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Middle-earth #2 part 2/2
新版 指輪物語〈2〉/旅の仲間〈下〉
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.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
100 people are currently reading
2377 people want to read
About the author
J.R.R. Tolkien
785 books77.4k 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 99 reviews
February 26, 2020
3ª vez
Una vez más he adorado El Concilio de Elrond. Con mejor ritmo que la primera parte, me he perdido más en el mundo, como quería, recordando y disfrutando a cada paso todo lo que está ya grabado a fuego por ver tantas veces las películas o por las relecturas, así como aquellas cosas que sólo aparecen en los libros y que recordaba vagamente y sin detalles.
Un placer volver a leer esta obra :)
_________
2ª vez
Tan igual a la película en su mayoría (incluso en diálogos enteros) que me ha costado más separarlo de esta. Eso sí, el Concilio de Elrond ha sido una gozada leerlo :)
Una vez más he adorado El Concilio de Elrond. Con mejor ritmo que la primera parte, me he perdido más en el mundo, como quería, recordando y disfrutando a cada paso todo lo que está ya grabado a fuego por ver tantas veces las películas o por las relecturas, así como aquellas cosas que sólo aparecen en los libros y que recordaba vagamente y sin detalles.
Un placer volver a leer esta obra :)
_________
2ª vez
Tan igual a la película en su mayoría (incluso en diálogos enteros) que me ha costado más separarlo de esta. Eso sí, el Concilio de Elrond ha sido una gozada leerlo :)
December 4, 2025
Que puedo decir de esta gran saga. Me fascina todo lo que es el mundo de Tolkien. El final me pareció un poco metido con prisa en comparación de la película.
December 11, 2020
I think I feel about LOTR the way most of the dudes in book club felt about Pride and Prejudice - appreciate it for what it is and don't dislike it, but find it kind of challenging and not exactly their genre of choice.
It is interesting to be reading the set of books where each of the three books in the trilogy is divided into two separate physical books. This definitely did feel like a different book and different story from the first. I think I liked the first half of FOTR better than this one. I am maybe just not a lore person and the whole chapter where they were explaining all the history of the ring etc, my attention constantly drifted and I don't remember much. My main issue with these books is my attention drifts while reading quite a lot. I will read to the end, but probably not something I will reread.
I am glad to be finally reading the series/trilogy though as it probably is one of those things everyone should read at some point. I definitely appreciate the incredible world building that is present here. This is clearly just a book-reader mismatch, but I still want to keep going. I hope the next installments will be a bit more exciting.
It is interesting to be reading the set of books where each of the three books in the trilogy is divided into two separate physical books. This definitely did feel like a different book and different story from the first. I think I liked the first half of FOTR better than this one. I am maybe just not a lore person and the whole chapter where they were explaining all the history of the ring etc, my attention constantly drifted and I don't remember much. My main issue with these books is my attention drifts while reading quite a lot. I will read to the end, but probably not something I will reread.
I am glad to be finally reading the series/trilogy though as it probably is one of those things everyone should read at some point. I definitely appreciate the incredible world building that is present here. This is clearly just a book-reader mismatch, but I still want to keep going. I hope the next installments will be a bit more exciting.
November 3, 2022
Book 2 I found more enjoyable than book 1. The Council of Elrond and journeying through Moria both stood out for me. I couldn’t put it down during these chapters, they were a joy to read.
I love picking up the breadcrumbs of lore that are scattered throughout the story and you get even more of a sense of the rich history that belongs to the world of Tolkien.
I’m definitely enjoying it much more reading it for the second time, not sure why that is. Maybe I have grown in wisdom.
I love picking up the breadcrumbs of lore that are scattered throughout the story and you get even more of a sense of the rich history that belongs to the world of Tolkien.
I’m definitely enjoying it much more reading it for the second time, not sure why that is. Maybe I have grown in wisdom.
July 9, 2014
Reviewing as I read:
Chapter 1:
Light and quiet chapter. Calm after the storm. Love the Elves. Also, BILBO!!
Chapter 2:
Bilbo seems different from the Bilbo of the Hobbit. More talkative and more surface, somehow. More old bumbling fool than an old and wise hobbit. Or maybe I just remember him differently.
I like Elrond. He is wise, but quite often he makes remarks with a smile. Like when Frodo volunteers to take the Ring to Mordor, and Sam jumps out from his corner and says, "But you wouldn't let him go alone, would you?" Elrond replies, "No indeed! You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." There is a warmth to Elrond.
This chapter was quite long, but it flew by rather quickly. I am not the biggest fan of Gandalf, but this chapter made me change my mind a bit. There was less of the I-know-everything-you fool-Gandalf and more of the I-made-a-mistake-that-could-cost-us-dearly-Gandalf and I liked that softening. No doubt Gandalf has always been portrayed as good and wise, but he is rather proud of his own wisdom and he tends to talk down to hobbits and dwarfs a bit, I think. But not here, so maybe it was more of a thing in the Hobbit.
Dangers are still lurking outside Rivendell. All around Rivendell, more or less. Lord knows how they will ever make it to Mordor.
Chapter 3:
The Fellowship set out with four of the nine members being hobbits, which makes Elrond a bit nervous - hobbits are homely creatures, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. But how can you not admire Pippin and Merry for actually being jealous of Sam who has been allowed to go with Frodo. Dangers schmangers, they are not leaving their friend.
"Master Elrond, you will have to lock me in prison, or send me home tied in a sack. For otherwise I shall follow the Company." Well done, Pippin.
And I like the budding friendship between Frodo and Aragorn. Frodo is almost more happy that Aragorn is coming along than when he hears Gandalf will also be joining them. For a man that is more used to being shorn or called names, the admiration of Frodo must be heart-warming.
Chapter 4:
I still think Gandalf tends to sound more arrogant than I think he is intended to. Or maybe not arrogant, but there is a certain "if only you peasants would have listened to me"-vibe about him. Like when Sam is sorry they have to let Bill the horse go, Gandalf says, "I would have travelled lighter and brought no animal (...) if I had had my way. I feared all along that we should be obliged to take this road." Or when Pippin threw the rock down the well: "Fool of a Took! This is a serious journey, not a hobbit-walking party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance. Now be quiet!"
There are many ways to phrase a sentence, and I think he could have done better.
It was a rather quiet chapter, though with dangers constantly lurking. You know drama is about to hit!
Chapter 5:
The Orcs attack! Sam is wounded, Frodo would have been but for his corslet, and Gandalf uses most of his strength trying to bar the door behind them. And then the Balrog makes a brief appearance...
And I am gonna call it: The feet Frodo hears - they are Gollum's.
Chapter 6:
The Company now have to journey on past Mirrormere into Lothlórien. Frodo still hears feet behind them, though Gimli the super-hearer can't hear anything.
