Let's recount. J.R.R. Tolkein's story of Middle Earth begins when Bilbo Baggins, a heroic little hobbit, was summoned by the almighty Gandalf to accompany a party of dwarves on a journey to retrieve the loot from a fierce dragon's den.
On that journey, Bilbo stumbles into the creepy little abode of the wreched creature known as Gollum. It is here that Bilbo discovers a neat little trinket that he keeps a secret from the rest of his company -- the One Ring.
At the time, Bilbo knew nothing of the true power of the ring save its ability to make its bearer invisible.
Upon completing his journey, Bilbo retired to his hobbit hole back, where the story began, in The Shire.
After many years passed by, Frodo, Bilbo's beloved nephew was born. Right around Frodo's coming of age, Bilbo decided to pack up and leave town for one last adventure.
Before he departed, he entrusted his prized ring to the hands of Frodo, here commencing the Lord of The Rings.
All the while, Gandalf the wizard had been studying the ring, learning of its history, its past and its power.
His studies led him to find out that Frodo, who he had, at this point, made a strong friendship with, was in great danger. He urges Frodo to leave The Shire in an attempt to lure the danger and evil from The Shire's isolation.
Along the way, Frodo meets new friends and forms, what he calls, The Fellowship. The Fellowship is made up of four hobbits; Frodo Baggins, Sam Gamgee, Peregrin Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck, Gandalf the wizard, Gimli the dwarf, Legolas the elf and Boromir and Aragorn of men.
After many travels and much council, The Fellowship disbands. Gandalf and Boromir die, Merry and Pippin get kidnapped, Frodo and Sam head for Mordor, and Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn adventure in Rohan.
This is where the Two Towers begins.
The book is phenomenal. It is full of surprise, triumph and tragedy while introducing more loveable and heroic characters.
The first -- Treebeard. Treebeard is an ent; a walking, talking and ass-kicking tree who is as old as the earth itself.
Treebeard comes to the rescue of Merry and Pippin and later plays an enormous role in the battle of Helm's Deep and in the taking of Isengard.
The second is Gollum. Now, Gollum was introduced in both The Hobbit and The Fellowship of The Ring, but not like this. Gollum partners himself with Frodo and Sam and navigates them through the harsh terrain of Mordor. You'll see him in a whole new light -- and then an even newer light.
The final, and perhaps most notable, was Faramir, Boromir's heroic brother. Faramir offers hospitality to both Frodo and Sam in the thick of their journey. With his help, they muster enough strength to infiltrate Mordor.
This book is far different from The Fellowship, as it doesn't ever really stop. It's action packed. Between epic wars, fights with orcs, goblins and spiders, deceit, friendship and surprise, you truly will not want to put this book down.
The Two Towers is a must read for anybody who loves action.
And, between you and me, the movie doesn't do a justice.
Page 1
