A Minor Misunderstanding by shirebound
(Rated G, Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Sam observe a popular game played in Minas Tirith. Assuming that Men possess the same natural abilities as Hobbits, they draw their own conclusions about the players – and the rules of the game.)

Bwah ha ha ha! Unfortunately, I can't say an awful lot about this one without giving a lot of it away. I can say that it's sharp and witty and the observations are exactly what these characters might make of what they are witnessing. This is a wonderful little piece for anyone who really needs a face-splitting grin. I wanted to hug it when I was through.

The Adventures of Tom and Barard by Elenya

So many people are too caught up in favourite parings and OTPs and such and just won't read anything but, and it's a real shame because then they miss out on gems like this one.  It's a sequel to Elenya's Frodo/Sam epic, All That I Had (which I recommend to all Frodo/Sam fans, by the way) and features Tom Gardner and Barard Took (Sam and Pippin's sons respectively) wherein Tom and Barard have made their home in Gondor.  Tom must return to the Shire for a family emergency and while he's gone, Barard, on a covert mission for the King, disappears in Harad.  And as the title suggests, Adventure ensues.  Not only is the plot riveting, but Elenya masterfully crafts background and builds a society that is vivid and very, very real.  Not to mention that the characters she's created are all drawn so genuinely that you will find yourself getting to know them and care about them within a few paragraphs.

Overall rating NC-17, Tom/Barard
 

Aftermath by Willow-wode

A four chapter fic with each chapter featuring the POV of each of the hobbits in post-Quest Minas Tirith.  In-depth and absolutely heart-rending.  Incredibly well-written.  This author’s use of language is humbling and entrances the reader from the very first sentence.  Once you read one fic. by Willow-wode, you’ll have to read them all – they’re just that good.

Rated PG, Gen.

All's Fair by Inkling

A lovely author, Inkling, has written a first-time Frodo romance fic (don't get excited, y'all - this is first time as in first kiss, not first shag) that I happen to know is worth the read. She portrays a Frodo who is all boy and not afraid to deck someone, when the situation calls for it but with that poetic soul we all know and love. It is a well done, very involving piece that is worth sticking with.

Rated PG, Gen.

And The Singing Sea by Dana

This is absolutely gorgeous. Read it once, ponder for a moment and then write to Dana like I did and ask her who the other character is (because yeah, I'm dense and had to ask. Shut up.) and then read it again. If you know the history of the other character in this fic, it will damn near knock the wind out of you. Very short but so filled with meaning and sorrow (and even a little hope for those who insist on that sort of thing *snort*) that it would have been cruel to the reader to take it any further. This one quite literally knocked me on my ass.

Rated G, Gen

And The Stars Will Sing Your Name by shirebound

I have told shirebound (and no, you don't capitalize the 's') in the past that sometimes, she is exactly what I need. Honestly, if you're having a bad day and just want something to make you feel good, you just look her up and she'll wrap you in a nice soft blanket, feed you tea and rub soothing circles on your back. Well, she'll actually do all that to Frodo but... Anyway, this is a quick, post-Quest fic that posits a reason why we all hold these hobbits so close to our hearts and does it through Elrond's eyes. Gives me the warm-fuzzies and makes me want to hug the author.

Rated G, Gen

Anniversary by Willow-wode

A fic in which we find a Sam who is unlike many of the Sams one finds in post-Havens fics. This Sam has not only accepted the gift that Frodo gave him but is honoring that gift and its giver by enjoying it in every sense. This Sam is not pining for his once-and-hopefully-future lover, he is not gazing longingly West at every opportunity and he is not simply hanging about, tolerating his children and waiting for Rosie to die. This is a Sam who loves his wife and family, whose wife understands him – possibly better than he understands himself – who loves him and (we must assume) partly because he is who he is, thinks what he thinks and loves who and as he loves. This is a Sam who is worthy of the gift Frodo gave to him and who uses it as Frodo would have hoped.
(Not rated, implied Sam/Rosie, Sam/Frodo.)
 

