Helpful Score: 9
The Hobbit is possibly one of the finest pieces of fantasy fiction ever written. This is a must-read for anybody even remotely interested in the genre. Because it is a stand-alone book it is much easier to get into than the Lord of the Rings trillogy.
Just reviewing it makes me want to read it again!
Just reviewing it makes me want to read it again!
Helpful Score: 3
This is an annual re-read and never disappoints! For the first time however, I did notice that the reading level is somewhat "younger" than his wonderful trilogy. I can hardly wait for the movie(s) and wish that Gandalf could coerce the movie powers that be as easily as he does the dwarves and Bilbo Baggins in this book LOL!
Helpful Score: 2
What a magical, delightful book. J.R.R. Tolkien, a contemporary of C.S. Lewis, weaves a wonderful tale of intrigue and enchantment. A very pleasing little book.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the very few books I could bare to read three times and is great for anyone above the age of 10!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful classic read.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is written in such a way that i was able to picture each scene as they happened. It made me want to watch the movies after i finished reading it. it is a wonderful book.
Helpful Score: 1
A book based upon bedtime stories Tolkien shared with his children. It is by no means a weak or even silly book, but its background clearly shows against his other major works. For a beginner in fantasy - no matter their age - it is a good choice. Full of info, interesting and even dangerous moments, The Hobbit eases one into Tolkien's middle earth. For the fanatic - it may seem and is very light compared to the Silmarillion. It is a good starting point with Tolkien and fantasy in general for the novice, and a great welcome back for all of us cynical self-proclaimed professionals.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book! Loved every minute of it!
Classic, enchanting and, magic.
This was a wonderful adventure that I just couldn't put down, all three times I read it!
THE LEAD BOOK TO LORD OF THE RINGS TRIOLOGY...
Summary:
Bilbo and the dwarves approach the Misty Mountains. The sense of danger increases and, once again, Bilbo thinks of home. Gandalf warns them that they are at the edge of the Wild and that they can stay with his friend Elrond in Rivendell. The way is difficult, but at last they come to the valley of Rivendell and are greeted by singing elves. Bilbo loves elves, but dwarves and elves are traditional enemies, and Bilbos companions decline the elves invitation to supper.
The group comes to the house of Elrond, a wise and hospitable elf. They stay for fourteen days, until midsummer, eating, singing, and telling tales. Elrond identifies their swords as having come from dragon plunder or the Goblin-wars and translates their runes: Thorins sword is named Orcrist and Gandalfs is Glamdring. Elrond also interprets the moon-letters on Thorins map, letters like runes that can be seen only by the light of a moon that is the same as the one under which they were written. The letters tell the reader to stand by a stone near a thrush and the setting sun of Durins Day will shine on a key-hole. Thorin, Durins heir, explains that Durins Day is the first day of the dwarves New Year. The next day, the dwarves leave to go over the Misty Mountains and beyond.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book! It had a good plot and moved along at a good pace. Not boring at all!
Bilbo and the dwarves approach the Misty Mountains. The sense of danger increases and, once again, Bilbo thinks of home. Gandalf warns them that they are at the edge of the Wild and that they can stay with his friend Elrond in Rivendell. The way is difficult, but at last they come to the valley of Rivendell and are greeted by singing elves. Bilbo loves elves, but dwarves and elves are traditional enemies, and Bilbos companions decline the elves invitation to supper.
The group comes to the house of Elrond, a wise and hospitable elf. They stay for fourteen days, until midsummer, eating, singing, and telling tales. Elrond identifies their swords as having come from dragon plunder or the Goblin-wars and translates their runes: Thorins sword is named Orcrist and Gandalfs is Glamdring. Elrond also interprets the moon-letters on Thorins map, letters like runes that can be seen only by the light of a moon that is the same as the one under which they were written. The letters tell the reader to stand by a stone near a thrush and the setting sun of Durins Day will shine on a key-hole. Thorin, Durins heir, explains that Durins Day is the first day of the dwarves New Year. The next day, the dwarves leave to go over the Misty Mountains and beyond.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book! It had a good plot and moved along at a good pace. Not boring at all!
