The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Book Review & Reaction | It Changed Everything

[@johnkeenan1829]

The summer I was fourteen I got my first paycheck. I road my bike to the cooperative bank, put some in my new savings account and then road over to the local mom and pop store where I would always buy my comic books. They had a paperback metal rack that spun around and on it was the Hobbit and all three of the Lord of the Rings books. I bought them all, road home and spent the summer and part of the fall reading them. Now, fifty years later, whenever I begin to reread these works I become that kid again. Greatest fantasy series ever written.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Mike, for allowing me to unashamedly wallow in nostalgia this morning for one of the greatest stories ever told!

[@niklaskoivunen1138]

I absolutely love Frodo and Sam wandering through The Shire, it's the ultimate cozy reading and just makes you want to go on an adventure of your own.

[@justaguy2365]

Exactly!! Those early chapters of Fellowship where they're trying to escape the Shire, through the old forest and Bree. Some of my favorite chapters of the entire series

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

I could talk about this book all day but one of my favorite things is just the creativity that went into the construction of this world, for example, Tolkien was the absolute best at naming things. The Shire, Mordor, Gandalf, Elrond, Minas Tirith, The Nazgul, Lothlorien, Hobbits, The Balrog of Morgoth, Sauron, Saruman, Isengard......these names just add that little bit of atmosphere and drama that is part of what makes this story so good.

[@Yesica1993]

The places and people have such a deep, rich history behind them. It really is amazing. It helps you understand why people behaved as they did - the long lingering bad blood between Elves & Dwarves, the desperation of Boromir to help his people, the way the Elves seemed distant at times, the hesitation of Aragorn & the suspicion people seemed to have about him, etc. Even if you don't get an answer to every specific question/situation, it just *feels* like real life, where people are complex. Their past experiences shape who they are and these things color everything they do and feel. And yet there was growth and character development. And, as you said, even the places felt real because you got the history of the places and the people who lived there. It's incredible how he managed to do this. I wish I could write so well!

[@Mermer-16]

omg I love the names too! They give me goosebumps! Pure magic.

[@chevalierdulys]

And great black metal band names lol

[@krzysamm7095]

I’m 53 and this is my first time reading Fellowship of the Rings and I am throughly enjoying it. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much as a child for one I wanted stories that features girls like Nancy Drew and two those are the types of books that were given to me. Anyway just wanted to say you are never to old to read this series.

[@Yesica1993]

I somehow fell into a re-read! I wasn't planning on it this year. It's been so beautiful and healing and transporting. There's nothing else like it.

[@sitroom8922]

Not only was the writing style different back when Tolkien was writing but he was trying to replicate earlier mythological works.

[@ewobblie]

Personally I think Tolkien’s writing style is one thing that completely differentiates and elevates his works way above anything produced currently. It is definitely one thing that absolutely makes his work much superior to “modern” fantasy works. Whenever I reread the story, which I have done a few times now, it is always his unique writing style that I probably enjoy the most. Now the writing style in The Sillmarilion is different and reads much more dryly like a text book, but the writing style in The Lord of the Rings is simply the best.

[@ataridc]

His writing is excellent but I dont like to consider it "above" other fantasy fiction. People that look down on fantasy are the absolute worst imo. Fantasy got me into reading and it's why I branched out into many other genres and to this day I absolutely love the genre and consider it to the most pure in sheer imagination. Is there tons of trash? I mean, of course. Any genre of any medium is going to have a lot of lesser works.

[@dimitrijekulak3347]

​​​@@ataridc 99% of today's fantasy will be forgotten in 100 years. Lord of the Rings will never be forgotten. I love fantasy, but Lord of the Rings will live forever. If George RR Martin ever finishes A Song of Ice and Fire, I would consider it the only modern fantasy work on the same level as The Lord of the Rings

[@Joker85366]

Just finished The Fellowship of the Ring last week. You're right it took a little bit to get used to the writing style but about a quarter of the way threw it started clicking. Loved the book.

[@eamonndoohan8863]

Lord of the rings. One of my favourite books of all time. The fellowship of the ring is my favourite book in the trilogy.

