Customer reviews from LEGO
LEGO - Icons The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook 10367
Average customer rating
4.1
(63 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 63 reviews
5 Stars
33
4 Stars
14
3 Stars
9
2 Stars
6
1 Star
1
70%of customers recommend this product.
(
38 out of
54)
Customer Reviews for LEGO - Icons The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook 10367
Posted by: dcbrickss16
Verified Purchase:Yes
First off, I was very intrigued and cautiously optimistic when this was announced several months ago. Then it was revealed not too long before it came out, and yeah, it looked disappointing for the hefty price. The Balrog is decent, but it needed more orange or better wings or something to make it more menacing. Also its arm joints have almost no friction so its arms fall down and rotate too easily. The sides being open just make it feel less substantial compared to the Sherlock Holmes book nook, also the fact this has only one reused figure doesn’t help with value much either. I really wanted to like this set, but it’s easily the worst new LOTR set yet. I hope this doesn’t mean no more cheap LOTR sets in the future because I’m sure some people would like to see more of those, hopefully with better value to them.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Customer Rating
3
Fair Build, Pricey, and Missing Pieces
on September 14, 2025
Posted by: OfficerSensitiveOlive103
Verified Purchase:No
This was my first Lego set that I put together as an adult, and the main reason I purchased it was that it was the cheapest Lord of the Rings themed set I could get my hands on. I had been wanting to get one of the more expensive sets for a while now, but I couldn’t justify the price, especially considering I am new to the Lego building scene.
The set was fun to put together, and I’m happy that I have a giant Balrog now as part of my first set. But I’m going to go along with the other reviews on the set and say that the value for the money is pretty awful. When I was buying the set, I almost picked up the Vikings village instead of this simply because it had double the pieces and was a few dollars cheaper at the store I was at.
Additionally, I was missing two pieces that were rather small and didn’t make a huge change in how the build looks, but it is a quality control issue that I’m concerned about, especially if you’re spending this much money for a set.
On the top of the Balrog skull, there are two angled pieces, and I was missing number 618-1720, which goes on the right top of the Balrog skull. I was also missing piece number 642-4674, which was part of the frame. Instead, I had to use piece number 455-8953 and could only place one 450-4378 angled pieces instead of two.
I plan on buying another Lord of the Rings set in the future, but probably not anytime soon. I’m a pretty busy individual and wanted to have an introductory experience to a set. I don’t consider myself someone who would become a professional builder at all—just a casual. I hope that sets can come out in the future that are more reasonable in price, but my understanding is that most of the LOTR rings fan base nowadays are all adults who are more likely able to afford the expensive sets and licensing fees likely jack up the price.
The set was fun to put together, and I’m happy that I have a giant Balrog now as part of my first set. But I’m going to go along with the other reviews on the set and say that the value for the money is pretty awful. When I was buying the set, I almost picked up the Vikings village instead of this simply because it had double the pieces and was a few dollars cheaper at the store I was at.
Additionally, I was missing two pieces that were rather small and didn’t make a huge change in how the build looks, but it is a quality control issue that I’m concerned about, especially if you’re spending this much money for a set.
On the top of the Balrog skull, there are two angled pieces, and I was missing number 618-1720, which goes on the right top of the Balrog skull. I was also missing piece number 642-4674, which was part of the frame. Instead, I had to use piece number 455-8953 and could only place one 450-4378 angled pieces instead of two.
I plan on buying another Lord of the Rings set in the future, but probably not anytime soon. I’m a pretty busy individual and wanted to have an introductory experience to a set. I don’t consider myself someone who would become a professional builder at all—just a casual. I hope that sets can come out in the future that are more reasonable in price, but my understanding is that most of the LOTR rings fan base nowadays are all adults who are more likely able to afford the expensive sets and licensing fees likely jack up the price.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Posted by: ChefSneakySandwich105
Verified Purchase:Yes
I don’t understand the prevalence of negative reviews about the ‘book nook’ component of the build. I would think most people, like myself, were interested in this set for one reason - the Balrog. When LOTR first became a Lego theme, we all wanted to see this. We all wanted one of the coolest and most unique terrors of Middle Earth. But for many years it looked as though that hope was lost. Now it’s finally realized, against all expectation, and people seem to be upset that the random background stuff is somehow lackluster. Rather than complain that we didn’t get to invest in an unnecessarily huge Moria backdrop just to get the Balrog, I’m grateful that Lego was able to come up with a clever way to keep the set piece rather minimal and actually potentially useful. Not to mention - I would argue - cost-effective. Yes, I know this set is expensive. So is everything. Especially licensed goods. The fact is they could’ve asked us to pay a lot more for various ruins we didn’t need. Instead we got a Balrog and a dwarven scaffold we can use as a book spacer. Personally, I’m very happy with that.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Customer Rating
4
Great Idea, but I have notes
on January 2, 2026
Posted by: KingPiglet
Verified Purchase:No
Whoever came up with the Book Nook idea needs a raise! I am married and let’s just say not all Lego sets are equal when it comes to aesthetic in a home. LEGO has been doing a great job with the Flower and artwork sets but this is a great happy medium. I get to have a Fiery Duel from the depths of Moria raging on in the background of my bookshelf!
