The Return of the King

Written by J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by Andy Serkis

The devastating conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale of adventure.

The Dark Lord has risen, and as he unleashes hordes of Orcs to conquer all Middle-earth, Frodo and Sam struggle deep into his realm in Mordor.

To defeat Sauron, the One Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom.

But the way is impossibly hard, and Frodo is weakening. The Ring corrupts all who bear it and Frodo’s time is running out.

Will Sam and Frodo succeed, or will the Dark Lord rule Middle-earth once more?

"A triumphant close … a grand piece of work, grand in both conception and execution."—Daily 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: 9781705047590

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 Return of the King

[Angela · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome book and Andy Serkis did an amazing job! So much fun!!!?

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

An amazingly good narration of the final book in the most famous fantasy series

[juva_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pippen and Gandalf ride on Shaowfax to Minas Tirith where the steward is fighting a losing battle to hold back the forces of Sauron. The steward is a corrupted man who has traded much for his insight into men and the future. He believes that their war efforts are useless and he is heartbroken that Boromir, his son, has died. Faramir, his only remaining heir, is a continual disappointment to him. Pippen offers his service to the king and is accepted into the city guard. Faramir is sent on a suicide mission by his father and returns, his entire force destroyed, and himself barely alive. The enemy forces begin to marshal in front of the city. Meanwhile Aragorn and his friends leave the army of Rohan to seek for spectral aid in the paths of the dead. Merry is left behind with Theodin, to whom he has sworn his fealty. But the king of Rohan plans to ride to defend Minas Tirith and orders Merry to remain with the women. However, Merry manages to catch a ride with a new friend who pity's him.The mighty host rides to the white city and engage in battle even though it appears too late. Theodin is struck by the witch king on his flying Nazgul. Merry who is riding with his new friend arrives on the scene and the two try to protect Theodin. It turns out this mysterious rider is lady Eowyn who has come in disguise to fight. Together with Merry's help, she slays the witch king. Both Eowyn and Merry are badly hurt, but together with Faramir they are healed by Aragorn.Aragorn made it to the battle too. He came with the cursed army of ghosts who are finally redeeming their oath. Aragorn doesn't want to lay claim to anything until the final battle is joined and matters decided. The friends ride to meet with the emissary of Sauron. They are told that their friends have been captured and all their hopes are ended. They throw themselves into battle.Meanwhile in Mordor, Sam recovers Frodo from the tower where he was taken by the orcs. The whole company has started a fight and nearly everyone is killed. The two hobbits escape from the chaos. They continue to travel through the dark land towards the mountain. They eventually become aware that Gollum is following them, but they don't catch sight of him. Frodo is fading - growing daily weaker. Sam eventually carries him the last few steps. At the mouth of the mountain Frodo is overcome and claims the ring as his own. At that moment Gollum appears, bites the ring off Frodo's finger and falls into the lava with it. Sam and Frodo are saved by the eagles who return them to Minas Tirith.There the company of friends is united again. The remain until Aragorn's marriage and then depart. They stop at Rivendell to visit with Bilbo and they pass Saruman on the road. Eventually, the four hobbits decide to return home. But everything is changed terribly as the return to Bree. The learn from the innkeeper that new sets of people are moving into the area. There is a boss who has set himself up in the Shire and his thugs are reaching out to trouble neighboring areas.The four friends discover their old home greatly changed. Saruman and Wormtongue have set up shop in Frodo's old house and are pillaging the land. The hobbits have more or less submitted to his rule but when Frodo and company arrive they quickly revolt and take back their homes. Then the Shire put to rights over many months.Sam marries Rosie and moves into Bag End with Frodo. But Frodo is not the same. His old wound from Weathertop still pains him. Eventually, he decides to take the boat with Bilbo and the elves to the Undying Lands. Sam is heartbroken, but has his family to care for.There are also a set of essays at the end of this recording that recount some additional details about history both before and after the events of the books. I enjoyed rereading this series very much. It's truly a classic.

