful in disciplining his pushy older brother! Author Reply: This chapter reminds me (and maybe even came out of, originally) of riding Amtrak all the way across the country, coast to coast and back again. Even though we rode "coach" (getting beds in a sleeper car would not have fit our budget), at least the seats reclined, and the seats even had USB ports we could use to charge our phones (meaning I could play an audiobook all night with a droning reader to shut out train noises and get a fairly decent sleep). Between the West Coast and Chicago, the train had an "observation car" that was mostly big windows and offered a panoramic view, and I spent a lot of time there just marveling at the passing landscape. We met some interesting people, including a well-traveled pit bull. I wouldn't mind traveling by that means again. Thanks for taking the time to share your impression! I really appreciate it. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 4/8/2026 |
| How clearly Bungo sees the weakness of his wife's family! Love the TOAST! Author Reply: I suspect it's easier to see the flaws from the outside and much harder to perceive them from having been born into a family and having grown up within its structure and traditions and relationships (and toxic elements, not that I see Hobbits as having the same capacity for toxicity as Men – still, the Shire has its bad apples too, like Lotho and Lobelia and Ted Sandyman, though in my stories Lobelia and Ted saw the error of their ways. Eventually. Which fits Tolkien's universe well, with his belief in second chances.). The TOAST just seemed the right thing at the moment! Very hobbity, I should think. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 4/8/2026 |
| I am personally touched by this most thoughtful of gifts. To remember his old crew would make Isengar so proud and humble at that moment! Delightful story twist. And am glad to think that Bilbo feels like he would be able to fly on the wind. Bless all the Bagginses and the one Took in the mix! Author Reply: Poor Isen... how could he go all the way through the grief process and emerge on the other side if even the mention of the Sea was prohibited, much less his memories of the ship that was his home for so long, and the crewmates that became his family? Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 4/8/2026 |
| Bilbo is learning that there is a positive side to sharing his mother's bounty! And I love to see Isengar realize that here in Hobbiton he is accepted as a decent Hobbit who is not as odd as had been rumored. Lovely visit. Author Reply: It makes such a difference when expectations are light and reasonable instead of heavy and oppressing (and, frankly, depressing)! It's been such fun to imagine Bungo and Belladonna, what their personalities might have been like and how they raised Bilbo, considering how their son turned out. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 4/8/2026 |
| The repetition of the heavy rain would be boring! May Fortinbras find something more interesting to write about soon! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/8/2026 |
| A marvelous gift indeed, that from Isengar. May he be blessed indeed! Author Reply: As I wrote that part, I was remembering the time when my dad received the gift of a Meerschaum pipe. I was very little at the time, but I still remember the smooth white surface that such a pipe displays before its first use, and the intricate carving of a man's face – a bearded fisherman, perhaps? It's so long ago, I don't remember it clearly anymore. I do remember hearing the gift-giver explaining how the pipe would darken over time with use and careful handling. I don't know what happened to it after his death, but hopefully someone has that treasure and it remains intact to this day. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 4/8/2026 |
| I appreciate his worry about Gandalf's health, leaving as he did in such inclement weather. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 3/14/2026 |
| They'd owe him an explanation, wouldn't they? After he'd gone to the trouble of traipsing mile after mile, simply because all the adults lacked the courtesy to inform him of their intentions? A tween's logic is infallible! Oooh, this expedition is mysterious indeed. Author Reply: Very mysterious! It would probably have remained secret if Bilbo hadn't tagged along. Thanks so much for continuing to read and comment. It's always encouraging to hear from you. (((hugs))) | |