Reviews (153)

Shireling · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths

Jo, This story just gets better and better. I am so pleased that Frodo met up with Faramir and had the chance to contact Sam. His healing is good to see and I love the way he tries to look after Radagast. Beautifully written, as always. Helen

Carol · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths

I enjoyed your story "Another Way of Leaving" very much, and this is a terrific followup. Radagast is delightful, and the story is creative and thought-provoking.

Tathar · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths

Oh, yay! I was hoping we'd get to meet Faramir. Yet again, your characterization was perfect -- I could perfectly imagine Faramir acting and speaking the way he did. And best of all -- Frodo is healed!! I nearly cried for joy when he said that. Oh, he deserved it so much! All that strength and iron will that abled him to go through Mordor with the Ring is back, stronger than ever. A good thing, too -- he could not have made the trip to Minas Morgul without his healing, I am sure. Yet again, I remember why I love Frodo so much. I know that *I* couldn't have returned to Mordor after an experience like his, even with Radagast... *sigh* I just adore this story. I can't wait for more!

shirebound · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths

You're taking us on such an incredible journey, and it's wonderful to greet old friends along the way. I'm as entranced and intrigued by this tale as I was at the beginning, and am so happy that you update so often!

Breon Briarwood · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Catching Up with Death

Another beautiful chapter. Sounds like Frodo's healing is nearly complete, although I hope the story isn't.

Tathar · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Catching Up with Death

Ohhhh, you've done it again, Jo! This is one of those chapters that I'll remember for a long time. Wow!! Gosh, what more is there to say? I was sniffling through the first half, holding my breath throughout the last half, and smiling at the very end. I LOVED the way Frodo decided to follow Radagast into Mordor -- that had me teary-eyed. (And it reminded me yet again why I adore Frodo so much...) No one should go into that land alone, even a wizard. He's right, I'm sure! And the snake bite... Silly me, I was worried for a moment that Frodo would actually die, even though I know that he returns to the Shire eventually! Very suspenseful writing there. :) Oh, I'm enjoying this story sooo much! I am completely in awe. Thank you for sharing it!

shirebound · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Catching Up with Death

Ohhh, that ending was so tender and lovely. They've both grown so fond of each other! I suspect they'll both need this love and strength for Minas Morgul... and whatever lays beyond.

liptonrm · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Catching Up with Death

I've been enjoying your story so much that I felt it was much too selfish of me to stay silent in my admiration for a moment longer. I adored Another Way of Leaving and I though I never expected a sequel, Following the Other Wizard is a lovely, gentle follow-up to the threads initiated there. I adore your Frodo, he is beaten-down but not yet broken. His drive to live and his courage are quiet and strong, just the way I've always seen him. Your depiction of Radagast has brought him to life and has transformed a minor character into a force to be reckoned with. It seems appropriate that where one wizard was followed into combat and death the other is being followed to healing and life. What gorgeous symmetry. I'm really looking forward to what comes next. I doubt I can imagine what Mordor will truly be like.

Yavanna · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Rhosgobel

I´m a voratious reader of Frodo-centered fanfiction. I love so much the character that I can´t resign myself to say him goodbye at the end of LOTR... However, in general, I prefer canon fiction, because of the lack of respect that so many authors show for Tolkien´s work when writing AU stories. After telling that, I have to confess that I´m enjoying greatly your fanfic and I´m finding very interesting the healing "pilgrimage" of Frodo with Radagast (although I would never agree with the initial point: Frodo trying to commit suicide, for me, simply it doesn´t fit with his personality and his ability to endure). Please, continue, Yavanna

