@@valliyarnl i always wonder how tf they know how to mark the map like what device are they physically in possession of that they are able to wirelessly do all that lol
As an English speaker its very interesting to hear you speak about some of the specifically Polish idioms/references in these books that might not translate exactly. Especially knowing how important Polish culture is to the source material. Great review 👍
yeah it is a case in every language but honestly it can handle if use a bit longer sentence! :S may use some greek or latin phrases as well like hubris which is not exist in english but a negative charged pride cause it can be positive and negative as well; father proud of his son after get good scores in the school / david proud cause he born in a rich family and can solve anything with money and can do whatever what the upper 10% do.
I found your channel just a couple of days ago with your recap of The Last Wish and now I'm hooked to your content! There's nothing better than listening to someone talk about something they're passionate about, especially if it's something I love too, and I feel like you really get The Witcher in a way not everyone does. This was a great review. I'm especially looking forward to your recap of The Sword of Destiny and then the novels.
Obczaić: maybe - “check it out” ? It’s been so long since I read Wiedźmin... you are making me want to come back to it! Btw, I’m so happy to see you getting sponsored! 🙌 PiS reference is definitely not an accident. 😂 I hate it when S King gets political in his books, but here I don’t mind it.
I'll never get tired of new Witcher content!! I hope its out in English soon so that I can read it ASAP! Love the vid! Got me a great overview for what I should look forward to!
Your explanations on the way Sapkowski really writes the series helps me better understand the lore, i was introduced with the first witcher game and remain a fan of this series. Thank you.
Your enthusiasm for The Witcher inspired me to start reading the books. The way you talk about The Witcher with so much passion is just so adorable. I'm looking forward to more of your Witcher content.
@valliyarnl Your views to comments ratio and subscribers to comments ratio are both really good. So I don't think the new viewers are responsible because those are ratio metrics. It's just a good community that you've built.
This was so thorough and helpful! I especially loved hearing you speak, translate, and discuss specific passages. I’d like to reread The Last Wish sometime, so maybe after that, I’ll pick this one up! 💜
I started reading the series this year and I'm going through Time of Contempt now, already dreading devouring it so fast. Afterwards I'm diving right into the games. More Witcher is exciting.
Ngl watching how excited you get talking about the Witcher is adorable 😂. I have only consumed Witcher content through the games but may have to give the literature a shot. To bad I can't read polish
Wera your channel is amazing and its not only Witcher content, I think you provide a fascinating perspective on modern day literary works and bring them to the modern audience in a superb way!. Kudos to you all the way from the Cold chilling snows of Sweden.
Grateful for this video ❤ This book is flying under the radar !! It’s not everyday we get a new Witcher book. Although there is probably more hype on Polish social media, I have not seen a lot for it so far in English, maybe that will change when translation is released, but yeah.
Also I saw that note at the beginning hehe :) Yes, “Crossroads of Ravens” sounds better, although, knowing the English translation it will probably get translated as “THE Crossroads,” because we need some superfluous articles to make it sound important ;) (The original title translation of Krew elfów/Blood of Elves was “THE Blood of THE Elves” … what the…) Related to the ravens/crows debacle, it’s also “kruk” used, and not “wrona”? I don’t know for sure the difference, but in Blood and Wine, Regis had kruki, which was ravens in English dub :) and in the Fredro play Zemsta (I watched the movie with English subs & read a translation last year) when Papkin says he was shooting, Dyndalski says he was shooting “na wrony,” at crows :D
@@valliyarnl Kruk is raven (big, black bird, lives in countryside, stay away from the civilization), wrona is crow (smaller bird, common in the city) . In Poland black crows (czarnowrony) are uncommon, as far as I know black crows are pretty popular in USA and Wester Europe, Polish crows are mostly grey with black heads and parts of the wings (wrona siwa). In the cities very common is as welll gawron (rook), smaller than raven, more of the size of crow, whole black, except the bill.
I didn't expect a new witcher book! it's interesting to hear the perspective from a polish reader. I read them in spanish and I remember them being really confusing to read and i think it was because of the translation and the cultural references I was missing. Still, my favourite was the first one because of Geralt and stories so I might give this one a try! Hopefully they release one of jaskier at some point haha
Need it! Thanks for sharing what you think. No idea how long the wait will be, but I will be anxiously looking forward to the book's english translation! Ngl I am very intrigued with the outright political callouts. I love the great Dante's Divine Comedy and I always enjoy the parts where Dante self inserts and throws shade and his adversaries and political rivals. I'll definitely love to dig into that with Sapkowski. Thanks for blessing the morning and all the good favor to you, Wera!
Feels nice to find a book channel I can chill listening to. Videos are always well made and the Witcher is close to my heart so I love when you cover it.
