Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
By J.R.R.Tolkien
Middle Earth… One of the most well known fantasy worlds. Anyone who is anything in Pop Culture probably knows about the words and world of Tolkien's creation. The movies were a success and the books have been sold worldwide for decades. So what makes these books so appealing? Is it the fast paced fights? The stunning world building? Or is it the knowledge that this is what started it all.
Our story starts in the quiet hobbit hole of Bilbo Baggins as he plans for his joint birthday with Frodo his adopted son. The party is huge and everyone is invited. Good food and people party for days. Then Bilbo disappears, leaving Frodo to deal with whatever may follow. A ring. That was Frodo’s gift from Bilbo. Gandalf warned Frodo again using it. Years pass and nothing is heard. Then Gandalf appears and his warnings now have proof. “One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in darkness bind them”. Gandalf tells Frodo he must leave the shire for his own safety. Frodo slowly makes plans to leave the Shire with the help of his friends Pippin and Sam. The journey is slow and they are being hunted. Frodo is many times urged to use the ring but doesn’t due to Gandalf’s warning. Their journey soon lead to the inn of the Prancing Pony and the group finds a friend in Strider. Strider offers to guides them to the elven city of Rivendell.
This book is a great read but the writing can be a learning curve to the reader. The lengthy descriptions and small text caused struggles as I started to read and I recommend trying the Hobbit before starting this book series. The book starts slow but builds an intensity and flow. The story is intriguing and the characters make choices that align with their morals and character. I love Frodo and his relationships with each of the characters. Frodo, Pippin, Merry, Sam and everyone else in this book feel alive. Even though magic exists in the world it is never overused, or used to explain why something happens. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy or classic literature. This story is one that started most fantasy tropes that are commonly used and known today. If you ever get a chance pick up a copy and read to your hearts content.
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all who wander are lost;...From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, crownless again shall be king”
A solid review, but it left me wanting more. I loved what you said about how magic is incorporated--maybe an example of that?
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