Artful Spirits by Elanor Gardner
It's everything I love in a Frodo/Merry fic: they are both consenting adult males; they love each other deeply; they look out for each other, put themselves through unsavoury situations for the other; and the reader knows why they do these things -- you never have to guess at whether this love is real. And, okay, so they're totally hot together. Shut up.  We get a look at each of these characters from the other's eyes and the sight is nothing less than breathtaking in all ways. The characterisations are true and respectful and so deep and rich that I'll probably read it again and again. And of course, that has nothing to do with the *cough* interesting contortions.  *blinks innocently*  What?  (And btw -- trust the author. I happen to know she owns The Joy of Gay Sex and bendy people can do things like that. *grin*)  At the risk of getting all cliché here, it's a work of art and I love it and I love Elanor for writing it for me.

Rated NC-17, Frodo/Merry

At Crickhollow by Dana
This Pippin is so wonderfully characterised and beautifully realised. He is young, he is afraid and it's the eve before they all start off into the Blue and who wouldn't be afraid? And yet there is never so much as a hint that he has any intention of backing down. There is comfort from a loving, reassuring Merry in the form of (among other things) the story of Hildifons Took, which takes on even more meaning in the telling of it and Pippin's later thoughts on it. It's a very 'true' story, this -- the exposition of the love Merry and Pippin have for each other and for Frodo one of the things I love about it (and you knew I would) most.

Rated PG-13 Merry/Pippin

Bagenders by Lady Alyssa and Random Flatmate

This, my friends, is absolutely bloody genius and so hilarious, you will come to know the true meaning of ROFLMAO.  Based on the BBC series, 'Eastenders,' this ongoing series gives us a crotchety, alcoholic Gandalf, random, psychotic episodes for our dear former Ring-bearer, a Ranger-turned-Scout-Master, horny hobbits who can't hold jobs and...  Well, it's just amazingly funny.  Anytime you need a mood-lifter, just tune in to an episode of this fic.

Ratings vary up to R, some slash and het. thrown in now and then.

Bitter As Willow by Nickey

This one positively floored me when I read it. It's very much canon and so very vivid. The writing is wonderfully engaging. As a reader, you will find yourself completely enrapt with this tale of anger and loss, bitterness and perceived betrayal, as seen through Old Man Willow's 'eyes'. It's unique, it's full of history and keeps the reader spellbound 'til the very last word. Fabulous imagery and breath-taking descriptions of both the physical and emotional.

Rated PG-13, Gen

Blindfold by Singe Addams

I love this fic.  After being captured and blindfolded by Faramir and his men, Frodo remembers another, happier event during which a blindfold played a large part.  A rowdy party in Tuckborough, drunken Cotton brothers, lots of ale and a kissing game all set the stage for humor and lost opportunity.  Wonderfully done.  Movie verse.

Rated PG-13, mild slash and het.

Blossoms and Memories by Elderberry Wine

The present melts into the past and back to the present again for Sam as he carries on with life after Frodo's departure and struggles with his memories.  Extremely touching and engaging from the first paragraph.  I'll warn you that this one will require hanky usage, but it's well worth the extra laundry.

Rated NC-17, slash.

Breeze by illyria-pffyffin

A lovely piece where a breeze drifts about the Ring-bearer in Mordor and wishes it could soothe and comfort.  Poetically written and lovingly crafted.  This is an author for whom English is a second language and her skill at painting pictures in the soul with it will entrance and humble you.

Rated G, Gen.

Bribery and Blackmail by Budgielover

This fic is not as ominous as the title might lead you to believe.  A delightful tale of the four hobbits in Rivendell (pre-Quest) and their efforts to repay Lord Elrond for his care of Frodo by gifting him with a hobbity treat.  Since a Took is involved, things don't go exactly as planned.  Sweet, funny and unpredictable. 

Rated G, Gen.

Child of Buckland by Niphredil of Doriath

A post-Quest tale of Merry and Frodo and the difficulties Frodo faces in putting the past behind him. Lyrical prose and loving portraits of both characters.

Rated PG-13 for allusions to non-con.

