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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Reading criteria: 1-5⭐
1. do I like the writing? 4
2. good Plot? 4
3. niice Characters (development)? 4
4. Enjoyable? 5
5. Emotional reaction? 4
6. Vibes? 4
= 4,25⭐ (rounded up)
1⭐ Abyssal
2⭐ mech, not the worst, but I had a big problem with smth
3⭐ middle ground, it's fine
4⭐ yaay, I like it so much
5⭐ perfection
1. do I like the writing? 4
2. good Plot? 4
3. niice Characters (development)? 4
4. Enjoyable? 5
5. Emotional reaction? 4
6. Vibes? 4
= 4,25⭐ (rounded up)
1⭐ Abyssal
2⭐ mech, not the worst, but I had a big problem with smth
3⭐ middle ground, it's fine
4⭐ yaay, I like it so much
5⭐ perfection
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5
A very strong start for the famous Witcher series. Although the book does lean a little on the previous two collections of short stories, Sapkowski shines here in his two best elements: characterization and dialogue.
The delineation of key players here (of which there are many) feels integral and necessary and is done in a way that feels natural and authentic to the world he has created and to the branching plotlines unfolding within the narrative.
Although most of this book is clearly a setup for the next books and moves at a slow pace sometimes, it allows both the main characters and the reader to become more accustomed to the world, on the brink of war yet again, with conflicts on many different sides with many different viewpoints, and allows us to sympathize and rally beside new characters while also getting to know old and familiar ones even better. This book very successfully explains what is at stake and how high the stakes are, so we can continue our journey knowing the motivations behind everyone’s actions and exactly what they’re risking.
Above all, this book, just like the others in the series, gives a sense of nostalgia and familiarity at the usual tale of the hero’s journey, but twisted and spun into something that feels refreshing and exciting. Sapkowski’s ability to bring in mind cherished fables of old yet create characters and stories that feel new and interesting is why this series will always have such a huge following, and I completely understand why.
A very strong start for the famous Witcher series. Although the book does lean a little on the previous two collections of short stories, Sapkowski shines here in his two best elements: characterization and dialogue.
The delineation of key players here (of which there are many) feels integral and necessary and is done in a way that feels natural and authentic to the world he has created and to the branching plotlines unfolding within the narrative.
Although most of this book is clearly a setup for the next books and moves at a slow pace sometimes, it allows both the main characters and the reader to become more accustomed to the world, on the brink of war yet again, with conflicts on many different sides with many different viewpoints, and allows us to sympathize and rally beside new characters while also getting to know old and familiar ones even better. This book very successfully explains what is at stake and how high the stakes are, so we can continue our journey knowing the motivations behind everyone’s actions and exactly what they’re risking.
Above all, this book, just like the others in the series, gives a sense of nostalgia and familiarity at the usual tale of the hero’s journey, but twisted and spun into something that feels refreshing and exciting. Sapkowski’s ability to bring in mind cherished fables of old yet create characters and stories that feel new and interesting is why this series will always have such a huge following, and I completely understand why.
I went into this book expecting to be disappointed. Partially that was because I enjoyed the short story format of the previous two texts so much that I didn't think I would enjoy the novel. It was also, partially, because of the lackluster TV show writing. Happily, in all of this, I was mistaken. The book was a joy to dive into. Sapkowski's writing relies on what is not said (or shown) almost as much as what is. Despite not much on Team Yennifer (and not having NEARLY enough Dandelion to appease me), this first novel (or third depending on how you count things) was excellent.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
sad
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:
Complicated