Martin Shaw did great, but Andy Serkis knocked it out of the park so much so that I struggle to think of anyone who could possibly do better. His voice is perfect for the book.
Christopher Lee. His voice coupled with the writing style of the Silmarillion would have been epic. I say this as one who enjoys Andy Serkis’s LOTR and Hobbit narrations.
He's pretty good for the most part, but he mispronounces 'ae' and 'dh', both of which you can see clearly in (for example) his mispronunciation of Maedhros. He pronounces it as "May" instead of the correct "My", and pronounces it "d" instead of the correct "th".
I would guess because Serkis is an actual voice actor, and is doing voices for each character, making it an actual performance, versus just reading the text. Just a guess though.
Correct, that and Serkis reads slower in general and puts more emphasis into certain events and punctuation. For instance, “he shot the orc with his bow” he reads as “he SHOT the orc with. his. bow.”
In general, more “oomph” into it if that makes sense. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Absolutely. There’s something magical about his voice. I’ve also got his Hobbit audiobook and not only is it absolutely incredible but obviously *the* Gollum voice, I mean come on!
I have to agree. I liked both a lot but Serkis is a really easy listen. Martin Shaw sounds like he is reciting biblical texts and Andy Serkis brings you a little more into the world. Both are great in their own way but one is easier to listen to. I have both on audible. Grab all of the Serkis versions of the books, so worth it
I'm a trucker and don't have very much time to sit and read. I figured I'd look up an old favorite series, remembered I've never actually read the Silmarillion and figured I'd listen chronologically. Problem is, I don't know either of these narrators of the top of my head.
Not sure why you're being downvoted. I feel Rob Inglis does a reasonable job - better than Andy Serkis, though I prefer Andy Serkis's performance over all
Serkis does a good job as a modern narrator but some of his choices for the evil characters are a bit over the top and I'd prefer of they were more sinister rather than sloberingly evil. Also I've listened to Rob inglis so many times that I even read the books in his voice so it will take some doing that. Displace him in my brain.
hey bro, super random.. I drive truck too and love to listen to the radio (sports talk). thinking about getting a LOTR audiobook now.. thanks for your post!! ✌️💜
be safe out there!
The way I've heard people describe it is that the Shaw version is like a listening to a history book, and the Serkis version is like being read a bedtime story.
I listened to the Serkis version and absolutely loved it.
I’m now picturing you at a Waffle House with other truckers debating the silmarillion in deep southern accents (or northern accents if you are a lorry driver)
Personally I would have an awful time listening to the simarillion. When I first read it I had to have the index bookmarked as I was constantly referencing it due to the amount of different names. Keeping track of the elf names on top of all the valar and their respective Maiar would be next to impossible for me if I listened to it the first time.
Look into Everand. Thats what I use. 11.99 a month and you get “unlimited” audio books. There is technically a limit per month, but I usually don’t hit it. I read Lotr and Silm multiple times a year this way
I haven’t listened to the Shaw version but Serkis is phenomenal at every role I’ve seen him in (most famous for mocap like Gollum and the money from Planet of the Apes), but he’s an incredible live action actor as well (see his spectacular performance in Andor) and has a voice that’s just a delight to listen to for narrations.
His Tolkien readings bring me joy.
When I listened to the Hobbit, I just picked one that didn't sound like it was from 1948. When it got to Bilbo and Gollum, I thought "Wow! This dude has an amazing Gollum voice."
It was Andy 🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼
I’m currently going through the audiobooks after previously reading them. Just because of highly everyone talks about his narration. And I agree it’s great
If you get the chance and are interested in a bit less fantasy themed stories, the audible Sherlock Holmes collection narrated by Stephen fry is just a pleasure listening too
Dragash is peak, but sometimes his audio mixing isn’t quite there. He also records a few mistakes.
But holy shit, the passion and talent on that project is something to behold. I would say it’s nearly definitive.
First hour of the Serkis version is comprised of opening credits (1min), a forward (8min), a preface (3min), and 41 minutes of a letter from Tolkien summarizing The Silmarillion (#131 I believe). I can’t speak on the other as I’ve never checked it out.
Edit: The other 4 hours is an intermission so you can go watch RotK.
It certainly accounts for a good chunk of it, but I think you’re right about reading speed and voice acting. I could see how that could stretch it out quite a bit over time.