Tathar · 4 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Rhosgobel

Oh, I can't tell you what a joy it is for me to read this, and see Frodo find his healing, bit by bit. From the very first time I read LotR, it was always painful to me that of all the heroes of the story, the most deserving of all was unable to find peace in his own homeland, and that he did not get a true "happy ending," but a bittersweet one. I suppose that is how it often is, for "real" heroes, but it doesn't make it any less sad. Even though, in your story, Frodo has to leave the Shire to find peace, at least he is able to stay in Middle-Earth and, if he were to wish it, could return to the Shire. That's so comforting! What a perfect companion Radagast is -- if I hadn't loved him before, this last chapter completely won me over! And what a wonderous place, Rhosgobel! It reminds me almost of Tom Bombadil's house (as Radagast reminds me slightly of Tom himself), but very different, too. I liked the small revealing of Radagast's power -- just a reminder that he *is* a wizard, after all. I would hate to ever choose between your chapters, but (as I've said before, I'm sure) this is definitely *one* of my very favorites so far. I loved meeting Grimbeorn (and Frodo's defense of Radagast was wonderful!), being introduced to Rhosgobel... everything. Saying farewell to Cuina was sad, but I hope that Frodo will meet her again, when she has a family of her own! *sigh* Thanks for a wonderful read, as always, Jo. I can't wait for more!

FantasyFan · 4 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Rhosgobel

What a wonderful chapter - a time of rest and relaxation. And Rhosgobel is a wonderful house! Does Tolkien ever say what it translates to? It sounds like a perfect place - plenty of books, a view to nature from every room, and of the unconcious type of construction that would make a hobbit very comfortable. Not to mention a pantry that seems to share the same inexhaustable magic as Radagast's sack. No wonder Frodo doesn't want to leave - I'm not sure I would either. The lament of the fallen elf is terribly sad. The idea that the harsh sounds are full of grief is interesting. In a way, it is similar to the sadness Frodo feels in thinking himself unredeemable. I loved his courage in standing up to the shape changer, not only physically with his sword, but also in his words about the fall of Gandalf. It is typical that Frodo finds his courage when the threat is to those he loves.

shirebound · 4 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Rhosgobel

Rhosgobel! Thank you for taking us there -- I've always wanted to see it.

Breon Briarwood · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Rhosgobel

Another beautiful chapter. This story is such a pleasure. It is, for the most part, quite peaceful to read - not overly angsty. Very relaxing at the end of the day. Please continue. :D

Coneflower Adams · 2 February 2004 · Chapter 11: The Lord of the Glittering Caves

What can I say??? This is such an awesome story. I love how it just progresses and goes on and it feels like your traveling along with Radagast and Frodo. It's sad to see Nano leave them. It was a surprise to see him take an interest in gen-cutting. It was good to see Gimli pop up! I am just enjoying this story very much :) I was inspired by one of the chapters where they're on the beach. An idea about something that happens while they're there is in my head. Could I use that part in the story to write my idea?

Breon Briarwood · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 11: The Lord of the Glittering Caves

This is such a beautiful, bittersweet story. It's absolutely amazing what you've done with the idea for Frodo's healing. I eagerly await more!

FabtasyFan · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 11: The Lord of the Glittering Caves

Yes, Frodo seems healed quite a bit in his physical health. I am not surprised that the March illness was less this year. But until he can fully accept who he is, and what is in his past, his healing will not be complete. It is a mark of this that he can barely speak to Gimli of it, and not at all to the other dwarves. I have a feeling Nano is not out of the story for good, is he? I'll be looking forward to what you come up with next.

shirebound · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 11: The Lord of the Glittering Caves

What a marvelous chapter. I never expected this encounter (and neither did they!). How wonderful that Nano has found his "place" at last. I wish the same for Frodo.

Tathar · 27 January 2004 · Chapter 10: A Question of Truth

**Nano thought about that, biting at his knuckle. At last he said, "If you hadn't taken it to the Mountain, they would all have been killed at the Black Gate. Aragorn would never have become King." He stepped up to Frodo and put his arms around him. "You are a hero, Donkey." He was nearly a head taller than the hobbit now, but it was a child's hug and Frodo returned it, blinking back tears.** Siiiiigh. I don't think anything else need to be said. Beautiful! :) Eagerly awaiting more!

