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kkogane's review
4.0
Geralt of Rivia, is entrusted to protect Ciri,a young girl whose extraordinary powers could alter the fate of their world.
Pros
Chapter Structure
The entire book consists of seven chapters, but each is roughly 40 pages. Sapkowski’s format is consistent, chapters are not based on one character’s POV, but multiple characters. Chapters individually focus on certain events and only characters who are related to these occurrences appear in the chapter.
Plot
The story itself is simplistic, but dynamic. The actions of characters cause chain reactions among others . There isn't any forced story progression, everything proceeds at a steady pace.
Characters
A strong factor in the Witcher franchise are the characters. Geralt isn't the typical fantasy hero, he’s cynical and morally indifferent. Ciri is innocent yet defiant. Every character has their own loyalties or agendas to fulfill, and each is interesting in their own way.
Cons
Lack of Character Development
Although,the cast of the Witcher is entertaining most major characters are static. They are flexible, but unchanging. Ciri is the only character to undergo any type of noticeable change- probably because she’s a child and remains impressionable. The state of their world could be the reason for this, but it isn't a groundbreaking flaw.
Overall, I loved this book. The world of The Witcher is immerse and engaging. I will definitely re-read the Last Wish and continue the series.
josip_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
dragongurrl's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
darlingbekki's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
As expected, this first novel in the series focuses more on Ciri than the short stories that came before. The structure of the chapters was interesting - each chapter focussed on a character or set of characters and their story/development. I enjoyed most chapters but I found some of the political jargon about war quite boring. The character development of Ciri and Yennefer in the final chapter was very interesting to read. I feel that the boom has given a lot more detail and context around Ciri's growth and development than the show did. I also had a great love for the chapter in which Ciri, Triss and Geralt travelled with the band of dwarves. Overall, an enjoyable read!
pkiwi's review
3.0
It took me quite a while to get through this book and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books of the Witcher. This is the first book with a continuous storyline, which unfortunately takes the speed out of the story. The prose is still lovely, the world still amazing, but the book more or less builds up to absolutely nothing... Not sure if I'm going to continue reading the series (as not to spoil my enjoyment of The Last Wish)
ciuchciabojowa's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
co1m's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
franklin56709's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
noaimjane's review against another edition
4.5
I struggle to accurately rank this. I kinda had a hard time getting through this as well as the short stories but there’s overwhelmingly redeeming qualities sprinkled in. I’d have ranked this a 3 if not for the last bit of it. I swear it took me 3x the normal amount of time to get through and it felt like effort, but at the same time it was more of a tear jerker that felt like it meant something and was beautiful than books that I can fly through then criticize