Epic fantasy · Classics
The Silmarillion
A collection of linked legends covering the creation of Tolkien's world, the first wars against its original dark lord, and the fall of the Elves' great kingdoms. It reads more like a mythology than a novel.
- First published
- 1977
- Pace
- slow
- Length
- medium
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want the ancient history behind Middle-earth and enjoy elevated, myth-like storytelling.
Skip this if you want conventional characters and dialogue, as it is dense with names and lacks a single hero.
The feel
Content warnings
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Barnes & Noble | Check price | Buy new from Barnes & Noble |
| Print, used | ||
| AbeBooks | Check price | Buy used from AbeBooks |
| ThriftBooks | Check price | Buy used from ThriftBooks |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Silmarillion
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The accessible story that shows where all this history leads, with real scenes and characters.
-
A Wizard of Earthsea
Another fantasy in a mythic, restrained voice, with creation stories and the weight of names.
-
American Gods
A very different, modern novel that also lives among gods and myths.
Epic fantasy
