Geralt of Rivia's previous outings have been one-off monster hunting assignments. But now we ge the band back together! Ciri, Geralt, Yennefer and Dandilion are all present and accounted for!

I felt that it started off a bit slow, one very long episode under a "sanctuary tree" for loack of a better term. But the pace soon picks up and doesn't really slow down again. I'll admit I hadn't read the books before the Netflix series, a crime I admit as the books are good. But I get too distracted when things flip flop through time so I was easily confused by both book and TV!

The first of the novels of the Witcher books, after the short stories and we join the Witchers at Kaer Morhen, with Ciri, Geralt and the other witches teaching Ciri to become a Witcher.
A great start to a great series. We see all that is going on in the world and all the different POVs.

While Blood of Elves is the first novel in the Witcher saga, it does follow on from the events in the short stories. If you haven't read those (or seen the TV show) there's no reason why you couldn't start with the novel, but I think the opening would be a bit disorientating if you didn't already know the characters and back story, so I would advise checking out the start of the tale first.

I've had a huge fantasy hangover since finishing The Witcher Netflix show late last year, so it was brilliant to return to this world and its characters, and to learn more of its backstory.

The world building is rich, with complex history and politics woven throughout in a way that is endlessly fascinating and will be popular with anyone who enjoyed reading the Song of Ice and Fire series. The action scenes are fast-paced, fun and easy to visualise. The translation is also superb, and remains smooth and natural throughout.

There are some excellent 'montage' sequences in Blood of Elves, where long periods of time are conveyed entirely through dialogue. The way Sapkowski conveys actions and description only using speech is clever and engaging, and I found myself picturing scenes perfectly even without any additional wording around the dialogue.

I really enjoyed Blood of Elves and am looking forward to reading more about Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer's adventures.

I did not finish this book.
I found this a really difficult book to get into because it is clear that you need to read the short stories, that aren't part of this series, but a separate prequel, first. I had not and honestly was thrown in with a confusing world with no explanation.
I dnf'd after about 20%
3* because I think it's probably good if you understand what's going on.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a copy.

I loved this, I was influenced by the Netflix show, but as always I thought the books are so much better, the characters are more developed and likeable here, the plot is fast paced, addictive and full of adventure. I love the strong women Andrzej has written and I will definitely be jumping into the next book

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Hello, my fellow readers! So, a pretty well-known fact about moi, I love fantasy. Like, love love fantasy. So, when the Witcher tv-show came out on Netflix this past December, I binged the show, and after Christmas, all I pretty much did was sit on the couch and watch Henry Cavill kick some serious monster butt. However, I was rather shocked to hear that this show was based on book series and not just the video game. And then, as fate would have it, the lovely people at Orion sent me a copy of the first book. Sometimes, the stars just seemingly align, and I am left in fantasy heaven.

Okay, first thing’s first… am I read this series correctly? Because I do not think I am. I bought The Last Wish after I finished watching the tv-show, and was kind of confused, however, someone told me that it’s like a prequel and that Blood of Elves is the first one. Cool, cool, except that I have just finished reading Blood of Elves, and it did not feel like the first book within an instalment. I know that there is one book between these two, but I was under the impression that It also was a prequel. Seriously, begging you, someone in the comments’ let me know what the actual reading order is because I think it is seriously affecting the way I have been reading this series. But let’s get into the actual review of the book!

As you may have suspected, I was rather confused as I began reading this book. There were things that I knew from reading the tv-show and from reading the first (I think?) book, but it started very confusing indeed. I did like how they set it up with Dandelion in the beginning, and honestly, anything with him in it is kind of hilarious. However, the story shifts dramatically between the chapters between different points in time, at right now, I am not entirely sure that I like it. It does maybe make sense to have it, given that Geralt lives for so so long, having these massive jumps in time may seem massive to us but not Geralt himself. Still, it did not make for the smoothest read, and I ended up feeling confused throughout. However, this one may be on me, because I thought this book was the first in the series, and now I am not sure.

It did become easier to read towards the end when I had more context, but if I had not read The Last Wish or watched the tv-show, I am pretty sure I would have been totally lost.

Character-wise, I do have to admit that I love Geralt. I may be biased because I kept picturing Henry Cavill in my head as I was reading it (and who could ever be mad thinking about Henry Cavill?), but overall, I found him to be very sympathetic and at the same time, a major, well frankly, badass. Ciri, on the other hand… yeah, okay, I get that she’s a young girl, and although we do get some majorly good strong moments for her, very often I felt like she was pretty whiny. There is some development towards the very end, so hopefully, her childhood naivety is just to set up some great character development for the series later on, but in this first instalment? Yeah, no, she did not impress me. Yennefer, on the other hand, is who I want to be when I grow up. She is just cool. And, frankly, easily the funniest person in the whole book. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see even more of her.

