100% epic

Ahead I heard many times that the book read hard leaving that it was interesting, but not so exciting.
In my eyes, the book reads like a novel but equally liquid, even if the Silmarillion is none. It's more like a book on myths. Specifically, it recalls in particular Celtic myths and even the beginnings of Norse mythology. And even if it is not this allure of the exotic, strange-looking has, like the old myths, so it is perhaps for this exciting in its history. In its basic idea is definitely a very nice myth. Beginning with the creation history of the Elves and their world is told, to the point where the last Elves leave Middle-earth.
Of course, then dip also famous names such as Galadriel, Elrond on etc.. But not only elves, humans and dwarves (Hobbits find the way virtually no mention) form the main characters, but also their "gods", the Ainur (or Valar). It tells of the struggle against the most powerful of the Ainur, who turned away from the light and sought to gain more power. This involves significantly more violent and bloody than in 'Lord of the Rings'. While the latter is more likely designed in black and white, shimmering 'Silmarillion' in gray tones. Good and evil are not so clearly separated. War, betrayal and greed dominate the action. But also stories of love and honor emerge here and there.
The 'Silmarillion' is of particular interest to the reader, the 'Lord of the Rings' like, but above all also to a little enthusiasm for myths. However, those who expected a detailed narrative, will be disappointed.
Now a few words about the issue of Harper-Collins, who is almost 30 € anything but favorable. I opted for this particular issue because I also own both The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings by HarperCollins. In both of these is true gems (I wrote about these issues detailed reviews). Unfortunately, does not reach the issue of 'Silmarillion' this high level. Although it is designed in a similar layout and personally provided with a beautiful, matching Illustration of JRR Tolkien as cover picture, but otherwise there is no reason that would justify the high price. No high-quality paper, no illustrations or larger cards (cards are on two sides in landscape mode printing) and very extensive, the book is not (370S., But it has a 60-page appendix with glossary, pedigrees, maps and an index on the vocabulary of the same language; I do not know if other expenses have also above). For me as a collector is also a pity that the book is not the same height as the other editions of HP.
Readers who have good command of English, but an English edition is warmly recommended, because the language a large share of the stimulus, the exercises in this book has, in any case.
CONCLUSION: The novel is to be bought in any case worth. But if there should be an English-bound version, perhaps the issue of Houghton Mifflin Company an interesting alternative (called not own up and therefore does not want me too far out on a limb; when it comes to "Lord of the Rings" Illustrations prefer I though Alan Lee, who "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" illustr for HarperCollins., Ted Nasmith ago but badly The second one is not.).