Wiedźmin

Title: "The Last Wish" (Polish: "Wiedźmin") by Andrzej Sapkowski

Plot Summary: "The Last Wish" is a collection of short stories that detail the life of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, who has undergone an intensive process to become capable of fighting monsters. The book is set in a fairy-tale medieval Europe and revolves around Geralt's adventures and encounters with various supernatural beings.

The stories are framed by a narrative where Geralt is recovering from his injuries in a temple and recounting some of his greatest adventures to Dandelion, a bard. Here are the key plot points from the main stories:

1. Nivellen: Geralt encounters Nivellen, a cursed nobleman who is transformed into a monster. Geralt recognizes Vereena, a type of vampire, and attempts to fight her. Nivellen stabs her, and when she dies, he is transformed back into a human.

2. The Djinn: Dandelion fishes a djinn's jar out of the river and attempts to make it grant him wishes. The djinn attacks him, and Geralt rushes him to the nearest city to find a magician to heal him. The only sorceress in the city is Yennefer, who helps Dandelion but reveals she plans to use Geralt to settle her scores. Geralt is bound to Yennefer by the wish he makes to save the town from the djinn's destruction.

3. The White Rose Order: After several days at the temple of Melitele, Dandelion and Geralt are confronted by knights of The White Rose Order. They demand that Geralt fight one of them in a rigged duel. Geralt wins, and they must leave in a hurry. While saying goodbye to Nenneke, Geralt accidentally touches Iola and sees a violent vision of his future.

4. Yennefer and the Djinn: Yennefer attempts to capture the djinn but cannot because Geralt still has one wish left. He uses it, and the djinn disappears. Yennefer and Geralt are bound together by the wish. When Yennefer tries to harness the genie's power, she realizes that the genie is viewing Geralt as its master, and he has accidentally made two of his three wishes. Geralt makes his last wish, which binds him and Yennefer together forever.

Key Themes:

• Morality and Gray Areas: Geralt's philosophy is that "evil is evil, Stregobor," but he also acknowledges that lesser evils can sometimes be preferable to greater ones. This theme is evident in his reluctance to choose between different evils.
• Supernatural Encounters: The book explores various supernatural beings and creatures, such as vampires, djinns, and cursed noblemen, highlighting Geralt's unique abilities as a Witcher.
• Relationships and Bonds: The story emphasizes the complex relationships between characters, particularly the bond between Geralt and Yennefer, which is forged through their shared experiences and the magical consequences of their interactions.

Critical Reception: "The Last Wish" has received positive reviews for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and the rich fantasy world created by Andrzej Sapkowski. Critics praise the book for its ability to balance action, adventure, and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for both fantasy fans and those new to the series.

Overall, "The Last Wish" is a captivating introduction to the world of The Witcher, showcasing Geralt's adventures and the intricate web of relationships that define his life as a Witcher.