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The Two Towers
The Two Towers
The Two Towers
Audiobook3 hours

The Two Towers

Written by J.R.R. Tolkien

Narrated by Ensemble Cast

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

The original American full dramatization as broadcast on National Public Radio. The Fellowship is broken; the quest to destroy the Ring seems already shrouded in disaster. But as the evil lord Sauron readies his armies for war, Frodo and Sam continue their lonely journey toward Mordor, guided only by Gollum-a deceitful and tortured creature, helplessly in thrall to the Ring's dark power.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateFeb 6, 2002
ISBN9781598874518
The Two Towers
Author

J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

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Reviews for The Two Towers

Rating: 4.408314531829993 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

10,776 ratings109 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Awesome book to listen to at work all day long!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A classic fantasy tale written in the fifties. I enjoyed the last part best, the first part was good the middle seemed slow and because i listened to the audio, I had a hard time staying focused in the middle section. I also enjoyed the author's explanations following the book. I recommend reading The Hobbit first.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Faramiiiiir. <3

    Um, I mean, I'm an adult with a degree and everything and I totally do not have crushes on fictional characters. Ahem.

    The Two Towers, of course, involves a good helping of the Anglo-Saxon analogues, the Riders of Rohan, which is always interesting. I did spend some time wondering what Grima Wormtongue would have been like if he were like Gunnlaug Wormtongue of Norse saga: a skald instead of a counsellor, twisting the court with words in a different way... I do wish more people appreciated where the name comes from. It's not a simple Dickensian trick: it is a name that tells us about him, but it's not actually asking people to think of a worm as we might first assume, in the dirt and sliming and wriggling... rather, "worm" in Icelandic is also "dragon" and "serpent". We're seeing something more akin to Smaug, a cunning and dangerous mind. Picturing an earthworm is kind of missing the point -- although I'm sure that image is meant to be there too.

