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Doomed to Die: An A–Z of Death in Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings meets Edward Gorey's The Gashlycrumb Tinies in this darkly satirical illustrated parody of the Tolkien ‘A is for Arwen broken by sorrows; B is for Boromir punctured by arrows. C is for Celebrimbor hung out to dry; D is for Denethor…'
‘Stories – frankly, human stories are always about one thing – death. The inevitability of death.’ J.R.R. TOLKIEN
A distinguished linguist and scholar, J.R.R. Tolkien is celebrated as the father of the fantasy genre, drawing on his knowledge of legends and folklore to create a new mythology and write the ultimate epic novel. He populated his books with Hobbits, Orcs, Elves, Dragons and Dwarves, but as in all epic tales, there can be only one fate for Mortal Men…
Doomed to Die is a uniquely irreverent glance at the world of Tolkien. It started life as an innocent Inktober 2024 project, but somehow grew in the telling to become a book.
‘Stories – frankly, human stories are always about one thing – death. The inevitability of death.’ J.R.R. TOLKIEN
A distinguished linguist and scholar, J.R.R. Tolkien is celebrated as the father of the fantasy genre, drawing on his knowledge of legends and folklore to create a new mythology and write the ultimate epic novel. He populated his books with Hobbits, Orcs, Elves, Dragons and Dwarves, but as in all epic tales, there can be only one fate for Mortal Men…
Doomed to Die is a uniquely irreverent glance at the world of Tolkien. It started life as an innocent Inktober 2024 project, but somehow grew in the telling to become a book.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 25, 2025
My personal favourite couplet:
C is for Celebrimbor hung out to dry
D is for Denethor who elected to fry
Nicely done, wonderful illustrations.
C is for Celebrimbor hung out to dry
D is for Denethor who elected to fry
Nicely done, wonderful illustrations.
February 19, 2026
Believe it or not, this was an instagram ad for me from Hot Topic? Super odd, but once I saw it was real I had to have one.
Delightfully, deliriously different. A love letter to Tolkien’s Legendarium and Edward Gorey’s art style. Each letter of the alphabet representing a person, place, or item, that found, witnessed, or welcomed death.
What a cool idea. One that started as a Inktober idea just as a fan, that then blew up on instagram, and later became an actual book deal. I feel like things like that don’t happen anymore, especially with something as legendary as the Tolkien Estate. This is one of those truly ‘dream big’ moments.
Breezed through this in one sitting. As it’s a stylized poem, with each letter receiving a single sentence, it’s not a time consuming read. However, the paragraph or so describing where each reference came from in the back of the book was awesome. This would be a really cool piece to get someone into the greater, deeper works of Tolkien, and the fact that the author cited his references, this might do just that. Middle-earth is an incredibly vast place with history and lore than many fans have only just scratched the surface on.
Here are two sets of favorites:
“C is for Celebrimbor hung out to dry
D is for Denethor who elected to fry”
“U is for Ungoliant whose last meal was gory
V is for the Valiant “They are coming!” By Ori”
Beautifully, inventively illustrated, with both that Gorey style and yet still a Tolkien feel. A must have for Tolkien shelves.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-doomed...
Delightfully, deliriously different. A love letter to Tolkien’s Legendarium and Edward Gorey’s art style. Each letter of the alphabet representing a person, place, or item, that found, witnessed, or welcomed death.
What a cool idea. One that started as a Inktober idea just as a fan, that then blew up on instagram, and later became an actual book deal. I feel like things like that don’t happen anymore, especially with something as legendary as the Tolkien Estate. This is one of those truly ‘dream big’ moments.
Breezed through this in one sitting. As it’s a stylized poem, with each letter receiving a single sentence, it’s not a time consuming read. However, the paragraph or so describing where each reference came from in the back of the book was awesome. This would be a really cool piece to get someone into the greater, deeper works of Tolkien, and the fact that the author cited his references, this might do just that. Middle-earth is an incredibly vast place with history and lore than many fans have only just scratched the surface on.
Here are two sets of favorites:
“C is for Celebrimbor hung out to dry
D is for Denethor who elected to fry”
“U is for Ungoliant whose last meal was gory
V is for the Valiant “They are coming!” By Ori”
Beautifully, inventively illustrated, with both that Gorey style and yet still a Tolkien feel. A must have for Tolkien shelves.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-doomed...
November 8, 2025
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the gifted book.
This is the best book for a Lord of the Rings nerd (of which I am). It’s half interesting art scenes and half Tolkien lore. I’ve read the books (and watched the movies seven million times) but I still learned some new information from Doomed to Die.
