Reading the last book aloud for the benefit of one who hasn't yet had the pleasure, and before the movie comes out, so it will be a richer experience in two mediums and 3 dimensions... :) I'm especially noticing the many Tolkien references this time around, though I always knew they were there. So many others as well, but in my opinion this does not make a unique work completely derivative. After all there are only so many stories... Variables and a stout wardrobe make all the difference. Parallel universes. I can't wait.