Hi guys, again a review. This time, something popular and I'm sure you've all heard of this series. And why? It's a Witcher book series, but it's already become a franchise after turning the whole story into games for various consoles, and now in lockdown, the long-awaited TV series is coming. Sounds familiar, right?
Well, I met the Wicher series of epic fiction a long time ago. First of all because when I started reading epic fiction I was literally swallowing serials one by one. And then I found out that this series is special on a few points. I would say that what attracted me most of all is that the writer is someone who is not from English speaking area. From my point of view, it was quite a surprise. Few writers whose works have become worldwide popular in this genre without being from English. Of course, as I visit various blogs, facebook groups and various web portals related to the topic of epic fiction, many praised the work and ingenuity of Andrzej Sapkowski in this work of art. Now, given that it was not English-speaking, my only hope was that it was translated from my native language - Serbian. And it was, hey folks, you saw my delight here, right?
Immediately in the middle of the first book, I understood the complete picture the writer wanted to portray as well as any motives that were or would be used later. And these are many motives from Slovenian mythology. It was a huge, huge plus in my eyes for the simple reason that I come from the area where this mythology originated.
So, a brilliantly embedded story with great motives of a long-told mythology. Three characters that the story focuses on.
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. One that belongs to the warrior-sorcerer caste (admittedly with limited powers but very effective) who are basically mutants. Treated with various diseases, poisons and magic rituals to develop resistance to the same, as expired new powers. The trouble is that the process of creating a witcher is a process in which he loses the ability to feel emotions. But not for Geralt. Another truth, no one likes him and his strain. Although impeccable fighters against various monsters, also from Slovenian mythology, are hired to fight them - they are all avoided. Geralt is cold but temperate, rather darkly portrayed but with the potential to become a human again with complete human feelings. Although he does not believe in fate - she will give him a path. He is the protagonist of the story, though there are still many indications that he is not the most significant for all the events.
Yennefer of Wengerberg - a sorceress of extraordinary powers and hidden past. One might say the only person Geralt can actually love. Although there are indications of the horror she survived in childhood and how she became a witch afterwards, the portrayal of her personality is a constant struggle with herself. She became perfect at everything she does. Manipulation became the most powerful weapon after magic. A straightforward person who loves total control over everything she does. Perhaps her portrayal and character development is the most memorable segment of character building.
Cirilla Fiona Ellen Riannon (Ciri) a young girl, fatefully and suddenly bound with Geralt. Ciri is a descendant of some elder rulers and mages, and has Elder blood that gives it access to powers that allow it to cross space and time. Ciri has ashen gray hair and green emerald eyes, a trait that runs in her family. Naivety and loyalty is definitely a major feature of this character. Her presence will cause wars, thousands will suffer and she will put Geralt on the battlefield.
Wars, intrigues, old oaths, but also some new ones. The long-forgotten powers and rights to the thrones. Long lost troops, and some new ones. Creatures from the darkest depths of wetlands and forests, some mundane and some extraordinary. Depictions of armed struggles as well as internal ones. Fear of decision and finality. Everything you can want is waiting for you in the Witcher series.