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Oh my whole heart. There is nothing sweeter than the last pages of The Lord of the Rings. I love stories of coming home again.
It’s evident that there is no greater work in fantasy written in the English language. All fantasy that has followed has taken some of LOTR’s vital essence into itself. It is simply masterful.
It’s evident that there is no greater work in fantasy written in the English language. All fantasy that has followed has taken some of LOTR’s vital essence into itself. It is simply masterful.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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:
No
Now, being a person that adores the films, has read many others of Tolkien's books and has listened to the audio books of The Lord of the Rings, it had admittedly taken me a embarassingly long time to finally actually read the last book of the trilogy. To be fair, the reason for this was, that whenever I wanted to pick it up, there was a busy or stressful period of life and I concluded to let it rest until I have the time and the calmness to truly appreciate it. And I do not regret. For as accustomed as I am to the story, finally reading this has reinforced the love I hold for these books. While I appreciate the first film the most, for its lengthy sweet time in the shire, just as much I prefer, book-wise, the last installment. Having the characters and their friendship's established, as well as where the plot is going, the third volume can finally focus on how it all comes together. The dialogue and descriptions were heartwrenching and the ending so bittersweet, making you feel joy and sadness and all other emotions all at once. The addition of the appendices is, lastly, what distinguishes this so from lesser fantasy works, for rather than a fantasy novel, I would describe the Lord of the Rings as a true epic. It is so detailed, so rich and full of depths that it cannot be compared to any other work of fiction. Tolkien's love and hard work can be felt in every chapter and in every page of the appendix. I might be taking this way to personal, but it is as close to literary perfection as one gets. And as much as I understand people who struggle with the flow of the story because of its lengthy description and the elaborate vocabulary, I am ready to fight anyone who prefers the films or the Hobbit or even worse, another work by someone else (of course I wouldn't, let them love all they want). To me the beauty of Tolkien's work is yet unmatched elsewhere.
I have now finished the books! I have not yet read the appendixes but I’m sure I will. I thought the book was great as were the other two. I would say my favorite book out of all three is Fellowship. Probably my next favorite is Two Towers. And then, of course, Return of the King. I loved the focus on Sam in the third book. He is such an amazing character. He really shows his strengths in helping Frodo every last step. Frodo never would have made it without Sam. Sam’s courage and determination are incredible.
I really loved the scouring of the Shire and I’m kind of sad it was left out of the movie. I can see why though, because the movies are already incredibly long. I was wondering ever since Orthanc what had happened to Saruman because in the movie they had him die then and there. But in the books he is killed in the Shire.
I am rather sad it is over, but at the same time I feel fulfilled, as if I've finished a long journey of my own. I just watched the trilogy and so finishing the book now just feels like I have completed a great journey, and I am glad it’s over because now I feel complete.
I really loved the scouring of the Shire and I’m kind of sad it was left out of the movie. I can see why though, because the movies are already incredibly long. I was wondering ever since Orthanc what had happened to Saruman because in the movie they had him die then and there. But in the books he is killed in the Shire.
I am rather sad it is over, but at the same time I feel fulfilled, as if I've finished a long journey of my own. I just watched the trilogy and so finishing the book now just feels like I have completed a great journey, and I am glad it’s over because now I feel complete.
"Come, Mr. Frodo! I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you and it as well!" Hobbits are the best.
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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:
No
A very long book but completely worthwhile. This is such a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and I think the length shows a careful and much appreciated attention to detail that you don't find in books that often anymore. If you consider the first book and all the careful plotting and world building, there is no other way this book could end.
Jumping to a film comparison, I still think they did a wonderful job. While some characters were altered or expanded and some were left out entirely (like all the other Dunedain), the movie remains pretty faithful and the richness of the source materials is preserved (ex. Eowyn really is a badass). If anything, I think Merry and Pippin get shafted a bit, especially since they are so active in the Shire at the end of the book.
Once again, the performance by Rob Inglis was amazing as well. I'm glad I decided to listen to these books this time around and Inglis does a great job setting the tones of scenes. He conveys all the excitement, traveling, negotiating, romance, battle, dialogue and more beautifully. Overall, just a fantastic series of books and films.
Jumping to a film comparison, I still think they did a wonderful job. While some characters were altered or expanded and some were left out entirely (like all the other Dunedain), the movie remains pretty faithful and the richness of the source materials is preserved (ex. Eowyn really is a badass). If anything, I think Merry and Pippin get shafted a bit, especially since they are so active in the Shire at the end of the book.
Once again, the performance by Rob Inglis was amazing as well. I'm glad I decided to listen to these books this time around and Inglis does a great job setting the tones of scenes. He conveys all the excitement, traveling, negotiating, romance, battle, dialogue and more beautifully. Overall, just a fantastic series of books and films.
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No