Started: 03/01/20
Finished: 11/01/20
Spoilers: No
Starting this one earlier than anticipated. I've been watching the Netflix show and the timelines are messing with my head. I need context. I need backstory. I. Need. Source material!
Characters
It's official. I love Dandelion.
I mean, I did before. But I love him even more everytime I read him.
He's hilarious and his banter with Geralt is second to none. Even when the Witcher is being rude and just plain insulting, Dandelion just doesn't give a shit. He just smiles, knowing he's succeeded in winding him up.
These two. Such a bromance. Such a fantastic pairing for these intense and dangerous storylines. Dandelion is the annoying little ray of sunshine brightening Geralt's gloomy day whether he wants it or not. And depsite Geralt's dispassionate attitude sometimes, I don't think he'd have it any other way.
The broken relationship between Geralt and Yennefer is also further explored. I like Yennefer but I find her a little insufferable too. Don't be so fickle girl. You can't have you cake and eat it. Just be with one man and be good to him or leave him be and let him heal.
I know Geralt's made his share of mistakes, but honestly.
They need their heads knocked together.
Plot
I'm not entirely sure how and where these stories fit within the Witcher timeline, but I thoroughly enjoyed each one. Some were action packed and gripping to read, and then others were just absurd and hilarious.
Having the funny stories between the serious ones was a nice change of pace, and broke up the story nicely. By the time I was done with the more humour filled stories, I was ready to jump back into the action.
Cleverly arranged, and really helps keep the pacing of the stories flowing nicely.
My favourites were A Little Sacrifice, and Something More. Both of these gave me the feels and the end of the book was just perfect. Witches have feelings after all.
Like the Netflix show, the short stories also jump about through time, but I definitely feel like I have a better understanding of the show now I've read the first two books.
Setting
I'm growing to love reading these books, just to revisit this world and learn a little more about the culture and the creatures and the many races.
I love how each little story takes us somewhere new, preparing us for the main novels. When I finally get around to reading the next book, I'll have such a clear understanding of the world in my head, and how everything works.
The world, characters, and story has been established, and I'm more than ready to dive deeper into this story and this world and explore territory previously uncharted.
Writing Style
I feel like there's an element of comedy in the way these books are written, which is oddly refreshing for a high fantasy. It fits so comfortably and naturally within its genre that it doesn't need to try and take itself too seriously. It's got nothing to prove, and doesn't need to compete or conform with the tone that's usually expected from a high fantasy.
I love it.
I love the silly conversations and the humour. It lightens the load of trying to understand such a rich and deep fantasy world.
And can I just mention, I love whoever's translated these books. The British slang is amazing. If I didn't know these books were Polish, I'd definitely say they were English. The jokes, insults, and banter are so much more satisfying to me with the British slang terms. I laughed out loud more than once.
Final Impression
Just a great book. I'm very pleased I read these before starting the main series. But I'm more than ready now for an ongoing storyline. I feel like this is going to become a fantasy favourite for me and I can't wait to continue soon.
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