The author never said what the two towers were exactly, but most people think they refer to the strongholds of the antagonists in this book: Saruman and Sauron. The main characters visit the former during their journeys in this book, and the latter casts its shadow throughout the LotR: it is where Sauron searches for the ring--and Frodo--and sends his terrifying messengers, the Nazgul. If you haven't read the first book, it's not a good idea to read this one, unless you skipped it because it was too slow, in which case, this one would be a welcome surprise. It has the right amount of beautiful, well-placed descriptions that contribute to the epic fantasy tone; new and memorable characters (introducing Faramir, Boromir's brother; Theoden, the old and wise king, and many others); and more epic battles against Orcs, including Uruks, which are stronger and more lethal than the others. A brief synopsis: by the end of the first book, the fellowship has been sundered into three groups: Merry and Pippin; Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn; and Frodo and Sam (and later, Gollum). The first is taken by Uruks (but they eventually escape, meeting new people). The second go out to look for them, but meet someone they weren't expecting (and later, they meet their missing friends at an unexpected location). The latter, whose story is only written about in the second part of the book, have escaped from Orcs and are determined to destroy the Ring. One thing readers might not appreciate is the occasional lack of character development. Aragorn accepts his role as king without hesitation, and Faramir is instantly wise and rejects the ring. And Legolas is always calm, subtly humorous and wry. However, I think Gollum makes up for it. He makes a promise to guide Frodo to Mordor, swearing on the one ring, and, for a long while he does. But you never really know if he's serious or not, and by the end, this racks up to the breaking point. Theoden, likewise, has a small, tragic character arc, first realizing the full extent of the danger, then setting out to destroy it, perhaps when it is too late. Sam is also surprisingly funny, especially during the famous potatoes moment, where he lectures Gollum about the virtues of vegetables. I admired the journey of Sam, how he matured even though he was unsure of himself, accompanying and staying loyal to Frodo. Also, readers will love/hate this book for its extensive descriptions that are sometimes hard to visualize and understand--expect lots about the setting sun, perhaps seven or eight. Others will appreciate their depth and tone; some of which stood out to me and will be hard to scrub from my brain. For example, Tolkien, compares the army of orcs to a field of wheat swept by the tide of war, which gives you an idea of the sort of genius he employed. Another thing: this book doesn't really start and end definitively: it continues from the last scene of The Fellowship of the Ring and ends with a scene that I'd best not divulge, but is a cliffhanger to say the least. It lacks a definitive storyline, with the ring bearer's story having an entirely different setting and action than the rest of the former fellowship, which might make it seem haphazard and all over the place to some readers. After half of the book has elapsed, the next we'll hear of Aragorn and his posse is at the start of The Return of the King. Aside from that, this is an almost-perfect middle book to a trilogy, or, to be correct, middle volume in the LotR. It has fewer slow moments than The Fellowship (however there are still some), and replaces them with action and battles, and dark, brooding dangers. It was full of adventure. It got me to love epic fantasy. It was an exceptional book. Truly exceptional.
The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings) (Vol 2)
By J. R. R. Tolkien
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 9 - 12 | Grade 7 | n/a | 6.3 | 143436 |
Book Reviews (26)
In this breathtaking second part of J.R.R Tolkien´s amazing trilogy the journey really intensifies and Sauramaun is overthrown by Gandalf
I love this Book. It is action packed and suspense full.
I love this book it is filled with action and suspense. The characters are Frodo, Sam, Gollem/Smeagol, Pippin, Mary, Gandalf , Aragorn, Saruman, Wormtounge, Gimli, Legolas , and Theoden. Hope you read it!
I read the hobbit and the fellowship of the ring. These books tend to lack females but are extremely interesting. A wizard named Saruman is trying to take over everything because the ring of power does his bidding and Frodo is trying to destroy the ring before Saruman gets it and everything becomes dark.
I love the amount of detail J.R.R Tolkien put into this book and really enjoyed reading it.
i am still reading this
If you liked the first Lord of the Rings book, you'll love the sequel. The book The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien is set somewhere in the year 3023 In the fictional land of Middle-Earth. The major protagonist would be Frodo Baggins, son of Drogo. He has to destroy the accursed Ring of Power in Mount Doom, right under the nose of the major antagonist, Sauron. Lots of minor skirmishes happen, but the most intense battles are the storming of Isengard, and the battle of Helm's Deep. One of the turning points in the book might be when Frodo and Sam had decided to leave the Fellowship, and travel to Mordor alone. Through many dangers, the book shows the loyalty of Sam, and how the main characters are able to reach the mountains. And as if it wasn't pressure enough, their friends are on the other side of the world, fighting a war they cannot win. Frodo must reach Mordor before Rohan and Gondor fail. I like the book, because despite the fact that there are many kingdoms, Tolkien is consistent in direction.
I read this book and realized that there is not an author better at keeping such a long story so engaging.
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In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers , adventure and peril are peeking around every corner. In the epic sequel to The Fellowship of the Ring, the Fellowship begins to crumble. Gandalf is lost in Kazad-Dûm to a Balrog. Boromir falls beside the Anduin protecting Meriadoc and Perigrin to the bitter end. Frodo and Sam set off for Mordor alone, where the accursed Ring of Power must be destroyed in Mount Doom. Pippin and Merry are captured by orcs, and Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn are left to track Merry and Pippin. In this book, you will experience Rohan, Fangorn, the Falls of Rauros, and Isengard. However, Frodo and Sam will have to be careful. For the watchful Eye of Sauron and the creature Gollum both want the Ring for themselves. Best book ever.