Also, this might be the fault of the translation, but I thought that the language used was kind of odd. Like, really strange. You can also definitely tell that the original book was written in 1994, just from the style of narration used by Sapkowski. Moreover, there were only like 8 chapters in the book (I think...) and so each chapter is almost like a story within itself. I'm not entiiiirely sure I liked it, but it definitely provided a unique experience.

So, after reading all of that, this might surprise you, but I kind of loved it? It was just so wonderfully weird, the world is incredibly complex and I really want to find out more, some of the characters kind of annoyed me but they have so much potential and I want to see how they develop. Sure, I did not always know what was going on, but that just made me want to read and find out more. Honestly, after posting this review, I am pretty sure I am going to order a box set of the series because I really want to see what happens.

Also, did a shirtless Henry Cavill make me biased? Maaaaaybe, but I still stand by it. I definitely urge you to check it out - it was not the easiest read, but it will definitely leave you wanting more.

The Witcher series is somewhat confusing to get into because technically this is book one, but it makes more sense to read The Last Wish – a collection of Witcher short stories – first. I still really enjoyed this. If I’m honest, there are things that irritate me slightly (the dismissive way some female characters are treated for example) and Geralt is far less immediately likeable than he is in the NetFlix show. So bear in mind that while the books, games and NetFlix show all draw on the same characters and worldbuilding, they are each their own thing as well. The fantasy is based far more on the feel of fairytales than classic sword and sorcery or epic fantasy, too which actually worked for me. I really enjoyed this and look forward to getting my teeth in to the rest of the series.

I've never played the Witcher games nor read any of the other material though I fully intend to watch the new Henry Cavill portrayal so I decided to swot up a bit. I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Because I'm unsure if the writing is bad or just translated badly I can only give this three stars. All of the regular fantasy tropes are here, including most of the races you will find in any other novel. Ciri is the Chosen One, there's some kind of love triangle and badly written women with heaving breasts (constantly mentioned, in fact. women are only ever reduced to sexy body parts) plus Geralt the star panty dropper slash monster hunter. For a first novel meant to be world building, no one else was actually written in a way that would make you care about them or their fate whatsoever. Everyone is just a mouthpiece for the author to cram in information disguised as totally normal not at all expositional conversation.

I can fully understand how this dialogue heavy juvenile fantasy worked so well as a video game, but as literature I just wasn't that impressed. Hoping that the source material shines a bit more when condensed to bite sized episodes on TV, and that some of the tiresome male gaze elements are updated.

Blood of Elves

This story reads like a sequel although it is presented as the first in the series. It is clearly structured for the long haul as there is very little action. It does suffer from layout problems as well as translation issues associated with spelling, word selection and grammar. That said, it is well written and the writing style is such that it holds the attention even when the reader is clearly being fed a series of quite lengthy historical and contextual descriptions. As the writing is based on perspective, information of this kind is repeatedly presented through quite formal discussions that do not bear too close examination.

The passage of time is also quite idiosyncratic and there is not always a clear reason as to why, or what has happened in the interim. Flashbacks, asides and dream sequences are also added to this mix. Characterisation is reasonably strong but, as many of the characters have hidden backgrounds and motivations, it is often quite difficult to judge who is on whose side. The world-building is rich and context is an effective part of the story. The magic system is only slowly and partially revealed in this book and so does not play a central part in this story.

The descriptions of body parts, actions, sex and violence are quite vivid and overt for this type of story, which makes it more earthy and realistic. There are references made to relationships but these are not effectively pursued in this story.

As the story lacks significant tension and there is a low level of action, the pace is steady at best.

This review appears quite negative but, as noted earlier, despite all of these things it is a good read and certainly by the end of this book there is enough solid and interesting features to hook the reader into the next story in the series.

"Blood of Elves" is a well-written, enjoyable, and fast read. It should have been longer. The story skips long periods of time, and even though the reader doesn't miss the events during those times, I felt a little bit cheated. With a story as entertaining as this, another 100 pages or so wouldn't have gone amiss. The characters are a little bit flat, leaving me with no feelings towards them at all. But this is a great story - and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
4.5 stars.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I was attracted by the popularity of the show in requesting this book and I really liked it. The setting is interesting, the female characters brilliant and I loved Geralt and his being so sassy. The writing style was peculiar, but overall I liked this book!

I really love the world of the Witcher, there are so many fantastic characters each bringing something new to the table. Having played some of the first game and really enjoying it I knew I had to read the books. The majority of the characters are recognizable  from the games which is a big bonus if you are a fan. And now with the Netflix show it is even more popular and recognisable!