I have no patience so I bought the ePub of the Polish book and ran it through Calibre to translate it and I read that version of it, imperfect as that method is. I just couldn't make myself wait to learn baby Geralt lore. 😢 And what a sweet baby he was! I loved the part of Holt's gentle reprimand of him using teenage slang. The whole relationship with Holt was a really good choice I think. I'm also really glad some stuff about this book makes the Netflix stuff non-canon (that's just me being a hater of the Netflix show but it's earned the hate haha). I will certainly buy it again and re-read it when it comes out in English. Although as someone who doesn't speak or read Polish, I feel like I miss out on so much of his writing and so much nuance when I read the translation, and feel as though I'm m kind of being told the story secondhand. Which is why I'm so grateful to Polish fans like you who explain the lost nuance and cultural context. Thank you for doing this work! 🎉❤ That being said, this book made me *love* the man Geralt's character becomes later even more than I already did. 🥹 And for me, it being politically subversive is one of the major draws of the work for me (as much as that man denies his work being political or making any statements to that effect, that's just...not true - he is on the side of marginalized people and women throughout the entire saga and I like that about him). And I agree people should definitely read this book last in reading order. I would even argue it's best to read it after Lady of the Lake or Season of Storms (if you choose to read SoS, which isn't my favorite for reasons although there's some cute Dandelion and Geralt stuff that make it worth it).
Excellent timing, I was just contemplating whether I should go out of my way to get it. Big bookstores don't have polish copies over here despite literally being in a neighboring country smh
Love your content!💜 Sadly there’s no my native language version of this book atm,not even English translated version of this book atm as I know. But I’ve watched a recap video of this book and roughly learned the whole story of this new book. Especially in the end of this book,it truly defined who Geralt really is and what he stands for,and I love it. Will definitely read it when physical English version is released in the future!!
"Lets take a looksie" isn't a perfect translation of "obczajmy" , but i think that it fits given how out of place it would be for Geralt we know to speak like that.
Awesome video! This sounds like a Witcher book I'll probably enjoy quite a bit more than I have some of the ones in the series to date. I'd heard before that the books have a Polish context to them that most Western readers won't pick up on, the examples you pick out and the rough translation really drive home how much gets lost without that.
haha thank you! I wouldn't call myself an expert by any means but man I really love and care about it. most important series in my life so im very passionate abt it ☺
Have you read his Hussite-trilogy? As a huge fan of the witcher books and especially Sapkowskis writing style I have to admit that I may even like this trilogy even more then Witcher. It mixes historical places, people and events with fantasy so incredibly well in my opinion. Also it's pacing is better then that of the main Witcher books. And even if nothing can surpass the "Battle of Brenna"-chapter (in terms of playing with character perspective, for me the best thing he has written) the books hold a very high level.
Thank you for another great video. Sending love from Slovakia. Made me even more excited for the book now 🤗😍 hopefully there will be Czech translation as soon as possible. Cant wait!
Oh my gosh thank you for the explaining the book! Been thinking about returning to the series and so excited that I can while taking in newer witcher content! Love your channel btw just came across it a while back, amazing work girly💖
[minor SPOILERS] Sapkowski said in the interview with Polish magazine "Polityka" (paywall, unfortunatelly), that Preston's Viper medallion and Viper school in the games is coincidance. There are 3 schools mentioned in the books (note that Sapkowski stated that he used term "school" only once in the books, and adpatations popularized this concept): Wolfs, Cats and Griffins. In ""Rozdroże Kruków" there are 3 places where witchers were trained. We know that in Kaer Morhen Wolfs were trained, there is a mention were Cats were trained, so I guess (there is no direct confirmation) the third place trained Griffins. As we know that Preston Holt was in Kaer Morhen he most probably was a Wolf too. After significant events he was in active disagreement with Vesemir, so I think either he was asked to return Wolf's medallion or he returned it by his own will. My best guess is that Viper medallion is either a symbol of vengenace or sth related to Preston past (maybe it will be revealead in next book that Sapkowski said he is writing, but it isn't even 110% confirmed this is a book about Witcher).
Found the channel through RUclips suggestions. Being a Witcher geek, I'm not surprised :D Played all the games, read all the books but I think I should read them again. After watching your videos I realized how much I forgot. As for this new book, now I need to wait for it to be translated from Polish, which may take a few months maybe years because apparently Sapkowski only allows his books to be translated directly from Polish or at least German.
I'm one of those strange people who started with the games (which are all fantastic) but prefers the novels to most of the short stories (which, to be clear, are also good). Lady of the Lake and Tower of Swallows were the best in the series, for me personally. This review/overview really helped to set my expectations for when it gets translated and I read it, so thank you.
I see Wera posted a video I click but I also didn't know a new Witcher book is now out so I wanted you thank you for that, this is becoming my new go to for witcher news in general kinda lol. I might read it as my first in the series, almost seems like a sign that's what I should do to get into the books, and just do it mostly in chronological order.
Thanks, I was really curious about this new Witcher book, and you answered all my questions. Also, I used to have the same curse that the head of the village had until you lifted it with your videos. I don't know how, though.
I've started rereading the books since Witcher 4 was announced, sadly I've lost my copy of the Last Wish. Somewhat off topic but since they've said we're going to go to regions that haven't been shown in the previous games I hope we get to go to Cintra in 4, I think there's a bunch of really interesting stuff that could be done with Ciri going back to her ancestral homeland for the first time in decades plus it's been under the rule of Nilfgaard long enough that it would have a very different vibe than the rest of the North. Great video as always.
I will be livid if none of the new trilogy or its DLCs explore Zerrikania. The desert world we briefly visit in Witcher 3 would be an incredible setting for a story.
@@anitaremenarova6662 Zerrikania is the other area I really want to explore since it has cool lore and has been referenced so many times but rarely seen, it's also where Letho and the surviving Viper school witchers went.