And yes, you’d think it would be depressing, focusing on death. But as Gandalf says “Death is just another path, one that we all must take.”
I’ll definitely be buying some gift copies for Christmas!
This is the best book for a Lord of the Rings nerd (of which I am). It’s half interesting art scenes and half Tolkien lore. I’ve read the books (and watched the movies seven million times) but I still learned some new information from Doomed to Die.
And yes, you’d think it would be depressing, focusing on death. But as Gandalf says “Death is just another path, one that we all must take.”
I’ll definitely be buying some gift copies for Christmas!
December 26, 2025
Brilliant! I really enjoyed the poem (quite clever) and illustrations which mimic those of Edward Gorey. Also there is a small summary at the end where the characters are explained which I appreciate since I haven't gotten through all the LOTR legendarium books so some names were familiar but I didn't know much about them.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
May 28, 2026
Very charming! The illustrations alone make this one worth it, and it's got helpful notes about each death at the end for those who needs it.
Though some of the later letters are a stretch. "X is for axe" - really? 😅
Though some of the later letters are a stretch. "X is for axe" - really? 😅
November 5, 2025
This book is brilliant!
“Irreverent” is the best word to describe it—the author clearly knows his Tolkien lore and summarized it into a catchy rhyme. The first half of the book is in rhyme form and the last half contains an appendices(just like in Tolkien’s books!) that gives you more information on each character and how they died. A short read for sure, but definitely enjoyed it!
Thank you William and Morrow for sending me a copy!
“Irreverent” is the best word to describe it—the author clearly knows his Tolkien lore and summarized it into a catchy rhyme. The first half of the book is in rhyme form and the last half contains an appendices(just like in Tolkien’s books!) that gives you more information on each character and how they died. A short read for sure, but definitely enjoyed it!
Thank you William and Morrow for sending me a copy!
December 28, 2025
Fun. Okay appendices.
May 17, 2026
This book had been calling my name for months and I'm so glad I finally bought it. A creative, tragic, (and even humorous) tribute to Tolkein.
December 25, 2025
5 stars for committing to the bit but I had to subtract one because my boy Finrod wasn't represented.
November 6, 2025
Absolutely loved the illustrations in this book! I was giggling all the way through. This would be a great holiday gift for a Tolkien lover!
January 23, 2026
Inspired by both Edward Gorey's The Gashlycrumb Tinies, and his love of all things J.R.R. Tolkien, cartoonist Tom Racine created this wonderful tribute mixed with humorous parody.
Thankfully there are concise synopses at the end of the book for those, like me, who are not quite nerdy enough to get all the character references.
Hint - this makes a great gift for the Tolkien lover in your life.
Thankfully there are concise synopses at the end of the book for those, like me, who are not quite nerdy enough to get all the character references.
Hint - this makes a great gift for the Tolkien lover in your life.
November 9, 2025
I've loved Tolkien's world since I was first given The Hobbit at the age of 11 and I've never looked back.
LOTR is the fantasy by which I measure all other books, so when I was sent Doomed to Die, I was understandably ecstatic!! This little book knocks a punch with original artwork detailing all the ways to die within Tolkien's world from A to Z, simultaneously being reverent and coy in its delivery. Racine expertly captured the heart, pain, and humor found in LOTR through his evocative artwork and thoughtful words.
Following the A-Z, the appendix details the characters and context of their deaths, pulling directly from the original works. This little book is an homage to all things Tolkien and I firmly believe every lover of the series should add this to their collection!
A big thank you to William Morrow Books and Harper Collins for the gifted copy, I will treasure it; all thoughts are my own.
LOTR is the fantasy by which I measure all other books, so when I was sent Doomed to Die, I was understandably ecstatic!! This little book knocks a punch with original artwork detailing all the ways to die within Tolkien's world from A to Z, simultaneously being reverent and coy in its delivery. Racine expertly captured the heart, pain, and humor found in LOTR through his evocative artwork and thoughtful words.
Following the A-Z, the appendix details the characters and context of their deaths, pulling directly from the original works. This little book is an homage to all things Tolkien and I firmly believe every lover of the series should add this to their collection!
A big thank you to William Morrow Books and Harper Collins for the gifted copy, I will treasure it; all thoughts are my own.
February 9, 2026
Lord of the Rings in the style of Edward Gorey’s The Gashleycrumb Tinies!! 🪦 (that book that starts with A is for Amy who fell down the stairs)
This is a fun read for Tolkien fans that captures the playful and macabre tone of Edward Gorey.
I loved seeing who was selected for each letter and there are handy summaries for each death that are a nice way to refresh on lore or learn new bits!
