The Two Towers

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The Two Towers
J.R.R. Tolkien
1954

The Summary
With the dissolution of the Fellowship, Frodo and Sam have struck out on their own for the gates of Mordor, while Gimili, Legolas, and Aragorn seek to rescue Merry and Pippin from the clutches of Sauron's orc army.

Great battles and great hardships will ensue as the remaining members of the Fellowship are pushed to their limits in their desperate fight to save Middle Earth.

And Sam Gamgee, loyal and courageous companion of Frodo, will face the most difficult decision of all:  can he go forward without his dearest friend Frodo?

The Good
Like The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien crafts an intricate story with beautiful scenery and amazing characters, who will steal your heart and last forever in your memory.

More importantly, Tolkien has further developed his characters and the relationships they share.  Gimli and Legolas, despite the ancient animosity existing between their races, have become close friends.  Aragorn has ventured closer to embracing his destiny.  Merry and Pippin have begun growing into warriors.  And Frodo has changed - the One Ring has started taking its toll.

Strictly speaking, Tolkien knows his way around a story.

Additionally, he knows how to show his readers a good time.  He's not afraid to toy with your emotions, or give you some good news every once in a while.  You're certainly in for a treat, when a familiar - and much beloved - character returns.

The Bad
Since the Fellowship has shattered, the novel is split into two primary parts:  the journey of Frodo and Sam as they venture into Mordor, and the struggles the others face as they fight to remain together in the face of insurmountable odds.

Tolkien doesn't take pity on his readers and alternate his chapters; instead, he starkly divides them.  First, he presents the stories of Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Merry, and Pippin, and then he follows by chronicling the adventures of Frodo and Sam.

Throughout the course of one tale, you will long to hear of the other.  And when you reach the end and begin the next, you will long to return to the one you left.  You will always wonder what is happening to the beloved characters you cannot see.

The Ugly
Cliffhangers.

I won't spill any secrets or spoil the story, but I will offer this warning:  Tolkien ends with a major cliffhanger. He will first tear out your heart, then he will give you hope and leave you cheering, and tear out your heart yet again.

The Two Towers is a guaranteed emotional roller coaster ride.