Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
ALTERNATIVE RATING: 9/10*
It also might be because I’ve only seen the first film, and therefore went rather blind into this; only vaguely knowing about a few key plot points, like Helm’s Deep.
For whatever reason, I was just much more invested in the story during this one. And I was taken aback by the bold choice to split the narrative in two. I really liked that.
Telling a bigger story through two smaller, parallel plot lines made for a refreshing change of pace and had me much more inclined to continue reading. It also allowed for a lot more complexity and nuance to be developed in characters; both new and old.
Highlights to me being Sam (of course), the friendship between Legolas and Gimli, and the introduction of the Riders of Rohan and the Warriors of Gondor.
The world was, obviously, already great in the first book, but I still appreciate just how much work went into it in the sequel. Not just from a geographical standpoint, but also in terms of history, lore and language. No one can deny Tolkien’s mastery of world-building.
It feels odd to level any sort of criticism at a The Lord of the Rings-book. But if I were to have two itsy-bitsy complaints, it would be how quick battles were and, in contrast, how Ents weren’t. Both make sense, but I think the story overall could have benefited from a little less tree-talk and a little bit more sword-play
(Heck, I haven’t even seen the film and I was still disappointed by how short Helm’s Deep was).
Still, it’s freaking Lord of the Rings; it’s great and I’m really looking forward to the final book.
(*For more information about my alternative rating system, check out my profile.)
“Still, I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales.”I seem to be in the minority, but I actually preferred The Two Towers over The Fellowship of the Ring. It might purely be because I’ve gotten used to Tolkien’s writing style now, and my brain doesn’t need as much time to process it. Though, it still needs quite a bit and I read this in intervals of about 30 pages.
It also might be because I’ve only seen the first film, and therefore went rather blind into this; only vaguely knowing about a few key plot points, like Helm’s Deep.
For whatever reason, I was just much more invested in the story during this one. And I was taken aback by the bold choice to split the narrative in two. I really liked that.
Telling a bigger story through two smaller, parallel plot lines made for a refreshing change of pace and had me much more inclined to continue reading. It also allowed for a lot more complexity and nuance to be developed in characters; both new and old.
Highlights to me being Sam (of course), the friendship between Legolas and Gimli, and the introduction of the Riders of Rohan and the Warriors of Gondor.
The world was, obviously, already great in the first book, but I still appreciate just how much work went into it in the sequel. Not just from a geographical standpoint, but also in terms of history, lore and language. No one can deny Tolkien’s mastery of world-building.
It feels odd to level any sort of criticism at a The Lord of the Rings-book. But if I were to have two itsy-bitsy complaints, it would be how quick battles were and, in contrast, how Ents weren’t. Both make sense, but I think the story overall could have benefited from a little less tree-talk and a little bit more sword-play
(Heck, I haven’t even seen the film and I was still disappointed by how short Helm’s Deep was).
Still, it’s freaking Lord of the Rings; it’s great and I’m really looking forward to the final book.
(*For more information about my alternative rating system, check out my profile.)
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The story continues phenomenally. The first book has no mention of Frodo and Sam's journey which builds suspense as to what may have happened to them. Following the story from multiple perspectives reinforces the idea that the book is merely a window into a complex and rich world.
Also major plus is following Sam, Frodo and Gollum together who make a hilarious trio.
Also major plus is following Sam, Frodo and Gollum together who make a hilarious trio.
It was a delight exploring Middle Earth again this year. These stories are a lot of fun and have great characters. Faramir is always a favorite, so I loved meeting him in this installment. I am surprised by how much I enjoyed the portions with Sam and Frodo, as I remember finding them more annoying the first time I read these, but not on either more recent reading.
Rob Inglis narrated the audio and I enjoyed his narration. It fit the tone and style of the story very well.
What a great book. I have delayed reading the Lord of the Rings because I was not a huge fan of the movies. Love the story, but they were long, slow, and just so much walking. The books, however, have been fast-paced and the dialogue that occurs between the characters is phenomenal. The wit and the complexity of their conflicting desires cause introspection for the reader.
Shockingly, I love the Golem character. What a weird little conflicted dude who talks to himself in the third person, keeps his promises, is helpless yet powerful, is absolutely essential, but also can't be trusted.
My two dislikes are that the battles are incredibly confusing. I didn't know if they were attacking or defending, if the battle had just started or was finished. Also, I still didn't feel the overwhelming power of the ring. Yes, it has made Frodo pass out a time or two, but I didn't feel like it was that big of a burden or even that powerful of an asset. They are all giving their lives to destroy this ring, but I remain unmoved by the weight and power of it. Maybe the next book Tolkien will really show what it can do and why it must be destroyed... I sound like one of the conflicted characters in the book.
Shockingly, I love the Golem character. What a weird little conflicted dude who talks to himself in the third person, keeps his promises, is helpless yet powerful, is absolutely essential, but also can't be trusted.
My two dislikes are that the battles are incredibly confusing. I didn't know if they were attacking or defending, if the battle had just started or was finished. Also, I still didn't feel the overwhelming power of the ring. Yes, it has made Frodo pass out a time or two, but I didn't feel like it was that big of a burden or even that powerful of an asset. They are all giving their lives to destroy this ring, but I remain unmoved by the weight and power of it. Maybe the next book Tolkien will really show what it can do and why it must be destroyed... I sound like one of the conflicted characters in the book.
adventurous
fast-paced