The Elves of Lothlórien help the Company, but are a bit suspicious of Gimli. The spend their first night on a flet high up in the silver mallorn trees. The Hobbits are more used to holes than heights, so this piece of brilliancy occurs:
Pippin: "I hope, if I do go to sleep in this bed-loft, that I shan't roll off."
Sam: "Once I do get to sleep, I shall go on sleeping, whether I roll off or no. And the less said, the sooner I'll drop off, if you take my meaning."
Aragorn proved once again why the Company would be the poorer for his loss: The Elves insist on blindfolding Gimli as he is a Dwarf. Gimli is non too pleased. "The agreement was made without my consent." "A plague on the stiff neck of Dwarves!" says Legolas. Aragorn insists they are all blindfolded. Gimli says that is not necessary - he'll settle for a blindfolded Legolas. "But I am an Elf and a kinsman here!" "A plague on the stiff necks of Elves," says Aragorn before insisting that they are all blindfolded. That is how a father settles a dispute among his children. Well done, Aragorn.
The chapter ends with Aragorn lost in thought as they stand on Cerin Amroth. He is looking at scenes past with a small golden bloom, an elanor, in his hand and a light in his eyes. He looks younger. Arwen vanamelda, namarië! After that he smiles at Frodo, takes his hand and they leave Cerin Amroth.
Chapter 7:
Caras Galadhon is a wonderful place, and Galadriel is badass.
Chapter 8:
Tolkien definitely wanted us to remember Lórien as an idyllic, enchanted place. All is good and well. Now that they have left it, I fear they won't see the like of it for a long time. No more pleasant homeliness on their journey ahead.
Gimli is a dear. He defends the Dwarfs, but is not stuck in the past rivalry between them and the Elves. He recognises and respects goodness and kindness when he meets it. His love and respect for Galadriel and friendship with Legolas are touching. There is more to Gimli than meets the eye.
Chapter 9:
I'm gonna call it: There is something wrong with Boromir. Either the Ring is affecting him or he has ulterior motives, or both.
Legolas is a crack shot, and I knew who was following them. I knew it.
Chapter 10:
Well done, Boromir, well done. (I am being sarcastic here.)
And I know he has his reasons, but leaving the others like that was a cruel thing to do, Mr Frodo. Sam is right. Even if you don't want them to come with you at least leave some kind of message so they know you haven't been taken by the Orcs. Still, if I had been left behind like that, I would have been furious and terrified that you were lying dead in a ditch, Mr Frodo. It was badly done, Frodo, badly done indeed.
Also, and this is probably just me being stupid, but what can the Ring actually do? Why is it so terrifying? I know that it is the One Ring to Rule Them All, but how? Can it control everyone or just those with rings? Does it control your mind? Can it make you do things against your will? Can the Ring kill you from afar? Just how is it dangerous? What would Sauron be able to do with the Ring that he can't do now?
Apart from my confusion there, I am so into this story. I like the characters and want to know what happens to them. I am ready for a good battle soon, and please, more Merry and Pippin... and Aragorn... and Legolas and Gimli...
Thanks.
Chapter 1:
Light and quiet chapter. Calm after the storm. Love the Elves. Also, BILBO!!
Chapter 2:
Bilbo seems different from the Bilbo of the Hobbit. More talkative and more surface, somehow. More old bumbling fool than an old and wise hobbit. Or maybe I just remember him differently.
I like Elrond. He is wise, but quite often he makes remarks with a smile. Like when Frodo volunteers to take the Ring to Mordor, and Sam jumps out from his corner and says, "But you wouldn't let him go alone, would you?" Elrond replies, "No indeed! You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." There is a warmth to Elrond.
This chapter was quite long, but it flew by rather quickly. I am not the biggest fan of Gandalf, but this chapter made me change my mind a bit. There was less of the I-know-everything-you fool-Gandalf and more of the I-made-a-mistake-that-could-cost-us-dearly-Gandalf and I liked that softening. No doubt Gandalf has always been portrayed as good and wise, but he is rather proud of his own wisdom and he tends to talk down to hobbits and dwarfs a bit, I think. But not here, so maybe it was more of a thing in the Hobbit.
Dangers are still lurking outside Rivendell. All around Rivendell, more or less. Lord knows how they will ever make it to Mordor.
Chapter 3:
The Fellowship set out with four of the nine members being hobbits, which makes Elrond a bit nervous - hobbits are homely creatures, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. But how can you not admire Pippin and Merry for actually being jealous of Sam who has been allowed to go with Frodo. Dangers schmangers, they are not leaving their friend.
"Master Elrond, you will have to lock me in prison, or send me home tied in a sack. For otherwise I shall follow the Company." Well done, Pippin.
And I like the budding friendship between Frodo and Aragorn. Frodo is almost more happy that Aragorn is coming along than when he hears Gandalf will also be joining them. For a man that is more used to being shorn or called names, the admiration of Frodo must be heart-warming.
Chapter 4:
I still think Gandalf tends to sound more arrogant than I think he is intended to. Or maybe not arrogant, but there is a certain "if only you peasants would have listened to me"-vibe about him. Like when Sam is sorry they have to let Bill the horse go, Gandalf says, "I would have travelled lighter and brought no animal (...) if I had had my way. I feared all along that we should be obliged to take this road." Or when Pippin threw the rock down the well: "Fool of a Took! This is a serious journey, not a hobbit-walking party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance. Now be quiet!"
There are many ways to phrase a sentence, and I think he could have done better.
It was a rather quiet chapter, though with dangers constantly lurking. You know drama is about to hit!
Chapter 5:
The Orcs attack! Sam is wounded, Frodo would have been but for his corslet, and Gandalf uses most of his strength trying to bar the door behind them. And then the Balrog makes a brief appearance...
And I am gonna call it: The feet Frodo hears - they are Gollum's.
Chapter 6:
The Company now have to journey on past Mirrormere into Lothlórien. Frodo still hears feet behind them, though Gimli the super-hearer can't hear anything.
The Elves of Lothlórien help the Company, but are a bit suspicious of Gimli. The spend their first night on a flet high up in the silver mallorn trees. The Hobbits are more used to holes than heights, so this piece of brilliancy occurs:
Pippin: "I hope, if I do go to sleep in this bed-loft, that I shan't roll off."
Sam: "Once I do get to sleep, I shall go on sleeping, whether I roll off or no. And the less said, the sooner I'll drop off, if you take my meaning."
Aragorn proved once again why the Company would be the poorer for his loss: The Elves insist on blindfolding Gimli as he is a Dwarf. Gimli is non too pleased. "The agreement was made without my consent." "A plague on the stiff neck of Dwarves!" says Legolas. Aragorn insists they are all blindfolded. Gimli says that is not necessary - he'll settle for a blindfolded Legolas. "But I am an Elf and a kinsman here!" "A plague on the stiff necks of Elves," says Aragorn before insisting that they are all blindfolded. That is how a father settles a dispute among his children. Well done, Aragorn.
