The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Posted on by Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes
details
Title: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Series: The Lord of the Rings #1.
Writer(s): J.R.R. Tolkien.
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers.
Format: Hardcover.
Release Date: October 2017 (First Published July 29th, 1954).
Pages: 531.
Genre(s): Fantasy.
ISBN13:  9780008264062.
My Overall Rating: ★★★★★.
thoughts

Where does one go when given a responsibility larger than life? What if it is a burden that requires the purest of souls? After all, not all individuals can resist the temptation of Evil when asked to channel their inner Good, especially if the faith of the world rests upon their shoulders. Through a sense of duty, trusted by wiser mortals than ourselves, we’re thus asked to look beyond our relevance, beyond our lack of experience, and beyond our fears, to accomplish the impossible, even if it means death. This is where Frodo Baggins stands as he faces his greatest calling, one where only he could answer. But what’s the big deal? Nothing other than the beginning of an unforgettable adventure where an innocent and unlikely hero, now heir to the most powerful instrument that could turn out to be the cause of the next big war, has to face the unknown and survive its wrath. Legendary writer J.R.R. Tolkien sends this hobbit into a perilous world and writes the first part of a beloved classic trilogy that will forever change the epic high-fantasy literature landscape.

What is The Fellowship of the Ring about? Picking up years after the events that took place in The Hobbit, the story introduces readers to Frodo Baggins, cousin to Bilbo Baggins, who inherits the powerful yet evil Ring created during the Second Age of Middle-earth. It is upon learning of its true nature and its crucial importance to Sauron, the Dark Lord, for his plans to rule all others that Frodo Baggins is tasked by Gandalf the Grey to embark on a journey across Middle-earth to destroy the Ring in the Cracks of Doom where it was once forged. Accompanied by trustworthy friends, this quest is not without its own set of adventures as they come across allies who will lend a hand in their odyssey and foes who are ready to do anything to get their Lord the Ring he seeks at all cost.

“One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien

This first volume of The Lord of The Rings trilogy is an unparalleled achievement in world-building. Writer J.R.R. Tolkien creates a high-spirited world with an epic vision rich with history and mythology that simply invites reverence from readers. Through Frodo and his friend’s journey, we are instantly transported to the vividly imagined Middle-earth as we experience first-hand the littlest discomfort of being far from home while also a subtle and reinvigorating comfort through the blissful opportunities for rest and reassurance provided by the unrivaled friendship between these wonderfully devised characters. The beautifully interspersed extracts of poetry often expressed through enchanting songs further help in immersing the reader in a peculiarly beautiful yet treacherous world. The tightly-weaved lore also helps in conveying the complexity of the world that seeps through every inch of the land meticulously exposed throughout this historic adventure.

While the task at hand is often without real respite as a sense of impending doom looms over these heroes in the form of Dark Riders and a race against time, it is the ensemble of characters that make this journey so enamoring and memorable. Serving as the vessels of knowledge, it is through these heroes and with them that readers are acquainted with all the Middle-earth lore that hides within its mysterious forests, tall mountains, strange fogs, and large rivers. Their domination over the unknown, especially over their fear of it, also allows them to grow in terms of self-actualization—a state that was once achieved by Bilbo Baggins as well—but the significance of their task transforms their quest into one that is also a test of loyalty, friendship, and human nature. The story might seem incredibly linear at its core but the adventure is real as it can ever get as it pushes these heroes to move forward no matter what.

The Fellowship of the Ring is the quintessential epic high-fantasy adventure sending readers on a quest filled with friendship, loyalty, and mystery through Middle-earth.

EXHIBITA
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Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a critically-acclaimed cinematic adaptation that stole the hearts of critics and fans around the world.
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Published by Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes

Reader. Reviewer. Researcher. Criminology Ph.D. Candidate. Montreal, Quebec (Canada). Want to know more? Connect with him!

78 thoughts on “The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien”

  1. What a gorgeous review! I read the series for the first time just over two years ago and while I struggled at times (especially in Two Towers) I enjoyed the trilogy and marveled at the author’s storytelling and world building abilities.

