• The Return of the King

  • Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
  • By: J. R. R. Tolkien
  • Narrated by: Rob Inglis
  • Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (27,251 ratings)

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The Return of the King  By  cover art

The Return of the King

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Rob Inglis
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Publisher's summary

The Return of the King is the towering climax to J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy that tells the saga of the hobbits of Middle-earth and the great War of the Rings. In this concluding volume, Frodo and Sam make a terrible journey to the heart of the Land of the Shadow in a final reckoning with the power of Sauron.

In addition to narrating the prose passages, Rob Inglis sings the trilogy’s songs and poems a capella, using melodies composed by Inglis and Claudia Howard, the Recorded Books studio director. This recording also contains Tolkien’s preface to the trilogy, including a prior history of the ring, and shire habitat, history, and folkways.

©1983 Christopher R. Tolkien, Michael H.R.Tolkien, John F.R. Tolkien, and Priscilla M.A.R.Tolkien (P)1990 Recorded Books

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What listeners say about The Return of the King

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Idk what the other guys are talking about

I don’t even get audible chapters like the other guys, book is all out of order and nobody else’s solution works for me, i don’t see 40some chapters only the 1-10for each book. I’m pissed that this doesn’t work and has clearly been an issue for a long time. Guess I’ll start reading reviews before buying books I already know I like with a guy I know is a decent narrator just to see if Audible has screwed it up.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Audio glitches fixed

Glitches referenced in other reviews seem to be fully resolved, I had no issues with it. Tolkien’s skill in narrative, words, poetry, imagery can’t be matched. Also has a strong backbone of clear themes that really move and challenge you to be more noble. Sam’s friendship to Frodo—what a beautiful picture of true, loyal friendship! Faramir’s willing passing of power to Aragorn, what a picture of genuine humility! No lie, came to tears several times while listening on bus rides and commutes.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Change the cover artwork back

You can’t tell the difference at quick glance between the Andy Serkis one and Rob Inglis version just change it back on the old version

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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This is a book that all other fantasies are judged

What more can be said in praise of this classic fantasy novel? This is a must read, and reread, that everyone should own.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • A
  • 01-08-21

best stories

super good book has every thing i wanted. The performance stories and every thing is great.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I was so glad it was finally over. I’m sorry but i found this trilogy to be beyond boring. I guess I’m not surprised I’ve never heard someone say “oh you HAVE to read LOTR it’s so much better than the movies”

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Sad it had to end..

Feeling very sad this book is over. I never wanted it to end. This is the third time I have attempted to read the series. The first two times I got halfway through TRotK and stopped. It's not that I couldn't finish it, but I realize now that the reason I didn't finish was because I didn't want it to be over. Now that it's over, it feels like a part of my childhood is gone.

What a wonderful story. Frodo is a beautiful character; I love his gentle approach and his mercy. So is Sam. Less merciful, but as loyal as it gets. They feel very real.

Someday I will have to read this again. :)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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phenomenal!!!!

this series has been one of my favourites since middle school. The narrated did an absolutely fantastic Job, he was easy to listen to. the parts of the books that involved turning verse into song he did splendid and has a really good voice.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Standard Bearer of Narration

My love for this story and it's characters is forged by Inglis' wonderful rendering. Each character is brought wonderfully to life by his rich vocal performance.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Must Read

Mr. Tolkien has created an amazingly detailed world and pulls you into it. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. A must read for everyone! Mr. Inglis does superb work in his reading; keeping characters differentiated and the listener enthralled.

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