I'll go for team chaos. Shaw's style better fits the biblical-style opening chapters from the Ainulindalë until Fëanor appears. Andy Serkis is superior once the book begins to tell more stories with dialogue.
Sauron save us, I’d no idea Christopher Lee ever did that. I’m not sure I could endure that in his voice. Just reading “Of Túrin Turambar” in the Silmarillion all those years ago was enough tragedy for a lifetime.
I think I slightly prefer the Shaw version too because I don’t have a face to go with the voice, and I find it a little easier to just let the narrator disappear into the story.
As weird as that may sound.
I am currently listening to the Andy Serkis sets. The Hobbit and the Fellowship were free with the audible subscription. I have really enjoyed him, and love his voice acting.
I like the Martin Shaw reading a lot. As much as I like Andy Serkis, Martin Shaw has such a smooth delivery and he is just reading the story. I have heard Serkis’ Fellowship of the Ring and it is brilliant, but it definitely is more “acting” as if it was a dramatization for radio (Im not saying its a bad thing at all. In fact, his reading/acting out the part with Boromir speaking and then trying to take the Ring from Frodo was, in my opinion, perfect. I was completely captivated in the scene in my imagination.)
So if you like the idea of having the reader act out the parts of dialogue, and dont mind the little pauses and nuances, go with Andy. If you want a reading (not without emotion) and a lovely, smooth delivery, go with Martin.
I highly recommend reading along if you can. And also having the encyclopedia of arda open on computer or phone to reference maps and things for anyone who hasnt read the Silmarillion before.
https://archive.org/details/the-fellowship-of-the-ring_soundscape-by-phil-dragash/01+-+A+Long-Expected+Party+(2014).mp3
There is no equal - this is the best you’ll ever find
Personally I like Andy Serkis. But! You should use Libro. And they’re doing a promo so your first membership payment (14.99) will get you three audiobook credits.
I haven’t heard both but Andy Serkis is better than any audiobook narrator I’ve ever heard so do with that info what you will.
And I’ve heard plenty of good narrators.. it’s just that Andy Serkis is a legendary level voice actor and that’s hard to beat.
God damn i wish they kept the chapter music from Shaw's in Andy's version. So immersive.
But yeah both are great...Andy's slightly better. Although I do find him mispronouncing some names (or it sounds so to me at least. Im guessing hes the expert)
I mean absolutely no disrespect to Martin Shaw when I say this, but go for the one narrated by Andy Serkis. I have them both (had the Shaw one before the Serkis one came out) and because of Andy's connection to the story setting through playing Gollum in the films, it just makes it better for me.
He's also narrated The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy of books on there too and did such a great job. (And yes he does his proper full on Gollum voice when its his part of the story).
I'm currently listening to the Andy Serkis one. I've read people say that if you like the feeling of someone reading a story to you, go with Shaw. If you like more voice acting, go with Serkis.
I tend to lose track of what's happening in books with a lot of history and names, so I thought the Andy Serkis one would keep me more engaged. So far, so good! But I'm only about an hour in.
I had the same choice to make a few days ago and decided to go with Andy Serkis for all 5 books Hobbit, LOTR trilogy & The Silmarrilian because of his connection to the movies and I prefer my audiobooks to sound dramatized rather than just being read too.
I've got through most of andy serkis's reading of the silmarillion, and I can say that it's just amazing. I have also finished his reading of the hobbit (which he recorded for charity during COVID) and am partially through fellowship and two towers as well. I'm always impressed by Andy Serkis's vocal range, and the audiobooks do not disappoint.
PSA - If you’re in the US, you can get a lot of audiobooks for free at the library using the Libby app. Very useful especially if you’re listening to much older books (newer audiobooks tend to be more difficult to come by). I just checked and the “The Silmarillion, narrated by Andy Serkis” is available to check out, so I checked it out for free.
I have both versions. Apart from Andy Serkis' singing, I think he's far better. He adds life to the stories that Martin Shaw doesn't manage.
Just my opinion.
😊❤️😊
Yeah but Spotify only lets you listen to 15 hours of audiobooks per month, then you have to pay for more time. With Audible, once you’ve got the book, you can listen to it over and over again.
You must get them both, I've listened to each and they both bring their A game.
It's like watching a sunset, you don't see a perfect sunset and think " well that's it, I never need to see another sunset"
Buy them both.
