Reviews of The Terror of Buckland

good_one_pip · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 5: The Offering

Oh, that was wonderful! You needn't apologize to Professor Tolkien; he would have been proud of your passion, even if that might not have been the tween Frodo he would have written. There aren't that many stories that show the Frodo-Merry relationship, and you now have so much potential. The way you developed the plot and characters was so good (and sad! I was near tears quite a few times!) I see you only have two stories up so far, and I intend to get right to reading your newest one. I love how much emotion you've poured into this one. How do you capture Frodo's spirit so perfectly? Keep writing more stories!

Author's reply

Thank you so much for saying I've captured Frodo's spirit, I'm honored that you think so. Frodo's relationship with Merry is developed further in "All's Fair," as Merry is older. But that story is in a somewhat different vein than this one; I guess you could call it a coming-of-age story. Hope you like it!

good_one_pip · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Black Bull of Bamfurlong

This is the first time I've read any of your stories, and I'm quite enjoying them. I started reading , but decided to look at some of the chapters from "The Terror of Buckland" first. It's a very interesting tween Frodo you've managed to capture. The Frodo still scarred by the loss of his parents, yet not yet scarred by the ring. The young, reckless, Frodo trying to find meaning in his life. I also like the gift of drawing you've given him. I myself love to sketch. It's sad that Frodo is so closed to everyone around him. I think it's going to take a Took, Brandybuck, and Gamgee to show him the true meaning of love. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately considering the tribulations needed to get to that point) that won't happen for quite a few years:) I love the line "a credit ot the famliy name...just now that seemed about as likely an event as the return of the king." Ironic, isn't it?

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I’m glad that you like “my” tween Frodo. For some reason, it’s easy to imagine him as an artist as well as writer. You’re the first person ever to comment on the line about “the return of the King.” In Appendix A of LOTR it says “…for a long time many [Shire-folk] still looked for the return of the king. But at last that hope was forgotten, and remained only in the saying When the King comes back, used of some good that could not be achieved, or of some evil that could not be amended.” I thought it would be nice to use that somehow. Hope you enjoy the rest!

Hyrui Neoju · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 5: The Offering

You are a Master Writter, truly, and I thank you for taking the time and effort to write such a wonderfull tale. I will treasure it as one of my favourites.

Author's reply

And I thank YOU for taking the time and effort to let me know you liked it! It always brightens my day to hear from a reader, especially when it's been a while since the story was posted and I'm not really expecting it.

MaidenofValinor · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 5: The Offering

Aw...what a beautiful story! Frodo's speech to Merry made me cry! Altogether a wonderful story and excellent idea. I'd like to see more of Frodo at Bag End, but, alas, most people think nothing of Merry without Pippin. I am off to read more of your work so hopefully you'll be getting more reviews from me! You really thrilled me. Thanks bunches!

Author's reply

And thank YOU for your kind review! But, er, don't go looking for more of my work just yet, because I'm embarrassed to say that's all there is so far. I'm trying hard to finish story #2, which continues Frodo's adventures in Buckland. So with any luck, look for it in about a month. And thanks again for your interest and encouragement!!

MaidenofValinor · 17 January 2005 · Chapter 4: Flood Tide

Aw...the begining is so sad! I am worried for Frodo! Eep! Very good job! I'll continue reading.

MaidenofValinor · 17 January 2005 · Chapter 3: Late Harvest

GREAT CHAPTER! THat was one of the cleverest things I've chanced upon EVER! This is a wonderful story so far! I have not been finding much in the way of entertainment lately and this really made my day.

Author's reply

Thank you so much...you really made MY day! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, so I'm glad you had fun reading it.

pipinheart · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Flood Tide

You can feel how much frodo loved his parents,and they were taken from him at such a young age. He is teased and mocked,and he feels unloved by those that should love him. He goes to the river on a vengence,as a battle of wills. You feel a sadness for frodo,and want someone to love the orphan child... Great story...

Author's reply

Frodo is loved more than he thinks, but not as much as he needs. It's nice to get feedback on the story's emotional impact...thank you!

pipinheart · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 5: The Offering

Very nice...Frodo has great luck and it sends him into trouble...His uncle just dosen't understand him... It would be nice to see another story, with frodo and merry growing up,and him teaching merry things... A great story

Author's reply

Well, now that you mention it...I am working on a sequel of sorts, set a few years later. While it doesn't center on Frodo's and Merry's relationship, that's definitely a part of it. So stay tuned, and thank you so much for taking the time to review this story, Pippenheart! I really appreciate it.

LaughingBrook · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 5: The Offering

Thank you for writing this - not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but I learned a few things, too!

Author's reply

Ah, entertaining AND educational...glad to hear it! Thanks, LaughingBrook!

Larner · 16 December 2004 · Chapter 5: The Offering

Love it as always.

Author's reply

Thanks for your kind words, Larner. ps--I've added three of your fics to my backlogged "to read" list, including your WIP...they look marvelous!

Larner · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Flood Tide

I'd forgotten about Gorbadoc and Mirabella. Am waiting for the next chapter restlessly.

Author's reply

Sorry to leave you hanging! *grins* Should get last chapter posted later today.

Arwen Baggins · 14 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Flood Tide

Gorbadoc's info isn't problematic. That may have been referring to when they were first married since we don't know when that was. ex. 1360(prim and drogo married), 1363(Gorbadoc dies), 1368(frodo born). See it still works. Couples don't have to have kids right after they're married and some can't. So, it still works. They enjoyed his feasts. And Rorimac may have kept his father's tradition of having a few hundred people in the Hall. Though I'll admit it does sound a bit odd. Love this story, btw. I've always wondered what Farmer Maggot meant by "worst young rascal of Buckland". All of the other fic writers depict him as a sullen boy who would withdraw into books and things. But that's not the making of a rascal. Keep it up.

Author's reply

Hmm, I always thought the Gaffer meant they were staying with Gorbadoc the night they "drownded"...oh well, whether or no, Gorbadoc lives in this story! I'm glad you're enjoying it, and my take on Frodo...while he does like his books, his rascally reputation is well deserved! Coming soon: the final chapter.

pipinheart · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Late Harvest

Really good! I feel for poor frodo,he seems so unhappy... Little merry seems to make him happy for a while. It seems some-one always wants to find fault with him... He should never had eaten those grapes,they ended up being his misery... keep up the great job...

Author's reply

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it! As you'll see little Merry has an important part to play before the end...

Larner · 12 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Late Harvest

I must say this has had me choking with laughter. Excellently written and researched!

Author's reply

I'm glad it gave you a chuckle! This is my own favorite chapter in the story.

Larner · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 2: Prize Pig

So, Frodo and Saradoc are equally cognizant of the limitations of words. Poor chicken. Well written.

Author's reply

You are a master of the insightful one-line review! I love it when reviewers notice things I didn't see myself. Thanks!

Ariel · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 1: The Black Bull of Bamfurlong

Oh goody! This is a marvellous fic and so deserves to be here! I couldn't be more delighted to see it turn up here at my favorite website! Yeah!!!

Author's reply

Thanks for the warm welcome! *hugs* I posted it here because the story I'm currently working on is a sequel of sorts, and if I ever get the durn thing finished I want to publish it here...so "Terror" needed to go up first.

Larner · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 1: The Black Bull of Bamfurlong

I can also remember wanting to be unloved in my childhood. Find I can empathise with your Frodo. Well written.

Author's reply

Thank you Larner, I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that you "got" Frodo's response to Ezzie. In this story Frodo's problems are at least partly of his own making.

Reviews (17)