The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

I got through this book real quick and have had a tough time articulating my thoughts in a review since. Many of my thoughts are similar to the movies, with many of my favorite scenes matching up, so I'll try to keep things a little shorter here by mentioning a few highlights from this reread.

1) The charge of the Rohirrim is somehow just as incredible and exhilarating in print as it is on screen. It's both my favorite movie scene and passage from a book. Theoden blasts his horn into pieces! They sing as they slay! C'mon!!

2) The conversation between Gandalf and Saruman is awesome here, unlike in the movie where it's a bit awkward. This would be one of the passages I point to in which Tolkien really impresses with his writing.

3) Eowyn is so, so cool in this book. Even cooler than in the movie, and her coolest line is even cooler in the book. I am in love with her. It makes me really happy that she finds Faramir who, let's be honest, offers a lot more than I ever could.

4) The Frodo and Sam trek through Mordor is so special. What a beautiful journey of loyalty, compassion and friendship. The relief after the ring is destroyed is so palpable.


That's a short list, and obviously there is a lot more to love, but I'll leave it there for now. I have never been a fan of the scouring of the Shire (I think Tolkien's grade 3 English teacher forgot to teach the plot diagram) and I kinda just skimmed the appendices. But this is the perfect way to end the greatest work of fiction ever written. It cements itself as tied for my second favorite book ever. (After Fellowship, and tied with the Bible).


Just kidding guys relax.

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