Great and insightful video, as always! I’m relatively new to the Witcher series, I’ve seen the show, played the Witcher 3 a bit (although I do need to finish it) but hearing your thoughts as a native pole is always interesting
you are my fav book youtuber but tbh the witcher are the only books I ever read so.. I'll probably take this one no matter what but lets see what you say about it. True sunshine in my recommendations
I'm so excited for its release here in germany...and will reread the other books sooner or later too. The name of his horse roach works better in the german version, here its name is Plötze which is more obvious the name of a fish and not Kakerlake/ Schabe(the insect)
This video is a game-changer! So much helpful information packed into one clip. I personally don't like promoting anything in comments, but I simply have to share with you a book called The Gilded Nexus of Prosperity, that book changed my approach to money, the methods in that book are impressive
Interested to hear your take on Storm of Swords, reading it now and the only way I can describe it is incredibly random, like Sapkowski makes a setpiece then jumps to a new one when he gets bored
@@kinographer5926 without spoiling it, I think it would have worked so much better if it was just a few separate short stories instead of trying to string these loose ideas into one, cohesive narrative. Also I didn't like the tone of one of the storylines to the point that it kind of hurt to read (let's just say his gay characters from the 90's are written so much more sympathetically than in SoS and leave it at that). And he retcons a couple of things, one of which is a bad choice to retcon. These things made it clunky and not as enjoyable for me as the rest of the series. Now there are some fun/cute Geralt hanging out with Dandelion moments (they feel in character and they feel like them). Their interactions were the only time I had that "Ah, I'm at home again" feeling. That was the only positive for me. It didn't feel like it belonged with the rest of the series TBH, but Crossroads of Ravens definitely belongs and I love it. It's so lovely. Some are saying it's a bit of fanservice, but it's GOOD fanservice IMO.
@@music-is-my-world-83 Yeah the "humor" in SoS is kinda offputting the farting guard women were a "wtf is this" moment. Agree about Dandelion and Geralt wholesome interactions
10:00 As always I’m loving to hear your thoughts, I appreciate the commentary on the prose and if Sapkowski “still holds up.” It was nice to hear a positive opinion, I was reading a lot of comments saying that AS lost his touch, and sadly I probably can’t tell the difference either way because I read translations. But for me this book (prose-wise) felt like Season of Storms, it was not entirely strange, but the more contemporary Sapkowski (although plot-wise it was a marked improvement over that book). For instance, the Latin, which has been common for Sapkowski since the 2000s, he allowed himself to indulge in the Hussite Trilogy and then also went nuts with it in Season of Storms :) Of course I think everyone probably likes the “blue and youthful” period more, like the short stories. (Personally I’m kind of torn on that matter) But there were indeed a few parts of the prose where I was like “yep, that’s our author.” Not just the callbacks (which I loved lol) but in some jokes, POV choices, how sentences are structured, how emphasis is created, and the kind of general playfulness and drama that goes on.
Hi Wera, great video. Two things to add: 1. Sapkowski is a post-modern writer so references to political parties, changing perspectives to tell a story, characters in largely medieval setting using contemporary youth language is not uncommon for post modernism in literature 2. I actually love it about his books a lot that he doesn’t treat readers as idiots who need to have everything explained and served on a silver platter and lets us do our own research. With internet at our fingertips, it shouldn’t be a problem to check out a French, Italian or Latin word? Heck, I even had to look up some Polish ones he used 😂 Although I agree, he’s flexing - but being a savant/learned person he is is certainly a flex!
I can't wait for it to come out in the UK! As excited as i am for Witcher 4, I thought a new witcher game could have focused on younger Geralt so I'm glad we are getting this!
Haven’t read any of the books yet (though I have some of them) but know about the Witcher from the games. I just love the world of the Witcher and it makes me feel like I’m connecting a little with my polish heritage either from reading the books or playing the games
You should try doing a playthrough of the witcher 3 or 4 when it releases. Would be fun to see a polish person's views on how faithful the game is to its source material,
I couldn't wait for the Czech translation, so I actually read it in Polish, which was an experience. :D I certainly didn't catch everything, but I still enjoyed it. It was a very nice addition to the Witcher universe, could be a little bit longer.
Been reading my whole collection again with the TW4 announced. I forgot how much Season of Storm is a good one. Can't wait to get the french translation for this one.
My first read of the year, actually finished it throughout 1st and 2nd of January. Good piece of lore and worldbuilding. Now reading Tome 2 of "Historia Mundiali" (Football World Cups History) and about to finish it in few days. And that'd already be 2 books/1000+ pages of reading by the end of January.
For me, as a fan of the Witcher books, the best reading order is the short story collections 'The Last Wish', 'The Sword of Destiny', and 'Crossroads of Ravens'. Once we are familiar with the main characters, their personalities, and the chemistry between them, and we know what world we are entering, I recommend concluding the Witcher adventures with the five-part 'Witcher Saga' ('Blood of Elves', 'Time of Contempt', 'Baptism of Fire', 'The Tower of the Swallow', and 'The Lady of the Lake'). The first three anthologies outline the foundations of politics in the Witcher world. The most important kingdoms, the degree of their development, the way they are governed, the characters of their rulers, animosities, intrigues, and relationships between them, as well as a taste of life in different parts of the continent. Thanks to this reading order, readers can avoid disappointment related to the shift in focus of the story towards Ciri. When we are already acquainted with many of Geralt's adventures and understand what kind of person he is and what his skills are, wrapping the story around a character who is very important to him, creating a father-daughter relationship, and caring for her as the most significant and challenging task in Geralt's life can provide a very enjoyable and fresh perspective on the Witcher story. “Season of Storms” left the weakest impression on me and feels a bit too stretched out, slow, and perhaps the least interesting. I think it may not be suitable for new readers. I would recommend it to those who have already read the most important books in the series and are looking for more.