The chapter ends with Aragorn lost in thought as they stand on Cerin Amroth. He is looking at scenes past with a small golden bloom, an elanor, in his hand and a light in his eyes. He looks younger. Arwen vanamelda, namarië! After that he smiles at Frodo, takes his hand and they leave Cerin Amroth.
Chapter 7:
Caras Galadhon is a wonderful place, and Galadriel is badass.
Chapter 8:
Tolkien definitely wanted us to remember Lórien as an idyllic, enchanted place. All is good and well. Now that they have left it, I fear they won't see the like of it for a long time. No more pleasant homeliness on their journey ahead.
Gimli is a dear. He defends the Dwarfs, but is not stuck in the past rivalry between them and the Elves. He recognises and respects goodness and kindness when he meets it. His love and respect for Galadriel and friendship with Legolas are touching. There is more to Gimli than meets the eye.
Chapter 9:
I'm gonna call it: There is something wrong with Boromir. Either the Ring is affecting him or he has ulterior motives, or both.
Legolas is a crack shot, and I knew who was following them. I knew it.
Chapter 10:
Well done, Boromir, well done. (I am being sarcastic here.)
And I know he has his reasons, but leaving the others like that was a cruel thing to do, Mr Frodo. Sam is right. Even if you don't want them to come with you at least leave some kind of message so they know you haven't been taken by the Orcs. Still, if I had been left behind like that, I would have been furious and terrified that you were lying dead in a ditch, Mr Frodo. It was badly done, Frodo, badly done indeed.
Also, and this is probably just me being stupid, but what can the Ring actually do? Why is it so terrifying? I know that it is the One Ring to Rule Them All, but how? Can it control everyone or just those with rings? Does it control your mind? Can it make you do things against your will? Can the Ring kill you from afar? Just how is it dangerous? What would Sauron be able to do with the Ring that he can't do now?
Apart from my confusion there, I am so into this story. I like the characters and want to know what happens to them. I am ready for a good battle soon, and please, more Merry and Pippin... and Aragorn... and Legolas and Gimli...
Thanks.
January 15, 2021
In the continuation of trying (and failing) to read Lord of the Rings slowly throughout the year, The Ring Goes South is the second book of the Fellowship-part (Rivendell -> The Breaking of the Fellowship). I’m continuing to enjoy this re-read, but this part was less enjoyable than the previous one.
Perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising that a book which is pretty much exclusively about a bunch of people moving from one place to another place feels like it’s connecting the dots, but whereas The Ring Sets Out had a proper fairytale feel, along with interesting world-building and a bunch of charm, this part of the story feels much more like it exists to convey information, rather than to be especially enjoyable to read. It doesn’t get boring, but it also doesn’t invoke the same feeling of wonder and adventure that I got from the first book.
That said, I’m obviously being picky, and the fact that these books have turned out to be too addictive to only read a couple of chapters a week speaks volumes. I’m still very much looking forward to reading what happens in a story where I very much know what is going to happen. Everyone who is going to read this book has probably already read it, but I’d highly recommend a re-read to anyone who has the time!
Perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising that a book which is pretty much exclusively about a bunch of people moving from one place to another place feels like it’s connecting the dots, but whereas The Ring Sets Out had a proper fairytale feel, along with interesting world-building and a bunch of charm, this part of the story feels much more like it exists to convey information, rather than to be especially enjoyable to read. It doesn’t get boring, but it also doesn’t invoke the same feeling of wonder and adventure that I got from the first book.
That said, I’m obviously being picky, and the fact that these books have turned out to be too addictive to only read a couple of chapters a week speaks volumes. I’m still very much looking forward to reading what happens in a story where I very much know what is going to happen. Everyone who is going to read this book has probably already read it, but I’d highly recommend a re-read to anyone who has the time!
August 2, 2024
The boys are in trouble and Boromir has lost the plot 🫨 Listened to this on audiobook for sections and Andy Serkis' reading of it is incredible
October 5, 2018
This is the second half of The Fellowship of the Ring and covers from the arrival of the hobbits in Rivendell through to the breaking of the fellowship on Amon Hen.
This is the section of Lord of the Rings that had the biggest emotional impact on me when I first read it - I remember when Gandalf fell in Moria I put the book down and didn't return to it for a couple of weeks. As always, Tolkien's use of language and his world-building are exceptional. Not having read Lord of the Rings for the better part of a decade (or perhaps longer), I am getting a huge amount of enjoyment from re-reading it this time.
This is the section of Lord of the Rings that had the biggest emotional impact on me when I first read it - I remember when Gandalf fell in Moria I put the book down and didn't return to it for a couple of weeks. As always, Tolkien's use of language and his world-building are exceptional. Not having read Lord of the Rings for the better part of a decade (or perhaps longer), I am getting a huge amount of enjoyment from re-reading it this time.
Read
September 25, 2024"A lord of wisdom throned he sat,
swift in anger, quick to laugh;
an old man in a battered hat
who leaned upon a thorny staff.
He stood upon the bridge alone
and Fire and Shadow both defied;
his staff was broken on the stone,
in Khazad-dûm his wisdom died."
God damn, I love Gandalf so much.
swift in anger, quick to laugh;
an old man in a battered hat
who leaned upon a thorny staff.
He stood upon the bridge alone
and Fire and Shadow both defied;
his staff was broken on the stone,
in Khazad-dûm his wisdom died."
God damn, I love Gandalf so much.
March 6, 2023
The ending of this one (which is technically the end of book 1) was sooooo good. I loved Boromir’s arc, how it just comes at you all of a sudden, and the realization of what Frodo has to do for the sake of evil. Of course its just him and Sam going on. So carefully crafted to have the company wait for Frodo but then realize he left. It makes me excited to keep reading the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
Cada vez se pone mas interesante!!! Me encanta ir comparando con la peli para ir viendo las diferencias, así es una lectura muy amena y emocionante!
March 19, 2024
He de reconocer que empecé a leer este libro por lo menos un par de veces pero siempre lo dejaba. Soy de esas personas a las que no le gustan demasiado las descripciones largas y eso choca un poquito con la forma de escribir de Tolkien 😅 pero, en esta ocasión, he conseguido disfrutar de la lectura y se debe a dos razones:
🧝🏼♀️Me he decantado por el audiolibro y ha sido un auténtico placer porque está narrado por Miguel Ángel Jenner, la voz en español de Gimli además de contar con la colaboración de Nuria Mediavilla, la voz de Galadriel. El decantarme por esta opción me ha permitido disfrutar hasta de las descripciones y la experiencia ha sido muy enriquecedora ( en algunos momentos incluso he combinado la lectura en papel con el audiolibro).
