The Fellowship of the Ring

by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring cover
Good Books rating 4.65
Fantasy
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Format • £23.75–£33.25
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  • ID: 66
  • Added: 2025-08-30
  • Updated: 2025-12-18
  • ISBN: 9780345339706
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 1988-01-01
  • Formats: 56
  • Reviews: 4

The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings. This novel introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth, filled with diverse cultures, ancient histories, and mythical creatures. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a humble Hobbit, as he becomes the reluctant bearer of the One Ring, a powerful artifact that could tip the balance of power in favor of the dark lord Sauron. Accompanied by a fellowship of diverse allies, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The novel is renowned for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and timeless themes of courage, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. /n/n Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read, The Fellowship of the Ring has captivated generations of readers with its immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters. The novel's impact on the fantasy genre is immeasurable, inspiring countless authors and adaptations. Tolkien's meticulous attention to detail and linguistic creativity bring Middle-earth to life, making it a world that readers will want to explore time and time again.

Reviews
The Fantasy Review · 2025-08-30
fantastic 4.60

The book is regarded as a fantastic introduction to the trilogy, starting in the Shire and effectively setting up the epic journey that follows.

This review appreciates The Fellowship of the Ring as an excellent entry point into the Lord of the Rings trilogy, highlighting how it begins with familiar, relatable characters in the Shire and gradually unfolds into a grand adventure. The reviewer notes the compelling way the story draws readers into the world and characters, setting up emotional investment and excitement for the journey ahead. The review conveys enthusiasm for the book’s narrative pace and character development, suggesting it is highly accessible for those new to Tolkien's work while also satisfying long-time fans. The tone is positive and encouraging, recommending the book as a strong start to one of fantasy literature's most beloved sagas.

Quick quotes

    The Fellowship of the Ring is a fantastic introduction to The Lord of the Rings.

    We begin the story in the Shire with Frodo and Bilbo Baggins.

    I...

SpragueDeCampFan.wordpress.com · L. Sprague de Camp · 2025-08-30
marvelous 4.50

The novel is celebrated for its adventurous spirit, rich humor, and vibrant action, showing de Camp's regained creative flair after WWII and exploring themes like fate versus free will.

This review praises the novel as a marvelous story full of action, color, and humor, reflecting a strong recovery of L. Sprague de Camp's writing prowess following WWII. The reviewer draws parallels between the fantasy world in the book and historical settings, noting the vivid, sometimes spooky creatures and the overall adventurous tone. A significant theme discussed is the tension between fate and free will, with the gods' attempts to destroy the protagonist ironically backfiring, which adds a layer of wry humor and philosophical reflection. The review also emphasizes the timeless appeal of the story, recommending it highly and noting the quality of specific editions and illustrations. It suggests the novel as a must-read for fans of fantasy, highlighting de Camp's unique voice and the compelling nature of his storytelling, which combines humor with classic fantasy elements.

Quick quotes

    All in all this is a marvelous story!

    One of the themes of this novel is fate versus free will.

    This novel shows that he had by 1951 totally recovered his magic!

A Book and a Tea Cup · 2025-08-30
excellent 4.75

The book is praised as nearly perfect in storytelling, with special emphasis on the depth and loyalty of hobbit characters, especially Sam, whose simple courage stands out.

This review highlights the exceptional storytelling quality of The Fellowship of the Ring, emphasizing that the narrative is almost flawless. The reviewer particularly admires the hobbit characters such as Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, noting their loyalty and complexity beyond the comic relief often portrayed in adaptations. Samwise Gamgee is singled out for his unwavering loyalty and courage, qualities that make him a hero comparable to the more traditionally heroic characters like Aragorn and Boromir. The depiction of Sam's character, both in the book and through Sean Astin's film portrayal, is seen as a compelling embodiment of simple but profound heroism. The reviewer appreciates the emotional intensity and piercing focus on Frodo's journey, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship and trust among the hobbits. The narrative's ability to convey deep loyalty and fear alongside bravery is underlined, making the story resonate powerfully with readers. This perspective invites readers to see the hobbits not just as side characters but as central to the emotional core and moral strength of the story.

Quick quotes

    You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin – to the bitter end.

    Sam is everything that is right in the world.

    He made a promise and sticks to it, and for that his courage can be matched with that of Aragorn or Boromir.

The Guardian · 2024-08-20
brilliant 4.75

The novel is praised for its enthralling epic-romance and diverse characters. The mythology and imaginative largess are particularly noteworthy.

The Guardian reviewer highlights the enthralling epic-romance of 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' noting its diverse characters and rich mythology. The novel's imaginative largess and the way Tolkien weaves together different elements create a compelling and immersive world. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add depth to the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish. The novel's strengths lie in its detailed world-building and the way it captures the reader's imagination, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    To have created so enthralling an epic-romance, with its own mythology, with such diversity of scene and character, such imaginative largess in its description of the world.

    The novel's strengths lie in its detailed world-building and the way it captures the reader's imagination, making it a timeless classic.

    The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add depth to the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

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