The Tower of Swallows (The Witcher, 6)

I’m a witcher. I kill monsters. – Ciri I started the book series because I began playing the game, but as I read each book, I feel like anyone who plays the games, especially those already complaining about Witcher 4 choosing Ciri as the main character, should read the books before declaring it “not true to the source material.” Because it absolutely is. Ciri is the chosen one, and Geralt is the mentor/guide/protector – the books aren’t all about just Geralt, it’s about Ciri’s journey, Geralt’s growth, and Yennifer’s love. Putting that aside and focusing on The Tower of the Swallow itself, this book begins with a lot of intrigue and then settles into something far more personal. For most of the novel, we are listening to Ciri tell her story, recounting her life after the Battle of Thanedd. This isn’t just survival anymore - it’s her slow, painful becoming. From her time with the Rats to the final pages, this is Ciri’s journey into being a Witcher, her choosing to be one, not in title, but emotionally, mentally, and physically. We see her anger, confusion, loneliness, and recklessness as a teenager. She’s learning who she is, what she’s capable of, and what her moral limits are, often through brutal and unforgiving experiences. Her growth isn’t heroic in a clean, guided-by-a-mentor way, but it’s on her own, and it’s messy, uncomfortable, and very human. The novel also expands its scope through multiple points of view. Alongside Geralt, Yennefer, and Triss, we hear from characters across timelines: past, present, and even future. These shifting perspectives add depth and tension, but they also make the story heavier. While there are action-filled moments, this is a dark book that constantly tests the loyalty, endurance, and moral boundaries of the characters and the readers alike. I’d strongly suggest reading this book with nuance. Don’t isolate scenes or judge them on shock alone. Sapkowski expects empathy and patience from his readers, and when you meet the story on those terms, The Tower of the Swallow becomes an emotionally demanding and rewarding entry in the series.