Book Review: The Return Of The King by J.R.R. Tolkien
The epic conclusion to the incredible saga that is The Lord of The Rings.
I’d like to start with talking about how intimidated I’ve been to read this series. But that seems to be a common theme among those interested in reading fantasy novels; that the writing is too archaic to read, or that the descriptions of the scenery are too long. But I found that all of those arguments fell away once I dove into the writing.
"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take."
The Return Of The King was a wonderful way to wrap this series. There were a lot more details after the main story resolved, which were nice to get since we didn’t get some of those resolutions of other storylines in the theatrical version of the film. I did find more of them in the Extended version, though there were some disservices done to a few of my favorite characters in the film.
Also, the return to The Shire was a more exciting chapter than I expected! That storyline was different in the films and in the books I just felt exhausted for everyone involved, haha.
"I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam."
I am very proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone to read these classics and finally start to better understand the lore that Tolkien built. Maybe someday I'll tackle The Silmarillion? This is my Year of Tolkien, after all.
Five stars from me. This story holds a special place in my heart.
Rating: ★★★★★
Book Summary
- Title: The Return of the King (Lord of the Rings, #3)
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Classics
- Who Should Read It? Whomever is interested in the epic conclusion of our epic adventure through Middle Earth.
Synopsis: While the evil might of the Dark Lord Sauron swarms out to conquer all Middle-earth, Frodo and Sam struggle deep into Mordor, seat of Sauron’s power. To defeat the Dark Lord, the One Ring, ruler of the accursed Rings of Power, must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. But the way is impossibly hard, and Frodo is weakening. Weighed down by the compulsion of the Ring, he begins finally to despair.
