The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings, Book 1

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Andy Serkis

Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

This brand-new unabridged audiobook of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first part of J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings, is read by the BAFTA award-winning actor, director and author Andy Serkis.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power - the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord Sauron’s evil dominion.

Thus begins J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic tale of adventure, which continues in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

©2025 Paul Delaney (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and those who are going to read them." (Sunday Times)

"A story magnificently told, with every kind of colour and movement and greatness." (New Statesman)

"Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron." (C. S. Lewis)

Brilliant

Been waiting for this for a while. It's an absolute delight. Serkis is fantastic and gives this wonderful classic text new life and is an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Amazing

First the negative- For my personal taste there’s just too many songs. They add nothing for me, Serkis isn’t exactly the best singer either. When a song is coming I dread the next 3 or so minutes.

Positive- Love Serkis’ performance (minus the above) has some good voices for the characters and very nice to listen to.

Obviously lord of the rings is a legendary series and it’s a great story, it’s been years since I’ve read it (listened this time). I look forward to two towers.

Marvelous

It's too short a book! I want more and more! Best of all Tolkien

amazing

The most beautiful book in the world with amazing performance of Andy Sekis.
I enjoyed every moment.

glo-in

Loved it! Serkis narrates in a much more engaging way than any of the previous LOTR narrators I've heard. That said, I was slightly annoyed by his pronunciation of Gloin (he said "Glo-in") other than that it was perfect.

Better Than Ever!

Andy Serkis’ performance adds a new lease of life to an already fantastic tale. A must listen if you are either a seasoned Lord of the Rings fan, or if you are new to the Lord of the Rings world.

Truly mesmerizing

Amazing voice acting. Andy Serkis did great and believable voices, immerses you fully .

As it should be

Fantastic! So much better than the films. A beloved story brought to life as it was truly meant to be. Top tier narration by Andy Serkis!

The BEST audiobook series ever produced.

I thought a good while about how to convey how unique and incredible this audiobook series is. I don't think it will be enough to write it, you must experience it yourself.

Andy Serkis' performance is incredible, he is a true maestro. When Aragorn talks, you hear Viggo Mortensen. When Boromir talks, you hear Sean Bean. But the performance never is over the top or excessive. I have never listened to an audiobook this unique and immersive. Serkis does more than 20 different voices, with different inflections or accents almost each time.

I am sure you are familiar with the Lord of the Rings, so there is no need to write about it. If you are even remotely interested in Tolkien or fantastic literature, you must experience this series by Andy Serkis.

My only complaint is that this has raised the audiobook bar for me to an unreachable level. I don't think any other work can reach it.

Amazing!

Harper & Collins sure hit the jackpot with the idea of having Andy Serkis read The Lord of The Rings! What a triumph! What a delight! What a great performance! What a magnificent acror! Easily one of the best audio books I've ever heard in my life!