ever since your "ciri is are real witcher" video i actually decided to read the books im on book 2 and having a blast im not much of a book person but this open the flood gates to even more books reading 2-3 at a time now ofcourse other genres not just witcher
You never did talk about Season of Storms, which after second read might have become my favourite Witcher book of them all. Wonder what’s your opinion about it. Asking this because it’s so comforting to hear you speak, great content!
Holy kikimora I’m excited to eventually read this. Currently only on Tower of Swallows, but I know a lot of the broad strokes because of the games and other media.
Great video and sumup! Really looking forward to the book but last time I checked there were no translations available yet, hoping to get my hands on it soon
People are so silly! It seems obvious to me, even through the English translations, that the idea that witchers have no feelings is propaganda. Geralt obviously feels or most of these stories wouldn't happen.
OH MY GOD FINALLY A NEW VIDEO , I'M SO HAPPY💜💜💜 I been watching almost all of your video while waiting for a new content, always love your passion in these videos you make🥰🥰
Reading (and watching) order should almost always be in the release order. There's rarely any case where this isn't the most obvious and good sense option. Any time when this isn't the best recommendation is because either the author or the publisher royally messed up. Prequels *are* sequels, it's in the name.
13:12 in Season of Storms its actually specifically about Geralts Swords so 2 swords is now canon. Im about halfway through so far and its pretty good.
If I remember right, in Season of Storms it was only more or less established that witchers do carry the two swords on their backs as a means of transportation sometimes and thus this is one of the ways they're recognizable, so SoS didn't made exactly what we see in the games canon -- Geralt still certainly doesn't lumber them both around absolutely all the time, specially when it comes to contracts, where we know very well he only takes the one he's going to use and that can't be retconned at this point after so many examples (or at least I hope it won't, otherwise it'd be pretty stupid and only introduce inconsistencies). Still, it's hard to believe Sapkowski wasn't influenced by the games' aesthetics on that -- I think he definitely was, much like how he also changed how silver swords are. At first they were referred to as being pure silver (in the short story "The Witcher" from The Last Wish), but later he retconned them to be only silver-plated (precisely in SoS), which makes much more sense and was the way the games presented them since the very first one (you can see that at the end of the quest "Memory of a Blade", while talking to Zoltan).
Name’s Preston and he goes settlement to settlement, each one needs help.
Feel like there’s a joke here.
can you mark it on my map?
@@valliyarnl i always wonder how tf they know how to mark the map like what device are they physically in possession of that they are able to wirelessly do all that lol
Fallout 4 minuteman?
OMG you're right hahaha
@@apIthletIccjust marking it on the player characters pip boy
Wind's howling
Is it weird to keep refreshing comments waiting for this
@@Polar-cx7hb I prefer coin
(Much appreciated)
Jerald Radanian in Witcher 4 pls CD Projekt
@@FromMahakam nice to see you again zoltan
Indeed my friend. Storm Eowyn was wild last night
I read Wera and Witcher. I press click. I press like.
Thanks bro 🫡
Is it because you are a simple man?
As an English speaker its very interesting to hear you speak about some of the specifically Polish idioms/references in these books that might not translate exactly. Especially knowing how important Polish culture is to the source material. Great review 👍
yeah it is a case in every language but honestly it can handle if use a bit longer sentence! :S
may use some greek or latin phrases as well like hubris which is not exist in english but a negative charged pride cause it can be positive and negative as well; father proud of his son after get good scores in the school / david proud cause he born in a rich family and can solve anything with money and can do whatever what the upper 10% do.
Your channel has gotten me back into reading
This is the greatest outcome. Love to hear it!
Me as well honestly had the Witcher books on my shelf for years finally picking them back up
That's probably the best compliment you could give someone
This means so much to me thank you for letting me know 🥹💕
@valliyarnl no problem, I always look forward to seeing a new video drop
I found your channel just a couple of days ago with your recap of The Last Wish and now I'm hooked to your content! There's nothing better than listening to someone talk about something they're passionate about, especially if it's something I love too, and I feel like you really get The Witcher in a way not everyone does. This was a great review. I'm especially looking forward to your recap of The Sword of Destiny and then the novels.
Obczaić: maybe - “check it out” ?
It’s been so long since I read Wiedźmin... you are making me want to come back to it!
Btw, I’m so happy to see you getting sponsored! 🙌
PiS reference is definitely not an accident. 😂 I hate it when S King gets political in his books, but here I don’t mind it.
I'll never get tired of new Witcher content!! I hope its out in English soon so that I can read it ASAP!
Love the vid! Got me a great overview for what I should look forward to!
Your explanations on the way Sapkowski really writes the series helps me better understand the lore, i was introduced with the first witcher game and remain a fan of this series. Thank you.
Your enthusiasm for The Witcher inspired me to start reading the books. The way you talk about The Witcher with so much passion is just so adorable. I'm looking forward to more of your Witcher content.