[@nl3237]

This lotr quote in your intro still follows me to this day.

[@noellematzinger7884]

I actually just got done reading it for the first time and I feel more connected to the story. I love the descriptions even though I can’t picture all of them (because they’re that beautiful). I love reading more about the characters and I love Gimli and Sam even more so because of the Fellowship of The Ring. I’ll be picking up the next book in the next couple of days. Knowing what happens doesn’t affect the story for me because I’m forgetful and know that it’s all about the journey so, I’ve continued to be excited throughout even though I know what happens.

[@ericmerrell8622]

Rereading this series always just gives me a feeling of joy and contentment. Definitely in my top 3 series of all time.

[@pinkbunnyreads]

I never thought I would read this book. I loved the movies more than I thought I would and always love when books give me more plot/character insight. I just read The Fellowship of the Ring for the first time and I absolutely enjoyed it. I wish I read it sooner. I already bought the next two books. Thanks for encouraging me to read them.

[@sirswag7788]

One of the all time greats for good reason. I like what you said about the themes here. Friendship, hope in the face of hopelessness, temptation, mercy, compassion, perseverance, wounds we carry, and so much more.

[@jonathonholm8737]

Unpopular opinion: Tom Bombadil's chapters are some of my favorite fantasy chapters in the genre.

[@eazymethod01]

When they mention Tom at the Council of Elrond, it's clear the purpose of Tom is to show what a "perfect" being is, one who is unaffected by power and fully self mastered.

[@Zivilin]

I also enjoy Tom's chapters. Didn't know this was an unpopular opinion.

[@Kumite_Champ]

Without his chapter I wouldn’t have enjoyed the book.

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

Worst parts of the book. So glad they were left out of the movie. Borefest

[@dailylordoftheringsvideos7787]

The moment we've all been waiting for! The start to the greatest novel of all time!

[@johntencate4781]

Fellowship is within the 5 best fantasy books ever written, if not 1st

[@AbelandVictoria]

What could be better? Please let me know

[@samueljones5421]

I've been waiting for this!!!!

[@Hammy900]

I read Lord of the Rings before I watched the movies, at the time I haven't read alot of classics so I wasn't used to older and stiffer writing styles, now after I watched the extended editions 3 times. A reread, heck yes.

[@linushell4726]

Still haven’t gotten around to read these, I need to rectify that soon.

[@reading.with.rachel]

I would love to hear your thoughts as a first time reader!

[@SpankeyLuvinIt]

I don’t know if you keep up with comments on older videos but love the channel, you’re one of my favorite book tube content creators. Also, rocking the shaved head

[@PerfectCell9]

When Gandalf starts speaking in the black speech at the counsel of Elrond and it changes the entire atmosphere completely and makes everyone tremble and the skies to darken. That is such amazing writing. Sauron is so evil that his words taint such a pure place like Rivendale. The mouth of Sauron is another great example of this. Saurons words are so poison they’ve cracked and split his envoys lips and made his mouth completely rotten and disgusting. Such amazingly epic creativity.

[@evanmiller4502]

Just finished the series and it's now my 2nd favorite fantasy series ever

[@thebrothersgwynne]

One of the great tales of all time! Yes! It just feels like a different world, and that is a huge part of why I love Middle-Earth. One of the few fantasy worlds that you can really disappear into and feel like it has been fleshed out. I am going to be trying this in audiobook format for the first time very soon. Andy Serkis narrates it, so I have to! Will

[@Steve_Stowers]

There are two official audiobook versions of The Lord of the Rings: one read by Rob Inglis and a recent one by Andy Serkis; plus there's an unauthorized audiobook out there read by Phil somebody. So far I've only heard the Rob Inglis version, and I liked it just fine, but the other two both have their fans. (Plus there are at least a couple audio dramatizations out there. Nothing wrong with that, but avoid them if what you're looking for is the actual Tolkien books.)

[@Yesica1993]

@@hobbitholebooks832 Isn't it spectacular? (I usually don't like audiobooks, especially dramatized versions!) I came upon it by accident and it led into my reread. I'm sort of alternating between audio and reading. Or reading and then hearing the audio.

