The Two Towers

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Brilliantly written story keeps kids reading.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the brilliantly written and exciting story will keep kids reading late into the night.

  • Fierce but nongraphic battle descriptions; Frodo is attacked by an enormous spider. Frodo and Sam travel into the fearsome terrain of Mordor, including traveling through an eerie tunnel. Merry and Pippin endure a forced march as captives of the savage or
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

The adventures of the hobbits and their allies in the epic struggle to save Middle-earth from domination by the Dark Lord, Sauron, continues in this monumental tale. The members of the fellowship discover new friends--and new enemies--in unexpected places, and the four hobbits, scattered and sent on divergent paths, find their courage and fortitude tested.

 


Is it any good?

 

Where The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of the trilogy, starts off slowly, this far more complex novel plunges right into the action, and the straight-ahead story line diverges. The fellowship has been split apart by near treachery and an attack by Orcs, and now the survivors debate whether to aid the Ring-bearer, Frodo, or try to rescue his captive countrymen, but they find no easy answer. After more betrayals and a seemingly hopeless battle, the story shifts to Frodo and Sam as the pair undertakes a grueling journey--and the book culminates with yet another betrayal.

This is serious business--especially to readers expecting more of the buoyant adventure of The Hobbit. But even amid all the archaic language, the din of war, and the trauma of little people overwhelmed by the shadow of impending doom, readers can depend on the hobbits' cheerful resilience and courage.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about trust, honor, courage and betrayal. What would you do if someone you trusted deceived you?


This review was written by Mark Nichol
Teen, 16 years old
May 7, 2010
 
Tolkien the Freaking artist.
This book may be considered "Literature," but it's true identity is art. A bit dull and tedious at times, 'tis true, but flowing with rich description and a gripping story for the ages.

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Kid, 12 years old
January 8, 2012
 
THRILLING
This is a brilliant book, but is hard to read. This thrilling sequal to the fellowship is just as good, but (parents) there is more violence. Personally this is my favorite series of all time, so if you love to read do it no matter what! (elenmadil Pippin is better!!!!!)

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
I loved it!
Even though it might not be my favorite in the series because of Gollum/Smeagol, it's still great to read. I quickly read through the first half, but the second part took me a while longer since it had my least favorite character. Despite the loathsome creature, I loved the book. One of my favorite parts Ent moot (they're so cool)! Anyways, worth the read and so much more.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Surly better then the Fellowship. Made me love Merry and Pip - especilly Merry.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
a GREAT book
i absolutly LOVE it!!! a great book! i give it a high recommendation! good morals, no swearing, nothing innapropriate. wonderfully written and fast-paced. and best of all, its ORIGINAL!! when u read it there aren't those little pop-ups in your head that say "hey wait...i remember reading something like this in ----" there is so much more i could say but you'll just have to read it for yourself!

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Parent
May 11, 2010
 
The Two Towers (Book)
If you read and loved The Fellowship of the Ring, then you must, without hesitation pick up this book and start reading immediately.

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Parent of 7, 11, 14, and 17 year old
January 4, 2009
 

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This review was written by Mark Nichol
Author:J. R. R. Tolkien
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Fantasy
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date:November 11, 1954
Number of pages:447
Paperback price:$12.00
Publisher's recommended age(s):12 - 14

This review was written by Mark Nichol
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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