The Two Towers

Lord of the Rings, Book 2

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Andy Serkis

Length: 20 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

This brand-new unabridged audiobook of The Two Towers, the second 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.

The company of the Ring is torn asunder. Frodo and Sam continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin - alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go. This continues the classic tale begun in The Fellowship of the Ring, which reaches its awesome climax in The Return of the King.

©1983 Christopher R. Tolkien, Michael H.R.Tolkien, John F.R. Tolkien, and Priscilla M.A.R.Tolkien (P)2021 Recorded Books

.Andy Serkis reads well, sings terribly

Rob Inglis, the old Recorded Books LOTR reader, sings very nicely the many songs in the text, enhancing the listener’s enjoyment.
For some reason, the producer of this new Recorded Books LOTR thought that Andy Serkis should sing the poems. He is a brilliant actor and reader, but his singing is painful to listen to and really detracts from my enjoyment of the recording.

OMG! The best audio version of LOTR.

I have read the Lord Of The Rings many times and have listened to several audio recordings. This one by Andy Serkis is by far the best. Aside from the great work on the multitude of voices, what stands out are the songs. Andy gives each song it’s own flavor and character. It is truly remarkable and makes a case that these books are made better with the audio recording.

Performance was not for me

I love Tolkien & it is hard for me to admit defeat but this audio book was not my cup of mead. I chose this version based on stellar reviews and was looking forward to this performance. I gave up somehere in Fangorn. I just downloaded the earlier version.

My criticism involves the following:

Aragorn 'whispers' or speaks with a downward breathy tone that to me sounds very undecided or morose. I hear Aragorn as a much more forceful character than this Narrator provides. No hero this chap.

The gutteral Orc speech is way over the top.

Gimli the dwarf is the loudest & most irritating Scotsman I could ever conjure.

The twig that broke the camels back was the Treebeard dialogue. Yes I understand that Ents speak in a slow and deliberate basso voice but my goodness this idea was taken 70,000 Ent strides too far. This ended up being a joke that was taken way way too far.

Treebeard singing was painful. I cannot sing a lick in tune but hey I would have pushed HARD for a professional singer to take over this task.

The story is pure magic. I believe it deserves a better performance

My Precious

Just wow. Andy Serkis does a stunning reading of LoTR. If you haven’t read it, are a enthusiast, an Andy Serkis fan, or if you have a few spare credits pick this up!
The Two Towers will stand out. Gollum spends the most time in the trilogy. It’s music for ear holes.

Andy Serkis is the best

I will never again listen to another version of LotR. Andy Serkis truly brings the characters to life.

Wow.Just wow.

I can't believe one man did all these voices. Most of the time I forgot I was listening to a book. Instead, I was off sharing an adventure with some familiar friends in Middle Earth.

Love Andy Serkis!

Andy Serkis is the perfect narrator! My only complaint is the song of the Entwives, that was pretty painful to listen to.

Perfect

Andy Serkis is made of solid gold! This reading of The Lord of the Rings is amazing.

Best narration of the LOTRs I've yet heard!

Exceptional performance by Andy Serkis!! He brought forth all the emotions I had in my initial reading of Tolkien's books many decades ago. very grateful to him!

Epitome

This is, truly, the Best series I’ve ever experienced. I literally cannot wait to receive a token for my next book. Andy Serkis brings the books to life.