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jenbosen's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.75
Points off for too many names, and for making the political and religious history too convoluted. Solid story, it just kept getting bogged down in minutiae that made it hard to keep track of what was important.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
2treads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Sapkowski uses the 15th century historical landscape of Poland, using the religious sphere, language, and writs to anchor his story. What I enjoy about his writing is that he doesn't shy away from domestic drama, humour, family feuds, dark creatures, and other machinations that always make his books a good read.
He captures the spreading influence of the Holy See and their attempts to stamp out anything they consider heresy, as well as the prejudices held of Jews and natural 'magic', all while telling an entertaining story of misplaced love, male "honour", and revenge.
I enjoyed the jaunts of our main character as he tries to keep one step ahead of his pursuers, receives advice, meets witches, and garners a protector as he is positively hapless when it comes to defending against physical attacks.
My only grievance with this book is that certain parts seem bloated and this story would have been just as engaging with 100 or so less pages.
He captures the spreading influence of the Holy See and their attempts to stamp out anything they consider heresy, as well as the prejudices held of Jews and natural 'magic', all while telling an entertaining story of misplaced love, male "honour", and revenge.
I enjoyed the jaunts of our main character as he tries to keep one step ahead of his pursuers, receives advice, meets witches, and garners a protector as he is positively hapless when it comes to defending against physical attacks.
My only grievance with this book is that certain parts seem bloated and this story would have been just as engaging with 100 or so less pages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Blood and Antisemitism