Andrzej Sapkowski, the acclaimed creator of the iconic “Witcher” universe, has officially confirmed that he is actively working on a new book within this beloved world. This exciting announcement was made during a recent book fair in Brussels, immediately generating widespread discussion among his dedicated fanbase. While specific details about the upcoming work remain under wraps, it is widely speculated that the narrative will continue the adventures of a young Geralt, building upon the storyline introduced in the novel “Crossroads of Ravens,” which is scheduled for release in 2025. Sapkowski chose not to elaborate on the specific time period or the genre elements that will define this new story.
Beyond the announcement of new literary adventures, the author also candidly expressed his profound concerns regarding the current state of the book publishing industry, with a particular focus on the escalating costs of publications. In his view, the prohibitively high price of books stands as the primary factor contributing to a noticeable decline in reader engagement. Sapkowski firmly believes that a book “should not cost more than half a liter of vodka,” a price point he equates to approximately 20 Polish złoty (or roughly 436 Russian rubles at the current exchange rate).
“The readership is diminishing, and this is an undeniable fact. There are numerous reasons, but the main, if not the sole, culprit is the price of books. I have consistently maintained that a book cannot cost more than half a liter of vodka,” Andrzej Sapkowski emphasized.
It is noteworthy that Sapkowski’s own novel, “Crossroads of Ravens,” is currently sold in Poland at a considerably higher price—starting from 66 złoty (approximately 1440 Russian rubles) even for its most economical edition. The author, however, was quick to clarify that he has no direct influence over the pricing decisions made by publishers. He remains convinced that for books to truly thrive, they “should be sold at equitable prices, derived from sound economic principles, and ideally receive governmental support.” Only under such conditions, he argues, will the overall readership “expand rather than contract.”
Addressing the subject of his literary creations, Sapkowski mentioned that he refrains from singling out favorite characters, explaining that each serves a vital role in advancing the plot. He further clarified that his stories about Geralt were never conceived as vehicles for hidden political or profound philosophical messages; rather, they are intended, first and foremost, as compelling and immersive narratives.
Finally, Sapkowski conveyed his satisfaction with the extensive international success of his renowned series. His initial apprehensions about potential losses of humor and subtle nuances during the translation process proved unfounded, as he considers the majority of international localizations to be highly successful adaptations.