Doomed to Die: An A–Z of Death in Tolkien

by Tom Racine

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.

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Queen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Julia Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sam Manucy (chsbibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dea Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ade · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Michelle Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Edward Gorey fan is absolutely delighted!
Flipping hilarious.

👍👍👍

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolkien meets Edward Gorey??? Yes please??? Perfect book.