Epic Beginnings: Exploring The Lord of the Rings Series
- Alis Page
- Jul 2
- 5 min read
Few fantasy series have left as powerful and lasting a mark as The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien. Whether you’re returning to Middle-earth or journeying there for the first time, these books offer sweeping adventure, complex characters, and a richly imagined world that has shaped generations of readers and writers. In this blog post, I’m diving into the trilogy that changed fantasy forever—looking at each book in order of publication, giving you a taste of what to expect, and sharing my own thoughts along the way.
🔍 Note: While The Lord of the Rings series often referred to as a trilogy, it was written by J.R.R. Tolkien as a single epic novel. Due to publishing limitations in the 1950s, it was divided into three volumes. These are not standalone books but three parts of one continuous story.
📚 The Lord of the Rings series of Books in Order of Publication
The Hobbit – 1937 Prequel to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Fellowship of the Ring – 1954
The Two Towers – 1954
The Return of the King – 1955
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin (original UK editions)
The Hobbit (published in 1937), which is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings — but not part of the trilogy itself.
🐉 The Hobbit (1937) – A Light in the Dark a prequel to The Lord of the Rings — but not part of the trilogy itself but I couldn't miss it out of this blog.
A cosy adventure that introduces readers to Middle-earth, following Bilbo Baggins as he leaves his hobbit hole for dragons, treasure, and unexpected courage.
About the Book: Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant adventurer from the peaceful Shire, finds himself swept into a dangerous quest to help a band of dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. With Gandalf the Grey and a magical ring in tow, Bilbo’s journey is one of growth, bravery, and surprising heroism.
Review: The Hobbit is whimsical, fast-paced, and filled with charm. While lighter than its sequels, it’s brimming with clever wordplay, memorable characters, and moments of unexpected depth. A perfect entry point into Tolkien’s world, it balances innocence with tension in a way that appeals to readers of all ages.
🏞️ The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)
The journey begins as Frodo Baggins inherits a powerful ring and sets off with eight companions to destroy it.
About the Book: The first volume sets the stage for the epic quest to destroy the One Ring. It begins in the Shire, where the unassuming hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits the ring from his uncle, Bilbo. As the dark power of Sauron grows, Frodo must leave his peaceful home and journey across Middle-earth with a diverse group of allies—the Fellowship—to stop evil from engulfing the world.
Review: This is where it all begins, and it’s easy to see why Tolkien’s world has captivated readers for decades. The Fellowship of the Ring offers a gentle but ominous build-up, rich in history and lore. The pacing is deliberate, and while it may feel slow to some modern readers, it’s also meditative and immersive. I found myself transported by the landscapes, intrigued by the mystery surrounding the Ring, and deeply attached to the characters—particularly Sam, whose loyalty shines from the very beginning. It’s a classic introduction to high fantasy, with themes of friendship, sacrifice, and courage threaded throughout.
🏔️ The Two Towers (1954)
The Fellowship is broken, and Middle-earth faces rising darkness as new alliances form and battles loom
About the Book: The Fellowship has fractured, and now our heroes are scattered across Middle-earth, facing threats from within and without. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue the kidnapped hobbits, Merry and Pippin, while Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor—guided, reluctantly, by the slippery creature Gollum.
Review: This middle volume can feel darker and more fragmented than the first, but it’s also where the stakes really rise. Tolkien expertly balances multiple storylines, creating tension and drama across every page. The introduction of Gollum adds a morally grey layer that challenges both Frodo and the reader. I especially loved the deeper development of Aragorn and the gradual emergence of his leadership. The Ents and the Battle of Helm’s Deep bring scale and excitement, and though it's more battle-heavy than Fellowship, it’s incredibly rewarding.
🏰 The Return of the King (1955)
As war erupts and hope dwindles, Frodo nears Mount Doom and Aragorn steps into his destiny as king.
About the Book: The final instalment sees the great war for Middle-earth reach its climax. As armies clash and kingdoms fall, Frodo and Sam inch closer to Mount Doom, burdened by the Ring and the twisted influence of Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn steps fully into his role as king, and the fate of the world hangs by a thread.
Review: A majestic and emotional conclusion to a sweeping saga. The Return of the King delivers everything you could want from a fantasy finale—epic battles, heartfelt reunions, heart breaking losses, and triumphs that feel hard-earned. What struck me most was the emotional depth of Frodo’s journey, and how the weight of the Ring changes him. Tolkien doesn’t shy away from the scars of war—there’s no neat happily-ever-after, and that makes it all the more powerful. The appendices are a treasure trove for lore-lovers too! A masterclass in how to end a trilogy.
If you love a special box set like me then this one is a treat, the four-volume boxed-set edition of The Lord of the Rings in hardback, featuring Tolkien’s original unused dust-jacket designs, together with fourth hardback volume, The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion. Includes special features and the definitive edition of the text.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Reading The Lord of the Rings is like stepping into a legend. It's not just a story about good versus evil—it’s about resilience, friendship, and the quiet bravery of unlikely heroes. Tolkien’s language may be old-fashioned at times, but his imagination is timeless. Whether you’re in it for the sword fights, the deep lore, or the emotional weight, this trilogy has something for every reader.
💬 Have you read The Lord of the Rings? Which book in the series is your favourite—and do you prefer the books or the films? Let’s me know.
Love Alis x
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