The Witcher Reigns
Why Season 4 (releasing Oct 30th) is a Big Deal
Lets be real ladies we all watched the Witcher for Henry Cavill! He was so hot as Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher, it inspired me to read the series by the Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski.
I was pleasantly surprised how well written and entertaining the series has been especially as a newb in the high fantasy genre! So if you are excited about the new Season 4 of Witcher and looking for something to satiate the excitement start reading! If you just want to read ahead I suggesting jumping right into Season 4’s Baptism of Fire.
What Makes the Witcher Books So Addictive
Moral Complexity. Every “monster” has a story. Sapkowski’s world blurs the line between human and inhuman — forcing readers to question who the real villains are.
Sharp Humor. Despite all the blood and tragedy, the series sparkles with sarcasm, wit, and dry humor — especially through Geralt’s banter with his bard companion, Dandelion (aka Jaskier).
Epic but Intimate. It’s not just about wars and prophecies — it’s about found family, love, and the burden of destiny.
Rich Mythology. Sapkowski draws from Slavic folklore, creating a world that feels hauntingly ancient and refreshingly unique.
A Gritty Realism. Unlike high-fantasy idealism, The Witcher shows magic and politics as messy, personal, and often corrupt.
⚔️ The Reading Order (Because the Timeline Is as Twisted as the Continent Itself)
When starting the series I was honestly a bit lost where to start because of publishing timelines vs story timeline so to make it easy here is the reading order (I also linked for you for easy purchase!):
The Last Wish (1993) – A short story collection introducing Geralt, the stoic Witcher-for-hire who slays monsters for coin — but wrestles with questions of fate and humanity more than any beast.
Sword of Destiny (1992) – The second collection, where we meet Ciri and see the first sparks of destiny that will bind her and Geralt forever.
Blood of Elves (1994) – The first full-length novel. The kingdoms are at war, and Ciri begins her training in magic and combat under Geralt’s care.
Time of Contempt (1995) – Chaos reigns. Alliances fracture. Yennefer, Geralt, and Ciri face separate fates that will shape the entire Continent.
Baptism of Fire (1996) – Geralt assembles a ragtag fellowship on a dangerous mission to find Ciri — the story Season 4 of Netflix’s show will adapt.
The Tower of the Swallow (1997) – Ciri’s transformation accelerates as she becomes a legend in her own right.
The Lady of the Lake (1999) – The epic finale, where myth and destiny collide in one of fantasy’s most emotional endings.
Season of Storms (2013) – A prequel set between the short stories, giving readers one more adventure with Geralt in his prime.
My Witcher Stack
Free on Kindle Unlimited
All of the books are part of the Kindle Unlimited on Amazon right now! If you are already a member, start reading now!
If you aren’t it’s a great time to sign up and take advantage of all the Kindle Unlimited reads for only $11.99/month. They even have a 3 months free trial! Check it out: Kindle Unlimited
Books vs. Show: What to Expect in Season 4
Netflix’s upcoming Season 4 (releasing October 30) will pick up threads from Baptism of Fire — arguably one of the most exciting novels in the series.
Expect:
Geralt embracing his new identity after his near-death experience.
Ciri traveling across harsh lands and meeting both mentors and monsters.
The war between Nilfgaard and the Northern Kingdoms expanding.
The introduction of Regis, a character beloved by readers — an intelligent, complex vampire unlike any you’ve seen before, and who doesn’t love a good vampire?
And of course, plenty of destiny-fueled tension between Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri.
It’s the moment the show fully steps into the saga’s heart — and fans of the books know this is where the emotional and political stakes explode.
Why Now’s the Time to Read (or Re-Read) the Series
With Netflix’s next season diving deep into Baptism of Fire, there’s no better time to revisit the books. Reading Sapkowski’s work adds layers of meaning to every scene — you’ll catch the folklore references, the irony, and the subtle connections between fate, politics, and prophecy.
Whether you start from The Last Wish or jump straight into Blood of Elves, the books reward readers who crave rich storytelling and philosophical depth wrapped in dark humor.
And by the time October 30 rolls around, you’ll be ready to judge how well Liam Hemsworth carries the White Wolf’s legacy — book in one hand, silver sword in the other. ⚔️
image by Netflix
