Oh dear! Of all the hobbits Frodo is the one to go missing! At least their Fellowship is made of a variety of folk and hopefully all will be well. Aragorn did a good job in fgiruing out what happened. Gimli knowing about the stone work came in handy. I do hope they are able to find Frodo before too much harm befalls him! At first when Sam went to Bill I thought perhaps had had run off or something, I was gald to see him back, once more prepared. While I'm talking about Sam, how very unfair of everyone to assume he had rope and then for them, especially Gandalf, to seem so put out by! Gandalf should have thought to take rope! Grumpy old wizard! Hope they will be able to find Frodo soon! Looking forward to more!
Lindelea
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Ay-yi-yi! Shades of The Black Mountain! (Have you read that one? It's not hobbits, but was well-enough done to hold my admittedly scattered attention.)
Nice details, as usual, great ratcheting up of the tension, as if we weren't worried enough before...
Looking forward (as always) to more.
Andrea
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
It's surprising how quick a story can take a completely different turn. From the teasing of the three cousins, where Merry and Pippin obviously enjoy Frodo's misstep, to this feeling of suspense and hidden danger.
It seems as if all evil in Middle Earth is focused on the Ringbearer, to prevent him from fulfilling his task!
I would like see Frodo's POV in the next chapter, but - of course- you're the author and you're doing a great job. Please continue soon!
Estelnalissi
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
That's twice now Budgielover has written a chapter which flows so engrossingly that the cliff hanger ending slammed in to me out of nowhere. In this chapter, especially, who would expect Boromir's poetic speech to leave us in a high state of anxiety about Frodo's fate in the clutches of the menacing, silent, organized enemy, so evil it had been walled up? If I'd been reading on that ledge the conclusions of either chapter would have sent me to the bottom of the crevass. I'm so frustrated with the suspense I may have to take up head banging!
Caught Between Light and Dark has so much, including an unpredictable plot, dabs of humor, and the Fellowship working together at its best.
One example of the author's sensitivity and understanding of the characters is the scene where Aragorn bids Pippen to take guard duty because Gimli's physical strength is needed. Staring at an empty landscape with his back to Frodo's emergency is the last thing curious, active, concerned Pippin wants to do, but Aragorn perceptively explains so that Pippen not only assumes the watch without pouting, but does so fiercely knowing that by doing so he is helping to keep Aragorn from falling.
Sometimes, as in chapter one, the Fellowship makes plans through discussion. Then there are the beautiful moments when they function in perfect accord without words as when elderly Gandalf flexes his wrists and grasps the blanket.
Descriptions of the clues Aragorn finds on the ledge, the Fellowship watching from above, and the entrance to the tunnel are so vivid I feel as if I've seen, Caught between Light and Dark, the Movie! My favorite image was of Sam trying to restrain himself by clamping both hands over his mouth and of his eyes peering out above them mad with worry.
Actually, my mouth needs two handed clamping so this review doesn't run longer than the chapter, but I can't wind down without saying I'm always deeply touched by the good, brave hearted Boromir, whose fate is so tragic. Therefore I especially apppreciated his eloquent explanation of how Frodo was chosen to be kidnapped as a means of demoralizing all of the Fellowship and condemning all of the free people of middle Earth.
Take your time, Budgielover. The wait will be worth it.
GamgeeFest
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
This is off to a wonderful, suspenseful and altogether creepy start! I loved everyone teasing Frodo in the first chapter, and how quickly they became serious when they realized Frodo was missing. You've got me on the edge of my seat.
Dreamflower
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
*whew* What a mysterious tale you are constructing! This is intriguing and suspenseful! Will we see Frodo's POV, or is it all going to be from the searchers'?
*bites nails until the update*
Breon Briarwood
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
ACK! *bites fingernails* Suddenly we've lost that light and fun feeling from the beginning. Can't wait for more.
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Another excellent cliffhanger sequence. Will be following this.
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Interesting cliffhanger, I must say. Sounds well in character for the period within the quest.
girlofring
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
very intriguing. Cannot wait for the next chapter. I hope that whatever it is, does not hurt (coughs) our Ring-bearer too badly.
Mysterious Jedi
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Wow, what could possibly be down there? I wish to see more!
girlofring
· 2 March 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
This is going to be interesting. You say I have imagination, I can't wait to see where you will take us readers with this story!!!
Pearl Took
· 1 March 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
A literal cliffhanger!!! Your interaction between the hobbits is perfect!!! Wonderful, Wonderful!!