🧝🏼♀️Compartir la lectura también ha sido un punto a favor. El avanzar para luego poder hablar de las metas con l@s compañer@s del club de lectura ha sido una buena motivación.
Lo que queda patente es que si has visto las películas tantas veces como yo, es imposible separar el libro de la versión cinematográfica. Y cuando lees los diálogos de los distintos personajes siempre le vas a poner la cara del actor que corresponda ( ayy Viggo😍) y me genera curiosidad saber qué opinará del libro alguien que no haya visto las películas ( si existe 😅).
Respecto a la historia , es interesante ver las diferencias entre la obra del Tolkien y la adaptación de Peter Jackson , lo que provoca....que ahora mismo necesite volver a ver la primera película para pararme a comparar 😜
🧝🏼♀️Me he decantado por el audiolibro y ha sido un auténtico placer porque está narrado por Miguel Ángel Jenner, la voz en español de Gimli además de contar con la colaboración de Nuria Mediavilla, la voz de Galadriel. El decantarme por esta opción me ha permitido disfrutar hasta de las descripciones y la experiencia ha sido muy enriquecedora ( en algunos momentos incluso he combinado la lectura en papel con el audiolibro).
🧝🏼♀️Compartir la lectura también ha sido un punto a favor. El avanzar para luego poder hablar de las metas con l@s compañer@s del club de lectura ha sido una buena motivación.
Lo que queda patente es que si has visto las películas tantas veces como yo, es imposible separar el libro de la versión cinematográfica. Y cuando lees los diálogos de los distintos personajes siempre le vas a poner la cara del actor que corresponda ( ayy Viggo😍) y me genera curiosidad saber qué opinará del libro alguien que no haya visto las películas ( si existe 😅).
Respecto a la historia , es interesante ver las diferencias entre la obra del Tolkien y la adaptación de Peter Jackson , lo que provoca....que ahora mismo necesite volver a ver la primera película para pararme a comparar 😜
January 29, 2024
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first 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.
While it may have a sense of adventure worthy of being a decent start to a venerable novel. The Fellowship of the Ring is narratively standard.
Plot
The Fellowship of the Ring is set sixty years after The Hobbit. Gandalf and Bildo are still friends and the magic ring Bildo found has suppressed his aging so he is very close to his age in the earlier book. After Bildo's hundred and eleventh birthday party, Bildo Baggins uses the ring as a joke to get out of the village because he doesn't like the Hobbit people he's living with. He leaves his cousin he'd been the legal guardian of to run his household and gives the ring to Gandalf who gives it to Frodo.
Seventeen years later, Gandalf discovers that the Dark Lord Sauron is growing stronger. From chases with a creature called Gollum that was degraded and warped by the ring. Gandalf figures out that it was Bildo's ring, he goes to the Shire and checks the Ring to see if it is indeed the One Ring. Meanwhile Frodo has made friends with two other hobbits Peregrin Took and Merry Brandybuck. He is now fifty years old but resembles a young Hobbit due to the effects of the ring. Gandalf reveals that it belongs to Sauron and is important to him as he needs it to dominate the other magic rings and takeover all of Middle-Earth. His gardener Samwise Gamgee hears this and Gandalf tells him to accompany Frodo. Frodo leaves with Sam and Peregrin who team up with Meriadoc and travel through the forests on a quest to Rivendell a location where those fighting against Sauron will meet.
On the way, they encounter wraiths under the control of Sauron and in the woods encounter a mysterious being named Tom Bombadil who helps them survive against more wraiths called Barrow-wights. They also gain weapons from this quest. Then they meet up with one of Gandalf's associates a human ranger named Aragorn who goes by the nickname Strider. He helps them on their quest as they travel to Rivendell and they fight against the Black Riders who are actually ghostly creatures lured to the power of the ring at night. In one battle, Frodo is stabbed and wounded but the team makes it to Rivendell with the help of an Elf named Glorfindel.
In the aftermath, Frodo recovers and the Black Riders, are explained to be Nazgûl, people corrupted by the rings and that Frodo could have become one if not treated of his injuries. Aragorn turns out to be from royalty. Also Gandalf reveals that he was held captive by Saruman one of the wizards has gone rogue and become a rival of Sauron. If any of the wizards gain the ring they will become the next dark lord and will be corrupted. Saruman seeks them so he can take over Middle-Earth. He's been preparing for war and has organized an army of Orcs. The Elves and other races meet at Rivendell and decide to organize a fellowship to travel to the mountain where the ring was forged and destroy it as that's the only place it can.
They travel through the Misty Mountains but fail due to a Blizzard, they pass through the mines beneath the mountains where they discover the bones of the Dwarves including two that were in the Hobbit Novel. While trying to get through they're attacked by Orcs and Trolls They climb down through halls of the mines and have to cross a bridge where they're attacked by a demon called a Balrog. Gandalf defeats the creature but is pulled down through the mines with it. The rest of the fellowship escape and make it to an Elf Village where they're helped by an Elves who give them supplies and gifts. They travel across rivers and find a place called Amon Hen with an ancient throne. They have to decide which direction to go which could lead them to Mordor to destroy the ring or travel to the city of Minas Tirith for support in the War of the Ring.
One of the Fellowship members Boromir, wants to take the ring to his people in Gondor. He attacks the Frodo forcing him to use the ring to escape. Sam and Frodo get back on the river and travel on the path to Mordor and they entire a rocky land called Emyn Muil that's the way between them and Mordor.
First of all, the plot is pretty good, but is just the start of a larger more complex plot. While the stakes are high and the goals of the characters are well integrated into it. The plot dramatically changes when the first book The Ring Sets Out ends and the second one The Ring Goes South. Also the ring functions as a macguffin as all the factions all want it for the own reasons.
8/10
Writing
The writing is just okay, the dialogue is mediocre, the story is mediocre and the narrative is mediocre. However, there are some grammatical and spelling errors. It does have a decent timeline set up that encompasses the events leading up to and during the story. Also the worldbuilding is pretty decent as it references the Hobbit and shows the mountains and elven lands pretty well.
6/10
Characters
The Characters are a major improvement over the Hobbit. All the Fellowship's members are fleshed out and at the Council of Elrond many other faces are decent characters. However, the Fellowship members aren't introduced that well and some other characters seen in the council could have been better inclusions. Also Gandalf is a now a better written character as he falls in the Mines of Moria instead of being overpowered. Also the Hobbits are the meekest smallest characters although they are integrated pretty well into the plot and it shows them standing up for themselves and surviving the harshness of the world to a degree. Aragorn is also a decent character. Legolas and Gimli are just okay but are still rememberable. Also other characters such as Glorfindel, Elrond and Glóin are pretty good. Plus Gollum's appearance near the end and previous mentions is set up pretty well and makes sense with his effect on the plot. Also Bildo from the first book returns for a small part.