Tathar · 27 January 2004 · Chapter 9: Mischief in the Wrong Place

Yay! I'll have you know that I squealed out loud with joy when I saw that you had updated. I am completely hooked on this story. ;) Sigh. Have I mentioned how much I love your characterization of Frodo? And Radagast? They're both brilliant, and Nano is very loveable -- and I don't think he's *too* similar to Fosco; certainly not in personality. When I mentioned the similarities between them I meant in circumstance, mostly, and their relationship with Frodo. How perfect that Nano will (hopefully) be "adopted" in Rohan! That's the perfect place for him... And does that mean that we will see King Eomer? (Although Frodo probably would not enjoy that...) He's a favorite of mine, if only because he's so overlooked. :) And probably my favorite part of this chapter -- the Wild Men! Forgive me if I'm simply ignorant, but did you make them up or are they mentioned by Tolkien somewhere? They were really fascinating. (And I love it that Frodo was ready to defend Nano and himself from them, too -- Radagast summed him up perfectly: "gentle-hearted, but with courage to defend his friends." On to the next chapter, now! :D

shirebound · 26 January 2004 · Chapter 10: A Question of Truth

Wonderful, as always. I hope, by the end of the story, that Frodo is content with who and what he is, and will hold his head high when he says his name... or hears others say it.

powerwriter · 26 January 2004 · Chapter 8: Land's End

*jumps up and runs around the room* YES! This is such an awesome story. I've been waiting for you to start Frodo and Radagast's travels. The character interaction is so good...I can't find any words to describe it better :) Nano doesn't remind me of Fosco. Though there might be some, I didn't notice any similiarities that made me go, "He's like Fosco". Cuina is adoreable! I finding myself wondering where she is when she's not around. The beach scenes have been the best so far. I can just picture it all...and it gives me shudders :P Wonderful story, Jo. Please keep going!

Tathar · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 8: Land's End

Eeee, this might be my favorite chapter so far! From Frodo saving Nano in the waves (I don't believe I breathed at all until Frodo came to on the beach!), to Frodo helping the gull (no words for that -- it was just perfect), to the end: The wizard smiled. "Broken just enough to show what it's really made of, to reveal the beauty within. Worn and shaped by suffering, but not destroyed, only made more lovely. Keep it, Donkey. It is a precious thing -- and so are you." Sigh. Perfect, perfect, perfect! That's just it. I'm curious to know how many chapters you think this will end up being? I'm hoping that it will go on for a long, long time to come! I can't get enough of it. And not just for your incredible characterization of Frodo, but also Radagast, whom I've learned to love, and Nano -- if he travels with Frodo long enough, he'll come around, I'm sure. (I hope!) You know, having just finished "Sam's Rose," I found similarities between Nano and Fosco that I find comforting, since Fosco turned out so well. ;) And yes, I will certainly be sure to let you know if that plot-bunny comes to anything -- I probably won't start it until I finish "Always a Silver Lining," but who knows? I've been writing ideas for it all day, so it might end up developing sooner than I thought! :) As always, thanks for an incredible read -- I can't wait for more!

shirebound · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 8: Land's End

Another wondrous chapter, Jo. And what a rare thing for Frodo to try not to look "so tall"! I laughed at that. What a gentle, incredible story.

shirebound · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Ruins

It took me awhile, Jo, but I finally caught up with this phenomenal story. You write like no one else, and sweep us up in the most inspiring and wondrous tales. Incredible. I eagerly await future chapters, and thank you for sharing this with us.

Tathar · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Escape

Ohh, I *LOVE* this story!! I'm sorry I haven't reviewed it before. This might very well be my favorite story of yours, in fact! Just.... beyond words! It's incredible. I've always thought that Frodo having to sail was unfair, and this is just the solution to that! And I love seeing Frodo as a healer -- I could very well imagine that; his personality lends itself perfectly to life with Radagast. Personally, when I was reading FotR, one of the things that drew me to Frodo's character was the loyalty of his friends -- such faithfulness does not come to people unworthy of it. And hobbits are not the only ones proving loyal to Frodo -- I really love the way Cuina and now Greyling are so faithful to him. And Nano, too -- although he worries me with that temper and pride of his! Perhaps Radagast and Frodo will be able to change that. Wonderful, wonderful story, I can't wait for it to be continued!!