This is the first book in the series which is not a collection of short stories, it mainly follows Geralt and Ciri. There are 3 main parts to this story, a war that is brewing between the humans of the different kingdoms, A rebellion that the non-humans have started against the humans and Ciri learning to become a wizard. The first is a war for power as most wars tend to be and the second is a war for justice as some of the non humans feel like they are not being treated as they should be, these are typically the two reasons people would go to war over. In this book however there are only mentions of these wars and its obvious that this is only the beginning.

The more interesting part of the story is Ciri, her family were all murdered as part of the human war and she is the heir to a kingdom. This means she is a huge target from many different people and lots of them want to use her for their own political gain. Geralt is tasked with looking after her and making sure she is protected. I would say he did a pretty god job and now she is well on her way to becoming a wizard.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, it has everything you would want from a fantasy novel; wizards, elves, dwarves and monsters of all kinds. As well as the mysterious Witchers who are trained from a young age to kill monsters. I would like to learn more about the history of the Witchers, this is where the book loses out on the 5 stars from me because I really want to know! Also this book has a lack of Geralt killing monsters which is a little disappointing but all in all a great read. I did read this before the show came out and I have to say I am pleased with how it came together!

Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski is both entertaining and enjoyable. The translation to English is brilliant.

I've been looking forward to this book as I (along with many others!) enjoyed the Netflix series inspired by the books of Andrzej Sapkowski.

The translation from the original Polish is excellent, the writing is beautiful and a joy to read. I got myself comfortable and got lost in the fantasy. This is my favourite genre, the story is bursting full of wizards, sorceresses, druids, monsters, battles, dodgy stalkers and of course a bard.

Blood of Elves is solid enjoyable fantasy fare, although fans of the Netflix series may be disappointed in a slow paced plot and not enough Geralt.

I'm looking forward to The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny - these two collections of short stories set in the same universe come highly recommended.

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book to read. I loved The Last Wish so I decided to continue with the Witcher series. Unfortunately the writing style in this wasn't for me. I did love the characters especially the female ones. I found the plot okay and it was a quick read for me but overall the writing style was the main thing that stopped me from fully enjoying the book.

Blood of Elves is chronologically the 3rd entry within The Witcher saga. Whereas previously all the short stories followed Geralt of Rivia working on certain monster assassination assignments, within Blood of Elves he is one of 3 or 4 main characters that we share the minds of. For the novels, you can start here but I wouldn't recommend it. I found that I completely loved the groundwork I'd put in with the previous narratives and then hearing about the past stories mentioned of which I'd already read such as recollecting thoughts regarding meeting the Golden Dragon and about the macabre events that happened at the downfall of Cintra. It was also an excellent feeling meeting familiar characters (often a bit too spontaneously) that we'd briefly crossed paths with within the previous books. I can't state it enough that this book is so much deeper and more enjoyable if you've read what comes beforehand. The important side characters from the recent stories are more prominent here, most notably Ciri and Yennefer. I'm gutted we don't see more of one of my favourite characters, the womanising troubadour Dandelion.

The tale starts at a safe haven underneath a giant tree where Dandelion and his apprentice tell the epic poem of Geralt. We know the stories if we've read the previous entries but the poetry and the action is accentuated for the audience and is more picturesque, beautiful, and heightened in this form. Dandelion is the finest bard in the land who causes the ladies to swoon, the lords to be jealous and the brothel owners to panic! The ensemble of all assembled then discuss what happened at the end of the depicted action. Was Geralt murdered? Did the Child of Destiny, the Princess Ciri escape? Did her and Geralt meet up as was prophecised? It's a really intriguing beginning and sets the action up expertly. Geralt is an extremely famous Witcher whose name is world-renowned. Everyone claims to know him and his exploits but he's not been witnessed in two years so how much is a mere fabrication to attract the attention of revelers in a bar on a weekend evening?

In this outing, Ciri, the child of Destiny is essentially the main character with Geralt being more of a shadowy father figure who aids her development as an upcoming Witcher although she also has magical capabilities she does not understand. He is the infamous Witcher, Yennefer is an enchantress and there is the "will they-won't they" love interest, and although she's not the biological child of the aforementioned she arguably seems like a perfect mix of the other two main characters.

This tale was much deeper than what had come beforehand and as I've previously mentioned I wish to read all of these before the Netflix series is released. The first 30% is mainly focused on Ciri's training at the Witcher halls of Kaer Morten under the watchful gaze of the remaining handful of Witchers but also sorceresses Triss and Yennefer who are both former love interests of Geralt. Geralt does love Ciri as a father would and their relationship is complex, loving in a lack-of-emotion way from Geralt's perspective. He's a complex character as he's been genetically mutated to be a heartless monster killer but he has extreme morals and will not take sides in any sort of debacle. One persons' right is another ones' wrong and he shouldn't take sides and that's not what he has been manipulated for.

