Sword of Destiny

“‘Who the hell are you?' Geralt asked again, leaning forward. ‘What are you doing... in this forest? How did you get here?' The girl lowered her head and sniffed loudly. ‘Cat got your tongue? Who are you, I said? What's your name?' ‘Ciri,' she said, sniffing.” Once more we return to Geralt of Rivia, the eponymous Witcher, and his deeds. Mostly, though, “Sword of Destiny” serves to define Geralt with respect to his friends. We get to meet Dandelion again, and, of course, Geralt and Yennefer of Vengerberg cross paths several times as they are... Well, whatever they are, they certainly don't know themselves. Most importantly, though, Geralt meets Ciri, the Child of the Elder Blood, for the first time. Ciri, who will become so important in Geralt's life. We meet her three times throughout the stories in this book which are loosely connected to each other but mostly show us who Geralt truly is. The more I read, the more loose threads I dimly remembered from the entire saga actually turned out to be picked up and resolved. I liked this book the first time I read it but I only came to really appreciate its narrative depth and immersion this second time around. Whereas Geralt – to me at least – was a very likeable person, he really grew on me and I deeply sympathized with this fictious man. Especially fascinating were his travels with Yurga, a travelling merchant he rescues, and on whom he invokes the Law of Surprise (for those (yet!) unenlightened among you: That means Geralt – as a reward – asks for something his debtor finds at home but didn't expect, e. g. a child.). What is revealed as part of that voyage about Geralt is fairly astounding and deeply moving. I was engrossed with the switches of perspective – Geralt alternatingly hallucinating and being clear-headed. When the borders between what he imagines and what's real get murkier, the story becomes almost philosophical and we cannot ever be sure what was actually real and what was not. And, in fact, this is not being resolved. It's up to the reader to decide for himself which makes me feel the author takes me seriously and I greatly appreciate that. Ultimately, this is probably the best introduction any fantasy hero could hope for. What starts lightly and with witty sarcasm by “monsters”... “‘That is right,' the dragon interrupted. ‘Well, it's the times we live in. For some time, creatures, which you usually call monsters, have been feeling more and more under threat from people. They can no longer cope by themselves. They need a Defender. Some kind of... witcher.'“ ... goes to great length to end on a very serious and positive tone: “‘It's like they said! Geralt! It's like they said! Am I your destiny? Say it! Am I your destiny?' Yurga saw the Witcher's eyes. And was very astonished. He heard his wife's soft weeping, felt the trembling of her shoulders. He looked at the Witcher and waited, tensed, for his answer. He knew he would not understand it, but he waited for it. And heard it. ‘You're more than that, Ciri. Much more.'” Neither Geralt nor Ciri actually know at this point how right they are and, thus, I strongly encourage you, dear reader, to join them on their journey... Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

Truly enchanting

As with the first book of short stories, you can't help but feel that every story has its worth. They're all slightly different, all introducing you more and more into Geralt as a person and his companions along the way. The lore and world that is built is dizzyingly exciting and has left me wanting to consume everything about this world.

If you liked the first book, you'll love this. If you like the games, you'll love this. If you like fantasy books, you'll love this!

“It is easy to kill with a bow, girl. How easy it is to release the bowstring and think, it is not I, it is the arrow. The blood of that boy is not on my hands. The arrow killed him, not I. But the arrow does not dream anything in the night.”

Fantastic, I really loved the Sword of Destiny for so many reasons! The beginning of Geralt & Ciri's bond in this novel is done so SO well, the way they're pulled apart and pushed back together really does have the feeling of destiny and the love you quickly feel between them is so strong.

Geralt, what can I say about Geralt. He is one of the most complex and diverse fantasy characters ever in my opinion. Mutated and edited so he can't feel anything when hunting yet he loves and fights hard for anyone who needs protection. He's paternal, loving and goes completely against the way everyone see's him. The word Sapkowski built for him is detailed and rich and it rivals all others. He's a monster hunter who follows a code that makes you question how we define monsters. Fantasy fans need to read this series, I can't wait to read more!

Sapkowski has a talent when it comes to character building, playing the games I adored Triss and found Yennefer difficult to like with how she treats Geralt, yet in the novels with Yen's backstory explained in more detail I can't help but understand and feel for her, Geralt loves her even though he shouldn't be able to love and that's very infectious!

Also, I love the unusual take on Monsters. The Polish folklore influence is so interesting and its a great twist on the standard Fantasy monsters.

Cant wait to read more, NEED to play the Wild Hunt again, each 10/10 - 5/5 read!

“The sword of destiny has two edges. You are one of them.”

I absolutely loved this book. All of the stories were great, but I think “Something More” was my favorite.

Brilliant as always, and a pleasure to fill the gaps in Geralt and Ciri's story.