Series
Genres
Publication
Orbit (2008), 384 pages
Description
Geralt de Riv, a witcher, uses his vast sorcerous powers to hunt down the monsters that threaten the world, but he soon discovers that not every monstrous-looking creature is evil, and not everything beautiful is good.
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User reviews
LibraryThing member Tom_Wright
This was described to me as the Polish Tolkien.
This doesn't read like Tolkien at all.
Thank goodness.
This doesn't read like Tolkien at all.
Thank goodness.
LibraryThing member magemanda
This is an interesting collection of stories translated from its original Polish in an accomplished manner. The fairytales deal with Geralt, who is a witcher. We are given hints as to how and why witchers are created, and it's an intriguing premise that I hope is explored more fully in later books
Geralt is an entertaining character - a brusque individual who goes about his business with the minimum of fuss and maximum violence. In the course of his travels we also meet other fascinating people - including Yennefer, a powerful sorceress who manages to ensnare Geralt, and Dandilion, a rather flamboyant troubadour. Having said that, all of the characters suffer from being only minimally developed in this introduction to Sapkowski's world.
By far the most interesting part of this book are the monsters, sprites, djinns and elves. All of them take their inspiration from folklore, history and fairytales, lending the book a traditional and familiar flavour. I do like how Sapkowski explores the theme of appearances being deceiving. Some of the very prettiest creatures here act in a nightmarish fashion, while a couple of those gruesome in appearance are revealed to have good souls.
I am giving this a slightly above average rating for this aspect, but overall it was no more than a competently-written set of short stories linked by the character of Geralt. I would have liked to see a little more resolution of some of the stories, but I do look forward to reading more by this author.
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by this author.Geralt is an entertaining character - a brusque individual who goes about his business with the minimum of fuss and maximum violence. In the course of his travels we also meet other fascinating people - including Yennefer, a powerful sorceress who manages to ensnare Geralt, and Dandilion, a rather flamboyant troubadour. Having said that, all of the characters suffer from being only minimally developed in this introduction to Sapkowski's world.
By far the most interesting part of this book are the monsters, sprites, djinns and elves. All of them take their inspiration from folklore, history and fairytales, lending the book a traditional and familiar flavour. I do like how Sapkowski explores the theme of appearances being deceiving. Some of the very prettiest creatures here act in a nightmarish fashion, while a couple of those gruesome in appearance are revealed to have good souls.
I am giving this a slightly above average rating for this aspect, but overall it was no more than a competently-written set of short stories linked by the character of Geralt. I would have liked to see a little more resolution of some of the stories, but I do look forward to reading more by this author.
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LibraryThing member SkjaldOfBorea
The first Witcher volume (chronologically) is also the best of the entire series. The great - in fact spectacular - world-building does emerge only later, but the early stories are far the tightest-written & most archetypal.
LibraryThing member drmaf
Simply amazing read. Deceptively simple story, but with layer upon layer of meaning, lore and nuance. Geralt of Rivia is a witcher, bred and trained to kill monsters, a necessary service but not guaranteed to win popularity. After being severely injured besting a striga, a she-demon born from an
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incestuous royal coupling, Geralt recuperates at a temple. While forming a complex relationship with Iola, a mute girl with predictive powers, he relates adventures in his life leading up to his meeting the seductive sorceress Yennefer. His on and off again sidekick, the troubadour Dandilion, features frequently, usually managing to get Geralt in some sort of trouble. The stories require close attention to read, conversation is sparse and Sapkowski prefers to let readers work things out for themselves, but everything that happens has depth, consequence and weight. With many more books in the series, it pays to invest time in reading this one, as much will become clearer later on. Top-flight addition to the burgeoning fantasy - c*m - sword & sorcery market, its not hard to see why it has morphed into a best-selling game and an absorbing and addictive TV series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Letora
Once a human, Geralt has undergone a series of rituals to become a witcher. A hunter of monsters. In this novel, readers will experience a collection of short stories that show snippets of Geralt's life. But while he hunts monsters for money, he also lives by a code. Geralt understands that not all
The novel is structured around Geralt recovering from a monster attack. As he stays at a temple to heal, the short stories of his life are woven in between his interactions with the priestesses. Geralt is encouraged to seek a vision of his future as the past is strung out before the reader's eyes. Readers will learn that Geralt is not someone who can be swayed when he puts his foot down and outright refuses to see his future. And why might you ask? He seems to already know. But how he attained this information I have no idea.
A common theme throughout the novel is that Sapkowski prefers his readers to put the pieces together themselves. Readers are thrown into the world of witchers with next to no explanation. Those who have played the video games will be able to grasp the concepts quicker than readers who have not. I fall into the latter category and I was left grasping at straws. The first few short stories were confusing and not well translated. The number of adverbs used to describe just about everything wanted to make me scream. I did notice as the novel continued, the use of language improved and I was able to immerse myself in the story.
I did happen to notice that each short story is based around a fairy tale. It seems an odd mix of worlds, but Sapkowski does a good job of blending the two. I did, however, find that the short stories never connected. While they all featured the witcher, they seemed to be a random progression of his life. I was left confused and wondering what in the world the point of all the stories was. I can say I am interested in continuing the story of Geralt because he is a worthy character, but I hesitate because of the number of unanswered questions left behind.
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monsters are killers.The novel is structured around Geralt recovering from a monster attack. As he stays at a temple to heal, the short stories of his life are woven in between his interactions with the priestesses. Geralt is encouraged to seek a vision of his future as the past is strung out before the reader's eyes. Readers will learn that Geralt is not someone who can be swayed when he puts his foot down and outright refuses to see his future. And why might you ask? He seems to already know. But how he attained this information I have no idea.
A common theme throughout the novel is that Sapkowski prefers his readers to put the pieces together themselves. Readers are thrown into the world of witchers with next to no explanation. Those who have played the video games will be able to grasp the concepts quicker than readers who have not. I fall into the latter category and I was left grasping at straws. The first few short stories were confusing and not well translated. The number of adverbs used to describe just about everything wanted to make me scream. I did notice as the novel continued, the use of language improved and I was able to immerse myself in the story.
I did happen to notice that each short story is based around a fairy tale. It seems an odd mix of worlds, but Sapkowski does a good job of blending the two. I did, however, find that the short stories never connected. While they all featured the witcher, they seemed to be a random progression of his life. I was left confused and wondering what in the world the point of all the stories was. I can say I am interested in continuing the story of Geralt because he is a worthy character, but I hesitate because of the number of unanswered questions left behind.
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LibraryThing member reading_fox
The introduction to Geralt of Riva - Witcher. Translated from the original Polish.
A collection of chapters each of which is an adventure in it's own right with little reference to previous events, hence more short stories than a full novel. Geralt, already famous as a dedicated witcher (monster
Although Witchers have no formal code geralt has developed a fine sense of justice - considering he is basically a mercenary - some contracts he won't take, others he'll resolve in his own way. But he has to be paid to live. The various adventures relate different circumstances in which he finds himself and how these have helped to deveop a fine sense of ethics. None ofthe other characters get much more than passing description butGgeralt himself is an interesting study. Sapkowski's world is vibrantly filled with monsters of all kinds - far away from the traditional norms. But the shortness of each tale means we don't get much detail. Its a fast paced book. And relates very closely to the computer game developed from it. There aere amusing references to various traditional fairy tales.
Enjoyably inventive fantasy world, without much background depth. Readable especially for fans of the PC game.
A collection of chapters each of which is an adventure in it's own right with little reference to previous events, hence more short stories than a full novel. Geralt, already famous as a dedicated witcher (monster
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killer for hire) comes to the town of Wizema to redeem a princess cursed to a particularly malevolant werewolf form called a striga. He recouperates at a monestry dedicated to the goddess Melitele run by the priestess Nenneke, and there he relates various tales, as she tries to probe the cowel of Destiny which surrounds him.Although Witchers have no formal code geralt has developed a fine sense of justice - considering he is basically a mercenary - some contracts he won't take, others he'll resolve in his own way. But he has to be paid to live. The various adventures relate different circumstances in which he finds himself and how these have helped to deveop a fine sense of ethics. None ofthe other characters get much more than passing description butGgeralt himself is an interesting study. Sapkowski's world is vibrantly filled with monsters of all kinds - far away from the traditional norms. But the shortness of each tale means we don't get much detail. Its a fast paced book. And relates very closely to the computer game developed from it. There aere amusing references to various traditional fairy tales.
Enjoyably inventive fantasy world, without much background depth. Readable especially for fans of the PC game.
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LibraryThing member GingerbreadMan
Geralt is a witcher, which is kind of the practical end of wizardry. More about swords than wands, witchers specialize in killing the monsters that frequently terrorize villages and towns. For a reward, of course. Respected, but not particularly loved, witchers are the result of mutations and
In many ways, this is much too muscular fantasy for my taste. I’ve never been a big fan of deep set, brooding eyes, bulging biceps and lightning fast sword play. But Sapkowski redeems this by creating a hero that also has fears, weaknesses and doubts. Geralt’s attempts at holding on to his moral compass makes for a more complex main character, but also some pretty interesting philosophical discourse. One of these short stories, for instance, deals with the concept of “a lesser evil”, and devotes several pages to explore it in conversation between the characters. Pretty unusual.
I also much enjoy the world Sapkowski creates, using strong fairy tale elements in a dark context. This is a world full of evil step mothers, transformed princes and threefold wishes, but where those things feel very real and scary. It’s the kind of book that gives you a feel what it might actually be like to live in a village where a curse claims a child every year or a dragon looms in the nearby hills. It’s not unique, but well executed. Sapkowski also derives some dry humour from this setting. I love how Geralt, for instance, sighs over all those dimwitted third sons of millers who for some reason feel the need to challenge monsters and get themselves killed.
In the end, though, the book lacks something. It never quite grips me, despite all its qualities. It feels a little bit like it doesn’t use its themes enough, that the stories could have been just a little…more. Mind you, it could very well just be me not having the time to read lately to really get into it. It’s absolutely worth checking out.
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deforming exercise from a very early age. This collection of stories tells of some of Geralt’s assignments, but also gives a glimpse into the witcher’s place in this society.In many ways, this is much too muscular fantasy for my taste. I’ve never been a big fan of deep set, brooding eyes, bulging biceps and lightning fast sword play. But Sapkowski redeems this by creating a hero that also has fears, weaknesses and doubts. Geralt’s attempts at holding on to his moral compass makes for a more complex main character, but also some pretty interesting philosophical discourse. One of these short stories, for instance, deals with the concept of “a lesser evil”, and devotes several pages to explore it in conversation between the characters. Pretty unusual.
I also much enjoy the world Sapkowski creates, using strong fairy tale elements in a dark context. This is a world full of evil step mothers, transformed princes and threefold wishes, but where those things feel very real and scary. It’s the kind of book that gives you a feel what it might actually be like to live in a village where a curse claims a child every year or a dragon looms in the nearby hills. It’s not unique, but well executed. Sapkowski also derives some dry humour from this setting. I love how Geralt, for instance, sighs over all those dimwitted third sons of millers who for some reason feel the need to challenge monsters and get themselves killed.
In the end, though, the book lacks something. It never quite grips me, despite all its qualities. It feels a little bit like it doesn’t use its themes enough, that the stories could have been just a little…more. Mind you, it could very well just be me not having the time to read lately to really get into it. It’s absolutely worth checking out.
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LibraryThing member dakobstah
A very good dark fantasy novel. It centers on Geralt of Rivia who is strangely similar to Elric of Melnobone. Like Elric, Geralt is a potion-swigging albino.
Unlike Elric, Geralt is a mutant--superhumanly strong, fast, able to dilate his eyes at will, etc. Nor are his adventures quite so epic.
Further complicating matters, Geralt is a very philosophically inclined monster-slayer who lives by his own code, which sometimes conflicts with the code that was instilled in him.
The story also provides twists on several classic fairy tales, giving it a Neil Gaimanish quality to it at times (not throughout the whole novel, but at times).
Unlike Elric, Geralt is a mutant--superhumanly strong, fast, able to dilate his eyes at will, etc. Nor are his adventures quite so epic.
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Geralt is just a simple guy who wants to make his way in the world. It's simply an unfortunate coincidence that his way in the world involves the slaying of monsters. One would think that his reputation as a monster-slayer would work to his advantage but people tend to fear him rather than admire or respect him. After all, anything that can kill a monster is more powerful than that monster and more capable of destruction.Further complicating matters, Geralt is a very philosophically inclined monster-slayer who lives by his own code, which sometimes conflicts with the code that was instilled in him.
The story also provides twists on several classic fairy tales, giving it a Neil Gaimanish quality to it at times (not throughout the whole novel, but at times).
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LibraryThing member iftyzaidi
This was a pleasant surprise. Fresh, fun, mixing humour, drama and action in equal doses, this is certainly one of the better fantasy books to come out in the last few years. The world-building is sparse and utilitarian, but its in the storys and the humour that the charm of this book lies. The
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book essetntially consists of short stories, loosely connected by interludes that give us some background on the character of the Witcher. For those looking for the next massive enclycopaedic fantasy epic full of concoluted plots and prophecies and clashing armies, this may not satisfy, but for those looking for something fresh, witty and exciting, this is a tasty morsel. Show Less
LibraryThing member kristenn
I haven't been a fantasy reader for probably 20 years, but I enjoyed watching a friend play the video game version and then the (next) book recently won a literary award. It was a fun read with very well-structured action sequences, although not as high-minded as I was expecting from the award.
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Enjoyed the short story format. And all the familiar fairy tales that went in unpredictable new directions. Really, it was a medieval Hellboy. In a good way. The main character doesn't have much of a personality, but that's usually the case with his archetype. He's like Solomon Kane or Jonah Hex, including the necessary-but-unwelcome elements. Show Less
LibraryThing member KidDork
Very surprising. I had expected a thin, Conan-rip off, but instead found a book of surprising depth and humour. Nice little play with fairy tales, but by book's end, there seems to be a much bigger story beginning.
LibraryThing member cat8864
It was a decent book with several very interesting twists. However, there are a few spots that made for hard reading. The various fairy tales and imagery that are incorporated and twisted make for an interesting read, and compensated for the lack of detail in the characters. The world could have
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been fleshed out more. I don't think I'll ever re-read this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member ari.joki
The technique of telling the story in a series of flashbacks felt contrived. The stories in themselves were not bad, and are an entertaining read. I don't think I'll go out of my way to seek more installments of the series, however.
LibraryThing member NineLarks
The Last Wish follows Geralt, a witcher that slays beasts and were-creatures for gold.
This book is essentially broken fairy tales. Instead of the light and fluffy fairy tales with happily ever afters and other feel-good moments, these stories are dark with unexpected twists and monsters.
I liked
We travel from story to story - and each fairy tale has a monster that Geralt is paid to kill or deal with.
I particularly loved the last few stories. I thought the story about the elves was fantastic because of the horribly dark prophecy Geralt flung at the elves's faces. That they will wither away and come down to fight to retrieve a semblance of their honor. Ahhh so dark, beautiful. I loved the "Snow White" story with Shrike and the magician both asking for the same request of Geralt. It does give morally gray scenes and I think it was very well done.
