The Two Towers

Written by J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by Andy Serkis

Continuing the epic tale begun in The Fellowship of the Ring.

The Fellowship is scattered. Some prepare for war against the Dark Lord. Some fight against the treachery of the corrupt wizard Saruman. Only Frodo and Sam are left to take the accursed Ring to be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom.

Mount Doom lies in the very heart of the Dark Lord's realm. Their only guide on the perilous journey is Gollum, a deceitful and obsessive creature who once possessed the Ring and longs to wield its power once again.

As dark forces assemble, the fate of Middle-earth rests with two lonely hobbits—but is Gollum leading them to their deaths?

"Among the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the twentieth century."—Sunday Telegraph

This brand-new unabridged recording is narrated by the acclaimed actor, director and author, Andy Serkis.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705047583

J. R. R. Tolkien

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Reviews for The Two Towers

[hannah denny · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You couldn't ask for a more skilled and talented narrator than Andy Serkis for The Lord of the Rings.
Mr. Tolkien's trilogy is by far one of the finast pieces of literature in fantasy fiction.
I doubt that I will be watching the Hollywood production of these books again.
I am amazed at the meticulous handling of the English language Mr. Tolkien had.
The Lord of the Rings is an epic work that I highly recommend for any age.
The characters have a timeless appeal.
Tolkien's descriptions paint an easy scenery on which they play out the eternal struggle of good and evil.
There are bits and pieces that I might edit but that's only personal opinion but I wouldn't touch the plot or characterizations.
If I could I'd rate this rendition much more than five stars.

[Angela · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

awesome!! so cool! love Andy Serkis!! he did an amazing job!!

[Julie Berreth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narration is fabulous. I enjoyed every minute. Andy Serkis is unbelievably talented.

[Alden Walker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

sam and frodo my meow meows babygirl malewife legends RAHHHH

[John W Bjerk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A truly excellent narration of an excellent book. Serkis has an incredible range of voices and accents, and you can clearly identify each character without the “said Frodo” parts.

I don’t feel like I need to Praise the book itself because it is well known. Suffice it so say, I’ve reread it many times over the years and still find new things to enjoy.

[Jennifer Robertson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Yes do like I yes love good book I yes

[Stealth33 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book. It was a long read but a riveting one.

[Landon Bellum · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Best audiobook ever along with the other ones Serkais has done! Nice job Andy!

[Ben A. Pickett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The way the voices were done fit the characters as perfectly as anyone could possibly conceive (especially Treebeard's and the orcs).

[Kati Loveless Stephenson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Andy serkis is amazing!! Ha! I listened to the fellowship by rob Ingles and he did good but Andy serkis, wow, he is amazing!

[amcheri-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Micah and I enjoyed listening to this together.

[bookslesstravelled · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book. I had watched the movies, and then became interested in reading the books.

I loved how this one flowed, unwrapping slowly like a morning glory in the early dawn. Beautiful and full of magic. It builds for an epic climax, showing beloved characters new and old.

It continues to tell the tell of Frodo and the Fellowship as well as showing more of Middle-Earth and all her hidden secrets, both good and evil.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic, for the 21st time.

[mrslee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rob Inglis reading Treebeard is my favorite interpretation of that Ent yet.

[sjh4255 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The next journey in the destruction of the one ring... build up to the last book and ends leaving you completely hanging...

[tikimoof · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, I don't really like the portion in Fangorn Forest in this book either. Interesting to note.

But omg, I'm so incredibly angry about all of Jackson's choices about Faramir/Shelob's lair in the movies ALL OVER AGAIN.

[bederson-208717 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I think this was full read #3 in my life (this time I actually listened to it). Despite Tolkien saying his one criticism of the trilogy is that they are too short - I disagree. Too long.

[payday1999-430350 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's one of the oldest fantasy books I've read and It's writing style is interesting and kind of hard to read, but once you get through to the action parts of the books. It get easier to read. Tolkien created a fantastic world that is very detailed.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I genuinely enjoy reading about the adventures that Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli embark on. Book 3 flies by for me. Then, we get to Book 4, which starts off slowly--Gollum is a painfully tedious character, though important--and then crescendos to one of the most suspenseful cliffhangers I've ever read. Well done, J.R.R. Tolkien. Even though I know how it all ends, the surprise of Book 4's ending gets me every single time.

[narilka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

'...And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they will say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."''It's saying a lot too much,' said Frodo, and he laughed, a long clear laugh from his heart. Such a sound had not been heard in those places since Sauron came to Middle-earth. To Sam suddenly it seemed as if all the stones were listening and the tall rocks leaning over them. But Frodo did not heed them; he laughed again. 'Why, Sam,' he said, 'to hear you somehow makes me as merry as if the story was already written. But you've left out one of the chief characters: Samwise the stouthearted. "I want to hear more about Sam, dad. Why didn't they put in more of his talk, dad? That's what I like, it makes me laugh. And Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam, would he, dad?"'It always amazes me how when you reread books at different points in life they are meaningful in different ways. The Two Towers really hit me with this concept. Back in the day my favorite was always the Rohan half, especially the battle of Helms Deep and Merry and Pippin's adventures with Treebeard. Even now Helm's Deep remains my favorite part of the movie. On this read through I was impressed by how engaging I found Frodo, Sam and Gollum's journey. Possibly it's because of all the lore and history revealed. Possibly it is the strength of Frodo and Sam's friendship and loyalty. Possibly it's due to being fascinated by Gollum/Smeagol's schizophrenia. Probably it is a combination of all three and more. Other than the few chapters with Faramir (which feels like a slog; Frodo being forced to deceive Gollum breaks my heart every time and I don't look forward to reading it) I blew through the second half of the book. Tolkien sure knows how to write one hell of an exciting ending. Shelob. Enough said. It's straight to Return of the King for me.