[Jaron Ferrer · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Ah, I'm sorry Andy but I found this pretty much unlistenable. Way too emphatic. It sounds as if an AI generated this recording. The intensity of the reading doesn't match with the mild descriptions of the text. Archive.org has Rob Inglis' version for download if anyone feels the same way. Perhaps I just got used to his cool 90s voice.

[deaflower · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is an excellent ending to a great adventure, and well written by the author. I loved all the familiar characters lovingly depicted in the movie of the same name.

[irishmac473 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great finish. I put off reading these books for a long time because I had seen the movies. I'm glad I did. I now see why people call the movies fan fiction.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just as good the 21st time

[glasgowlight-539587 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An emotional end to an amazing journey.

My second read of Lord Of The Rings and hopefully not my last.

[sjh4255 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A fitting end to a great series... by far the best book in the trilogy with action, and a great story-line to end it off and finish off the tail of Frodo and the One ring to rule them all... Definitely enjoyed reading the series, and looking forward to reading about the story of Bilbo and the movie coming out soon. Also, the movies stayed close to the story-line but not an exact replica, shortening things here and mixing things there but they did a good job.... as usual, books win out for sure!

[bederson-208717 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lifetime read #2 (also listened this time). Too long, but I still love them - even if I can't completely say why. The book equivalent of comfort food :)

[drfuriosa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bittersweet and lovely, as always. I'm always conflicted about whether or not I like the third book as much as the others, but this time, the story hit just right.

[narilka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Then Elrond and Galadriel rode on; for the Third Age was over and the Days of the Rings were passed and an end was come of the story and song of those times.Finishing this series always makes me sad. I'm never quite ready for the journey to end. Even writing this review has made me a bit melancholy as it reinforces the story is done for now. Even so, Tolkien's tale of hope is just what I needed to read, to be my light during our own dark times, a reminder that darkness is but passing and it cannot endure.This book has so many great moments. The battle for Gondor is epic. Eowyn and Merry facing down the Wraith King. Sam carrying Frodo when Frodo couldn't go on. Ghan-buri-ghan! The Paths of the Dead. Frodo and Gollum and the Ring. Theoden's tragic death. Denethor's madness. If I was to list them all out, I'd be here all day.One thing I appreciated this time around is how the story comes full circle, showing the growth of the four hobbits who left the Shire and have come back changed. It's a shame the impact of this is left out of the movies. It should be noted that the final third of this book is devoted to appendices. While I skimmed through them a little as I read the story, I did not read them word for word on this read through. The end of Appendix B contains the highlights of "what happened after" for those of the Fellowship who remained behind. It was nice to see what everyone was up to after the main story.I really need to do a full movie re-watch soon. And not wait so long for my next series reread.

[maowangvater · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The conclusion to The Lord of the Rings contains big battle scenes and the tense conclusion of the ringbearer’s quest. A conclusion that reinforces a message the author repeats several times in his epic. Do not be in a hurry to end anyone’s life, because you cannot see the end of all things nor can you see the aim of a beneficent Providence. Tolkien’s dislike of allegory does not prevent a strong moral message rooted in his faith from being the revelatory climax of his tale. Also included are no fewer than six appendices and two indexes which take the story backwards in time to preceding, even ancient, events as background to the main story, and also woven into these fictions presented in the style of historical facts, genealogical tables, philology, and linguistics are the story of what happens to the characters after the narrative’s conclusion.

[foggidawn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The mission of the Fellowship is nearly completed, but the forces of darkness are arrayed against them. What sacrifices must be made, if good is to triumph?This book runs the gamut of emotions. There's heroism in the face of insurmountable odds, hope in the midst of despair, and characters pushed to the very brink of what they are able to bear. And, being the conclusion of the trilogy, there are many long-awaited and much-desired outcomes. And ending after ending after ending. If you've seen the movie recently and thought that it had several different endings, be advised that the book has more, as the characters say goodbye to nearly everyone that they met on their travels! I admit, I got a little choked up at the very end, though. It's been a journey, and I'm a little sad to say goodbye!I'd also like to note that a fair chunk of the book is taken up with appendices. I would reach a key point in the story, and be amazed at how much book was left, only to realize eventually that there was so much back-matter that the book is actually a good bit shorter than it looks!

