The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.09 You Save: $3.90 (49%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.78 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Last Wish
Book Review: A fun twist on many fairy tales
Summary: 5 Stars
You probably know by now that Geralt is a Witcher, a monster slayer, and is a typical fantasy fiction hero. If you like fantasy fiction or the PC game The Witcher, the odds are good that you will enjoy this book.
What surprised me upon reading "The Last Wish" were the references to classic fairy tales and their somewhat twisted incorporation into Geralt's world. Stories about Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Rumplestiltiskin, and others are woven into the tales in a dark and untraditional way. I found this added to the fun and elevated this book above your typical hack and slash fanatasy novel.
Book Review: Dark and Complex Fantasy World
Summary: 5 Stars
In short, a great read and a welcome break from cookie-cutter fantasy.
I feared that the stories may fall flat in translation, but this is not the case. These short stories compiled into novel form leave no doubt about why this world was adapted into one of the most popular role playing games in recent memory. The world portrayed in the book is deep and layered with blood and shades of gray. There are rarely any real heroes or villains. Everyone has secondary motives. Even the "monsters" have sympathetic qualities, and a recurring theme is that people are far more dangerous than anything mystical.
Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
The Last Wish tells various stories about Geralt of Rivia, a witcher. The summary on the back of the book is misleading. Geralt is not really an assassin, a sorcerer, or a cold blooded killer. However, that is how characters in the book perceive him. Really, he is a monster slayer for hire.
The only complaint I have with this book is that it skips around a lot, and can get confusing. Every story is entertaining to read and there is hardly a dull moment. If you're interested in finding out what set the stage for CD Projeckt Red's acclaimed RPG, The Witcher, don't hesitate to read.
Book Review: One of the best fantasy introduction novels in years.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was instantly caught up in this world, because of it's similarities to ours. I had a lot of fun reading this and noticing the monsters and what they were supposed to be. VERY well done, and a great translation. I wish I read Polish to get the original!
If the rest of the series is this good it's no wonder this is becoming a world wide phenomenon. If you liked Moorcock's Elric, Wagner's Kane or any of a number of other "gritty" sword and sorcery types, give this a shot. And personally, in this story, the FIRST wish will stick with me longer. ;)
Book Review: We need to support this brilliant Polish author!
Summary: 5 Stars
I started reading this because of the video game but the book quickly transcended that and became a brilliant work of art. This is a book I couldn't stop reading and when I couldn't read I would find my mind wandering to it in daydreams. The stories are great but it is the concise and poetic prose that really makes this so beautiful. Read this book, and when you finish it go read it's follow-up, "The Blood of Elves." I really think we should support this budding author so that all his future works come quickly to the English speaking world.