Baptism of Fire - Andrzej Sapkowski

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⭐ 9.5/10

(Originally written by Tim)

The best book in the series so far, maybe because it was the most linear. The factions are clearer, and we are following a small group of interesting characters who have a destination that we know is wrong as they make their way across a warn-torn hellscape. Pretty awesome stuff, and the flashes we get of Ciri are always interesting. Love the path she is on, reminds me of Arya from ASOIAF in a lot of ways.

This book suffered the most for me from not having a map! What are we doing here, this book would have been amazing as we see the characters journey across the world and as different conflicts break out around them. I think that is the main piece this whole series has been missing and it was glaring here.

Really like the introductions of Milva, Zoltan, and Regis. I was skeptical about Milva from the start, another woman who meets Geralt and just wants to sleep with him, but she ended up being much more complex that than, which was a breathe of fresh air. Enjoyed the ending of this book as well, with a satisfying action scene that ends in a meaningful moment for Geralt. I can't really comment on the quality of the writing, but it feels high to me, with complex motivations and humour.

I really like the direction the series takes with this book, and I am excited to read the next one, which hasn't always been the case despite the quality of these books. No real negatives, and I read this one pretty quickly, but as I think back on it I don't remember a ton of specific moments. That's probably more a me problem, just not as in love as this app's founder, but still enjoying the ride.

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