The Darkening of Mirkwood recounts an impressive and engaging tale of the Wilderland, encompassing all the many peoples, factions and powers of the region. The fate of Mirkwood itself lies within the richly illustrated pages of this volume, drawn from an incredibly brief source… Now, I hate to sound like some stereotypical teacher stood ramrod straight at the front of the classroom holding forth the limp leaves of a textbook, but if you could please turn to Appendix B in your copy of Lord of the Rings (or Return of the King, if you feel inclined).…