SEASON OF STORMS is part of The Witcher series
by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Depending on which
website you consult, this is either book six or book zero in
the series (I'm side-eying you, Goodreads). It has been
translated into English by David French, and I'm so
curious if the translator made it more, or less, florid!
It is not, as some sites claim, a series of short stories.
Rather, it is an interquel, a work of fiction occurring in
the time frame between two existing works. It's a full
length novel set between the short stories from the
collections of The Last Wish. and Sword of
Destiny. The first book in this series was published
in 1994, so this series has some legs on it. It has
spawned seven books, three graphic novels, three video
games, and as one site phrased it, "one ill-fated Polish
TV show." Even though this is the latest book release,
temporally it's set early in the Witcher saga.
I have not read anything by Andrzej Sapkowski, so this
world of The Witcher is new to me. I think this can be
read and comprehended as a standalone, although my
assumption is it would be a richer experience if you come
to this having read at least some of the others in the
series. Set in a pre-industrial fantasy world, there are
all kinds of fantastical beasts, all of which appear to
have amazing and very gruesome powers of maiming, murder,
and destruction. It feels like it would appeal to Lord of
the Rings aficionados. It's pretty odd to have modern-day
things pop up into this fantasy world. I almost spit out
the drink in my mouth from laughter when I read, "Round up
the usual suspects!" One does not expect the movie
Casablanca to intrude into one's high fantasy world.
The Witcher is Geralt of Rivea. He's a professional
monster hunter, and is not human himself. Poor Geralt
seems like a fantasy Job, with all the possible biblical
tribulations pummeling down on him, just with the added
benefit of a really dry sense of humor and a sense of the
ludicrous. He's got an entertaining sidekick, Dandelion,
who acts as a foil and provides some additional levity.
Witcher has his magical monster-killing swords stolen, and
sets off on a (prolonged, to me) quest to regain them.
Along the rambling way, he gets thrown into prison, has a
torrid affair, kills lots of nasty creatures, and deals
with the usual fantasy politics that he'd rather avoid.
All of this is presented in a dry and somewhat cutting
prose that is very flowery and with lots of snark. I
think Sapkowski's SEASON OF STORMS would be an excellent
read for fans of The Witcher, and those who like their
fantasy with lots of sarcasm, gore, and killing.
Enter the world of The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski,
New York Times bestselling author and winner of the
world fantasy award for lifetime achievement.
Geralt of Rivia is a Witcher, one of the few capable of
hunting the monsters that prey on humanity. A mutant who is
tasked with killing unnatural beings. He uses magical signs,
potions, and the pride of every Witcher - two swords, steel
and silver.
But a contract has gone wrong, and Geralt finds himself
without his signature weapons. Now he needs them back,
because sorcerers are scheming, and across the world clouds
are gathering.
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