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  6. I’ve only read the first two books and found the writing a little difficult to get used to, but this was a really inspiring review! Maybe I can get myself this same lovely edition for extra motivation 😁

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  7. Such a lyrical, inspired review shows that you fell in love with this story and its characters, and I can tell that it will be an enduring love indeed.
    I agree on your comment about this being an adventure tale on the surface, but ultimately revealing itself as a story about friendship and loyalty and the courage to do the impossible when all other options disappear. Middle Earth captured you and it’s not going to let you go – ever. But you will NOT want to go, trust me… 😉

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    1. I sure did fall in love hahah I think ever since The Hobbit, I grew fond of Tolkien’s writing style and could indulge his poetry, world-building, and characters forever! Hahahaha I really can’t wait for more Middle-earth action (which I’ll probably get even more of with the critically-acclaimed games!). But I honestly can’t wait to read Book 2 now. 😀 Thanks for reading, Maddalena! 😀

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  8. Glad this was a resounding success with you. From this review I’m assured you’ll like the next 2 books as well 😀

    I’m guessing you watched the movies as they came out and thus saw them before reading the books. do you think that colored your impressions of the book any, or were you able to completely compartmentalize the two mediums? I was really impressed with how Jackson was able to portray the books on film. I thought he did a good job of staying faithful to the idea of the story while making choices of what to cut (Tom Bombadil, I have to admit, I never understood why that was in the book, so I was glad it didn’t make the cut for the movie).

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    1. I feel the same for the rest of this trilogy hahaha I think I’m just completely sold regarding his writing and could indulge it all day every day! 😀

      I actually saw the movies pretty late, post-release, and, in all honesty, wasn’t COMPLETELY blown away by it but I don’t have that much memory of all the things that happened either. Of course, pop culture also makes it hard to forget some iconic scenes from the movie but as I went through the book, I really was able to experience it for what it was. Almost to the point where it made me question my memory of the movie hahaha I was surprised of the whole Bombadil deal too. It would’ve been a curious thing to see in the movies, but I’ll definitely rewatch the extended cuts after reading to compare and see how much I enjoy Jackson’s adaptation. 😀

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  9. Anyone who attempts and/or succeeds in reviewing any Tolkien is deserving of literary honours because I LOVE Tolkien and it almost hurts! I couldn’t do any book he wrote any justice by writing about it. You, on the other hand have written a little mini masterpiece there. Beautiful ❤️

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  10. Amazing review! This was first series I read 5 years back when I started reading and I remember it took me more than a month to finish this series. I enjoyed that meeting of all fellowship and adventure. The Two Towers is still my favourite one and Legolas.

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  11. This was one of the very first fantasy series I read when growing up and it’s remained at the very top of my list of favorites. It has also survived many rereads without losing anything. In fact, I feel I gain something new each reread. I’m very happy to see you also enjoyed it and were pulled into the layers of friendship and adventure, the worldbuilding, history, poetry and music. Like Bookstooge I’m curious about your thoughts having watched the movies before reading the series. Though, as almost always, I much preferred the books, I also thought the movies were an unusually good representation of the books. They departed at times from the source material, but I felt they retained the spirit of the books. When you’re finished with the series I’d also be curious to hear which is your favorite book of the three, though I guess that’s a bit unfair as they were intended to be a single book. The Fellowship has always been my favorite, I just love the beginnings of journeys. Beautiful review, Lashaan!

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    1. Oh man, I love that it stuck around with you for so long and that you learned something new with each reread. I think it’s something that I’m going to discover to upon rereads of all my favourites, including this and The Hobbit! I’m really happy that the original story had much more depth to it, that there’s a whole layer of friendship and loyalty (themes I love by the way) too. I’ve seen the movies post-release (late) but I don’t have much recollection of the chain of events and look forward to a future marathon of the extended cuts! While reading this one I did start wondering how the movie succeeded when so much was cut and the focus wasn’t as much on the Hobbits. I’ll probably also share my thoughts on the movies in the future. I have no idea if I’ll be able to tell which is my favourite but I think I have an idea of what could make one standout. Thanks for reading and for the kind words, Todd! 😀

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  12. I love these books!! And the movies as well (they incidentally double up as a tourist ad for New Zealand and I could watch them just for the beautiful landscapes). Wonderful review, I completely agree with Tolkien’s unparalleled world-building. In the first book, getting to know Middle-earth, the characters and the dynamics between the group members is just amazing.

