sararene's review against another edition
2.0
As with all of the History of Middle Earth series, this is difficult to rate as it was not and will never be entirely what Tolkien would have presented were he able to publish it.
I admit, after now having read the story of the Children of Hurin at least three times now, this was my least favorite telling. I did not like the poetry form of it and it dragged on for me.
In contrast, I really enjoyed reading the tale of Beren and Luthien yet again, this time in verse. I think, as simple as this sounds, it was the rhyming couplets that made it so much more enjoyable and easy to read. It is because of my enjoyment of this second tale that I gave this volume the extra star.
I admit, after now having read the story of the Children of Hurin at least three times now, this was my least favorite telling. I did not like the poetry form of it and it dragged on for me.
In contrast, I really enjoyed reading the tale of Beren and Luthien yet again, this time in verse. I think, as simple as this sounds, it was the rhyming couplets that made it so much more enjoyable and easy to read. It is because of my enjoyment of this second tale that I gave this volume the extra star.
ksull95's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Lays of Beleriand (The History of Middle Earth, #3) by J.R.R. Tolkien, and edited by his son Christopher Tolkien, traces the literary evolution of two of Tolkien's most well-known myths, The Lay of the Children of Hurin and The Lay of Leithian. Both tales are presented in verse, The Children of Hurin in alliterative verse, and The Lay of Leithian in rhyming couplets. It's fascinating to follow Tolkien's changing ideas of the plot and layout of these two tales and it adds a lot to the reader's understanding of his overall legendarium.
cat_queen005's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nonabgo's review against another edition
5.0
These are the stories of the children of Hurin and of Beren and Luthien, in verse form. It's interesting to see how the stories evolved towards the final-ish version in The Silmarillion. This third volume was an even greater challenge due to the fact that it's all in alliterative verse, so it might not appeal to Tolkien's regular audience. But the lays are beautifully written, the language is rich and each verse is a treasure in itself.
crystalmbookshelf83's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
verbadanga66's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
grygrnewerg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
fantasybooksandcoffee's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mimirtells's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 Stars (%73/100)
The History of Middle Earth is for hardcore Tolkien fans in my opinion. They are not necessary for the most part. However, if you've read everything from Tolkien multiple times (like me) you need to read this 12 book series. I could only find this one in Turkey since they are pretty rare. The other two books that I've found were extremely expensive so I decided not to buy them.
I'm glad I found this book because you learn more detailed information about Beleriand and its eventual destruction. Beleriand storyline was one of my favourite in The Silmarillion so this was fun to read.
The History of Middle Earth is for hardcore Tolkien fans in my opinion. They are not necessary for the most part. However, if you've read everything from Tolkien multiple times (like me) you need to read this 12 book series. I could only find this one in Turkey since they are pretty rare. The other two books that I've found were extremely expensive so I decided not to buy them.
I'm glad I found this book because you learn more detailed information about Beleriand and its eventual destruction. Beleriand storyline was one of my favourite in The Silmarillion so this was fun to read.
laraelwing's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0