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Review 'The Last Wish: Introducing the Witcher' (The Witcher #0.5)

The Last Wish introduces audiences around the globe to The Witcher Geralt and his fantastical world of monsters, both human and inhuman.

By Cyn's WorkshopPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Synopsis

Geralt the Witcher -- revered and hated -- holds the line against the monsters plaguing humanity in this collection of adventures in the New York Times bestselling series that inspired the Netflix show and the hit video games.

Geralt is a Witcher, a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent.

But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good...and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.

The Last Wish story collection is the perfect introduction to a one of a kind fantasy world.

Review

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski introduces readers to Geralt of Rivia, a man people know as a witcher. This collection of short stories follows the Witcher on his adventures, where he meets exciting characters and fights monsters, both human and inhuman.

Okay, I admit it, I watched the Netflix show first. However, in my defense, I owned his novel already; it was just waiting on my shelf above my desk, waiting for me to pick it up.

Amazing story

I loved these stories. It is hard to say this is a compilation of short stories because they flow together so nicely. The interludes featuring Nenneke bridge the stories together effortlessly, establishing their relationship, and highlight Geralt’s personality, giving him substance.

These stories, well, they are fairy tales. Well, they resemble fairy tales, and I am always a sucker for a good fairy tale. That is why this was such a good novel. These stories they give fairy tales a refreshing take, a darker more mature edge. It is amazing how these stories are structured, how they flow to develop the plot and Geralt’s personality. The reader sees the complexities of his characterization, making him a character worth reading.

Great Dynamics

Geralt is incredible, there is no doubt about that. Furthermore, while his characterization is impressive and thoughtful, it is his relationship with other characters that grab the reader. His relationship with Jaskier, Nenneke, and Yennefer, all highlight something different about Geralt. I love Nenneke and Jaskier. Nenneke does not take any crap from anyone while Jaskier brings in some of the comedy into the text, giving Geralt a jovial side. These characters all worked amazingly together, and each character has such a distinct voice.

Everyone that Geralt meets on his journeys highlights something about his personality, his ethics, and morals, and they offer something to the reader as well. They give the story a well-rounded foundation in which to introduce readers to The Witcher.

Final Thoughts

The Last Wish is an excellent introduction to the world of The Witcher and Geralt. These stories combine effortlessly to give the reader a satisfying new take on the typical fairy tale.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.

literature
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Cyn's Workshop

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