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  13. Yaay I was so excited to see that you already made a review of this book! And even more to see that you liked it! I read the trilogy for the first time a few years ago, after my thesis and since then I always want ti read them again and immerse myself in the wonderful world Tolkien has created! 😍 Also, for me, the fact that he created this world to give some “legitimacy” to the languages he invented is even more fascinating!

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  14. Great review, Lashaan.
    I think I first read these when I was about ten or twelve. My sister had a little box-set of books that used to be very popular. I’m not sure how many times I have re-read them over the years.
    I enjoyed the movies for the most part. I’m glad they left out Tom Bombadil. I think that was just Tolkien getting his footing as he got into the story. Kind of like the silly mountain giants fight in ‘The Hobbit’. It does not really fit too well. There ARE some very big departures in the movies that most folks let slide, but I feel are unforgivable. I will wait until you have finished reading the series before I make those concerns known. {No spoilers form me, dude.}
    Happy Trails!
    ~Icky 🙂

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    1. I’m in the minority that can’t stand the movies for this reason. I didn’t miss Bombadil so much, though I think the lack of this part of story is regrettable, but the Shire ending and the changes in characters were especially grating for me.

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      1. SPOILER ALERT! LASHAAN, DO NOT READ THIS!
        SPOILER ALERT! LASHAAN, DO NOT READ THIS!
        SPOILER ALERT! LASHAAN, DO NOT READ THIS!

        In ‘The Two Towers’, a troop of elves did not come marching up to Helms Deep to help in their defense. A look at the handy-dandy little map that JRR so thoughtfully provided would show that to be a silly concept.

        In ‘The Return of the King’, massive armies of elves did come to the rescue, but in the silly film, there was only one elf, Legolas.

        Thanks, Ola! Glad I’m not alone!

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      2. Yeah, me too! 😀
        I noticed that people who watched the movies before they read the books are more forgiving; maybe it’s the mental picture we form while reading that’s faithful to the books but irreconcilably clashes with the movie? I was incensed with the portrayals of many main characters, but also with the fact that the movie just totally lacks the subtlety and scope of the books.
        Now I feel better, thanks, Ichabod! 😄

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    2. Thank you so much, Icky! Wow. I don’t know if 10-12 years old me would’ve been able to tackle such a trilogy back then but if I was half the reader today back then maybe I would’ve taken up that challenge hahah

      I was quite surprised by Bombadil’s character. I can’t imagine how that could’ve worked in the movies. He feels like a cosmic entity that would’ve took us on a very hiiiiigh trip! 😛 I am quite curious about the departures you speak of but it’ll have to wait till I rewatch the extended cuts of the movies. 😀

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  16. Honestly Lashaan it took me three times to finally read that one! The first time I was 18 and the time I finally succeeded I was 30. What put me off was the world building an the very slow pace at the beginning. It took me 120 pages to finally fall into the story. But yes I agree with all that you’ve said!

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    1. I can’t blame you for that first attempt but I am happy that you came back to when you hit your 30s, which… funnily enough… is pretty close to my age when I think about it (26) hahaha 😀 I’m glad to hear you agree with my thoughts on this one though. I can’t wait to continue on with the trilogy. 😛

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  20. Yay for The Fellowship! 😀 I’m so happy you enjoyed it so much, Lashaan!

    The Fellowship is such a great beginning of the story, setting the scene in exquisite detail, and yet propelling the plot forward at an enviable pace. If I were to change anything, I’d be happy to reduce the amount of poetry, however. I never realized how much of it there is – until I had to read the whole book aloud! 😂

    Like many above, I’m curious what you think about the movies (which I absolutely loathed and never hid the fact 🤣).

    Great review, Lashaan! Looking forward to your thoughts on Two Towers!

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    1. What did you do? An audiobook for someone?! I can’t imagine reading this whole thing out loud. 😮 Although I did try to sing the songs at times and had fun with how silly they sometimes can be. 😀

      Hahahaha you’re definitely among the rare people who loathes the movies, that’s for sure. I’ve only known people who loved it more than anything else in their lives! 😛

      I’ve seen the movies post-release of the final one, in the middle of the Hobbit’s 2nd movie or so. I barely remember the sequence in which the whole story developed but remember the classic scenes that everyone continuously speaks of to this day hahaha I’ll definitely be rewatching them upon completing this trilogy with a refreshed and critical adult mind though.