Code of the Brandybucks by Lobelia Sackville-Baggins  (Incomplete and likely to stay that way.)

Just thinking about this fic makes me start laughing.  I ADORE this fic.  Probably the slashiest thing I’ve ever read and the author does not allow you to get through two paragraphs at a time without attacking your funny bone.  I can’t even begin to describe it in only a few lines so you’ll just have to read it for yourself.  (DO NOT ask the author when she plans to finish, because she doesn't.)

Extremely NC-17, and slash, slash, slash.

Crosswise Verse by Elanor Gardner

A subtle mix of book and movie canon with Sam’s POV taking place on the Morgul Vale and Frodo’s in Minas Tirith.  I have a difficult time describing this one, but once you read it, you’ll have no trouble understanding why I very highly recommend it.  Truly poetic prose wrapped around a wonderfully compelling tale.

Rated PG, slash very lightly implied.

A Crown of Roses by Dana

Very dark AU.  The author summarizes by alluding to the differences that might be realized with a lady’s touch upon the Ring.  *shudder*  Very creative and imaginative, not to mention lyrical and disturbing.  One of my favorites by this author and one which I wish she would take even further. 

Rated R with slash implied and het fairly well demonstrated.

Damage by Trust No One

Sam has to fight his own demons after the completion of the Quest, as well as despair at not being able to ease Frodo’s pain. Third in the series, follow-up to ‘Mind Games’ and ‘Memory of Trust’.  This is one of those under-rated authors whose work is far better than most of the drek on ff.net and even though English is her second language, her use of it far exceeds that of many authors I’ve seen. 

Rated PG, Gen with non-con implied.

Dark Mirror by Trust No One

Ah, I do love this author.  This piece is an exposition of Frodo's struggle to maintain his 'self' while giving up portions of it to the Ring in order to protect Sam.  A truly loving portrait of both Frodo and Sam and the bond that holds them together.

Rated PG, Gen.

The Daring Demons by Laura Mason

A very sweet fic. where a young Sam Gamgee learns a gentle lesson about right and wrong and true friendship from his Mr. Frodo.  Extremely well-written and truly engaging.

Rated G, Gen.

Debbie Does the Fellowship by GypsieRose

The funniest parody in the fandom.  I mean, seriously.  This is a writing team with the driest, most clever sense of humor and comedic timing you’ll ever read.  Debbie has since gone on to ‘do’ the Two Towers and we can only assume she will be going on to ‘do’ the King.  Love these fics. and these authors. 

Rated PG-13 for implied Het.

Discovering Strength by MBradford

The discovery of a nasty bruise by Drogo leads to a tale of morality and strength told to him by his ten-year-old son.  With Bilbo's encouragement, Frodo tells his father the story of how he got the bruise and exactly why it wasn't such a bad thing after all. 

Rated G, Gen.

Every Day With You Is Special by Grey Wonderer
Pippin forgets an important occasion. Will Diamond forgive him?

Who could not forgive Pippin? Well, Diamond certainly gives him a run for his money. And the thing is, she's right -- but this is so romantic and Pippin so swoon-worthy, that you won't care who's right. There's rain and there's romance and there's bone-deep love and you will melt into a little puddle of lurve-goo by the time it's through with you. (There are a few grammar issues but the story is too good not to recommend.)

Rated NC-17, Pippin/Diamond

Family And Friends by Sophinisba
I'm not sure I know what to say about this one. It is so full of melancholy and deep love and a heartfelt wish for reconnection between two people who once knew each other so well. It's sad because that connection has been not severed but changed, and it's happy because they do manage to rebuild at least some of it, and it's bittersweet because there are realisations and acceptance, and it's absolutely gorgeous because the love is one thing that is never lost. Bring your Kleenex.

Rated NC-17, Frodo/Merry (implied Merry/Pippin, Frodo/Merry/Pippin, Sam/Rosie)

Firebird by Illyria

This is from an author I never get tired of reading/rec'ing. Illyria never fails to take her reader by the heart and twist every last bit of emotion from it. Firebird is a fic that shows very clearly some of what Frodo was and a very small portion of what he lost but does so in a way that takes that very small part and makes it encompass all of the sadness and loss that could only come from what the Quest wrenched from him. And best of all (because you all know I'm a sucker for this) it does it all through Merry's very loving eyes.