Wera,
I've noticed your channel gets more engagement than even channels with way more subscribers. I think that's something to be proud of.
Really? Oh thank you Kevin! Maybe it related to the boost of new viewers since December?
@valliyarnl Your views to comments ratio and subscribers to comments ratio are both really good. So I don't think the new viewers are responsible because those are ratio metrics. It's just a good community that you've built.
@@kevintran502 awhhh that’s so sweet Kevin! 🥹🥹💞
This was so thorough and helpful! I especially loved hearing you speak, translate, and discuss specific passages. I’d like to reread The Last Wish sometime, so maybe after that, I’ll pick this one up! 💜
I started reading the series this year and I'm going through Time of Contempt now, already dreading devouring it so fast. Afterwards I'm diving right into the games. More Witcher is exciting.
I love that book! Geralt's "no weź" was the funniest thing ever for me. 😆
Great video as always!
As a brazillian fan of The Witcher, I'm loving this channel.
Ngl watching how excited you get talking about the Witcher is adorable 😂. I have only consumed Witcher content through the games but may have to give the literature a shot. To bad I can't read polish
Wera your channel is amazing and its not only Witcher content, I think you provide a fascinating perspective on modern day literary works and bring them to the modern audience in a superb way!. Kudos to you all the way from the Cold chilling snows of Sweden.
Grateful for this video ❤ This book is flying under the radar !! It’s not everyday we get a new Witcher book. Although there is probably more hype on Polish social media, I have not seen a lot for it so far in English, maybe that will change when translation is released, but yeah.
Also I saw that note at the beginning hehe :) Yes, “Crossroads of Ravens” sounds better, although, knowing the English translation it will probably get translated as “THE Crossroads,” because we need some superfluous articles to make it sound important ;) (The original title translation of Krew elfów/Blood of Elves was “THE Blood of THE Elves” … what the…)
Related to the ravens/crows debacle, it’s also “kruk” used, and not “wrona”? I don’t know for sure the difference, but in Blood and Wine, Regis had kruki, which was ravens in English dub :) and in the Fredro play Zemsta (I watched the movie with English subs & read a translation last year) when Papkin says he was shooting, Dyndalski says he was shooting “na wrony,” at crows :D
To me Wrona is more Raven and Kruk is more Crow but tbh I don’t think it matters too much in this case
@@valliyarnl Kruk is raven (big, black bird, lives in countryside, stay away from the civilization), wrona is crow (smaller bird, common in the city) . In Poland black crows (czarnowrony) are uncommon, as far as I know black crows are pretty popular in USA and Wester Europe, Polish crows are mostly grey with black heads and parts of the wings (wrona siwa). In the cities very common is as welll gawron (rook), smaller than raven, more of the size of crow, whole black, except the bill.
winds howling
Looks like rain
ploughing temeria
💔
@@Jerald_radanian ah man, you got beaten to the punch.
Smh
You're not him
I didn't expect a new witcher book! it's interesting to hear the perspective from a polish reader. I read them in spanish and I remember them being really confusing to read and i think it was because of the translation and the cultural references I was missing. Still, my favourite was the first one because of Geralt and stories so I might give this one a try! Hopefully they release one of jaskier at some point haha
Need it! Thanks for sharing what you think. No idea how long the wait will be, but I will be anxiously looking forward to the book's english translation!
Ngl I am very intrigued with the outright political callouts. I love the great Dante's Divine Comedy and I always enjoy the parts where Dante self inserts and throws shade and his adversaries and political rivals. I'll definitely love to dig into that with Sapkowski.
Thanks for blessing the morning and all the good favor to you, Wera!
Thanks Brandon!
I’m sold
Thank you for the donation 🥰
Lovely to get this upload to kick back and relax by candlelight after Eowyn took out my power. Cheers Wera.
Oh my god I’m so sorry! Hope you get power back soon 💕
I did lose any thankfully but I don’t think I was hit as bad as Galway and the north
@valliyarnl 🤝
8:00 the whole point of the series is contained in this frustrated sigh lol. Geralt is constantly thoughtful, feeling, and principled
Feels nice to find a book channel I can chill listening to. Videos are always well made and the Witcher is close to my heart so I love when you cover it.
I have no patience so I bought the ePub of the Polish book and ran it through Calibre to translate it and I read that version of it, imperfect as that method is. I just couldn't make myself wait to learn baby Geralt lore. 😢 And what a sweet baby he was! I loved the part of Holt's gentle reprimand of him using teenage slang. The whole relationship with Holt was a really good choice I think. I'm also really glad some stuff about this book makes the Netflix stuff non-canon (that's just me being a hater of the Netflix show but it's earned the hate haha).
I will certainly buy it again and re-read it when it comes out in English. Although as someone who doesn't speak or read Polish, I feel like I miss out on so much of his writing and so much nuance when I read the translation, and feel as though I'm m kind of being told the story secondhand.
Which is why I'm so grateful to Polish fans like you who explain the lost nuance and cultural context. Thank you for doing this work! 🎉❤
That being said, this book made me *love* the man Geralt's character becomes later even more than I already did. 🥹
And for me, it being politically subversive is one of the major draws of the work for me (as much as that man denies his work being political or making any statements to that effect, that's just...not true - he is on the side of marginalized people and women throughout the entire saga and I like that about him).
And I agree people should definitely read this book last in reading order. I would even argue it's best to read it after Lady of the Lake or Season of Storms (if you choose to read SoS, which isn't my favorite for reasons although there's some cute Dandelion and Geralt stuff that make it worth it).
Hey Wera how ya doin. Will there be more parts of your explanation of the Witcher's plot? I loved the first part..
thank you! and yes there will be more. i announced it in my Wera in Reverie for Dec. I'm aiming for sometime in February. :)
@@valliyarnl Omg that's so awesome. I can't wait. I looooooved the first part so much.
@@valliyarnl definitely some good plots in this video
Excellent timing, I was just contemplating whether I should go out of my way to get it. Big bookstores don't have polish copies over here despite literally being in a neighboring country smh
It is interesting how attentive to detail you are. Even when I have read a book you can bring up things I did not pick up on.
Thanks so much for this video! I can't wait for this book to be translated, either English or Dutch would be fine
Love your content!💜
Sadly there’s no my native language version of this book atm,not even English translated version of this book atm as I know.
But I’ve watched a recap video of this book and roughly learned the whole story of this new book. Especially in the end of this book,it truly defined who Geralt really is and what he stands for,and I love it.
Will definitely read it when physical English version is released in the future!!
"Lets take a looksie" isn't a perfect translation of "obczajmy" , but i think that it fits given how out of place it would be for Geralt we know to speak like that.
This channel is blowing up. Well deserved. Intelligent and well delivered content. Youre amazing!
Cant wait for global release. Thanks for the video!
Awesome video! This sounds like a Witcher book I'll probably enjoy quite a bit more than I have some of the ones in the series to date. I'd heard before that the books have a Polish context to them that most Western readers won't pick up on, the examples you pick out and the rough translation really drive home how much gets lost without that.
You are quite knowledgeable about quite a few authors & stories; but your perspective on the Witcher series, Mwah! One of the best I've seen.
haha thank you! I wouldn't call myself an expert by any means but man I really love and care about it. most important series in my life so im very passionate abt it ☺
@@valliyarnl The passion is very obvious! And further, I would say this it is the reason you are gaining subscribers!
Have you read his Hussite-trilogy? As a huge fan of the witcher books and especially Sapkowskis writing style I have to admit that I may even like this trilogy even more then Witcher. It mixes historical places, people and events with fantasy so incredibly well in my opinion. Also it's pacing is better then that of the main Witcher books. And even if nothing can surpass the "Battle of Brenna"-chapter (in terms of playing with character perspective, for me the best thing he has written) the books hold a very high level.
I love to hear people talking with passion about things they enjoy. Books, movies, games ect. Can't wait to read this new witcher book.
Damn, I have to binge watch and catch up on my favourite Polish Witcher reviewer RUclipsr videos!!!
Your happiness is visible, you are turning red while explaining it!
Thanks for the review.
Always so fun to see how passionate you get talking about The Witcher! Someday I’ll read it and you’ll be the first to know 😌
Thank you for another great video. Sending love from Slovakia. Made me even more excited for the book now 🤗😍 hopefully there will be Czech translation as soon as possible. Cant wait!
Oh my gosh thank you for the explaining the book! Been thinking about returning to the series and so excited that I can while taking in newer witcher content! Love your channel btw just came across it a while back, amazing work girly💖
[minor SPOILERS] Sapkowski said in the interview with Polish magazine "Polityka" (paywall, unfortunatelly), that Preston's Viper medallion and Viper school in the games is coincidance. There are 3 schools mentioned in the books (note that Sapkowski stated that he used term "school" only once in the books, and adpatations popularized this concept): Wolfs, Cats and Griffins. In ""Rozdroże Kruków" there are 3 places where witchers were trained. We know that in Kaer Morhen Wolfs were trained, there is a mention were Cats were trained, so I guess (there is no direct confirmation) the third place trained Griffins. As we know that Preston Holt was in Kaer Morhen he most probably was a Wolf too. After significant events he was in active disagreement with Vesemir, so I think either he was asked to return Wolf's medallion or he returned it by his own will. My best guess is that Viper medallion is either a symbol of vengenace or sth related to Preston past (maybe it will be revealead in next book that Sapkowski said he is writing, but it isn't even 110% confirmed this is a book about Witcher).
I would say that segment on how to deal with your opponents with bears hands (or a key😉) is plot relevant, so this justify very detailed description.
i love how you explain with passion
Found the channel through RUclips suggestions. Being a Witcher geek, I'm not surprised :D Played all the games, read all the books but I think I should read them again. After watching your videos I realized how much I forgot. As for this new book, now I need to wait for it to be translated from Polish, which may take a few months maybe years because apparently Sapkowski only allows his books to be translated directly from Polish or at least German.
Your enthusiasm is infectious.
I'm one of those strange people who started with the games (which are all fantastic) but prefers the novels to most of the short stories (which, to be clear, are also good). Lady of the Lake and Tower of Swallows were the best in the series, for me personally. This review/overview really helped to set my expectations for when it gets translated and I read it, so thank you.
I see Wera posted a video I click but I also didn't know a new Witcher book is now out so I wanted you thank you for that, this is becoming my new go to for witcher news in general kinda lol. I might read it as my first in the series, almost seems like a sign that's what I should do to get into the books, and just do it mostly in chronological order.
Thanks, I was really curious about this new Witcher book, and you answered all my questions. Also, I used to have the same curse that the head of the village had until you lifted it with your videos. I don't know how, though.