[@justaguy2365]

@@Steve_Stowers I love the Robert Inglis one.

[@oberstul1941]

Thank you, Mike, for being considerate and not spoiling Fellowship for me. I can't wait to see if Frodo takes the Ring or if Gandalf is really dead. Cheers! PS: I always found it silly and wincesty how Frodo calls Bilbo uncle, meanwhile they are indeed first and second cousins. Hobbit genealogies are hard, man.

[@anna_rn]

Great review! I loved how you started by questioning what you could talk about this book that no one has talked about. I think you always talk about stuff in your reviews that most booktubers out there don’t cover 😂 hence why you rule! 🤘🏼

[@mikesbookreviews]

❤️ you.

[@dinocollins720]

Man!I want to go read and watch rn!!! I forget how much I love these books and movies!!!

[@kylerieman221]

The first fantasy series I ever read way back in middle school. I'm really glad that Peter Jackson didn't screw up the adaptation. I even have the inscription from the one ring tattooed on my shoulder. Lord of the Rings is such a timeless classic

[@Ulmo90]

Awesome, I've been looking forward to this!

[@jakepostma3734]

Great video Mike!

[@franciscordon9230]

Amazing one, I love The Lord Of The Rings. Congrats on your amazing content!

[@bradleyadams1407]

I have LOVED your Tolkien series. Excellent job man.

[@JoeLeonardo]

I'll also recommend the audiobooks read by Andy Serkis if you're having trouble with the Tolkien's writing style. He goes above and beyond with his voice acting and truly brings Middle-earth to life.

[@Nodnarb518]

I’m just starting to read this at the grand old age of 42. I must have seen the movies dozens of times but never got around to the books. Enjoying it so far very much.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's never too late!

[@killacure]

My favourite book and series also. It is still peerless in the genre. 🙌

[@mrdeadhand]

Thanks for another review, Mike. I watch your stuff regularly and appreciate your love of books and the content you give us.

[@madisongoodyear5040]

What a beautiful beginning 🥰🥰🥰

[@Themaninblack19]

Im definitely doing all three audiobooks again this year again 2023

[@rickandrews968]

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings started me reading in the fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres. Without Tolkien I don't know that I would enjoy those genres to the extent that I do today. A shout out to my fifth great teacher Mr. Fields aka Underware Jones who loaned me his personal copies those many decades ago.

[@VegitosTrainer]

Still the greatest fantasy story in my mind. Love this book especially.

[@Danlovar]

TLOTR is a book that is REALLY aware that is a good book.

[@johntencate4781]

damn that is very accurate

[@0Arman0]

Just finished the first book and starting the second! Had to come watch this haha. Great read after knowing the story for my whole life but never reading it.

[@binglamb2176]

This will shock you at my lack of erudition but I have made it to age 70 and have never read the books nor seen the movies. There was always something else to read that appealed to me more.😲

[@OkieAllDay]

Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, Skyrim, Magic the Gathering, etc. etc. all were massively influenced (whether they knew it or not) by Lord of the Rings

[@BishopWalters12]

No question.

[@kevind4074]

I am one of those people that haven’t read Lord of the Rings, and neither have I even watched the movies. Crazy, I know, but I’m going to soon! I have read The Hobbit however. I’m just going to finish up the Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne before I start LotR. Really excited for it

[@steeziee5235]

I enjoyed the video, and im looking forward to the next one.

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

Your video made me pull out my old copy and read out some passages 😊

[@thesmuli83]

Hi Mike. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring what a legendary adventure. Tolkien created an insanely deep world and characters. The only flaw in the book is that I never liked Tom Bombadil (for some reason I hate the character) I guess to read the trilogy again somewhere in 2022!!!

[@randalthor6771]

Why do you have a profile pic of myself? I am the dragon reborn

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I LOVE your intro! And no, I can't believe that anyone who is serious about fantasy, has not read LOTR. My God, I had read all three books plus The Hobbit, by the time I was seventeen and those were the days when the books were real hard to lay your hands on. One of the themes I've thought about lately, is the empowerment of Eowyn. She had some very powerful dialog; in the book; about a woman's place. Only a small part of that was included in the movie. I'm reading The Blade Itself, now and recently finished Kings Of The Wyld, and have been remembering all the books and series that follow the 'group on a quest trope.'

