I cannot tell you how many people have recommended this series to me — and now I know there is good reason for it. [b:The Last Wish|40603587|The Last Wish (The Witcher, #0.5)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529591917l/40603587._SX50_.jpg|2293675] is a collection of short stories that follow the misadventures of Geralt the Witcher. If you want to read a meandering fantasy tale centering on a sarcastic protagonist, then the Witcher is a pretty solid choice. He even has his moments of profundity…

“People…like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves. When they get blind-drunk, cheat, steal, beat their wives, starve an old woman, when they kill a trapped fox with an axe or riddle the last existing unicorn with arrows, they like to think that the Bane entering cottages at daybreak is more monstrous than they are. They feel better then. They find it easier to live.” – Geralt

Overall, I thought the volume was a good introduction, though this collection of shorts left me wanting a full-length novel to better flesh out Geralt’s character. Also, the objective best character – Yennefer – only shows up in small doses; I’m excited to read more about her.

Rating: 3.5 stars