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Middle-earth #3 part 1/2
The Treason of Isengard
Continuing the story of The Hobbit, this seven-volume paperback boxed set of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings is a collection to treasure.
Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power; the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring -- the ring that rules them all -- which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as the Ring is entrusted to his care. He must leave his home and make a perilous journey across the realms of Middle-earth to the Crack of Doom, deep inside the territories of the Dark Lord. There he must destroy the Ring forever and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose. Discover the incredible epic journey of Frodo in a celebratory seven-volume boxed set of fantasy classic, The Lord of the Rings.
Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power; the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring -- the ring that rules them all -- which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as the Ring is entrusted to his care. He must leave his home and make a perilous journey across the realms of Middle-earth to the Crack of Doom, deep inside the territories of the Dark Lord. There he must destroy the Ring forever and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose. Discover the incredible epic journey of Frodo in a celebratory seven-volume boxed set of fantasy classic, The Lord of the Rings.
252 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
43 people are currently reading
2170 people want to read
About the author
J.R.R. Tolkien
786 books77.3k followersJohn Ronald Reuel Tolkien: writer, artist, scholar, linguist. Known to millions around the world as the author of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien spent most of his life teaching at the University of Oxford where he was a distinguished academic in the fields of Old and Middle English and Old Norse. His creativity, confined to his spare time, found its outlet in fantasy works, stories for children, poetry, illustration and invented languages and alphabets.
Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in Middle-earth, an imagined world with strangely familiar settings inhabited by ancient and extraordinary peoples. Through this secondary world Tolkien writes perceptively of universal human concerns – love and loss, courage and betrayal, humility and pride – giving his books a wide and enduring appeal.
Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist who painted for pleasure and relaxation. He excelled at landscapes and often drew inspiration from his own stories. He illustrated many scenes from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes drawing or painting as he was writing in order to visualize the imagined scene more clearly.
Tolkien was a professor at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford for almost forty years, teaching Old and Middle English, as well as Old Norse and Gothic. His illuminating lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem, Beowulf, illustrate his deep knowledge of ancient languages and at the same time provide new insights into peoples and legends from a remote past.
Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 to English parents. He came to England aged three and was brought up in and around Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1915 and saw active service in France during the First World War before being invalided home. After the war he pursued an academic career teaching Old and Middle English. Alongside his professional work, he invented his own languages and began to create what he called a mythology for England; it was this ‘legendarium’ that he would work on throughout his life. But his literary work did not start and end with Middle-earth, he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and fairy tales for adults. He died in 1973 and is buried in Oxford where he spent most of his adult life.
Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in Middle-earth, an imagined world with strangely familiar settings inhabited by ancient and extraordinary peoples. Through this secondary world Tolkien writes perceptively of universal human concerns – love and loss, courage and betrayal, humility and pride – giving his books a wide and enduring appeal.
Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist who painted for pleasure and relaxation. He excelled at landscapes and often drew inspiration from his own stories. He illustrated many scenes from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes drawing or painting as he was writing in order to visualize the imagined scene more clearly.
Tolkien was a professor at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford for almost forty years, teaching Old and Middle English, as well as Old Norse and Gothic. His illuminating lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem, Beowulf, illustrate his deep knowledge of ancient languages and at the same time provide new insights into peoples and legends from a remote past.
Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 to English parents. He came to England aged three and was brought up in and around Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1915 and saw active service in France during the First World War before being invalided home. After the war he pursued an academic career teaching Old and Middle English. Alongside his professional work, he invented his own languages and began to create what he called a mythology for England; it was this ‘legendarium’ that he would work on throughout his life. But his literary work did not start and end with Middle-earth, he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and fairy tales for adults. He died in 1973 and is buried in Oxford where he spent most of his adult life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 15, 2023
This one kept me on the edge of my seat. I do truly believe that the best way to get through this series is watching each movie after it’s corresponding book.
After watching the first film, I immediately wanted to dive into this third book of six, because of where I sensed it was going - FIRST, from the inspiration of how the movies are visually presented, but also because of the fact that it’s just a great effing story already. From the first film, I also was able to familiarize myself with the characters more in this next one, especially Legolas, Gimli, and even Saruman. Putting faces to names at this point helped massively.
I at first was sort of annoyed that this one didn’t immediately follow Frodo and Sam right away, but in reading through the journey of how sections of the company navigate, it made me appreciate their moments more.
I love Tolkien’s nod to the uneasy feeling he portrays throughout this one. You can feel that with the Hobbits almost the whole way. And you know something is off before we turn back to Frodo and Sam’s journey. I have my theories, but the beauty is that I know I’ll be pleasantly surprised no matter what.