[@jamespringle7408]

Great video. Reading the two towers now

[@Dwish305]

I’m definitely planning on reading this.

[@avsambart]

YES IT'S HERE!

[@藍玉仁]

Lord of the ring’s is the best book I had ever read 🎉🎉🎉

[@ARE.eads_e-Books]

I was always more excited to tell non-nerds that I had read these books multiple times before the Jackson movies came along and everyone read them.....

[@ernstbrehm1135]

My favorite fantasy series of all time, as well👍🏼

[@PerfectCell9]

Great video Mike, as always 👍🫡

[@ryancruz1876]

The Lord of the Rings isn’t a series or a trilogy. It’s a single novel.

[@christiancalhoun4576]

I really hope you do spoiler talks for all the books!

[@demidrek-heyward]

thanks Mike!!!

[@poodlemuffin]

I found the writing to be a slog when I read it in my teens, but the story and the characters made it worth it. It kicked off a 5 year stint of reading nothing but epic fantasy.

[@PhoenixBlade]

I always felt Faramir was more honorable than Boromir, but they both were awesome, and done a bit dirty by the movies

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Tried reading this because the movie was coming out. I only made it as far as Rivendell. Saw the movie and was blown away. I then immediately read all three books back to back to back.

[@Yesica1993]

Similar story for me! I don't even know how I didn't even hear about the first movie. Then, when TTT was coming out, I heard about it everywhere and felt left out. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I want to say I saw TTT before starting the books. I wanted to get all 3 read by the time RotK came out. I didn't quite make it. I think I was still about halfway. I ended up seeing RotK 10 times in the theater. I can't imagine doing that today, LOL!

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

@@Yesica1993 Nice!

[@Schellnino1994]

My favorite work of art

[@pillmuncher67]

I've read LOTR in 1982 when I was 14.

[@covi_reads7398]

📚When I was kid, the writing style didn't work for me. But the audiobook was perfect. Since then I have listened to this series many times! And it is still excellent

[@Gontaza]

Was it the Rob Inglis version? It's the best :)

[@forwhy8723]

@@Gontaza that's the only way I got passed the third chapter lol. His reading is so good

[@covi_reads7398]

@@Gontaza 📚Yes! I love it

[@covi_reads7398]

@@forwhy8723 📚Lol Same here :P

[@maxkronader5225]

I like that you mention Boromir. He is, or was before the Fellowship, an unmitigated cast iron hero. He was the model of what the man of Gondor defending the West against the vileness of Sauron should be. Yet, even such a man as he could be corrupted by the ring. I believe that Tolkien wrote of Boromir's temporary madness for the ring to demonstrate to the reader just how powerful the corrupting force of the ring was. It illustrates the profound isolation and loneliness of the ringbearer. If you bear the ring, you can trust no one because the ring can corrupt anyone. As an aside, Tolkien makes the Hobbits the strongest ethical entities of Middle Earth. The only two beings in the history of Middle Earth to voluntarily give up the ring were both Hobbits. It is as if Tolkien is saying that a quiet inner strength is superior to the outward trappings of power. A king of men, a wizard, a king of elves, all refused to take the ring because they knew it would corrupt them. Only the Hobbits could carry it and voluntarily give it up.

[@ayalaux]

It’s me who hasn’t read LOTR. I’m one of the rarest! :) I tried a couple times and got bored and stopped but I’m always coming back to it, then fail. I guess I’m not ready for the series for whatever reason. I’m hoping that I will finish it before my time is up.

[@Yesica1993]

On my first read, it took me until the middle of Return of the King for the language/style to really "click" for me. Then it became easier.

[@ayalaux]

@@Yesica1993 oh my! sounds like it requires a lot of patience! Next time, I’ll try to stick around longer :) thank you for the tip 😃

[@bd4_l]

I read The Hobbit when I was 10. But for some reason I've never read or watched LOTR. I will thank you sir! I will now read this trilogy! You have sold me!

