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darksydephil's review against another edition
1.0
Round of applause for the pitchfork, which finally put an end to all this.
bookishreveriess's review against another edition
5.0
As the last book of The Witcher series, Lady of the Lake does a great job in reminding you just how good, brutal and bittersweet the world of the Continent is. Out of all the things that happened throughout this book, I have to say that my favorite ones were watching Geralt and the gang have the chance to take a break and relax in Toussaint, and watching Ciri's character development as she discovers more about her powers and what her existence means for everyone else. As usual, we also get to see the ruthlessness of the Continent and how the war against Nilfgaard affects everyone no matter who or what they are nor where they come from. Out of all the eyes we get to see the war through, I have to say that my favorite ones were Iola's. Why? Because seeing an old character from the prequels again in a different environment really lets you see the impact and the trauma the war left behind not only on the maimed soldiers the medic's tent fought to keep alive, but also on everyone else involved (including the Scoia'tael who ended up being given up as leverage for the peace treaty).
Besides watching the war develop and learning about all the old and new characters that fought in it, we also get to see the aftermath of it. We see the Kings and Queens of the Continent come together to negotiate peace with Nilfgaard and, even though I wasn't too keen on the whole political mess in the book, I have to admit that this one was more interesting than the ones in the previous books. Why? Because we get to see the influence the sorceresses have in those terms and conditions and/or what they plan to do to change them. But besides all the political and war-related mambo jumbo, the thing I loved the most about this book was the fact that Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer got the chance to reunite once again. Considering the events that took place during the assault on Stygga castle to destroy Vilgefortz, the reunion was nothing but bittersweet and sad. But I'm glad they still managed to reunite and show how strong their bond as a family is no matter how much time they spend apart from each other.
Overall, I'm trying to be as vague as possible in order not to spoil anything but just know this isn't a light ending to the series. It's full of action, death and destruction, and even though the war is coming to an end and the main characters get reunited it is still bittersweet as hell. I wouldn't change anything about it though. I enjoyed the pace and the character development we get to see in Ciri, but I still wish we could've gotten more out of that ambiguous ending. If you're looking for a long and strong high/epic/dark fantasy that reminds you from beginning to end that sometimes humans are just as bad (or worse) than actual monsters then you might want to give this series a try!
Besides watching the war develop and learning about all the old and new characters that fought in it, we also get to see the aftermath of it. We see the Kings and Queens of the Continent come together to negotiate peace with Nilfgaard and, even though I wasn't too keen on the whole political mess in the book, I have to admit that this one was more interesting than the ones in the previous books. Why? Because we get to see the influence the sorceresses have in those terms and conditions and/or what they plan to do to change them. But besides all the political and war-related mambo jumbo, the thing I loved the most about this book was the fact that Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer got the chance to reunite once again. Considering the events that took place during the assault on Stygga castle to destroy Vilgefortz, the reunion was nothing but bittersweet and sad. But I'm glad they still managed to reunite and show how strong their bond as a family is no matter how much time they spend apart from each other.
Overall, I'm trying to be as vague as possible in order not to spoil anything but just know this isn't a light ending to the series. It's full of action, death and destruction, and even though the war is coming to an end and the main characters get reunited it is still bittersweet as hell. I wouldn't change anything about it though. I enjoyed the pace and the character development we get to see in Ciri, but I still wish we could've gotten more out of that ambiguous ending. If you're looking for a long and strong high/epic/dark fantasy that reminds you from beginning to end that sometimes humans are just as bad (or worse) than actual monsters then you might want to give this series a try!
geekynerfherder's review against another edition
3.0
A good read but not as good as the previous books in the series for me (my favourite of the series is 'The Last Wish').
The story is bookended with Ciri retelling her story to Sir Gallahad, of Arthurian legend fame (hence the title of the book). It was great to return to the characters and follow them to the end of the series, although I did think that it did go on a bit too long.
As much as I enjoyed the book, my main beef is that there seemed to be so many different POVs throughout, mostly focusing on the many sides and factions of the war that reigns over the kingdoms and its conclusion, that the story of Ciri, Geralt and his companions was relegated to a side story. This felt a bit confusing and made me lose the thread of the story a bit during these POVs, only really seeming to get back on track once the main cast of characters returned to the fore.
I listened to the audiobook, and once again the performance by Peter Kenny is simply superb! His narration and vocalisations of the characters really bring the world and peoples of The Witcher to vivid life! Really recommend listening to the audiobook version!
The story is bookended with Ciri retelling her story to Sir Gallahad, of Arthurian legend fame (hence the title of the book). It was great to return to the characters and follow them to the end of the series, although I did think that it did go on a bit too long.
As much as I enjoyed the book, my main beef is that there seemed to be so many different POVs throughout, mostly focusing on the many sides and factions of the war that reigns over the kingdoms and its conclusion, that the story of Ciri, Geralt and his companions was relegated to a side story. This felt a bit confusing and made me lose the thread of the story a bit during these POVs, only really seeming to get back on track once the main cast of characters returned to the fore.
I listened to the audiobook, and once again the performance by Peter Kenny is simply superb! His narration and vocalisations of the characters really bring the world and peoples of The Witcher to vivid life! Really recommend listening to the audiobook version!
motionab's review against another edition
5.0
"I want to see the sky"
Writing a review for a book like this is very very challenging!
