As a HUGE Fan of the Witcher games, I'm excited that the complete series is being translated and published in the USA! The Witcher series is a world of high fantasy, with dwarves, elves, humans, sorcerers, kings, empires, knights, vampires, trolls, a complex plot, and realistic characters. Although the world is high fantasy, everything in it feels real. This is no small achievement.
Story
Geralt and Yennifer continue to look for Ciri, who is now riding with a band of bandits called the Rats. When news of Ciri's Elder Blood reaches higher powers, the world's elite begin searching for her in an attempt to harness her unique powers for their own goals. Geralt and Yennifer search out of love, while the others search to expand their power and influence.
This book focuses mostly on Geralt's search as he meets new friends and they explore the war torn borders in search of Ciri.
Characters
The Witcher series features a unique cast of deep characters with complex motivations. Geralt is a witcher, a professional monster slayer. He is not a hero, and he won't kill a troll because the farmers don't feel safe at night. Geralt will investigate a troll if he is paid, he may let the troll live or die depending on how he feels about the troll in question, then he'll probably spend his money getting drunk or in a brothel; which is what you'd expect from a monster slaying outcast who risks his life on a daily basis.
Geralt and Yennifer, a powerful sorceress, are involved in a volatile romantic relationship. At times they can't stand each other. At times, she reads his mind. At times, she manipulates him. At times, he sleeps with other women... which is what you'd expect from a monster slaying outcast and a vindictive sorceress.
The emperor of Nilfgaard, a group of sorceresses, and a powerful wizard are also searching for Ciri, and employing their spies, assassins, mercenaries, and magic to find her because of her rare and powerful gifts.
What makes this series shine is that the characters are deep and complex, but the motivations behind their actions are always clear to the reader. Nothing is ever done for the sake of good or evil. Everything is about personal motivation from characters with grey morals.
Writing Style
The translation from Polish to English is excellent. At no point does this read like a book that was translated from another language. The writing style is descriptive, the characters are deep, the world is fascinating and built on European Folklore, the action is brutal, and the humor is dry and sarcastic.
Action
The books are action packed as Geralt and his group battle monsters, soldiers, wizards, fantasy creatures, and the elements themselves on their quest to locate Ciri. Although, Geralt is a witcher, an extremely deadly fighter, at no point does he feel like a superhero. The action, although fantastic, is always grounded in reality.
Maturity
These books feature violence, swearing, sex, and complex plots. They are definitely not for kids.
Overall
Game of Thrones is the most similar series, but instead of 4 family bloodlines converging on the Iron Throne, with over 100 side characters, the Witcher series is much more focused. The southern empire is invading the northern kingdoms, and they're employing elven commandoes, magic, assassins, spies, diplomacy, and treachery to battle the north. The heroes never really have a bird's eye view of their situation, so they're often caught by surprise when the world changes, and they must battle their way out.
If you enjoy these books and love RPG’s, you should definitely give the games a chance. If you love the games and want to know about the lore that inspired them, you should read these books.
If you want authors who write in a similar style, read David Gemmell and Joe Abercrombie.
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The freshly dubbed knight, Geralt of Rivia, bowed low, so that Queen Meve, his suzerain, would not see the smile – the bitter smile – that he was unable to resist.Highlighted by 394 Kindle readers- In each of us lies a creditor and a debtor at once and the art is for the reckoning to tally inside us.Highlighted by 360 Kindle readers
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Great Condition, Fast Shipping, A Series I Can’t Put Down!
After watching the Netflix show, I knew I had to read the books. I was really happy with my purchase. All the books were in great condition (a necessity as a collector). I also received the exact cover that was displayed for sale (including the somewhat-ugly red sticker that is part of the cover art and non-removable). Shipping-wise, I received my order in 4 days, which I was really impressed with. If you plan on getting these books and can afford to buy them all at once, do so. I received a multi-buy discount which saved me $5. A series that is really easy to read and expands on the world of The Witcher.
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Ayrnilf
Excelente pieza de literatura fantástica
Reviewed in Mexico on July 5, 2018