The very first time I started this book, at 12 years old, a few years before the movies were released, I couldn't get through it. It is now my favorite book of the trilogy and I re-read it in September for the fifth or sixth time. I love how the wider world, hinted at in the Fellowship, opens up in this story- seeing Rohan, seeing Gondon, seeing Ithilien, the kingdoms of men- adds a huge new dimension to Middle Earth. Where the Fellowship starts slow, this book is a race from start to finish. Even though I know exactly what happens, the tension of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimili's chase after the orcs in the fields of Rohan is palpable. The twist and turns that bring Pippin to pledge his sword to Denathor and Merry to Theoden feel as natural and inevitable as they are wild beyond any Shire hobbit's dreams. The death of Theoden is, for me, the most heartbreaking passage in the whole series, and the one part that I have cried over every time. This will not be the last time I read this book.

I have been a fan of this webcomic for so many years. It's so sweet to see the conclusion of this story in the second volume. As far as I know this was Bell and Hazel's first major work and I applaud them for a tale exceptionally well told <3

Extremely well written and worth the hype. This book has a strong message but it never overwhelms the fact that this is a good, engaging story. I loved the voice of Starr, which is freshingly and authentically teenaged. I am very glad to know so many people are finding and reading this book!

Arthur Brut was a detective of art-related crimes before his journeys into the space inside paintings drove him insane. He was been locked in a mental institution ever since. But something terrible is happening in the art world- the Mona Lisa is seen winking, and people are being brutally murder by an Andy Warhol impersonator. Margot Breslin, now director of the Bureau of Artistic Integrity, must pull Arthur from his isolation to face the very problems that drove him mad. I enjoyed the many art history references, but could have done without the cheap cliff-hanger ending.

Re-read for at least the fifth time on a road trip. Such a good book to read in the car!