My favorite part of reading LOTR was the appendices because you get to see what the characters do afterwards and how they live out their final days. It’s bittersweet! And this book really speaks to that because it has Arwen and Legolas + Gimli 🥹
Also liked seeing people I recognize from Rings of Power (RIP Celebrimbor).
I’m glad the Tolkien estate approved this gem ✨
* I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
This is a fun read for Tolkien fans that captures the playful and macabre tone of Edward Gorey.
I loved seeing who was selected for each letter and there are handy summaries for each death that are a nice way to refresh on lore or learn new bits!
My favorite part of reading LOTR was the appendices because you get to see what the characters do afterwards and how they live out their final days. It’s bittersweet! And this book really speaks to that because it has Arwen and Legolas + Gimli 🥹
Also liked seeing people I recognize from Rings of Power (RIP Celebrimbor).
I’m glad the Tolkien estate approved this gem ✨
* I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
November 11, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is what I would classify it as a "coffee table" book. One that you keep out displayed on your coffee table all the time. Not only due to the gorgeous book cover but because it is a conversation reading book.
Each illustration is stunning. It made me re-look at Lord of the Rings in a new light. A way that I had not really thought about the various deaths that happened in the stories. Besides each letter of the alphabet capturing a different character; I thoroughly enjoyed the Appendices at the back of the book.
The Appendices featured the inspiration as well as more in depth explanations of each of the characters. This book will be one to give to the LOR fan in your life.
Each illustration is stunning. It made me re-look at Lord of the Rings in a new light. A way that I had not really thought about the various deaths that happened in the stories. Besides each letter of the alphabet capturing a different character; I thoroughly enjoyed the Appendices at the back of the book.
The Appendices featured the inspiration as well as more in depth explanations of each of the characters. This book will be one to give to the LOR fan in your life.
November 23, 2025
This book is perfect for long time fans of the world created by Tolkien, and fans who have watched the films. Tom Racine is really talented in his art, and my favorite part of the book is actually all the explanations at the back of the book. He goes one by one, A through Z, explaining pieces of lore (in case it’s something new to you) and talking about his inspiration/motivation for each piece.
This is a very witty book, and the art is sincerely beautiful. I highly recommend picking this up to be a part of your bookish collection!
Thank you so much to Tom Racine and William Morrow for this gifted copy!
This is a very witty book, and the art is sincerely beautiful. I highly recommend picking this up to be a part of your bookish collection!
Thank you so much to Tom Racine and William Morrow for this gifted copy!
December 16, 2025
I wanted this book from the moment I saw it advertised in August, and I was not disappointed.
The Gorey/Tolkien crossover is so unexpected, and so niche, but gosh darnit, it’s MY niche, and I was over the moon. The art is beautiful, the chosen characters were perfect… but by far, my favorite thing about this book is that the author included an Appendices (another little nod to The Professor) that gave context for each piece. So if you have not read beyond The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, fear not! Tom has you in good hands.
Amazing, stunning, and at times utterly heartbreaking, it’s by far one of my favorite things to come out of 2025.
The Gorey/Tolkien crossover is so unexpected, and so niche, but gosh darnit, it’s MY niche, and I was over the moon. The art is beautiful, the chosen characters were perfect… but by far, my favorite thing about this book is that the author included an Appendices (another little nod to The Professor) that gave context for each piece. So if you have not read beyond The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, fear not! Tom has you in good hands.
Amazing, stunning, and at times utterly heartbreaking, it’s by far one of my favorite things to come out of 2025.
December 21, 2025
A fun little book that honour J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth by illustrating and rhyming about the deaths that feature in the books. It starts with “A is for Arwen, done in by sorrow.” and ends with Z, one of the more notable deaths in the books.
The A-Z list is followed by a note from the author about how the book got started. Then an appendix is given, showing how each death was illustrated, along with information about the character featured in the death. This is helpful for general readers not familiar with the works of Tolkien, and may persuade them to read the books to find out more about the character themselves.
The A-Z list is followed by a note from the author about how the book got started. Then an appendix is given, showing how each death was illustrated, along with information about the character featured in the death. This is helpful for general readers not familiar with the works of Tolkien, and may persuade them to read the books to find out more about the character themselves.
November 11, 2025
If you are a Tolkien Lord of the Rings fan, then I highly recommend adding this book to your library. The first half is the book is a rhyming ABC of characters and the ways that they met their demise during the story. Each letter is accompanied by beautiful black and white artwork. Some reverent and some whimsical. At the end of the book is an Appendices of Doom that gives full detailed information on each photo and character. This book reminds us that death isn't something bad, it's just a natural part of life.