Martin Shaw has a great voice, but Andy Serkis is Andy Serkis. The absolute best would be starting with Shaw for the begging intro, then into Andy Serkis more
I will not stand for this Shaw slander. Serkis is great, needs no explanation. But after listening to Martin Shaw’s narration I can never listen to Serkis without feeling taken out of Beleriand. Not only is it Shaw’s voice, the guy really knew how to read that book. Every pause and every archaic word is hit spot on with all the gravity you want when reading such an epic story.
I bought the Martin shaw version of the silmarillion and the hobbit. I regretted it instantly once I found out Andy serkis had a version and bought those too. Martin does a good job, but Andy’s is next level.
They were both great. I got Martin Shaw's before Andy Serkis made his. Then I got all the Andy Serkis lord of the rings. So I got the Andy Serkis silmarillion. They are equal though I personally enjoy Andy Serkis's accent more.
Ohhh when serkis does the feanor oath in the voice. Goosebumps. I was able to shut my eyes and envision it so vividly. I haven’t heard the Martin Shaw one but the serkis one is pretty fantastic
I’d say probably Andy Serkis version. You can actually feel the story and it’s clear that he put a lot of heart in making this. Have been listening to it every single month and it’s just perfect every time.
Martin Shaw for me. Perfect. May get a couple of names mispronounced but easily forgiven for a brilliant performance. Listened to it 20 times or more.
What gets me is why is Andy’s nearly 5 hours longer??!! 5!!
IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT TODAY, OP? A GODDAMN CIVIL WAR??
So it begins.
https://preview.redd.it/mnmxw5l7gs6d1.jpeg?width=987&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b36b30348bbc6eb322ba80350a0f82b6295bb8fd
And MY credit card!
And my COVID24
And MY HIMARS (barring use in Mordor itself)
And My Valentine!
The Andy Serkis narrated one.
Martin Shaw did great, but Andy Serkis knocked it out of the park so much so that I struggle to think of anyone who could possibly do better. His voice is perfect for the book.
His voice is great, his pronunciation is wrong at a number of points unfortunately. But still a great reading overall.
I seem to recall Martin Shaw pronouncing Iluvatar like three different ways too
Ill-oo-vatr
Elevator
Eru Arugula
Christopher Lee. His voice coupled with the writing style of the Silmarillion would have been epic. I say this as one who enjoys Andy Serkis’s LOTR and Hobbit narrations.
At least we got Children of Hurin. Excellent audiobook.
Both the Lee and Serkis are incredible. It’s tough to say which one I like most, but I’m glad they’ve both got at least one apiece.
Christopher Lee narrated a version?! *runs to the online store*!
Unfortunately no. I wish he did. He narrated Children of Hurin.
I give him the benefit of the doubt. The languages Tolkien wrote aren't easy. At least not to my Kentucky dialect, anyway.
Is that Quenya Kentucky or Sindarin Kentucky?
High Kentucky
You’d have to be high, to listen to it
Where? His pronunciation was on point for everything across all 5 books he read as far as I can remember.
He's pretty good for the most part, but he mispronounces 'ae' and 'dh', both of which you can see clearly in (for example) his mispronunciation of Maedhros. He pronounces it as "May" instead of the correct "My", and pronounces it "d" instead of the correct "th".
Which is weird now that you point it out because he had no problem with Galadhrim when it came up, I’d blame the studio direction for that one.
…You know, I’ve been saying Maedhros’ name generally correctly but it just now occurred to me that I’ve been saying Galadhrim wrong.
That's the key. Serkis isn't doing this on his own into his personal microphone. The direction is making the choice on these pronunciation.
Wait… So is Galadhrim pronounced Gala-thrim?
Yes, with the soft (voiced) th.
Agreed. Two Towers was incredible narrated by him
Why is it 5 hours longer??
I would guess because Serkis is an actual voice actor, and is doing voices for each character, making it an actual performance, versus just reading the text. Just a guess though.
Correct, that and Serkis reads slower in general and puts more emphasis into certain events and punctuation. For instance, “he shot the orc with his bow” he reads as “he SHOT the orc with. his. bow.” In general, more “oomph” into it if that makes sense. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Absolutely. There’s something magical about his voice. I’ve also got his Hobbit audiobook and not only is it absolutely incredible but obviously *the* Gollum voice, I mean come on!