Rated G, Gen
 

For All The Right Reasons by MBradford

If Frodo and Gandalf had a conversation the night before they left on the Quest, this is how it would have gone.  This author does a brilliant job of capturing both voices and reminds us why Frodo was destined to carry the Ring. 

Rated G, Gen.

Frodo Hill by Teasel 

How to describe this one…?  Based on Fanny Hill, Frodo finds himself prisoner in a brothel, surrounded by beautiful ‘ladies’ who are enamored of him, and the object of lust for a certain Captain of Gondor.  Oh, yes, and there’s a goat.  Yes…a goat.  And pirates.  And turtles.  *snicker*  This has to be the funniest fic you will ever read.  How this author managed to achieve the NC-17 rating in this particular style is a mystery but achieve it, she did.

Rated NC-17, Slash

Gift of Iluvatar by Ariel

One of the best Frodo awakening fics.  Begins with the destruction on Mt. Doom and continues through Sam’s awakening.  A poignant missing chapter done in true Tolkien style.

Rated PG, Gen.

Hourglass by Igraine

After getting to 'The End' I could do nothing for a good ten minutes but sit back and say, 'Wow'. Repeatedly.  This is one of the most intelligent, well-written, emotionally-satisfying Frodo/Sam fics I've ever read. The language and imagery will draw you in, the intrigue will pin you to your seat and the tender romance will force you to stay there until you've finished. It's beautiful without being pretentious; it's romantic without being sappy; it's heart-felt without being over-wrought.  You have never seen this done in quite this way before, I guarantee it. It's fresh and unique.

Overall rating is NC-17 and I am linking each chapter below for you, because I'm surprisingly not lazy at the moment just nice like that sometimes.

1 - The Amazing Flying Donkey, 2 - Black Ice, 3 - As The Crow Flies, 4 - Breaking Glass, 5 - Conjuring, 6 - What Lies Beyond, 7 - Staring At The Sun, 8 - The Vanishing Trick, 9 - The Ring Of Yew, 10 - A Divine Magic, 11 - The Yule Fires, 11 - Turning The Glass, 13 - The Stars Tremble

JAN-U-INE

I will confess I know next to nothing about poetry but I like this girl's stuff very much. Some of them are book-verse, some movie-verse but all of them pack a huge punch in a fairly small package. And there's a lot of them. I haven't gotten through all of them yet but I haven't run across one I didn't like. If I had to choose a favorite at the moment, I would probably choose 'The Hobbit And The King' but I'm also leaning toward 'A Gardener Despairs' because it about keelt me dead.

Lie Down In Darkness, Rise Up From The Ash by Dwimordene

WIP.  I will start with the author's own summary: This is a VERY dark AU for LOTR. The premise: without Gollum, how does the Quest turn out? Angsty drama ensues as the storyline of the Lord of the Rings unfolds differently as we attempt to take "the road less traveled by."

Believe me, that is an extremely simplified synopsis for a very complex tale. This fic. begins with Gollum's death in Mirkwood while attempting to escape from his captivity with the Elves there. Yes, we've all read fics. that explore the 'what if Gollum died before Mt. Doom?' premise but THIS one is different in that it takes that fate-altering idea a few steps further. The author uses the theme of the music of fate and how each note that is removed or changed subtly alters the fabric of the whole. The changes in the original storyline are very subtle at first and there are times when you will be hard-pressed to know whether you are reading the Professor's words or Dwimordene's because she weaves them together so masterfully. But, though some changes are profound, each makes complete sense and follows flawless logic.

Each member of the Fellowship is given thoughtful examination. The action and angst will demand all of your attention and you'll be only too happy to give it. The writing is astonishingly good and, though this is already long, it is well worth the read and I have no doubt you will be anxious for the next chapter once you've reached the end of what's posted. (And for those of you who enjoy your Frodo-angst, oh my GAWD but wait 'til you reach chapter twenty-three and beyond. I am dying for more!)

