A review by vikingschism
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is not a traditional novel however the entire thing forms a single cohesive narrative of the conflict over the silmarils and leads into the War of the Ring described in The Lord of the Rings. It contains a multitude of tales. Many have described it as dry but I personally found it incredibly engaging outside of one chapter (Of Beleriand and its Realms). In fact, in many ways it is a lynchpin that underlies both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, painting a rich tapestry of myth and history that informs the other works 
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