I really liked this book it was much better than the first one the pace was so much better the story was not all over the place it flowed at a pretty good pace. I really liked all of the main characters but the one I liked best were Legolas and Gimli and their growing camaraderie I also really liked Merry and Pippin and their part of the story.The plot moved along pretty well picking up right where book one left off with some of the characters going after others with a couple others getting out of the situation they were in and finally back to the ring bearer and a couple other characters on their way to destroy the one ring. So overall I really enjoyed this book still like the movies better but this is a really good book will finish the last book soon.