Really like the new story. I have read the lotr trilogy and the hobbit, and seen both movie series as well. I personally didn’t like the hobbit movies that Disney made. I felt they were too “Disneyfied” and kind of had more of a children’s movie feel to it. I feel that this is more of a return to the feel of the original lord of the rings movies with more mature themes, and a darker more realistic feel as well as gripping story that so far does amazing as a prequel.