I believe some of this weak character development is due to the book's fragmented plot structure, where its narrative bounces between different character viewpoints as they pursue their goals. He never achieves anything of worth, and never puts Geralt in so much danger that you'd question whether he will make it out alive. We only encountered Rience a handful of times. However, the book's primary villain, a shadowy rogue mage known as Rience, is the weakest component of an otherwise highly compelling cast. Characters such as Triss Merigolf, Dandelion and Yennefer of Vengerberg are a thrill to read about, and the characters feel so real that, at times, it's just fascinating to see how they'll interact with one another. The side characters are also brilliant and often provide a sense of comical relief from the book's darker themes but also act as a medium for the reader to learn about the world these characters inhabit. Their relationship moulds and defines them both as they must contend with the ever-growing danger around them and as Ciri approaches womanhood. Both characters complement each other in ways that often lead to some genuinely hilarious moments. Geralt is his usual charming, roguish self, whereas Ciri is young, rebellious and curious. Geralt must contend with his unruly and naive apprentice and train her to become a witcher whilst avoiding assassins, elves and monsters alike.Īndrzej Sapkowski has an excellent grasp of character, and the characters of Blood of Elves are where the book excels.

The book follows Geralt and Ciri as they flee through a world that hangs upon the precipice of war, threatening to drown the world in a tide of blood and bodies.

The novel is set during an uneasy armistice between Nilfgaard and the Northern Kingdoms two years after Nilfgaard invaded the Kingdom of Cintra and slew its Queen. The book follows the adventures of Geralt and Ciri, who fans of Netflix's Witcher TV series and CD Projekt Red's Witcher games will be more than familiar with. Blood of Elves is the first book in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher trilogy.

Blood of elves witcher