BookPath
Two Towers
J.R.R. Tolkien

Two Towers

Quick Answer

Read "Two Towers" as the 3rd book in the The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Fellowship of the Ring" (Book 2)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 3rd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?
2008971 pp
First ever illustrated paperback of part two of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, featuring 16 colour paintings by Alan Lee, Conceptual Designer on Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin - alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go. JRR Tolkien's great work of imaginative fiction has been labelled both a heroic romance and a classic fantasy fiction. By turns comic and homely, epic and diabolic, the narrative moves through countless changes of scene and character in an imaginary world which is totally convincing in its detail. Part of a set of three paperbacks, this sumptuous edition is available in a smart new livery, and is illustrated in colour by Alan Lee, award-winning artist and Conceptual Designer on Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.
Next Recommended Book

The Return Of The King

Book #4 of 4 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Two Towers?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Two Towers before The Fellowship of the Ring?

No. We recommend reading The Fellowship of the Ring first. Two Towers is the 3th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Two Towers required reading for the The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Two Towers in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Two Towers is The Return Of The King (Book #4).