Reviews

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

chaselaplante's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful slow-paced

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

4.5

It’s slow and reads like a history book or liturgical text; basically it’s to LOTR what Fire & Blood is to Game of Thrones. For Tolkien readers and LOTR fans, it’s compelling and fleshes out the lore and history of the world very well. 

english_lady03's review against another edition

5.0

Re-read, or rather listen to the Andy Serkis version. Reminded me why I love this book *so much*. I will say I am kind of torn between which Audio version I like better as both this and the Martin Shaw version have thier merits.

Anyway, don't listen to the naysayers or Rings of Power fans, who denounce it for not being written in the style of a modern novel or as a single, coherent narrative.
The Silmarillion is one of the greatest books ever written: a modern day myth, like Tolkien wanted.

Every Lord of the Rings fan or Tolkien fan should read this the TRUE prequel to The Lord of the Rings..

victoriacrod8's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? It's complicated

vmascetti's review against another edition

5.0

It took me longer than I'd care to admit but I finished it, and now I am heartbroken that it ended. It is just that good. Every single character, side quest and small story in this book is so well thought, well put and plays such an important part in the bigger picture of the Silmarils story and, of course in the Lord of the Rings story. When I first started I felt lost, had to go back and forth between characters and family trees and even consult chapter summaries, I had to put it down for a while, and if you do the same don't get discouraged and don't feel like you failed because when you keep going you'll find yourself loving every single word in it and get excited when familiar things happen and known names appear, either be places, battles or characters, it is so worth it. If you're familiar with the story and with how Tolkien's writing, you'll find the same beauty in its pages, but if you're new to this world, you will know beauty beyond your wildest thoughts.

Thank you, JRR and Christopher, for such a fantastic gift that will never be equaled and forgotten.

zwinning's review against another edition

4.0

You've really got to like Tolkien to make it through this one, as it reads like a history book. It is very detailed, but it was the level of detail that I enjoyed with this book.

jamesscrambles's review against another edition

adventurous 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

3.0

kgrove15's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark 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

5.0

gbelter's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark fast-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

2.0

tishywishy's review against another edition

No stars because I didn't get too far. This was a clear reminder that even though I enjoyed The Hobbit, Tolkien's writing is heavy, clearly of its own syntax and tedious for persons like myself who can manage variations of the English language but not fond of Shakespeare or the bible.

co1m's review against another edition

adventurous informative mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0