Somehow I lack understanding about the hype to books

For contents of the books:
I really like fantasy very much. But since I was (for whatever reason) by the end of 20 have not gotten to read LotR, I bought this box to time to see what it has with this highly acclaimed trilogy on itself (the Hobbit now times omitted).
Well ... after 1 month I put the book down (I still lack about the last quarter of the book) started, and another trilogy.
Summary of my Gefuehlzustandes throughout the book (at least up to the point where I've puts away the book):
At first I wondered at first about 100 pages, if anything at all will happen once in this book, or if I accidentally bought a Hobbit encyclopedia ... After finally arrived a few new characters to I wondering if indeed anyone except Gandalf plays any role, because no seem to be useful ... Then came finally a battle !!! ... The captivated me even less important and there I am at the time no matter how garkeine bond had developed into any character - Spoiler - there was so much care that Gandalf sacrificed himself. Then, at the same, well maybe happened here so something ... nope ... nothing ...

Well, Conclusion: I'll probably eventually by sources again through all the books in order to just be able to say: Yes, I read it! And perhaps it is indeed exciting in book 2 and 3 but ... The first book was not my case, and I think it's so much better Fantasybuecher, as this series that deserve at least one just as highly regarded.