Linda A. (Springfieldreader) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 458 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
The Lord of the Rings tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring: Grandalf the Wizard; the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam; Gimli the Dwarf; Legolas the Elf; Boromir of Gondor; and a tall, mysterious stranger called Strider.
Peter R. (sfpete) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
The complete story in 1137 pages, plus maps.
Julie B. (heartinthehighlands) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
My favorite books. They are unique, inspiring, engrossing, uplifting, filled with adventure and courage and imagination and if i were on a desert island and could only have one book this is the book i would choose. whenever i finish it i want to immediately start reading that first page again. I've read it aloud once or twice and read it probably 18 times over the years. these books turned my brother from a non-reader, into a reader. And Tolkien's name is pronounced "tahl' keen" - information given to our college class by our professor who was Tolkien's personal secretary while he was working on the Silmarilion(sp?).
Gabriele C. (theoldbookshelf) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
i have been reading LOTR since early 1970's ... [that makes me old , darn it !] .. in the last few years , i have read this set , and the hobbit , at least once a year . one of my favorite books . yes it can be tedious in places , but i think that is not a bad mark on the books , but rather .. on the current society . we have gotten so used to instant , fast gratification , that anything that takes a little longer is frowned upon . the language and writing is excellent . there is no foul language or other questionable content . just a really REALLY good story .
Jeanne R. (Celestial) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I have this book, with all 3 complete novels. And have read it about 2 1/2 times. I have never heard of this before. And then the Fellowship of the Ring came out. My young co-worker was shocked that I have never read or heard of it. She was persistent that I get the book, then go see the movie with her. I finally gave in, and thought I might as well get the complete novel and found that I just love it. It is my favorite book.
Without going into the whole story line, I found the characters most interesting. It is a book of good and evil. The evil is beyond compare. But the good is also way beyond. It has so many moral phrases and values that I never realized till I read it the second time. It shows us how just one person, or in this case a hobbit can make a differnce in our world. How the most different of people can turn to be friends and respect one anyone. The storyline is most exciting, also. It is one of those books that is hard to put down. Everytime I run out of a book I pick it up and start where I left off.
I also loved the movie, which is odd. There were changes, but not to the extent it changed the meaning of the story. J.R.R. Tolkien has definitely written a classic and I still can't believe I never heard of it. It may be fantasy, but it is really true to life also. I highly recommend this book. You will be quite surprised.
And also, recommend the Silmarillion. It is the book that shows the beginning and is a help in understanding this novel. It is not imperative to do so, though. But I did order this and read it. Then read the LOTR again, understood alot better. Even purchased the Hobbit.
Sorry, for such a long review. But this book is worth it.
Without going into the whole story line, I found the characters most interesting. It is a book of good and evil. The evil is beyond compare. But the good is also way beyond. It has so many moral phrases and values that I never realized till I read it the second time. It shows us how just one person, or in this case a hobbit can make a differnce in our world. How the most different of people can turn to be friends and respect one anyone. The storyline is most exciting, also. It is one of those books that is hard to put down. Everytime I run out of a book I pick it up and start where I left off.
I also loved the movie, which is odd. There were changes, but not to the extent it changed the meaning of the story. J.R.R. Tolkien has definitely written a classic and I still can't believe I never heard of it. It may be fantasy, but it is really true to life also. I highly recommend this book. You will be quite surprised.
And also, recommend the Silmarillion. It is the book that shows the beginning and is a help in understanding this novel. It is not imperative to do so, though. But I did order this and read it. Then read the LOTR again, understood alot better. Even purchased the Hobbit.
Sorry, for such a long review. But this book is worth it.
Helpful Score: 2
Loved the movies, so I was a little disappointed with the books. Arwen's character was barely in the book, and Aragorn seemed to be following Gandalf around for the first two books. Gimli seemed to get more of a mention that Legolas, one of my favorites. So if you enjoyed the movies, the books may be disappointing.
goddesslovingbookworm -
Helpful Score: 2
What is there left to say about this trilogy? I have worn out so many copies of the individual paperbacks that having the trilogy in hardcover is a blessing, especially since I re-read it once a year. Frodo and Samwise truly show the meaning of friendship and the story has worked on many levels for me for over 40 years--first as simply a wonderful fantasy and then as I have grown older, the many nuances and undercurrents of social commentary have taken shape until Middle Earth is almost a reality.
