Getting into the Witcher books feels like wandering into a dense forest without a map. I remember grabbing what I thought was the first book, only to find references to events I knew nothing about. Took me three confused chapters to realize I'd started in the wrong place. Getting the Witcher book series order right matters more than you'd think.
Andrzej Sapkowski's fantasy epic has exploded in popularity since the Netflix adaptation and CD Projekt Red's video games. But with multiple short story collections, novels published out of chronological sequence, and translations arriving decades apart, figuring out where to begin is confusing. This guide cuts through that confusion permanently.
The Core Reading Order: How to Tackle the Witcher Books
After reading through the entire series twice (once in chronological order, once in publication order), I strongly recommend starting with the short stories. These introduce Geralt, Yennefer, Ciri, and the Continent's political landscape better than the novels. Here's the sequence that makes most sense:
| Book Title | Type | Original Pub Year | Why Read Here? |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last Wish | Short stories | 1993 | Origins of Geralt and Yennefer. Essential world-building foundations. |
| Sword of Destiny | Short stories | 1992 | Introduces Ciri and deepens key relationships. Contains critical moments. |
| Blood of Elves | Novel | 1994 | First full novel in Saga. Ciri's training at Kaer Morhen. |
| Time of Contempt | Novel | 1995 | Political tensions escalate. Thanedd coup changes everything. |
| Baptism of Fire | Novel | 1996 | Geralt's journey through war-torn lands with new companions. |
| The Tower of the Swallow | Novel | 1997 | Ciri's dangerous journey through hostile territory. |
| The Lady of the Lake | Novel | 1999 | Climactic finale where all storylines converge. |
| Season of Storms | Standalone novel | 2013 | Prequel set between Last Wish stories. Read last for context. |
Notice how Season of Storms comes last despite being a prequel. Trust me, reading it earlier spoils narrative tension from the main saga. It assumes you already know the characters inside out. I made that mistake during my first read-through and regretted it.
Personal tip: You'll see some sites suggest skipping the short stories. That's terrible advice. Sword of Destiny contains one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the entire series (the Brokilon Forest reunion). Skipping the shorts leaves massive gaps in character motivation.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order Breakdown
Why Publication Order Wins
Chronological order sounds logical but creates headaches. Sapkowski wrote Season of Storms 14 years after finishing the saga, packed with callbacks that only land if you've read the entire series. Here's the messy reality:
- Original Polish release: Short story collections debuted first, but Sword of Destiny (1992) actually came out before The Last Wish (1993)
- English translation chaos: Blood of Elves (2008) was translated first, creating confusion that it was book one
- Prequel problem: Season of Storms (2018 English release) contains spoilers for ending of saga
Chronologically, Geralt's early adventures would come first. But reading Season of Storms before understanding the Lodge of Sorcerers or the significance of certain swords? It's like watching a movie's deleted scenes before the actual film.
Side-by-Order Comparison
| Publication Order | Chronological Order | Problems with Chronological |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Last Wish | 1. Season of Storms | Major revelations about Geralt's past revealed too early |
| 2. Sword of Destiny | 2. The Last Wish | Disrupts pacing between short stories and novels |
| 3. Blood of Elves | 3. Sword of Destiny | Sapkowski's writing style evolves noticeably |
| 4. Time of Contempt | 4. Blood of Elves | Breaks up the five-novel saga unnecessarily |
| 5. Baptism of Fire | 5. Time of Contempt | ... |
| 6. Tower of Swallow | 6. Baptism of Fire | ... |
| 7. Lady of the Lake | 7. Tower of Swallow | ... |
| 8. Season of Storms | 8. Lady of the Lake | Epilogue makes no sense without prior knowledge |
Book-by-Book Breakdown: What You Need to Know
The Essential Short Story Collections
These aren't optional appetizers - they're the foundation. Miss these and you'll spend novels wondering why Geralt and Yennefer have such a complicated history.
The Last Wish
Where everything begins. Contains the famous "lesser evil" story that defines Geralt's moral code. First appearance of Yennefer and establishes the Law of Surprise. The frame narrative shows Geralt recovering in temple.
Personal note: Some find the short story format jarring after the Netflix series. Stick with it - the "Voice of Reason" chapters tying them together pay off.
Sword of Destiny
The emotional core. Features the first meeting with Ciri in Brokilon Forest and the stunning "Something More" finale. Explores destiny themes central to the entire saga. Dandelion's humor shines here.
Warning: Some translations omit "The Road With No Return" story. Try to find editions that include it.
The Five-Novel Saga
Where short stories end, the epic begins. Timeline jumps forward several years.
Blood of Elves
Ciri trains at Kaer Morhen as Geralt investigates threats against her. Political tensions rise between Nilfgaard and Northern Kingdoms. Character-driven with less action.
