“Well, we’re afeared. And what of it? Do we sit down and weep and tremble? Life must go on. And what will be, will be. What is destined can’t be avoided, in any case.”

                                           ― Andrzej Sapkowski, Sword of Destiny


Intrigued by my growing fascination with "The Witcher," I decided to dive into the books that inspired this captivating phenomenon. The first book, "The Last Wish," introduced me to Geralt, the enigmatic Witcher, who's on a tireless mission to rid the world of dangerous monsters, protect the innocent, and restore peace to a tumultuous realm.

But the story doesn't stop there. I soon found myself delving into the second book, "Sword of Destiny," and it's just as enchanting. In this part of Geralt's adventure, we get to explore his world even further. It's a place where destiny and danger are intertwined, and we get to see the true essence of what it means to be a Witcher.As we journey through "Sword of Destiny," Geralt faces new challenges, meets both allies and adversaries, and gets closer to uncovering his mysterious fate. It's a gripping tale that will test his character and courage like never before.

So, dear reader, get ready to be spellbound once more as we enter the world of "Sword of Destiny," an enthralling continuation of Geralt the Witcher's extraordinary story.


My Rating -  ★★★★☆ ( 4.0 /5 )

Author - Andrzej Sapkowski

Genre - Thriller, Mystery, Fantasy

Publisher - Gollancz

Publishing year - 1992

Language - Polish (Original)

Pages - 400 





My Review 


“To me, Madam Yennefer, wisdom includes the ability to turn a deaf ear to foolish or insincere advice.”
                                        ― Andrzej Sapkowski, Sword of Destiny



Similar to "The Last Wish," "Sword of Destiny" is also a collection of short stories that follow the adventures of the skilled Witcher, Geralt of Rivia. While you technically can begin the series with "Blood of Elves," where the full-length novels kick off, I strongly recommend starting with "Sword of Destiny."

These short stories may vary in their impact, with some being more engaging than others, but they contribute significantly to the depth of the overarching narrative. They provide essential background and context that enrich the future storylines in ways you won't want to miss. So, don't underestimate the value of these tales – they're like hidden gems waiting to enhance your journey through the Witcher's world.

Within the pages of "Sword of Destiny," you'll uncover the intricate web of emotions between Geralt and Yennefer. Their love is undeniable, yet circumstances forbid them from being together, and their attempts to navigate this complex dilemma make for compelling storytelling. Take, for instance, the story "A Shard of Ice." At first glance, it may seem like a lighthearted love triangle, with Geralt and a sorcerer vying for Yennefer's affections. However, as the narrative unfolds, it transforms into a poignant and even somewhat tragic tale, delving deep into the complexities of their relationships.

Meanwhile, the opening story, "The Bounds of Reason," may appear as a typical Geralt adventure, where he's called upon to deal with the menace of a dragon. Yet, in this seemingly straightforward quest, politics add layers of complexity, turning it into a far more intricate and unpredictable journey . Similarly there is a story called "A Little Sacrifice." It starts off with mermaids and the complications of love, which is interesting enough. But it takes a surprising turn towards something eerie and mysterious, kind of like the spooky tales of H.P. Lovecraft. This twist makes it stand out as one of the more unsettling stories in the series.

Then, there's "The Sword of Destiny" itself. In this part of the book, Geralt ventures into the mysterious Brokilon Forest, where something big is waiting for him – destiny. It's here that he has a crucial encounter with a child named Ciri. Her importance becomes clearer as the story unfolds in the later books.

While the Netflix adaptation of "The Witcher" is a visually exciting journey, the true essence of the characters comes alive when you turn the pages of the novels. If you've already enjoyed the show, I strongly encourage you to dive into "Sword of Destiny." It's a literary adventure that plunges you deeper into Geralt's world and introduces you to a fascinating array of characters, both friends and foes.

And if you haven't ventured into the Netflix series yet, don't worry! I wholeheartedly recommend picking up "Sword of Destiny." Within these pages, you'll get to know Geralt and his companions and immerse yourself in a fantastical realm that promises a truly captivating escape from reality. 😇