[greyhavener]

I consider Lord of the Rings the very best fiction work I've ever read. It gets a 10.
How I rate the Sil depends on whether I look at it as a fictional story or an informational history.

As a fictional work, the Silmarillion probably gets a 7.5. It is somwhat disjointed. Some of the stories like Beren and Luthein are awesome, but many of the characters aren't fleshed out as much as I'd like, especially the Maiar. I want to know these characters better. I could do with more detail in some of the stories as well.

As an informational work I'd give it a 9. All the maps and charts and explanational notes are outstanding. It clearly defines each characters' role in the history of middle earth.