Reviews

I have to appreciate that Tolkien is considered to be the father of fantasy and that this is the book that launched a thousand fantasy books. The level of detail was at times excruciating and while I appreciate world-building, there was a lot of info-dumping (and poetry/song-dumping) that felt like a detour on the book. So while it was well-written, I did find my attention drifting at times when the millionth tale about an elf princess in the Times of Yore was presented. I also personally found the elf names difficult to distinguish. In conclusion, I appreciate the level of effort and the context of the book more than the book itself.

morganzayet's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

bernieanderson's review against another edition

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5.0

This is probably my 8th or 9th time reading LOTR.
There's something timely about this particular reading, as the world has gone mad with COVID-19 and protesting and nationalism and despotic politics. LOTR always brings me to a place of joy and hope, as a story about the small and the least becoming more important than they ever knew they could be. Tolkien's world is so alive to me. I see Middle Earth every time I hike in mountains or walk in a forest. I am so grateful this story exists. It's an archetype for so many others.

So on to The Two Towers.

fifireads_'s review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

rosabellepages's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

So one of the few times where I prefer the movie to the book 😂. I’m definitely more of a fan of The Hobbit book, this was certainly more dense and not as straightforward. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t read it over such a long period and in such an interrupted manner (interspersing it with other books), so I might try rereading it in one go solo in the future. Certainly will try that method with the Two Towers.

However other than being rather wordy and windy I did enjoy it. Although I would have like a little bit more focus on some of the other characters (like being told Legolas and Gimli suddenly became fast friends but then not showing how), but I’m hoping this is expanded on more in following books.

nyxthecactus's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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