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Aragorn returns to his kingdom, and Frodo to his. there are appendices of various quality and usefulness. The whole series was great fun. As a student, I paid hardcover prices for all three volumes.

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The third and final volume of The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King brings the story to a close as many of the original fellowship fight the war for Gondor against the evil of Sauron, eventually Gandalf, Aragorn and the other Captains of the West lead their army right to the Black Gate of Mordor where a messenger of Sauron displays Frodo and Sam’s belongings and demands their surrender. Gandalf sees through the deception and the battle begins. Sam and Frodo, meanwhile escape from the orcs that had captured them and although they are extremely tired and the ring is taking it’s toll, they continue on with their quest. Unknown to them, is the fact that they are being shadowed by the Gollum determined to get his “precious” back. It is now a question of timing. Can Frodo stand against the lure of the ring and destroy it? Thank heavens he has the loyal Samwise at his side watching out for him.The Return of the King is a great ending to this tale and I was pleased with the satisfying closure that Tolkien gave his characters. All the loose threads were gathered but not tightly tied, there were some floating ends that could be expanded upon if he so desired. I can now fully appreciate the love that this treasured tale has generated since it’s original publication. With it’s adventurous story, descriptive narrative, and fascinating characters Lord of the Rings is indeed fantasy at it’s best.

[lgandt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Seemed like it would never end. Still much better than the movies though.

[charlotte1162 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Here is the conclusion to the epic trilogy that is 'The Lord of the Rings' and what a conclusion it was. Of course, I knew what was to happen as I had watched the films before reading the novels, however, not everything is the same between the two and parts here and there have been found to be missing from the films. (The near-destruction of the Shire was a particular shock to me!!)
I found Tolkien to be, though at times a little childish in his telling, a truly grand storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed the movement away from dirt and grime that is constant in the film, to a lighter more easier going fairy-tale. I also have to say that I actually quite enjoyed reading about Gollum in the book, he seemed a much more rounded character than I had previously thought him.
I know it was cheeky of me to have incorporated all three books into my reading challenge but I simply couldn't help it! I simply had to finish them, it is little wonder that these books can be listed under an assortment of genres - they really do fit into most types of people's preferred readings. I recommend all of them! :D

[mindea_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read the Lord of the Rings series as a buddy read on Litsy. I had these books on my shelves for a while not, but honestly wasn't sure I'd ever pick them up. I have seen the movies and enjoyed them, and sci-fi is not my typical reading genre. I can't believe how much I enjoyed this series. It added so much depth and dimension to the story and characters that you don't get from the movies. I actually didn't like Sam, Merry or Pippin in the movies, but the books made me love them so much! I liked that they were actually the main focus of the books, where I did not feel that was always the case in the movies. So much happens in these books and it has such a different tone at times than the movies. LOVED!

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This conclusion of the series is chock-full of adventure and thrills. But if your only knowledge of the tale comes from the movies, you will be surprised that much happens after the Hobbits return to their homeland. Tolkien’s writing needs no accolades; it speaks for itself. But the wonderful performance of this narrator only adds to the great writing.

[banoczi_henrietta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

is this the best book i've ever read? yes, yes it is. this series is too good for words, it was so much more than i expected and now i can't wait to re-read it. this last one did make me shed a few tears, as i knew it would but not because it's sad, it's just such a wonderful journey and it made me feel so many things at once it is absolutely incredible.

[razinha-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For my Year of Nostalgic Rereads, this is a must. I don't recall the last time I read all the appendices, though. I ate those up as a kid in the 1970s, marveling at the incredible breadth and depth of his imagination. I still do 40 years later. I cringe slightly now, at his treatment of romance and how a king intuitively knows how to govern because of his blood, but I can overlook it because of my emotional attachment to the stories.