    Anyway, especially enjoyed the Ents this time, thinking about the origin of those characters in Tolkien's mind -- eald enta geweorc; old work of giants -- and about Diana Wynne Jones' commentary on them.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The second chapter follows several different groups of characters which meet in the ends. This really gets into the allegiances within the world and what it to be expected on a more global level.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    best sequel ever
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I finally read the entire thing - well, I listened to it via audiobook. This was my third attempt, although the other two were over a decade ago. I never could finish the trilogy. Inevitably, I'd get lost somewhere in the third book (having skimmed most of the second) and quit. Well, due to it being audio, I managed to finished the entire thing. My favorite part was the Ride of the Rohirrim, followed closely the arrival of Aragorn at the Fields of Pelennor, with his banner unfurled! Other than that, the story was good - with the right amount of introspection and adventure. I found the lack of female characters disappointing, but the female characters that are in the story are strong - particularly Eowyn - who is my favorite. There seemed an excessive amount of singing, but in a society and culture were most stories are told via song, that makes sense. While I recognize and honor the historical and literary value of Tolkien's work, and understand that Tolkien work is monumental in the realm of fantasy literature, I don't think Tolkien will ever be a favorite. It's just not for me.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I think if anything I liked the movie better than the books. This is pretty rare. Perhaps not since the Godfather has the movie been better than the book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I have read some of the other reviews here and I'm surprised how much people's reactions are spread across the board. But I suppose that is what truly great art does -- hits people in different places and gets them talking. In my opinion, I agree that at some points the story did seem to drag a little, but the adventure more than makes up for it. For me, the first half of the book was not all that interesting, being mostly battle -- however, there were some significant plot twists (such as the return of Gandalf and Pippin looking in the stone) and new characters (such as Treebeard and the ents) that made it worth reading. (For what it's worth, I absolutely LOVED the ents!!) The second half of the book is what really held my interest, being the journey of Frodo and Sam led by Gollum through the mountains. The dialogue between Smeagol and his alter-ego Gollum is most fascinating, and the character development (especially of Sam) is profound. The characters really grow and change throughout their journey, but at the core is their extremely strong friendship.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This review is for the audiobook edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, read by Rob Inglis for Recorded Books. The middle volume of the The Lord of the Rings is far more than a placeholder between the two halves of the action. The stage is set in the first volume, the map flung out and the players introduced. The thrilling climax comes in the last volume, with the final struggle and ensuing events giving closure on the tale. But what of the middle book, the obligatory filler between the beginning and end? Tolkien never even thinks of the story as a three-part work with the problematic middle volume to fill up. Rather than just getting us to the third volume, The Two Towers continues the world-building of the first book and spins some new complications and cultures that get caught up in the War of the Ring. There's Rohan, a whole new country with a distinct history of its own. There are the Ents, the tree-herders, whose role in the conflict proves invaluable. Tolkien's imagination never flags, and he takes us right along with him. A friend who is also currently reading this pointed out the wonderful relationship between Gimli the Dwarf and Legolas the Elf. The Dwarves and the Elves are estranged, each blaming the other for various ills, and both Gimli and Legolas carry that prejudice with them into the Fellowship. Tolkien does not go into details about how Gimli and Legolas began to change their opinions of one another; presumably it happens during the Fellowship's journey in the first volume. But in the second volume where we end up with three distinct narratives following the characters' different journeys, Tolkien is able to lavish more time on this unusual friendship, and it is very satisfying. In the same way, The Two Towers sees Merry and Pippin becoming stronger, more defined characters. Out of the context of the Fellowship, they are forced to make decisions for themselves, and Tolkien begins to round out their characters. Book Four is dedicated to the journey of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum, and every time I read this section I marvel at the complex relationships within it. Sam and Gollum create a "good servant/bad servant" dynamic, and while it can be very funny at times, it is also extremely sad. Sam and Gollum are more alike than Sam would care to admit; Tolkien often describes both of them using animal similes, and both hold interior dialogues with themselves at some point. Gollum has to be one of the most fascinating characters ever written. Tolkien takes the pyschology of a modern junkie and imports it into his medieval fantasy world — and the effect is stunning. Gollum is pathetic, sneaky, deceptive, mournful, even hilarious at times. You never know what he is going to do next, and neither do Sam and Frodo. It sounds dull, an entire sixth of the book being devoted to this one leg of the slow journey to Mordor, but it isn't at all. The psychological