At the end of the day, you should read a book that interests you, which the Witcher novels do. I was drawn to the references to Slavic folklore and sword fights, and Geralt, Yennefer, acting as parents to Ciri, were elements that kept me reading. How many Witcher books are there? Continue reading Penn Book for the most comprehensive information.
How Many Witcher Books Are There
The Witcher series contains eight books. The books were first published in Polish before being translated into English. In the 1980s, short stories were published in a Polish fantasy magazine. Barnes and Noble published Barnes and Noble’s website, Sword of Destiny in Polish, in 1992.
In 1993, The Last Wish was published as a Polish translation. Blood of Elf was published in 1994. Time of Contempt was published in 1995. Baptism of Fire took place in 1996.
The Tower of the Swallow, 1997. The Lady of the Lake was 1999. Season of Storms was finally released in 2013.
Overview On The Witcher Books
The Witcher book series, written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, is a collection of dark fantasy novels and short stories set in a medieval-inspired world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and political intrigue.
The main character, Geralt of Rivia, is a monster hunter with unique abilities, who travels the land taking on various dangerous contracts. Throughout the books, Geralt faces a series of challenges that test his abilities, morality, and loyalty, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
The books have been widely popular in Poland and other European countries, and have been adapted into video games, TV series, and a film. The series has been praised for its rich world-building, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes.
How to Read the Witcher Books in Order?
A quick refresher for those new to the series: The origins of The Witcher books go back to the 1980s when the Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski, a Polish, entered a story called The Witcher in a contest held by Fantastyka. This entry placed third and inspired a series of short stories, The Witcher Saga, which was then published as a whole franchise.
The Witcher is about Geralt of Rivia, who has supernatural abilities to battle beasts and monsters. While the novels are primarily about Geralt’s quest to save Ciri, a young princess from a newly conquered country with a great prophecy over her head, the series is much more.
These stories are hard hitting. They will take you on a journey of epic war and redemption and sweep you up in the adventures of killing monsters.
Let’s take a look at the series in its recommended order so you can understand what you’re getting into.
1. The Last Wish
Although it might be tempting to skip the novel, you should start here. This story collection will give you background information and character details to help you read the full length books.
Seven stories make up The Last Wish. The first story serves as a frame, showing Geralt, an injured man, seeking refuge in a temple. It’s broken down into smaller pieces and then scattered among the other stories.
Each of the six remaining memories is a flashback that Geralt recalls while he’s recovering. They allow us to get to know Geralt in all of his complexity. These stories are smart, epic, and bold setting the stage for the novels that will follow.
2. Sword of Destiny
Although the English edition of Sword of Destiny was published in English after the first novels were published in English, the stories contained within the book take place before those events. We recommend that you get this book next.
Sword of Destiny is a collection that follows a more simple timeline than the first. We are treated to six different stories in chronological order. Many of these stories provide context for key characters in the Witcher Saga, including Ciri.
One of these stories is a prequel to Blood of Elves and demonstrates events that took place shortly before the book began. This book is essential if you want to get a complete picture of the Witcher storyline.
3. Blood of Elves
The main story begins with Blood of Elves. Blood of Elves begins one year after Ciri’s kingdom collapses. This tragedy leads to a search for the princess missing, with factions from all sides trying to seize her. Unfortunately, the young princess Ciri has fallen for the protection of one of the most famous witchers.
The rambunctious, headstrong Ciri is taken to safety to improve her skills. She wants to follow Geralt, whom she admires so much. Geralt, who has lost his long lost love, Yennefer, of Vengerburg, is forced to help her as her powers increase.
Yennefer’s witch skills are just what Ciri needs to hone her power. But as Yennefer grows closer to Ciri, so does the evil that seeks to destroy her.
Some readers may find the book slow to start after the fast pace of the short stories collections. But don’t let this fool you. You will find plenty of adventure in Ciri’s struggle for growth and the rewards for this setup in the next books.
4. The Time of Contempt
Time of Contempt continues where Blood of Elf left off. Yennefer and Ciri set out for Gors Velen. Yennefer wants to enroll Ciri at a magical academy there. But even the best laid plans sometimes go sour. Yennefer must keep track of several things as she attempts to protect her princess, including an incident involving Wyvern and Ciri’s rebellious escapades.
The book is much more than that. The series picks up as the main plot threads from the other series explode. This massive book is an adventure with everything, from betrayals and spies to seductive sorceresses to unicorns to the very real threat of war.
This is a story about control and vulnerability, humility, and chaos that breaks out around the globe. You are left breathless and unable to stop imagining what the next chapter will bring.
5. Baptism of Fire
This is the middle of the series, and Geralt is definitely in the thick. Baptism of Fire continues the war, with all sides becoming more determined. Geralt is still recovering from injuries from the events in the previous book. But how can a protector protect him if he is unable to fight?
Geralt’s determination is the driving force behind much of this book. He rallies and brings together allies to try and reach Ciri before the rumors about her impending marriage become true.
It is a nuanced, complex book that explores the meaning of monster and how it affects Ciri. It throws Yennefer against terrible odds, as she is imprisoned and unable to reunite her family. You are drawn along by the slow tension, which never lets you down.
6. The Tower of Swallows
Ciri is back on the center stage of The Tower of Swallows. Everyone is hunting her, but she has retreated to an anonymous life of murder and banditry… until fate intervenes and changes her life.
Many of Ciri’s story is told in flashbacks, similar to The Last Wishes framing story. It may be hard to comprehend some of the horrors she endures at the hands of a chilling new antagonist, but it is important to see the details and learn how she will exact revenge.
Yennefer, Geralt, and others deal with their situations: she is looking for old friends in her quest for Ciri, and he falls for someone he shouldn’t have.
This book builds up to the last book’s payoff by returning to the slower pace of previous novels. It’s still a riveting read as Ciri analyzes her past and discovers the lessons she needs to take on those who have caused her pain.
7. The Lady of the Lake
All good things have to come to an end. It can be difficult for many authors to find the right ending for a fantasy series of epic proportions. But Sapkowski is up to the challenge.
The Lady of Lake finds Ciri alone in an elven realm, isolated from her family and friends. While others might fall into despair, Ciri meets her challenge with the same determination that we have come to expect from the former princess.
Geralt and Yennefer are still on their quest for the young woman that they adore as a daughter. Readers will long for the happy ending that the family deserves and know if they will ever be reunited.
We won’t say anything more to avoid spoiling the many surprises that this final book contains. We will say that the book is full of cleverly planned twists and turns and that almost every character from the series has been featured in it. This book is the thrilling conclusion to a long running series.
8. Season of Storms
Season of Storms was published in the final Witcher book. However, it takes place after most of the stories from the first collection and before the novels.
So, why did we not list it first? It is simple: even though the timeline is shorter, it connects directly to a major conflict in the five previous novels. It will be more interesting to read it before the context is established. This also spoils many moments in the other books.
This standalone prequel is for those who have already read the rest. It will provide a refreshing dip into The Witcher’s world as Geralt sets out to find his signature weapons. This dessert is a satisfying way to end the rich Witcher series.
Bonus: The Comics Adaptations!
Last but not least, The Witcher, in addition to its video game and Netflix series, has been adapted into graphic books. A few times! Dark Horse Comics launched a Witcher series in 2014, based on the original series.
This comic series was written by Paul Tobin and illustrated by Joe Querio. It has been through four story arcs. These comics are currently available in a trade bind up and a single volume collection of the first three arcs. They make the perfect addition to any Witcher fan who has finished the books and wants to spend a little more time in it.
Why Should I Read Them If I’ve Played The Games?
I say it because you clearly want more Witcher material! I enjoyed rereading the series while picturing the characters’ voices from the games. Every time Geralt talked, I could hear Doug Cockle’s sweet voice, which gave the story more substance.
They are excellent stories with intricate political plots, plenty of backstabbing, magic, and love. They aren’t only for fantasy fans; everyone who enjoys reading a good series may find them. After reading them all, you can finally join in on the debate about whether books, Netflix series, or video games are superior. Bring prepared notes with you.
Reading the books will improve your understanding of the world, add to your character development of the characters, and strengthen your connection to the events described in the lore. Although you will be familiar with much of the narrative if you play the games, the books fill in a few tiny plot holes. Characters are portrayed with deeper depth.
How Faithful Are The Witcher Games To The Books?
However, only a tiny portion of the literature was directly integrated into the games. CD Projekt Red went to tremendous lengths to provide gamers with Sapkowski’s clever, sarcastic, and powerful Geralt of Rivia.
The storyline is based on the novels rather than being an exact reproduction of every tale because of the game’s branching narratives. But the series of books include everything you’ve seen in the games, including runes, weapons, and monsters.
Readers won’t notice much difference between Sapkowski’s worldview and how it was adapted for video games, but there is an intriguing contrast. Coming from the games to the novels gives the conflicts and clashes a unique spark of life.
But it’s important to remember that games, particularly ones of this caliber, are intended to be thrilling and dangerous. Because of this, several of the book’s sections, particularly the political discussions, might seem pretty uninteresting in contrast.
The games provide the most engaging method to experience a portion of Geralt’s tale since they break up the narrative into manageable portions between the killing and hunting.
How Faithful To The Books Is The Netflix Witcher Series?
by design, far more than the games. The novels, not the video games, are the official inspiration for the Witcher TV series. Nevertheless, there are several timing gaffes throughout the program. The first season’s plot combines the short tales from The Last Wish and the start of Ciri’s storyline in Sword of Destiny in order to more organically introduce viewers to Geralt and the world around him.
Some people found the first season confusing, so Netflix created a beautiful timeline map(which opens in a new tab) to help them understand everything (spoiler warning for the books, obviously). The second season (which opens in a new tab) is more straightforward and linear, with sporadic story modifications.
Where Can I Get All These Books?
Since The Witcher novels and series have achieved global fame, they are generally accessible from all of the major bookstores, including Amazon (opens in new tab).
The collector’s edition of The Witcher 3’s art book is the only one that, as was already noted, might be a little tricky to get, although it sometimes turns up on eBay. The best prices for all of the books are now listed here, however, for your convenience.
FAQs
Does Geralt sleep with Ciri?
No, not in the sexual sense. They used to sleep next to one another, in the sense of sleeping together. However, Ciri was still a child, and Geralt wasn’t a pedophile.
Is Ciri a Witcher?
Cirilla is also a skilled witcher, heiress of several thrones, and last bearer, the Elder Blood. This powerful Source, endowed with extraordinary magic talent, and the Lady of Time, Space, is Cirilla’s mother. According to an age old witcher tradition, Geralt took Ciri from Kaer Morhen to care for her.
Does Yennefer really love Geralt?
Geralt is believed to have fallen in love with Yennefer, which would indicate that their affections are sincere. This means that their relationship will be turbulent throughout The Witcher series.
Does Geralt die in the books?
Geralt is killed during the final book of his Rivia time.
Conclusion
The Witcher books are a fantasy novel series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The books follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who is proficient in the slaying of monsters. There are a total of eight Witcher books. The first two are compilations of short stories, while the remaining six are novels. Thank you for reading!
Read more:
