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missmadamemoon's review against another edition
5.0
Every Tolkien fan must read this book. It certainly reads differently from "Lord of the Rings" and can feel more like a history book than a fantasy novel. (That is not meant negatively; it just may put off some readers intitially)
It captures everything in Middle Earth from Creation to the War of the Ring!
It captures everything in Middle Earth from Creation to the War of the Ring!
hedgehog68's review against another edition
4.0
Krever konsentrasjon mens du leser. Trur eg må lese noen av kapitlene på ny, men heldigvis trenger man strengt tatt ikkje lese boken fra a til å. Anbefaler til dei som ønsker meir "lore" fra Tolkien universet!
dominikp's review against another edition
4.0
While this was quite a hard read, it was totally worth it! As a Tolkien fan, this book is just awesome. It is like a bible for Middle-earth, with heroic tales, mythology and it introduces the reader to the first age, long before a known Halfling came to life. If you are a fantasy enthusiast or interested in discovering more of the realms and beings JRRT created, you should definitely check it out!
agreatgabsby's review against another edition
I for sure have to read this again. I think I ingested maybe 40% of it.
craigggyboy's review against another edition
2.0
I attempted to read The Silmarillion several times in my life but found it pretty trivial. So, this time, I tried the audiobook read by Andy Serkis, and it was far more edifying than attempting to read it. Perhaps Tolkien is similar to Shakespeare in that you have to see it performed or read aloud to fully grasp what is being communicated. But, unlike Shakespeare, The Silmarillion fell flat because of its nature--rough, unfinished ideas.
I understand why Christopher released more of his father's "Middle Earth" work, but I was looking for greater depth in his writing style, which is somewhat amusing because Tolkien's technique of writing is unconventional yet descriptive, juxtaposing song and poetry with multiple character perspectives. I find this engaging only when something has been thoroughly addressed in the text. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed listening to the book and found it intriguing owing to Serkis, but I was unsatisfied with the presentation. It is bothersome with Tolkien because he sometimes overphilosophizes his work or continues on a more acedmically crafted plot. It doesn't feel as wonderful as it could if written by someone else.
I understand why Christopher released more of his father's "Middle Earth" work, but I was looking for greater depth in his writing style, which is somewhat amusing because Tolkien's technique of writing is unconventional yet descriptive, juxtaposing song and poetry with multiple character perspectives. I find this engaging only when something has been thoroughly addressed in the text. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed listening to the book and found it intriguing owing to Serkis, but I was unsatisfied with the presentation. It is bothersome with Tolkien because he sometimes overphilosophizes his work or continues on a more acedmically crafted plot. It doesn't feel as wonderful as it could if written by someone else.
_lorenzo_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
readingwithbeccy's review against another edition
4.0
This was good, however, I definitely need to read this physically as I lost track of so many things and names listening to this on audiobook.
bangchansangel's review against another edition
4.0
4,5 stars ⭐
It was a slow read, but I really liked it!
It's an amazing book and it's so interesting to read about the beginning of the Middle Earth.
It was a slow read, but I really liked it!
It's an amazing book and it's so interesting to read about the beginning of the Middle Earth.
lucithefer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25