7/10
Themes
Sadly, the Fellowship of the Ring's themes aren't as good as some other High Fantasy books including other works of Tolkien. It does have themes of Fellowship, Good vs Evil, Foresight, Fate, Free Will, Greed and the lust for power, along with courage. However, these are standard themes and not really epic and deep. However, it's only the start of a larger novel.
3/10
Entertaining Value
It has an extremely adventurous plot with decent characters, decent worldbuilding and many interesting monsters with decent conflict. Also the length of the book is reasonable due to the amount of characters and amount of plot. However, it has some overly long descriptions and some of the poems as songs in universe are not the most impressive. It's not exactly as entertaining as the previous novel The Hobbit despite some improvements. Also some sections are very similar to the Hobbit.
7/10
Conclusion
Overall I give The Hobbit a 6.2 out of 10. I give it an Unbound Beartic approval rating of Finish It.
While it may have a sense of adventure worthy of being a decent start to a venerable novel. The Fellowship of the Ring is narratively standard.
Plot
The Fellowship of the Ring is set sixty years after The Hobbit. Gandalf and Bildo are still friends and the magic ring Bildo found has suppressed his aging so he is very close to his age in the earlier book. After Bildo's hundred and eleventh birthday party, Bildo Baggins uses the ring as a joke to get out of the village because he doesn't like the Hobbit people he's living with. He leaves his cousin he'd been the legal guardian of to run his household and gives the ring to Gandalf who gives it to Frodo.
Seventeen years later, Gandalf discovers that the Dark Lord Sauron is growing stronger. From chases with a creature called Gollum that was degraded and warped by the ring. Gandalf figures out that it was Bildo's ring, he goes to the Shire and checks the Ring to see if it is indeed the One Ring. Meanwhile Frodo has made friends with two other hobbits Peregrin Took and Merry Brandybuck. He is now fifty years old but resembles a young Hobbit due to the effects of the ring. Gandalf reveals that it belongs to Sauron and is important to him as he needs it to dominate the other magic rings and takeover all of Middle-Earth. His gardener Samwise Gamgee hears this and Gandalf tells him to accompany Frodo. Frodo leaves with Sam and Peregrin who team up with Meriadoc and travel through the forests on a quest to Rivendell a location where those fighting against Sauron will meet.
On the way, they encounter wraiths under the control of Sauron and in the woods encounter a mysterious being named Tom Bombadil who helps them survive against more wraiths called Barrow-wights. They also gain weapons from this quest. Then they meet up with one of Gandalf's associates a human ranger named Aragorn who goes by the nickname Strider. He helps them on their quest as they travel to Rivendell and they fight against the Black Riders who are actually ghostly creatures lured to the power of the ring at night. In one battle, Frodo is stabbed and wounded but the team makes it to Rivendell with the help of an Elf named Glorfindel.
In the aftermath, Frodo recovers and the Black Riders, are explained to be Nazgûl, people corrupted by the rings and that Frodo could have become one if not treated of his injuries. Aragorn turns out to be from royalty. Also Gandalf reveals that he was held captive by Saruman one of the wizards has gone rogue and become a rival of Sauron. If any of the wizards gain the ring they will become the next dark lord and will be corrupted. Saruman seeks them so he can take over Middle-Earth. He's been preparing for war and has organized an army of Orcs. The Elves and other races meet at Rivendell and decide to organize a fellowship to travel to the mountain where the ring was forged and destroy it as that's the only place it can.
They travel through the Misty Mountains but fail due to a Blizzard, they pass through the mines beneath the mountains where they discover the bones of the Dwarves including two that were in the Hobbit Novel. While trying to get through they're attacked by Orcs and Trolls They climb down through halls of the mines and have to cross a bridge where they're attacked by a demon called a Balrog. Gandalf defeats the creature but is pulled down through the mines with it. The rest of the fellowship escape and make it to an Elf Village where they're helped by an Elves who give them supplies and gifts. They travel across rivers and find a place called Amon Hen with an ancient throne. They have to decide which direction to go which could lead them to Mordor to destroy the ring or travel to the city of Minas Tirith for support in the War of the Ring.
One of the Fellowship members Boromir, wants to take the ring to his people in Gondor. He attacks the Frodo forcing him to use the ring to escape. Sam and Frodo get back on the river and travel on the path to Mordor and they entire a rocky land called Emyn Muil that's the way between them and Mordor.
First of all, the plot is pretty good, but is just the start of a larger more complex plot. While the stakes are high and the goals of the characters are well integrated into it. The plot dramatically changes when the first book The Ring Sets Out ends and the second one The Ring Goes South. Also the ring functions as a macguffin as all the factions all want it for the own reasons.
8/10
Writing
The writing is just okay, the dialogue is mediocre, the story is mediocre and the narrative is mediocre. However, there are some grammatical and spelling errors. It does have a decent timeline set up that encompasses the events leading up to and during the story. Also the worldbuilding is pretty decent as it references the Hobbit and shows the mountains and elven lands pretty well.
6/10
Characters
The Characters are a major improvement over the Hobbit. All the Fellowship's members are fleshed out and at the Council of Elrond many other faces are decent characters. However, the Fellowship members aren't introduced that well and some other characters seen in the council could have been better inclusions. Also Gandalf is a now a better written character as he falls in the Mines of Moria instead of being overpowered. Also the Hobbits are the meekest smallest characters although they are integrated pretty well into the plot and it shows them standing up for themselves and surviving the harshness of the world to a degree. Aragorn is also a decent character. Legolas and Gimli are just okay but are still rememberable. Also other characters such as Glorfindel, Elrond and Glóin are pretty good. Plus Gollum's appearance near the end and previous mentions is set up pretty well and makes sense with his effect on the plot. Also Bildo from the first book returns for a small part.
7/10
Themes
Sadly, the Fellowship of the Ring's themes aren't as good as some other High Fantasy books including other works of Tolkien. It does have themes of Fellowship, Good vs Evil, Foresight, Fate, Free Will, Greed and the lust for power, along with courage. However, these are standard themes and not really epic and deep. However, it's only the start of a larger novel.
3/10
Entertaining Value
It has an extremely adventurous plot with decent characters, decent worldbuilding and many interesting monsters with decent conflict. Also the length of the book is reasonable due to the amount of characters and amount of plot. However, it has some overly long descriptions and some of the poems as songs in universe are not the most impressive. It's not exactly as entertaining as the previous novel The Hobbit despite some improvements. Also some sections are very similar to the Hobbit.
7/10
Conclusion
Overall I give The Hobbit a 6.2 out of 10. I give it an Unbound Beartic approval rating of Finish It.