Cheers to 3 more books ahead 🧝♂️
After watching the first film, I immediately wanted to dive into this third book of six, because of where I sensed it was going - FIRST, from the inspiration of how the movies are visually presented, but also because of the fact that it’s just a great effing story already. From the first film, I also was able to familiarize myself with the characters more in this next one, especially Legolas, Gimli, and even Saruman. Putting faces to names at this point helped massively.
I at first was sort of annoyed that this one didn’t immediately follow Frodo and Sam right away, but in reading through the journey of how sections of the company navigate, it made me appreciate their moments more.
I love Tolkien’s nod to the uneasy feeling he portrays throughout this one. You can feel that with the Hobbits almost the whole way. And you know something is off before we turn back to Frodo and Sam’s journey. I have my theories, but the beauty is that I know I’ll be pleasantly surprised no matter what.
Cheers to 3 more books ahead 🧝♂️
January 24, 2021
The Treason of Isengard is the non-Frodo and Sam part of Two Towers, and we see the journey of the Hobbits as they travel… or at least are transported to Isengard, as well as the journey of those who are trying to find them.
This book could also have been named “The one with the Ents” because that’s what it is, and I’m certain that’s what everyone looks forward to the most when reading this part of the story. And the Ents remain exactly as delightful as they always have been.
All in all, this book strikes a nicer balance than The Ring Goes South did when it comes to telling a story of the universe while also moving the main story forwards. There are plenty of juicy and enjoyable nuggets in here which elaborate upon the lore of middle earth. If anything, some times it goes a little too far. There are times when the general tone and attitude of the characters doesn’t seem to match the importance and peril of what’s going on around them. Though, at worst that makes the book occasionally seem like a fairytale rather than a novel, and “fairytale” is a style that suits both this story and these characters.
The Treason of Isengard was yet another satisfying chapter in this long overdue re-read of the Lord of the Rings. Now I’m very interested to see what the Frodo and Sam-part of Two towers is like, as it’s probably the part of these books I remember the least from.
This book could also have been named “The one with the Ents” because that’s what it is, and I’m certain that’s what everyone looks forward to the most when reading this part of the story. And the Ents remain exactly as delightful as they always have been.
All in all, this book strikes a nicer balance than The Ring Goes South did when it comes to telling a story of the universe while also moving the main story forwards. There are plenty of juicy and enjoyable nuggets in here which elaborate upon the lore of middle earth. If anything, some times it goes a little too far. There are times when the general tone and attitude of the characters doesn’t seem to match the importance and peril of what’s going on around them. Though, at worst that makes the book occasionally seem like a fairytale rather than a novel, and “fairytale” is a style that suits both this story and these characters.
The Treason of Isengard was yet another satisfying chapter in this long overdue re-read of the Lord of the Rings. Now I’m very interested to see what the Frodo and Sam-part of Two towers is like, as it’s probably the part of these books I remember the least from.
March 5, 2021
I found that this next book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy wasn't as good as the previous one but i still really enjoyed it! I think because there was again lots of world building and not as much interactions with each character, it hindered my enjoyment. But nevertheless, i am very hyped to read the next book!
January 19, 2025
I've always liked the Two Towers because it feels like stuff actually happens in it without much waiting. Even the chapter about waiting feels like progression more than most of Fellowship.
8/10
A longer review will come after I've finished the series again.
8/10
A longer review will come after I've finished the series again.
December 31, 2021
Splitting out Frodo and Sam's section gives this book excellent pace and focus on the slightly more interesting paths of Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.
September 5, 2025
The one with the Ents - 10/10
January 17, 2021
Oof it's slow but good. I'd say almost too much detail
April 19, 2014
I found the first book to The Two Towers much harder to get through. Although this was the book that seemed to have most of the intense action so far, with the taking down of Isengard and the rousing of the Ents, the story was taking a much more slower pace to get to the intenser scenes, with a lot more talking parts that seemed to sort of just blur into nonsense to me at times.
Although I say all this, when I was really into the story it was amazing. I got to meet some new characters, like the Ents of Fanghorn Forest, and explore the minds and actions of much loved ones already. I do think that the longer talking sessions was a good thing because it definitely aided me in comprehending what was going on and to get further used to the way each character speaks. Again, Tolkien doesn't fail to express the vividly beautiful surroundings in clarity, so that readers are able to imagine Middle-Earth in the utmost accurate imagery and his way with words is just legendary.
