The Lord of the Rings Series

by JRR Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings Series cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Technical:
  • ID: 586
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
jessjustreads.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer found the audiobook version of The Fellowship of the Ring boring and struggled to stay engaged, often falling asleep and needing to refer to summaries. Despite this, they appreciate Tolkien's writing and influence on modern fantasy, but felt the story was more quest-driven than character-driven, lacking the depth of character development found in other series like Game of Thrones.

The reviewer had high hopes for The Fellowship of the Ring but found the audiobook version disappointing. They praised the narrator's performance but felt that listening to the book didn't allow them to fully absorb the story, especially given the importance of locations and maps in the narrative. The reviewer found the story boring, describing it as a long walk with little happening except for debates about the ring. They struggled with the lack of character development and felt the story was more focused on the quest than the characters themselves. Despite this, they recognize Tolkien's incredible writing and his influence on modern fantasy. The reviewer plans to try reading the second book physically and give the movies another chance, hoping the story picks up.

Quick quotes

    I haven’t read Lord of the Rings, I watched the films but was completely lost and hated them so much.

    I found the story so boring. It basically seemed like one long walk where nothing really seems to happen except that we meet other random characters and keep right on walking and debating about what to do with the evil ring.

    Tolkien is an incredible writer with beautiful descriptions and prose. His influence is easily recognizable in a number of modern fantasy like the Game of Thrones books and Harry Potter.

lukeharkness.com · Unknown · 2021-10-15
brilliant 4.50

The Fellowship of the Ring is praised for its incredible world-building, deep cultures, and tense plot points, making it a standout start to the Lord of the Rings series. The characters are well-developed, though some may need more fleshing out in subsequent books. The review highly recommends the book, suggesting it's a must-read for fantasy lovers.

The Fellowship of the Ring is celebrated for its rich world-building and immersive storytelling, setting the stage for one of the most epic fantasy series of all time. The plot is engaging, introducing readers to a variety of cultures and races, and the characters, while not all equally developed, create a compelling dynamic that draws readers in. The review highlights the book's ability to captivate and immerse readers in a fantastical world, making it a must-read for anyone interested in fantasy literature. The characters' journeys and the bonds they form are particularly noteworthy, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Quick quotes

    Tolkien's ability to summon these fully-fledged worlds, to invent these poems, ways of speaking and utterly believable alternative cultures is what makes this book stand the test of time in a genre filled with some of the most imaginative minds in literature.

    Tolkien builds a bond between this “Fellowship”. One that makes you genuinely care for some and one that makes you genuinely dislike others.

    How does one recommend The Lord of the Rings to anybody? If you’ve not read it, it is likely because you either have no interest in fantasy, have seen the films and don’t feel the need to read the books (you definitely still should) or you have already read it and agree with everybody else that it’s one of the greatest works of fiction ever written.

thelitbitch.com · Unknown · 2019-08-10
perfection 5.00

The review highlights the reviewer's deep love and admiration for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, particularly the first installment, The Fellowship of the Ring. They praise the film's ability to immerse viewers in Tolkien's world, making complex characters and mythology accessible and engaging.

The reviewer shares a personal connection to the trilogy, initially introduced to it by their father. They describe their journey of finally watching the films, starting with renting the first two and then eagerly watching the final installment in theaters. The Fellowship of the Ring is praised for its ability to introduce the vast world of Middle-Earth, its creatures, and its heroes in a way that is both accessible and captivating. The characters are noted for being relatable and easy to identify with, despite the complex ensemble. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the trilogy is evident, highlighting the beginning of a long-lasting love affair with the world and its mythology.

Quick quotes

    It all began with the forging of the Great Rings. Three were given to the Elves; immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven, to the Dwarf Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine rings were gifted to the race of Men, who above all else desire power. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret, a master ring, to control all others.

    For sixty years, the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo’s keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age. But no longer, Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It’s heard its Master’s call.

    The Fellowship of the Ring expertly immerses you into the world of Tolkien.

silverpetticoatreview.com · Unknown · 2017-09-14
fantastic 5.00

The reviewer initially struggled to get into The Lord of the Rings series but eventually became engrossed in the detailed world of Middle Earth. They appreciated the clean, respectful portrayal of love and romance, and the depth of Tolkien's world-building, despite the violence inherent in the war narrative.

The reviewer admits they didn't understand the hype around The Lord of the Rings until they finally read it. Initially slow to start, they eventually couldn't put it down, admiring Tolkien's intricate world-building and the depth of Middle Earth's history and languages. Having seen the movies first helped them visualize the characters, and learning about Tolkien's personal influences added another layer to their enjoyment. They appreciate the respectful and romantic relationships in the books, finding them more meaningful than explicit physical interactions. The reviewer also recommends The Hobbit as a prequel and plans to try The Silmarillion, though they've been warned it's more of a history book.

Quick quotes

    I finally caved though when I couldn’t put it down. Hefting that through the house as I took care of the dogs, made meals, etc was interesting but the world of Middle Earth and the amount of details he put into backstories, languages, etc, was fantastic.

    Why can’t more writers keep it that way?

    I so appreciate the little bit of love and romance in these stories, it’s romantic, sweet, honoring and respectful.

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