The Return of the King: Lord of the Rings, Book 3

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars | 11,721 ratings

Price: 22.57

Last update: 01-06-2025


About this item

This brand-new unabridged audiobook of The Return of the King, the third and final part of J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings, is read by the BAFTA Award-winning actor, director, and author Andy Serkis.

The armies of the Dark Lord are massing as his evil shadow spreads even wider. Men, Dwarves, Elves, and Ents unite forces to battle against the Dark. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam struggle further into Mordor in their heroic quest to destroy the One Ring. The devastating conclusion of J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic tale of adventure, begun in The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers.


Top reviews from the United States

Goth Gone Grey
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic, epic fantasy literature
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2023
My familiarity with this series thus far has been more from the movies, an excellent series. I've put off reading the books for far too long, but admit that knowing the base story helped bring them to life in my mind while reading.

43% of the box is appendices and further information about Middle Earth; don't be daunted by the reading time or page count knowing this.

This volume seemed to have some definite differences from the film. Both have their merits, and spotting them made for fun reading, even in the darker parts of the book.

While the cast is male driven, they're beautifully, openly affectionate with each other in ways that current time would find startling. I find it lovely:

"Merry seized his hand and kissed it. ‘I am frightfully sorry,’ he said. ‘Go at once! Ever since that night at Bree we have been a nuisance to you. But it is the way of my people to use light words at such times and say less than they mean. We fear to say too much. It robs us of the right words when a jest is out of place.’

‘I know that well, or I would not deal with you in the same way,’ said Aragorn. ‘May the Shire live for ever unwithered!’ And kissing Merry he went out, and Gandalf went with him."

There are strong female characters as well, including an epic scene with Eowyn.

Great read, I'm sorry I waited this long to enjoy it!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars favorite book
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024
Favorite book of all time. Have read it many times and will read it many times again. All three books in the series are great.
Michael T.
5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect conclusion...
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Return of the King" is perfect conclusion to the trilogy; additionally it is a profound exploration of Christian themes like redemption, sacrifice, and the victory of good over evil. Reading this book, you cannot detach the biblical parables and teachings, if you do, you will completely miss the weight of this beautiful story.

The journey towards redemption is a core element of the narrative, illustrated through characters who embody forgiveness and change. Aragorn's ascent to the throne is not just a tale of a king reclaiming his crown but reflects the Christian belief in fulfilling one's God-given destiny despite past failures or doubts. Similarly, characters like Theoden and Boromir, who overcome personal failings, remind us of the power of grace and the possibility of redemption through faith and courage.

The battle between the forces of good and evil in Tolkien's world can be seen as a reflection of the Christian battle between light and darkness. However, the ultimate triumph of good in "The Return of the King" resonates deeply with the Christian faith in the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. The perseverance of Frodo and Sam in their quest, despite the overwhelming shadow of Sauron, mirrors the Christian journey of faith through trials and tribulations.

Suffering and sacrifice are portrayed not as pointless hardships but as necessary paths to glory, a theme deeply rooted in Christian theology. Frodo's sacrifices, in particular, echo the concept of bearing one's cross. His willingness to suffer for the greater good, to carry a burden that was not his by choice, mirrors the sacrificial love at the heart of Christianity. The message is clear: through suffering and sacrifice, redemption and salvation are found.

In "The Return of the King," Tolkien weaves a narrative that uplifts the spirit and speaks to the heart of Christian values. The victory of good over evil, the importance of faith and forgiveness, and the power of sacrifice for the greater good are themes that not only provide depth to the story but also offer hope and inspiration. This book, with its rich Christian allegory, is more than an epic tale; it's a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the promise of redemption for all.

This story doesn't just deserve praise for its adventure and fantasy; it's a beacon of light, showcasing the strength of Christian principles in the face of darkness. "The Return of the King" captures the essence of the Christian journey — the belief that through faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, there is always hope for redemption and renewal.
Laura J. Payette
5.0 out of 5 stars Such an amazing book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
I have watched the movies, but as they always say the books are better. Proven true by the stereotype yet again is this book. It was masterfully written with such attention to detail, and so many rabbit holes you could follow if you looked hard enough. Truly one of the finest books I will probably ever read.
Wraith182
5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
I read this series once a year and every time I regret coming to the last page. With tears in my eyes I look forward to next year and reading it again. (1974 -2024)
Ron Vincent
5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
The Return of the King has so many moments of high drama, pathos, deep feelings, hope and despair. For those who love the story, words seem inadequate to describe how moving the book is in so many places. For those who read the appendices, The Silmarillion is a good way to discover more about Tolkien’s mythology. But, it is a very different book than the Trilogy, more akin to reading Norse mythology than anything else. The third volume of the trilogy( and yes, I know Tolkien intended it all to be one volume, not three) ties together all the threads to perfection.

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