The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Fantasy. 531 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Continuing the story begun in The Hobbit, this is the first part of Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, featuring an exclusive cover image from the film, the definitive text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth.

Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power – the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring – the ring that rules them all – which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

To celebrate the release of the first of Peter Jackson’s two-part film adaptation of The Hobbit, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, this first part of The Lord of the Rings is available for a limited time with an exclusive cover image from Peter Jackson’s award-winning trilogy.

My Review:

This is undoubtedly a classic. I grew up watching these movies and I’ve read The Hobbit several times–both as a child and an adult. But after years of these masterpieces sitting on my TBR, I have finally started the journey of reading this beloved trilogy.

Because of the season of life I’m in, I’ve been listening to more audiobooks while I travel. I started this one with Rob Inglis as the narrator, but didn’t finish the book before the library took it back. So, I finished it with Andy Serkis cause when I found out he’d narrated it, I knew I had to hear it! I must say that both narrators have done fabulous work. Inglis is clearly a professional who reads in such a compelling way. And Serkis never ceases to amaze me with his talent. His rendition brings a joy to my LOTR movie obsessed heart. It was so cool to hear both of them bring life to Tolkien’s world and characters–and the singing is definitely a perk to listening to the audiobook!

There is so little I can say about this story that hasn’t already been said. But personally, there are so many pieces of this story that resonate with me. It was a delight to see the beloved Shire and it’s chipper inhabitants. The simplicity and joy the hobbits have for life is inspiring. I definitely see now what everyone means about Tom Bombadil and that whole rabbit trail and how the opening feels a bit like an encyclopedia of hobbit lore. But I also get it. Tolkien wrote what he was asked to and honestly, would we appreciate the brokenness of Middle Earth without first seeing the peace and perfection of the Shire?

I always feel like less happens in the first book of the trilogy than the other two, but at the same time, it builds such a solid foundation. The opening does have a lot of traveling and dining and singing, but still without the setup of this book, the rest of the story can’t quite unfold properly. Tolkien has built an enchanted world that stirs our hearts and imaginations with a variety of unique settings each with a rich history and culture that gives Middle Earth as much depth as our own. I love that we get to explore elements of hobbits, men, dwarves, and elves all on one epic adventure.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out the timeless characters that make this story what it is. My favorite part of the first installment is seeing the whole fellowship together, before brokenness and peril tear them apart. The character dynamics between each unique, well-rounded character are priceless and add such dimension to the story. Watching them grow together as they face sorrow, danger, and fear is part of what makes this story and these characters so endearing. Their relationships and journey is what gives us hope for justice and redemption in our own lives.

My favorite stories are those of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. LOTR is probably deeply to blame for my obsession with characters of nobility and valor, stories of truth and honor. It’s one of those stories that I could finish and immediately start again. I’m so excited to read the following two books and continue to enjoy one of the most beloved stories of all time.

Though the book has no swearing and no explicit romance, there is fantasy violence. It does deal with the deep evil and wickedness of a broken world on the brink of war. There is grief and tragedy and the story explores the everlasting devotion to what is good and right amidst great opposition. I cannot personally think of a time before I knew the story of LOTR, and The Hobbit is a children’s story. But parents should still exercise caution with this one before sharing it with their kiddos.

More:

The Prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy is The Hobbit (5 Stars)

Book 2 is The Two Towers

Book 3 is The Return of the King

The Hobbit is considered a companion novel and prequel to the LOTR, and though it can be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading it in tandem with the others. There are many books that take place in and about Tolkien’s Middle Earth Universe. The trilogy itself must be read in order.

Check out the links above for more info!

On GraceBought:

Check out my thoughts on the previous book below!

The Hobbit