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      1. Oh, it’s not so bad! There’s at least two of us – Icky and I! 😛

        And I’m very curious of your reaction to the movies once you’re done with the books! I watched the movies when they were coming out, but I was already after 10 reads or so of LotR books, and I had not an ounce mercy in me ;). Truth be told, I watched The Fellowship again, not long ago, and hated it equally much the second time around 😛

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  21. I still haven’t read this! I’m glad it’s turning out to be a good experience for you. At this point for some reason I’m just not reading it because so many men in my life have told me too, haha. It’d make them too happy if I gave in! Though so far you’ve got me more convinced to give the books a go than any of them have managed to so far.

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    1. Ohhhh that’s way too kind of you to say! I wouldn’t force this on anyone and I’m definitely not into any kind of gatekeeping either with Tolkien. I just hope you get the chance to try it out when YOU feel like it and hopefully end up loving it as much as I am right now! 😀

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  23. Great review, short and to the point, showing how powerful this work of Tolkien still is. As with your Hobbit post, I’ll keep it in my memory for when I’ll need to impress on someone how awesome Tolkien is 🙂

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  27. YOU MADE ME CRY WITH THOSE 5 STARS AND THAT OPENING! 😭😭😭🥺🥺😍❤️

    I KNOW RIGHT?!? The way he describes it all – with such attention to detail! I specifically remember that scene when Frodo and Sam have left The Shire BUT still haven’t met with Merry and Pippin yet. The way Tolkien describes the wee hours of the morning, the opening and closing of distant doors, the mist resting on the leaves – that scene is just STUCK in my mind! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Of course there are lore but this is the one upon reading which I felt so….so….I don’t even know it was just SERENE! 😍😍

    And…this review Lashaan. BLESS YOU FOR WRITING IT SO GORGEOUSLY! 🥺❤️❤️😍😍😍😍 I LOVE IT! This is July’s BEST REVIEW EVER! 😍😍😍😍🌻🌸

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    1. Hahahahaha I’m glad that it made you feel so much joy, Rain! 😛 I too absolutely love those innocent and careless moments where Tolkien just paints such a beautiful scene throughout the journey, making sure to remind us of all the places we’re visiting along the way, before the action begins! 😀 Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂

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  33. I read through the trilogy once, between the releases of The Two Towers and Return of the King. I actually read Fellowship last because I started The Two Towers before I could pick up that movie on VHS (got into the movies after it hit theaters, but before it hit home video), and then read Return of the King before it hit theaters. Been wanting to read through them again for a while.

    Maybe it’ll be what I need to get back into novel reading, which I haven’t really been doing since I moved.

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    1. Wow, that’s an interesting reading experience. Did it take anything away by reading it in that order? I think a re-read after a couple of years is always welcome, especially for a franchise like this one.

      Sorry to hear about the whole impact on reading ever since you moved. Hope you get your groove back for reading and writing soon. 😉

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      1. Part of the not reading or writing lately is because of my new office position. Some days are mentally tiring. Those days are satisfying, but I come home and have no real desire to read or write anything.

        I wouldn’t say that reading order took away anything. I’d still recommend reading the books in order, but for me, it was a way to see what was happening in the sequels before I could see the movie. But because it was my first read through of the books, none of the changes the movies made bothered me.

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  35. Amazing review, Lashaan!! 😍😍 I had the same experience when reading this masterpiece! Tolkien truly makes us FEEL how it is to be on Frodo’s journey! A lot of people find the trilogy hard to read because it’s very descriptive but, in my opinion, that’s one of the best parts! 😍 I can’t wait to read it again and, in the meantime, read your thoughts about the other books 🥰

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    1. Thank you so much, Caroline! ❤ I too believe that the descriptive writing style is one of the best parts, allowing us to really visualize and FEEL the whole adventure from start to finish! I look forward to sharing my reading experience with you too. And then to rewatch those movies with you tooooo!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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