Fans of Andrzej Sapkowski`s epic fantasy series, The Witcher, have an excellent opportunity to expand their collections. The five-novel box set, previously priced at $90, is now available for an impressive $33. This remarkable offer is the lowest price recorded in a significant period and even surpasses previous Prime Day deals. This special slipcased edition includes all five primary novels of The Witcher saga. Complementing this collection, a similar slipcased set featuring both short story collections that first introduced the legendary Geralt of Rivia is also available.
For those immersed in CD Projekt Red`s acclaimed video games or Netflix`s popular television adaptations, there`s no better moment to delve into the foundational literature of this beloved franchise. Additionally, Sapkowski`s newest Witcher novel, “Crossroads of Ravens,” is set for release in English on September 30. This standalone prequel transports readers back to Geralt`s early days, chronicling his apprenticeship under a seasoned Witcher. The hardcover edition of “The Witcher: Crossroads of Ravens” can be pre-ordered for $25, a discount from its original $30 price.
The Core Witcher Saga Novels
While often marketed as “The Complete Witcher Saga,” the five-novel box set primarily comprises Sapkowski`s main pentalogy. This collection is essential for understanding the central narrative of Geralt of Rivia`s adventures:
- Blood of Elves
- The Time of Contempt
- Baptism of Fire
- The Tower of Swallows
- The Lady of the Lake
Priced at $33 for five books, this equates to roughly $6.60 per book, representing exceptional value for a total of 2,208 pages of captivating fantasy.
Recommended Reading Order and Other Essential Works
Newcomers to the Witcher literary universe are advised to begin their journey with the short story collections before diving into the main novels. “The Last Wish” and “Sword of Destiny” precede the events of “Blood of Elves” and provide crucial background for Geralt`s world and character. These two collections are available together in a paperback box set designed to match the novel collection.
After completing the two short story collections and the five mainline novels, readers can explore “Season of Storms.” Published nearly 15 years after the main series concluded, this prequel novel is chronologically set between certain stories in “The Last Wish,” offering additional insights into Geralt`s earlier life.
For those who prefer individual volumes or different formats, all books in The Witcher series are also available as standalone paperbacks and hardcovers.
Introducing “The Witcher: Crossroads of Ravens”
The upcoming “Crossroads of Ravens” marks the ninth book in the series and will, upon its English release on September 30, be the earliest chronologically. Positioned as a standalone narrative, it offers a potentially excellent entry point for new readers of Sapkowski’s work, while long-time enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to witness a younger Geralt. This 400-page prequel delves into Geralt`s experiences shortly after graduating from Kaer Morhen, portraying his initial struggles to comprehend the world`s perception of him and his narrow escapes from peril. The story centers on Geralt`s training under Preston Holt, the witcher credited with saving his life.
“Crossroads of Ravens” promises a proper origin story for Geralt, a character who has ascended to icon status in fantasy fiction since his debut in 1986. While Geralt`s existence spans almost four decades, English translations of Sapkowski`s masterpieces only began appearing in 2007, coinciding with CD Projekt Red`s release of the first Witcher video game.
Illustrated and Hardcover Editions
Typically, major new releases like “Crossroads of Ravens” debut in hardcover, with paperback editions following several months to over a year later. Collectors aiming for a uniform collection should note that if they purchase the paperback box sets, the new prequel might be a mismatched hardcover for some time. Fortunately, all books in The Witcher series are available in attractive hardcover editions, most of which are priced at $20 or less.
For collectors, “The Last Wish” and “Sword of Destiny” are also available as premium Illustrated Editions. These special versions, though carrying a higher list price, boast new dust jacket artwork, a quote from Geralt on the front cover, endpapers adorned with character sketches, and eight unique illustrations by a collective of talented artists.
Currently, only these two short story collections have received Illustrated Editions, but all the primary Witcher novels are available in standard hardcover versions for those who prefer the durable format.