studies are enough to keep me riveted, even apart from the events that push the plot forward. Rob Inglis again does a very nice job reading this work. My only quibble is that sometimes after giving a line of dialogue in character, he will say the "he said" tag in that same character voice, though "he said" should technically be in the narrative voice. This trick annoyed me slightly when I noticed it, but not not enough to interfere with my overall enjoyment of the book. Inglis' voice for Gollum is brilliant — slightly different from Andy Serkis', of course, but just as good. He also does a very good job with the Orc voices, reaching down DEEP in his register to growl a bit. I feel it impossible to do justice to Tolkien's genius in a short review. It's just amazing. Often as I listened, I knew what particular perfect phrase would be spoken next, because of my familiarity with the printed book! Tolkien's writing is just that memorable. And Rob Inglis' performance never distracts from the work itself. Listening to Tolkien on audiobook is one more way to enjoy his incredible creation. Recommended!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I read this in New Zealand, where the movie was made. I loved the book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Having watched the movies is definitely skewing my impression of these books. I can’t decide if having not watched them, I would have a harder time getting through these. It is fairly eloquent prose. I’m finding that I don’t get the same imagery from the book as I do the movies. I have a harder time imagining the setting. But again, is that just because I have really clear imagery to compare it to? Because of all that I feel I can’t really give an accurate impression on the books. But, whether it’s accurate or not, I liked the book; not as much as the movies, but it’s a solid four star. I think some readers might think the book drags just a little. I listened to this book on audio (Inglis does a very good job by the way with every character except Gollum and Saruman – again, skewing on my part) so I didn’t notice much drag, but I can imagine reading the words instead could cause a different impression. It’s a good story. I’d recommend it to any fantasy fan, if they haven’t yet read it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As this book picks up where ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ left off, we’re dropped immediately into the action, with Boromir dead, Merry and Pippin captured by the Orcs, and Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn determined to save them. ‘Off-screen’ for the first half are Frodo and Sam, who continue on with the Ring; their story is continued in the second half, which is a nice division to this middle book of the LOTR trilogy. This book has the story really hitting its stride, and it was ultimately my favorite of the three. I loved the introduction of the Ents, the ancient tree-like creatures who are careful before acting, but then possess tremendous strength when they do. There is humor sprinkled in throughout, whether it be in the sharp words of Gandalf (who by the way is a bit of a pain if you ask me) or in the camaraderie that forms between those on the quest, but the moment I smiled the most was when Gimli meets Treebeard and while bowing, has his axe slip from his belt and clatter to the ground; I could just picture this little moment of embarrassment.The character of Gollum is also fantastic, and this was one of my favorite passages:“Down the face of the precipice, sheer and almost smooth it seemed in the pale moonlight, a small black shape was moving with its thin limbs splayed out. Maybe its soft clinging hands and toes were finding crevices and holds that no hobbit could ever have seen or used, but it looked as if it was just creeping down on sticky pads, like some large prowling thing of insect-kind. And it was coming down head first, as if it was smelling its way. Now and again it lifted its head slowly, turning it right back on its long skinny neck, and the hobbits caught a glimpse of two small pale gleaming lights, its eyes that blinked at the moon for a moment and then were quickly lidded again.”Gollum is brought into an uneasy alliance with Frodo and Sam, leading them into battle against Shelob, which is memorable. With his epic way of telling this story, Tolkien continues a tradition that extends back to Beowulf (or The Iliad), and he had a huge influence on everything from Harry Potter to Game of Thrones. This middle book was on very firm footing at four stars, and I considered higher.Quotes:On coping with anger as the Ents do:“’Good! Good!’ said Treebeard. ‘But I spoke hastily. We must not be hasty. I have become too hot. I must cool myself and think; for it easier to shout stop! than to do it.’He strode to the archway and stood for some time under the falling rain of the spring. Then he laughed and shook himself, and wherever the drops of water fell glittering from him to the ground they glinted like red and green sparks. He came back and laid himself on the bed again and was silent.”On fate, again from Treebeard the Ent:“’We may help the other peoples before we pass away. Still, I should have liked to see the songs come true about the Entwives. I should dearly have liked to see Fimbrethil again. But there, my friends, songs like trees bear fruit only in their own time and their own way: and sometimes they are withered untimely.”On war:“It was Sam’s first view of a battle of Men against Men, and he did not like it much. He was glad that he could not see the dead face. He wondered what the man’s name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would not really rather have stayed there in peace…”
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Micah and I enjoyed listening to this together.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really liked this book. I had watched the movies, and then became interested in reading the books.

