Editorial Review
The first complete book by J.R.R. Tolkien in three decades -- since the publication of
The Silmarillion in 1977 --
The Children of Hurin reunites fans of
The Hobbit and
The Lord of the Rings with Elves and Men, dragons and Dwarves, Eagles and Orcs. Presented for the first time as a complete, standalone story, this stirring narrative will appeal to casual fans and expert readers alike, returning them to the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien.
The Children of Hurin, begun in 1918, was one of three 'Great Tales' J.R.R. Tolkien worked on throughout his life, though he never realized his ambition to see it published. Though familiar to many fans from extracts and references within other Tolkien books, it has long been assumed that the story would forever remain an unfinished tale. Now reconstructed by Christopher Tolkien, painstakingly editing together the complete work from his father's many drafts, this book is the culmination of a tireless thirty-year endeavor by him to bring J.R.R.Tolkien's vast body of unpublished work to a wide audience.
Having drawn the distinctive maps for the original The Lord of the Rings more than 50 years ago, Christopher has also created a detailed new map for this book. In addition, it will include a jacket and color paintings by Alan Lee, illustrator of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Centenary Edition and Academy Award-winning designer of the film trilogy.
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Customer Reviews
Disappointed by the lack of engaging characters 
2008-04-29
What made me love the original Lord of the Rings trilogy was the people. The characters of the LOTR were mesmerizing to me - so well articulated, so believable and deserving of my empathy. The Children of Hurin, on the other hand, felt like a dry non-fiction text book on the ancient history of Middle Earth. After a few too many chapters spent almost entirely on recounting the lineage of various families and geographies, I couldn't push on and was forced to stop reading. While I understand the need (and for some the appeal) of lengthy historical background material, it is not engaging enough to sustain me as a reader.
Amazing! 
2008-03-31
It's been a while since I've read a book that's taken my breath away. As most people reviewing would probably agree, more for the Tolkien fan than the casual reader. Such a tragic tale, but one that drew me even deeper into the world of Middle Earth. I love the poetic, flowing writing style of JRRT. Hopefully I can keep his writing in a separate category and enjoy the other fantasy out there for what it is.
Read "The Silmarillion" first... 2008-03-31
This book is very good, and is a lot easier to read than picking the story out of "Unfinished Tales" or "The Silmarillion". But I would not have understood much of the background details and geography if I had not read "The Silmarillion" first. Very fascinating and gives a good perspective of First Age Middle Earth. Highly recommended for true Middle Earth fans.
Excellent Prequel! 2008-03-26
The only book of Tolkien's that I've read previously was The Hobbit (and that was at least 8 years prior). The LOTOR trilogy was a great story in itself and I was looking to branch out from other reading areas. This story reminded me of the tragedy's of Ancient Greece. Without trying to give anything away, the main character, Turin, has a great deal going for him and at the same time a great deal against him. It was tough to see Turin's life unfold and the events that led up to the end of the story...which culminated in -- nevermind, I don't want to spoil it. This tale does not hinge on the LOTOR story, but there are some familiar characters and it does tell some of how Middle Earth became the way it was.
Too Dark For Me 2008-03-23
I love Tolkien and I was so excited to see a NEW book written by JRR Tolkien and edited by his son. I was glad to have read it but it is a dark and somewhat depressing story.
If you a fanatic for Tolkien its a must read. If not, you may want to pass on this one and stick to the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings.
Another great tale 2008-07-25
This book is placed in a setting that is thousands of years before the lord or the rings, but after the similarion, the foreword really places this book well and gives you adequate background information so the similarion does not have to be read before this book.
Its an exciting action packed story that follows the lives of Hurins two children all set in a very dark atmosphere of death and destruction. I wont say more because I do not want to spoil this great read.
This hardcover comes with an illustrated jacket, a fold out map of the lands, as well as a few fantastically drawn images which are full color and monotone dispersed within the pages and chapter beginnings. Its really a great package and helps you visualize the story as well.
Written with the aide of his father's massive amounts of unfinished works and notes this story was artfully pieced together and reads smoothly, its one of those that you start at night and are still reading by sunrise books. your going to like this!
One of my favorite stories of all time 2008-07-01
First and foremost I'm a Tolkien fan. I've read mostly all his writing, and I like all of it, (though I haven't read Roverandum or Leaf by Niggle or whatever they're called). His fantasy, in my opinion, is top notch. So that should give you some idea of my personal biases. But on to the present book.
If there could be any criticism on Lord of the Rings, it would be one of two things - either the book is too long (or, as some of my friends have said who have tried to read it and didn't like it, "Tolkien spends 2 pages writing about scenery!!"), or the author is too "kind" to his characters. Personally, I think Tolkien's writing style is pleasing to read. I enjoy the descriptions of Middle Earth, since Tolkien is such a good writer, but I can see how it can wear on readers who are more interested in dialogue or characters. As to the second criticism, I also understand, although I like the way Lord of the Rings ends.
Anyway, those "problems" or "criticisms" or whatever you want to call them are absent in The Children of Hurin. The book is completely, more than any other book I have read I think, character driven. It is a relatively short read, though packed full of story - there are no 2 to 3 pages of fluff (though, as I said, I would have no objection).
The book is about the life of Turin, the son of Hurin, a man who has been captured and his family cursed by (drumroll...) "The Dark Lord" Morgoth. Throughout his life, Turin experiences many sorrows - encountering death, driven out of his village, surviving alone, warrior, betrayer, unjustly accused, broken hearted. His fate is doomed by Morgoth's evil will. Wherever he goes, sadness follows him. BUT, Turin's strength of will is remarkable, and the transformations he undergoes are interesting. I will not say the book ends happily, but I will say the story ends beautifully. I'll put it this way. You may read the book and feel sad at the end, but you won't feel cynical. You won't feel pessimistic or depressed (at least I don't think the book gives that affect). Instead, you'll feel that, though you just read a sad book, it really illuminated some very good things about life. By being sad, it adds value to happy things.
I actually think this book gives us a better understanding of how good of a STORYteller Tolkien was. Sure, everyone knows he can write well, but, if there were any doubts about his talents as a creater of complex, compelling, original tales, those are undoubtedbly dispelled in this book.
Never before have I read a book of such an appealing length (being not too short or not too long), dealing with so much going on, written so well, filled with such classic scences.
Certainly one of my favorite stories.
Fantasy-tastic.... 2008-06-19
After getting in to this book (it is NOTHING like LOTR, more like Silmarillion) I was sad when it ended.
I really hope that Chris can put together the rest of his fathers notes and bring us another story.
It's better than lord of the rings 2008-06-06
It's very depressing but once I began reading I couldn't stop. There are
bits where I saw huge chances for the characters to have a good life; it's a pity they didn't. when Beleg died I almost couldn't bear to even pick up the book, but after I finished I just had to read it all over again. Children of Hurin is the best book in the world. I really swear.
Heart Felt Epic in a Long Lost History 
2008-06-02
A complete and fluid epic has finally arrived from the history of Middle Earth. Strong and sad characters pitted against a bitter fate. Just, another heart breaking lay as only the elves could write. The story of Hurin's children is put together in a flowing narrative form that traces over many of the other great stories of the early ages of Middle Earth.
My only negative is that the story left me wanting to know more about the times prior to and leading up to the war of the Ring. I guess that most of that history is lost in a fantastically imagined realm we will never fully comprehend.
