The Two Towers (the hobbit book 3)

The fellowship fractures in this middle chapter, splitting characters into parallel narratives. Frodo and Sam brave the treacherous lands of Mordor, guided by the enigmatic Gollum, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rally allies against Saruman’s armies. Tolkien deepens the saga’s moral complexity, exploring loyalty, betrayal, and the resilience of hope. The Battle of Helm’s Deep and the fall of Isengard showcase Tolkien’s talent for blending large-scale conflict with intimate character moments. A pivotal book that escalates the stakes and cements the series’ emotional weight.