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RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 5⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 5⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 5⭐️

This is my favorite installment in the trilogy. I appreciate how the story becomes a multiple-POV narration as the fellowship breaks down into parts and pieces. The plot, while still a hero's journey (or several) and dominantly a quest, becomes more complicated and intricate. The political games come to the forefront, and the strategies and plans are hatched and carried out. New players are introduced, and the chessboard gets set for the ultimate conclusion in Return of the King.

The characters really have to step up, and every single one of them delivers competency, wisdom, strategy, and heroism when it matters most. I love the kingdom of Rohan, and they are center stage for the major conflict in this book. The ents are such a quintessential fantasy creature, and their part in the action of this book is iconic. The way the history, culture, and map are utilized gives me chills. I swear I know Middle Earth lore better than I know anything in our real world. And on top of all that, we get Captain Faramir, who embodies the legacy of the great men of old, and a perfect blend of physical prowess, strategy, wisdom, stoicism, and interpersonal relations. He's so emotionally intelligent and morally sound. And it's all conveyed in so few pages.

Thematically, this is the turning point where we see characters fulfill oaths, tap into their inner strength, find their courage, lean on faith, honor their convictions, and stand together even unto death. It's so emotionally stirring and aspirational. It's the blueprint for heroism and honor.

Between Shelob Lair and Helm's Deep, the action and intensity can't be topped. This is just the best there is. All other great fantasy stands on its shoulders.