Ultra Meital Reviews: Sword of Destiny (The Witcher Saga, #2) by Andrzej Sapkowski

The second collection of stories which prequal the series itself. We get more of all of main characters - naturally Geralt in all of them as well as with Yennefer, Dandelion and in the last two Ciri as well. it's mostly quite different than the TV series showed and funny enough, half of them were portrayed in the 1st season.

3 out of the 6 stories were WONDERFUL. But the other ones were at best "okay reads". All of them shows us exactly who Geralt is, the companionship he shares with Dandelion (a true friendship even WHILE they quarrel), his more than complicated relationship with Yennefer (I have to say she is WAY more likeable in the TV series, I'm interested to see how their relationship builds through the books) and lastly his new found connection with Ciri which was mostly sweet and endearing.

"The Bounds of Reason" [Geralt - Yennefer - Dandelion] ★★★

If you've seen the 1st season of the witcher, you've already encountered this story of the Golden Dragon. Geralt finds himself on a "hunt" of a dragon, not because he wants to kill it, but because Yennefer is there. It starts when he is approached by Borch Three Jackdaws and his 2 female warriors. They, too, are not interested in killing the dragon and yet they scale the mountain with the other parties including Dandelion. While there IS a dragon out there, it's not the one they expected to see, and it's reasoning and general behavior is also more than a surprise.

This version was very different than the one in the TV series. I think it's better in a way, getting something similar but not identical allowing the reader / watcher enjoy them both. Geralt and Yennefer's interaction is also very different. It's more of what you'd expect after Geralt conversation with Nenneke near the ending of the 1st book (VERY tense). These two have unfinished business for sure.

"A Shard of Ice"[Geralt - Yennefer] ★★

I had to take a night to consider this short story. I (still) don't really like it, yet I think I understand it better now. Yennefer and Geralt stop at a small town when he finds a bit of work. Turns out Yennefer had a reason for stopping there as her good friend and (ex?) lover Istredd lives there. Yennefer wants to (finally?) choose between them. I could see why it was hard for her, but it was also clear SHE isn't mature / open enough to express herself truly towards the both of therm. Geralt also doesn't make it easier being closed off and unable to put his truth into words. They had quite the heart to heart and I actually really liked that part (even if it WAS frustrating).

What I had issues with was Istredd and Geralt behavior towards one another. Some of the things they said to one another were potent but their BEHAVIOR was very childish IMO. Granted Geralt admitted he "hasn't been feeling himself", but as we don't know exactly WHY, I just feel like he could have done better. He was angry, lashing out, looking for a fight even before he had any confrontation with Istredd.

"Eternal Flame" [Geralt - Dandelion] ★★★★★

Oh, I LIKED this one! I wasn't sure where it's heading but once the story wrapped up I was VERY pleased with the resolve. Geralt and Dandelion find trouble in the city of Novigrad when a "Mimic / "Vexling" / "Doppler" impersonated a merchant friend of Dandelion. While they try to capture the doppler, they realize he has being doing a wonderful job with any goods he puts his hands on making the merchant a FORTUNE. They aren't sure how to capture him or even find him! But once they do - what should they do with him? Geralt doesn't see him as a 'monster' and even if he was commissioned to kill him he wouldn't. As I've already said, the ending was simply superb!

"A Little Sacrifice" [Geralt - Dandelion] ★★

I think romance reading has destroyed me for Fantasy. This story was just sad and in a way pointless. Nothing "good" came out of it, it almost felt as though "the bad guy won". He didn't have to make any sacrifices, they were done FOR him and in the end he was the only one who got what he wanted (and didn't even had to part with any money). Geralt's situation in general is sad, walking the land, looking for jobs, sometimes going to sleep on an empty stomach. Him not being appreciated or paid for his jobs. This time he is called to translate for prince Agloval what his beloved Mermaid is saying, hoping she'll accept his offer to become human for him but all she does is swim away. Later on he gets another job from the prince, this time trying to capture whomever is killing pearl seekers by the sea. While he finds out who it is, he isn't able to ensure absolute safety which the prince doesn't appreciate. The princess speech really annoyed me honestly. There's also another layer to the story - the female bard Essi Daven who falls for Geralt while he isn't sure what to do about it, about her, or his feelings for Yennefer especially the way things ended with them in the previous story. I felt sorry for her, but also for him. Again I was left wondering WHAT'S THE POINT.

"The Sword of Destiny" [Geralt - Ciri] ★★★★★

Finally. Geralt meeting Ciri for the first time. It couldn't be more different than the series and I think it's better this way - as I didn't know what to expect. Unlike the TV series Ciri, here she is a 10 years old girl. A little princess who ran away from a situation she wasn't happy with. Geralt finds her in Brokilon - the forest of the Dryads. He offers his help to return her home (or rather she asks him for help and he accepts). Though she was a bit annoying, through his actions it was clear that right from the start he wanted to help her and she was finding shelter and comfort in him. The Dryads wanted to keep Ciri as is their custom but in the end she managed not only to get a free pass, but also for both to realize the connection they share. Geralt sees there is something special in her but he still refuses destiny (as he is so fond of). This is my favorite story up until now though I've got to say I was a bit frustrated with HOW childish Ciri was (as well as the voice the narrator chose for her). Not exactly "Hero" material at the moment hehe but Geralt did a fine job of taking care of her even when he was annoyed by her behavior as well.

"Something More" [Geralt - Yennefer - Ciri - Dandelion] ★★★★★

Geralt offers to help a trader on the road, asking for the "Law of Surprise" in return. The trader is reluctant at first, but after Geralt saves his life heroically he feels differently. Geralt being injured needs a lot of care. The trader does his best and while Geralt is recovering, in an hallucinogenic state, he thinks of Yennefer, his visit to Queen Calanthe (As well as another curious encounter which actually DID happen that shades a bit of light about Geralt's past), it all makes him wonder about destiny and if it's not enough what is the "something more" that is needed. I'm not sure if he gets the answer her wanted but maybe it doesn't matter as he is reunited with Ciri in the end. I wouldn't have written this fact in any "regular" review, but as this is a short prelude to the main series, it's no real spoiler.

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All in all, this was a wonderful way to get to know the main characters - Geralt, Ciri, Yennefer and Dandelion. I enjoyed listening though I'm not always happy with Andrzej's delivery. I understand there can't always be a "happy ending", and yet, I'm missing at times a more optimistic view (even if not by Geralt himself naturally..). As I've said, I liked Geralt's interaction with Ciri in the 2 last stories so I can't wait to see how it evolves on their journey.

I'm excited to get to the first book of the series - an uncharted territory for me!