Tag: Baptism of Fire

Season of Storms by Andrzej Sapkowski, A Review

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This is not what I expected or thought it would be, which was a continuation of the main story after Lady of the Lake. And yet, in a sense it is… it really must be read after that book. It’s kind of confusing. Season of Storms, the main story in this book not including some Interludes and the Epilogue, takes place between the two prequels The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. Okay, I’m just glad to have that point settled for myself, personally.

This story is fairly fun to read if you can get past some of the awkward structuring of how the dialogues are written. I feel like the characters do not always communicate in the most natural and relatable of ways. It feels like a written dialogue and not like I’m reading an actual conversation. The story, however, is really intriguing for The Witcher because it focuses on Geralt losing his two swords, one steel and the other silver(mostly), and how he gets through attacks from monsters, crazy sorcerers, and also protecting people, without having access to a decent sword or any sword at all at times. It shows how it pays to be a decent person to people, especially dwarves because they will really have your back.

The ending of this book, the Epilogue really, is the best part. Nimue from Lady of the Lake makes an appearance, which is about 105 years in the future, and the reader learns that not all endings to fairytales are necessarily final. Very exciting news and I have so many questions. What happened with Ciri next? What, exactly, is going on with Geralt and Yennefer? And, that’s all I can say without spoilers. So, if you wanna know, then read the books!

This is a must read for fans of The Witcher!

Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!

The Lady of the Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski,  A Review

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This story begins with Ciri relating her version of what has come to pass to another legendary character, although not a character from this particular legend. This book highlights the depths of storytelling with legends within legends and myths within myths.

Geralt is currently “wintering” in Toussaint, a land of fairytale beauty. Yennefer, however, is a prisoner in Vilgeforte’s citadel. But although her captor and associates are trying to break her down, she keeps her spirit and stays the strong-willed sorceress I love.

This second to last book has everything. Daring rescues and all out battle, particularly the Battle of Brenna which is the last in the war that has been raging between the Northlands and Nilfgaard.

Although I loved this book, the ending makes me wonder exactly how this story is going to continue when it feels like it practically already has finished.

The Tower of Swallows by Andrzej Sapkowski, A Review

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Right now it is the autumnal equinox, Velen, and the people are celebrating and feasting throughout the land. However, as night fell, this did not hold back the nightmares that came to life, galloping across the midnight skies. Perhaps this was a sign, a sign for a specific occurrence linking many individuals and leaving them awake and gasping, wondering about the meaning of these horrific dreams or visions.

Ciri, very luckily, finds herself in the hands of the learned hermit, Vysogota, and in his hidden and out of the way dwelling in the marshlands. As Vysogota heals Ciri, particularly her wounded face, she reveals her story of what brought her to this place at this time. Vysogota matches her embittered spirit with his own, and they find common ground to create a healing friendship and perhaps lose some of the bitterness and gain some inner strength to keep fighting.

I will say, I did figure out what happened to Yennefer… only to finish this book and be in the exact same situation… not having any idea if Yennefer is dead or alive. I have an idea, but I wish it was clearer. The Witcher, Geralt, is still among his friends, however his story seems to stop about midway through this particular book and I really cannot say what state he actually is in at this time. Time, that particularly would be a good thing to be made more clear in this book.

So… I really did love this book. I did immensely enjoy the intriguing politics and the intricate details that may make other readers, well, bored! I can see how some people would feel that way, and, in fact, I talked to a few people with that opinion. However, that doesn’t mean it is how everyone or even the majority of readers feel, just the handful I talked to.

I have already started The Lady of the Lake, which is the fifth installment and second to last in this series. So far, I am very excited and thoroughly enjoying it!

Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!

Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski, A Review

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This, the third book in the Witcher series, begins with Geralt healing in the forest of Brokilon with the help of the dryads while the outside world has erupted in chaos. This is where the reader meets Milva, AKA Maria, whom I did not have a good first impression of, however, that changed throughout the book as I got to know her better.

Milva brings Geralt news of the outside world, accidentally leading him to believe that Ciri has been taken by the enemy, Nilfgaard. This belief sets the Witcher on his journey to rescue Ciri with the help of initially just the bard Dandelion. Geralt’s retinue grows to include a diverse crew of misfits who refuse to leave his side. Much like Ciri and her involvement in the gang, The Rats, Geralt is overcome by unexpected friendships.

The land they travel through is war torn and full of horrific scenes of the aftermath of battle and pillaging. The ghastly leavings of war are not only found in the remains of burned villages, but in the gathering of desperate people. Desperate people that will point fingers and blame anyone weaker than them resulting in pure savagery.

This book eluded to much that was prophesied and did manage to answer some questions. Another thrilling read in The Witcher series, but for all the questions it DID answer, it still left me with more unanswered questions that are driving me crazy!

Next up is the fourth book in the series, The Tower of Swallows! Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!