Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - The Last Wish

To begin with, for those that may not know, this book is considered by many to be the first to read in the Witcher series because it introduces the reader to the world and the concepts of the Witcher. Rather than being a full novel, it is a collection of short stories that set up the plot for the series. If you like epic fantasy with lots of action and magic and high stakes you should give this series a try (and remember the books are different than the videogames and tv series).

I bought this book back in 2010 and forgot I owned it until the Netflix show first aired. I had played the videogames and so naturally I was curious as to how the show would be. Then I found my copy of The Last Wish once more and immediately began reading. Life threw me in for a loop and unfortunately, this book got put on the back burner for a while. But I restarted it a few months ago and have finally finished it! I only wish I had finished it sooner!

Although I genuinely enjoy all versions, out of the three, I like the book the best and I cannot wait to continue reading this series. It's so interesting seeing the different versions of Geralt but book Geralt is definitely the most intriguing and sympathetic iteration to me. He is just as formidable and gruff and sarcastic but he comes across as kinder and more soft-hearted and he truly treasures those he deems friends. He's one of the best morally gray characters that I have had the pleasure to see written.

I love getting more into his mind and I love that in the book, he is actually quite the scholar in many ways. He's just as intelligent (although does make some dumb decisions on occasion) as he is talented with his swords. Book Geralt is also more open-minded and willing to challenge his own beliefs by learning and taking into consideration others' viewpoints than his counterparts tend to.

But what I love most about the book is the prose. At times, the descriptions are so poetic and beautiful that I wouldn't be surprised if Dandilion/Jaskier had written them for a ballad. The lines that made me absolutely fall in love with this writing style was, ' It had taken a long time, he thought, before this dance on the edge of an abyss, this mad, macabre ballet of a fight, had achieved the desired effect, allowed him to psychically become one with his opponent, to reach the underlayers of concentrated will which permeated the striga.'

I truly enjoyed joining Geralt on his many adventures and I will definitely be continuing the journey.

Content Warnings

drachendingsi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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amelianotthepilot's review against another edition

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adventurous dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

very 'women are evil or whores' :/

i don’t get the hype

but I tried to read it with a grain of salt since it was written in the 90s, is Polish, and at least the fantasy world is fun.

collection of short stories of Geralt of Rivia the Witcher. First a story about a 'striga' who could only be cured/defeated by spending the night with her in the castle, then thee was a beauty and the beast-esque story, then a snow-white-esque demon slayer, and then a quick story about a beast who terrorized a town to trade with elves, and finally the story of Yennifer a witch who he falls in love with who asks to heal his bard friend.

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brittni_in_ink's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.25

I enjoyed this more than I expected! The episodic format and time jumps were interesting, and I liked getting to know Geralt and his main circle through the short stories that make up the book. The "monsters" had nuance to them, and the action sequences were very well written. Having fairy tale references throughout was also interesting! Also props to the translation team - the quality of the writing really shone through.

I'd played a little of the Witcher 3 before reading this, so I was familiar with the characters and the kinds of stories I'd encounter. But I didn't expect the book to be so funny. There were some legit laugh out loud moments. Geralt does say "hmmm" a lot.

Overall, the lore and the characters were compelling, and I'll definitely continue reading through the series.

Content Warnings