I wish there was more about Yennefer, but I think that will probably be in the sequels. Unfortunately, I don't think the sequels are translated to English and I am devastated. I read the last page of this book and was in complete disbelief - that could not have been the ending! It didn't tie up anything at all!
I have a soft spot for fairy tales, especially dark ones. Four stars. I really enjoyed this book.
Highly recommended.
This book is essentially broken fairy tales. Instead of the light and fluffy fairy tales with happily ever afters and other feel-good moments, these stories are dark with unexpected twists and monsters.
I liked
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this book a lot because even though many authors have written fractured fairy tales, those books still seem to focus on the heroine. Here, this is a bit darker. It's is not contrived. The stories don't follow the fairy tales to a fault but the themes within the stories can still be seen. We travel from story to story - and each fairy tale has a monster that Geralt is paid to kill or deal with.
I particularly loved the last few stories. I thought the story about the elves was fantastic because of the horribly dark prophecy Geralt flung at the elves's faces. That they will wither away and come down to fight to retrieve a semblance of their honor. Ahhh so dark, beautiful. I loved the "Snow White" story with Shrike and the magician both asking for the same request of Geralt. It does give morally gray scenes and I think it was very well done.
I wish there was more about Yennefer, but I think that will probably be in the sequels. Unfortunately, I don't think the sequels are translated to English and I am devastated. I read the last page of this book and was in complete disbelief - that could not have been the ending! It didn't tie up anything at all!
I have a soft spot for fairy tales, especially dark ones. Four stars. I really enjoyed this book.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Hellen0
Reseña más extensa y en español próximamente.
Longer review soon.
Somewhere between 2,5 and 3 stars.
This book was ok, but nothing special. I hope that I like the main series more. This one was just a couple of short stories, that weren't even in chronological order. I got the impression that it
About the stories, some where better than others, but considering them all together, they were ok.
I may go back to this review and change a few things once I've started reading the main series and can put these stories in a bigger context.
Longer review soon.
Somewhere between 2,5 and 3 stars.
This book was ok, but nothing special. I hope that I like the main series more. This one was just a couple of short stories, that weren't even in chronological order. I got the impression that it
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would have been a better book to read after you've read the main series and know who all these people are. I don't mean to imply that it's confusing, because this is not the case. However, knowing more about the characters would have made reading this book much more enjoyable.About the stories, some where better than others, but considering them all together, they were ok.
I may go back to this review and change a few things once I've started reading the main series and can put these stories in a bigger context.
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LibraryThing member stefferoo
At present, I'm working my way through The Witcher 2 video game which is probably the main reason why I've finally decided to tackle The Last Wish, which has been sitting in my to-read list for almost two years. I am in love with the game so far, and curiosity naturally led me to the books that
The book collects seven short stories in a "frame" format, so we have an overarching frame story and six more that are told in a flashback or a memory, each forming a story of its own. Not surprisingly, I found all of them quite enjoyable; after all, I can hardly complain about getting more Geralt of Rivia (though, I could have done with less Dandelion).
What both delighted and surprised me, however, was when I realized that the author was taking the character through several stories which were interwoven with familiar fairy tales -- albeit his own grittier, darker and more mature versions of them, and that's even compared to the originals.
Interestingly, while I was reading this, I couldn't help but compare this book and the Witcher to Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian. Perhaps it was the format, but it did have that sword and sorcery "pulpish" feel. And this was most certainly not a bad thing.
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inspired it.The book collects seven short stories in a "frame" format, so we have an overarching frame story and six more that are told in a flashback or a memory, each forming a story of its own. Not surprisingly, I found all of them quite enjoyable; after all, I can hardly complain about getting more Geralt of Rivia (though, I could have done with less Dandelion).
What both delighted and surprised me, however, was when I realized that the author was taking the character through several stories which were interwoven with familiar fairy tales -- albeit his own grittier, darker and more mature versions of them, and that's even compared to the originals.
Interestingly, while I was reading this, I couldn't help but compare this book and the Witcher to Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian. Perhaps it was the format, but it did have that sword and sorcery "pulpish" feel. And this was most certainly not a bad thing.
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LibraryThing member Jefficus
I was a little disappointed in this one. Normally, I'm rather fond of stories in translation, because their origins in a foreign culture imbue them with very authentic "alienness" can't be faked by writers from my own culture. With a foreign sensibility, characters end up making odd choices and
Usually.
In this case, however, the oddities didn't feel delicious. Just odd. I was frequently confused about sequences of events, changes of scene, and even dialogue attribution. Some phrases get repeated regularly enough to suggest the repitition might mean something, but try as I might, all I can make them mean is "boring writing." (Although I suppose it could mean "sloppy translation" instead.)
The story itself was decent, but today - less than 24 hours after finishing it - I find it hard to recall what the whole thing was about.
In the end, the flaws drew too much attention to themselves and the story wasn't strong enough to distract me from noticing that fact.
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associations and treating them as obvious. Commonplace. Even the narrator will do so. And this all makes for a deliciously eerie experience.Usually.
In this case, however, the oddities didn't feel delicious. Just odd. I was frequently confused about sequences of events, changes of scene, and even dialogue attribution. Some phrases get repeated regularly enough to suggest the repitition might mean something, but try as I might, all I can make them mean is "boring writing." (Although I suppose it could mean "sloppy translation" instead.)
The story itself was decent, but today - less than 24 hours after finishing it - I find it hard to recall what the whole thing was about.
In the end, the flaws drew too much attention to themselves and the story wasn't strong enough to distract me from noticing that fact.
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LibraryThing member Sarah_Buckley
I liked this book quite a lot. It is made up of a bunch of short stories about the Witcher Geralt. As someone who really likes the video games, I was excited to read the stories that inspired it.
It lived up to my skeptical expectations and even exceeded them.
I'd recommend this book!
It lived up to my skeptical expectations and even exceeded them.
I'd recommend this book!
LibraryThing member NineLarks
The Last Wish follows Geralt, a witcher that slays beasts and were-creatures for gold.
This book is essentially broken fairy tales. Instead of the light and fluffy fairy tales with happily ever afters and other feel-good moments, these stories are dark with unexpected twists and monsters.
I liked
We travel from story to story - and each fairy tale has a monster that Geralt is paid to kill or deal with.
I particularly loved the last few stories. I thought the story about the elves was fantastic because of the horribly dark prophecy Geralt flung at the elves's faces. That they will wither away and come down to fight to retrieve a semblance of their honor. Ahhh so dark, beautiful. I loved the "Snow White" story with Shrike and the magician both asking for the same request of Geralt. It does give morally gray scenes and I think it was very well done.
I wish there was more about Yennefer, but I think that will probably be in the sequels. Unfortunately, I don't think the sequels are translated to English and I am devastated. I read the last page of this book and was in complete disbelief - that could not have been the ending! It didn't tie up anything at all!
I have a soft spot for fairy tales, especially dark ones. Four stars. I really enjoyed this book.
Highly recommended.
This book is essentially broken fairy tales. Instead of the light and fluffy fairy tales with happily ever afters and other feel-good moments, these stories are dark with unexpected twists and monsters.
I liked
Show More
this book a lot because even though many authors have written fractured fairy tales, those books still seem to focus on the heroine. Here, this is a bit darker. It's is not contrived. The stories don't follow the fairy tales to a fault but the themes within the stories can still be seen. We travel from story to story - and each fairy tale has a monster that Geralt is paid to kill or deal with.
