The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
November 25, 2002

     The English-speaking world is divided into people who have read Tolkien’s outstanding works and those who are going to read them – hah! =P

     Well anyway, The Lord of the Rings by far to me, is the fantasy book of the millennium. It offers a wide range of vocabulary for readers of young and old and encourages one’s imagination to stretch out. Even though sometimes it is hard to visualize certain events in the book, it is still very exciting and fun to read. The Lord of the Rings consists of wonderful characters, each of their details stated out clearly, along with their personality and their nature.

     The Lord of the Rings is mainly divided into three segments, or some call books that is often called a trilogy (in error), which in fact, is a single novel. The main character, Frodo Baggins of the Shire is burdened with an immense task. Sauron, the Dark Lord has risen once again, his spirit made anew, and basically, his cruelty and malice forged into a single ring has landed into Frodo’s very hands. His job is to take this one ring back to the land in which it was born, the land of shadow. Mordor is a very dangerous and speechless part of Middle-Earth, yet Frodo manages to achieve good-hearted friends who try their best to aid him in this extraordinary burden.

     The ‘visuals’ of this story are altogether awsome, though I have to admit that some parts are just simply unimaginable; nevertheless, the story brings about many excitements and even sadness at certain points. In other words, this historical account of Middle-Earth will make you excited, sometimes afraid, and at other times, grieved.

     There are many morals and hidden ‘symbols’ in this story, and from what I’ve read so far, the entire story is based on the might of friendship, faith, bravery, and how something insignificant can crush something great. These morals and symbols are what make this book so pleasing to the mind and give all of us a lesson in a way.

     In my personal opinion, character development is a must in any story, whether a short story for a school project or a pure adventure novel, characters are what make the entire tale come to life. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and his companions all share different personalities. Each and every single one of them have their own interests, and the story brings about their strength and abilities, yet also their fears. I think The Lord of the Rings brought the characters to life indeed!

     By far, The Lord of the Rings is the BEST novel I’ve read so far. Actually, I’m not even finished reading it; but I’ve come to a certain point in which I have to say, this is truly a masterpiece! J. R. R. Tolkien was very devoted and his dream came true. Middle-Earth has indeed been brought to ‘existence!’ May all who read this awesome book have the same feeling as I do! =)

- Leo (Friend of Bobo and Mandy)

Rating:   Five stars plus another! =)