Book Reviews 2003 |
Return of the King Return of the King is the 3rd part of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. After The Fellowship and The Two Towers, Tolkien has a lot to live up to when it comes to giving his readers an exciting climax, wrapping up the already massive trilogy. The Book starts with fellowship already divided. A time of judgment hangs in the balance, as the Dark lords armies march forward against the mightiest realm in middle earth, Gondor. The fellowship is in a race against time, and the ever growing shadow, to make a stand – one which could be their last – at the walls of Minas Tirith. While Gandalf the Wizard and Pippin the hobbit are dealing with the politics and readying of the great city, merry is riding with the riders of Rohan, a cohort of great knights lead by their king, to try to reach the city before the siege. Aragorn – the heir of Isildur, along with his companions Gimli the Dwarf and Legolas the elf, accompanied by the ranger of the north, must pass through the Halls of The Dead, fulfilling an ancient oath and reaching the city in time. The Army of the Dark lord finally lays siege to the forces of Gondor, led by the Leader of the Nazgul, the ring wraiths and servants of the Lord Sauron. A great battle is fought, and just when things are looking the bleakest, and the troops of Gondor, including the King, despair, the fellowship again reunites. The Riders of Rohan break the ring of the enemies, and Aragorn arrives by ship with a slew of men, men long captured who had come to fight for their realm. The Wring-Wraith himself is thrown down in battle, though the price is paid in death by the King of Rohan, and almost by his Daughter, Eowyn. With their leader broken, the dark forces are readily defeated – but its is far from the end. Frodo and Sam, two hobbits, had long been creeping into the Black Land of Mordor to destroy the ring – perhaps their only hope in overthrowing their enemy. Frodo, the ring-bearer, had been captured, and it was up to Sam to rescue his friend. But even with the escape of their prison, they still must trek across the far, barren wastes of slag and rock. The Armies of Gondor marched also into the dark land, trying to lure Sauron away from the ring-bearers and their journey. It was perhaps their only chance, and certainly their last battle if they were to fail. Would Frodo and Sam make it across the barren wastes of Mordor, with the silent assassin, Gollum, following their every step? Would Aragorn and Gandalf, leading the armies of men into the black land survive a doomed battle? Would the Dark Lord be Overthrown, or would he forever cast his shadow onto the world? Tolkien does not disappoint with his thrilling climax, and conclusion that will make you feel like you’ve said goodbye to the best of friends, and wishing that the book would never end. Reviewed by Sonia, 10th grade |