News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Way Home by Lindelea | 249 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| KathyG | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/21/2025 |
| Whoa! How on earth does Shadowfax learn what has happened to Gandalf? This is hard on both horses! Author Reply: I thought long and hard about it, and in the end I concluded that there was a connection between Gandalf and Shadowfax. Part of that was based on Gandalf's own words: Gandalf caressed him. ‘It is a long way from Rivendell, my friend,’ he said; ‘but you are wise and swift and come at need. In the book, Shadowfax seems to be in the right place at the right time, at least where Gandalf is concerned. You're right; the connection I've imagined between Gandalf and Shadowfax (and Bill, through the Voices) is a complicating factor in Bill's journey. Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts! | |
| Lady Forlong | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/14/2025 |
| I'm glad Shadofax set him straight about that "only a pony" stuff. Author Reply: I'm glad, too. Shadowfax is a good influence. I figure he would have to be since his chosen Rider is Gandalf! (Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts.) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/14/2025 |
| I caught only bits and snatches of meanings from the words my Hobbits spoke to me and around me. But as we travelled together, I seemed to learn more and more. And then in that marvellous Valley, I learned more. What a fun and interesting detail! Author Reply: Thank you! Bill has turned out to be an example of the phenomenon of "the company you keep..." (Pardon me if I'm scrambling my words; I've muddled my brain with chocolate and probably won't be thinking clearly again until tomorrow. Ah, but it was worth it...) (((hugs))) It's good to hear from you! | |
| Erulissé | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/13/2025 |
| “I am only a pony, I begin. No "only" about it! my Companion says sharply. Startled, I jump, expecting a nip to follow after. But the great horse only snorts softly, and then says, “My apologies, little one. You are a pony, and that is the absolute truth, but you have no cause to apologize for that fact. From what I was able to perceive of my Rider's mind when he reached out to me to send me to your side, you have no cause to apologize at all, whether for your small stature or for your very understandable confusion when some topic comes up that is beyond your ken.” Most horses and ponies of my acquaintance could not be described as being long-winded. In contrast, this is rather a long thought to work my way through, but in the end, I nod and say the only thing that comes to mind: ‘Apologies accepted.’” Such wisdom. It is a lesson I know I need to keep in mind, and I also know people who could also benefit from this teaching. How lovely. I have really enjoyed watching Bill grow and learn, becoming more confident. I loved Asfaloth and Merrylegs, and now Shadowfax, teaching him, and guiding him, and helping him grow. It is so beautiful. Bill is really coming into his own. I hope we will be able to see him interacting with Shadowfax again at the end of the journey when Gandalf rides with the hobbits back to the Shire. It will be interesting to see if/how each of them has grown and changed like their riders. Author Reply: Poor Bill. He had a good foundation with his dam and the old man who owned them, but his time with Bill Ferny shook his confidence and made him feel small and helpless despite his plucky spirit and great heart. He has learned an awful lot over the past few months, and even though he doesn't recognize how much he's grown in wisdom and understanding, I think Shadowfax will provide him a proper "mirror" of sorts to see himself in. Hopefully I'm making sense; I rather overdosed on chocolate today, a relatively rare occurrence. (But incredibly satisfying...) Thanks so much for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts! I very much appreciate it. | |
| Lady Forlong | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/12/2025 |
| Too bad he's not going to have Shadowfax all the way, because sooner or later Gandalf is going to need his horse again. But I suppose the "Voices" will be back then. Either way, I'm glad Bill is getting some help along the way. Author Reply: You make several excellent points! Many thanks for reading and pausing to share your thoughts. I find reviews so encouraging. | |
| KathyG | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/12/2025 |
| Hey, you should include a link to The Tenth Walker in your story summary! That way, those who haven't read it yet can do so before reading this one, if they choose. Author Reply: Thanks for the suggestion! I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it work, but it did. Whew! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/10/2025 |
| Hooray for a delicious and reviving drink! Something tells me that my Hobbits will seek to return to that marvellous Valley, and I intend to be there to welcome them when they arrive at last. Dear Bill, what an encouraging foresight. Author Reply: Blessed Bill. He's quite wise; he remembers the connection between his hobbits and the old pet, making the Valley the most likely place to find them again. It was such a relief when Bill quenched his thirst! Every time I pick up my flask of ice and water these days, I savor the taste and refreshing feeling in part because poor Bill was thirsty for such a long time! Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts! | |
| KathyG | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/9/2025 |
| All right, Shadowfax, you stay right at Bill's side until he's back in Bree and under Butterbur's care! I love how Shadowfax is looking after Bill and protecting him from harming himself. Hmm, I wonder. Will Bill even need the Voices with Shadowfax there to guide and look after him? Author Reply: Well, it's not all smooth going, or Bill wouldn't have been "skinny as a rail" when he arrived in Bree... So he probably can use all the help that's available... At least JRRT wrote about his fate, which I found quite reassuring when writing this second half of his story. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/8/2025 |
| Yes, Shadowfax, called to aid Bill as he can. Love the comparison of this battle to the former one, with these wolves revealed to be natural ones. And Shadowfax's recognition of Tall Hat as his chosen Rider, one who'd won his respect--that was masterful! Now, to figure out where "BACK" might be. Author Reply: Thankfully daylight removes any doubt. Hopefully it's plausible that Gandalf could reach Shadowfax's mind from so far away. I suppose, alternatively, Gandalf might have communed with Radagast, and the Brown Wizard might have conveyed Gandalf's message to the horse, either personally or through a bird courier. Thanks so much for all the lovely reviews you've left me. They're both encouraging and provide additional food for thought. (As far as "back", Bill is kind of figuring out things as he goes along, as we'll see in future chapters.) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 6/8/2025 |
| A fascinating story for young Bill to have heard. It certainly challenged his imagination of Rangers being all lone wanderers about the Breelands. That Bill came of Ranger ponies stock is fascinating, and explains how he came to have his great heart. Well thought out! Author Reply: Thank you! Since the Professor didn't give us much background on Bill, I took the liberty of imagining a bit of family history for him. (I wonder if young Arathorn learned to ride on one of Bill's ancestors?) | |