J.R.R. Tolkien

With the Fellowship broken, the story splits into two parallel journeys. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli race across the plains of Rohan in pursuit of Orcs who have captured Merry and Pippin, forging new alliances with the Riders of Rohan as war with the dark wizard Saruman looms. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam press on toward Mordor, guided by the treacherous and conflicted creature Gollum through perilous marshes and enemy-controlled lands. The two great towers — Orthanc, stronghold of Saruman, and the dark fortress of Barad-dûr — cast their shadow over all of Middle-earth as the forces of evil gather strength and the fate of the quest hangs more desperately than ever in the balance.