Reviews of Ring Around the Merry (non-slash version)

Noldo wise · 25 November 2006 · Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Choices of Master Peregrin

Ah. I have seen many Tolkien fanfics but none however has ever captured me like this one has. One of the most fasinateing yet heartbreaking things about RATM is the way all the torment that Frodo must go wallow in is done out of love. In comparison to other angst fanfiction like Shatterd Dreams Frodo knows what he is doing to Sam but in this fanfic Merry thinks he is keeping everyone safe, that is one of the many things that fasinate me with this fanfic. I turly enjoyed reading it.

Larner · 2 December 2005 · Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Choices of Master Peregrin

How I managed to finish this I can't say, and I can't say I enjoyed it overmuch. That in the space of three days Merry would undergo such a full change of personality and that he would become so adept at torture and brainwashing and personality destruction is unrealistic. Then, to get to the end of the thing to find that the torture apparently goes on is most disappointing. I, of course, caught many lines stolen from here and there throughout the books and the movies as well, and appreciated them. But I'm not certain I'll put myself through the horrors of reading this ones sequel. I was proud of Pippin, though, and very disappointed in Sam.

Author's reply

Well, in part two Merry will get his conscience back, and Frodo will get back his mind. I won't say it has no violence, but it is not by hobbits, and Frodo won't be harmed at all. Strider also joins the mix when Sam and Pip get to Bree. Others have made the comment about Merry change being unrealistic. They are probably right, though as I envisioned it, Merry began to have contact with and interest in the Ring for 16 years before the journey began(Per the book - A conspiracy unmasked). I applified the interest in the AU, though I don't think I made clear it was a long and not sudden process. Comment well taken. I was told Pippin was too weak in the early chapters, so in the end here - and in part two, I made him hopefully stronger. Sorry you did not enjoy it - I think more than half who read have no idea why they keep reading! And why on earth do I keep writing! Don't I have a doctorate to finish?????

Larner · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Marked and Claimed

I am not certain why in the world I am reading this, except, perhaps, to see just how sick the story can get. I once read a VERY long story of Frodo in the Houses of Healing where he suffered just about every kind of illness an individual could go through before the author finally decided to allow him to recover--after spending almost the entire time he was in Minas Tirith there and the poor dear was numb with the desire just to die and get it over with. I feel the same way about this story--a sick fascination with what else you can devise. It's not pleasant, it's not spiritual, it's just sick. Only Sam is keeping me going, I think. I'd like to see this get BEYOND Frodo and Pippin torture to some actual story.

Author's reply

Snort! Well you won't be the first to have this sentiment. I've been told this story is like fanfic CRACK - addictive and bad for the mind. I actually became much more aware of moving the story along near after the Lustration chapter, when poor frodo is at last broken and treated like a beloved and obedient pet. At that point the story is less violent - at least until the very end. I like sam throughout, and he and Pippin have my favorite scenes together in the later chapters. Keep reading - You'll feel dirty in the morning, but you know you want to! ;) -emma

Larner · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Lies and Crumpets

Poor naive Pippin.

Larner · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Awakening

So, this Saruman Merry uses drugs as well a sex, does he? Not nice at all. Have I said how I hate him as yet?

Larner · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Slumber

No, he won't follow orders, will he?

Larner · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Tea and Dissonance

He's definitely become a nasty boy, Merry has. I don't think I like him.

Larner · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1: A Conspiracy Unmasked

This new, disimproved Merry is a real mess, a Saruman in the Shire. And already Sauron is seeking to give him orders? Yecch!

Larner · 28 November 2005 · Chapter 0: Prelude 4: Farewell Feast

Obviously Saruman has gotten to Merry here. Interesting. And Sam somehow managed to tell in spite of himself? Gads!

Larner · 28 November 2005 · Chapter 0: Prelude 3. A Conspiracy Formed

So, Merry has actually held it, has he? Another way the thing has managed to see him as malleable.

Larner · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 0: Prelude 5. To Crickhollow!

I find myself with Sam here. Too much knowledge about the Black Riders certainly doesn't sound right for me, either.

Author's reply

sam will have plenty to more to worry about soon too! Thanks for writing!

Ariel · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Choices of Master Peregrin

You got through the whole thing! Yeah! I am glad to see the story up here and I will be delighted to read through Redemption again as it's posted. I have really enjoyed seeing your writing improve through the course of the story. You always have had a twistedly entertaining plot idea and a pulp fiction style that you couldn't stop reading, no matter how angsty it got - LOL! - but the response you've had to my bullwhip and hatchet have been very gratifying. Keep up the good work.

Larner · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 0: Prelude 2: Coming of Age

A most interesting premise. I will read it here rather than FFN as I am not that into slash, thanks. But the idea that the Ring would be working on Merry's ambitions is an interesting one.

esamen · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1: A Conspiracy Unmasked

Pretty interesting story line . . . I would like to keep on reading! But something seems to be wrong with my view of the page. The print becomes bold halfway through, and the lines of text are wider than the the screen. Is anything wrong? Hope to read the rest of it . . . thanks

JULES6 · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 0: Aelfgifu's author notes and FAQ

Hi Aelfgifu, I really liked this paragraph of the chapter: Pippin could ask Frodo about anything, and often did. Sometimes it seemed to Pippin that Frodo was the only adult hobbit who was not try to transform him into anything. Frodo was a quiet, soothing presence with whom the young heir could feel completely at ease. and I really like the idea of Merry and Pippin using Sam as their secret weapon to finding out what Frodo was up to. A very logical choice to some - maybe not to others. Keep up the great work - off to the next chapter. JULES

Author's reply

hi jules! I just wanted to let you know that I have finally updated Ring around the Merry on stories of arda! Thank you so much for taking the time to review! I just added 10 more chapters! --aelfgifu!

JULES6 · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 0: Prelude 3. A Conspiracy Formed

I really like your description of Merry and how his maturity has grown in this story. These are very nice moments between the two hobbits and I like how they interact with one another. Although Frodo is my favourite hobbit, I always thought there was a more serious side to Merry, and the comic relief was at times when it was needed. I like the cute idea about putting the ring on when SB's turned up - probably not a very good idea seeing as what is to come - but a nice thought - he could disappear from all of his troubles. Looking forward to Sam's introduction. JULES

JULES6 · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 0: Prelude 5. To Crickhollow!

I always like to explore the idea of what Merry thought of Frodo leaving Brandy Hall. I also like Frodo's persona where he has never been given any attention since his parents passed away - always looked over and misplaced with so many other people about. JULES

JULES6 · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 0: Prelude 4: Farewell Feast

Thanks for the little notes on certain subjects - hopefully will let me understand what is goiing on in later chapters and I am sure that it will be a good tool for referring back to. Love Frodo angst - the more the better - so lets go and see now what juicy little piece of writing you have prepared. JULES

Reviews (18)