[@Yesica1993]

I love that edition you have! Though it's probably too heavy to lug around. I used to do that ALL the time. But I've had back problems in more recent years. I'm sure lugging around a giant backpack of heavy books contributed to it. Not even kidding. The Kindle has greatly helped. But I still prefer to read a physical book. Some years ago I bought the Barnes & Noble compact boxed set. It's wonderful for taking with you. But the font is a bit small. What I really would like is a hardback edition, but not all in one volume. That would make it easier to take with me if I did want to be out & about and didn't want to deal with the smaller print of the compact size. And while I don't like having good copies to just put on a shelf, I will reread this story for the rest of my life. My originals were cheapie paperbacks and they've seen better days. I want something that will last years.

[@justaguy2365]

I got that special edition for my birthday last year. But I'll never read it lol. I have an old beater copy for that.

[@Catcupid]

Great review. It can be hard to talk about a book everyone has some idea of. 😄

[@reading.with.rachel]

On this re-read I was expecting that the counsel of Elrond would be boring to read but I didn't want to put it down. It really surprised me how intense it was!

[@supernorry3847]

i still have never read lord of the rings i got those great illustrated editions but i just need time.

[@tomsativa]

Finally read the first one last week for the first time. Still haven't read the other ones. Too broke to buy them lol

[@Yesica1993]

Library! (I know how it is to be broke. There myself right now.)

[@tomsativa]

@@Yesica1993 I was in there all the time in the past. Ty for reminding me lol

[@mtchnelson]

Your book editions and covers are just amazing. Where do you find these things? For real? Where can I buy editions other than what is on Amazon by default?

[@oXFAct0Ro]

The LotR Illustrated edition that he has in the thumbnail is available on Amazon

[@dominickkrikke2611]

As of watching this, I've just finished Return of the King. It was my first complete read. didn't like every beat, but I have to take my hat off for Tolkien. read it translated and for 2/3 of the book the translater did a fine job. though with one chapter he forgot to edit or something 'cause he used the word "And" in every line for five pages straight. is that also in the English version? It happens halfway Return when Faramir hits up with is wife, or something.

[@Laurelin70]

It's also in the English version. Tolkien copied the phrasing of the ancient epic or romance writings, that had a lot of coordinates instead of subordinates.

[@brooke2129]

i’ve been really intimidated to read the lord of the rings… that being said ..i just started the wheel of time series 😂

[@kuba70834]

When do you upload review of "Return of the King"? :)

[@TheRealWonderFrau]

It's interesting, I have a bit of a love-dislike (hate being far too strong a word) with Tolkien, and it comes down to how he writes. So I really enjoy Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, but I have a really hard time with the writing style, I find the style really stuffy in a way. It's a wonderful story for audiobooks and in English I have found that audiobooks are my way to go for LoTR as I prefer listening to it than reading that style on my own. That being said I have also read the series translated in French and with a few exceptions regarding translation choices for names, I have to say I love it so much more in French than English and I think a part of that is that in many ways it is that Tolkien's style lends itself really well to how we still write in French today. I would say that in some genres, fantasy being one of them, the style from the 50's and the style today have a familiar feel, like I don't notice the difference that much compared to in English where it can be quite stark. The thing that is difficult in such a judgement is the following question: is this truly a question of style or rather a question of translation? Like are the translations made to sound a bit more modern? I'm not sure and so I would be really curious to know what other people who have read this in both the English and in translation think? Just some discussion fodder :)

[@Laurelin70]