I hear that the next part to The Two Towers, which followers Frodo and Sam's main journey is actually supposed to be what happens at the same time as what was going on in this book, so it will be interesting trying to get my head around things and piecing it together with the events I read about in this book.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
Gén
Although I say all this, when I was really into the story it was amazing. I got to meet some new characters, like the Ents of Fanghorn Forest, and explore the minds and actions of much loved ones already. I do think that the longer talking sessions was a good thing because it definitely aided me in comprehending what was going on and to get further used to the way each character speaks. Again, Tolkien doesn't fail to express the vividly beautiful surroundings in clarity, so that readers are able to imagine Middle-Earth in the utmost accurate imagery and his way with words is just legendary.
I hear that the next part to The Two Towers, which followers Frodo and Sam's main journey is actually supposed to be what happens at the same time as what was going on in this book, so it will be interesting trying to get my head around things and piecing it together with the events I read about in this book.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
Gén
December 15, 2017
I will dare suggest that no book has ever been simultaneously so richly fantastic while also wholly real as The Lord of the Rings. This story feels like spending time with real people. And I love them. I mean, I feel as though I really know, and really love them.
I couldn't imagine the book improving after the first part of Fellowship. Yet, this volume, Book 1 of Two Towers, is the best of the three so far. I could hardly put it down. Just as with the other two, I was wholly arrested by it, thinking of it always, whether or not I was reading it.
This is the first in the series of six to not include Frodo or The Ring at all. We are entirely taken into the story of Merry and Pippin, captured by the Uruk-hai, and Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn who are seeking to rescue them. I preferred this method of storytelling to the more common practice of checking in with the others, back-and-forth. I felt immersed in the story of the characters present in the text. Their tensions were their own, separate from what happens with Frodo, Sam, and The Ring. Even within this book, long passages of multiple chapters stay with a group of characters before switching to the other. It encourages the reader to be fully present, a gift Tolkien uses with multidisciplinary skill.
What a beautiful book. What a beautiful story.
I couldn't imagine the book improving after the first part of Fellowship. Yet, this volume, Book 1 of Two Towers, is the best of the three so far. I could hardly put it down. Just as with the other two, I was wholly arrested by it, thinking of it always, whether or not I was reading it.
This is the first in the series of six to not include Frodo or The Ring at all. We are entirely taken into the story of Merry and Pippin, captured by the Uruk-hai, and Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn who are seeking to rescue them. I preferred this method of storytelling to the more common practice of checking in with the others, back-and-forth. I felt immersed in the story of the characters present in the text. Their tensions were their own, separate from what happens with Frodo, Sam, and The Ring. Even within this book, long passages of multiple chapters stay with a group of characters before switching to the other. It encourages the reader to be fully present, a gift Tolkien uses with multidisciplinary skill.
What a beautiful book. What a beautiful story.
October 11, 2018
Whereas the first two volumes of this set split Fellowship of the Ring into roughly even parts, this volume and the next one split The Two Towers but the split is based on the story rather than length, which leads to the third book being significantly longer than the fourth.
After the splitting of the fellowship at the end of The Ring Goes South, The Treason of Isengard follows the events surrounding Merry and Pippin from the end of the last book through to the aftermath of the battle at Isengard.
Tolkien continues to exhibit his astounding world-building ability, adding to the cat of characters and filling in more pieces of the history of Middle Earth. To a first time reader, a lot of what happens may be considered a cliche, but it should be remembered that these are the books that a lot of cliches are based on.
After the splitting of the fellowship at the end of The Ring Goes South, The Treason of Isengard follows the events surrounding Merry and Pippin from the end of the last book through to the aftermath of the battle at Isengard.
Tolkien continues to exhibit his astounding world-building ability, adding to the cat of characters and filling in more pieces of the history of Middle Earth. To a first time reader, a lot of what happens may be considered a cliche, but it should be remembered that these are the books that a lot of cliches are based on.
March 22, 2024
The Two Towers is the second volume of The Lord of the Rings, one of the most popular Fantasy novels of all time. It’s a Fantasy Novel written by J.R.R Tolkien. I’m UnboundBeartic and here’s my review.
With various consecutive coherent storylines and an epic tale with outstanding characters and following the most well known war in Fantasy history. The Two Towers proves its worth in epic detail.
Plot
The Plot of The Two Towers is in between the beginning and end of story and features the protagonists being divided as Frodo and Sam broke up from the fellowship. This causes the events of the story to be split into two separate parts called books. Book III: The Treason of Isengard and Book IV: The Ring Goes East. Book III follows what remains of the Fellowship and Book IV follows Sam and Frodo.
Book III starts with the fellowship being attacked by orcs working for Saruman after Frodo and Sam Left. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas witness Boromir getting killed while the orcs capture Merry and Pippin. They follow the orcs and Merry and Pippin escape into the woods where they befriend tree-people called Ents. Aragorn’s group finds Gandalf who reveals he killed the Balrog but died from his wounds only to be resurrected as Gandalf the White by his creator. Gandalf and them decide to travel to the kingdom of Rohan In order to gain support in the upcoming war as Merry and Pippin are safe with the ents. They travel there and discover the king is depressed and manipulated by his advisor who is actually a spy of Saruman.
The army of Rohan and the main characters travel to a fortress called Helms Deep where they defend against Saruman’s army of orcs and manage to win. Meanwhile Merry and Pippin attack Saruman’s tower in Isengard with the help of the Ents. The troops of Rohan travel to it and discover it was decimated by the hobbits and ents. They encounter Saruman who is defeated by Gandalf and take a crystal ball used by Saruman to communicate with the Dark Lord Sauran called a Palantír. Pippin is curious to see what it is and tampers with it without Gandalf’s consent angering him. Gandalf takes Pippin with him to another nation called Gondor as a part of his plan. That’s the end of Book III
Book IV is from the point of view of Frodo and Pippin as they travel across the lands of Middle Earth trying to reach Mordor where they can destroy the ring. In the mountains they get attacked by Gollum a creature craving the ring. They manage to tame Gollum and use him as a guide into Mordor. Gollum has a split personality disorder where one of his personalities is good hobbit named Sméagol. He takes them to the Black Gate but they realize they’re better off taking another way around. They’re led into one city where they’re captured by Faramir, Boromir’s brother who tells Frodo and Sam that his brother is dead. They witness a war between the people of this city the Gondorians and Easterlings, humans working for the Dark Lord Sauron.
They escape with Gollum who takes them to a valley called Minas Morgul that’s close to Mordor. However, Gollum lures them into trap with a giant spider named Shelob. Frodo is paralyzed by toxic venom but Sam blinds and stabs the beast. He takes the ring and becomes the ring-bearer. He hides from a patrol of Orcs who take Frodo hostage. They know a lot about Shelob because they had issues with it in the past. Frodo spies on them and overhears them say that Frodo is under the effect of paralyzing venom as they had issues with using the same venom on their own men in the past. Sam is glad that his master is still alive and that they’re on the right track to destroying the ring. First of all the plot is pretty good. Both of the two stories are epic in scale and have a have well integrated locations and characters. However the two enemies Sauran and Saruman aren’t linked very well although they’re fighting amongst themselves and both want the same thing. Also the many different stories of different characters make the worldbuilding and scope more epic.
8/10
Writing
The writing is a lot better than the first one. It has a few flaws such as the ring magically making Sam understand Orc languages and Shelob impaling itself on the sting sword but other than that the writing is pretty good for instance Gandalf manages to take the rank of Saruman and the enemies spy is pretty well written. Plus the worldbuilding is very good as all the creatures are well integrated an the locations and well thought out and rememberable. However, the dialogue is not very good.
8/10
Characters
The characters are all very good and they all get there moments to shrine, plus it has some new additions that are great. Even the orc characters are pretty good. Sam is a great character who’s loyalty and choices are put to the test. However it has a few issues such as a few characters that have minor roles like Legolas. Also the heroes are hateful and pick on Grima a servant of Saruman in a comedic way.
7/10
Themes
The themes are hope, honor, family, environmentalism, perseverance, and the destructive corrupting power of greed.
6/10
Entertaining Value
It’s very hard to read and boring in some sections. The action is written just okay and the characters are boring. Also the storytelling is not very good and the religious undertones aren’t in the book but are in other passages written by the author. However, it has a decent plot, and the amount of time given to the characters is good. Plus the story is immersive and has some interesting concepts.
6/10
Conclusion
Overall I give The Fellowship of the Ring a 7 out of 10. I give it an Unbound Beartic approval rating of Finish It.
With various consecutive coherent storylines and an epic tale with outstanding characters and following the most well known war in Fantasy history. The Two Towers proves its worth in epic detail.
Plot
The Plot of The Two Towers is in between the beginning and end of story and features the protagonists being divided as Frodo and Sam broke up from the fellowship. This causes the events of the story to be split into two separate parts called books. Book III: The Treason of Isengard and Book IV: The Ring Goes East. Book III follows what remains of the Fellowship and Book IV follows Sam and Frodo.
Book III starts with the fellowship being attacked by orcs working for Saruman after Frodo and Sam Left. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas witness Boromir getting killed while the orcs capture Merry and Pippin. They follow the orcs and Merry and Pippin escape into the woods where they befriend tree-people called Ents. Aragorn’s group finds Gandalf who reveals he killed the Balrog but died from his wounds only to be resurrected as Gandalf the White by his creator. Gandalf and them decide to travel to the kingdom of Rohan In order to gain support in the upcoming war as Merry and Pippin are safe with the ents. They travel there and discover the king is depressed and manipulated by his advisor who is actually a spy of Saruman.
The army of Rohan and the main characters travel to a fortress called Helms Deep where they defend against Saruman’s army of orcs and manage to win. Meanwhile Merry and Pippin attack Saruman’s tower in Isengard with the help of the Ents. The troops of Rohan travel to it and discover it was decimated by the hobbits and ents. They encounter Saruman who is defeated by Gandalf and take a crystal ball used by Saruman to communicate with the Dark Lord Sauran called a Palantír. Pippin is curious to see what it is and tampers with it without Gandalf’s consent angering him. Gandalf takes Pippin with him to another nation called Gondor as a part of his plan. That’s the end of Book III
Book IV is from the point of view of Frodo and Pippin as they travel across the lands of Middle Earth trying to reach Mordor where they can destroy the ring. In the mountains they get attacked by Gollum a creature craving the ring. They manage to tame Gollum and use him as a guide into Mordor. Gollum has a split personality disorder where one of his personalities is good hobbit named Sméagol. He takes them to the Black Gate but they realize they’re better off taking another way around. They’re led into one city where they’re captured by Faramir, Boromir’s brother who tells Frodo and Sam that his brother is dead. They witness a war between the people of this city the Gondorians and Easterlings, humans working for the Dark Lord Sauron.
They escape with Gollum who takes them to a valley called Minas Morgul that’s close to Mordor. However, Gollum lures them into trap with a giant spider named Shelob. Frodo is paralyzed by toxic venom but Sam blinds and stabs the beast. He takes the ring and becomes the ring-bearer. He hides from a patrol of Orcs who take Frodo hostage. They know a lot about Shelob because they had issues with it in the past. Frodo spies on them and overhears them say that Frodo is under the effect of paralyzing venom as they had issues with using the same venom on their own men in the past. Sam is glad that his master is still alive and that they’re on the right track to destroying the ring. First of all the plot is pretty good. Both of the two stories are epic in scale and have a have well integrated locations and characters. However the two enemies Sauran and Saruman aren’t linked very well although they’re fighting amongst themselves and both want the same thing. Also the many different stories of different characters make the worldbuilding and scope more epic.
8/10
Writing
The writing is a lot better than the first one. It has a few flaws such as the ring magically making Sam understand Orc languages and Shelob impaling itself on the sting sword but other than that the writing is pretty good for instance Gandalf manages to take the rank of Saruman and the enemies spy is pretty well written. Plus the worldbuilding is very good as all the creatures are well integrated an the locations and well thought out and rememberable. However, the dialogue is not very good.
8/10
Characters
The characters are all very good and they all get there moments to shrine, plus it has some new additions that are great. Even the orc characters are pretty good. Sam is a great character who’s loyalty and choices are put to the test. However it has a few issues such as a few characters that have minor roles like Legolas. Also the heroes are hateful and pick on Grima a servant of Saruman in a comedic way.
7/10
Themes
The themes are hope, honor, family, environmentalism, perseverance, and the destructive corrupting power of greed.
6/10
Entertaining Value
It’s very hard to read and boring in some sections. The action is written just okay and the characters are boring. Also the storytelling is not very good and the religious undertones aren’t in the book but are in other passages written by the author. However, it has a decent plot, and the amount of time given to the characters is good. Plus the story is immersive and has some interesting concepts.
6/10
Conclusion
Overall I give The Fellowship of the Ring a 7 out of 10. I give it an Unbound Beartic approval rating of Finish It.
July 19, 2025
Solid 4
Majority of time 3.8, but sometimes 4.2
Many interesting events took outside the adventures of the ring but my issue is that this was not executed that well. Majority of this book was conversations- which can be interesting but they in my opinion were dull and I often was quite bored in them. But I’ve adapted to his writing more or less.
Nevertheless this story is actually more interesting and enjoyable than first time I read this book- where I got till like 80% and I gave up on this series. Excited now to continue this story from a new perspective, as I have never gotten so far 😊
Majority of time 3.8, but sometimes 4.2
Many interesting events took outside the adventures of the ring but my issue is that this was not executed that well. Majority of this book was conversations- which can be interesting but they in my opinion were dull and I often was quite bored in them. But I’ve adapted to his writing more or less.
