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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I found this harder to read. There were a few lines that did not make much sense, possibly poor transaltion or the original meaning wasn't conveyed very well. Still, a couple of small errors that added to the general lacklustre feel of this tale. Having watched the series first, the story held few surprises and I have to say that I prefered the series. This was readable and I enjoyed it. The story is building and I will probably continue reading the rest of the series of books.
Six short stories, largely chronicling the dissolution of Geralt's relationship with Yennefer and his first interactions with Ciri. This collection is less enjoyable than The Last Wish, mostly because it has a slow start--"The Bounds of Reason" and "Eternal Flame" ("petty politics instead of dragons" and "a comedy of financial errors," respectively) in particular run overlong. It's also, arguably, braver, offering more in the way of overarching plot, reoccurring characters, and a dense emotional register. But that last is a strange: the gritty, crude worldbuilding grates against the persistent coyness of Geralt's emotions and even his actions. His character could be profound--but the production of profundity grows tiresome.
And the sexism, in the worldbuilding and the narrative, of course persists; that Yennefer's infertility is her sole motivation is predictable and simplistic. Again, in contrast, the female character themselves are complicated and strong, especially willful child Ciri--she's lovely in the title story, which also offers complex, solid worldbuilding and an evocative atmosphere.
I will continue these, and look forward to starting the novels proper. But I can't recommend this collection and, oh, does this series have problems.
And the sexism, in the worldbuilding and the narrative, of course persists; that Yennefer's infertility is her sole motivation is predictable and simplistic. Again, in contrast, the female character themselves are complicated and strong, especially willful child Ciri--she's lovely in the title story, which also offers complex, solid worldbuilding and an evocative atmosphere.
I will continue these, and look forward to starting the novels proper. But I can't recommend this collection and, oh, does this series have problems.
I enjoyed this collection a lot more than the first! The stories didn’t all seem to follow a similar formula anymore and built off each other as well.
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:
No
The Last Wish introduced us to the world of the Witcher, and Sword of Destiny really develops the world and the characters.
All the short stories are beautifully written and really leave an impact on the readers. It is a shame many of the stories did not get adapted into the Netflix show.
All the short stories are beautifully written and really leave an impact on the readers. It is a shame many of the stories did not get adapted into the Netflix show.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a collection of short stories, much like The Last Wish was.
I still don't like Yennifer.
I was a little confused, because The Last Wish often talked about fate and destiny in the way that it's unavoidable and even an actual powerful force, and that people who are children of destiny are special. Geralt was a firm believer, and the way it was explained made it seem undeniable. This book turned Geralt into a skeptic, and he often said fate and destiny don't exist. This seemed like a drastic change. The only possible reason I could piece together for this change was Yennifer. His bitterness about their relationship, or lack there of, was the only explanation I could find that made any sense.
Ciri made her first appearance in this book. I'm not that familiar with her, but apparently she is one of the bigger characters in the games, so look forward to that, I guess.
I still don't like Yennifer.
I was a little confused, because The Last Wish often talked about fate and destiny in the way that it's unavoidable and even an actual powerful force, and that people who are children of destiny are special. Geralt was a firm believer, and the way it was explained made it seem undeniable. This book turned Geralt into a skeptic, and he often said fate and destiny don't exist. This seemed like a drastic change. The only possible reason I could piece together for this change was Yennifer. His bitterness about their relationship, or lack there of, was the only explanation I could find that made any sense.
Ciri made her first appearance in this book. I'm not that familiar with her, but apparently she is one of the bigger characters in the games, so look forward to that, I guess.
sometimes love isn't enough, and sometimes destiny isn't enough.
but Geralt and Ciri have my whole heart
but Geralt and Ciri have my whole heart
It's an excellent piece of world building in search of a more coherent plot. It's easy to see how this series was turned into a video game and then a series. Honestly, both adaptations do a better job of creating a compelling narrative from the excellent bones of this book.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated