Andrzej Sapkowski

It took me some time to get used to Sapkowski's style, but when I finally did, I did not want to put this book down. This is not a first book in the traditional sense (as in most other fantasy series), but it introduces the reader to its world through a series of stories. These stories are connected through a continuing frame story: Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, stays in a temple to rest and reflect on his life. His memories and flashbacks make up the short stories. In this world, Witchers are show more mutants who are paid to fight monsters, but it becomes clear that sometimes the horrid creatures are not the only monsters.
Sapkowski draws heavily from Slavic mythology, but also from Grimm's fairytales and other stories. He creates a fascinating and turbulent world that is as funny as it is dark, as sexy as it is dangerous. But still, there is an underlying sentiment that goes deeper. Geralt knows that he will always be different and more often than not, those who seek his help fear and hate him at the same time.
I did not want this to end and now I cannot wait to read the next book! show less

TL;DR
Not as Grimdark As You'd Think

Uneven collection of stories that is very entertaining at its high points, with a more sideways tone and quirky humour than I expected from the grim-branded franchise. A semi-medieval eastern-ish europe sprinkled with the usual high fantasy conflict of the old, magic and chaos, and the new, order and humans - "the world is changing, the age of Men is coming, the fae will fade" - which then takes unexpected turns into stories where assimilated elves take show more insurances on their inns and a Mayor puts a tax on spells.

The strain of environmentalism dates the book into the 90's - remember when we were only worried about the ozone layer and tigers going extinct? But having mindlessly slain my fair share of magical monsters in Final Fantasies, it still does feel fresh that the book stops and thinks if the monster is actually hungry or lonely, and could it be talked to.

Which brings us to the most striking part of the stories: Monster Women Galore, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your tastes. Being burned enough times, I always tread with care into fantasy written by men, but in this collection I was sometimes pleasantly surprised in this aspect, and was able to ignore the dull bits.

The translation lets some of the original Polish turns of phrase (I assume) through, which I find contributes to the mood and character of the book positively - this would be more forgettable if anglicized flat. I suspect that a lot is still lost in translation. show less

I’ve finally slogged to the end of the Witcher series. Thank god it’s over. This last entry exists to feed the gamer franchise. Hundreds of pages are devoted to extraneous characters and the main characters disappear in the chaos. When I say extraneous, I mean the life stories and perspectives of every soldier and officer on both sides of the conflict are provided in excruciating detail. The series and the movies, games, and other paraphernalia it has spun off has certainly been a cash show more cow for Sapkowski. Too bad the original vision went off the rails. show less

Geralt is a Witcher, tortured and experimented on from childhood to bring out magical abilities, and works as a mercenary, disposing of monsters and rescuing kidnapped baby princesses. Shunned by society for doing their dirty work, but also not allowed to make a living any other way, he lives by his own moral code which often causes him to butt heads with the powerful. This is a frame narrative with a collection of vignettes, stories about jobs he has had and adventures he has gone on, many show more of which will feel familiar to readers of fairy tales. My favorite was the one based on Beauty and the Beast, which is also my favorite episode of the TV show.

You’d expect the book an extremely popular video game is based on would be a little lame but this book absolutely rules. I don’t know why it’s not more popular! The world-building is exquisite and the integration of folklore is so well done. Absolutely read it if you enjoy the video games or the TV show, or if you just like good fantasy. show less