The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Silmarillion
Book Review: In the beginning there was The Silmarillion
Summary: 5 Stars
The Silmarillion is a journey through the imagination of J. R. R. Tolkien. It begins with the creation of Arda (Middle Earth) and gives us a history of the world up to the Lord of the Rings. The novel is split into four main parts; The creation, The First Age, the Second Age, and the Third Age. The Creation sets the stage of our story by telling the story of how Arda, Elves, Men, Dwarves and all living creatures came to be. We see how the land and sea are formed and we are told of the fallen that bring evil into the world.
The First Age tells the story of the many Wars between the Elves and the Evil One (and all of his Orcs/Goblins). We also see the transition between the old world of the past and the new world of Middle Earth from LOTR.
The Second Age revolves around Men and their growing influence in the world. The live on an island called Numenor aka Atalante (sound familiar). Here they live and prosper for generations as we read of their exploits. The Second Age ends with tragedy as you can guess from the Numenor's other name.
Finally, The Third Age tells stories regarding the Ring of Power. We learn more about the Ring and how it was forged, and we are given insights from the perspectives of various characters concerning the forging of, search for, and destruction of the Ring.
All in all, this is a GREAT history of Middle Earth. This is Tolkien's real life's work, as he started writing it in his early teens and worked on it until his death. We are given insights into history and language and we are transported to another world that seems that it could have really existed.
Book Review: It keeps getting bigger and better.......this is imagination meets reality.
Summary: 5 Stars
I plan on reading the following books. This is a must read for anyone interested in futhering their knowledge of the awesome world.Book Review: Lay of the Silmarillion
Summary: 5 Stars
The Simarillion--what can I say?
One of the greatest books in every way.
In language, in tone, in subject matter,
Most other literature compared just shatter.
A history of woe, mixed with hope.
Someday Middle-Earth shall stop its downward slope.
The Elves will stop fighting for the Silmarils--
Those mighty jewels with which legend overfills--
Which through the ages have driven elves to kill,
Hatred in their hearts to fill,
Drove them to betray their kin,
And caused their hearts to lose peace within.
Someday this shall cease, at the very end.
When Beren and Luthien are only known by song,
When the lives of the Elves have grown weary and long,
Driving them to the land of Valinor,
Where they shall find peace, and joy evermore.
Yet what of the Men, and the Dwarvish clans?
Shall they be left desolate, until the last one stands?
This is not Eru's plan for his creation.
All of his creatures, of every nation,
That did not submit to the evils of Morgoth--
Though their suffering was great under his torment wroth;
The wars of the ages, the Orcs of Angband,
Bloodshed and torture and fear throughout the lands--
These who did not bow, shall join in the great song
That Eru had planned for all to sing ages long
In joy and peace, and true fulfillment.
When Morgoth is chained, to suffer the torment
Of his own mind, as he exists in the Void.
Then shall Middle-Earth, and all of Arda,
Live in peace, in innocence's bright aura.
If you like what you read
On this page that you see
Then you must proceed--
You truly do need--
The Simarillion to read.
Ryan Robledo
Author of the Aelnathan:
Book Review: Long and exhausting..
Summary: 3 Stars
I was incredibly excited to begin with this book as i'm a pretty big fan of Tolkien. When i got it from a friend i immediately started reading it, hoping that it would enlighten me on the history and creation of Middle Earth.I am amazed at the language and storyline Tolkien has come up with, it was beautifully written and is very complex.
However, the thing that i find disappointing in this book, is that, as many have stated, the amount of energy you spend to read it. It eventually wears you out and leaves you quite confused and not to mention, really tired for most of us. But I do give my respect to the master storyteller and I admire and praise him for the book's intricate tapestry of storyline and history.
Book Review: Magnificent Depth
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a difficult read - I'll admit that. It;s not the page turner of LOTR but the depth and complexity of the world of Tolkien is mind blowing. It is like a history book so don't expect lots of action, although there is some - Armies of Balrogs, Dragons, Orcs etc. under the command of Sauron and his boss Morgoth!! I wish Tolkien had lived long enough to fully expand all of the stories contained in this volume - It would take about 7 Peter Jackson movies to do it justice...