Author's reply
Writing hobbity humor is so much fun! Poor Frodo - he reminds me of a childrens' song my grandmother used to sing, "Everybody hates me, nobody loves me, I'm going out into the garden and eat worms..." Of course, after the humor, the REAL fun starts. (heh, heh, heh)
Breon Briarwood
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
*giggle**snort*
This is too funny! More please?!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the light-hearted beginning, BB! Now that you are nice and relaxed, and your guard is down... *grins*
Mysterious Jedi
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
I hope there's more soon. Poor Frodo. Pippin and Merry oughtn't taunt their only cousin so, but I can definitely see why they would be tempted!
Author's reply
I view it as an affectionate taunting of a much-loved (and respected) older cousin. I remember one of my family saying, "I wouldn't bother to tease you if I didn't love you," and I try to incorporate that in the relationship between the cousins. And I have this sneaking suspicion that Frodo is quietly enduring it, while plotting his revenge...
Dreamflower
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
OOOooohhhh...mysterious ending. You are taking the term "cliffhanger" literally this time, LOL!
I love Merry and Pippin teasing Frodo about being so accident prone. And I love how all the solutions have something wrong with them. I am really looking forward to the rest of this.
Do you think popcorn is in order?
Author's reply
I think this one is going to be much more movie-verse than book-verse. Poor MovieFrodo, falling over all the time! Some of those slips are obviously scripted but I think some aren't. Anyway, it gives MovieFrodo an endearing trait that lends itself well to teasing. I would have loved to have seen a scene like that with MovieMerry and MoviePippin.
Lindelea
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
A promising start!
I once saw Stephen King interviewed. He talked about this story that gnawed at the back of his mind: the ladies' room in an airport. People go in, no one comes out. A man contacts security--his wife went in but never came out. Security goes in... (can't remember if there is a scream or not). Never comes out. The interviewer asked what happened next. King said he had no idea! But it was a recurring thought...
Hopefully you have more idea than Mr. King.
And I am tempted to devote an entire chapter of "Angst" to Budgielover's "incidents" between Rivendell and Moria...
Author's reply
Oohhh, what a cool idea ... also an interesting insight into a fantastically creative mind. I always know where my stories are going - the fun is in getting there. AND I think a new chapter of "Angst" would be wonderful. Chapter one is still my favorite, though; it is just so clever and Frodo is so perfect in his paranoia and indignation...
Elwen
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
The humour in the banter between the hobbits is so perfect. And I could see Legolas as you described him. You had his movements so well. But please don't keep me . . . er . . . Frodo hanging on too long for the next instalment.
Author's reply
*grins* I've been accused of so many 'cliffhangers' that I decided at least one of my stories should have a literal one. Don't worry ... Frodo won't be left hanging on that ledge much longer (heh, heh, heh)...
Templa Otmena
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
I adored the humour and the characterisations of everybody. The opening to the chapter was marvellous and it was so entertaining as everything fell into place. The turn around in tone towards the end was a shock and executed excellently. I'll be a-musing over that summary until you next post and I cannot wait to see what ahppens next.
UPDATE SOON!
Author's reply
Thank you for your review, Templa Otmena. (What an interesting name!) 'My' hobbits are patterned after Tolkien's, of course, but I think they might be more 'accessible' to readers, encompassing more humor and also 'humanness' than the dignified hobbits of canon. I always see the lads as affectionate and caring of each other, quick to seize an opportunity for play and teasing. Until things turn dark, that is... *grins*
harrowcat
· 28 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
I have never seen a comic story/situation turn so quickly in just seven words - brilliant. Can't wait for the next chapter. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat! I worked on that a long time, and am so pleased that the effort was appreciated. Chapter two coming soon!
Starfire_Moonlight
· 27 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
This is good. I love reading stories like this one. You put in the right amount of comic in it too. Can't wait till chapter two! :D
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the humor - I like to start out that way if the story allows for it. And hobbits are so inherantly humorous (and cute and cuddly and adorable and would all be horrified to hear me say that...)
Ariel
· 27 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Hmmm... the humor is even stronger than your usual - which makes the lack of response from Frodo seem really incongruous. Hmmm... will it be angsty or comedic? You have piqued my curiousity.
Also wanted to compliment you on the website. Is it new? Nicely done! One stop budgie shoping! :D
Author's reply
Ahah! You won't find out until the second chapter! *grins*
And thank you for the compliment on my website. I don't know if I'll keep it when the half-price trial period is up. I'll probably move it to a less expensive host. Meantime, though, I'm having more fun playing with it.
Arwen Baggins
· 27 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Uh-oh! *sings* Someone's in trouble. I love this story already!
eiluj
· 27 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Well, of course you have a long history of doing horrible things to the poor hobbit -- but now you've lost him entirely!
Frodo?
esamen
· 27 February 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Budgie, this is great. It's wonderful on many levels, in fact -- fun, a little h/c, and some goog insider joking about Frodo's many troubles between Rivendell and Moria. Fabulous! I can't wait for chapter two! happy typing!
Esamen