Nevertheless this story is actually more interesting and enjoyable than first time I read this book- where I got till like 80% and I gave up on this series. Excited now to continue this story from a new perspective, as I have never gotten so far 😊
July 6, 2025
🗡️✨ “There’s some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” ✨🌋
5 out of 5 Rings
Best For: Those who want to walk into a world with real history behind every stone, who crave magic that’s earned and not just granted, and who know the journey matters more than the destination.
Skip If: You want your fantasy quick, easy, and modern—or if old-fashioned prose, poetry, and patience are dealbreakers.
This is it—the source. The Lord of the Rings is the mountain every other fantasy climbs toward. Even if you know the movies by heart, the books are a different world: wilder, sadder, funnier, and far richer in every detail. The magic isn’t just in wizards and rings, but in the patient love for language, land, and the smallest acts of courage. Whether you’re new to Middle-earth or coming home again, the journey changes you—and it’s never quite the same twice.
Where to Begin
If you’re new, start with The Hobbit. It’s the most welcoming: lighter, full of humor and heart, with just enough shadow to hint at what’s coming. If you’re ready to dive deep, begin with The Fellowship of the Ring—it’s where Tolkien’s language, lore, and sense of wonder really come alive.
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
The Journey
The Lord of the Rings is more than a quest—it’s a test of friendship, hope, and the limits of courage. The pace is slow by modern standards, but it allows for real growth and heartbreak. The heroes aren’t always the ones with swords or crowns; they’re gardeners, wanderers, and the people you’d least expect.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
The first book, Fellowship, is about setting out, leaving comfort behind, and learning how big (and dangerous) the world can be. The Two Towers splits the story and deepens the darkness—battles rage, forests wake, and even the villains become more complicated. The Return of the King is about sacrifice and sorrow, and the quiet cost of heroism.
“I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.”
Format Choices: Audio, Print, and Beyond
Audiobooks: Rob Inglis gives the classic, storybook feel—gentle, wise, with every song sung. Andy Serkis brings cinematic drama and unforgettable Gollum energy. Both are excellent; choose Inglis for tradition, Serkis for excitement.
The Silmarillion is best approached with Martin Shaw or Samuel West’s steady, clear narration.
Print: For beauty and immersion, seek out the Alan Lee illustrated hardcovers or Ted Nasmith’s edition of The Silmarillion. If you’re after portability, trade paperbacks work well, but hardcover is built to last.
For the Lore-Hungry: The Silmarillion
If you ever wondered where the elves and Sauron really come from, or why Middle-earth feels so ancient, this is the source text. It’s dense, tragic, and haunting—a collection of creation myths and doomed romances. Not for everyone, but it will deepen your love for Tolkien’s world if you let it.
“The world was fair, the mountains tall, in Elder Days before the fall…”
Representation, Critique, and Legacy
These are not perfect books: Tolkien’s world reflects the limits of his era, and many readers will notice the absence of diverse voices and perspectives. The good news is that The Lord of the Rings has been reclaimed and reimagined by generations of readers, each finding themselves in the margins, in the courage of Sam or the doubt of Frodo, in the longing for a home that never quite was.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason these stories endure. They remind us that hope and kindness aren’t naïve—they’re a form of bravery. The journey isn’t easy, but every return to Middle-earth feels like coming home a slightly different person.
Middle-earth is always waiting. All you have to do is step in.
May 23, 2022
I found this with a cover I like (and had on one of my editions of the book). I'm reading the 50th anniversary edition for reference.
Up til this point, the story has essentially been a single narrative. with the sundering of the fellowship, we switch to two main story branches. JRRT choses to present this as two separate stories, cut into four separate "books", which are roughly contemporaneous with each other (the Appendices give the combined timeline in outline). I rather like this choice. Its biggest issue is that you either have to skip whole books completely to read a continuous narrative or have a long gap before continuing. GRR Martin choses a different approach entirely by having A Song of Ice and Fire be one narrative, but spread into multiple point of view characters, which are at best roughly contemporaneous and evolve in sequence. However, even here, the multiple narrative lines are chopped up and presented in a very disrupted form (in part because each POV character does not see or know everything which is happening nor why). Most writers (and I expect editors sand publishers) adopt the very traditional approach of continuing multiple character narratives either in different chapters or splitting chapters into different character sections. Iain M Banks goes one further using this approach in Use of Weapons.
