Andrei Sapkovsky was born in 1948. On June 21, Poland did not yet suspect that they had a world-famous writer. His genre is fantastic sagas. Over time, many works were published throughout the post-Soviet space. There has also been variable success in Europe and even North America. But modesty did not allow this person to admit that he was one of the most popular authors of the late 20th century and the beginning of the 21st. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the work of Andrzej Sapkowski. Books in order further and further.
First works
A series of books by Sapkowski's The Saga of Raynevan was one of the first to be written. The Witcher Geralt followed. The saga tells of the times when the "Hussite Wars" took place. This is the 13th century AD. The main characters of the work are Czech revolutionaries who decided to become a symbol of freedom for neighboring states. "The Witcher Geralt" is a test work that was released in order to find out the public's opinion on this matter. In fact, these works began work on two huge cycles, which to this day amaze people.
And in 1986, the famous "The Witcher" comes out. The book tells the story of the Nilfgaard empire and the neighboring Nordling state. In the book, it all starts with the fact that both rulers needed a shaky world for something more. And when it is discovered that the heiress of Cintra can serve both sides, all the magicians and special services of the warring parties begin to look at this border country. Moreover, if some agree to her death, then others need cooperation with her. In general, a book about the supernatural, sorcerers and warriors. There is also a bit of semantic background.
"The road without return"
Two years later, Sapkovsky’s book, The Road Without Return, was published. This is a complete collection of small prose works. But in this book you can learn in more detail about all the characters from the witcher universe. Each reader may also like stories such as The Musicians or Golden Noon. They present a completely new story of already familiar heroes from the series “Alice in Wonderland”. In general, anyone who loves science fiction with a Slavic bias should read this book!
In 1989, Sapkovsky’s book “Grain of Truth” was published. A completely complicated book with a deep meaning. There is nothing unusual in it, but after reading it, you can begin to look differently at this world. His characters and some of their actions will especially surprise him, the meaning of which will become much clearer.
The beginning of the 90s the writer meets with the book "End of the World". Heroic fantasy adventure theme. The described world refers to the witcher of Geralt. Only the work describes the journeys of him and the poet Lutik to the town of Dol Blatan. This valley of flowers has attracted them for a long time, and adventures will become something special in their life. After all, the work of the witcher begins with the fact that an unclean force is found in Lower Posad. Who else is able to overcome her?
In the same year, the author succeeds in releasing the “Price Question”. Actions unfold in a world unrelated to reality. And all the fantasy unfolds around Queen Calante and the witcher from Rivia. He is not just called the White Wolf. And the feast on the occasion of the betrothal of her daughter becomes a stumbling block for all subsequent events. An interesting work from the already famous science fiction cycle.
The year ended with two works. The first is “Musicians,” and the second is “Lesser Evil.” In the first, the story is about a group of people secretly watching the most evil human qualities. And events unfold so that the curtain goes out of control. The Lesser Evil is a narrative of the times when the witcher was aground. But life does not spare anyone, and moreover does not make concessions. Sometimes you have to kill even people, although this is not what he was waiting for.
1991 begins with the release of The Limit of the Possible. This work tells about the travels of the already famous witcher in search of adventure and earnings. And his new friends, dragon fighters, will become a great company for him. The world is still the same, but the events are slightly different.
"Ice shard"
In 1992, “Ice Shard” became a novelty in this genre of works. After all, Geralt is already traveling with his chosen one. Her name is Jennifer, and she is a real magician. When they arrive in one elven city, events begin to develop on their own. The book is more about how a love triangle can even affect fairy-tale characters. The witcher has a difficult test of faith and his feelings. Also in 1992, such works as:
- "A little sacrifice";
- "Sword of Destiny";
- "Tandaradai";
- "Eternal flame";
- "Something more".
All of them also belong to the cycle "The Witcher Geralt". In the first work, he first tries to reunite his two friends. This is a girl Serena and one prince. Further events unfold so that he has to deal with unknown monsters from the seas and oceans.
"Sword of Destiny"
The Sword of Destiny is considered one of the best books in the entire genre. The epicness of the work is complemented by various references to mythology and various tales. Readers discover a new world that is both beautiful and very cruel. And it was inhabited not only by elves or gnomes, but also by such characters as vampires, werewolves, and all that. And people are the weakest among them, which gives the witcher an extra reason to use his sword and witching charms.
Tandaraday
“Tandaradai” is already a psychological work, and the place of action is Eastern Europe. The main character is Monica Schneider. She struggled all her life with her self-esteem. The stumbling block was her external data. So, at the age of 26, she only had 2 experiences with the opposite sex in terms of erotica. But she didn’t want more. And from the next boring everyday life, she goes on vacation. And the tourist base becomes a place that opened this world to her in a new way.
"Eternal flame"
The Eternal Flame brings Witcher Geralt back to life. This time he falls into the city of Novigrad. The usual goals of replenishing supplies and buying various equipment lead into a whole cycle of events. We have to find out the relationship between Dainti and Teliko. Both people represent different classes, which exposes the conflict in a completely unusual light.
"Something more"
“Something more” tells about the times of war in the world of the already famous witcher. After completion, it turns out that not everyone agrees with the resulting conditions. Moreover, all mystical creatures and thieves begin to ramp up in search of profit. If the second is not his job, then evil is exactly what he needs. And his purpose in this world is becoming more clear and obvious to others.
Later work
The story “Something ends, something begins” becomes the next in the whole cycle of narrations. Only here will the wedding of Geralt and Yennifer be described. All events will somehow unfold around this. Who were the guests? What did you drink, eat? In general, everything is just about what makes such an event unforgettable and memorable for the rest of his life.
After this book, the work “Last Wish” appears immediately. This is again an excellent work, distinguished by epicness and originality. And the scale of the idea is difficult to describe in several chapters, so the work is so big. Again there will be references to various mythologies, legends and fairy tales. Although this is still the same world of the witcher Geralt. The next adventures with his lover and Princess Tsiri will begin with the fact that they will have to unravel another legend. And her events will again begin to unfold around unknown forces for mere mortals.
Released at the same time, “Last Wish” and “In the Funnel of the Bomb” also made a splash among the fans of the author. Only the last work does not relate to the witcher, but the events narrating about the civil war in Poland. Moreover, the intervention of foreign states and the Chernobyl disaster make people again look into a world that is not so simple and beautiful. Especially you should not trust people. It is they who become the cause of many things.
A few more works on the theme of the witcher were released, but they did not become something very different from the overall picture. But the last book, “The Season of Thunderstorms,” was a great conclusion. At the moment, more works are not observed. In this book, Geralt returns to the world of fights with evil spirits and monsters. It was the “Thunderstorm Season” that became the expected story. After all, for almost 15 years there was nothing like this, and the fans were very happy about the new adventures of the witcher. And the author, in the usual manner of writing, again pleased them with his artistic turns.
What else to read?
List of books similar to Sapkowski's The Witcher:
- A. Pekhov - “The Chronicles of Siala” (trilogy), “Spark and Wind” (tetralogy).
- Zhelyazny - The Chronicles of Amber.
- Terry Goodkind - The Rule of the Wizard.
- Dyachenko - all the books.
Judging by the reviews of people about the books of Andrzej Sapkowski, they should be read even to those who do not like this occupation. His books are masterpieces, they have no analogues.