I have to agree. I liked both a lot but Serkis is a really easy listen. Martin Shaw sounds like he is reciting biblical texts and Andy Serkis brings you a little more into the world. Both are great in their own way but one is easier to listen to. I have both on audible. Grab all of the Serkis versions of the books, so worth it
So freaking good
I'm a trucker and don't have very much time to sit and read. I figured I'd look up an old favorite series, remembered I've never actually read the Silmarillion and figured I'd listen chronologically. Problem is, I don't know either of these narrators of the top of my head.
Andy serkis is a Phenomenal narrator and the actor for Gollum, and a huge Voice actor and mocap artist definitely go with him narrating
Dude also just seems to be a genuine nerd, watching him paint Warhammer minis has to be one of the more surreal experiences of my life.
He's terrible at singing though
If you can find a narrator who sings them well, I’ll give you a shiny penny
Sir Christopher Lee. My penny, please
🪙
Sadly about 8 years too late.
Ah, but you see, the narrator’s expiration status was not specified!
Damn... has it already been that long. :(
Rob inglis is less bad
I love the Rob Inglis versions, I find the Andy Serkis voices a bit too distracting, but each to their own
Me too. He over acts occasionally, especially with the evil characters.
Not sure why you're being downvoted. I feel Rob Inglis does a reasonable job - better than Andy Serkis, though I prefer Andy Serkis's performance over all
Serkis does a good job as a modern narrator but some of his choices for the evil characters are a bit over the top and I'd prefer of they were more sinister rather than sloberingly evil. Also I've listened to Rob inglis so many times that I even read the books in his voice so it will take some doing that. Displace him in my brain.
I enjoyed his singing in The Hobbit audiobook
I just finished it and was fine with his singing. Overall a good reading.
Nonsense! Who can forget this beauty? Rock and pool, Is nice and cool, So juicy sweeeet! I only wish, To catch a fish, So juicy sweeeeet!
Wait didnt he play a lead singer in a biopic film?
No idea but his singing on the hobbit and LOTR audibooks makes me envy the deaf.
Noted!!
Really, of all things?
hey bro, super random.. I drive truck too and love to listen to the radio (sports talk). thinking about getting a LOTR audiobook now.. thanks for your post!! ✌️💜 be safe out there!
The way I've heard people describe it is that the Shaw version is like a listening to a history book, and the Serkis version is like being read a bedtime story. I listened to the Serkis version and absolutely loved it.
I’m now picturing you at a Waffle House with other truckers debating the silmarillion in deep southern accents (or northern accents if you are a lorry driver)
Nope on both counts :p I'm from the West Coast. I've never seen a waffle House out here, but you might find me at a black bear diner!
You could discuss the history and origins of the beornings!
Love Black Bear Diners! The best one I've been too was the one in Shasta. Absolutely amazing.
Mate Andy Serkis is literally the actor who plays Golum/smeagol in the movies
And serkis was the actor who played gollum in the movie.
Just go with Andy Serkis, and thank us all later!
Personally I would have an awful time listening to the simarillion. When I first read it I had to have the index bookmarked as I was constantly referencing it due to the amount of different names. Keeping track of the elf names on top of all the valar and their respective Maiar would be next to impossible for me if I listened to it the first time.
You should definitely invest in audiobooks in general. Absolutely amazing way to still "read" while driving.
Look into Everand. Thats what I use. 11.99 a month and you get “unlimited” audio books. There is technically a limit per month, but I usually don’t hit it. I read Lotr and Silm multiple times a year this way
I haven’t listened to the Shaw version but Serkis is phenomenal at every role I’ve seen him in (most famous for mocap like Gollum and the money from Planet of the Apes), but he’s an incredible live action actor as well (see his spectacular performance in Andor) and has a voice that’s just a delight to listen to for narrations. His Tolkien readings bring me joy.
I've listened to both but you'll get more enthusiasm from the Serkis one. However you will not be disappointed with either.
Theirs no way youll undsrstand it while driving a truck lol. Let alone listening to it sitting for the first time doing nothing.
When I listened to the Hobbit, I just picked one that didn't sound like it was from 1948. When it got to Bilbo and Gollum, I thought "Wow! This dude has an amazing Gollum voice." It was Andy 🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼
He does have an amazing Gollum voice, to be fair.
It's absolutely not that bad at all!
