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theinquisitxor's Reviews (804)
This is where Maas's writing style and abilities really start to shine through. We got Celanea's great character development, the introduction of some awesome characters and a very well written book that seems like it will push the series into its next phase.
Celanea's character arc in this book is great. You learn so much about her backstory and who she was in the first two books and the start of the third is not who she is at the end of this book. We also got to travel more, to another continent (why was there not a map?) which was really great. The introduction of Manon and the wvyerns were some of my favorite chapters. I can't wait to see what happens with the witches.
As great as this book was, and the fact that I could barely put it down and read over 500 pages in about 2 1/2 days, I do have some minor complaints. I thought it was a tad bit too long for the type of almost 'filler' it was. Several of the other characters, fell flat and lacked development. But overall, I thought it was great and I have Queen of Shadows sitting here ready for me to start tonight.
Celanea's character arc in this book is great. You learn so much about her backstory and who she was in the first two books and the start of the third is not who she is at the end of this book. We also got to travel more, to another continent (why was there not a map?) which was really great. The introduction of Manon and the wvyerns were some of my favorite chapters. I can't wait to see what happens with the witches.
As great as this book was, and the fact that I could barely put it down and read over 500 pages in about 2 1/2 days, I do have some minor complaints. I thought it was a tad bit too long for the type of almost 'filler' it was. Several of the other characters, fell flat and lacked development. But overall, I thought it was great and I have Queen of Shadows sitting here ready for me to start tonight.
4.5 stars/ This series has come a long way from its first book. The writing has improved, many more characters, great world-building, higher stakes, better plot. It's easy to categorize this as high fantasy now. The first half of the book was a little slow I will admit, but the second half really picked up and the ending just completely astounded me. If this is only the 4th book, I can't imagine what the endings of next books will be like (and my friend assured me they're even bigger). The plotting element was soo good. I love it when a character has this scheme which the purposefully reader doesn't know much about, and when it gets pulled off, and the big trick is revealed, you're just sitting there like 'wow they're a genius and I could never be that good at scheming.'
I'm not gonna lie that I am aware about the problematic elements of SJM's books and I'm aware that she has a diversity issue, redundant plots, many-sue characters, etc, but I still really enjoy her books. and that's okay . I am aware there are issues in SJM's writing, but almost every author has issues in their books. There may of been a few almost eye-rolls when I was reading this book, and a few times I thought of the writing as redundant, but there were so many other moments to triumph these. Books aren't something above the faults of man (as much as some people seem to think so), but rather a reflection of us. So yeah, I will keep reading and enjoying SJM's books for now and a long while to come.
I'm not gonna lie that I am aware about the problematic elements of SJM's books and I'm aware that she has a diversity issue, redundant plots, many-sue characters, etc, but I still really enjoy her books. and that's okay . I am aware there are issues in SJM's writing, but almost every author has issues in their books. There may of been a few almost eye-rolls when I was reading this book, and a few times I thought of the writing as redundant, but there were so many other moments to triumph these. Books aren't something above the faults of man (as much as some people seem to think so), but rather a reflection of us. So yeah, I will keep reading and enjoying SJM's books for now and a long while to come.
3.5 stars/ This was well...I'm not too sure. I'm going to round up to 4 stars for now, but it that might change. On one hand, I thought it was overall good as I read almost 700 pages in two days (SJMs writing is very quick to read tbh) and I liked the plots and twists and continuation of the storyline. I think it was the fact that the ending of this book was already spoiled for me that it didn't have as much of a shock value impact. Do I dare say that I liked the two previous books a little more than this one? This review will contain some mild spoilers so continue to read at your on risk. Either way, lets start with what I liked:
1. Manon, Elide, Lorcan, Lysandra. These characters really begin to shine through in this installment and I continue to stan Manon and Lysandra. Elide has become on of my favorites and she has such a strength in her own way that is different from the other characters that I can't help but adore her. Her thing with Lorcan was unexpected, but easily the best romantic subplot of the book.
2. The plots. As I have said before, I love books with elaborate plots and schemes. I like not being told everything and surprised when something major happens that I didn't see coming, but realize there were many clues which I should have seen earlier in the books and writing.
3. Debts owed. I loved that part of the ending. I loved it when all the debts owed to Aelin come through and she now has her allies and forces that she needs to take stand a chance against Erawain. She has her army now and even more to come once Manon and Chaol pull through. It was such a powerful moment and one that was needed with the way this book ended.
Now onto the things I didn't like so much:
1. Romance, lust, whatever the heck to call it. These scenes take up a good portion of the writing and honestly, most of it could be cut. Not every character needs to end up with someone and Maas tries to pare off every main character with another main character. Some of the romances work, and others just fall flat. The amount of 'snarling' and 'biting' the male characters do is just weird. I don't find it attractive, this 'territorial' stuff is actually low key kinda toxic.
2. The ending. There was a part of the ending I didn't like. I didn't like how everything was super pre-destined from the gods and every little thing led to the main plot of the story. I think Maas should've just left that out and revealing that Aelin is actually an even bigger 'chosen one' than she already was isn't worth it. I think some things should be left up to chance, and luck and the whims of the characters. You basically find out that every little thing in the previous books was planned out or pre-destined or schemed by someone else. I thought this was actually kinda hurtful to this particular story. I'm of the opinion that some things should just be up to fate, luck and the choices of the characters, not something pre-decided a thousand years earlier.
3. Aelin. I like Aelin, but she's not my absolute favorite tbh. I'm not googly eyed over her and Rowan. I really liked her in the other books, but she didn’t quite sit right with me in this one.I think her character arch is a bit confusing at some points but that might just be me. She's a little annoying and a little to much at some points as well, and there are other female characters in this story that I like better. The whole plot of her getting trapped in the iron coffin seemed somewhat unnecessary. Either I'm not understanding it enough, but other than to re-make the Lock, what else is it for other than shock value?
Overall, I'm glad that Tower of Dawn is next because I'm looking forward to taking a step back and going to hang out with Chaol a bit. I'm looking forward to the (hopefully) refreshing and different plot of ToD and getting to know some new people and the Southern Continent before diving into Kingdom of Ash.
1. Manon, Elide, Lorcan, Lysandra. These characters really begin to shine through in this installment and I continue to stan Manon and Lysandra. Elide has become on of my favorites and she has such a strength in her own way that is different from the other characters that I can't help but adore her. Her thing with Lorcan was unexpected, but easily the best romantic subplot of the book.
2. The plots. As I have said before, I love books with elaborate plots and schemes. I like not being told everything and surprised when something major happens that I didn't see coming, but realize there were many clues which I should have seen earlier in the books and writing.
3. Debts owed. I loved that part of the ending. I loved it when all the debts owed to Aelin come through and she now has her allies and forces that she needs to take stand a chance against Erawain. She has her army now and even more to come once Manon and Chaol pull through. It was such a powerful moment and one that was needed with the way this book ended.
Now onto the things I didn't like so much:
1. Romance, lust, whatever the heck to call it. These scenes take up a good portion of the writing and honestly, most of it could be cut. Not every character needs to end up with someone and Maas tries to pare off every main character with another main character. Some of the romances work, and others just fall flat. The amount of 'snarling' and 'biting' the male characters do is just weird. I don't find it attractive, this 'territorial' stuff is actually low key kinda toxic.
2. The ending. There was a part of the ending I didn't like. I didn't like how everything was super pre-destined from the gods and every little thing led to the main plot of the story. I think Maas should've just left that out and revealing that Aelin is actually an even bigger 'chosen one' than she already was isn't worth it. I think some things should be left up to chance, and luck and the whims of the characters. You basically find out that every little thing in the previous books was planned out or pre-destined or schemed by someone else. I thought this was actually kinda hurtful to this particular story. I'm of the opinion that some things should just be up to fate, luck and the choices of the characters, not something pre-decided a thousand years earlier.
3. Aelin. I like Aelin, but she's not my absolute favorite tbh. I'm not googly eyed over her and Rowan. I really liked her in the other books, but she didn’t quite sit right with me in this one.I think her character arch is a bit confusing at some points but that might just be me. She's a little annoying and a little to much at some points as well, and there are other female characters in this story that I like better. The whole plot of her getting trapped in the iron coffin seemed somewhat unnecessary. Either I'm not understanding it enough, but other than to re-make the Lock, what else is it for other than shock value?
Overall, I'm glad that Tower of Dawn is next because I'm looking forward to taking a step back and going to hang out with Chaol a bit. I'm looking forward to the (hopefully) refreshing and different plot of ToD and getting to know some new people and the Southern Continent before diving into Kingdom of Ash.
Where do I even begin on this book? It was so full of all my favorite tropes and everything I love. The world building, culture building, new characters and everything was fantastic. Honestly, SJM, you had me smiling through almost the whole book. Reading this was like a breath of fresh air after EoS. I needed this fresh plot, new location and different characters to keep my interest in this series. I know this is the book that people don't care for too much in the series, but damn. I loved it.
Chaol. He was just about my favorite character in the first two books, but SJM did him dirty in HoF and QoS. He need this book to redeem his character and remain significant to the plot. His whole character arc is fantastic and how he learns how to work around and continue to live with a disability was very well written in my opinion. As a mild spoiler I'm glad he's disabled-not-disabled. I think it was very important to have him accept his disability and realize that it doesn't hold him back. It's a good message in my opinion.
Yrene Towers. She was the star of this book. Everything a healer should be, plus snark, a temper and not willing to take any bullshit from anyone, least of all Chaol. Enemies to lovers is my absolutely favorite trope and her relationship with Chaol couldn't have been any better. I can't wait to see her in the next book, and see where her powers take her.
Nesryn. Nesryn was this side character who I didn't have any strong feelings toward. But her character grew so much in this book. She went from an almost nobody city guard to a very important person to say the least. Her relationship with Sartaq and her time spent with the Ruk Riders were some of my favorite chapters.
While this was very character driven, the plot advanced as well and this book parallels the events happening in EoS. The characters still uncover secrets, the past and further ways to help save the world. And most of all, getting what they came for in the first place. The Khagan's children were a lot of fun, in a strange, kinda great way, and I can't wait for them to meet the other characters. I'm excited now to read Kingdom of Ash and looking forward to reading that behemoth of a book. Hopefully it lives up the hype and level that so many other people have set it to.
Chaol. He was just about my favorite character in the first two books, but SJM did him dirty in HoF and QoS. He need this book to redeem his character and remain significant to the plot. His whole character arc is fantastic and how he learns how to work around and continue to live with a disability was very well written in my opinion. As a mild spoiler I'm glad he's disabled-not-disabled. I think it was very important to have him accept his disability and realize that it doesn't hold him back. It's a good message in my opinion.
Yrene Towers. She was the star of this book. Everything a healer should be, plus snark, a temper and not willing to take any bullshit from anyone, least of all Chaol. Enemies to lovers is my absolutely favorite trope and her relationship with Chaol couldn't have been any better. I can't wait to see her in the next book, and see where her powers take her.
Nesryn. Nesryn was this side character who I didn't have any strong feelings toward. But her character grew so much in this book. She went from an almost nobody city guard to a very important person to say the least. Her relationship with Sartaq and her time spent with the Ruk Riders were some of my favorite chapters.
While this was very character driven, the plot advanced as well and this book parallels the events happening in EoS. The characters still uncover secrets, the past and further ways to help save the world. And most of all, getting what they came for in the first place. The Khagan's children were a lot of fun, in a strange, kinda great way, and I can't wait for them to meet the other characters. I'm excited now to read Kingdom of Ash and looking forward to reading that behemoth of a book. Hopefully it lives up the hype and level that so many other people have set it to.
I thought this was a satisfying end to this series, that kept me entertained and turning each page of this almost 1000 page book. Even though I didn't care for Empire of Storms much, but loved Tower of Dawn, I was quite excited to read this one. Between all the hype, the beautiful cover, the detail on the front of the hardcopy, and what I knew would be an epic battle between the forces of good and evil, I was ready. SJM did give a thick, action packed book that is the result of the 6 previous books. I think back to the very first two books and look at all the little hints and clues SJM gave us about the future books, and I wonder if she had almost everything planned out from the beginning, or if she is just really good at weaving stories.
By the last book, SJM had so many characters and storylines that I wondered if she'd be able to spend enough time on each and not push any to the background. And while this series has always been centered around Aelin, SJM does a good job of balancing everything out. I feel like the characters had their equal proportions and page time. I can definitely see this as a woman driven installment, and while the men do very important and good things, I feel like the women really shine through. I wouldn't go so far as calling this a feminist book but it definitely was centered on the women of the story.
