Book Review

Blood of Elves is the first novel of The Witcher’s saga and the third of The Witcher’s series. First and second books – Sword of Destiny and The Last Wish – contain only short stories introducing to the saga. The author, Andrzej Sapkowski, is also one of the most famous Polish fantasy writer.

 

  After the Empire of Nilfgaard attacked the Kingdom of Cintra, granddaughter of the queen, Cirilla, manages to flee from the burning city. Emhyr van Emreis, the emperor knows, that she has a great importance because of her royal blood, magical potential and elven blood in her veins. That is why he sends his spies to find her. The main character is Geralt of Rivia – one of the Witchers. He is a magically and genetically mutated monster slayer for hire. Geralt finds Cirilla and takes her to the Witchers’ keep – Kaer Morhen.  There Ciri is being taught by other Witchers to fight with a sword. During her education, the sorceress Triss Merigold comes to Kaer Morhen. She is called by Geralt to help with occasional abnormal behaviour he has seen in Ciri. Triss realises that Ciri is a Source and advises to seek help with Yennefer, more experienced sorceress.

At the same time, Gerald’s friend Dandelion  is being tortured by mysterious wizard Rience, who is looking for the girl. Dandelion is saved by Yennefer, who engages in a short magic combat with Rience.

In the springtime Gerald leaves Kaer Morhen and delivers Ciri to the Temple School in Ellander. In this temple Yennefer starts educating Ciri in the way of magic. Gerald, with the help of Dandelion and Shani, forces a confrontation with Rience, during which both are injured. Rience’s master intervenes again, opening the portal for him. Last of assassin dies, so Gerald has no source of information.

In my view, this book is a good example of an interesting story about many great people. Fantastic plot, well-created characters and beautiful world aren’t the only advantages of this book.

As far as I am concerned, I can recommend this novel for every reading fan. If you start reading it, you won’t be able to stop for a long time.

Grzegorz Cieśla