Adult rated, Gen.

The Minstrel's Quest by Gentlehobbit

This is a Book-canon fic, in which Farohan, a minstrel in the service of the new King, has been set the task of writing and then performing The Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom before the Ring-bearers awake. He embarks on his own quest to do service to the tale and the one who lived it and, in doing so, comes to know Frodo and those who love him. I told GH that the thing I love so much about this fic is the fact that it’s twelve chapters long (plus an epilogue) and that, even though Frodo doesn’t even wake until chapter twelve, he is still very much ‘present’ throughout the fic through the voices of those who know him and love him best. (Okay, and because I adore Merry’s characterization. Shut up.)
(Rated G.)

On Gorgoroth Plain by Teasel

This is one of the most unique fics I’ve ever read.  A portrait of Frodo from the POV of a thorn bush in Mordor.  A must read.  Truly amazing.

Rated G, Gen. but part of Teasel's slash universe.

One Kiss by Serai

It just killed me.  Killed me.  I told this author that she sent my heart soaring then turned around, threw it in the dirt and stomped all over it. It's beautiful, it's moving, it's absolutely wrenching and it's one of those ones you'll read whenever you want a good cry. Such tenderness and loss in this one and the bittersweet hint at What Might Have Been.

Rated R, Frodo/Sam

The One To Bring The Rain by Dana

A rarity in Merry and/or Pippin fics, in that they are characterized as adults with adult cares, adult responsibilities, adult worries and adult reactions. This is more a Merry fic but just his thoughts and expectations expose a Pippin who is definitely Thain Peregrin and very much worthy of the title. The feel of this fic is almost pastoral and the characterizations are those of two people to be respected and loved in their own right.
(Rated G, Merry/Estella)

Heavy Burden by Claudia

There are just not enough fics. involving Frodo and Boromir in which Boromir is portrayed as the honorable warrior he was.  Fortunately, this happens to be one of them.  Very short, but very nice movie-verse fic. that shows a side of Boromir not often seen.

Rated G, Gen.

Hobbits on Ice by Teasel

OK, the title threw me too, but you just have to read it.  One of the most loving portraits of Frodo and Sam through Merry’s eyes you’ll ever come across.  And for the length of time it takes you to read this piece, you will believe it was possible that hobbits did indeed ice skate.

Rated PG-13, slash implied.

In The Dark by Ariel

Then he pitched down into a shallow pit that opened unexpectedly before them, and there he lay like a dead thing.  From the Queen of Missing Chapters comes this amazingly in-depth and perceptive look at Frodo's thoughts when he awakens from his sleep after the orc run.  Sensitively done and wonderfully written.  This piece ought to give the reader new insight into what may have passed through Frodo's mind - his thoughts, his fears and his hopes, such as they were.

Rated PG, Gen.

The Kings of the Golden Hall by shirebound

shirebound is one of my favorite authors.  Not only are all of her pieces exquisitely written, but they all manage to instill a degree of hope in the reader and leave you with a happy sigh when you reach the end.  This particular piece is summarized as - An unexpected encounter between the Ring-bearer and King Eomer in one of the courtyards of Meduseld inspires a bittersweet conversation between Eomer, Aragorn...and Sam.  An absolutely lovely piece.

Rated G, Gen.

Lover's Quarrel by Shadow

Movie-verse.  An astonishingly intense interpretation of the CU scene from RotK.  The author lends an incredible amount of depth to this scene and I have no doubt you will run to your DVD player directly after reading this piece to watch it play out on screen.  This is a short piece that packs an enormous punch and you will never be able to view this scene in the same way again.

Rated PG-13, Slash (in flashback form)

Massage by Ariel

This is a Frodo’s Harem fic.  For those of you who are not familiar with Frodo’s Harem, it is a unique site based on the precept that Frodo has been rewarded in Tol Eressea with a gaggle of lovely lasses who have been permitted to follow him to the Blessed Isle to keep him…*ahem*…well-loved.  This particular fic. centers around a massage (obviously), lots of scented oil, and five chapters worth of sexual tension that will make your ears pop.

