Reviews

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

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hfjarmer's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

3.0

In comparison to Fellowship of the Ring, I wouldn't say I preferred The Two Towers, but I did notice a subtle shift in Tolkien's style. The pacing felt quicker, relatively speaking, and the narrative seemed somewhat less dense, enhancing my reading experience. However, I still struggled to keep up with the many, many mentioned lineages, geography, and lore, which sometimes interrupted the flow of the story. Anytime I found myself to really be in a groove, the scenes playing out in my head flicker and come to a halt when I get to the name of some obscure character or place and I am forced to try and back track to remember who/what that is and why it is important. While I think Tolkien’s thoroughness is certainly part of the reason for his popularity, as someone who is a somewhat light fantasy reader I just find all the information to be a bit clunky and indigestible at times.

Nevertheless, I appreciated how each branch of the fellowship had its moment to shine. From Merry and Pippin's time with the Ents to the battles with Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, as well as the enduring journey of Frodo and Sam, every subplot felt engaging. Sam's newfound assertiveness was a highlight for me, showcasing his unwavering loyalty to Frodo amidst the escalating challenges of their quest. This far in on their journey and Sam knows what he is about and it is Mr. Frodo. Sam’s take no shit attitude just made me love him more. It was interesting to see how carrying the ring has truly begun to take it’s toll on Frodo. The romantic tension between Sam and Frodo only grows in this book, and I will not be taking any arguments to the contrary at this time.

I had a friend warn me of the way the Treebeard chapters can really drag, but I actually LOVED the Ents and learning about them. And certainly in comparison to the Elrond chapter of Book 1 that was nothing. One thing that really stands out to me about Tolkien’s writing is the way he can clearly and beautifully describe any kind of nature scene, whether that is just the landscape that the company is walking through, or something more fantastical like the Ent homes.

On to book 3!

makennarg's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.0

senza37's review against another edition

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adventurous dark inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

pearplane's review against another edition

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5.0

I have never felt more loved by an author than reading this master of masterworks.

shubbard116's review against another edition

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5.0

I learned from my mistake and this time watched the movie FIRST. That was incredibly helpful, plus I think it helped that I already knew the characters. So even though the first book was often a chore to get through, I really enjoyed the Two Towers. Now I’m catching on to why Tolkien is the father of fantasy. I liked how it was split into two books and followed both the council and Frodo. There was a lot of adventure and courage and it was hard to put down at times, even though I already watched the movie and knew what was coming! I am eager to continue reading and finish the trilogy.

seagul's review against another edition

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5.0

Much like the Fellowship of the Rings, the Two Towers is an unforgettable work. As always, Tolkien's rich world plays majestically as a host for an epic like no other. Whether following Frodo through damned marshes, or Aragorn through ancient forests, Tolkien's mastery of writing shines throughout. Highly recommend