I've started rereading the books since Witcher 4 was announced, sadly I've lost my copy of the Last Wish. Somewhat off topic but since they've said we're going to go to regions that haven't been shown in the previous games I hope we get to go to Cintra in 4, I think there's a bunch of really interesting stuff that could be done with Ciri going back to her ancestral homeland for the first time in decades plus it's been under the rule of Nilfgaard long enough that it would have a very different vibe than the rest of the North.
Great video as always.
I will be livid if none of the new trilogy or its DLCs explore Zerrikania. The desert world we briefly visit in Witcher 3 would be an incredible setting for a story.
@@anitaremenarova6662 Zerrikania is the other area I really want to explore since it has cool lore and has been referenced so many times but rarely seen, it's also where Letho and the surviving Viper school witchers went.
Great and insightful video, as always!
I’m relatively new to the Witcher series, I’ve seen the show, played the Witcher 3 a bit (although I do need to finish it) but hearing your thoughts as a native pole is always interesting
you are my fav book youtuber but tbh the witcher are the only books I ever read so.. I'll probably take this one no matter what but lets see what you say about it. True sunshine in my recommendations
I'm so excited for its release here in germany...and will reread the other books sooner or later too. The name of his horse roach works better in the german version, here its name is Plötze which is more obvious the name of a fish and not Kakerlake/ Schabe(the insect)
This is your first video I'm not watching start to finish because I don't want spoilers lol but I will be reading it when translated!
Did not know this existed so very excited to read this!
I hope the new book gets an English translation soon. I would love to read a new Witcher book, even if its a prequel.
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Idk how much time we will have to wait for getting that book translated. I´ve been waiting years for a new Witcher book
I hope you’re going to keep summarizing the books, the first one was great!
Interested to hear your take on Storm of Swords, reading it now and the only way I can describe it is incredibly random, like Sapkowski makes a setpiece then jumps to a new one when he gets bored
@@kinographer5926 without spoiling it, I think it would have worked so much better if it was just a few separate short stories instead of trying to string these loose ideas into one, cohesive narrative. Also I didn't like the tone of one of the storylines to the point that it kind of hurt to read (let's just say his gay characters from the 90's are written so much more sympathetically than in SoS and leave it at that). And he retcons a couple of things, one of which is a bad choice to retcon. These things made it clunky and not as enjoyable for me as the rest of the series. Now there are some fun/cute Geralt hanging out with Dandelion moments (they feel in character and they feel like them). Their interactions were the only time I had that "Ah, I'm at home again" feeling. That was the only positive for me. It didn't feel like it belonged with the rest of the series TBH, but Crossroads of Ravens definitely belongs and I love it. It's so lovely. Some are saying it's a bit of fanservice, but it's GOOD fanservice IMO.
@@music-is-my-world-83 Yeah the "humor" in SoS is kinda offputting the farting guard women were a "wtf is this" moment. Agree about Dandelion and Geralt wholesome interactions
The only one I stopped reading halfway through... just didn't click for me.
10:00 As always I’m loving to hear your thoughts, I appreciate the commentary on the prose and if Sapkowski “still holds up.” It was nice to hear a positive opinion, I was reading a lot of comments saying that AS lost his touch, and sadly I probably can’t tell the difference either way because I read translations.
But for me this book (prose-wise) felt like Season of Storms, it was not entirely strange, but the more contemporary Sapkowski (although plot-wise it was a marked improvement over that book). For instance, the Latin, which has been common for Sapkowski since the 2000s, he allowed himself to indulge in the Hussite Trilogy and then also went nuts with it in Season of Storms :) Of course I think everyone probably likes the “blue and youthful” period more, like the short stories. (Personally I’m kind of torn on that matter)
But there were indeed a few parts of the prose where I was like “yep, that’s our author.” Not just the callbacks (which I loved lol) but in some jokes, POV choices, how sentences are structured, how emphasis is created, and the kind of general playfulness and drama that goes on.
Hi Wera, great video. Two things to add:
1. Sapkowski is a post-modern writer so references to political parties, changing perspectives to tell a story, characters in largely medieval setting using contemporary youth language is not uncommon for post modernism in literature
2. I actually love it about his books a lot that he doesn’t treat readers as idiots who need to have everything explained and served on a silver platter and lets us do our own research. With internet at our fingertips, it shouldn’t be a problem to check out a French, Italian or Latin word? Heck, I even had to look up some Polish ones he used 😂
Although I agree, he’s flexing - but being a savant/learned person he is is certainly a flex!
I can't wait for it to come out in the UK! As excited as i am for Witcher 4, I thought a new witcher game could have focused on younger Geralt so I'm glad we are getting this!
Haven’t read any of the books yet (though I have some of them) but know about the Witcher from the games. I just love the world of the Witcher and it makes me feel like I’m connecting a little with my polish heritage either from reading the books or playing the games
*_When it's translated to English and/or when the English AudioBook is out; I'll buy it._*
i am excite with great release!!!!!!!!!
You should try doing a playthrough of the witcher 3 or 4 when it releases. Would be fun to see a polish person's views on how faithful the game is to its source material,
I can't wait for it to be translated, and then read by Peter Kenny. Never thought we were getting another Witcher book
Always a pleasant experience listening to your angelic voice
I couldn't wait for the Czech translation, so I actually read it in Polish, which was an experience. :D I certainly didn't catch everything, but I still enjoyed it. It was a very nice addition to the Witcher universe, could be a little bit longer.