May 13, 2017
I didn't think I could enjoy Book One more than I did. I liked this one more.
At this rate, LOTR could become my favourite book, even ahead of East of Eden.
Reading it is like slipping into a clean fluffy comforter by a warm fire.
I noticed as I reached the end that Tolkien has completely engulfed the vocabulary portion of my brain, without my even realizing it. Full sentences in this book will sometimes contain as many of his made up words and names as true English ones. So immersed I am in the book that I hardly noticed.
This feels like reading a history, or gazing into another alternate dimension, entirely real. This is masterful.
This is heartbreaking and affecting and powerful.
Wow.
At this rate, LOTR could become my favourite book, even ahead of East of Eden.
Reading it is like slipping into a clean fluffy comforter by a warm fire.
I noticed as I reached the end that Tolkien has completely engulfed the vocabulary portion of my brain, without my even realizing it. Full sentences in this book will sometimes contain as many of his made up words and names as true English ones. So immersed I am in the book that I hardly noticed.
This feels like reading a history, or gazing into another alternate dimension, entirely real. This is masterful.
This is heartbreaking and affecting and powerful.
Wow.
August 4, 2013
En la edición que tengo, esta primera parte de "El Señor de los Anillos" está dividida en dos tomos. Esta es la segunda parte del primer libro, llamada originalmente "El Anillo va al Sur".
"El Señor de los Anillos" fue iniciado como una secuela de "El Hobbit", que en un principio había sido escrita por TOLKIEN para sus hijos. La popularidad de "El Hobbit" provocó que la editorial le pidiera a TOLKIEN más historias relacionadas con la novela y, de esta forma, el autor comenzó a escribir la que se convertiría en "El Señor de los Anillos" y que no acabaría hasta once años después, en 1948.
"El Señor de los Anillos" fue iniciado como una secuela de "El Hobbit", que en un principio había sido escrita por TOLKIEN para sus hijos. La popularidad de "El Hobbit" provocó que la editorial le pidiera a TOLKIEN más historias relacionadas con la novela y, de esta forma, el autor comenzó a escribir la que se convertiría en "El Señor de los Anillos" y que no acabaría hasta once años después, en 1948.
July 21, 2025
4.4-4.7
This book was so much more entertaining. First time I read this I clearly did not pay attention to anything as I barely remember anything- that is how boring the first time reading was for me as I was forced.
Loved the events and meetings and surprisingly enough I did not get caught on names or places to point I was lost and found this book boring. So this truly was a more pleasurable experience. Few times where I found scenes boring and did not care or pay attention what happened whatsoever. Way better than book 1, no idea how I got through book 1 to be honest. 🤷♀️
This book was so much more entertaining. First time I read this I clearly did not pay attention to anything as I barely remember anything- that is how boring the first time reading was for me as I was forced.
Loved the events and meetings and surprisingly enough I did not get caught on names or places to point I was lost and found this book boring. So this truly was a more pleasurable experience. Few times where I found scenes boring and did not care or pay attention what happened whatsoever. Way better than book 1, no idea how I got through book 1 to be honest. 🤷♀️
Read
May 24, 2012Fantástico
March 18, 2025
Probably my 4th or 5th reading. I usually do it when times seem dark. Though the title says I read book two I re-read all the books. I just clicked on the wrong version.
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.
February 6, 2023
Lucas Stankowski
The fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 2, by J.R.R. Tolkien, accomplishes an incredible depth of immersion. The depth of immersion is achieved through the use of the character's actions, the lore of the world, and narration.
The narrative of Book 2 continues from the events of Book 1, with Frodo waking up in the house of the royal elf, Elrond. While in the house of Elrond, it is discussed that Frodo would bear the burden of the Ring of Power and would destroy it. Frodo being a hobbit, a short humanoid race in the world of “Middle Earth”, would be unable to carry out this quest on his own, therefore the Fellowship of the Ring was forged to aid Frodo in his quest, including a wizard (Gandalf), an Elf (Legolas), a Dwarf (Gimli), two men (Aragorn and Boromir), and four Hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin). When the company was ready to depart, they headed south. On their journey west they encountered various hardships and faced one so brutal the fellowship had to change their route of travel, they had to travel through a treacherous and hostile area abundant with orcs, an ugly, warlike, malevolent, and humanoid race. The fellowship was not able to come out unscarved and some were injured but fortunately, the company made quick pace to a friendly territory occupied by elves, a human-like race with far longer lifespans and notably pointed ears. Once the fellowship was healed and prepared to continue on their journey, with a gift of a few specially-crafted boats the fellowship traveled down a river for a few days and eventually came to a crossroads. The fellowship came to a conflict when deciding which route to continue which led to the breaking of the Fellowship of the Ring creating three different parties each going their path.
Book 2 of the Fellowship of the Ring took me about nine hours of reading over two months to complete. Tolkien excels at immersing the reader, in the description of some of the places the fellowship travels through for instance the Mines of Moria are given lore with the company finding a book describing the events that took place in Mine. As well as a few characters give lore and information about some of the places that give the reader a better understanding of the world and a similar level of understanding that some of the other characters have. Gimli and Gandalf tell tales before entering and while in the Mines of Moria that build suspense and dread for the reader while the fellowship is making its way through the mines. Also, Legolas tells of the magic of the nature surrounding Lothlórien that creates curiosity and wonder. The narration of the environment is excellent, it creates perfect imagery from the creeping sounds following Frodo to the awe inflicted upon both the characters and the reader when describing the abodes of the elves. J.R.R. Tolkien is an incredibly descriptive writer and therefore was able to make the Fellowship of the Ring an enjoyable and highly regarded book.
The Fellowship of the Ring is an extensive read but is worth your time to read as it is extremely immersive and Tolkien’s writing managed to capture the hearts of many fantasy fans. Anyone looking for a unique and immersive read should look to the Fellowship of the Ring.
The fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 2, by J.R.R. Tolkien, accomplishes an incredible depth of immersion. The depth of immersion is achieved through the use of the character's actions, the lore of the world, and narration.
The narrative of Book 2 continues from the events of Book 1, with Frodo waking up in the house of the royal elf, Elrond. While in the house of Elrond, it is discussed that Frodo would bear the burden of the Ring of Power and would destroy it. Frodo being a hobbit, a short humanoid race in the world of “Middle Earth”, would be unable to carry out this quest on his own, therefore the Fellowship of the Ring was forged to aid Frodo in his quest, including a wizard (Gandalf), an Elf (Legolas), a Dwarf (Gimli), two men (Aragorn and Boromir), and four Hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin). When the company was ready to depart, they headed south. On their journey west they encountered various hardships and faced one so brutal the fellowship had to change their route of travel, they had to travel through a treacherous and hostile area abundant with orcs, an ugly, warlike, malevolent, and humanoid race. The fellowship was not able to come out unscarved and some were injured but fortunately, the company made quick pace to a friendly territory occupied by elves, a human-like race with far longer lifespans and notably pointed ears. Once the fellowship was healed and prepared to continue on their journey, with a gift of a few specially-crafted boats the fellowship traveled down a river for a few days and eventually came to a crossroads. The fellowship came to a conflict when deciding which route to continue which led to the breaking of the Fellowship of the Ring creating three different parties each going their path.