This story is a enchanting one.
This is a book I have been reading over and over again since I was in the 6th grade! It's a great story and much easier to read the the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you haven't been able to get into the trilogy, you might try starting with this book.
I adored this book. It has a great story line, exciting plot...it's a classic really. It has led to a lifetime obsession with JRR Tolkien. I wouldn't even get rid of it except I have multiple copies.
Bilbo's story is the base for The Lord of the Rings, and an enchanting tale on its own. It was written for children, but adults too find the charm of Middle Earth, hobbits, dwarves, wizards and dragons irresistible.
What can I say! It's a classic of classics.
This was my first fantasy book. I was hesitant to read it...never had an interest in fantasy at all. But my friend put it in my hands and told me to read it. I did, and it was fantastic! Much better than I was expecting. I loved the characters and the variety througout the book. It never failed to hold my attention. I would recommend this book to anyone!
Awesome classic!
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings, Prequel) on + 486 more book reviews
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit that is comfortable in his home, and in his chair drinking tea. The wizard Gandalf thinks Bilbo needs more excitement in his life. Although Bilbo disagrees with Gandalf he ends up in the front lines in many of adventures.
There are subtle hints that a darker time is coming for Middle Earth. Many little things fall into place that would later tell the Lord of the Rings stories. This is the first appearance of Gollum. The scene with Bilbo and Gollum always stood out the most, that and Gandalf.
There really was nothing I disliked. To come up with something I would have to compare to the new movie but I am not going to get into that. But just so you know the book is better and the movie is excellent but different in some places.
There are subtle hints that a darker time is coming for Middle Earth. Many little things fall into place that would later tell the Lord of the Rings stories. This is the first appearance of Gollum. The scene with Bilbo and Gollum always stood out the most, that and Gandalf.
There really was nothing I disliked. To come up with something I would have to compare to the new movie but I am not going to get into that. But just so you know the book is better and the movie is excellent but different in some places.
A fun read...
A very easy read, less complicated and dark than the trilogy, the Hobbits quickly become a favorite!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fairly easy to follow and very entertaining. The description in the book left little to the imagination and I felt I could see everything and everyone. It would be fun to go on an adventure such as this, and I do when reading it.
This was a very good book.
This is a good book. It is a prequel to the Lord of
the Rings and tells the background of Bilbo Baggins and
how he came in possession of the Ring in the first place.
It's a great read. Read it first so you will know how
The Lord of the Rings end.
the Rings and tells the background of Bilbo Baggins and
how he came in possession of the Ring in the first place.
It's a great read. Read it first so you will know how
The Lord of the Rings end.
A favorite in our house! Tolkien's classic tale will be reread many times by our boys.
What can I say about this book, it's a classic!
Great fantasy novel for kids and adults. We used it as a literature study for grades 6-8 homeschool. Join Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with dwarves, a magician and elves!
great writing from page one til the end
this book is really great, and it really help you understand some of what is going on in the LOTR trilogy. i would defintly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, just because J.R.R. Tolkien is the father of elves and dwarves and all that. i assure you that you will enjoy it, and if not just post it back up on here and someone else will!
This is a cute book which makes me smile when I read it. Written for a younger reader than the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but still a great and entertaining read. It is a must if you plan on seeing the Hobbit movie coming out this December!
Excellent classic book. As always, J.R.R. Tolkien impresses and fascinates the reader with his vivid descriptions, dialogue and climax.
I loved this book! It was so interesting to see how Bilbo got started and follow him through all his adventures. I honestly didn't think the book would be this good because friends who aren't as big a fans of the LOTR series told me they had a hard time following it, but I was very pleasantly surprised. :D
Really enjoyed it. I read it about 3 years ago and then continued on to the LOTR trilogy.
Great read. If you're a fan of the lord of the rings trilogy, this book is a must have.
Awesome book!
wonderful, exciting fantasy!
Anna C. (eclecticlibrarian) reviewed The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings, Prequel) on + 49 more book reviews
read and enjoyed this many years ago
Cute, really good story and explains alot about the lord of the rings
great book!!!!!
