REVIEW: The Hobbit (J.R.R.Tolkien)

Book: The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R.Tolkien

My rating: 3/5.

Premise: Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who lives a quiet life, until it is upset by a visit from a wizard named Gandalf. Reluctantly, Bilbo agrees to accompany thirteen Dwarves, on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasures from Smaug the dragon.

I attempted to read the hobbit years ago when the first film came out, but I didn't get far. The Hobbit is a cracking adventure and feels like a good way to ease myself into Middle-Earth. In this story, we follow Bilbo as he goes from a simple creature of habit, to a brave and daring thief. The story is fast paced as the Dwarves encounter various set backs and perils on their journey. I understand that the book was written in a different era, but I was sad that there were no female characters (maybe one mentioned in passing). I was also slightly disappointed at the last few chapters, with the final struggle with Smaug and the Battle of the Five Armies. It didn't quite go where I thought it would and I was hoping for more action from Bilbo and the Dwarves. Overall, a good book!