Time of Contempt
Game-changer. The mages' coup on Thanedd Island fractures alliances. Ciri enters mysterious desert world. Geralt severely injured. Pacing accelerates dramatically.
Baptism of Fire
Geralt travels with ragtag companions: vampire Regis, dwarf Zoltan, and knight Cahir. Shows war's impact on common folk. Milva becomes standout character.
The Tower of the Swallow
Ciri's harrowing journey through war zones. Nonlinear storytelling reveals her traumatic experiences. Bonhart emerges as terrifying villain.
The Lady of the Lake
Final convergence. Massive battles, Arthurian parallels, and dimension-hopping. Ending polarizes fans but delivers emotional closure. Prepare for bittersweetness.
The Tricky Prequel: Season of Storms
Set between stories in The Last Wish. Geralt loses his swords and navigates political intrigue in Kerack. Features cameos from familiar sorcerers.
Why read last? The epilogue jumps centuries beyond the main saga's ending. Without context, it's confusing rather than poignant. Also contains references to events in later books.
Essential Witcher Reading FAQ
Should I read the books before playing Witcher 3?
Not necessary, but highly rewarding. The games occur after the books. CD Projekt Red treats source material respectfully but changes some details. Knowing book lore deepens emotional impact - especially regarding Ciri's backstory and Geralt-Yennefer history.
Are there differences between UK and US editions?
Yes! UK editions (Gollancz) have better cover art but smaller print. US editions (Orbit) use larger font size but generic fantasy covers. Translation quality is identical. Prices range $10-$15 paperback.
Is Season of Storms necessary?
Not essential for main saga. Adds interesting lore but feels disconnected. Read it if you crave more Witcher content after finishing Lady of the Lake. Avoid until then.
Why does Blood of Elves say "The Witcher Book 1" on cover?
Marketing mistake from early English translations. Ignore it - starting here skips crucial short stories. Frustrates newcomers who feel lost.
Are the books darker than the games?
Much darker. Sapkowski explores genocide, rape, and moral ambiguity without filters. Geralt's humor provides relief but the tone leans grimdark. Not for young readers.
Where to Buy and Edition Considerations
Having collected multiple editions over years, here's what you should know:
- Orbit US paperbacks: Easily available ($10-$15). Flimsy covers wear quickly.
- Gollancz UK editions: Sturdier binding. Better cover art. Import costs add up.
- eBooks: No formatting issues. Convenient but lacks map illustrations.
- Audiobooks: Peter Kenny's narration is phenomenal. Perfect for commute.
Collector's Tip
The hardcover illustrated editions released in 2020 are gorgeous but incomplete (only Last Wish and Sword of Destiny so far). Great for display but impractical for full read-through. Wait for box sets if budget conscious.
Integrating Games and Netflix Series
Where external adaptations fit in your journey...
Netflix Viewing Order
Season 1 mixes stories from The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. Season 2 diverges significantly from books. Watch only after reading to avoid spoilers and confusion. The show creates its own continuity.
Video Game Timeline
Games occur AFTER the books:
- Witcher 1: 5 years after Lady of the Lake
- Witcher 2: Follows immediately
- Witcher 3: 6 months after W2
Playing first won't ruin books, but reveals character fates. I'd read at least through Time of Contempt before Wild Hunt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on reader forums and personal experience:
Starting with Blood of Elves because it says "Book 1" on cover. You'll miss Geralt and Ciri's first meeting entirely.
Skipping Sword of Destiny to "get to the real story". Bad move - the Brokilon reunion scene is essential emotional foundation.
Reading Season of Storms too early. Its post-saga epilogue spoils Lady of the Lake's ending.
Giving up during Blood of Elves. It's slower political drama before action picks up in Time of Contempt.
Ultimate Witcher Reading Checklist
Follow this and you'll navigate perfectly:
- ✓ Begin with The Last Wish short stories
- ✓ Continue immediately with Sword of Destiny
- ✓ Dive into Blood of Elves (true novel start)
- ✓ Progress through Time of Contempt → Baptism of Fire → Tower of Swallow → Lady of the Lake
- ✓ Read Season of Storms ONLY after completing Lady of the Lake
- ✓ Consult fan maps online for geographical clarity
- ✓ Allow time between books - they're dense
Honestly? My first attempt at the Witcher book series order was a disaster. I started with Blood of Elves like many, confused about who this Ciri kid was and why Geralt cared. Don't repeat my mistake. The short stories aren't optional - they're where Sapkowski lays the emotional groundwork for everything that follows.
Getting the sequence right transforms the experience. When you reach that moment in Lady of the Lake where all threads converge, you'll thank yourself for starting properly. It's a commitment - these aren't quick reads - but following this Witcher book series order makes the journey unforgettable.
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