I am no writer and don't claim to be one, but I find this book a masterpiece in storytelling.
Please disregard the idiotic and highly-rated review on this book telling you not to read this book, but if you do find yourself struggling with reading any of the previous books of this series, please invest in hearing them in audiobook format by Peter Kenny.
The book tells us of the final chapter is the story of Ciri, Yennefer and Geralt. The story is complex with an incredible amount of details, that might bore the casual reader, so beware. The story ends wrapping up everyone's stories nicely with a heartwarming ending that tells the story of the continuous struggle of life, and the valid pursuit of goodness in everyone. Not sure if the plot is the best selling point for this though.
The stylistic choices that this writer had chosen for this book are a masterclass in how to confuse and build narratives within narratives for a person like me. This whole book feels like a huge mess, until the last page, and then it all clicks. I almost want to reread it (next year after I recover, cuz that ending is a lot to process) and draw those plotlines and timelines and how they intersect.
As for the ending, which is what everyone is complaining about, this is very very similar to Stephen King's Dark Tower ending. Which I also enjoyed, but people have crapped their pants complaining about it.
Overall, loved it. Wish it was shorter without so much spinning around, highly recommended it nonetheless.
Have fun!
Writing a review for a book like this is very very challenging!
I am no writer and don't claim to be one, but I find this book a masterpiece in storytelling.
Please disregard the idiotic and highly-rated review on this book telling you not to read this book, but if you do find yourself struggling with reading any of the previous books of this series, please invest in hearing them in audiobook format by Peter Kenny.
The book tells us of the final chapter is the story of Ciri, Yennefer and Geralt. The story is complex with an incredible amount of details, that might bore the casual reader, so beware. The story ends wrapping up everyone's stories nicely with a heartwarming ending that tells the story of the continuous struggle of life, and the valid pursuit of goodness in everyone. Not sure if the plot is the best selling point for this though.
The stylistic choices that this writer had chosen for this book are a masterclass in how to confuse and build narratives within narratives for a person like me. This whole book feels like a huge mess, until the last page, and then it all clicks. I almost want to reread it (next year after I recover, cuz that ending is a lot to process) and draw those plotlines and timelines and how they intersect.
As for the ending, which is what everyone is complaining about, this is very very similar to Stephen King's Dark Tower ending. Which I also enjoyed, but people have crapped their pants complaining about it.
Overall, loved it. Wish it was shorter without so much spinning around, highly recommended it nonetheless.
Have fun!
juushika's review against another edition
4.0
Ciri gains control of her powers as war comes to a head. The narrative framing makes for a slow start, but for the most part, this longest book in the series doesn't feel that long. The middle political section, while still distant from the main characters, has strong PoVs and is more interesting, and easier to follow, than series's norm. And it's the reunion of Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer that makes up most of the book. Emotional investment has always been the center of this series, and that's especially true here; it grounds the bittersweet, ambiguous, fairytale-esque ending, an ending that transitions beautifully into the games--and while I take issue with those, the entire multimedia narrative is a success. And, always, everything comes down to Ciri, to the investment she inspires, to the strength of her character; a bittersweet finale suits her well. I've had caveats on and off with this book series, but the underlying emotional appeal is so consistently strong as to make the effort worthwhile right to the end.
scaleraa's review against another edition
4.0
And that’s a wrap with the Witcher series! I’m not super into detailed fantasy worlds so this was a bit out of my wheelhouse so I have some mixed thoughts about the series as a whole. My biggest issue is that all 5 books build to a climax that happens in this book and sometimes the intermediate books feel like they end suddenly. I would have preferred if each book had a bit more of a subplot that was wrapped up while building to this climax. I enjoyed the overall story but it was a long road (and sometimes boring road) to get here. Great characters and world building though!
quincy129's review against another edition
5.0
This serves as a rating/review for the entire series because I don't particularly feel like reviewing all eight books individually. That being said, these are some of my favorite books as well as easily being my favorite fantasy series. What Sapowski manages to achieve with this series is nothing short of breathtaking. The writing itself is at times cinematic, at other times technical or entertaining, but always deeply rewarding. The saga is in turns funny, pulse-pounding, tragic, mysterious, and triumphant (often at the same time). In addition, this is simply, in my opinion, the best character writing the fantasy genre has ever seen, bar none. Ciri and Geralt are and will always be some of the most wonderfully realized protagonists in all of literature. Not all of the books in this series are equal in quality (Lady of the Lake being, for me, the strongest and Season of Storms the weakest) but they are all well worth reading and the cumulative effect is simply and utterly tremendous. I will say that these books are not always easy in terms of their content, to say the least. There is, quite honestly, a lot of stomach-churning stuff here. If that is a concern for you, I would certainly advise doing some research beforehand if you plan to give these books a read. But, if not, please read these books. They are simply some of the best fantasy ever written.
tgharrington's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
irisshrestha's review against another edition
4.0
A perfect bittersweet ending to the series.
Some of the chapters are truly some of the best in the series.
Goodbye The Witcher.
Some of the chapters are truly some of the best in the series.
Goodbye The Witcher.
jameshaus's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed these books by the end. However pulpy they are at times, the prose is solid, and in fact has several techniques I would like to emulate in my own writing. Beyond that some really fun ideas and a good heart at the center of it. Highly recommend this series if you like sword and sorcery fantasy. Heart-breakingly good.