Should I start The Witcher with the Blood of Elves or The Last Wish?

Should I start The Witcher with the Blood of Elves or The Last Wish?

When it comes to starting The Witcher series, you may be wondering whether to begin with The Last Wish or The Blood of Elves. Both books are part of the main series, but they serve as prequels to the events of the first season of The Witcher Netflix series. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of starting with each book, helping you make an informed decision.

Why start with The Last Wish?

The Last Wish is a collection of six short stories that revolve around Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher. These stories provide valuable background information on Geralt’s character, his motivations, and his relationships. Reading The Last Wish first allows you to:

• Get to know Geralt’s character: The Last Wish offers a more in-depth look at Geralt’s personality, skills, and experiences, making him a more relatable and complex character.
• Understand the world’s lore: The book delves into the history of the Continent, the Elder Blood, and the mutations that occurred due to the contamination of the Elder Sign. This knowledge will help you better understand the events of the first season of The Witcher Netflix series.
• Set the stage for the main story: The Last Wish serves as a precursor to the events of The Blood of Elves, setting the stage for the main storyline.

Why start with The Blood of Elves?

The Blood of Elves is the first novel in the Witcher series, written by Andrzej Sapkowski. It follows the story of Geralt and Ciri as they embark on a quest to defeat the Nilfgaardian Empire. Reading The Blood of Elves first allows you to:

• Experience the series in chronological order: Starting with the first novel allows you to follow the events in chronological order, providing a more immersive experience.
• Get to know the supporting characters: The Blood of Elves introduces a cast of supporting characters, including Ciri, Yennefer, and the Imperial Commander, adding depth to the story.
• Witness the events that shaped the Continent: The novel explores the war between the Nilfgaardian Empire and the Kingdom of Cintra, shaping the course of the Continent’s history.

The Consequences of Reading Out of Order

Reading The Last Wish first, followed by The Blood of Elves, can be beneficial, but it also has its drawbacks. For example:

• Plot spoilers: Some plot twists and events in The Blood of Elves might be spoiled by the information provided in The Last Wish.
• Alternative perspective: The Last Wish offers a unique perspective on Geralt’s character and experiences, which might not be fully appreciated if read after The Blood of Elves.

On the other hand, reading The Blood of Elves first, followed by The Last Wish, also has its pros and cons:

• A more linear narrative: The novel provides a more straightforward storyline, making it easier to follow the events of the first season of The Witcher Netflix series.
• Less information beforehand: Starting with The Blood of Elves means you won’t have as much background information on Geralt and the world of the Continent, which might affect your understanding of the events.

The Verdict

Ultimately, whether you start with The Last Wish or The Blood of Elves depends on your personal reading preferences and goals. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of Geralt’s character and the world of the Continent, starting with The Last Wish might be the better choice. However, if you prefer to experience the series in chronological order and don’t mind having some background information spoiled, starting with The Blood of Elves could be the way to go.

Key Takeaways

• The Last Wish is a collection of short stories that provides valuable background information on Geralt’s character and the world of the Continent.
• The Blood of Elves is the first novel in the Witcher series, offering a more linear narrative and introducing the supporting characters.
• Reading out of order can have both positive and negative consequences, including plot spoilers and alternative perspectives.
• Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.

We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about starting The Witcher series with The Last Wish or The Blood of Elves. Happy reading!