Rated R, Het.

Mercy by ConnieMarie

Let me start this off by saying that I loathe death fics.  I mean, run-away-screaming-and-hide-under-the-bed-when-someone-mentions-them type of loathing.  But this one is just too good not to recommend and the author is too talented not to encourage.  Although, I certainly hope the next fic. she writes doesn’t turn me into a sopping puddle of emotion and Kleenex. 

Rated PG, Gen.

More Than Enough by ConnieMarie

This is not a fic. but an original song written and performed by Connie.  The poetic verses are enhanced by her beautiful voice and melodic tune.  A tale of Frodo’s Quest told by Sam.  Guaranteed to make you sob.  This link will take you to the song page on west-of-the-moon.net where you’ll find the lyrics and a link for an audio file.  Please right click and save, do not open from the site as it sucks up bandwidth.

Protecting His Own by Kit5

A marvelous story written as a New Year's Mathom for yours truly and I could not have asked for something more perfect.  Frodo is trying to deal with the immediate aftermath of Bilbo's disappearance when Merry steps in to help him cope and protect him from unwanted visitors.  A wonderfully touching portrayal of the love between the two cousins and the lovely protective streak that I so adore in Merry.

Rated G, Gen.

 The Pub Series by Rachel Stonebreaker

There are four in this series and this link will take you to the author’s fanfiction.net page.  Sometimes funny, sometimes infuriating, sometimes poignant – this series offers a glimpse into Shire life that is not easily forgotten.  Excellent read, but the author has, unfortunately, not had time to add to the series for quite a while.

Rated G through PG-13, Gen.

Ring Around the Merry by aelfgifu  (WIP)

I confess – this is my guilty pleasure where I let my dark side come out to play.  A VERY dark AU where Merry has been corrupted by the Ring and decides to hold Frodo captive ‘for his own good.’  Very well-written and the author is a very good friend so if it’s not your cup of tea, just stay away and leave her alone.  If it is, join her and let her know. 

Rated R, some slash.

Risto Vae by Elanor Gardener

A haircut and a pair of scissors set the stage for an uncle to gently remind his nephew that he loves him very much but won't be around forever.  This is a beautifully done piece that gives us an engaging interlude with Frodo, Bilbo and a very young Sam.  This one wraps you in a big, fat down comforter, sits you in an over-stuffed chair by the fire and feeds you hot chocolate.  A gorgeous piece.

Rated G, Gen

Rites of Passage by Willow-wode  (WIP)

If you haven’t heard of this fic., you must be living under a rock in Mordor.  This is a novel-length, mix of movie- and book-based view of Frodo’s life in Buckland (Part 1) and his departure for Hobbiton (Part 2) and then of to the River and Great Smials (Part 3) and then...?  (It's complete, but I'm not giving any spoilers here.)  This is my favorite fic of all time and a must read for anyone who claims to enjoy Frodo-angst.  It is absolutely amazing.  I would go on, but where to start?  I could absolutely not do this work justice with any kind of summary, so I'm not even going to try.  Go read!

Chapters rated from G through NC-17, some slash.

The Road Ahead by Sally Gardens

Have you ever wished Frodo had come back from the West?  Have you ever wondered what would have happened if he had?  How his friends would react?  Would he be healed?  Happy?  This fic. answers these question masterfully and is so close to Tolkien's style, one can almost believe that this is what he would have written had he taken pity on we Frodo lovers.  An excellent read, even if you think the concept unbelievable.  If anyone can convince you, it's this author.

Not positive about the rating, but I'm going to give it a PG, Gen.

Seven Year Itch by Trianne
Frodo and Aragorn are living in domestic bliss in Minas Tirith. Well, they were...

Insecurities, doubts, lost-opportunities and half-realised hopes. Or are they? This is done so believably that it's hard to call it an 'AU'. The evolution of the story and the motivations of the characters are so real that you won't know what outcome you're hoping for until the author gives it to you. And the writing, as always, makes me sigh. Trianne needs to quit doing so much beta and feed us more fic.