    I loved how this one flowed, unwrapping slowly like a morning glory in the early dawn. Beautiful and full of magic. It builds for an epic climax, showing beloved characters new and old.

    It continues to tell the tell of Frodo and the Fellowship as well as showing more of Middle-Earth and all her hidden secrets, both good and evil.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fantastic, for the 21st time.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Rob Inglis reading Treebeard is my favorite interpretation of that Ent yet.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Well, I don't really like the portion in Fangorn Forest in this book either. Interesting to note.

    But omg, I'm so incredibly angry about all of Jackson's choices about Faramir/Shelob's lair in the movies ALL OVER AGAIN.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The next journey in the destruction of the one ring... build up to the last book and ends leaving you completely hanging...
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I think this was full read #3 in my life (this time I actually listened to it). Despite Tolkien saying his one criticism of the trilogy is that they are too short - I disagree. Too long.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It's one of the oldest fantasy books I've read and It's writing style is interesting and kind of hard to read, but once you get through to the action parts of the books. It get easier to read. Tolkien created a fantastic world that is very detailed.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I genuinely enjoy reading about the adventures that Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli embark on. Book 3 flies by for me. Then, we get to Book 4, which starts off slowly--Gollum is a painfully tedious character, though important--and then crescendos to one of the most suspenseful cliffhangers I've ever read. Well done, J.R.R. Tolkien. Even though I know how it all ends, the surprise of Book 4's ending gets me every single time.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    '...And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they will say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."''It's saying a lot too much,' said Frodo, and he laughed, a long clear laugh from his heart. Such a sound had not been heard in those places since Sauron came to Middle-earth. To Sam suddenly it seemed as if all the stones were listening and the tall rocks leaning over them. But Frodo did not heed them; he laughed again. 'Why, Sam,' he said, 'to hear you somehow makes me as merry as if the story was already written. But you've left out one of the chief characters: Samwise the stouthearted. "I want to hear more about Sam, dad. Why didn't they put in more of his talk, dad? That's what I like, it makes me laugh. And Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam, would he, dad?"'It always amazes me how when you reread books at different points in life they are meaningful in different ways. The Two Towers really hit me with this concept. Back in the day my favorite was always the Rohan half, especially the battle of Helms Deep and Merry and Pippin's adventures with Treebeard. Even now Helm's Deep remains my favorite part of the movie. On this read through I was impressed by how engaging I found Frodo, Sam and Gollum's journey. Possibly it's because of all the lore and history revealed. Possibly it is the strength of Frodo and Sam's friendship and loyalty. Possibly it's due to being fascinated by Gollum/Smeagol's schizophrenia. Probably it is a combination of all three and more. Other than the few chapters with Faramir (which feels like a slog; Frodo being forced to deceive Gollum breaks my heart every time and I don't look forward to reading it) I blew through the second half of the book. Tolkien sure knows how to write one hell of an exciting ending. Shelob. Enough said. It's straight to Return of the King for me.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The fellowship, being sundered the shards of the fellowship continue in their quests. For the review...read the book itself.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I read this as part of my son's bed-time story. There are a lot of dark points in the book but so much about people continuing to try and do their best, even when all hope is lost. It's a great lesson for any child and it's the reason the Lord of the Rings remains one of my favorites.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    After the splitting of the Fellowship of the Ring near the falls of Rauros, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas pursue the orcs that have captured the hobbits Merry and Pippen into Rohan to the edge of Fangorn Forest. In the forest both groups, the hobbits and the man, elf and dwarf meet unexpected allies. Meanwhile Frodo and Sam attempt to find a way into Mordor to attempt to destroy the enemy’s most powerful weapon. Their unlikely guide is the less than trustworthy creature Gollum. On this rereading of The Lord of the Rings, I am struck by Tolkien’s rich use of the natural world as a setting for his epic fantasy. His skillful descriptions of rock faced mountainous passes, lush forests, waterfalls, and grim stinking marshlands enhance the verisimilitude of his tale of virtuous heroes, evil villains, and fantastic beings.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Fellowship has been broken. Frodo and Sam must take the One Ring to Mordor, but how will they find a way in without Gandalf to guide them? Meanwhile, the other hobbits have been taken by the enemy, with the remainder of the Fellowship in hot pursuit. Will they reach them in time? And what of the wizard Saruman, plotting away in his tower?Tolkien's epic continues to delight (and occasionally frustrate) us as a read-aloud. Recommended, of course.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Two Towers is part II of J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings. The story is told in two sections, the first following the group after Frodo and Sam have struck out on their own. Aragon, Legolas and Gimli are searching for Merry and Pippin who had been kidnapped by orcs who struck down Boromir and spirited the Hobbits away. Gandalf makes his re-appearance, and there is a massive battle that the Ents help to turn in their favour. Merry and Pippin are found safe as they have been travelling in the company of the Ents after they managed to escape from the clutches of the orcs. As for Frodo and Sam they are on their perilous journey to Mordor. Along the way they capture the Gollum who agrees to guide them to a secret entrance, but the Gollum is drawn by the power of the Ring and cannot be fully trusted. Samwise, on the other hand shows great loyalty and love toward Frodo, and to my eyes emerges as a true hero.There are so many excellent characters that pass through the story during the course of The Two Towers, but I really need to comment on Gollum/Smeagol who is both treacherous and pitiful. He serves as a reminder of what can happen if one latches onto the power of the ring and as a contrast all the Hobbits are shown as the resourceful and courageous creatures that they are. I listened to this book as read and enhanced by Rob Inglis. This was a true cliff-hanger so I need to carry on with the next book quickly. Overall, The Two Towers advances the story and expands on the world of Middle Earth. The depth and scope of this book brings into focus the influence that it has had on all the fantasy novels that have followed. It truly deserves to be called a classic.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Again I see clearly why the films sometimes get so much hate. I still love the films, but frankly liking the books sooooooooooooooooo much better. I wonder sometimes how he got those films out of these books
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Once again I was pleasantly surprised by Tolkien's 'Lord of the Ring's book 'The Two Towers' ', unlike the film it is not as dark and grimy as I feared and the story and character's have really begun to grow on me (even Gollum, who I was happy to see was given a more substantial personality than the film allows). Of course I knew to expect a more sinister move into the story's plot but even so the language and style of the book remains exceedingly detailed and easy to follow (save a few made-up elvish words and remembering the different names of places).
    Tolkien is, in my opinion, an exceedingly skilled storyteller and I am thoroughly enjoying his series of books that encompass the story of the Ring!
    Even though I realise that it is very cheeky, I have even decided to postpone reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo, Dumas' so that I can finish the trilogy straight away, I just need to continue the adventurous journey for as long as it lasts! Listing Tolkien's books as either Literary or Classic fiction is an understatement, these books are timeless.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I have one problem with this book. Tolkien should have really altered perspectives instead of putting frodo and sam's story completely in the end. this is the only reason i dint finish it before. seriously, they keep walking and walking....right after all the action is over on the other side. wouldnt have been draggy if the stories were altered and if the timeline was followed instead of one side's story.