You have done very well to have read/seen the first, Michael. I think it is fine when someone says 'Not for me' after at least trying it. Personaly I think the overall concept can't be seem from that first glimpse but at least you tried - A damn site more that some! I would no more push my views onto anyone than I would let them push theirs so I completely accept your views on ot.

Funny you should mention LOTR. I have started to read 'The Hobbit' to my grandson recently (he is too young yet but I am enjoying it :-) ) and I realised that a lot of people would have been put off by the first glimpse into that world.

In a hole, in the ground there lived a Hobbit.

Childish? Possibly. Childlike. Almost certainly. The prelude to, arguably, the most influential work in English fantasy? Who would have thought it :-)

Cheers

DtG