Reviews with content warning for Racism - The Last Wish

Fun and interesting in places. However. I got up to Renfri and I adore her but I'm so sick of how they write female characters. In-between complex discussions of monsterhood it rly has the gall to say 'Renfri was silent for some time, fiddling with a string of pearls wound three times around her shapely neck before falling teasingly between her breasts, their curves just visible through the slit of her jacket.' like what the hell? it takes me out every time and is more often than not entirely unnecessary. Apart from that some cool folklore concepts explored and I love the base concept of witchers and their roles in society, just hard to stomach the misogyny.

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adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

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

4.0

I am a bit conflicted about this book as while I think the way it is set out with non-linear storytelling that tells the reader exactly what they need to know exactly when it becomes relevant is very impressive I did not enjoy some of the actual content that much.

I watched the first season of the witcher a while ago and it was interesting seeing the differences - in particular the fairy-tale influences the show omitted. Reading a revenge story featuring aspects of both Rapunzel and Snow White was certainly an experience! I also thought Sapkowski incorporated such topics as colonialism in an interesting way but it was a bit too dark for me and everyone seemed to constantly be thinking about sex which is not something I prefer in books (although I should have seen it coming so that is definitely on me!).

I can see why people like this and it is well constructed but not to my tastes.

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