Book 2 of the Fellowship of the Ring took me about nine hours of reading over two months to complete. Tolkien excels at immersing the reader, in the description of some of the places the fellowship travels through for instance the Mines of Moria are given lore with the company finding a book describing the events that took place in Mine. As well as a few characters give lore and information about some of the places that give the reader a better understanding of the world and a similar level of understanding that some of the other characters have. Gimli and Gandalf tell tales before entering and while in the Mines of Moria that build suspense and dread for the reader while the fellowship is making its way through the mines. Also, Legolas tells of the magic of the nature surrounding Lothlórien that creates curiosity and wonder. The narration of the environment is excellent, it creates perfect imagery from the creeping sounds following Frodo to the awe inflicted upon both the characters and the reader when describing the abodes of the elves. J.R.R. Tolkien is an incredibly descriptive writer and therefore was able to make the Fellowship of the Ring an enjoyable and highly regarded book.
The Fellowship of the Ring is an extensive read but is worth your time to read as it is extremely immersive and Tolkien’s writing managed to capture the hearts of many fantasy fans. Anyone looking for a unique and immersive read should look to the Fellowship of the Ring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
The Two Towers has always been my favourite part of the Lord of the Rings triolgy. This remains the same even today.
I absolutely adore the first part where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli chase down Merry and Pippin, where they go to Edoras and every single thing following that - Gandalf's resurrection, the battle at Helms' Deep, the ents uprising against the orthanc. I forgot how many quips Legolas and Gimli had in the second book, how they both praised Fangorn and the Glittering Caves respectively. I feel Tolkien is so good at depicting genuine emotions between two characters, in Lord of the Rings you can truly always feel how deep the companionship runs between the fellowship.
My favourite part about the second book has always been the Eorlings. Eowyn (though she doesn't play that big of a role in this book) remains one of my favourite female characters of all time. I absolutely love the stray line of how they clad her in armor and put a sword at her side to let her defend Edoras. There is so much you can read into Eowyn and her general fate and I can't wait to see more of her in the third book. In general, all of the people of the Riddermark have been portrait as so noble and how I've always imagined real knights would be as a child, it's hard for me not to feel smitten by this book.
On top of that, just the amount of lore worked in - how every single culture has different relations to the ents for instance, just the difference between the reverance of the elves and the fact that ents are figures in childrens songs for Theoden - makes me really excited. I love how coherent the world is and how alive it feels.
In the movies, the second part of the book with Sam and Frodo was always something that I hated and often skipped. So I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the books made them seem so alive and interesting that I couldn't put the book down. Especially the fight against Shelob had me at the edge of my seat (even though I was only reading). Faramir in the books seems so much more valiant to me than in the movies and I'm honestly so surprised at the raw feelings Sam feels for Frodo. No matter if it's meant in a platonic or romantic way, Sam's feelings for Frodo are possibly the deepest form of love I have ever seen in a book.
I absolutely adore the first part where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli chase down Merry and Pippin, where they go to Edoras and every single thing following that - Gandalf's resurrection, the battle at Helms' Deep, the ents uprising against the orthanc. I forgot how many quips Legolas and Gimli had in the second book, how they both praised Fangorn and the Glittering Caves respectively. I feel Tolkien is so good at depicting genuine emotions between two characters, in Lord of the Rings you can truly always feel how deep the companionship runs between the fellowship.
My favourite part about the second book has always been the Eorlings. Eowyn (though she doesn't play that big of a role in this book) remains one of my favourite female characters of all time. I absolutely love the stray line of how they clad her in armor and put a sword at her side to let her defend Edoras. There is so much you can read into Eowyn and her general fate and I can't wait to see more of her in the third book. In general, all of the people of the Riddermark have been portrait as so noble and how I've always imagined real knights would be as a child, it's hard for me not to feel smitten by this book.
On top of that, just the amount of lore worked in - how every single culture has different relations to the ents for instance, just the difference between the reverance of the elves and the fact that ents are figures in childrens songs for Theoden - makes me really excited. I love how coherent the world is and how alive it feels.
In the movies, the second part of the book with Sam and Frodo was always something that I hated and often skipped. So I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the books made them seem so alive and interesting that I couldn't put the book down. Especially the fight against Shelob had me at the edge of my seat (even though I was only reading). Faramir in the books seems so much more valiant to me than in the movies and I'm honestly so surprised at the raw feelings Sam feels for Frodo. No matter if it's meant in a platonic or romantic way, Sam's feelings for Frodo are possibly the deepest form of love I have ever seen in a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
The Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship Of The Ring was written by J.R.R Tolkien and published on July 29 1954. It falls under the fantasy genre of high fantasy. The book takes place during the second age in Middle Earth. The main characters of this story are Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrine Took, Gimli son of Gloin, Legolas Greenleaf, Gandalf the Gray, Aragorn/Strider, and Borimir. The supporting characters of this story are Farmer Maggot, Bilbo Baggins, Elrond, Arwin, Sorumon, Galadriel, Golum, Tom Bombidil, and Celaborn. Bilbo gives Frodo a magic ring, Frodo goes to Rivendell with some friends and is chased by evil men on horses. He meets many people in Rivendell who vow to help him destroy the ring to get rid of the big bad guy, they go south but find out that someone they trusted is a spy for the enemy, so they go through Moria and come out near Loth Lorien, where they then go down the Anduine river towards Gondor but have to stop because there is a big waterfall and then are ambushed and I will not go into more details to have as little spoilers as possible. The central themes of this book are Friendship, Forgiveness, War, and Fate.
In my personal opinion, this is one of the best books out there. I think this because it combines fantasy and tragedy (my two favorite genres) in many ways. I also like this book because it provides you with backstory in case you have never read The Hobbit, and because it serves as the base for what I believe is the best trilogy written so far. My favorite character from this story is Gimli the dwarf. I like him because he is funny and has a great friendship with Legolas and reminds me of myself. I do not think this book has any weaknesses and I love all of it.
In my personal opinion, this is one of the best books out there. I think this because it combines fantasy and tragedy (my two favorite genres) in many ways. I also like this book because it provides you with backstory in case you have never read The Hobbit, and because it serves as the base for what I believe is the best trilogy written so far. My favorite character from this story is Gimli the dwarf. I like him because he is funny and has a great friendship with Legolas and reminds me of myself. I do not think this book has any weaknesses and I love all of it.
