The Book Report Episode #20

Episode #19

Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Book

The book was first published in 1994, in Poland by superNOWA. Then later in 2008, it was translated into English by UK publisher Gollancz. And in America, in 2009, published by Obit.

What Did I Think

Geralt has accepted his destiny and has taken Ciri into his care. Ciri trains to be a Witcher or so she thinks. She has potential due to her bloodline and will be taken on a journey to help fulfil many sides of her destiny.

Triss Merigold. A believed dead sorceress turns up to help with the female education of Ciri. And also, spends her time trying to get back in the sack with Geralt.

When it’s time the three of them leave Kaer Morhen. So Ciri can train her magical side. They find out about the Scoia’tael. A group of Elves and Drawfs. Who are trying to kill as many humans as they can. While at the same time being supported by Nilfgaard, even though it’s the people they are trying to kill are the ones supporting them.

In the previous book, a man named Rience is being paid to damage that destiny and kill Ciri. Geralt, with his friends, seeks to stop him. They seem to be doing well until they don’t.

Successful So Far

Nilfgaardian is trying to take over the world and is doing well. Many kingdoms are falling in line, dissolving their kingdoms and bending the knee. The people seem to be enjoying the benefits of the takeover. While others; who are losing their power over the people, not so much.

Many kings have come together to discuss a way to stop that progress. The wizards have found out about the talks and are not pleased to be left out of the discussions. So, of course, they plan to punish them in some way.

This is pretty much the tone of the book. Training. Talking and talking and more talking. Planning and more talking. I know it is needed to help the story along. Even though it’s a relaxing read, it did get a bit tedious. Fair enough I may be overdoing it. There are a few fight scenes. But this feels like a filler book. Stuff, to get the main story going but not saying much.

Don’t get me wrong I did enjoy the slow progress. But this book felt like a montage.

The book’s final portion is about Ciri and Yennifer meeting with priestess Nenneke at the Temple School in Ellander. I enjoyed this interaction. Ciri is still trying to be a rebellious, teenage girl. But still has respect for her teachers. But at the same time trying to understand what she is doing.

The Audiobook

You don’t want to read the book. Then maybe have a listen instead.

Would I Recommend

Maybe: if you are a fan of the games and show, you could give this book a go. I am enjoying the series of what I have read so far. But this book didn’t get me excited. Maybe the next book will be better.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/ USA, and eBay UK/ USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.