Geralt is a witcher, a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent. He roams the country seeking assignments, but gradually comes to realise that while some of his quarry are unremittingly vile, vicious grotesques, others are the victims of sin, evil or simple naivety. One reviewer said: 'This book is a sheer delight. It is beautifully written, full of vitality and endlessly inventive: its format, with half a dozen episodes and intervening rest periods for both the hero and the reader, allows for a huge range of characters, scenarios and action. It's thought-provoking without being in the least dogmatic, witty without descending to farce and packed with sword fights without being derivative. The dialogue sparkles; characters morph almost imperceptibly from semi-cliche to completely original; nothing is as it first seems. Sapkowski succeeds in seamlessly welding familiar ideas, unique settings and delicious twists of originality: his Beauty wants to rip the throat out of a sensitive Beast; his Snow White seeks vengeance on all and sundry, his elves are embittered and vindictive. It's easily one of the best things I've read in ages.'
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About the author
Andrzej Sapkowski
Author
Andrzej Sapkowski is a Polish fantasy writer. He is best known for his series of books The Witcher, which revolves around the eponymous monster-hunter, Geralt of Rivia. The saga has been popularized through television, stage, comic books, video games and translated into 37 languages making him the second most-translated Polish science fiction and fantasy writer after Stanisław Lem.
The Last Wish
by Andrzej Sapkowski
Books Like The Last Wish
If you're looking for books similar to The Last Wish, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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An epic fantasy with multiple protagonists in a richly detailed world. Features complex characters with unique magical abilities and moral challenges similar to Geralt's witcher experiences. The narrative explores themes of heroism, survival, and personal transformation against a backdrop of intricate political and magical conflicts.
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A fantasy novel about a skilled con artist in a complex, dangerous world. Offers a unique take on fantasy storytelling with morally ambiguous characters and intricate plot developments. The narrative style and character depth echo the sophisticated approach found in The Last Wish.
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A grimdark fantasy with morally complex characters and subversive storytelling. Follows multiple protagonists in a world where traditional heroism is challenged. The novel's tone and approach to character development closely mirror the nuanced moral landscape found in The Last Wish.
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A fantasy novel that subverts traditional heroic narratives. Follows a group of retired mercenaries on a final mission, featuring humor, action, and complex character relationships. The book shares The Last Wish's approach to challenging fantasy conventions and presenting nuanced characters.
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A dark fantasy following a morally ambiguous protagonist in a brutal world. The main character, like Geralt, operates outside traditional heroic norms and must navigate complex ethical challenges. The novel features gritty realism, unexpected plot twists, and a protagonist who defies conventional fantasy hero expectations.
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A fantasy novel about a young girl trained as a deadly assassin in a brutal world. Features complex magical systems and a protagonist who, like Geralt, operates outside traditional societal norms. The book combines action, magic, and moral complexity in a unique narrative approach.
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