Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Last Wish

The third entry in Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher Fantasy saga, THE LAST WISH is canonically the first book in the 9-novel series. Published in 1993 and translated into English in 2007, THE LAST WISH is a collection of short stories recounted as the Witcher Geralt of Rivia recovers from a nearly fatal injury. Each story serves to enumerate Geralt’s work, ethical code, and personality while introducing the reader to a medieval world gone wrong.

Witchers are alchemically-engineered fiend exterminators for hire. The process renders Witchers both emotionally empty and physically enhanced. Geralt, the White Wolf of Rivia, is one such being. The first flashback of the novel centers around an age-old trope: the king of Temeria wishes his daughter saved from great peril. The peril in question? The princess herself, having been cursed from birth. The power structure outside of King Foltest’s court introduces another key part of the Witcher universe: monstrous humanity and political intrigue. Advisors and businessmen want Geralt to kill the princess. Will Geralt succumb to the temptation of earning coin, or will his determination and personal code hold fast?

Sapkowski’s THE LAST WISH is rife with layered meaning and the exploration of human nature. The common philosophical themes Geralt wrestles with are summed up in two questions: what does it mean to be human, and what good can exist if one must always choose the lesser evil?

THE LAST WISH immerses the reader in a darkened Eastern European world tinged and tormented by regional folklore. This seven story collection serves as a wonderful introduction to many of the recurring characters in the series, setting both stage and tone for many friendships, rivalries, conflicts, and confluences that extend into future novels set in The Witcher universe.

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

i've always wanted to read this series after having played the witcher 3: wild hunt and i finally started it and am pleased to find that it wasn't as dense as i was worried it would be and as a lot of fantasy books typically are. i don't know if it's because i already have a good understanding of the world as it is but i found it to be an easy, fun read. each chapter felt like a little quest! i do feel like this would be a good read for someone who may not know much about the witcher or might find fantasy books somewhat intimidating. you're given just enough information to understand the world, the politics, and the characters without it being overexplained and complicated or underexplained and confusing. i'm excited to read more of this series and might consider a replay of the game when all is said and done!

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