Reviews with content warning for Violence - El retorn del rei

I enjoyed this book the most out of the trilogy. I felt like I got the best look at the characters and their growth in this one. I knew the movie The Return of the King diverged quite a bit from the book and it was exhilarating to discover where it did so. I liked the book's differences although I can see why they made the change. Overall, excellent series; I can see why it's as beloved as it is.

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marareading's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Another comfort read of this book. I read this trilogy every year, and I love it. It is always my favorite high fantasy. The books that got me interested in fantasy. Like so many others, I love them.

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dlrosebyh's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this is definitely the best book i read in the trilogy. it was just okay. it had so much potential, the build-up was great, but the battle sequence was not very climactic as i expected it to be.

i was expecting arwen to appear, but she didn’t. if she did, i’d have probably gave it more than 3 stars. and the love triangle ? a big no.

the ending was very bittersweet, and i thought it could be better. i’m sad that i’ll leave these characters behind, though.

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stephbakerbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

Finishing this story once again just makes me want to rewatch the movies...and then start listening to these audiobooks again haha. I just love everything about this story.

If you don't know, this last book actually has more at the end than how the movie ends, and though I like many changes that the movies made, I wish they had put the last battle at the Shire in the movie. I think it shows the full character development of the four hobbits and brings their stories full circle. Also, I'm more convinced than ever after this reread that Sam is the real main character of these books, not Frodo. We get Sam's POV so much more than Frodo's, and then the ending... maybe I'm biased because Sam's my fave character, but he's also definitely the main character.

I do wish that Tolkien had been able to include more of Arwen's and Aragorn's stories in the main story, and not just in the appendix. I wanted more Arwen! But I really appreciated Eowyn's and Faramir's stories this time around. Also, the relationships that Merry and Pippin had with Rohan and Gondor, respectively, were just so precious. I loved everyone's reactions to meeting the hobbits—the hobbits just win everyone over and it's great.

I'm sad this reread is over, but I cannot recommend these audiobooks narrated by Andy Serkis enough (in case you missed me gushing about them previously lol). Now is the time to read these!

My next question for myself is—do I finally dive into the Silmarillion for the first time?

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starlessnights's review against another edition

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1.0

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oatsandhoney's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

There's a reason LOTR is, in my opinion, the God of all fantasy. I have never been so emotionally attached to a cast of characters before. This series remains my favorite series of all time! ROTK is a satisfying and thrilling end to the saga and makes me cry tears of joy and sadness every single time.

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jonsnowsmanbun's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

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adventuresinfantasy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

4.75

This is a re-read for me (having read it around the time the first movie came out). It still holds up to the memory I have of it.

I find it incredibly interesting how in the darkest part of the journey (which also happens to be just before the end... which might just be the point), Tolkien chose to focus on the more internal factors going on. The weight of the ring, the weight of Frodo's falling (for Sam(only now realizing how that sounds... I mean Sam carrying the weight of Frodo's degradation)), and so on. As a kid, that wasn't something I really noticed. As an adult, I appreciate paying that kind of attention to the emotional toll.

I will admit that some of the important action does seem glossed over in favor of the emotional. Obviously, this sort of thing comes down to personal preferences.

The end still makes me cry, not because it is sad. It is more so that the story is done in more than one way.

The ringbearers are leaving and the story is going with them.

I frankly find it one of those stories I wish didn't end although it is understandable and satisfying.

On that note, I think a lot of people might have a hard time with the language. Tolkien used a lot of Old and Middle English and his love of languages is on stunning display. That, unfortunately, can translate into a difficult-to-read text if you aren't used to the wording or patterns. I still suggest giving it a try but you may need to look some things up in the process.

Overall, it is still a really good story and I'm glad I took the time to re-read it.

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