The question in this thread title is in future tense, yet the 17th of April is now past. That makes definitive statements easier!

Here in Germany, the translated version of TCoH was also released yesterday. However, I don't own any of Tolkien's works in translation, and I'm not about to start now, so I called a local bookstore which carries a number of English books (including LotR etc.) and asked if they have the new one. They didn't, but said they could order it within a day - and today I picked up my copy!

Admittedly, I'm not as excited about this as a lot of people, never having been as big a fan of Sil and UT as I am of LotR, but this is a one-time opportunity to own a first edition Tolkien book, so I certainly didn't want to miss it. I don't have time to read it right away, but I paged through to look at Alan Lee's illustrations, and they are gorgeous!

Esty,

That was also what struck me when I looked through the book. Lee's pictures immediately drew me in before I even began to read. I love that first plate (the same image seen on the back cover) that shows the Eagles flying towards the hidden city of Gondolin with Húrin and Huor on their backs.

How did I not know this was coming out??

Has anyone read it yet? Is it written well, or is it like the Silmarillian? I don't think I could read it if its in too much of a factual style. Reminds me, I really should finish the Unfinished Tales. Started it, but ironically never finished it :D

Elentari,

Good to see you! I've just started reading mine. The blurbs all say that it's halfway between the style of the LotR and the Silm. From the small bit I've read, that's an accurate description. You might want to eyeball the link that davem put up, which will let you read the first chapter online and get a feel for the book.

I also left you a note on the Gold Perch thread about your RPG questions.

Will do! Missed that link ^^; Still, it'd be a good book to own, just so I can say I have Tolkien's new book :D