Ep 442 - The Last Wish (Introducing The Witcher), by Andrzej Sapkowski

In 'Time of Contempt,' Geralt of Rivia continues his quest to protect Ciri, a child with the power to change the world. The story delves into the complex politics and magical conflicts of the Witcher world, where kings no longer trust sorcerers and the Nilfgaardian army is on the brink of war. Ciri and Yennefer travel to Thanedd Island for a conclave of mages, while Geralt faces various challenges, including a mysterious magician named Rience who is hunting Ciri. The novel is marked by intense action, political intrigue, and the deepening prophecy surrounding Ciri's destiny[2][3][4].

In Baptism of Fire, Geralt of Rivia is on a mission to find Ciri, the heiress to the throne of Cintra, who is rumored to be in the court of the Emperor of Nilfgaard. Geralt, still recovering from his injuries, gathers a new band of companions, including Dandelion, Milva, Cahir, and a group of dwarves. The story follows three separate storylines: Geralt's search for Ciri, the travels of his companions through a war-torn country, and the sorceresses' efforts to protect magic. The book is characterized by its focus on character interactions, the complexities of war, and the moral ambiguities of Geralt's world[2][3][5].

The Buried Giant is set in a mythical post-Arthurian England, where a strange mist causes widespread forgetfulness. The story follows Axl and Beatrice, an elderly couple, as they embark on a journey to visit their son who lives in a distant village. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including Saxon warriors, monks, and figures from Arthurian legend. The novel delves into themes of memory, love, and the consequences of forgetting the past, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the dangers of ignorance. It blends elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and philosophical reflection to create a narrative that is both a tender love story and a profound exploration of collective memory and its impact on society[2][3][4].

Blood of Elves is the first 'proper' book in the Witcher series, marking a shift from the short story format of the prequels. The story centers around three main plots: the aftermath of Nilfgaard's invasion of Cintra, the uprising of the Scoia'tael elves, and the character Ciri, a young princess with extraordinary powers. Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher, takes Ciri under his protection and trains her at Kaer Morhen, while also navigating the complex political and magical landscape of the world. The book features detailed world-building, character development, and a blend of action, humor, and serious themes[3][5][4].

The Graduate is a novella that captures the alienation and disillusionment of youth in 1960s America. Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate, feels empty and adrift. He begins an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's business partner, but soon finds himself drawn to her daughter, Elaine. The novel explores themes of idealism, materialism, corruption, and conformity, offering a sardonic and humorous insight into the challenges of post-graduation life and the societal expectations of the time.

Season of Storms is set before the events of the main Witcher series and follows Geralt of Rivia as he travels to Kerack to receive a new mission. However, his journey takes a turn when his legendary Witcher swords are stolen. Geralt must navigate through a plot involving sorceresses, political machinations, and monster hunts to recover his swords. The story features familiar characters like Dandelion and introduces new ones, such as the sorceress Lytta Neyd (Coral). The book is characterized by its episodic structure, similar to Sapkowski's earlier short stories, with Geralt facing various challenges and adversaries along the way[3][5][4].

Sword of Destiny is the second collection of short stories in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, following the events of The Last Wish. It continues Geralt's adventures, further developing his character and the world around him. The stories explore various themes, including morality, destiny, and the complexities of human relationships. The collection features a mix of action-packed adventures and introspective moments. It serves as a bridge between the short stories and the main Witcher saga.

The Last Wish is a collection of seven short stories that chronologically serve as the first book in The Witcher series. The stories are framed by Geralt's recovery at the Temple of Melitele, where he recounts his past adventures. Each tale delves into Geralt's encounters with various monsters and humans, often blurring the lines between good and evil. The stories explore themes of morality, the nature of monstrosity, and the complexities of Geralt's character, who is both a skilled monster hunter and a man with a deep sense of justice and compassion.

The Tower of the Swallow is the fourth novel in the Witcher saga, deepening the complexities of the plot and character relationships. Geralt and Ciri's paths converge once more, leading to new challenges and revelations. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for purpose. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The Tower of the Swallow builds towards the final confrontation in the series.

The Lady of the Lake is the fifth and final novel in the Witcher Saga. It follows Ciri, who after walking through a portal in the previous book, finds herself in an Elven world. The story involves her attempts to escape and rejoin Geralt and Yennefer, while navigating the complexities of her prophesied destiny and the ongoing war between the Northern Kingdoms and Nilfgaard. The novel features multiple perspectives, including the frame story of Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, and Condwiramurs, an oneiromancer, as they piece together the legends of Geralt and Ciri. The book concludes the series with a satisfying and emotionally charged finale, wrapping up the characters' arcs and the larger narrative of the Witcher world.

Charmed Life, by Diana Wynne Jones, is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young witch named Charmain. The story is filled with magical creatures, whimsical settings, and plenty of humor. Charmain's journey involves navigating the complexities of magic and family relationships. The novel is known for its witty writing style and imaginative world-building. It's a captivating read for fans of fantasy and young adult literature.