April 14, 2021
While I tend to enjoy the fantasy genre of novels, and while this book is revered to have kick-started a new era of fantasy, I particularly did not enjoy the novel well. The book did a fantastic job in all aspects of typical storytelling, with a strong emphasis in world-building, immersing you in this wonderful world of Middle Earth. This, however, is what I enjoyed the least about the book since I felt that it spent too much time focusing on the world surrounding the much more interesting adventures of the Company. There were many parts of the story where I believed that a chapter or an event was not necessary and did not further the story in a significant way, rather than to fill up pages. Such as when the Hobbits ended up in the woods of Tom Bombadil and were trapped when Tom went to save them. There was no reason for these events to occur other than to know a little more about the characters themselves, to which it was to such a small extent; it also must be known that Tom is no longer important to the story whatsoever. An amazing novel, and if you enjoy a heavy world-building story and have greater patience than I, then I'm sure you will have a good time. I cannot knock my rating any lower since this is a personal preference, and the story itself is awesome, but I give it 3 stars since I feel it focused too much on the aesthetics rather than the plot itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
The Ring Goes South captures the moment when the story transforms from a wandering journey into a true epic quest. I really enjoyed reading this volume on its own, because it highlights the formation of the Fellowship — the gathering of characters who come from completely different worlds yet choose to stand together for the sake of Middle-earth.
Rivendell feels like a calm before the storm, and the Council of Elrond is still one of the most compelling scenes Tolkien ever wrote. The debate, the history, the weight of the decision — it all sets the tone for everything that follows. Once the Fellowship departs, the landscapes grow harsher, the danger more constant, and the sense of purpose stronger.
The trek through the snow on Caradhras, the tension of passing through Moria, and the awe of encountering Lothlórien for the first time all feel even more vivid in this slim volume. Tolkien’s ability to switch between dread and wonder is unmatched. And the loss at the end — the first real fracture in the Fellowship — hits hard, because by this point these characters feel like a living, breathing company.
Once again, reading this just reminds me why I consider Tolkien the greatest fantasy writer of all time. He creates worlds and emotions with a depth few others come close to.
A powerful, atmospheric chapter of the larger saga — and one I genuinely enjoyed reading.
Rivendell feels like a calm before the storm, and the Council of Elrond is still one of the most compelling scenes Tolkien ever wrote. The debate, the history, the weight of the decision — it all sets the tone for everything that follows. Once the Fellowship departs, the landscapes grow harsher, the danger more constant, and the sense of purpose stronger.
The trek through the snow on Caradhras, the tension of passing through Moria, and the awe of encountering Lothlórien for the first time all feel even more vivid in this slim volume. Tolkien’s ability to switch between dread and wonder is unmatched. And the loss at the end — the first real fracture in the Fellowship — hits hard, because by this point these characters feel like a living, breathing company.
Once again, reading this just reminds me why I consider Tolkien the greatest fantasy writer of all time. He creates worlds and emotions with a depth few others come close to.
A powerful, atmospheric chapter of the larger saga — and one I genuinely enjoyed reading.
October 12, 2020
I'm less impressed in my adulthood with Tolkien's writing style, but fall more in love with his world building as I continue my re-read. I find myself wanting to explore the ruins and history of the world he has created and find myself continually asking questions about Gondor in its prime and how they constructed the Argonath; or Moria pre-balrog and the beauty the dwarves created. I want to be in Lorien and explore their world.
The second half of Fellowship moves considerably faster than the first half and sets up really interesting storylines for all of its characters. I found myself missing scenes from the movie, such as Aragorn rejecting Frodo's offering of the ring, but overall loved my re-read of the second half.
The second half of Fellowship moves considerably faster than the first half and sets up really interesting storylines for all of its characters. I found myself missing scenes from the movie, such as Aragorn rejecting Frodo's offering of the ring, but overall loved my re-read of the second half.
September 23, 2025
Whenever I read reviews of The Lord of the Rings, there's sometimes criticism - and I admit that it's probably justified criticism - about just how much time Tolkien spends describing landscape. In fairness, it's a lot, especially in this volume. Parts of it do feel like name after name, with marginal relevance to the story itself, if not the world-building. Despite that, however, this part of LOTR has a couple of high points: meeting Galadriel in Lothlorien, and the entire Mines of Moria sequence. The latter is enormously effective, being tragic and claustrophobic and doom-filled, and I simply cannot read it without hearing Howard Shore's soundtrack in the background. It's impossible.
January 15, 2021
Oh, man, it feels like this book took me two months to read, and not two weeks.
I was generous with the rating of the first book, because I realize it's importance for the fantasy genre, and how that's shaped popular culture.
But I really didn't enjoy myself this time around. This was compounded by school and work and assignments, true, but I already enjoy the book aside. Having to read this for university, and write assignments for it, didn't help.
Who knows? Maybe I'll read this again later in life and enjoy it more.
I was generous with the rating of the first book, because I realize it's importance for the fantasy genre, and how that's shaped popular culture.
But I really didn't enjoy myself this time around. This was compounded by school and work and assignments, true, but I already enjoy the book aside. Having to read this for university, and write assignments for it, didn't help.
Who knows? Maybe I'll read this again later in life and enjoy it more.
March 26, 2022
Ok so the first book I was kind of pushing myself to get through and the first half of this book was a similar experience. Though past the halfway mark or so it suddenly got really interesting. I enjoyed lady galadriel, the eye, and the power of the rings starting to be shown more. I also always enjoyed gollum and found him to be a fascinating character so I'm excited to see him return and learn more about him. Overall, I was captivated and I'm ready to read to next part. I'm starting to get a sense of why these books were so popular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
4/5
It had been a while since I read book 1 so I did have to read a recap of what happened but then I was able to jump right back into the story! For me, I felt there was a little bit of a lag in the story for the first 60 to 70 pages (it was mostly in the chapter called The Council of Elrond) as there was lots of lore being discussed. But when frodo and his pals started their journey the pace and plot really picked up!
It had been a while since I read book 1 so I did have to read a recap of what happened but then I was able to jump right back into the story! For me, I felt there was a little bit of a lag in the story for the first 60 to 70 pages (it was mostly in the chapter called The Council of Elrond) as there was lots of lore being discussed. But when frodo and his pals started their journey the pace and plot really picked up!
July 1, 2022
Actually spellbinding. It takes a second to get going, but once the Fellowship enter the doors of Moria, the novel is incredible. It's impressive how it manages to move from one gorgeous location to the next. From Lothlorien to the Emyn Muil, its amazing. For me, reading these over a long period of time really adds to the grand scale of the journey and makes everything feel so much more important and impactful.
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