A review by sometimes_iread
The Lady of the Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It’s been quite a while since I read the fourth book of the Witcher series, so I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t be able to orient myself in the world that was built in the first few books. However, I needn’t have worried as under Andrzej Sapkowski’s masterful hand, I was very quickly brought back into the fantasy world.

The Lady of the Lake is the final book in the main Witcher series. Here, Ciri finally figures out her role in destiny and takes steps to carve out her own path, beyond what the various parties wish from her. Geralt and Yennefer, like proud parents, support Ciri every step of the way. The question of time and space gets dabbled in a little here and other fantasy worlds get a little air time as well.

Do I find this a fitting end to the series? I definitely appreciated Ciri coming into her own because that girl has been tossed around far too much. Having her finally figure out what she wants and take active steps to achieve it was lovely to see. Little Horse’s role feels very deus ex machina, but I didn’t mind terribly, as I don’t really see how else things could be resolved otherwise without introducing more convolutions and maybe more books. 

As for the inclusion of Arthurian lore, it was fun at first, and a fitting nod to the book’s title. However, I do wonder if this was a cop-out, and whether Sapkowski had run out of juice to make his own conclusions, or if this had always been his end goal, to explain the mystical Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends. That really made me ponder how much of Arthurian influence were found in the Witcher world up to now and what else did I miss. Might have to hop around different reviews and threads to get a better idea of possible Easter eggs. 

All in all, I kind of wish the series never has to end, so that I can have more Dandelion, dwarf, and Geralt shenanigans, Ciri growth, and Yennefer softening. Still, it’s been a good ride!

Diversity meter: 

Strong female characters