Looking at the characters, Aelin and Rowan haven't been my absolute favorite characters, but I'm glad they got the ending they did. But for how much I never really connected to Rowan and Aelin, I got so many other awesome characters who I do love so much: Manon, Abraxos, Elide, Lysandra, Yrene, the Thirteen, Aedion, and more. They made up for some of the cringy and eye rolling type purple prose about how 'Aelin is so awesome', 'Aelin is the most special person to ever walk the earth'. Another thing that has bothered me in this series is the fact that SJM can't seem to write a whole paragraph?! So many things are just one line, or just one sentence for dramatic effect that it got quite tiresome by the end. If Maas didn't do this, her page count would probably be a lot lower.
Either way, I wanted a high fantasy story about good vs evil with sweeping world building with daring quests, plot twists and huge battles, and I was not disappointed. The world building was probably one of my favorite parts of this series, and this is a book universe that I wish I could go in and explore myself. I would love to see Terrasen, the Staghorn Mountains, Wendlyn, the Southern Continent and sail farther on to discover the other countries and lands that were only ever hinted at. SJM has some special talent at creating a land like Terrasen (and the Night Court from acotar) about a northern land of mountains and snow that I can't help but love and feel just a little bit at home with. This just makes me look forward to her future books and series in the hope that she continues to not disappoint. I read this series in a little less than a month and now I already want another high fantasy with just the same level of development and stakes.
By the last book, SJM had so many characters and storylines that I wondered if she'd be able to spend enough time on each and not push any to the background. And while this series has always been centered around Aelin, SJM does a good job of balancing everything out. I feel like the characters had their equal proportions and page time. I can definitely see this as a woman driven installment, and while the men do very important and good things, I feel like the women really shine through. I wouldn't go so far as calling this a feminist book but it definitely was centered on the women of the story.
Looking at the characters, Aelin and Rowan haven't been my absolute favorite characters, but I'm glad they got the ending they did. But for how much I never really connected to Rowan and Aelin, I got so many other awesome characters who I do love so much: Manon, Abraxos, Elide, Lysandra, Yrene, the Thirteen, Aedion, and more. They made up for some of the cringy and eye rolling type purple prose about how 'Aelin is so awesome', 'Aelin is the most special person to ever walk the earth'. Another thing that has bothered me in this series is the fact that SJM can't seem to write a whole paragraph?! So many things are just one line, or just one sentence for dramatic effect that it got quite tiresome by the end. If Maas didn't do this, her page count would probably be a lot lower.
Either way, I wanted a high fantasy story about good vs evil with sweeping world building with daring quests, plot twists and huge battles, and I was not disappointed. The world building was probably one of my favorite parts of this series, and this is a book universe that I wish I could go in and explore myself. I would love to see Terrasen, the Staghorn Mountains, Wendlyn, the Southern Continent and sail farther on to discover the other countries and lands that were only ever hinted at. SJM has some special talent at creating a land like Terrasen (and the Night Court from acotar) about a northern land of mountains and snow that I can't help but love and feel just a little bit at home with. This just makes me look forward to her future books and series in the hope that she continues to not disappoint. I read this series in a little less than a month and now I already want another high fantasy with just the same level of development and stakes.
First Read: Spring 2017 (5 stars)
Re-Read: Summer 2019 (3ish stars)
I went back and re-read this first book because I wanted to see if I would still like it as much, and if I would still get as caught up in the story as when I first read it. Which is to say I didn't. I skimmed much of the book, only reading enough to remember what had happened, and only read the very beginning and end in detail. That isn't to say that I think this is a bad book, but compared to the rest of the series and the circumstances of when I first read it, its standing today is not nearly as high as it was to 2017 me.
I read this book first in spring 2017 while still in high school. It was one of the first YA and fantasy books I had read in a while so I didn't have too much to compare it to (unlike now). One of the main reasons I didn't enjoy it nearly as much this time is because I couldn't like several of the characters duet to knowing what will happen to them in the rest of the series. I just couldn't root for them or take any interest in them because I was like, "eh, you turn out to be a major douchebag in the next book." Feyre's character was annoying too. But knowing what happens with her characterization in the next books was worth getting through this one.
I also kinda realized that this book starts out as a kinda cringey romance book in the first half where not much happens and then completely turns into a YA fantasy in the second half. Huh. Besides that I do like SJM's element of having so many little hints throughout the book and then having a big reveal at the end. This almost seems like a Prequel story of sorts before the main conflict and issues start in the second. But overall, it was fine, I still generally liked it (if only for the next books) and I started ACOMAF with a smile last night.