I particularly loved the last few stories. I thought the story about the elves was fantastic because of the horribly dark prophecy Geralt flung at the elves's faces. That they will wither away and come down to fight to retrieve a semblance of their honor. Ahhh so dark, beautiful. I loved the "Snow White" story with Shrike and the magician both asking for the same request of Geralt. It does give morally gray scenes and I think it was very well done.
I wish there was more about Yennefer, but I think that will probably be in the sequels. Unfortunately, I don't think the sequels are translated to English and I am devastated. I read the last page of this book and was in complete disbelief - that could not have been the ending! It didn't tie up anything at all!
I have a soft spot for fairy tales, especially dark ones. Four stars. I really enjoyed this book.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member kenzen
I read the German translation. It was like Noir Fantasy with some slapstick dialogs. Can't wait to read the sequels.
LibraryThing member mamzel
Having enjoyed the games which arose from these books, I decided to try the books to see if the character of the witcher is accurately portrayed in the game. I am delighted to confirm that he is.
Geralt of Rivia does not remember his parents or how he ended up in the care of the witchers but he
Along with the action (and boy, is there action) are moments of humor and compassion which help to make this series (both the game and the books) so enjoyable.
If you've played the game, you'll enjoy the books. If you've read the books, give the games a try.
Geralt of Rivia does not remember his parents or how he ended up in the care of the witchers but he
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went through the intensive training and underwent the painful process of mutation that gave him his unique abilities. He now travels around the land looking for work taking care of monsters. His frequent companion is a troubadour named Dandilion . Along with the action (and boy, is there action) are moments of humor and compassion which help to make this series (both the game and the books) so enjoyable.
If you've played the game, you'll enjoy the books. If you've read the books, give the games a try.
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LibraryThing member blodeuedd
liked this one cos it was different from fantasy that I usually read. it was all about Geralt's different adventures. So there were a bunch of loosely attached stories and it worked well.
So what to we have then? Geralt, a witcher who hunts vampires, dragons and every evil thing there is. He does
What's great about these "hunting trips" (yes I just watched Supernatural), is that the author takes in a few fairytales here and there. He makes this into a believable world and the fairytales are nothing like you know from before. There is a beauty and the beast one, there is a mentioning about a glass slipper, Rapunzel and a story about Snow White in a way. And trust me, Snow White is what you think she is. The stories fits well in the world and it's like the truly do belong there cos he takes them and makes them his. Like they are those kind of things that happens in every world, in every age. Because of this there is a fairytale quality over it all. And I do like how he uses a wide variety of monsters and since he is Polish, a of Eastern European ones. Monsters I have not come across often or ever, which is good since most just go with the safe ones.
A famous game seems to be based on this, but since I am not really a gamer I can't say much about that, but, I would like to try it.
Conclusion:
I enjoyed the tales and monsters that he met. It was a refreshing take on fantasy and traditional fairytales. A mix that worked well.
So what to we have then? Geralt, a witcher who hunts vampires, dragons and every evil thing there is. He does
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his job and that's it. In between stories we see him at a temple where he talks to a priestess as they are friends. On two trips he also has a troubadour with him, but other than that it's a very lonely job. What's great about these "hunting trips" (yes I just watched Supernatural), is that the author takes in a few fairytales here and there. He makes this into a believable world and the fairytales are nothing like you know from before. There is a beauty and the beast one, there is a mentioning about a glass slipper, Rapunzel and a story about Snow White in a way. And trust me, Snow White is what you think she is. The stories fits well in the world and it's like the truly do belong there cos he takes them and makes them his. Like they are those kind of things that happens in every world, in every age. Because of this there is a fairytale quality over it all. And I do like how he uses a wide variety of monsters and since he is Polish, a of Eastern European ones. Monsters I have not come across often or ever, which is good since most just go with the safe ones.
A famous game seems to be based on this, but since I am not really a gamer I can't say much about that, but, I would like to try it.
Conclusion:
I enjoyed the tales and monsters that he met. It was a refreshing take on fantasy and traditional fairytales. A mix that worked well.
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LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
This is the book the popular videogame "The Witcher" was based on. I haven't played the videogame, so I can't say how similar the game might be to the book, but my guess is 'not so much.' However, I can see how the book would lend itself to such a conversion, because it's written in an episodic
In a few places, the language is a bit awkward (probably a result of the translation from the Polish), but overall, this was a very entertaining, and sometimes thought-provoking fantasy.
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format - different adventures loosely tied together. The Witcher Geralt is a man, but one trained and treated from youth for his profession of catching and killing supernatural monsters, until he may have near supernatural powers himself. But in a world where fewer and fewer monsters plague the land, Witchers may be a dying breed as well. This makes for a nicely angsty hero, but there's still enough for him to do in his mercenary-like lifestyle to fill up some quite entertaining stories. Most of the adventures refer in some way to traditional legends and fairytales, but with surprising twists.In a few places, the language is a bit awkward (probably a result of the translation from the Polish), but overall, this was a very entertaining, and sometimes thought-provoking fantasy.
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LibraryThing member Black_samvara
Dark fantasy/fairy story telling set in a grimy world where all sorts of fantastical beasts exist and Witchers are the not so sekrit society who hunt down evil and deal with it. I felt the fate of many of the female characters as a bit grim but the story telling was good.
LibraryThing member stephanie_M
This novel was ok, but I didn’t love it. These stories were literally Witcher riding into town, monster shows up, and there is a big fight scene. Again, and again. In between these stories are Witcher’s convalescence with a friend who I think was practiced in magical arts, but more like a
Danusia Stok is the narrator, and he’s a little gem. He has this plummy English accent, which I find greatly appealing. but he does other accents very well. And his characterizations of the many, many people in this book were fantastic, and sometimes unintentionally funny. Too bad Stok’s narration couldn’t keep me from being bored a.f.
I found the writing of this author slightly misogynistic in some of the stories, and I hated the way they called barren women ‘diseased’. Or was it handicapped...? I can’t remember now, and I literally don’t have the energy to spend trying to chase that word down right now. It was foul. And YES I KNOW that’s how they thought back then, when this novel had occurred. This doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with the series unless I run out of absolutely everything else to read or listen to. The boredom got so bad that by the time the Djinn was gotten rid of, I could barely even pay attention at all. I also cannot stand Sudden Love in novels, which is also called Insta Love by some people on gr. So yeah, I faded in enough attention to notice that Witcher was getting some, and then faded right back out again. I’ve no idea what happened at the end, and I don’t really care either.
Sorry mega fans, I just didn’t care for this novel. Don’t @me.
3 stars, and not really recommended.
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midwife than a sorcerer/sorceress (which is a word people used Like a bad word). And by the 79% of the audiobook, I was bored as can be, and had to force myself to finish listening to it.Danusia Stok is the narrator, and he’s a little gem. He has this plummy English accent, which I find greatly appealing. but he does other accents very well. And his characterizations of the many, many people in this book were fantastic, and sometimes unintentionally funny. Too bad Stok’s narration couldn’t keep me from being bored a.f.
I found the writing of this author slightly misogynistic in some of the stories, and I hated the way they called barren women ‘diseased’. Or was it handicapped...? I can’t remember now, and I literally don’t have the energy to spend trying to chase that word down right now. It was foul. And YES I KNOW that’s how they thought back then, when this novel had occurred. This doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with the series unless I run out of absolutely everything else to read or listen to. The boredom got so bad that by the time the Djinn was gotten rid of, I could barely even pay attention at all. I also cannot stand Sudden Love in novels, which is also called Insta Love by some people on gr. So yeah, I faded in enough attention to notice that Witcher was getting some, and then faded right back out again. I’ve no idea what happened at the end, and I don’t really care either.
Sorry mega fans, I just didn’t care for this novel. Don’t @me.
3 stars, and not really recommended.
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ISBN
9780316029186