LOTR opinion
5 stars
favorite novel of all time. better than any other fantasy world imo. Tolkein is a mastermind.
eBook, 503 pages
English language
Published March 24, 2020 by CAEZIK SF & Fantasy.
5 stars
(34 reviews)
Robert A. Heinlein wrote The Number of the Beast, which was published in 1980. In the book Zeb, Deety, Hilda and Jake are ambushed by the alien “Black Hats” and barely escape with their lives on a specially configured vehicle (the Gay Deceiver) which can travel along various planes of existence, allowing them to visit parallel universes.
However, unknown to most fans, Heinlein had already written a “parallel” novel about the four characters and parallel universes in 1977. He effectively wrote two parallel novels about parallel universes. The novels share the same start, but as soon as the Gay Deceiver is used to transport them to a parallel universe, each book transports them to a totally different parallel world.
From that point on the plot lines diverge completely. While The Number of the Beast morphs into something very different, more representative of later Heinlein works, The Pursuit of the Pankera …
Robert A. Heinlein wrote The Number of the Beast, which was published in 1980. In the book Zeb, Deety, Hilda and Jake are ambushed by the alien “Black Hats” and barely escape with their lives on a specially configured vehicle (the Gay Deceiver) which can travel along various planes of existence, allowing them to visit parallel universes.
However, unknown to most fans, Heinlein had already written a “parallel” novel about the four characters and parallel universes in 1977. He effectively wrote two parallel novels about parallel universes. The novels share the same start, but as soon as the Gay Deceiver is used to transport them to a parallel universe, each book transports them to a totally different parallel world.
From that point on the plot lines diverge completely. While The Number of the Beast morphs into something very different, more representative of later Heinlein works, The Pursuit of the Pankera remains on target with a much more traditional Heinleinesque storyline and ending, reminiscent of his earlier works.
The Pursuit of the Pankera was never published and there have been many competing theories as to why (including significant copyright issues in 1977). Over time the manuscript was largely forgotten but survived in fragments. A recent re-examination of these fragments, however, made it clear that put together in the right order they constituted the complete novel.
And here it finally is: Robert A. Heinlein’s audacious experiment. A fitting farewell from one of the most inventive science fiction writers to have ever lived: a parallel novel about parallel universes as well as a great adventure pitting the forces of good versus evil only the way Heinlein could do.
The continuing tale concerning Hobbits that would alter the course of thier world
5 stars
(Note: review based on one of numerous rereading of the book.)
What started out as a request for another story about hobbits (after the success of "The Hobbit") grew in the telling until it became an epic tale about the quest to destroy the One Ring of Sauron; and how it was the 'least of heroes', unlooked-for even by the wise, would prove to be one to fulfil the quest and free Middle-Earth from domination by the Dark Lord.
This book has been released in many editions and in many forms over the years. The one I read was a one-volume edition that celebrates the birth of J.R.R. Tolkien and includes fifty paintings specially commissioned from artist Alan Lee.
Reading it now after watching the Peter Jackson films, it is easy to put the actors in the film into the scenes from the book, modified by the illustrations of Alan …
(Note: review based on one of numerous rereading of the book.)
What started out as a request for another story about hobbits (after the success of "The Hobbit") grew in the telling until it became an epic tale about the quest to destroy the One Ring of Sauron; and how it was the 'least of heroes', unlooked-for even by the wise, would prove to be one to fulfil the quest and free Middle-Earth from domination by the Dark Lord.
This book has been released in many editions and in many forms over the years. The one I read was a one-volume edition that celebrates the birth of J.R.R. Tolkien and includes fifty paintings specially commissioned from artist Alan Lee.
Reading it now after watching the Peter Jackson films, it is easy to put the actors in the film into the scenes from the book, modified by the illustrations of Alan Lee of the various places in Middle-Earth. And after all these years, the words in the book still have the 'power' to bring the reader to Middle-Earth and put you in the footsteps of the Fellowship of the Ring as they strive to do what they can to thwart the plans of Sauron and distract him for the peril that is slowly entering his stronghold on hobbit feet.
The single greatest (and probably one of the only greatest) fantasy novels ever written.
5 stars
Wonderful world-building and beautifully crafted and wondrous settings, but unlike The Silmarillion (1977) it actually has an engaging, overarching story that keeps you engaged and gives you a reason why to travel through this world.
Review of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' on 'GoodReads'
4 stars
yeah, this book is really good, I guess there is a reason that so many people feel fondly about it, like the characters are friendly to each other and seem concern about each other. Its pretty refreshing.
Review of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King' on 'Storygraph'
5 stars
I read this as part of my son's bed-time story. There are a lot of dark points in the book but so much about people continuing to try and do their best, even when all hope is lost. It's a great lesson for any child and it's the reason the Lord of the Rings remains one of my favorites.
Review of 'The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings, #1-3)' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I finished my re-read a day or two ago. I have nothing to add: this is an awesome book that I've always loved. I'm in the process of rereading the Appendices, which are surprisingly good if you want to learn about the history of Middle Earth. Parts of it feel like a condensed version of the Silmarillion, which I've also enjoyed.
Review of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This would be 4.5 for me. The Two Towers has always been this filler book for me, the one I enjoyed least of all books in the story. I did however really enjoy it this time round.
I would have preferred a similar structure to the movie when it comes to the narrative, so it would not have been Gandalf&Co and then Frodo&Sam for 300 pages each.
I recently watched the extended versions of all the movies, and so I am still noticing all the differences between books and movies. Most striking for the Two Towers: Faramir is really noble and kind in the book, very unlike Boromir, whereas in the movie he's kind of an asshole who captures Frodo and wants to use the ring to please his father. Not sure why he got such a bad spin in the movie.
Looking forward to concluding the saga once again …
This would be 4.5 for me. The Two Towers has always been this filler book for me, the one I enjoyed least of all books in the story. I did however really enjoy it this time round.
I would have preferred a similar structure to the movie when it comes to the narrative, so it would not have been Gandalf&Co and then Frodo&Sam for 300 pages each.
I recently watched the extended versions of all the movies, and so I am still noticing all the differences between books and movies. Most striking for the Two Towers: Faramir is really noble and kind in the book, very unlike Boromir, whereas in the movie he's kind of an asshole who captures Frodo and wants to use the ring to please his father. Not sure why he got such a bad spin in the movie.
Looking forward to concluding the saga once again now.
Review of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
This is still the book that moves me most of the three that make the Lord of the Rings. Sure, it has its weaknesses. Especially the first 150 pages could have done with some heavy editing. It's still a remarkable story, with remarkable characters that so many years later still move me to tears.
Again, I am glad that I read both the Silmarillion and The Hobbit previously, for further references to past events reveal the grand scope Tolkien had.