Re-Read: Summer 2019 (3ish stars)
I went back and re-read this first book because I wanted to see if I would still like it as much, and if I would still get as caught up in the story as when I first read it. Which is to say I didn't. I skimmed much of the book, only reading enough to remember what had happened, and only read the very beginning and end in detail. That isn't to say that I think this is a bad book, but compared to the rest of the series and the circumstances of when I first read it, its standing today is not nearly as high as it was to 2017 me.
I read this book first in spring 2017 while still in high school. It was one of the first YA and fantasy books I had read in a while so I didn't have too much to compare it to (unlike now). One of the main reasons I didn't enjoy it nearly as much this time is because I couldn't like several of the characters duet to knowing what will happen to them in the rest of the series. I just couldn't root for them or take any interest in them because I was like, "eh, you turn out to be a major douchebag in the next book." Feyre's character was annoying too. But knowing what happens with her characterization in the next books was worth getting through this one.
I also kinda realized that this book starts out as a kinda cringey romance book in the first half where not much happens and then completely turns into a YA fantasy in the second half. Huh. Besides that I do like SJM's element of having so many little hints throughout the book and then having a big reveal at the end. This almost seems like a Prequel story of sorts before the main conflict and issues start in the second. But overall, it was fine, I still generally liked it (if only for the next books) and I started ACOMAF with a smile last night.
This book raised my standards for fantasy literature sooo much. I absolutely loved this massive book and the story and characters are some of the best and most well-developed I've encountered. I think this is the best book of 2019 so far for me, and I think I will be hard pressed to find one better. The scope of this novel is huge. It spans an entire world and dozens of characters, but Shannon does such a good job. All the nations of the world are based on cultures and counties from our world- but it doesn't fell redundant or copied. The countries, religions and cultures of this book are new and fresh while still maintaining some comforting similarities.
I have seen this book called the 'Feminist Successor to Lord of the Rings', and while I do see some similarities to LOTR, this book stands on its own and holds its own ground. This is a story about a world that is divided between the East and West. Even in the West, counties are divided because of religious differences and beliefs. But the threat of the Nameless One returning will test these counties to see if they can band together and face the threat of destruction. The Nameless One is a giant bad dragon who has been sealed away for a thousand years, but his wyverns and draconic creatures are stirring across the continent. Meanwhile, in Inys, Queen Sabran needs an heir to ensure The Nameless One stays locked away, but threats are coming to Sabran. Ead is tasked with protecting the Queen, but is actually a member of a secret order of mages. Across the ocean, in the East is a world which has good dragons and Tane is training to become a dragon rider, while an embittered alchemist tries to find a way home.
As you can tell from the above paragraph this book is about a lot... but I never felt lost or disoriented while reading it. There is so much I could else I could include in the description, but this book also contains: pirates, political intrigue, shapeshifting, witches, platonic friendships between men and women, complex female characters, love, loss, two branches of magic, amazing LGBT rep and sooo much more you just have to read it for yourself.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is that there is no discrimination based off of race, gender or sexuality in this book at all. Everyone is equal, no matter their gender, skin color and sexuality. This was so refreshing to read because so many fantasy writers feel like they have to contain these elements in their books, when the truth is they don't. It's your made up fantasy world. If you want equal rights and magic and dragons, go for it, no one is going to stop you. The women, poc and queer people had just as much respect, importance and agency in this book as any of the other characters. Out of the 4 point of views, only one is white, and 2 are confirmed LGBT. The main romance is wlw and they're one of my new otps.
My only complaint is that I wish this was longer. Which is funny to say because this is 800+ pages. If she wanted to, Shannon could've made this into a duology and really expanded on characters and their backstory and scenes we missed in this one. But alas, I will sit here and hope that she comes out with more content based in this world because I will be sitting here ready to read it.
I have seen this book called the 'Feminist Successor to Lord of the Rings', and while I do see some similarities to LOTR, this book stands on its own and holds its own ground. This is a story about a world that is divided between the East and West. Even in the West, counties are divided because of religious differences and beliefs. But the threat of the Nameless One returning will test these counties to see if they can band together and face the threat of destruction. The Nameless One is a giant bad dragon who has been sealed away for a thousand years, but his wyverns and draconic creatures are stirring across the continent. Meanwhile, in Inys, Queen Sabran needs an heir to ensure The Nameless One stays locked away, but threats are coming to Sabran. Ead is tasked with protecting the Queen, but is actually a member of a secret order of mages. Across the ocean, in the East is a world which has good dragons and Tane is training to become a dragon rider, while an embittered alchemist tries to find a way home.
