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catpingu's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Miniscully not as fulfilling lore-wise to the first book I read, [book:Sword of Destiny|25454056], but offers slightly more details about Geralt's background as a witcher and what he does in his down-time.
Flow-wise, we start in the present time just after Geralt deals with the King Foltest's striga daughter in Temeria.Or rather, we're quick in the aftermath of this incident, while Geralt is healing in the temple of Melitele with Nenneke and a mute priestess Iola . Injured and fending off infection, Geralt recuperates at the temple of Melitele with Nenneke, from which he reminisces about some past exploits his new cursed friend Nivellan's bruxa, gaining the moniker The Butcher of Blaviken, being present for Calanthe's engagement to Eist and Pavetta to Duny, and his encounter with Filavandrel in Dol Blathanna, and meeting Yennefer , while pining for Yennefer of Vengerberg. And at the end of the present story, a cool and collected demonstration of Geralt sticking to his own witcher's code not to get involved with human affairs by taking down some hotheaded knights just outside of Melitele .
The book serves to outline just a few more details that really make the story *punch* in a way Netflix wasn't able to do on paper; overall if you've seen the show, you've understood 97% of this book that does not include Melitele, Nenneke, or Iola.I hope Iola's okay, that was a might seizure and vision she was having at the end and I have no idea what it could refer to.
Flow-wise, we start in the present time just after Geralt deals with the King Foltest's striga daughter in Temeria.
The book serves to outline just a few more details that really make the story *punch* in a way Netflix wasn't able to do on paper; overall if you've seen the show, you've understood 97% of this book that does not include Melitele, Nenneke, or Iola.
enchantedbibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I first read this collection of stories way back in 2016 when I was playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and wanted to know a bit more about Geralt and co.
Then when the Netflix series became popular my husband got me the book box set as a gift, but I never got around to it.
So when I found the original e-book I got when I first read it, I decided it was high time I get to reading the whole series, obviously re-reading this one was my first priority.
...So 8 years later....
I'm still just a captivated and enthralled as the first time.
I love the subtle sarcasm and humour, it doesn't fail to bring a smile to my face every time.
Going on an adventure with Geralt is quickly becoming one of my favourite escapisms.
Killing monsters, breaking curses, and sharing it all with some good friends.
My only complaint is that these stories is too short.
Then when the Netflix series became popular my husband got me the book box set as a gift, but I never got around to it.
So when I found the original e-book I got when I first read it, I decided it was high time I get to reading the whole series, obviously re-reading this one was my first priority.
...So 8 years later....
I'm still just a captivated and enthralled as the first time.
I love the subtle sarcasm and humour, it doesn't fail to bring a smile to my face every time.
Going on an adventure with Geralt is quickly becoming one of my favourite escapisms.
Killing monsters, breaking curses, and sharing it all with some good friends.
My only complaint is that these stories is too short.
braxton's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Solid intro to the world of the Witcher! The brief pace of a short story collection made it really easy to digest, I haven’t finished a book in under a month in a looong time. Explores a fun, dark, and twisted world with a cavalcade of interesting characters. Excited to read more!
beerd1's review against another edition
3.0
Good introduction to The Witcher world, a little confusing at times while I got my head around characters but enjoyed it very much
carman359's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
fraggerbot's review against another edition
4.0
★★★★½
The last wish is a great way to enter the world of The Witcher. This collection of short stories give us an idea of the world, introduces some key characters without being too heavy. Sapkowski's narration and dialogue elevates the experience, and if the translation is so good, I only wonder how the original might be!
P.S. My reading experience would have been much better, had I not watched the Netflix series!
The last wish is a great way to enter the world of The Witcher. This collection of short stories give us an idea of the world, introduces some key characters without being too heavy. Sapkowski's narration and dialogue elevates the experience, and if the translation is so good, I only wonder how the original might be!
P.S. My reading experience would have been much better, had I not watched the Netflix series!
higuysgoodbye12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
a_chickletz's review against another edition
5.0
Oh wow. What a fun book of short stories.
Okay. So, this book is just a whole bunch of short stories. It's the first time where I actually loved the main character, his friends, and the villains.
Props to Andrzej on adding folklore and faerie tales and putting a new twist on them. Made the adventures that Gareth was on more exciting because you didn't know what was going to happen exactly.
My favorite unsung hero of the book was Dandelion. He would be me in Gareth's situations. For sure. Speaking bluntly, asking questions, taking no shit from anyone. Which reminds me, the humor in these books was so fucking snarky and not an in your face snarky, but, wow, it fits the characters.
I really want to read the other books, hopefully reading actual lengthy stories won't change the enjoyment.
Okay. So, this book is just a whole bunch of short stories. It's the first time where I actually loved the main character, his friends, and the villains.
Props to Andrzej on adding folklore and faerie tales and putting a new twist on them. Made the adventures that Gareth was on more exciting because you didn't know what was going to happen exactly.
My favorite unsung hero of the book was Dandelion. He would be me in Gareth's situations. For sure. Speaking bluntly, asking questions, taking no shit from anyone. Which reminds me, the humor in these books was so fucking snarky and not an in your face snarky, but, wow, it fits the characters.
I really want to read the other books, hopefully reading actual lengthy stories won't change the enjoyment.
maffa303's review against another edition
4.0
3.8 ish really but I'll round up. Certainly enjoyable but not quite on the level of other books that I have given 4 stars to.
A good read, I enjoyed the short story format as it helps the reader to get to know the characters quickly and understand their morals and motivations. Just a solid book, above average but nothing exceptional, but wasn't expecting that from a collection of short stories that come before the main novels. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
A good read, I enjoyed the short story format as it helps the reader to get to know the characters quickly and understand their morals and motivations. Just a solid book, above average but nothing exceptional, but wasn't expecting that from a collection of short stories that come before the main novels. Looking forward to the rest of the series.