(Middle-Earth Universe)
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
My Rating: 
Plot Tease
Now recognized as a timeless classic, this introduction to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the wizard Gandalf, Gollum and the spectacular world of Middle-earth recounts the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent. 13 fortune-seeking dwarves have arrived on the hobbit's doorstep in search of a burglar, and before he can even grab his hat or an umbrella, Bilbo Baggins is swept out his door and into a dangerous adventure.
Book Review
I have to begin this fantasy fiction review by saying I have been a life-long Tolkien Addict and lover of fantasy fiction. At the end of the day, the man was a creative genius. The Middle Earth books have been staples of fantasy fiction for quite some time, and I would wager from remain so years from now. Though some people find his books a little difficult - and for good reason.
Character development in The Hobbit is tricky though. I find myself torn. This is partly due to the reason that many people find it hard to read Tolkien in general. Let me explain and tell you why I still believe you should give this book a try.
The character list is huge: Bilbo, Gandalf the Grey, Gollum, 13 dwarves, an entire town or two of humans, a kingdom of elves, goblins, trolls, a dragon... I think you see what I mean, even without any prior knowledge of the book. All of that, and it still only averages about 320 pages.
Typically with Tolkien, you are presented with a bright world and a ton of fantastic characters - and then he doesn't tell you much about any single one of them. Are some of these characters really awesome? Yes! Do I really get to know them by the end of the book? Well...
Unfortunately, the narrative is spread very thin. Bilbo and the "main" dwarves got a lot of time, but that's about it. The hobbit is a wonderfully complex character that is coming into his 'hero' moment at the start of the book. He is unsure, and just plain cowardly. However through the friendly work of Gandalf he manages to find his courage. Over and over again, the character is faced with situations where his own actions surprise him.
Although he at first seems to be 'the least' of the adventure group, time and again Bilbo is the key to survival. I love this theme. As a character he enables others to be courageous, and discovers within himself a sense of boldness that he didn't know he had. By the end, he is willing to go into danger that others dare not. He is the only one willing to go into the presence of the dragon.
Being extensive and awesome, the scope of this narrative is huge. You will literally witness at least a third of Middle-Earth (ME) over the course of this book. Although it has been less popular than Lord of the Rings, not only is it a great introduction, but also a ginormous "bonus feature". Reading it will make the rest of the ME universe richer.
Tolkien's writing style is not the most accessible. There is a lot of 'telling' rather than 'showing' which means a more wooden writing style. Combined with his somewhat 'classical' language, modern audiences could have a hard time connecting. Honestly though, the sheer content of this saga is mind-blowing in its complexity and intrigue. It may be hard at times, but I cannot stress enough that the read it worth it.
The Hobbit is the easiest book to read and enjoy of the Middle-Earth saga, in my opinion. This is fantasy fiction at its best. Along with Tolkien's other books, it forms the foundation for many things in my favorite fiction genre. I highly recommend you read his books.
What Do You Think?
Have you seen the movie? Do you plan to read the book?
Do you like underdog characters? What is it about them that draws you?
What is your favorite fantasy race: elves, dwarves, humans or something else?
Have you read Tolkien before? Did you find it difficult or easy? Why?
"It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him." - The Hobbit
Cost: New $8.49/Used $0.64 (Available as Kindle and Nook Books.)
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