I read it in English and in Italian, two different translations. Well, Tolkien uses a very "literary" language in his writing, if you know what I mean: he takes his time with words, in a sense, he writes a lot of description and he uses long sentences, usually preferring coordinates to subordinates. But he's also very careful to differentiate between the characters and the context, so he uses a lower register for Sam, a middle-class language for Frodo and the other hobbits, and for Gandalf and Aragorn when dealing with them, and a higher (even loftier) register when the Elves or Dwarves or Men of Gondor and Rohan are speaking; in these cases he often uses the inversion of the sentence (object first, then subject of the verb), in particular when writing about Rohan, whose depiction is very close to the Anglo-Saxon poems that Tolkien studied and taught. And even when he uses a more "modern" English, it's still a language you can read in Austen's or Dickens' or Stevenson's works, not in authors of the time when he was writing the Lord of the Rings (between 1937 and 1949). In Italian with the first translation we strangely had the opposite of your experience: the translation was pushed toward the higher register ALWAYS, and Tolkien's well crafted differentiation was almost completely lost. But, paradoxically, the names and single words were more plain and "modern". With the second translation (issued 3 years ago) we had a more accurate rendition of the different registers, but maybe an even TOO accurate philological research for names and words and their relationship with each other, that lead sometimes to very strange or not so understandable names and words, making the reading a bit more daunting, and I think, more difficult for the italian reader than it is for the english reader.

[@ra0333]

I’ve tried many times to read fellowship and failed about 1/3 way through.

[@omulryan]

Reading it right now. Just escaped from Weathertop.

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

Unfortunately, as time goes on less and less people (in general) seem to have read or seen LotR. Only about a dozen of my high school students have seen the movies and only one of them has read the books They have no idea what it's about and it makes me sad that they will see the Rings of Power and think they've seen LotR

[@Yesica1993]

That's the point of these subpar remakes/reboots/sequels/prequels. They want to destroy EVERYTHING. But that's just a better opportunity to for us to point people to the real thing.

[@Gontaza]

What a great lesson plan you have then :) "Kids, today we will watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy... extended versions. Call your parent cause you won't come home tonight"

[@Juanpa_SC]

I'm sorryyyy, I'm guilty of not reading this as of 2022. Soon, tho. Have to work on my TBR.

[@blacksky379]

In my opinion, The Lord of the Rings makes you fall in love with the story from the 1st time you read. Tolkien's writing style on the other hand feels more like an "acquired taste". It may take a 2nd read to appreciate it.

[@asfaloth12]

“Is any book perfect?” …..Yes, this one. (Just joking! Well…..half joking, lol) Such a fantastic book and such a wonderful beginning to my favorite fantasy series. I am really enjoying these Tolkien videos. Hmmm….perhaps it’s time for another re-read. Thanks for sharing!

[@KalleVilenius]

Well I'm off to see the elves now.

[@chasekemmerling1676]

do a review of new rings of power show coming soon

[@tobiasbaumgartner8629]

I am probably gonna start reading it this year and I am newer to fantasy.

[@jaishoppy13]

My 2023 Book Goal is to read the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. I read the hobbit in January, started Fellowship yesterday

[@thorwuttudal1440]

First real book I read for fun was the hobbit. Back in the early 80s. Who knew reading could lead you into unknown worlds with untold stories and great characters and heartbreak. Tolkien to me is like Pink Floyd on the right meds😊

[@s.p.8508]

I really tried to read it. I just can’t do it.

[@mimimayhem]

Count the number of times Mike says "guys."

[@pizza6464]

Hot take, only reason Lotr reached the status it did is because it came first. If it was released today, it would be considered mid.

[@Laurelin70]

Because the literary scene has very much descended into subpar writing style.

[@maxkronader5225]

I think that some of the impatience with scenes like the Council of Elrond might be due to our modern times. Sadly, the premise of people with different ideas meeting together to hash out their differences and come up with an answer that, while not the preferred choice of everyone, is at least something everyone can agree on, is utterly alien to the modern level of political discourse. Unfortunately, we are more likely to see anyone who disagrees being labeled a nazi than we are to see actual dialog.

[@maxkronader5225]

Tolkien invented modern fantasy, period. While I love the works of Karl Edward Wagner, Michael Moorcock, Jack Vance, etc., etc., the market for those works would not have existed had Tolkien not already cultivated that field. He is to fantasy what HG Wells is to sci-fi.

[@GorillaGrodd]

LOTR is a classic that I just recently read again for the first time in 20+ years. It's a great story but there is a fair amount of slog in terms of topography descriptions and things like that which I personally just don't care that much about.

[@Shaad2321]

I’m one of those people!😀😀

[@BishopWalters12]

Classic book and movie which almost never happens.

[@ilqar887]

Is it as adult ,philosophical,political as dune¿