Review: Sword of Destiny (The Witcher #2) by Andrzej Sapkowski

RATING: 3.8/5

SYNOPSIS

A new collection of short stories in the New York Times Bestselling series that inspired the international hit video game The Witcher.

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 monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent. 

Sword of Destiny follows the adventures of Geralt as he battles monsters, demons, and prejudices alike…. 

REVIEW

Sword of Destiny is a compilation of short stories in relation to Geralt’s (the Witcher) adventures. This book is slightly better than the previous one (The Last Wish). I personally think that the translator for this book (David French) did a better job than the translator for the previous book. Because of this, Sword of Destiny is definitely more engaging than The Last Wish.

The complexity of Geralt and Yennefer’s character shone throughout the story. Now I understand why Geralt’s character is flat and bland as in the process of becoming a witcher, he was not supposed to have any emotions / feelings. Despite this, we still can see the ethical and sensitive part of Geralt. While most of the book reviewers hated Dandelion, I personally think that his character is my favourite in this book. He is definitely a funny character and I enjoyed reading story lines involving Dandelion. We have also been introduced to Ciri, the Child of Destiny. I understand that she is one of the main characters for the subsequent books and I am definitely intrigued to read more on her relationship with Geralt.

The one thing I still can’t relate to is the sex element in this book. I am especially confused and puzzled when reading the story line regarding Geralt and Essi Daven’s relationship. Their love at first sight is definitely one of those moments when I started rolling my eyes. And then Essi just suddenly passed away due to some disease. I also don’t get the “I have feelings for you, but I cant be together with you, but I still can have sex with you” concept which was reflected in this story. Maybe I’m from a conservative Asian country (well, not that conservative actually) but I really don’t get it.

Needless to say, a strong 3.8/5 star rating from me! I hope this series will get better and better!