Rated NC-17, Frodo/Aragorn

Shadows Of A Nameless Fear by Budgielover
I so absolutely love Snarky!Frodo and this fic not only has him but it starts out with him -- in his sickbed, no less, and snarking at the king. *snort!* But here's the thing: he's so sharp and… I almost said 'grown up', but that would seem as though I were saying it like it's something new and it's definitely not with this author. We have a Frodo who knows what he wants, generally knows what's good for him but not always, and who can dish it out as well as he can take it. And we have a Merry who makes my knees weak and no, it's not a slash fic. But still -- GUH! And because it's Budgie, we have lots of people who love Frodo and want to take care of him and we have HOBBITNAPPING! (Hey, shut up -- it's good!!)

Rated PG-15, Gen

Silence by Hope

This is one of those, ‘Damn, wish I’d have written something like this,’ fics.  A post-Quest, Gandalf POV vignette that demonstrates the toll that the journey has taken on Frodo, and Gandalf’s remorse at the damage done.  I have no words for how well-written this one is.  Poetic prose within a metaphorical framework of love, fate, regret and sorrow.  It’s a print-it-out-and-keep-it fic. 

Rated PG-13, Gen. (I think, although there might be a touch of implied slash, but I didn’t see it.)

Spellbound by shirebound

A vivid gap-filler, asking the question, 'So, what actually happened in the Barrow, anyhow?' and providing some answers that are intriguing and a little scary. This is a little darker than Shirebound's reputation would have you believe but it's very unique and tries to answer some of my own questions about that particular blank-spot in canon, plus some I probably never thought to ask.

Rated PG-13 for dark themes, Gen
 

Such as There Were by Lobelia Sackville-Baggins

Absolutely hilarious fic. told with a very dry wit.  Frodo has kept the Ring and made his hobbit buddies his Ring-wraiths.  I can’t say anymore – just go read.

Rated G, Gen.

The Sullying of Frodo by Claudia

Very tongue-in-cheek fic. where virginal, innocent, wide-eyed Frodo is taught all about the joys of ‘learning’ from Men.  Slash?  Oh, my, yes…and lots of it.  Boromir, Aragorn and Faramir are quite…informative teachers.  *snicker, snicker*  Pokes fun at the hobbit/man pairing, the innocent Frodo rep. and pretty much everything else that crossed the author’s mind while she was writing it.  Very funny.

Rated NC-17, slash.

Sweet Dreams by illyria-pffyffin

A wonderful fic. that focuses on the relationship between Frodo and a young Pippin.  Fades from post-Quest to pre-Quest with Pippin mourning the changes in Frodo and remembering what once was.  I would say that it's slightly AU, but since Tolkien never really told us much about what Frodo got up to before leaving with the conspirators, all of this might have happened.  You don't know!

Rated G, Gen.

Thicker Than Blood by Ariel

From Frodo’s stand at the Ford of Bruinen through his recovery and decision to take up the Ring.  This is a great Rivendell fic.  Loaded with angst and written with true love, it cannot fail to impress and touch you. 

Rated PG, Gen.

To Touch the Ground by Withywindle

(Rated R, Frodo/Sam, What if Sam had known about Arwen’s gift to Frodo?)  This is really quite lovely and the author has done a wonderful job of setting the mood, contrasting hope to melancholy with a deft hand. It’s bittersweet and quietly moving.

Too Many Tooks by Mariole

Now, I know I can be a little annoying with my 'yay het' leanings at times. But I am me, so... This fic. very neatly breezes past all of the common complaints about het that I've heard: Mary-Sue is completely and mercifully absent, the writing never once meanders into the flowery, romance novel-type thing, Frodo is not a sappy, love-struck weeny and the OFC's (and yes, there are several) are so well done that I swear that this view of the Took sisters will become emblazoned into your own personal canon.  This piece combines amazingly clever humor with the quite intense eroticism. Frodo is charming, witty, sometimes sweetly befuddled, a wonderfully good sport and loaded with more testosterone than Don Juan... and boy, does he need it! As if that weren't enough, there's an involving, very well-developed plot to go along with it all. YAY!
Rated NC-17 and veryveryvery HET!