This book opens with the remainder of the fellowship tracing the orcs across eastern Rohan and the rough lands that form its natural boundaries, as the Orc retreat to Orthanc. The style remains very similar to Fellowship, focussing as much on the landscape and journey as the key characters and their choices. What does happen is that time starts to compress as the story moves forward at pace as this element of the overall lot comes to a head. I find this and its continuation in the Return of the Kings, a much more exciting read as it is much more action focussed, but it is essentially the side story, albeit a very important one) to Frodo and Sam's quest which continues in book 4 and 6, before the narrative combines again.
Books 3 effectively covers 9 or 10 days in time and journey from the Great River to Isengard via Fangorn, Edoras and Helm's Deep. It is, I think, my favourite section of the whole story. In it, there is one battle described in some detail and a summary of the assault on Isengard by the Ents. Yet is is action packed with details of the journey and locations, written in compelling English. I think this is at the core of the appeal of Lord of the Rings for me. Compared to any modern work, especially TV or film it lacks "action" and many might find the pacing very slow with little "happening".
Up til this point, the story has essentially been a single narrative. with the sundering of the fellowship, we switch to two main story branches. JRRT choses to present this as two separate stories, cut into four separate "books", which are roughly contemporaneous with each other (the Appendices give the combined timeline in outline). I rather like this choice. Its biggest issue is that you either have to skip whole books completely to read a continuous narrative or have a long gap before continuing. GRR Martin choses a different approach entirely by having A Song of Ice and Fire be one narrative, but spread into multiple point of view characters, which are at best roughly contemporaneous and evolve in sequence. However, even here, the multiple narrative lines are chopped up and presented in a very disrupted form (in part because each POV character does not see or know everything which is happening nor why). Most writers (and I expect editors sand publishers) adopt the very traditional approach of continuing multiple character narratives either in different chapters or splitting chapters into different character sections. Iain M Banks goes one further using this approach in Use of Weapons.
This book opens with the remainder of the fellowship tracing the orcs across eastern Rohan and the rough lands that form its natural boundaries, as the Orc retreat to Orthanc. The style remains very similar to Fellowship, focussing as much on the landscape and journey as the key characters and their choices. What does happen is that time starts to compress as the story moves forward at pace as this element of the overall lot comes to a head. I find this and its continuation in the Return of the Kings, a much more exciting read as it is much more action focussed, but it is essentially the side story, albeit a very important one) to Frodo and Sam's quest which continues in book 4 and 6, before the narrative combines again.
Books 3 effectively covers 9 or 10 days in time and journey from the Great River to Isengard via Fangorn, Edoras and Helm's Deep. It is, I think, my favourite section of the whole story. In it, there is one battle described in some detail and a summary of the assault on Isengard by the Ents. Yet is is action packed with details of the journey and locations, written in compelling English. I think this is at the core of the appeal of Lord of the Rings for me. Compared to any modern work, especially TV or film it lacks "action" and many might find the pacing very slow with little "happening".
December 11, 2025
The Treason of Isengard pushes the story into darker, sharper territory, and I really enjoyed reading this part as its own volume. The breaking of the Fellowship is felt in every chapter, yet the momentum of the story only grows stronger as new allies and new dangers emerge. Rohan’s struggles, the shadow of Saruman, and the expanding war give this section a powerful sense of urgency.
I loved how Tolkien deepens the world here — the Riders of Rohan, the ancient woods, and the rising threat from Isengard all add layers to Middle-earth that make it feel vast and alive. The Ents especially bring a surprising mix of wonder and fury that only Tolkien could create.
The pacing is tight, the stakes keep rising, and the characters are pushed into choices that define who they are. It’s a gripping transition from wandering adventure into full-scale war, and it sets everything up beautifully for what comes next.
Reading this again just reinforces why I think Tolkien is the greatest writer in the fantasy genre. His storytelling, his atmosphere, his worldbuilding — nothing else matches it.
A tense, exciting, and richly detailed chapter of the journey — and one I genuinely enjoyed.
I loved how Tolkien deepens the world here — the Riders of Rohan, the ancient woods, and the rising threat from Isengard all add layers to Middle-earth that make it feel vast and alive. The Ents especially bring a surprising mix of wonder and fury that only Tolkien could create.
The pacing is tight, the stakes keep rising, and the characters are pushed into choices that define who they are. It’s a gripping transition from wandering adventure into full-scale war, and it sets everything up beautifully for what comes next.
Reading this again just reinforces why I think Tolkien is the greatest writer in the fantasy genre. His storytelling, his atmosphere, his worldbuilding — nothing else matches it.