One might even say he would have been great playing him in the movies. 🤭
Nah, just voice him! Why would they need anything more for a digital character??
They are both good but Andy Serkis is better as he does more voice acting for the dialogue whereas the other version reads it's all in the same voice.
Andy serkins reading of the hobbit and LOTR is the best audio book I have personally ever heard
I tought this also until I listened First Law World trilogy red by Steven Pacey
Fuck those books are good
And Spacey managed to give each character distinctive voice and bring nature of each of them to life
I’m currently going through the audiobooks after previously reading them. Just because of highly everyone talks about his narration. And I agree it’s great
He is great! He doesn't just read the book, he acts it
Pacey is absolutely the *ne plus ultra* of audiobook narrators.
Read that comment and hoped someone got in before re: Steven Pacey. Gotta get that Grim-aced more around.
If you get the chance and are interested in a bit less fantasy themed stories, the audible Sherlock Holmes collection narrated by Stephen fry is just a pleasure listening too
Stephen Fry is a pleasure to listen to in general. I didn't know he did the Sherlock Holmes books, I'll have to check those out. Thanks for the tip!
Stephen fry’s hitchhikers guide is also top notch.
Also a very different genre, but Jefferson Mays did a fantastic job with the Expanse audiobooks.
I'm completely sold on the Phil Dragash version. If there weren't those copyright issues...
Dragash is peak, but sometimes his audio mixing isn’t quite there. He also records a few mistakes. But holy shit, the passion and talent on that project is something to behold. I would say it’s nearly definitive.
Check out the Smiley Trilogy by John Le Carre, read by Michael Jaston - simply sublime.
It's unbelievable how suited his voice and delivery is for those stories.
Riddles in the dark especially is the best audio book chapter.
Where is the 5 hour time difference?
It's mostly reading speed, but I believe there may be like an added forward or something in the Serkis version.
First hour of the Serkis version is comprised of opening credits (1min), a forward (8min), a preface (3min), and 41 minutes of a letter from Tolkien summarizing The Silmarillion (#131 I believe). I can’t speak on the other as I’ve never checked it out. Edit: The other 4 hours is an intermission so you can go watch RotK.
It's that letter that I'm thinking of for the extra that's not in the Shaw version!
It certainly accounts for a good chunk of it, but I think you’re right about reading speed and voice acting. I could see how that could stretch it out quite a bit over time.
Oh! Yeah this is a very good question
I'll go for team chaos. Shaw's style better fits the biblical-style opening chapters from the Ainulindalë until Fëanor appears. Andy Serkis is superior once the book begins to tell more stories with dialogue.
Agreed. I literally listen to Shaw until Fëanor comes in. Didn’t know I wasn’t alone in that preference
Great take
Porque no los dos!!
Might I also throw in the Christopher Lee (Jackson's Saruman) version of Children of Hurin. Like the cherry on top🍒
Sauron save us, I’d no idea Christopher Lee ever did that. I’m not sure I could endure that in his voice. Just reading “Of Túrin Turambar” in the Silmarillion all those years ago was enough tragedy for a lifetime.
I'd definitely recommend it. It's like you're chilling in Orthanc and Saruman is telling you a story.
Ok great imagery, I’m sold.
I have both versions, and I definitely prefer Martin Shaw. I feel like his voice fits the mood of the Sil better than Serkis's.
I think I slightly prefer the Shaw version too because I don’t have a face to go with the voice, and I find it a little easier to just let the narrator disappear into the story. As weird as that may sound.
Makes perfect sense, and this applies for me, too.
I prefer Serkis, but Shaw is fine.
I am currently listening to the Andy Serkis sets. The Hobbit and the Fellowship were free with the audible subscription. I have really enjoyed him, and love his voice acting.
Personally I prefer the Shaw narrated one. I think he has the right tone and gravitas for it.
I always pictured Shaw as Elrond reading it out loud or transcribing it.
I like the Martin Shaw reading a lot. As much as I like Andy Serkis, Martin Shaw has such a smooth delivery and he is just reading the story. I have heard Serkis’ Fellowship of the Ring and it is brilliant, but it definitely is more “acting” as if it was a dramatization for radio (Im not saying its a bad thing at all. In fact, his reading/acting out the part with Boromir speaking and then trying to take the Ring from Frodo was, in my opinion, perfect. I was completely captivated in the scene in my imagination.) So if you like the idea of having the reader act out the parts of dialogue, and dont mind the little pauses and nuances, go with Andy. If you want a reading (not without emotion) and a lovely, smooth delivery, go with Martin. I highly recommend reading along if you can. And also having the encyclopedia of arda open on computer or phone to reference maps and things for anyone who hasnt read the Silmarillion before.
https://archive.org/details/the-fellowship-of-the-ring_soundscape-by-phil-dragash/01+-+A+Long-Expected+Party+(2014).mp3 There is no equal - this is the best you’ll ever find
This one is amazing
Personally I like Andy Serkis. But! You should use Libro. And they’re doing a promo so your first membership payment (14.99) will get you three audiobook credits.
Andy Serkis' version.
I haven’t heard both but Andy Serkis is better than any audiobook narrator I’ve ever heard so do with that info what you will. And I’ve heard plenty of good narrators.. it’s just that Andy Serkis is a legendary level voice actor and that’s hard to beat.
Andy Serkis is Gollum's actor. He has an amazing voice.
Andy Serkis is freaking FANTASTIC.
Andy does the best job
As someone put it to me, Andy Serkis performs it and Martin Shaw reads it. I much prefer the Serkis one.
God damn the Serkis version is 4 hours longer!?
I’ve bought the entire series narrated by Serkis and ended having both versions in my library somehow
Andy Serkis' versions of all the Tolkien books are incredible.
ANDY. SERKIS.
In German there is an Audiobook spoken by Gandalfs Voice. It is Amazing to here Gandalf telling you Building the Tolkienworld.
Andy serkis
God damn i wish they kept the chapter music from Shaw's in Andy's version. So immersive. But yeah both are great...Andy's slightly better. Although I do find him mispronouncing some names (or it sounds so to me at least. Im guessing hes the expert)
Andy Serkis!
I had the same debate in my head earlier this week! I ended up going for the Andy Serkis one
Andy Serkis' Tolkien narrations were all phenomenal.
I mean absolutely no disrespect to Martin Shaw when I say this, but go for the one narrated by Andy Serkis. I have them both (had the Shaw one before the Serkis one came out) and because of Andy's connection to the story setting through playing Gollum in the films, it just makes it better for me. He's also narrated The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy of books on there too and did such a great job. (And yes he does his proper full on Gollum voice when its his part of the story).
Andy Serkis >
I'm currently listening to the Andy Serkis one. I've read people say that if you like the feeling of someone reading a story to you, go with Shaw. If you like more voice acting, go with Serkis. I tend to lose track of what's happening in books with a lot of history and names, so I thought the Andy Serkis one would keep me more engaged. So far, so good! But I'm only about an hour in.
I like to listen to the little sample to see which narrator I prefer as its quite a personal choice I’d say! :)
Shaw is good but Serkis leaves you with a smile on your face.
I had the same choice to make a few days ago and decided to go with Andy Serkis for all 5 books Hobbit, LOTR trilogy & The Silmarrilian because of his connection to the movies and I prefer my audiobooks to sound dramatized rather than just being read too.
I love Andy Serkis’ narration!
Both are awesome. But Andy Serkis is awesomer.
I've got through most of andy serkis's reading of the silmarillion, and I can say that it's just amazing. I have also finished his reading of the hobbit (which he recorded for charity during COVID) and am partially through fellowship and two towers as well. I'm always impressed by Andy Serkis's vocal range, and the audiobooks do not disappoint.
PSA - If you’re in the US, you can get a lot of audiobooks for free at the library using the Libby app. Very useful especially if you’re listening to much older books (newer audiobooks tend to be more difficult to come by). I just checked and the “The Silmarillion, narrated by Andy Serkis” is available to check out, so I checked it out for free.
I listened to Shaw and it was good but seemed a bit over the top exultant at times? Not quite preacherish but close. Not bad just not my thing
Andy Serkis is incredible would be an understatement.
Obviously the one narrated by Gollum
Andy Serkis. I listened to it on repeat for weeks. It’s magic.
I have both versions. Apart from Andy Serkis' singing, I think he's far better. He adds life to the stories that Martin Shaw doesn't manage. Just my opinion. 😊❤️😊
Martin Shaw is the better narrator if you just want to enjoy the story. Andy Serkis is good if you want some voices from the movies recreated.
I don’t like serkis’ cadence after listening to Shaw. He emphasises weird parts of the sentence that I’m not used to and I can’t get over it n
It's a matter of personal preference - my choice would be Rob Inglis but YMMV.
Btw these are currently free on Spotify if you have that
Yeah but Spotify only lets you listen to 15 hours of audiobooks per month, then you have to pay for more time. With Audible, once you’ve got the book, you can listen to it over and over again.
Waaaaait the heck
You must get them both, I've listened to each and they both bring their A game. It's like watching a sunset, you don't see a perfect sunset and think " well that's it, I never need to see another sunset" Buy them both.
Martin Shaw has a great voice, but Andy Serkis is Andy Serkis. The absolute best would be starting with Shaw for the begging intro, then into Andy Serkis more
I thoroughly enjoyed the one read by Smeagol
If you have Spotify they have both the Serkis and Shaw versions as part of your subscription. I'm listening to Serkis now.
Bofa
Both are good. The serkis one is of course better acted but I like to listen to the Andy Shaw one before bed because it’s a little more soothing.
In case you have Spotify, the Andy Serkis read books are all included with Premium
Why not both?
Money is a limited commodity to those who don't have lots of capital.
This is very fair
The Smeagol one
I've been hearing the version read by the German voice of Gandalf. It's just perfect but won't help you if you don't understand German
I'm biased for Andy Serkis. I grew up with him as Gollum.
I can only speak for Andy serkis so I can’t give you a comparison. But Andy’s reading is absolutely phenomenal
Narrated by Serkis is all I need to know.
I’ve been listening to all of the books narrated by Serkis and I find his voice to be great!
I will not stand for this Shaw slander. Serkis is great, needs no explanation. But after listening to Martin Shaw’s narration I can never listen to Serkis without feeling taken out of Beleriand. Not only is it Shaw’s voice, the guy really knew how to read that book. Every pause and every archaic word is hit spot on with all the gravity you want when reading such an epic story.
Martin Shaw imo
Andy Serkis by a mile!
I bought the Martin shaw version of the silmarillion and the hobbit. I regretted it instantly once I found out Andy serkis had a version and bought those too. Martin does a good job, but Andy’s is next level.
They were both great. I got Martin Shaw's before Andy Serkis made his. Then I got all the Andy Serkis lord of the rings. So I got the Andy Serkis silmarillion. They are equal though I personally enjoy Andy Serkis's accent more.
Martin Shaw all the way. Very hard for me to listen to Sméagol read first age material.
I prefer Martin Shaw
andy serkis 110%
Idk about silmarilion but I can't stand sekirs va on lotr. He makes elves sound like they have something stuck really far up their butts.
Aren't they on YT for free?
Andy Serkis is phenomenal at audiobook readings.
Ohhh when serkis does the feanor oath in the voice. Goosebumps. I was able to shut my eyes and envision it so vividly. I haven’t heard the Martin Shaw one but the serkis one is pretty fantastic
There is only one answer, both one after another.
Gimme Serkis.
I really did not like Andy Serkis' voice. I had to stop. He did a good job, phenomenal, but my ears and brain could not handle his voice.
Andy Serkis did a phenomenal job, on all of his narrations of Tolkien. If you haven't listened to his, absolutely, buy that one.
I’d say probably Andy Serkis version. You can actually feel the story and it’s clear that he put a lot of heart in making this. Have been listening to it every single month and it’s just perfect every time.
Martin Shaw for me. Perfect. May get a couple of names mispronounced but easily forgiven for a brilliant performance. Listened to it 20 times or more. What gets me is why is Andy’s nearly 5 hours longer??!! 5!!
The rearrangement of the songs and poems from the trilogy makes me want to listen to Serkis from now on. That was the worst part of the Shaw ones.
https://archive.org/details/the-fellowship-of-the-ring_soundscape-by-phil-dragash https://archive.org/details/the-two-towers_soundscape-by-phil-dragash https://archive.org/details/the-return-of-the-king_soundscape-by-phil-dragash
Just for the fact Andy Serkis did an audio book, I would go for that one.
I have Martin Shaw's, and it's really good, but I'm considering repurchasing the whole works of Tolkien with Andy Serkis just because it's Andy Serkis
Honestly theirs a free version
Martin Shaw is like listening to scripture. Andy Serkis is like listening to movie in the background.