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"Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence"

by Nathan Apr 15,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. The saga, centered around the timeless themes of friendship and heroism, continues to captivate audiences, especially with the anticipation surrounding Season 2 of Rings of Power and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026. Now is the perfect time to delve into the intricate world of Middle-earth.

For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, navigating the extensive collection of Tolkien's works can be a thrilling journey. This guide will help you explore the saga in both chronological and publication order, ensuring you don't miss out on any part of this epic adventure.

How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?

There are four books in Tolkien’s main Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit, and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King).

In addition to these, several other collections and companion books have been published since Tolkien's passing in 1973. We've highlighted the seven most relevant works below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For those embarking on this journey or looking to expand their collection, consider these exquisite book sets. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated versions, though a variety of styles are available to suit any reader's taste.

The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition

0See it at Amazon

The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set

2See it at Amazon

The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition

4See it at Amazon

The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition

4See it at Amazon

The Lord of the Rings Books Reading Order

We've organized Tolkien’s Middle-earth works into two sections: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and LotR books follow the stories of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, arranged by their narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes Middle-earth-related works published after Tolkien's death, listed by publication date.

Here are brief plot synopses with minimal spoilers to guide you:

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks Tolkien’s first Middle-earth book in both in-universe chronology and real-world publication, released in 1937. It chronicles Bilbo Baggins' adventure with Thorin and Company—a group including Gandalf and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—as they attempt to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. This journey introduces key elements like Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. This saga, originally conceived as a single story, spans 9,250 pages written between 1938 and 1955, and was later divided into three volumes for publication.

The story begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film, there’s a 17-year gap before Frodo's adventure starts. As Frodo sets out, he gathers companions forming The Fellowship of the Ring, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom in Mordor. By the end of Fellowship, Frodo decides to continue alone, accompanied by the loyal Samwise.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers continues the saga, splitting the Fellowship into two groups: Frodo and Sam on one path, and the rest of the members on another. While one group confronts orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman, Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, press on towards Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume sees the conclusion of the Fellowship's quest. The heroes face the dark forces of Sauron as Frodo and Sam strive to complete their mission. Post-climax, the hobbits tackle one last challenge in the Shire—a part omitted from the film—before bidding farewell to their journey.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

7See it at Amazon

Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion, edited by Tolkien's son Christopher, is a five-part collection of stories detailing the history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from its creation through the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

7See it at Amazon

This collection, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien, features over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth, covering topics like the origins of the five wizards and Sauron’s search for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

8See it at Amazon

A twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, The History of Middle-earth compiles and analyzes Tolkien's works, excluding The Hobbit, which is analyzed in The History of The Hobbit by John D. Rateliff.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

5See it at Amazon

Set during the First Age, The Children of Húrin expands on the story of Húrin Thalion and his children, exploring themes of defiance and tragedy against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

3See it at Amazon

This love story, set in the First Age, follows the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien’s own romance with his wife Edith.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

8See it at Amazon

The Fall of Gondolin recounts the tale of Tuor, whose actions lead to the downfall of Morgoth, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through his son Eärendil, father of Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor, assembled by Brian Sibley, compiles stories from the Second Age, covering the rise and fall of Númenor and significant events leading to the Third Age.