As you can tell from the above paragraph this book is about a lot... but I never felt lost or disoriented while reading it. There is so much I could else I could include in the description, but this book also contains: pirates, political intrigue, shapeshifting, witches, platonic friendships between men and women, complex female characters, love, loss, two branches of magic, amazing LGBT rep and sooo much more you just have to read it for yourself.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is that there is no discrimination based off of race, gender or sexuality in this book at all. Everyone is equal, no matter their gender, skin color and sexuality. This was so refreshing to read because so many fantasy writers feel like they have to contain these elements in their books, when the truth is they don't. It's your made up fantasy world. If you want equal rights and magic and dragons, go for it, no one is going to stop you. The women, poc and queer people had just as much respect, importance and agency in this book as any of the other characters. Out of the 4 point of views, only one is white, and 2 are confirmed LGBT. The main romance is wlw and they're one of my new otps.
My only complaint is that I wish this was longer. Which is funny to say because this is 800+ pages. If she wanted to, Shannon could've made this into a duology and really expanded on characters and their backstory and scenes we missed in this one. But alas, I will sit here and hope that she comes out with more content based in this world because I will be sitting here ready to read it.
This is a story I have quite literally grown up with, and I enjoy it more and more every time I read it
This was the first piece that I read for my British Literature class. I have always enjoyed this poem, and I think it is so much more than a story about a dude who fights two monsters and a dragon. There is not much Anglo-Saxon literature that has survived, but luckily this did. I was first written around 700 AD and is a story that is not only about Beowulf, but also about Scandinavian history, human nature, outcasts and themes of Anglo-Saxon prose.
One thing that I love about Anglo-Saxon prose is the sense of The End of All Things. A lot of these works have this elegiac, melancholy theme and a persistent sense of death and the meaning of everything. There is a wonderful little Anglo-Saxon poem titled The Wanderer that has a some lines that go
"...the world's wealth shall all stand waste, just as in out own day all over middle-earth
walls are standing wind-swept and wasted, downed by frost, and dwellings covered in snow.
The mead-hall crumbles, its master lies dead..."
In which the same theme is present in the end of Beowulf,
"...A Geat woman too sang out in grief; with hair bound up, she unburdened herself of her
worst fears, a wild litany of nightmare and lament: her nation invaded, enemies on the
rampage, bodies in piles, slavery and abasement. Heaven swallowed smoke."
It might just be me, but I think there is something subtle and sublime that shows the beauty of Anglo-Saxon writing. Also, these Anglo- Saxon themes and elements are in Tolkien's work. In the Hobbit, there is obviously the dragon and treasure. But throughout the series, there is a reoccurring theme of ruins, looking back into past, the very real possibility of an End. Sometimes I think people are quick to dismiss this poem because they only see its surface, and fail to see all the rest.
One thing that I love about Anglo-Saxon prose is the sense of The End of All Things. A lot of these works have this elegiac, melancholy theme and a persistent sense of death and the meaning of everything. There is a wonderful little Anglo-Saxon poem titled The Wanderer that has a some lines that go
"...the world's wealth shall all stand waste, just as in out own day all over middle-earth
walls are standing wind-swept and wasted, downed by frost, and dwellings covered in snow.
The mead-hall crumbles, its master lies dead..."
In which the same theme is present in the end of Beowulf,
"...A Geat woman too sang out in grief; with hair bound up, she unburdened herself of her
worst fears, a wild litany of nightmare and lament: her nation invaded, enemies on the
rampage, bodies in piles, slavery and abasement. Heaven swallowed smoke."
It might just be me, but I think there is something subtle and sublime that shows the beauty of Anglo-Saxon writing. Also, these Anglo- Saxon themes and elements are in Tolkien's work. In the Hobbit, there is obviously the dragon and treasure. But throughout the series, there is a reoccurring theme of ruins, looking back into past, the very real possibility of an End. Sometimes I think people are quick to dismiss this poem because they only see its surface, and fail to see all the rest.