Sean Barrs 's Reviews > The Last Wish

The television show finally brought me over to this series, and in anticipation for the second season I decided to read the first book. I was not disappointed!

This just has so many things going for it. Monsters, squabbling noble families, different races and lots of magic. Beyond that though, what makes it stand out for me is its engagement with fairy tales, myth and its own history. I feel like this world has existed for a long time. I feel like we are just stepping into it. This is a really important element when it comes to fantasy world building because it gives the world depth; it gives it possibilities: it means the plot can go pretty much anywhere because it’s full of stories to be told.

A neutral hero?

“Evil is Evil. Lesser, greater, middling… Makes no difference. The degree is arbitary. The definition’s blurred. If I’m to choose between one evil and another… I’d rather not choose at all.”

I often found that Geralt’s opinion of himself (and opinion of his actions) did not always correspond with what they are. In morality terms, he is often forced to make a hard choice. He is forced to kill people (not just monsters.) And he becomes conflicted and haunted by his past actions. He sees only the deed itself rather than the consequences or the further death he may (or may not have) prevented. And this helped push the plot forward and shape Geralt as a character and a hero because he is a hero (despite what he may think.)

This is told in episodes. It doesn’t quite work like a normal novel and there isn’t much in the way of reference to previous events across sections. I think the links will become much stronger across books, here though they felt loosely connected which is fine because it made the world feel large and Geralt’s deeds quite numerous. This is but a glimpse into his adventures.

For now though, this book is a great introduction to this series. I can quite easily see this becoming one of my favourites in the genre. It is dark and things are never as simple as they seem. One thing is very clear though, even this early on, the most monstrous thing Gerald will ever encounter is man.

Short Story Collections
1. The Last Wish - 4.25 stars
2. The Sword of Destiny - C/R

The Witcher Series
1. The Blood of Elves - 4.0 stars

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