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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After finaly watching the LOTR film trilogy this year, I decided I'd read all the books too - this being the first before I tackle the main series. I really enjoyed this one, perhaps because of its simplicity that reminded me of Enid Blyton's work. Tolkein begins his world building mastery with a text for children to enjoy, so I found it to be an excellent introduction.
I liked Bilbo's character a lot, and found a decent amount of complexity to his intelligence and decision making in particular. This shone for me while he was interacting with Gollum especially, and his quick thinking with riddles and understanding of the ring's power. His saving of the dwarves in the spider's lair was also brilliant, showcasing his selflessness and courage. I think Gandalf could see these characteristics in him before he even had the chance to use them, and you can sense that he becomes emboldened in them by the end; he actively plots how to solve problems rather than falling into them and thinking on his feet. The choice to take the Arkenstone and use it in a trade to end the seige against the dwarves was perfect, and gave the three groups enough to bond over against the goblins and wolves.
One small bit of continuity that made me curious was the way the ring had no immediate psychological effect on Bilbo like it did with Frodo. I suppose the lore was in its infancy when Tolkein was writing this, and so the overwhelming power of it was understated. Also, perceiving this as Biblo's own writings may add to the bias and concealment of its greed inducing ways. The fact, though, that Gollum is conceived of and is an illustration of the ring's degenerative effects is maybe an extreme one, in that the idea of Gollum being centuries old and it took that long to destroy him - meaning Biblo could wear the ring for two weeks in the Elvenking's dungeon and not be so harmed.
Smaug as a villain also intrigued me, and I was even having trouble imagining just how much wealth he hoarded. His domination over the area is definitely vivid, as seen the desolation and barren landscape even on the illustrated map was enough to allow understanding of his destruction. I was slightly shocked that it wasn't the dwarves or Biblo to take him down, though. It did make sense to the plot later on, but I suppose I was expecting an epic showdown because of the way Tolkein had made a point of mirroring Greek myths and epics.
I really enjoyed this and I'll look forward to starting LOTR even if the writing style differs. I'm really getting into the world, and while I'm not sensing I'll become a super fan, it's still impossible not to get wrapped up into the characters and lore. I can see why it's so popular, and my only regret is not getting into it sooner.
I liked Bilbo's character a lot, and found a decent amount of complexity to his intelligence and decision making in particular. This shone for me while he was interacting with Gollum especially, and his quick thinking with riddles and understanding of the ring's power. His saving of the dwarves in the spider's lair was also brilliant, showcasing his selflessness and courage. I think Gandalf could see these characteristics in him before he even had the chance to use them, and you can sense that he becomes emboldened in them by the end; he actively plots how to solve problems rather than falling into them and thinking on his feet. The choice to take the Arkenstone and use it in a trade to end the seige against the dwarves was perfect, and gave the three groups enough to bond over against the goblins and wolves.
One small bit of continuity that made me curious was the way the ring had no immediate psychological effect on Bilbo like it did with Frodo. I suppose the lore was in its infancy when Tolkein was writing this, and so the overwhelming power of it was understated. Also, perceiving this as Biblo's own writings may add to the bias and concealment of its greed inducing ways. The fact, though, that Gollum is conceived of and is an illustration of the ring's degenerative effects is maybe an extreme one, in that the idea of Gollum being centuries old and it took that long to destroy him - meaning Biblo could wear the ring for two weeks in the Elvenking's dungeon and not be so harmed.
Smaug as a villain also intrigued me, and I was even having trouble imagining just how much wealth he hoarded. His domination over the area is definitely vivid, as seen the desolation and barren landscape even on the illustrated map was enough to allow understanding of his destruction. I was slightly shocked that it wasn't the dwarves or Biblo to take him down, though. It did make sense to the plot later on, but I suppose I was expecting an epic showdown because of the way Tolkein had made a point of mirroring Greek myths and epics.
I really enjoyed this and I'll look forward to starting LOTR even if the writing style differs. I'm really getting into the world, and while I'm not sensing I'll become a super fan, it's still impossible not to get wrapped up into the characters and lore. I can see why it's so popular, and my only regret is not getting into it sooner.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Wow. The audiobook was a fantastic way to experience this book.
LOVE this was the first book I read to get into this genre and I loved this
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
I read this book a while back and what an amazing fantastic High Fantasy adventure this is. Frodo has my heart and all the hobbits within the shire. I wish I could be physically transported there but i'll accept through my book for now <3. Hands down a five star review. Hoping to reread it again soon in 2021. Hands down my all time favorite.