I loved reading the Hobbit and sharing all the series with my children. I am now passing this story on.
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse, unknown dangers. Finally it was Bilbo - alone and unaided - who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside...
Part of the motion picture trilogy.
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left along in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders & worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo wo had to confront the great dragon Smaug who terrorized the countryside.
This book begins the tale of the hobbits that was continued...
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left along in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders & worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo wo had to confront the great dragon Smaug who terrorized the countryside.
This book begins the tale of the hobbits that was continued...
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil ores, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse, unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo-alone and unaided-who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside...
The prequel to the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy.
Wonderful! This fantasy gives an easier-to-read introduction to the LOTR trilogy. Great for young and old alike.
Bilbo Baggins is recruited by Gandalf to help some dwarves gt back their gold from a dragon. There is action, adventure, and some of the best songs.
BEST ONE OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
I read this one after I read the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy ("Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King"). I'm personally glad I read it afterwards--it gives a lot of good back story but I am not sure if I would have read the other ones based just on this book. If you do plan to read all four, though, this isn't necessarily a bad place to start. It's just not as exciting (in my personal opinion) as the other books or the movies.
An enjoyable read.
An excellent book that provides a great background for Lord of the Rings!
A much loved classic-a must read for teens and adults who love science fiction with morals
Well, I read this book awile ago, but I really liked it then, and would recommend it to all fantasy lovers.
The pre-quel to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Great read.
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet and comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders and worse, unknown dangers. Finally it was Bilbo--alone and unaided--who had to confront the great dragon Smang, the terror of an entire countryside....
This stirring adventure fantasy begins the tale of the hobbits that was continued by J.R.R. Tolkien in his bestselling epic "The Lord Of The Rings".
This stirring adventure fantasy begins the tale of the hobbits that was continued by J.R.R. Tolkien in his bestselling epic "The Lord Of The Rings".
Josephine B. (loveangel) reviewed The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings, Prequel) on + 148 more book reviews
a stirring adventure fantasy
Loved the story.Very descriptive.Could picture all the scenes in my mind.
This story came before The Lord of the Rings and is almost a necessity to understanding them.
I hate this book. I tried to read it twice, and both times I couldn't get any more than a little over halfway through it. It's literary trash.
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo alone and unaided who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside.
Pretty good book.
THe JRRTolkien craze has a prelude. A worthy read.
What can I say about this book? One of my all-time favorite fantasy novels. A rich, captivating story that I've loved for years!
Copyright 1980, good condition, pages a tad yellow, but no water damage. Interesting prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy explaining the origin of the Hobbit.
Read it now, before the movie ruins it.
Love the Hobbit in all forms.
What can I say?
A Very charming book to start a very charming series.
I was hoping to enjoy this book a lot more than I did. The story line and characters are great but there is too much drag time in between occurrences for my taste. The author takes a lot of time in describing the scenery so that the reader can feel he/she is following along in Bilbos journey, but I just found those parts tiresome. With that said, I can see how this story would make for a great movie.
Bilbo Bagins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse, unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo--alone and unaided--who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside.
The cover is different.
This is the prelude to the Lord of the Rings series. I actually enjoyed this story much more than the Lord of the Rings series itself.
not my cup of tea.
Honestly, I thought the writing was very dry, and since I never even finished it I thought I ought to pass it on to someone who would appreciate it more.
This book is in perfect condition.
From the back cover: "Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo--alone and unaided--who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside!"
You can't help falling in love with Frodo and the other characters. This is my favorite of the Tolkien novels.
Michelle T. (MommaBearN5Cubs) reviewed The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings, Prequel) on + 2 more book reviews
This is NOT the 'movie version'. I read the original stories shortly after the first movie came out and LOVED THEM ALL. This is a great story, relished every word.
I picked this book up at a library book sale, so there are some marking in it from the library.
I picked this book up at a library book sale, so there are some marking in it from the library.
Book has some cover wear, otherwise solid.
Just a note,my copy has a different cover.It is black with gold foil used in the author's name.It is labeled as "50th anniversary edition!".Published by Ballantine books and the ISBN 13 is located inside the front cover.Thank you.
