Sarah's Reviews > The Children of Húrin

The Children Of Hurin was a perfect read for when I wanted to dive back into Tolkien’s world, but fancied exploring some of the ”Elder Days”, rather re-reading The Hobbit or the LOTR trilogy for the umpteenth time.
I’m a fan of dark literature, obviously as a huge horror fan. This is full of despair, death lurking around every corner, written in Tolkien’s engaging way. Despite the way it is written, it almost begs to be read slowly and savoured. Which I’m glad that I did.

Everything in the First Age is described to be bigger; more evil villains, taller Elves with stronger magic, and man being even more heroic.
The setting of Middle Earth is described to be even richer; more vibrant and spectacular. One could even reach the paradise location of Valinor with ease, a run-of-the-mill boat.
The main hero of the story, Túrin, was well-liked by me. I always click with the brooding and mysterious types.
It is one of those books where you aren’t to expect a happy ending, this is a tragedy. And a bloody brilliantly written one at that.

I believe that J.R.R. Tolkien was one of the main (if not the main) influences during my childhood that kickstarted me being an avid reader. And aspire to write.
I used to give all that credit to JKR and Harry Potter, but upon reflection, I was always more of a LOTR fan that tried to convince myself that Harry Potter was more important and influential because I believed that was the “right” thing to think as a young reader.
I outgrew Hogwarts, but I will never outgrow The Shire.

”But upon all whom you love my thought shall weigh as a cloud of Doom, and it shall bring them down into darkness and despair. Wherever they go, evil shall arise. Whenever they speak their words shall bring ill counsel. Whatsoever they do shall turn against them. They shall die without hope, cursing both life and death”.

5 stars.