Netflix’s adaptation of “The Witcher” has captured audiences worldwide, translating Andrzej Sapkowski’s rich literary world into a visually stunning epic. The series not only breathes life into the saga of Geralt and Ciri but also invites fans to delve deeper into their universe through the original books. Whether for a deeper connection with the story or to gear up for the upcoming season, reading the books is a rewarding journey. But how should one approach this literary adventure? Below, we explore the ideal sequences to read “The Witcher” books, either by their release dates or chronologically.
The Witcher Books in Order of Release Date
Chronologically, the books offer two distinct paths: following their release dates or piecing together the narrative in its chronological unfolding. Initially released in Polish, the sequence is as follows:
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| Title Name | Year |
| Sword of Destiny | 1992 |
| The Last Wish | 1993 |
| Blood of Elves | 1994 |
| Time of Contempt | 1995 |
| Baptism of Fire | 1996 |
| The Tower of the Swallow | 1997 |
| The Lady of the Lake | 1999 |
| Season of Storms | 2013 |
The Witcher Books in Chronological Order
For those interested in navigating the storyline as it unfolds within the Witcher universe, consider the chronological order. This arrangement prioritizes the narrative flow from its earliest points:
The Last Wish (1993)
The Last Wish stands as an intriguing entry within The Witcher series, despite being the second book released. It acts as a prelude to the saga, providing a detailed introduction to pivotal characters such as Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Dandelion (Jaskier for show aficionados). This book diverges from a conventional narrative, opting for an anthology format that weaves seven short stories together, hinting at a broader narrative. A key story shares the book’s title and marks a significant moment in Geralt and Yennefer’s relationship, establishing their intertwined destinies.
Season of Storms (2013)
Released as the latest addition to Geralt’s narrative, Season of Storms differentiates itself as a standalone work, loosely connected to the overarching plot. Its timeline placement remains ambiguous, generally considered to occur around or after The Last Wish. This novel showcases Geralt in a unique predicament without his usual arsenal, emphasizing his reliance on intellect and skill.
Sword of Destiny (1992)
Sword of Destiny, the inaugural publication of The Witcher series, continues the tradition of short stories, focusing on Geralt’s numerous exploits. This collection introduces Ciri, a young princess central to the saga’s narrative. The final tale sets the stage for the epic journey that unfolds in subsequent novels.
Blood of Elves (1994)
Blood of Elves transitions the narrative into a more conventional novel format, centering on Geralt, Yennefer, and the training of Ciri, a girl with burgeoning, formidable powers. This slower-paced story serves as the foundation for the sweeping saga, building upon the dynamic short stories of its predecessors.
Time of Contempt (1995)
The saga’s momentum continues with Time of Contempt, picking up where Blood of Elves left off. The brewing conflict among kingdoms and races sets the backdrop, highlighting the political unrest affecting the larger world. This narrative lays the groundwork for complex moral dilemmas facing the protagonists, challenging their neutrality in the face of war.
Baptism of Fire (1996)
In Baptism of Fire, the saga takes a moment to gather forces, introducing some of the most memorable characters yet. Following the tumultuous events of Time of Contempt, Geralt embarks on a quest to find Ciri, accompanied by a diverse group of allies, setting the stage for the adventures that lie ahead.
The Tower of the Swallow (1997)
As the saga nears its climax in The Tower of the Swallow, Ciri finds herself living as a bandit amidst a raging war. Her story takes a dark turn, illustrating the weight of her powers and the world’s demand for them. Geralt’s quest to protect her becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the stakes of their intertwined destinies.
The Lady of the Lake (1999)
The Witcher saga culminates in The Lady of the Lake, where the consequences of choices made by Geralt, Ciri, and others come to the forefront. Amidst a world torn asunder by war and malevolence, the final fate of each character unfolds, offering a satisfying conclusion to readers who have journeyed through this expansive, epic series.
Geralt’s Story Continues in the Video Games
The Witcher’s narrative extends beyond the books into video games by CD Projekt Red. These games offer an immersive continuation of Geralt’s story, allowing players to embody the Witcher and make pivotal choices affecting the saga’s outcome. The series includes:
Main Games:
| Title Name | Year |
| The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director’s Cut | 2008 |
| The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings Enhanced Edition | 2012 |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 2015 |
Spinoff Games:
| Title Name | Year |
| Thornbreaker: The Witcher Tales | 2018 |
| Gwent: The Witcher Card Game | 2020 |
Netflix Adaptations of The Witcher
The success of “The Witcher” on Netflix has led to a comprehensive adaptation of Sapkowski’s work, with Henry Cavill initially leading as Geralt. Though Cavill will pass the mantle to Liam Hemsworth in Season 4, the franchise continues to expand with animated and live-action spinoffs, deepening the lore for fans old and new alike.
Embarking on “The Witcher” literary journey offers a richer understanding of the complex world Sapkowski created and the nuanced characters within it. Whether through the sequence of their publication or the timeline of their in-universe events, each book provides a unique piece of the vast puzzle that is The Witcher saga.
