The Last Wish: Introducing the Witcher (The Witcher Saga Book 1)

I am conflicted about this book. A part of me found it enjoyable, while the other part of me found it problematic. I’m glad I watched the series before reading it or else I think I would have been really lost since this book is a collection of short stories, time jumps, and a lot of different characters to keep track of. I would have preferred a traditional format (chapters, not short stories).

The book follows the MC, Geralt, who is a witcher (sorcerer/fighter who kills monsters) and his stories are mostly retellings of well-known fairytale stories, like Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I really enjoyed the world-building and the premise of the book as well as most of the characters.

My biggest gripe is the overt sexism/objectification of almost every single woman in the book. I tried my best to take it with a grain of salt since 1. the world itself is sexist, 2. the stories are through the lens of a morally gray male MC, and 3. the time/location it was written (an early 90s Polish translated fantasy), but it was difficult to ignore. I am also just tired of reading about women that way. Suffice it to say, I am going to continue on with the series since I've heard it gets much better (and I am also a completionist).

Highly descriptive book. I actually really enjoy this read. However, I did find that this isn't a series that I can just pick and read. It does a great job of setting the tone of mood.