Helpful Score: 2
The master of all Fantasy books. Tolkien's trilagy keeps you wondering what will happen to the CORE characters in this wonderful set of 3 books. If you have seen the movie, you must read the book and see what you missed! One name come's to mind (TOM B) - read it and find out who may have all the answers, yet in the movies 'HE' was not mentioned.
... it readsssss it....stupid hobitsssssses
... it readsssss it....stupid hobitsssssses
Helpful Score: 2
I just watched the movies for the first time, and just had to get the books! As is the general rule, the books are always better than the movie. However, as much as I loved the books, I could not read them all the way through, mainly because I had just watched the movies and knew too much.
Tolkien was a wonderful writer, and as you read you almost forget that Middle-Earth was created out of his imagination.
The books ARE a slow read, even for a speedy reader such as myself. Some parts, I admit, I skimmed over bacause they were detailing (with a little too much detail) the history of Middle Earth.
Overall, these books are wonderful, and should be at least skimmed through by fans of the movies. You'll appreciate the work they put into the movies even more.
Tolkien was a wonderful writer, and as you read you almost forget that Middle-Earth was created out of his imagination.
The books ARE a slow read, even for a speedy reader such as myself. Some parts, I admit, I skimmed over bacause they were detailing (with a little too much detail) the history of Middle Earth.
Overall, these books are wonderful, and should be at least skimmed through by fans of the movies. You'll appreciate the work they put into the movies even more.
Margarita T. (margarita) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is right at the top of the list of books that everyone should read at least once in a lifetime. They are slow reading, for sure (especially book 2), but they are so rewarding that you will be happy that you took the time and energy to get through it. I don't recommend skimming the pages during the slower parts because it is all too easy to miss some small pieces that I consider important to the story (the first time, many years ago, I skimmed a lot of book 2 and I missed a large part of the interactions between Faramir, Frodo, and Sam). When it gets slow, it is much better to read a few pages, then look at the maps, then read a few more pages (frequent breaks also helps). This is a wonderful story to use to read select passages to children. Even young children are fascinated by the maps and there are plenty of short, simple pieces that you can read to them until they are old enough for you to move on to the heavier stuff with them. Again, this a "must read" if there ever was one.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the greatest literary works. Ever.
Megan (bananapancakes) -
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the movies, but found the books a bit tedious. I was not able to get through the entire trilogy due to the neverending battle scenes and journeys of the ring bearer and his motley crew.
Sandy R. (angelcaller) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have always loved this story carrying back to the Hobbit! Nice to take myself away from the hectic day and go into this fantasy world with the Hobbit, Frodo and all the charactors. I really love it. Made great movies too!
Jeanie S. (JeanieS) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 192 more book reviews
A good story even the second time around
very enjoyable.
Very good.
This is the 3 books in one volume of the The Lord of the Rings. Why use up 3 credits by buying them seperately.
For those that don't know the story, it is the Ultimate Adventure Story !
Filled with horrific evil and brave and sacrificing good people. Love and humor , it is at heart the story of an innocent being called Frodo who is assigned to destroy the One Ring that could destroy the world as he knows it(think Armageddon).
It is beautifully and MOST entertainingly done. Highest Recommendation !
For those that don't know the story, it is the Ultimate Adventure Story !
Filled with horrific evil and brave and sacrificing good people. Love and humor , it is at heart the story of an innocent being called Frodo who is assigned to destroy the One Ring that could destroy the world as he knows it(think Armageddon).
It is beautifully and MOST entertainingly done. Highest Recommendation !
Masterful
History, magic, good vs. evil, ordinary people, hidden royalty, unimaginable power, courage, friendship - The Lord of the Rings' depth and continuity will continue to amaze long after the last page of the last appendix has been read. Filled with wonderful lines, memorable scenes, & down to earth characters, this is one classic work you'll want to revisit time and again.
History, magic, good vs. evil, ordinary people, hidden royalty, unimaginable power, courage, friendship - The Lord of the Rings' depth and continuity will continue to amaze long after the last page of the last appendix has been read. Filled with wonderful lines, memorable scenes, & down to earth characters, this is one classic work you'll want to revisit time and again.
The epitome of epic fantasy. Tolkien was a masterful world-builder. Even the appendices are not to be missed!
Eric W. (modemac) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 24 more book reviews
My first real hobby-cum-obsession back in high school was J.R.R. Tolkien. I fell passionately in love with his works, to the point where I memorized the Elvish writings (known as the Tengwar) and had a working knowledge of Tolkien's invented languages of Quenya and Sindarin. This link proves I wasn't alone in my Tolkien obsession: the power of his writing was felt by many people, and it continues to be explored today. His books are still grand fantasy in the style of the classic mythology of old, and Middle-earth will forever be an influence on the genre of "fantasy" in science fiction.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY IN ONE VOLUME.....
Laura R. (laurabird1) - , reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 61 more book reviews
This book is fantastic; a romantic adventure full of knights and dragons and sorcerers and hobbitts. Completely compelly and one truly wishes that this story would be non-fiction.
Great Set!
Sandy R. (angelcaller) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 10 more book reviews
THIS IS A NICE SERIES IF YOU LIKE FANTASY. THIS IS FOR SURE A CLASSIC STORY. MOVIE WAS MADE FROM THESE SERIES. I LOVE FRODO AND HIS FRIENDS. GOOD ADVENTUROUS, MAGICAL AND INTENSE SURVIVAL READING.
Part III The Return of the King
Bonnie S. (HikingNurse) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 63 more book reviews
Wonderful book of Hobbits,Elves, brave men, and a great battle between good and evil. I got this book to reread as I had given my copy to my grandson to read and treasure.
The first of the blockbuster fantasy stories, The Lord of the Rings tells the story of little Frodo Baggins.
He is a hobbit(they are little people prone to overeating and smoking their pipe) who inherits The Ring. The ring is a magic ring that gives it's owner invisibility when it is worn but makes your spirit
vulnerable to it's maker; Sauron(the ultimate bad guy looking to take over the world).
The only way to destroy the ring is to chuck it into the fires of Mt. Doom where it was created.
So Frodo with a few companions go on a quest to save the world by destroying the ring. This is the story of how this innocent tries to overcome armies, magicians, all sorts of wierd folk(this "is" a fantasy novel), monsters and such to save his world.
I will say it is an Excellent Read; very entertaining and well written.
I must add if you like this genre you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't try either the Assassin Trilogy or the Live Ship Trilogy by Robin Hobb. In my opinion she is as good as it gets.
He is a hobbit(they are little people prone to overeating and smoking their pipe) who inherits The Ring. The ring is a magic ring that gives it's owner invisibility when it is worn but makes your spirit
vulnerable to it's maker; Sauron(the ultimate bad guy looking to take over the world).
The only way to destroy the ring is to chuck it into the fires of Mt. Doom where it was created.
So Frodo with a few companions go on a quest to save the world by destroying the ring. This is the story of how this innocent tries to overcome armies, magicians, all sorts of wierd folk(this "is" a fantasy novel), monsters and such to save his world.
I will say it is an Excellent Read; very entertaining and well written.
I must add if you like this genre you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't try either the Assassin Trilogy or the Live Ship Trilogy by Robin Hobb. In my opinion she is as good as it gets.
Megan W. (kraziemegs) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 14 more book reviews
If you seen the movies, then read the book, the book is always better!
I used to have a hard cover copy that was really to much to carry around in a backpack. It's really GREAT to have a paperback copy!
The is the first Lord of the Rings book (The Fellowship of the Ring). It is a Harper Collins publication from England.
John O. (buzzby) -
With the possible exception of Green Eggs and Ham, this is the best book of the 20th century. (Both authors were at Oxford in the 1930s)
The Complete Best-Selling Classic Now an Epic motion Pictuer trilogy.
All 3 boobk in one
All 3 boobk in one
April B. (winniepoo) reviewed The Lord of the Rings Book and Bookend Gift Set on + 55 more book reviews
Was stored in a basement, some moisture damage, but still in good shape.
