The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is considered the greatest selling book next to the Bible.  Today I am going to give a review on this great trilogy and  I will also give cautions and age groups.

    The Lord of the Rings is separated into three books(as you might have guessed from the word trilogy)which are special in and of themselves.  The story was written by a man named J.R.R Tolkien, who was a professor at Oxford University.  It took him 14 long years to finally finish and publish his books in 1956.  The plot of the books goes right along with the Christian life.

           I will not give TOO much detail about the story, as I will spoil it if I do.  Basically, the story is about a Ring that was made in a evil mountain called Mount Doom in the land of Mordor.  Its maker, and initial bearer was the Dark Lord Saron(who symbolizes Satan).  The intent of all his heart was to take over Middle-Earth(which symbolizes the WORLD as we know it)and cover the entire world into darkness.  Now there are three races of people living in Middle-Earth:Elves, Men, and Dwarves.  Each is distinct in their own way.  The Elves are quiet, peaceful folk; who are the wisest of all beings.  The Men live in castles and preside in the land of Gondor and Rohan.  They are experts with horses and are easily swayed with riches and power.  And finally, the Dwarves are people(short people)who care nothing for the troubles of others.  They live in caves and huge underground cities digging for gold and mithril.  

         To each of these races Saron gave Rings of Power.  Three to the Elves, Seven to the Dwarves, and nine to Men.  But little did they know that Saron had deceived them all, and had made the One Ring that would rule them all.  So, the nine kings of Men that had the Nine Rings, fell into darkness and became the Nazgul or Ringraiths.    But soon, the Elves and Men made an aliancse that would forever change the course of Middle-Earth history.  They met together in Mordor and fought the armies of Saron and defeated him.  When Saron fought he had the Ring on, but it was cut from his finger and passed on to a Man(like I said, Men are VERY weak in spirit and moral).  His name was Isildor.  He was killed by Orcs(representing demons)and the Ring fell into the hands of another.  His name was Gollum.  He was once a very peaceful and loving person, but now is a cruel, hateful creature who cares for nothing but himself.   He would play a very decisive role in this story. 

            Now, after explaining the historical background, I will get to some other characters in the story.  We now come to a Hobbit(another ”group” of people living in  Middle-Earth)named Frodo Baggins of the Shire.  He will come to inherit the Ring and will have to go destroy it before Saron finds it.  With the help of a wizard named Gandalf the Grey and eight others, including his best friend and helper, Samwise Gamgee or Sam, he will make the trip to Mordor to destroy the Ring on the very place it was forged:Mount Doom.  Through many narrow escapes from Nazgul and perilous caves and storms, Frodo will have to make the trip to this evil place with the help of Gollum(of all things).  This is where I will stop, otherwise I will spoil everything:-)

         I have read this series at least twice, and I find it one of the greatest set of books I have ever read. 

Cautions: Because it does have battles and and peril, there is much violence.  I would not recommend this book to younger children.  I would say about the ages of 12 and up.  There is also much to do with magic.  Some parents may object to that.  Otherwise it is and excellent book.  The Lord of the Rings is a great book to read aloud.