The Return of the King

This book gains a lot from its predecessors. It’s an excellent book, but as the finale, it’s nearly perfect.

I loved entering this world and spending time in Tolkien’s creation. I’m not generally one for fantasy but this is masterful writing. And to keep me entertained while writing English as if it was formal and ancient shocks me. I’m glad I finally read it all!

That said, I would not say the Appendices were necessary to my enjoyment. They were, in fact, a deep slog and unless someone wanted a truck load of names and dates, I’d skip it all. If - and only if - you felt like Arwen deserved more time, read her story. Otherwise… eh. Skip em.

But the rest of the book is so good!!