The Tradition by Ainur

A very rich, engaging tale about how the deeds of the Ring-bearers remain history instead of legend in Minas Tirith, thousands of years after the Bearers themselves have departed Middle-earth.  Extraordinarily well done and it will leave you with misty eyes and a swollen heart.

Rated G, Gen.

Tweener Games by Willow-wode

You know, just go and read all of Willow's stuff, honestly.  It's all fabulous!  Still, this one is worth a mention, if for nothing else, than the fact that it was for me (!!!!) but, as much as I would love to take any sort of credit, the only thing I can claim is the ability to nag.

This was written for the Hobbit Smut 'Silver Scream' Challenge and (and yes, I am fully aware of how cliche this is going to sound) it will definitely have you screaming - first with laughter and then with... well.  It's an RoP-verse Merimac/Paladin fic, in which Mac has been indulging in a nice 'friendly' game of football with his tweener nephew and cousin, and Pal not only reminds him of his own youth, but also makes him glad he's older and wiser now. Bias or no, this is a fabulous fic.

Rated Adult, Paladin/Merimac (implied Frodo/Merry)
 

Up From The Ashes by Elanor Gardner

A beautifully satisfying look at Master Peregrin Took – Ernil i Pheriannath, Troll Slayer and Future Thain of the Shire – and Frodo post-Quest through Pippin’s eyes. This Pippin is wonderfully complex, though with a pragmatic simplicity that hits home so effectively that you will find yourself wearing a weepy smile throughout. This Pippin is a grownup, who loves his cousin dearly, sees changes that break his heart but does not allow those changes to alter his love, except perhaps to make it deeper. This is Pippin-as-caretaker done more effectively than any fic I have ever read and almost a sort of ‘changing of the guard’ in a way.

The fic is gen, rated PG (for allusions to past violence) and set in Minas Tirith, while the city goes about trying to rebuild itself and while Pippin goes about trying to rebuild what the Quest has taken away from all of them, all the while understanding that sometimes rebuilding something that was isn’t possible but that the resulting changes don’t always mean ‘The End’ is etched in stone. The title is heart-touchingly apropos and I promise you that this one is well worth your time.

The Very Secret Diaries by Cassandra Claire

'Sam will kill him if he tries anything.'  If you haven't read this series of diaries kept by members of the Fellowship and others during the Quest, you must, must, MUST clear your schedule and do so immediately.  Believe me, you do not want to miss out on the humor crammed into every line of this hilarious series.

Not rated, but PG-13 is probably a safe bet, slash implied.

Vigil by Shadow

Post-Quest life in the Shire fic. told in a counterpoint style.  Frodo and Sam both try to help and protect each other upon their return from the Quest.  A beautifully done piece that gives the reader a less sad perspective on Frodo’s departure and Sam’s feelings about it.  A must read for anyone who is saddened by Frodo’s decision to sail.  Lovely, lovely and lovely.

Rated G, Gen.

What They Say Of Awkward Situations by Dana

Oh, Pippin is positively wicked and Frodo is completely at his mercy but plays along nicely.  Just... just guh!  (Bondage, omg)

Rated NC-17, Frodo/Pippin

Where An Argument Leads You by Dana

If you have any love for the F/M pairing at all, with the tease of a possible F/M/P, this is one you won't want to miss. Frodo and Merry have been arguing, Pippin has a thing or two to say about it all and then... Hee. Other stuff ensues. (Rated NC-17)

Winter’s Road by Mary Borsellino

This is part of the PGY universe, but even if that is not your particular preference, this is still a tale worth the read.  Rosie tells Frodo a tale about the struggle of Spring and Autumn (with the help of little Summer) attempting to loose Winter from the bonds that will take him away from them before he succumbs to their pull.  Very poignant and imaginative. 

Rated PG, Het and slash implied.

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