It is absolutely brilliant. I wish I had 30-odd years to write one story though. As wonderful as the stories are, with their own language and everything; we are simply not able to match it today with the time constraints we live under. (I have to say Tad Williams very came close with "The Dragon-bone Chair" set. His characters were just as complete, as were his variety of races, species or whatever we call them these days.) 
 The Hobbit, then the three books of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy were a magnificent, captivating tale from the very first page. The Two Towers, did lull a bit, but it picked up again and suddenly you're whizzed off into a new part of Middle Earth. 
 What a ride...........