How to read the Witcher books in order

The Witcher Saga is one of the most popular fantasy series in the world. If you are a fan of fantasy books, you can jump into the universe of Witcher stories with Speechify.

Why are The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski popular?

The Witcher book series was written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and published by Orbit Books. Andrzej Sapkowski was born on June 21, 1948, and is a well-known writer of fantasy-themed books and novels, often drawing inspiration from Mythology from across the world, with his main influences being drawn from Slavic, Nordic, and Germanic Mythology.

Described as the Polish Tolkien by some (which no doubt helped in this series becoming an Amazon and New York Times Bestseller), he has written and published over 20 books and multiple collections of short stories that have been translated into over 25 languages and sold worldwide.

The first story about the Witcher was written for a fantasy writing competition and published in the Polish magazine Fantastyka in 1968.

The book and stories of this series owe their popularity due to exceptionally well-written and developed characters, each with their own personality, strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and a story to tell in the world of the Witcher. The monsters of the Witcher universe are also not just mindless beasts, as one has a developed nature for an attentive reader to find.

All of the Witcher Books in Order

The story of Geralt the Witcher is depicted in two collections of short stories and five books following a main story and one bonus story set before the beginning of the main Witcher storyline. However, following chronological reading order is not necessary to enjoy and appreciate the books. Reading in the proper order provides more clarity and insight into the story and characters of the Witcher Universe.

Sword of Destiny (1992) and The Last Wish (1993)

Sword of Destiny (1992) and The Last Wish (1993) are collections of short stories following the adventures of Geralt of Rivia as he travels across the world hunting monsters, breaking curses, and dealing with relations between different races, international and court politics trying to remain neutral in it all. Many of said stories include characters such as sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg or young Ciri, that was effectively an adopted daughter of Geralt of Rivia.

For the portion of these stories, Geralt is accompanied by a Bard, Mistral, Gambler, and Geralt’s best friend, Dandelion (Jaskier), that accompanies him through his adventures and becomes a reoccurring character in the series.

These books serve as a great introduction to the world of The Witcher book series and introduce some of the more important characters.

Blood of Elves (1994)

Blood of Elves (1994) is the first novel of The Witcher book series.

Two years prior to the beginning of the story Kingdom of Cintra was attacked by a Nilfgaard Empire and, after a short but brutal campaign, forced Northern Kingdoms to sign an armistice. In the middle of it, Cirila, the only daughter of Queen Calanthe, is being hunted by Nilffgaardian soldiers and something more, something ancient. She is protected by Geralt and assisted by powerful sorceresses Triss Merigold and Yennefer of Vengerberg with the goal of protecting and training Ciri as either a skilled warrior, powerful sorceress, or both.

The Time of Contempt (1995)

Time of Contempt (1995) is the second book in The Witcher series.

Northern Kingdoms are looking to find a justification to break the armistice and once more start the war with Nilfgaard. Meanwhile, racial and religious tensions are slowly reaching a boiling point.

Internal struggles slowly rip kingdoms apart, monarchs fall and are replaced, and mages whose only purpose was to be advisors and observers are breaking their oaths and choosing sides.

Geralt and his group are caught in the middle of it all as secrets are slowly revealed.

Baptism of Fire (1996)

Baptism of Fire (1996) is the third book in the series. Witcher Geralt of Rivia is taking shelter within the Brokilon Forest, where he is recovering from his injuries under the protection of the Dryads, intent on heading out to find Ciri.

Ciri has started fighting back against Nilfgaardian Empire, no longer willing to keep running away, no longer a prey but a hunter. She is also gathering companions to fight by her side. In addition, Scoia’tael, an organization made of dwarves and elves, is getting ready for a war of their own

The Tower of the Swallow (1997)

The Tower of Swallow (1997) is the fourth book in the series. A bounty hunter targets Ciri, and her little group of rebels is hunted down, leaving her in constant danger and without help aside from her training by the witchers.

In the meantime, Geralt and his party are looking for Ciri, hoping that Druids can provide him with clues on how to find her.

The Lady of the Lake (1999)

The Lady of the Lake (1999) is the fifth and final book in The Witcher series sporting a beautiful yet sad ending of a long journey of a White Wolf and the promise of a brighter future for a girl whose entire life was in a turmoil of battle, magic, and solitude.

Geralt and his party are resting in the Duchy of Toussant as a magic spell is keeping them content and relaxed, unable to keep their search after Ciri. Forcing Geralt to keep his search on his own eventually leads to finding a lead about her location.

In her effort to escape her pursuers of both man and Wild Hunt, Ciri has ended up traveling across the dimensions.

Sir Galahad of the round table runs into Ciri bathing, where she recounts her story to him upon warning him it’s not a story with a happy ending.

Season of Storms (2013)

Season of Storms (2013) is a story separate from the main Witcher Saga and is a prequel of sorts as it takes place during the events of the short stories published in the Sword of Destiny (1992).

After hunting down the monster, Geralt is hired to hunt and kill a monster whose only purpose is to kill. Upon completing the task, he is arrested and his swords stolen, forcing him to look and reclaim said blades.

The Netflix Series and the CD Projekt Red Games

A large part of the popularity of The Witcher series can be attributed to many adaptations in popular media in the form of graphic novels published by Komiks (Polish publishing house), CD Projekt, and Dark Horse Comics.

The books were initially published in 1992, in Polish. The English translations arrived in 2007. The first two in the series was translated by Danusia Stok, with David French taking over the translation for the remainder of the series.

The biggest factor contributing to the success of the series is arguably The Witcher video game trilogy published by CD Project Red, beginning with The Witcher, which came out in 2007, and ending with The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt (and Gwent, for those wanting to enjoy a quick game of cards).

Currently the last in the series of cinematic adaptations published by Netflix, the tv series, The Witcher has a great cast of actors, including Henry Cavill taking the role of Geralt of Rivia. The first season follows the events of the Season of Storms as well as those of the first book of the series Blood of Elves.

Listen to your favorite Witcher Books with Speechify Audiobooks

If you’re looking to experience The Witcher series like you never have before, join Speechify Audiobooks. Speechify Audiobooks offers all of The Witcher books, including Sword of Destiny, The Last Wish, Blood of Elves, The Time of Contempt, Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, The Lady of the Lake, and Season of Storms in audiobook format so you can binge them all while multitasking or relaxing.

Furthermore, after you’ve listened to the complete Witcher series, you can browse over 70,000 more audiobooks and explore many more titles in the fantasy, adventure, and science fiction genres, such as The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones.

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