A tense, exciting, and richly detailed chapter of the journey — and one I genuinely enjoyed.
January 9, 2023
Book 3 was fun. I’m really enjoying the dialogue and interactions between characters and I’m finding that to be my favourite aspect of the whole story so far. The battle of Helms deep was confusingly written in places just lacking that bit of extra detail so you know what’s definitely going on. I found myself relying on the film for this bit really but still enjoyable.
Seeing the slight differences between the books and the films is always interesting. It was cool to see more of the ents than you get in the films and the last portion of the book at Isengard was just really interesting to read in particular the confrontation with Saruman. Book 2 however I definitely enjoyed most so far.
I’m not going no further til we’ve had a breather!
Actually I’m going straight onto book 4!
Seeing the slight differences between the books and the films is always interesting. It was cool to see more of the ents than you get in the films and the last portion of the book at Isengard was just really interesting to read in particular the confrontation with Saruman. Book 2 however I definitely enjoyed most so far.
I’m not going no further til we’ve had a breather!
Actually I’m going straight onto book 4!
November 13, 2017
Fellowship departs
Ents come into play
Where are Frodo and Sam?
Gandalf returns
There seems to be less conflict within smaller teams.
Legolas and Gimli seem to be best friends since part2, there was more competition between them in the movie.
“Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.”
You get immersed into the story and the book ends too soon, can't wait for the next part.
Ents come into play
Where are Frodo and Sam?
Gandalf returns
There seems to be less conflict within smaller teams.
Legolas and Gimli seem to be best friends since part2, there was more competition between them in the movie.
“Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.”
You get immersed into the story and the book ends too soon, can't wait for the next part.
August 13, 2023
Another great read, this one was my favourite of the series so far. So many things happened in this one, seamless action flowing right into another gripping story. Rip my guy Boromir, lots of battles, and more amazing world building with the Ents and kingdoms being added to the knowledge of the universe. Loved the character development of the non-hobbit members of the group as well, plus the goat Gandalf returned. What more could you want?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
Ah yes The Battle of Helms Deep. One of my favorite battles of all time. While I love the movie version I do think the book does some things better. The elves from the movie were definitely not needed and I love all of Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Eomer's moments from the book. Also Gimli and Legolas's friendship is way more awesome in the books! I really felt how epic this book was. So much so that I'm immediately starting the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2022
What can be said that hasn't. Much more fast paced than Fellowship and a wonderful intro to our non "lead" members: Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn, Pippin, and Merry.
Pippin and Merry have their own ~merry~ adventure and showcase the bravery of the hobbits. Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn show the true value of friendship in tirelessly tracking them.
Pippin and Merry have their own ~merry~ adventure and showcase the bravery of the hobbits. Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn show the true value of friendship in tirelessly tracking them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2022
I found it a bit... tedious and yet I enjoyed reading it and kept coming back to read more. I guess I was hoping for more updates on frodo, gollum, the ring etc. Nonetheless, I do feel like I have been drawn into the world
May 23, 2023
I thought it was a bit weird that Frodo (the legit man dude) and Sam aren’t even in this 200 odd part of the book?
Even still, I liked how Merry and Pippin focused this one was - but, if I’m being real, I had no idea what happened in this book or what was going on so yeahhhh.
Even still, I liked how Merry and Pippin focused this one was - but, if I’m being real, I had no idea what happened in this book or what was going on so yeahhhh.
June 18, 2023
Sadly my least favorite section of The Lord of the Rings. Not even Tolkien was immune to a mid-story slump. Still an overall good experience though. Full review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DM2M...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DM2M...
August 14, 2024
I actually love the change in narrative I'm the third book, the change of narrating voice and the combination of revealing the plot in classic ways and also through storytelling with characters is just another way Tolkien shows his literary genius. I can't wait to read book 4
August 24, 2018
Looking forward to the summer being over so we can start book three. Hoom hom.
April 14, 2020
Good read
May 19, 2020
My favorite LOTR book so far.
May 22, 2021
I'M HALF WAY THROUGH! I WILL CONCUR THIS BOOK I STG. Book 3 of 6 DONE!
April 27, 2022
Fantastic adventures and epic battles of good and evil persists in book 3. Greater things are now in motion.
July 11, 2023
Ok I can say I actually enjoyed this one so that’s good :) 🥳🥳
Legolas is a sweet little baby and I was upset at the distinct lack of Frodo and Sam.
Legolas is a sweet little baby and I was upset at the distinct lack of Frodo and Sam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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