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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
100% suggest audiobook for this if you’re not exceptional with pronunciation and keeping up with the 5 million characters, backstories, and relationships in this tale. I finally finished this book after 6 years trying to read it multiple times and always giving up, but it is wonderful once you get into it and research the characters more outside of just reading about them in the book.
4/5 only because of the struggle.
4/5 only because of the struggle.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
informative
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This collection of Tolkien’s earlier writings was certainly intriguing to disect and to experience. The worldbuilding of Tolkien’s universe is, of course, exemplary for all of fantasy and the rich history of Middle-Earth was interesting to read about. In comparison to the primary trilogy of ‘Lord of the Rings’, however, I would most definitely testify to the effect that I preferred the trilogy, due to its more defined continuity and focus. While I do not necessarily take issue with the legendarium format of this tome and certainly appreciate its merits for the development of this rich setting, I would not recommend it to those who prefer more character or narratively focused stories. The worldbuilding, in my opinion, is the sole major standout here.
As per usual, Tolkien has a wonderful prose and is able to illustrate many images of his universe with a deft hand. Somewhat slow, but a nonetheless lovely set of tales to read. My favourite in particular, was that of Beren and Luthien, containing both romance and heroism. I found that the various stories of the creation and establishment of the world order of Middle-Earth was lovely, but somewhat overwhelming at times. The extensive quantity of Elvish names and terms certainly accentuated the difficulty of comprehension at points, and I did not much care for the extensive histories of various Elvish groups. While to an extent I found them pleasant, I found it somewhat overwhelming as well. Most interesting to me, were the tales with stronger characters and smaller casts, such as the aforementioned Beren and Luthien, or of that of Turin Turambar. Irregardless, the broader worldbuilding was still appreciated and enjoyable.
Overall, lovely worldbuilding piece, simply prefer more narratively focused stories myself. I enjoyed it regardless as a legendarium.
As per usual, Tolkien has a wonderful prose and is able to illustrate many images of his universe with a deft hand. Somewhat slow, but a nonetheless lovely set of tales to read. My favourite in particular, was that of Beren and Luthien, containing both romance and heroism. I found that the various stories of the creation and establishment of the world order of Middle-Earth was lovely, but somewhat overwhelming at times. The extensive quantity of Elvish names and terms certainly accentuated the difficulty of comprehension at points, and I did not much care for the extensive histories of various Elvish groups. While to an extent I found them pleasant, I found it somewhat overwhelming as well. Most interesting to me, were the tales with stronger characters and smaller casts, such as the aforementioned Beren and Luthien, or of that of Turin Turambar. Irregardless, the broader worldbuilding was still appreciated and enjoyable.
Overall, lovely worldbuilding piece, simply prefer more narratively focused stories myself. I enjoyed it regardless as a legendarium.