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doriangraysbih 's review for:
Blood of Elves
by Andrzej Sapkowski
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.