Title: The Return of the King
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Series: The Lord of the Rings #2
Narrator: Andy Serkis
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 21 hours 52 minutes
Published: 2021, HarperCollins (originally published 1955)
My Grade: 5 out of 5

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

As the Shadow of Mordor grows across the land, the Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures. Aragorn, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, has joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and takes part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by Orcs, escape into Fangorn Forest and there encounter the Ents. Gandalf has miraculously returned and defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Sam has left his master for dead after a battle with the giant spider, Shelob; but Frodo is still alive — now in the foul hands of the Orcs.

And all the while the armies of the Dark Lord are massing as the One Ring draws ever nearer to the Cracks of Doom.

MY REVIEW

This trilogy was over so fast! Even with 20 hours per book, they were over in no time. Andy Serkis was amazing. I honestly think he could pull off any book. The story is great, but he takes it to higher levels, for sure!

Even though Serkis is doing a wonderful job of narrating, it is still fairly easy to zone out every now and then. For example during the description of Minas Tirith. Especially (unfortunately, I think I have to say), since I “know” what it looks like from the movies. Another thing about that scene: the great battle at Minas Tirith was over in no time, very uneventful and was over after only 30% of the book. I am actually happy about battles not taking over the story like it can in more modern books. I find it hard to follow along. So this works out perfect for me. The focus of Tolkien is definitely on dialogue and world building rather than action packed battle scenes.

Book 5 only follows Aragorn and that part of the story and book 6 follows Frodo and Sam. I do think that I like it that way. The story becomes whole in a different way. Even if the timeline is not being followed by the minute.

The ending is different! Both compared to the movie but it also has another feeling compared to the rest of the book. It’s almost a bit comical. And perhaps a bit out of time and place?

I am glad I finally got to finish this trilogy. When I was 10 or 12 or something, I was too young and barely got through the first two. I should have continued though since The Two Towers was the slowest one. The ending gets a strong 5 out of five possible.