Andrzej’s storytelling is detailed, intense, and at times, verbose; but what it does for world-building and character development is spectacular and necessary. The world of The Witcher, aka White Wolf, aka Geralt of Rivia, is dark, dangerous, and huge. Sapkowski’s ability to build this world out for us in short story format - as Geralt recalls tales that have come to pass to his longtime friend and mentor Nenneke as he takes reprieve from his Witcher duties and heals is a fascinating and unique technique. In this way, Sapkowski is able to introduce territories, characters, intricate relationships and complex political systems, and so much more.

If you’re a fan of the series, especially the first season, this book introduces many of the characters and adventures we see in those episodes. Of course, with much more detail and intricacy.