The Fellowship of the Ring

While I've heard the phrase “defines the genre” used of many books, few books more accurately fit that description than this one in my opinion. Tolkien does more than weave together vivid narrative, creative poetry, and thoughtful prose; he creates a world and paints that world with extensive lore and detail as to lure one away from one's surroundings. From merry hills in Hobbiton to black caves in Moria to enchanting forests in Lorien, the settings described are unique and vivid. Beyond the scenery, Tolkien also sets the stage for the many science fiction writers to follow his footsteps in how well he establishes a world filled with living, breathing characters. One can sense the wisdom of Gandalf, the boldness of Aragorn, and the keenness of Legolas. The book pulls you into an adventure far bigger than yourself and perhaps the one negative, if it can properly be called a negative, is the great volumes of lore which seem to fill the pages as Tolkien describes Middle Earth. In one sense, I wanted to tear through the pages to see where the orcs would show up for battle next while in another sense I felt the need to hunt down a translator for those of us who don't speak Elvish fluently. All in all, the Fellowship of the Rings sets the bar for modern fantasy writing and sets one on the quest to save Middle Earth from the clutches of Sauron. Highly recommended for those who enjoy series involving large scale story line, intriguing characters, and a diversity of settings in which one feels just a part of a bigger picture.