Bear in mind a LOT of liberties were taken with the movies. In fact, I believe (as it's been a long time since I read it) not all those who died in the movie did so in the book. Plus no ridiculous Tauriel/Legolas baloney. The overall tone is lighter than LotR because it was originally a tale for Tolkien's children (my father says the beginning of the trilogy - the party, etc - is in the same mode). Worth the read at least once.