The Return of the King

by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Return of the King cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1373
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • ISBN: 9780812417678
  • Publisher: Perfection Learning
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 18
  • Reviews: 4
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Format • £19.00–£33.25

As the shadows of Sauron's power spread across Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee press on toward Mount Doom, the only place where the One Ring can be destroyed. Their journey is fraught with danger, and the fate of all life in Middle-earth hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, the forces of good rally to fight against the encroaching darkness, leading to epic battles and heroic sacrifices. /n/n J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful world-building and richly detailed mythology make this a cornerstone of fantasy literature. The Return of the King is not just a thrilling conclusion to an epic saga, but also a profound exploration of themes like courage, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.

Reviews
Barbara Lee Harper · Barbara Lee Harper · 2025-04-08
profound 4.25

The book is seen as a profound exploration of truth through myth and fairy stories, with a deep appreciation for Tolkien's storytelling.

Barbara Lee Harper delves into Tolkien's dislike for allegory and his belief in the power of myths and fairy stories to convey truth. She appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, noting how Tolkien's world-building and character development create a rich and immersive experience. Harper also highlights the emotional and thematic resonance of the story, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Tolkien said he disliked allegory and didn't write his saga of the rings that way.

    But he did feel fairy stories and myths could convey truth.

    The depth and complexity of the narrative create a rich and immersive experience.

Oz Booksnail · 2023-03-13
fantastic 4.75

This book is considered the best in the trilogy due to its high action content and satisfying conclusion.

The reviewer believes this is the strongest book in the trilogy, primarily because of its high level of action and the satisfying resolution it provides. They appreciate the way the story culminates in this final installment, making it a standout in the series. The reviewer also highlights the emotional depth and the way the characters' arcs come to a fulfilling close.

Quick quotes

    The Return of the King is by far the best book out of the three.

    There is so much action in this one, as compared to the other books.

    The story culminates in this final installment in a way that feels complete and satisfying.

Novel Notions · 2020-08-28
excellent 4.50

The book is celebrated as a classic and a wonderful conclusion to Tolkien's legendary series, highlighting its importance and timeless appeal.

The reviewer holds this book in high regard, praising it as a classic and a fitting conclusion to the series. They emphasize the importance of Tolkien's work and the book's ability to captivate readers with its epic narrative. The reviewer also notes the depth of the story and its enduring impact on literature.

Quick quotes

    The Return of the King is a classic and wonderful conclusion to Tolkien's legendary series.

    I will not deny the importance of Tolkien and this book.

    It's a testament to Tolkien's skill as a storyteller.

Sorry I am Booked · 2020-04-23
epic 4.50

The final book had a lot going on with significant action and multiple storylines. The reviewer enjoyed the fast pace and the epic battle scenes.

The reviewer from Sorry I am Booked notes that The Return of the King is packed with action and multiple storylines, making it a more dynamic read compared to the first two books. They appreciate the fast pace and the epic battle scenes, which add to the overall excitement. The reviewer also mentions that the book effectively wraps up the various threads of the story, providing a satisfying conclusion. The emotional depth and the grandeur of the final battle scenes are particularly highlighted, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Compared to the first two books, this final book had a lot going on and a lot of action happening.

    There were parts where we're following Frodo and Sam, and other parts where we're following the other characters.

    The Return of the King is a grand ending to The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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