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The fellowship, being sundered the shards of the fellowship continue in their quests. For the review...read the book itself.

[derekcaelin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this as part of my son's bed-time story. There are a lot of dark points in the book but so much about people continuing to try and do their best, even when all hope is lost. It's a great lesson for any child and it's the reason the Lord of the Rings remains one of my favorites.

[maowangvater · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After the splitting of the Fellowship of the Ring near the falls of Rauros, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas pursue the orcs that have captured the hobbits Merry and Pippen into Rohan to the edge of Fangorn Forest. In the forest both groups, the hobbits and the man, elf and dwarf meet unexpected allies. Meanwhile Frodo and Sam attempt to find a way into Mordor to attempt to destroy the enemy’s most powerful weapon. Their unlikely guide is the less than trustworthy creature Gollum. On this rereading of The Lord of the Rings, I am struck by Tolkien’s rich use of the natural world as a setting for his epic fantasy. His skillful descriptions of rock faced mountainous passes, lush forests, waterfalls, and grim stinking marshlands enhance the verisimilitude of his tale of virtuous heroes, evil villains, and fantastic beings.

[foggidawn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Fellowship has been broken. Frodo and Sam must take the One Ring to Mordor, but how will they find a way in without Gandalf to guide them? Meanwhile, the other hobbits have been taken by the enemy, with the remainder of the Fellowship in hot pursuit. Will they reach them in time? And what of the wizard Saruman, plotting away in his tower?Tolkien's epic continues to delight (and occasionally frustrate) us as a read-aloud. Recommended, of course.

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Two Towers is part II of J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings. The story is told in two sections, the first following the group after Frodo and Sam have struck out on their own. Aragon, Legolas and Gimli are searching for Merry and Pippin who had been kidnapped by orcs who struck down Boromir and spirited the Hobbits away. Gandalf makes his re-appearance, and there is a massive battle that the Ents help to turn in their favour. Merry and Pippin are found safe as they have been travelling in the company of the Ents after they managed to escape from the clutches of the orcs. As for Frodo and Sam they are on their perilous journey to Mordor. Along the way they capture the Gollum who agrees to guide them to a secret entrance, but the Gollum is drawn by the power of the Ring and cannot be fully trusted. Samwise, on the other hand shows great loyalty and love toward Frodo, and to my eyes emerges as a true hero.There are so many excellent characters that pass through the story during the course of The Two Towers, but I really need to comment on Gollum/Smeagol who is both treacherous and pitiful. He serves as a reminder of what can happen if one latches onto the power of the ring and as a contrast all the Hobbits are shown as the resourceful and courageous creatures that they are. I listened to this book as read and enhanced by Rob Inglis. This was a true cliff-hanger so I need to carry on with the next book quickly. Overall, The Two Towers advances the story and expands on the world of Middle Earth. The depth and scope of this book brings into focus the influence that it has had on all the fantasy novels that have followed. It truly deserves to be called a classic.

[lgandt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Again I see clearly why the films sometimes get so much hate. I still love the films, but frankly liking the books sooooooooooooooooo much better. I wonder sometimes how he got those films out of these books

[charlotte1162 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once again I was pleasantly surprised by Tolkien's 'Lord of the Ring's book 'The Two Towers' ', unlike the film it is not as dark and grimy as I feared and the story and character's have really begun to grow on me (even Gollum, who I was happy to see was given a more substantial personality than the film allows). Of course I knew to expect a more sinister move into the story's plot but even so the language and style of the book remains exceedingly detailed and easy to follow (save a few made-up elvish words and remembering the different names of places).
Tolkien is, in my opinion, an exceedingly skilled storyteller and I am thoroughly enjoying his series of books that encompass the story of the Ring!
Even though I realise that it is very cheeky, I have even decided to postpone reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo, Dumas' so that I can finish the trilogy straight away, I just need to continue the adventurous journey for as long as it lasts! Listing Tolkien's books as either Literary or Classic fiction is an understatement, these books are timeless.

[m.akter.tonima · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have one problem with this book. Tolkien should have really altered perspectives instead of putting frodo and sam's story completely in the end. this is the only reason i dint finish it before. seriously, they keep walking and walking....right after all the action is over on the other side. wouldnt have been draggy if the stories were altered and if the timeline was followed instead of one side's story.

[mindea_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am quite enjoying this adventure. I have only seen the movies and this is my first time reading the books. I really feel like the movies did such a great job bringing this story to life. However in the movies I found Sam whiny and a little dull, but not in the books. I really like his character and feel more connected to him than Frodo. Can't wait to finish this adventure with the third book!

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this installment, the Fellowship is divided, though not really by their own choosing. Sam and Frodo go alone but are dogged by Gollum. Tolkien uses this novel to further develop the lands the separated warriors must travel complete their quest as well as their characters. The road goes ever onward and is fraught with dangers. Still, even as we guess they must succeed, we not how or who shall survive. Tolkien, with attention to even the smallest details, manages to maintain an intense level suspense. A well thought-out bridge in the trilogy.