Student Review: The Two Towers (Tolkien)

Title: The Two Towers
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
Pages: 447
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5


During the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo Baggins was given the task of destroying the ring, which can control all of Middle Earth, into the fires of Mt. Doom. This book picks up where the first left off. The book is written in several parts, and they alternate between the adventures of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum, who are all hobbits, and Aragorn - a man, Gimli – a dwarf, Legolas – an elf, Boromir – a man, and Gandalf – a wizard. Plus, the brief adventure of the hobbits, Merry and Pippin. The book begins with a huge fight between orcs and the fellowship. Orcs are large, vile, and nasty creatures. Boromir is killed, and the rest of the company is split into three groups. Frodo and Sam continue on alone in hopes of destroying the ring. Merry and Pippin are captured by the orcs. The rest of the company tries to track down Merry and Pippin. After three days Merry and Pippin escape into Fangorn, a forest where trees can move, and even walk and talk. The fellowship finally meets-up with Merry and Pippin. Frodo and Sam have made Gollum, a very, very evil hobbit their guide.


I thought that the Two Tower’s theme was the never, ever give-up, trust your friends, and to always do what is right. An interesting character that I loved to read about was Sam. He was Frodo’s moral support. Many times during the book Frodo says he can’t go on, but each time Sam encourages him, and they continue. J.R.R. Tolkien uses a formal and old English style of writing. At first, it was very hard to read, but eventually I got used to it, and even appreciated it.


This book was absolutely amazing! The book constantly had me hooked, so I flew through the pages very quickly. I would recommend the book to guys and gals. Although, be warned, there are some gory and gruesome parts in the book! If you have read the Eragon books, you’ll love The Two Towers. I actually thought that Eragon seems to be loosely bases on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Even if you have watched the movies, you should give the book a try because there are many exciting parts that the movie left out!


If you bore the ring that could control all of Middle Earth, wouldn’t you be tempted to use it?
--Carli, 8th Grade

Great review Carli!  I am so glad to have a review of a book that I have not read.  Shhhh...don't tell anyone!