Review summary
Brian Sibley arranges Tolkien's Second Age writings into a chronological account of Númenor, Sauron, the forging of the Rings, and the Last Alliance.
Full review
The Fall of Númenor arranges Tolkien's scattered Second Age writings into a single chronological account following Númenor, Sauron, the Rings, and the Last Alliance.
Brian Sibley's structure and Alan Lee's illustrations provide an accessible path through material otherwise distributed across several books.
A Second Age chronicle
The editor reorganizes existing Tolkien texts rather than inventing a new continuous novel.
Who should read it
It is ideal after The Silmarillion for readers wanting a clearer timeline before Unfinished Tales or deeper histories.
Key ideas
- Fear of death corrupts privilege.
- Gifts become tools of domination.
- Faithful memory survives catastrophe.
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FAQ
- Is the text new?
- It primarily compiles and chronologically arranges previously published Tolkien writings.
- Is it related to The Rings of Power?
- It covers much of the same Second Age history, but follows Tolkien's published writings rather than the adaptation.
Reading guide
- Use the chronology.
- Note each source text.
- Distinguish Númenórean factions.
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