December 17, 2025
I liked the illustrations in this book. The first 25 pages contain rhymes describing random deaths throughout the Tolkien legendarium. "X is for AXE" (the axe with which Gimli killed 42) didn't convince me. In the appendices the author explains how this book came to be and gives a little backstory for each rhyme. The book doesn't add anything to the reader's knowledge really, but if you are a collector considering getting it since it doesn't occupy much space in your library.
December 28, 2025
A small book with a big impact!!! Not only is the art so fun and gorgeous, with both hilarious and heart-jerking rhymes, it goes into brief details of each illustration and the stories behind them, which I was not expecting! It was great to learn more about the pieces of the Tolkien legendarium that I don’t know that much about, as well as revisit my favorite parts! Tom really poured his heart and soul and ink into this book, and it was a joy to read!!!
November 17, 2025
A short and interesting book perfect for Lord of The Ring and Tolkien fans. It features funny art and captions.
This packs a punch with its dark humour. Divided into two parts- the first is the A-Z definition and the second part features another A-Z of various characters from Tolkien’s world.
It is depressing, not doubt, but it would make the perfect stocking filler.
This packs a punch with its dark humour. Divided into two parts- the first is the A-Z definition and the second part features another A-Z of various characters from Tolkien’s world.
It is depressing, not doubt, but it would make the perfect stocking filler.
December 6, 2025
At the intersection of J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and Edward Gorey's "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" is cartoonist Tom Racine's "Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien".
It starts with, "A is for Arwen broken by sorrows", and continues through the alphabet showing the demise of Legendarium characters, with illustrations and rhyming captions in Gorey's style.
There are appendices à la Tolkien describing the book's creation, and character information for all the illustrations.
A treat for any Tolkien or Gorey fan, and as both, I loved it! 🖤🧙🏻♂️🧝🏻💀🖤
It starts with, "A is for Arwen broken by sorrows", and continues through the alphabet showing the demise of Legendarium characters, with illustrations and rhyming captions in Gorey's style.
There are appendices à la Tolkien describing the book's creation, and character information for all the illustrations.
A treat for any Tolkien or Gorey fan, and as both, I loved it! 🖤🧙🏻♂️🧝🏻💀🖤
November 9, 2025
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved it. The artwork was so incredible, I spent several minutes on each page just admiring the art. I learned so much about J.R.R. and his worlds in such a fun way. Can’t wait for the author’s next book about Shakespeare!
November 19, 2025
A delightful homage to both Tolkien and Gorey's Ghastlycrumb Tinies. The A-Z poem and illustrations are followed in the back by an explanation of each character and their ultimate demise. Just a wonderful little book for fans of the above.
December 19, 2025
Večerní jednohubka!
V podstatě jde o abecedně řazenou sbírku ilustrací, kdy každé písmeno představuje jednu z tragických událostí Středozemě. Má to temně humorný. lehce parodický až satirický nádech s myšlenkou oslavy Tolkiena. Trošku jinak, trošku jinde, a proč vlastně ne?
Pobavilo :)
V podstatě jde o abecedně řazenou sbírku ilustrací, kdy každé písmeno představuje jednu z tragických událostí Středozemě. Má to temně humorný. lehce parodický až satirický nádech s myšlenkou oslavy Tolkiena. Trošku jinak, trošku jinde, a proč vlastně ne?
Pobavilo :)
December 28, 2025
What an amazing book. The artwork is spectacular. It’s great to revisit all of the old friends even if most had grisly endings. I bought most of the other copies at Powells books and have been giving them out to the gaming group. Can’t wait to see more.
January 1, 2026
ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS.
This was a lovely little volume full of absolutely brilliant Tolkien riffs in the style of Edward Gorey.
Highly recommend for any Tolkien fan! Makes a GREAT gift!
more to come
This was a lovely little volume full of absolutely brilliant Tolkien riffs in the style of Edward Gorey.
Highly recommend for any Tolkien fan! Makes a GREAT gift!
more to come
January 25, 2026
Edward Gorey-inspired illustrations elucidate an alphabetical list of the many tragedies Tolkien imagined. End notes give more details on the characters in case you are one of the many who tried valiantly but couldn’t finish “The Silmarillion.”
March 6, 2026
One-shot in the library! Super cute illustrations (even though it's about how umm Tolkien characters die) but I also like the little appendices at the end which goes into detail of the character deaths.
October 23, 2025
This Edward Gorey fan is absolutely delighted!
Flipping hilarious.
👍👍👍
Flipping hilarious.
👍👍👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews