Thanks! We're halfway through the next book, so expect another review in a few weeks. :)

I enjoy doing them and the kids like listening to the books, but groan when I tell them it's time to go over our thoughts for the review. Typical teens. LOL

It's a great Urban Fantasy series. And that quote sums up what I said after reading the LOTR books. Frodo wouldn't have gotten out of the damn Shire let alone all the way to Mordor if it weren't for Sam.

Exactly! We just watched The return of the King again (it's some years since I read the books the last time) and I had that exact same discussion with dh, that the best/most important hero in this book is Sam.
We spoke about the discrepancy in the noble classic beautiful heros (Aragorn, Legolas, Boromir and all the rest) and the hobbits as a whole. And Sam is a special case of the hobbits, as he is basically a loyal servant to the country gentlemen Bilbo and Frodo.
I am not sure if Tolkien meant that as a social commentary (Sam being the true HERO despite his social standing, subtle social critic of 19th/early 20th century English society) or not really naming him the true hero because of his social standing and in spite of his service, courage, loyalty, strength and so on.

Ok, confusing brabble, but I guess you know what I mean :-)

I do. :) I like to think that he didn't actually name Sam as the hero because a true hero usually likes to remain unsung. They also don't think of themselves as heroes and I believe that's how Sam is portrayed.