The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fantasy. 448 Pages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
The Two Towers is the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
Frodo and his Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in a battle in the Mines of Moria. And Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape, the rest of the company was attacked by Orcs. Now they continue the journey alone down the great River Anduin—alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.
My Review:
What is there to be said about a literary giant? An impeccable classic? Especially that hasn’t already been said.
The original narration (Rob Inglis) is, of course, absolutely stellar, but I’ve been listening to Andy Serkis’s version, and the man is incredibly talented. It’s such a treat to hear him read the series. I was particularly looking forward to his reading of this installment since some of Gollum’s best scenes are in the Two Towers.
Shoot, some of my favorite moments in the whole trilogy are in the Two Towers. Ironically, if asked to choose a favorite, I usually waffle between Fellowship of the Ring and Return of the King. But the Two Towers is iconic and cannot be ignored. The search for Merry and Pippin, the Battle for Helm’s Deep, Sam’s deep annoyance with Gollum. *chef’s kiss* Classic. Gandalf’s mysterious return, the exquisite culture of the Ents, Wormwood and Théoden, Gimli and Legolas enthusiastically competing with their kill count. This book does not suffer from the middle-book syndrome.
These are the heroes that I look up to, that I am inspired by. The valor, hope, and loyalty, the ethereal beauty, the gritty perseverance, and the teetering edge of temptation. These are the things that make me want to reread or rewatch this story over and over and over again, even when I’ve only just finished it.
Though the book has no swearing and no explicit romance, there is fantasy violence. It deals with the deep evil and wickedness of a broken world on the brink of war, the temptation to succumb to that evil, and the complete, dark, wretchedness of it. 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. But parents should be intentional with sharing this one with their kiddos.
More:
The Prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy is The Hobbit (5 Stars)
Book 2 is The Two Towers (5 Stars)
Book 3 is The Return of the King (5 Stars)
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!