Review: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Title: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Source: Bought

Published: 1954

Rating: 

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a genuine masterpiece. The most widely read and influential fantasy epic of all time, it is also quite simply one of the most memorable and beloved tales ever told. Originally published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings set the framework upon which all epic/quest fantasy since has been built.

Through the urgings of the enigmatic wizard Gandalf, young hobbit Frodo Baggins embarks on an urgent, incredibly treacherous journey to destroy the One Ring. This ring -- created and then lost by the Dark Lord, Sauron, centuries earlier -- is a weapon of evil, one that Sauron desperately wants returned to him. With the power of the ring once again his own, the Dark Lord will unleash his wrath upon all of Middle-earth. The only way to prevent this horrible fate from becoming reality is to return the Ring to Mordor, the only place it can be destroyed. Unfortunately for our heroes, Mordor is also Sauron's lair.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is essential reading not only for fans of fantasy but for lovers of classic literature as well. (taken from goodreads.com)

I don't even know where to begin with this review. At first, I was hesitant to even make an attempt. There are so many elements to analyze. Tolkien really poured out his heart and soul into this epic series. Seeing as Tolkien wanted the three books (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) to be treated as one very long story, I decided to review all of them at once.

When reading The Lord of the Rings, you can't simply judge the writing or the plot. Although both are definitely praise-worthy, the trilogy becomes even more incredible when you look at the entire world that Tolkien created. Is there a recent fantasy novel out there that hasn't been at least somewhat influenced by Tolkien's work? No one can argue that these books aren't some of the most influential pieces of fiction ever written. That fact alone makes me love and respect Tolkien. 

The imagination in this story is astounding. Elvish languages, wizard duels, epic battles, and grueling quests are just a few of the things you will find embedded in Tolkien's masterpiece. Creatures that no one had ever even dreamed of before come to life with his rich writing style. 

Not only was Tolkien an imaginative writer,  but also a writer with the ability to create strong, developed characters. I remember when I was little and my dad used to read The Hobbit to me. I was fascinated by Bilbo and the dwarves, as well as the creepier characters such as Gollum. I can't even count the times in which my brothers and I pretended to be Aragorn or Arwen or Legolas. Even now, my two year old brother makes us laugh by saying "my precious" and claiming to be Gollum. 

These books have changed the literary world, as well as my own. I am therefore awarding five hearts to this incredible, epic masterpiece! 

P.S. The movies are amazing, as well. The music is beautiful and the acting is wonderful.