Now on to one I've not read since 1978 - The Silmarillion

[abbeyhar · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don't know, I think I'd just lost interest by this point. It is such a fascinating and complex story, but I found the writing so dry that sometimes it was hard to force myself to continue. I kept picturing how much better the story would sound if it was written in a different way. Ah well. Can't love them all!

[sszkutak_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

i really loved these books, but the detail is almost stunting to the story. Don't get me wrong it creates a wonderful picture but part of what i like about books is that you can create your own image and imagine things in your own way.

[daniel5estes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tolkien's final installment of his classic Lord of the Rings trilogy has its moments of grandeur, but overall it's too similar to the previous book, The Two Towers, in that it's too weighed down by the extended narratives of minor characters.The events at Gondor and the rise of Aragorn are crucial, but the heart and soul of the story, of the whole series, is the against-all-odds journey of Frodo and Sam.

[oel_3-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my bes-loved books!

[booksfordinner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

To paraphrase John Lennon, "before Elvis, there was nothing."

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

Don't rely on the movies. The fight is so much larger, and so much more desperate, in the books, especially in Return of the King.

[lori_eshleman-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review of The Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien. I’ve finished my reread of The Lord of the Rings! Yes, we has! (in Gollum-speak) The highlight has to be Frodo and Sam climbing Mt. Doom, and then the apocalyptic explosion when the deed is done. (If you haven’t read it or seen the movie, I won’t tell you what that deed is.) Their trek through the sere wilderness around the mountain fills one with thirst and dread. While this third part of the trilogy is deadly serious--as it needs to be--Tolkien still manages to provide comic relief in the form of Orcs. As it turns out, Orcs sound like country yokels when one gets to hear them speak. Their minds are not turned toward the higher things (just saying). In fact, they have a propensity to self-destruct, rather like Looney Tunes characters.The third part also gives a portrait of one of the few female characters, Eowyn, the shield-maiden who goes to war in the garb of a man, like Brunhilde or the Old Norse valkyries of legend. But Tolkien makes clear that she is out of her element in this male world. In the words of Aragorn, the hero-king, when she is injured in battle, “Alas! For she was pitted against a foe beyond the strength of her mind or body” (848). She is also shown to be out of her depth in her feelings of unrequited love--an emotion that Tolkien portrays almost as a disease, or mental illness. Whatever her flaws, she is the most fully characterized woman in the novel. Aragorn’s true love mainly shows up for the wedding; even the Ent-wives are nowhere to be seen!Trees and forests, much more than women, play an important role in The Lord of the Rings--and this is no less true in The Return of the King. The area around Mt. Doom is shown to be absent of trees or other growing things, except thorny brambles. The most stunning evidence of destructive industrialization when the Hobbits return home is the loss of the trees; in their place is a great chimney and “a great brick building straddling the stream, which it fouled with a streaming and stinking outflow” (993). Even the “party tree” which launched the novel and the quest is gone. In this, Tolkien’s thinking was prescient, as our precious world drifts ever closer to human-wrought destruction. At the end of the novel, he holds out hope, due to the wonderful elven dust that fertilizes and re-greens the Shire. And, to replace the “party tree,” a miraculous mallorn tree with silver bark and golden flowers from the forests of Lothlorien. Throughout this marvelous work, Tolkien balances destruction with rebirth, despair with hope, and high seriousness with humor. A marvelous work, which is also a work of marvels.

[spazzydragon13 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Of all three of Tokien's Lord of the Rings, this one is by far my favourite. The Return of the King tied up so many loose ends and I was completely satisfied on that part.

However, I still can't stand that Frodo didn't get his justification in the Shire. And that he never got his happiness. With Sam moving on and starting a family, it made Frodo's situation seem worse. He never got to fall in love or have a family. Merry and Pippin were rightly finished, and I like their ending.

All in all, it was very satisfying. I do want to know where that ship anchors at though...