Honestly, there isn't too much action throughout this novel, but that's fine. This is the foundation of what will no doubt be an exceptional next five books. The main drama is caused by a fire-scarred magical-wielding individual who has an unknown vendetta against Geralt and wants Ciri. Imagine if the Queen on a chessboard was infinitely more valuable and in the eyes of the soon to be warring nations this (even though they don't know if she's alive) 12-year-old young lady has a very important part to play. Child of Destiny isn't a title that everyone is able to flaunt after all.

Blood of Elves is very conversation heavy. Sometimes, with players having similar and confusing names it does get a bit over-bearing. Often a conversation will have eight contributors but it doesn't always make it obvious who is saying what so in these scenes I found my mind bouncing around thinking... "who said that?" - "who was that to?" etc? The vibe and the point of the scene are expressed well but it's not always easy to keep a perfect picture of progression.

I loved the majority of the short stories and only a few remain weak and uninteresting in my mind. This seemed like a well constructed but quite safe progression to the novel side of things. It didn't really have an exciting finale. The only event that could be considered as such was a confrontation at the eighty percent mark and then we were gifted a Ciri training session to conclude. This series isn't perfect yet. However, I am really enjoying following this interesting and multi-layered cast. This could go on to be one of my favourite fantasy series. At this point, I believe I've only witnessed the tip of the iceberg and Ciri's destiny and the Witcher's influence is amazingly intriguing. I can't wait to read the next one.

3.5 / 5 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2020/02/18/blood-of-elves-by-andrzej-sapkowski-review

Blood of Elves officially begins the Witcher saga, a series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. It follows witcher Geralt of Rivia, of some renown and fame, as well as infamy. Though Geralt was initially introduced in The Last Wish, Blood of Elves is the first full length novel set in this world of elves, dwarves, gnomes, men, and witchers. In addition to the Last Wish, you maaaay be familiar with the Witcher games (which are all amazing). While I enjoyed all the games, as well as the Last Wish, I was torn on Blood of Elves.

Witchers—as introduced in The Last Wish—are a secretive order of monster slayers, hated and feared the world over, but needed as well. Taken as boys, they are put through rigorous and dangerous trials then are pumped full of alchemic and mutagenic compounds to turn them into the perfect monster-fighters. The survivors of these are few, but these few become Witchers. Witchers traditionally stay out of the limelight; not getting involved with the politics of kings, nor humans versus non-humankind.

But when Geralt hears of a certain prophecy, he breaks this unwritten rule. Ciri is the lost Princess of Cintra, a child of the Elder Blood—prophesied to bring great change to the world. She is also an orphan, one with magic in her blood. And so Geralt returns with Ciri to Kaer Morhern—the home of the Witchers—and begins to train her as one of their own. But as a child of Elder Blood, Ciri also begins training in magic, slowly becoming one of a kind. Something unique.

The story, such as it is, follows Ciri. Her Witcher training under Geralt. Her magic training under Triss Merigold. Her… less than reputable training, under the bard, Dandelion. Further on, it follows world events surrounding the Princess of Cintra, a prophesied child of Elder Blood. The politics of lords and kings. War. And more.

There’s a lot going on in Blood of Elves. Sapkowski focuses heavily on world-building, switching between vastly different perspectives with little apparent emphasis on the actual plot. The plot which is… incomplete. While the story follows Ciri as she grows up, and Geralt as her mentor, we spend a lot of time with an extended cast. In addition to Geralt, Ciri, Triss and Dandelion, there’s Yennifer, Vesemir, other Sorceresses, other Witchers, kings and viziers, elves, humans, dwarves, gnomes, rebels, warriors, and more. There are random flashbacks—often short and unhelpful, only hinting at past events. It’s both a thrilling, and incredibly annoying tactic. There’s a lot going on; it’s easy to get lost.

And… well. The plot doesn’t resolve at the end of Blood of Elves. It rather ends in a cliffhanger, in fact. Like the kind Michael J. Sullivan is so obsessed with. But where his novels are usually gripping and thrilling… well, BoE is both of these, too. But it’s also a bit dense. And with very little resolution, I found myself turned off it.

TL;DR

While Blood of Elves demonstrates world-building and lore on an elite scale, its plot is a quagmire of random characters, events and flashbacks, all cobbled together in a seemingly random order. Well the story told is a good one—better than good, even—it’s easy to get lost in all the twists and turns. Having played the Witcher games, having read the Last Wish—I could just barely keep up with it all, but still lost focus in the end, when the book ended, but nothing was resolved. I haven’t yet read Time of Contempt (the next Witcher novel), where the story presumably continues. The desire to both is and isn’t there. If it’s another mire of random characters and flashbacks, I’m not sure I want to. If it’s a series of action and adventure sequences following my favorite characters, I definitely do. So, I’m torn. And I’m not sure which way to lean.

Really enjoyed this! I'm sure I don't need to write a description after the popularity of the TV show, but I love Geralt and his sass! On to the next one!