Been reading my whole collection again with the TW4 announced. I forgot how much Season of Storm is a good one. Can't wait to get the french translation for this one.
My first read of the year, actually finished it throughout 1st and 2nd of January. Good piece of lore and worldbuilding. Now reading Tome 2 of "Historia Mundiali" (Football World Cups History) and about to finish it in few days. And that'd already be 2 books/1000+ pages of reading by the end of January.
I see Wera & Witcher, and I have to watch and press like. You also look JUST like MJ from the Spider-Man comics, it's actually crazy
Can't wait to read it!!
For me, as a fan of the Witcher books, the best reading order is the short story collections 'The Last Wish', 'The Sword of Destiny', and 'Crossroads of Ravens'. Once we are familiar with the main characters, their personalities, and the chemistry between them, and we know what world we are entering, I recommend concluding the Witcher adventures with the five-part 'Witcher Saga' ('Blood of Elves', 'Time of Contempt', 'Baptism of Fire', 'The Tower of the Swallow', and 'The Lady of the Lake').
The first three anthologies outline the foundations of politics in the Witcher world. The most important kingdoms, the degree of their development, the way they are governed, the characters of their rulers, animosities, intrigues, and relationships between them, as well as a taste of life in different parts of the continent.
Thanks to this reading order, readers can avoid disappointment related to the shift in focus of the story towards Ciri. When we are already acquainted with many of Geralt's adventures and understand what kind of person he is and what his skills are, wrapping the story around a character who is very important to him, creating a father-daughter relationship, and caring for her as the most significant and challenging task in Geralt's life can provide a very enjoyable and fresh perspective on the Witcher story.
“Season of Storms” left the weakest impression on me and feels a bit too stretched out, slow, and perhaps the least interesting. I think it may not be suitable for new readers. I would recommend it to those who have already read the most important books in the series and are looking for more.
Thanks for the insight, looking forward to the English edition. :)
ever since your "ciri is are real witcher" video i actually decided to read the books im on book 2 and having a blast im not much of a book person but this open the flood gates to even more books reading 2-3 at a time now ofcourse other genres not just witcher
Sold. Getting it as soon as it releases in English.
You never did talk about Season of Storms, which after second read might have become my favourite Witcher book of them all. Wonder what’s your opinion about it. Asking this because it’s so comforting to hear you speak, great content!
Welp, another book to my infinite tbr! Glad to see you getting traction and getting sponsors! See you at the next reverie
Thanks Rafael! See you soon!
Wera getting all the views!
I didn’t even know about this book before your video with dr chase where you mention Ines Vitre
how is it possible to be this beautiful? oh my god
Waiting for the English translation. Can't wait to read it
Any Witcher content is good content, great video Wera!
Holy kikimora I’m excited to eventually read this. Currently only on Tower of Swallows, but I know a lot of the broad strokes because of the games and other media.
Thanks for this video! I was wondering how this book turned out. Can't wait for the english version.
Nice to see another awesome addition for the Witcher books and it's amazing to see Andrzej Sapkowski and CDPR having more collaboration!
Great video and sumup! Really looking forward to the book but last time I checked there were no translations available yet, hoping to get my hands on it soon
People are so silly! It seems obvious to me, even through the English translations, that the idea that witchers have no feelings is propaganda. Geralt obviously feels or most of these stories wouldn't happen.
Cross roads of ravens.❤❤ Sounds beautiful
OH MY GOD FINALLY A NEW VIDEO , I'M SO HAPPY💜💜💜
I been watching almost all of your video while waiting for a new content, always love your passion in these videos you make🥰🥰
Reading (and watching) order should almost always be in the release order.
There's rarely any case where this isn't the most obvious and good sense option. Any time when this isn't the best recommendation is because either the author or the publisher royally messed up.
Prequels *are* sequels, it's in the name.
I hope they make one that matches my hardcover set! Great video 🖤
For those curious, there will a english translation releasing early this year, couldn't find an exact date tho
13:12 in Season of Storms its actually specifically about Geralts Swords so 2 swords is now canon. Im about halfway through so far and its pretty good.
If I remember right, in Season of Storms it was only more or less established that witchers do carry the two swords on their backs as a means of transportation sometimes and thus this is one of the ways they're recognizable, so SoS didn't made exactly what we see in the games canon -- Geralt still certainly doesn't lumber them both around absolutely all the time, specially when it comes to contracts, where we know very well he only takes the one he's going to use and that can't be retconned at this point after so many examples (or at least I hope it won't, otherwise it'd be pretty stupid and only introduce inconsistencies).
Still, it's hard to believe Sapkowski wasn't influenced by the games' aesthetics on that -- I think he definitely was, much like how he also changed how silver swords are. At first they were referred to as being pure silver (in the short story "The Witcher" from The Last Wish), but later he retconned them to be only silver-plated (precisely in SoS), which makes much more sense and was the way the games presented them since the very first one (you can see that at the end of the quest "Memory of a Blade", while talking to Zoltan).
could help myself not to wait and watch this later. Didnt even knew there was a new book
Thanks for the video ❤ Keep going on please!
Cool. I hope to read it one day when it’s available worldwide in English