Now I have some notes:
1. It does not close very well. The wings get caught in the flames often, and it does not really look like it was built to be closed. It’s WAY cooler opened up with the wings spread out. So you’re a victim of your own success, I bough it to be a book-nook, but now I never want to close it.
2. The Balrog does not fit well. They did a great job with scale but not when it came to the “Nook” his feet are way too big for the platform. It’s very difficult to stage him, especially when it’s closed. It often looks like he’s just floating there (although, Canonically he does fall down. So I guess that’s why there’s no room for his feet)
3. The wing anchors kinda work. As you try to stage The Balrog, they come loose almost every time.
4. The arm with the whip is loose. It’s very difficult to stage it. It wants to just dangle towards the ground. The other arm has no issues.
1. It does not close very well. The wings get caught in the flames often, and it does not really look like it was built to be closed. It’s WAY cooler opened up with the wings spread out. So you’re a victim of your own success, I bough it to be a book-nook, but now I never want to close it.
2. The Balrog does not fit well. They did a great job with scale but not when it came to the “Nook” his feet are way too big for the platform. It’s very difficult to stage him, especially when it’s closed. It often looks like he’s just floating there (although, Canonically he does fall down. So I guess that’s why there’s no room for his feet)
3. The wing anchors kinda work. As you try to stage The Balrog, they come loose almost every time.
4. The arm with the whip is loose. It’s very difficult to stage it. It wants to just dangle towards the ground. The other arm has no issues.
Overall: great idea, great set, could have done better with execution. I’d love to see more Book-Nooks, the best blend of Nerd and Home decor they’ve done so far. I would love to see more LOTR, Dune, Narnia, or even The Princess Bride!
My wife also bought me a lighting kit for this set which I included in the photos.
Edit: none of my photos (taken on IPhone 13) are willing to upload so I’ll try again later.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Customer Rating
5
Truly Magical
on January 9, 2026
Posted by: MooStacheMan
Verified Purchase:No
First off let me say that I think this set is getting a bit too much criticism and is an overall fantastic build.
The whole time I was building this set I was thinking how satisfying it was to construct the symmetrical “book binding” with the flame inside. People have said this could be a full set instead of a book nook and lacks the “finished” feel with the openings on either side. I personally disagree. I think these elements, along with the finished Balrog make for a wonderful representation of this scene and the Balrogs impact. It takes up about 80% of the space closed and the out folded wings when open is such a delight to see. Anymore detail or pieces and I think it would take away from the magic of this build, and for me, the scene itself that represents the movie and book. I like to think of the opening on either side as us viewers peering onto the beginning of this epic battle and setting the tone for this scene. Again, this is not the universally agreed upon opinion for this set, but it tickled my LOTR fancy and I’m very pleased with this build. And the ability to take the Balrog out so easily is why I rated the playability a 5. It’s a completely adjustable action figure that can be placed in numerous positions for many different additional scenes.
To close yes this isn’t the most affordable, as we’re seeing these days with Lego, for what you get. The price tag does not translate I think and I believe it should be closer to the Harry Potter book nook price tag. The price indicates “You Shall Not Pass” 💀
All that to say, a fun build and if you are a LOTR fan I’d say worth adding to your collection.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Customer Rating
4
Had so much fun building until the end
on January 18, 2026
Posted by: Usagibunny13
Verified Purchase:No
I’m someone who never likes to get anything for myself because I feel like I’m wasting money on myself so when my husband who knows I’ve wanted a Lego set all my life and have an obsession with LOTR seen this in store got this for me I was beyond over the moon. Building it was such an amazing experience and I loved every second of it and was so proud of myself as I got more and more done. It as soon as I was finishing the Balrog and got to his face I noticed I was given 2 right face places instead of a left and right and it crushed me because I knew even though I could continue on he wouldn’t be complete because he’s missing half of his face. I’m in love with how it all looks put together and practically finished but him only having half a face has taken all the joy out of my first Lego set. I sent a missing parts request in in hopes I can get the left face plate but until then I’m deeply saddened looking at it because it goes back to me feeling this is why I don’t like to get myself anything because I feel like it’s a waste of money and time. Hoping the missing piece will come promptly until then it’s sitting on my fireplace mantle 99% completed 😞.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Posted by: CheekyChipmunk19
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought both this set and the Sherlock Holmes set. They cost the same, yet their value couldn’t be more different. This set is a mech set with a bad frame, while the Holmes set is a storybook! The Balrog itself is decent, but this is what you are essentially paying for. The frame itself is superfluous. The flames are cheap looking and flimsy. There was every chance to enclose it all with a proper book cover. With it open there could have been inside the mountain. It’s unfinished. Meanwhile the Holm s set has hidden rooms and moving pieces. It look great open and closed. I feel cheated by this set in comparison.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO
Posted by: Judebowry
Verified Purchase:Yes
All around it’s a nice set just too expensive for what it is. It looks nice but I feel like there has been a significant decline in the quality of Lord of the Rings legos. I hope Lego better incorporates the wants of their customers into future releases. I would love to see more Lord of the Rings sets similar in quality to Barad-Dur or Rivendell. A large scale Minas Tirith would be beautiful but a more impressive remakes of helms deep or orthanc would be wonderful as well. lord of the rings is by far my favorite line of legos and I hope they can continue.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting LEGO