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romankurys 's review for:
The Hobbit: or There and Back Again
by J.R.R. Tolkien
After having read this book a LONG time ago as a kid and being completely and utterly in love with it, my first read through was a full 5 stars. I think I would have given it 10 stars if that was a possibility.
Now, with a few more years, and a quite a lot of books behind my belt since I think it is fair to drop from 5 to 4, but overall it is a very good book. Despite being written for children, it still stands its ground and is a great prequel to the classic Lord of the Rings story. The Hobbit is a classic in its own right, of course, and I am happy I had a sudden urge to re-read it.
Now, however...I am fighting a sudden urge to re-read Lord of the Rings as well as other Tolkien's works, so let's see how long I can resist the pull of the Professor.
Characters: 4
Even now, in a very saturated genre, full of elves, dwarves, orcs, and goblins Tolkien's characters still stand very firm. It could be that, no matter how subjective I try to be, I can't forget the fact that he pretty much created them and began it all. Father of modern fantasy and all that. Bilbo, Gandalf, and Thorin are names that are pretty much household at this point if you pay any attention to the genre and for a good reason. (all the other dwarves, sort of blend in, too many to keep distinct track of). Each of them is distinct and very different and everyone has their mission and their journey.
Then we come upon Beorn. I soooo want to know more about Beorn. Still. Even today. I need more Beorn! The concept of a shapeshifter is always a fun one to follow, especially, if it's not a traditional played out werewolf.
Plot: 4
All of these characters move along their seemingly easy journey. Point A to Point B story, a basic travelogue, if you will. Usually, I get bored, as I am not a fan of travelogues, but because unlike most modern fantasy works, this text does not stretch for 800 or 900 pages, it carries itself smooth without ever getting bored. We jump from "pan into the fire" and get to learn where this saying allegedly came from. What's not to love. A capstone of all events - as we all know, at the end of it all awaits a dragon. Not just any dragon, but Smaug. A talking, greedy and tricky dragon who lays on top of a mountain full of treasure.
Every reader knows the law of dragon, which means an extra star every time there is one. Check it. It's the law.
Setting: 4
While the plot, was not particularly twisted or complex, what made it all more interesting was the rapid change of environments the party went through. First, they're in the green country, then going into city territory, staying off the beaten path through the mountain paths and deep forests, castles, cold water, speedy air are just a few of the settings the story takes us on. It's just a fun, easy, thrilling ride along.
My only gripe with the book is that Tolkien constantly, in his grandfatherly voice (in my head) breaks the fourth wall, but reminding us we are reading a story, thus pulling us out of it, and next to the storyteller. At least there is a fireplace and scotch nearby. Maybe even a pipe with a pouch of pipeweed on the side so we can blow some smoke rings and relax.
Overall, I think, if you have the interest to see where the modern fantasy came from, this is a fantastic read. Otherwise, it might not be as engaging of a read. Keep in mind the time it was written, and you'll enjoy the story, for sure. I know, I did.
Roman "Ragnar"
Now, with a few more years, and a quite a lot of books behind my belt since I think it is fair to drop from 5 to 4, but overall it is a very good book. Despite being written for children, it still stands its ground and is a great prequel to the classic Lord of the Rings story. The Hobbit is a classic in its own right, of course, and I am happy I had a sudden urge to re-read it.
Now, however...I am fighting a sudden urge to re-read Lord of the Rings as well as other Tolkien's works, so let's see how long I can resist the pull of the Professor.
Characters: 4
Even now, in a very saturated genre, full of elves, dwarves, orcs, and goblins Tolkien's characters still stand very firm. It could be that, no matter how subjective I try to be, I can't forget the fact that he pretty much created them and began it all. Father of modern fantasy and all that. Bilbo, Gandalf, and Thorin are names that are pretty much household at this point if you pay any attention to the genre and for a good reason. (all the other dwarves, sort of blend in, too many to keep distinct track of). Each of them is distinct and very different and everyone has their mission and their journey.
Then we come upon Beorn. I soooo want to know more about Beorn. Still. Even today. I need more Beorn! The concept of a shapeshifter is always a fun one to follow, especially, if it's not a traditional played out werewolf.
Plot: 4
All of these characters move along their seemingly easy journey. Point A to Point B story, a basic travelogue, if you will. Usually, I get bored, as I am not a fan of travelogues, but because unlike most modern fantasy works, this text does not stretch for 800 or 900 pages, it carries itself smooth without ever getting bored. We jump from "pan into the fire" and get to learn where this saying allegedly came from. What's not to love. A capstone of all events - as we all know, at the end of it all awaits a dragon. Not just any dragon, but Smaug. A talking, greedy and tricky dragon who lays on top of a mountain full of treasure.
Every reader knows the law of dragon, which means an extra star every time there is one. Check it. It's the law.
Setting: 4
While the plot, was not particularly twisted or complex, what made it all more interesting was the rapid change of environments the party went through. First, they're in the green country, then going into city territory, staying off the beaten path through the mountain paths and deep forests, castles, cold water, speedy air are just a few of the settings the story takes us on. It's just a fun, easy, thrilling ride along.
My only gripe with the book is that Tolkien constantly, in his grandfatherly voice (in my head) breaks the fourth wall, but reminding us we are reading a story, thus pulling us out of it, and next to the storyteller. At least there is a fireplace and scotch nearby. Maybe even a pipe with a pouch of pipeweed on the side so we can blow some smoke rings and relax.
Overall, I think, if you have the interest to see where the modern fantasy came from, this is a fantastic read. Otherwise, it might not be as engaging of a read. Keep in mind the time it was written, and you'll enjoy the story, for sure. I know, I did.
Roman "Ragnar"