The Two Towers (by J. R. R. Tolkien)

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.

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.