Hello Fellow Journeyers,
This next review is something I went back and forth on. I didn't want to spend my time reviewing each book of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher Saga books because I mostly didn't enjoy them as a whole, but I feel I need to explain my thoughts as a whole since reviewing some of the individual entries. For some background, this will be a review not of the short stories or Geralt-focused books being The Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, or Season of Storms, which all have their own reviews on this blog. This review will be of The Saga of the Witcher, which consists of Blood of Elves, Time of Contempt, Baptism of Fire, The Tower of Swallows, and The Lady of the Lake.
What's the story about: The Saga of the Witcher takes place after The Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, and Season of Storms. These five books follow witcher Geralt, his adoptive daughter Ciri, and sorceress Yennefer as they contend with kingdoms at war and a prophecy that affects the entire continent. This is a third-person omnisciently told story that does not stick to these three characters solely, but follows them most often. Treachery and villainy abound in these books where there is a new threat lurching around every corner.
Blood of Elves - 3 Stars
Book 1 takes some time to get going but is honestly a fun adventure story when it starts moving. Geralt and Ciri's training and relationship grows and develops in a natural way that is satisfying to read about. The end takes considerable time to get through and by the last page the pacing has reached a standstill.
Time of Contempt - 1.5 Stars
Book 2 takes a detour from what the first book established and meanders here and there with a confusing plot that really only centers around a final banquet and explosive climax that leaves the main characters separated. It felt like this book should've been a section of the first book or left out entirely.
Baptism of Fire - 3 Stars
Book 3 responds to the climax of the last book by finally getting Geralt to go on a quest to save Ciri and Yennefer and finds an unlikely fellowship to join him. Most of the book is a journey tale of the fellowship bonding and working together in surprisingly interesting ways and closes in a dynamic climax that was enjoyable to read.
The Tower of Swallows - 1.5 Stars
Book 4 is by far my least favorite. It felt the least focused on any one narrative besides having repeated subplots with disturbing events taking place. Another example of a useless entry similar to Time of Contempt, that either could have been the end of the series, or just left out to make room for the last book.
Lady of the Lake - 2.5 Stars
Book 5 is the conclusion and honestly just felt like an extremely long epilogue. We finally have an end to the Saga, but like Tower of Swallows, its told in a confounding way. Surprisingly, we get new connections to people, places, and universes that have never been mentioned, but luckily the story of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are given a level of closure, even if it's mostly unsatisfying.
Let me hear from you! If you like what you read, want to hear more thoughts on this book, other reviews, or talk book recommendations and Essential Reading, leave a comment below.