@@valliyarnl i always wonder how tf they know how to mark the map like what device are they physically in possession of that they are able to wirelessly do all that lol
As an English speaker its very interesting to hear you speak about some of the specifically Polish idioms/references in these books that might not translate exactly. Especially knowing how important Polish culture is to the source material. Great review 👍
yeah it is a case in every language but honestly it can handle if use a bit longer sentence! :S may use some greek or latin phrases as well like hubris which is not exist in english but a negative charged pride cause it can be positive and negative as well; father proud of his son after get good scores in the school / david proud cause he born in a rich family and can solve anything with money and can do whatever what the upper 10% do.
Your explanations on the way Sapkowski really writes the series helps me better understand the lore, i was introduced with the first witcher game and remain a fan of this series. Thank you.
I found your channel just a couple of days ago with your recap of The Last Wish and now I'm hooked to your content! There's nothing better than listening to someone talk about something they're passionate about, especially if it's something I love too, and I feel like you really get The Witcher in a way not everyone does. This was a great review. I'm especially looking forward to your recap of The Sword of Destiny and then the novels.
Your enthusiasm for The Witcher inspired me to start reading the books. The way you talk about The Witcher with so much passion is just so adorable. I'm looking forward to more of your Witcher content.
@valliyarnl Your views to comments ratio and subscribers to comments ratio are both really good. So I don't think the new viewers are responsible because those are ratio metrics. It's just a good community that you've built.
This was so thorough and helpful! I especially loved hearing you speak, translate, and discuss specific passages. I’d like to reread The Last Wish sometime, so maybe after that, I’ll pick this one up! 💜
I'll never get tired of new Witcher content!! I hope its out in English soon so that I can read it ASAP! Love the vid! Got me a great overview for what I should look forward to!
Obczaić: maybe - “check it out” ? It’s been so long since I read Wiedźmin... you are making me want to come back to it! Btw, I’m so happy to see you getting sponsored! 🙌 PiS reference is definitely not an accident. 😂 I hate it when S King gets political in his books, but here I don’t mind it.
"Check it out" is too obvious and direct for a jargon of youth. I kinda like "smell the vibes", because "checking the vibes" already means something else.
I don't mind the PiS reference either. It's honestly the sentiment shared by majority of Polish people (since even other conservatives don't like them), and after 8 years of having them in power, I can understand that Sapkowski needed to vent XD It's also why it always makes me laugh when someone criticizes some things done by the games, or the Netflix series-- not because they criticize things, I do too. But because some people seem convinced that it's these bad "leftists" who destroy the source material. I'm like...dude, the author of the source material is a leftist himself.
Grateful for this video ❤ This book is flying under the radar !! It’s not everyday we get a new Witcher book. Although there is probably more hype on Polish social media, I have not seen a lot for it so far in English, maybe that will change when translation is released, but yeah.
Also I saw that note at the beginning hehe :) Yes, “Crossroads of Ravens” sounds better, although, knowing the English translation it will probably get translated as “THE Crossroads,” because we need some superfluous articles to make it sound important ;) (The original title translation of Krew elfów/Blood of Elves was “THE Blood of THE Elves” … what the…) Related to the ravens/crows debacle, it’s also “kruk” used, and not “wrona”? I don’t know for sure the difference, but in Blood and Wine, Regis had kruki, which was ravens in English dub :) and in the Fredro play Zemsta (I watched the movie with English subs & read a translation last year) when Papkin says he was shooting, Dyndalski says he was shooting “na wrony,” at crows :D
@@valliyarnl Kruk is raven (big, black bird, lives in countryside, stay away from the civilization), wrona is crow (smaller bird, common in the city) . In Poland black crows (czarnowrony) are uncommon, as far as I know black crows are pretty popular in USA and Wester Europe, Polish crows are mostly grey with black heads and parts of the wings (wrona siwa). In the cities very common is as welll gawron (rook), smaller than raven, more of the size of crow, whole black, except the bill.
Wera your channel is amazing and its not only Witcher content, I think you provide a fascinating perspective on modern day literary works and bring them to the modern audience in a superb way!. Kudos to you all the way from the Cold chilling snows of Sweden.
I didn't expect a new witcher book! it's interesting to hear the perspective from a polish reader. I read them in spanish and I remember them being really confusing to read and i think it was because of the translation and the cultural references I was missing. Still, my favourite was the first one because of Geralt and stories so I might give this one a try! Hopefully they release one of jaskier at some point haha
I started reading the series this year and I'm going through Time of Contempt now, already dreading devouring it so fast. Afterwards I'm diving right into the games. More Witcher is exciting.
Oh my gosh thank you for the explaining the book! Been thinking about returning to the series and so excited that I can while taking in newer witcher content! Love your channel btw just came across it a while back, amazing work girly💖
Feels nice to find a book channel I can chill listening to. Videos are always well made and the Witcher is close to my heart so I love when you cover it.
Need it! Thanks for sharing what you think. No idea how long the wait will be, but I will be anxiously looking forward to the book's english translation! Ngl I am very intrigued with the outright political callouts. I love the great Dante's Divine Comedy and I always enjoy the parts where Dante self inserts and throws shade and his adversaries and political rivals. I'll definitely love to dig into that with Sapkowski. Thanks for blessing the morning and all the good favor to you, Wera!
Have you read his Hussite-trilogy? As a huge fan of the witcher books and especially Sapkowskis writing style I have to admit that I may even like this trilogy even more then Witcher. It mixes historical places, people and events with fantasy so incredibly well in my opinion. Also it's pacing is better then that of the main Witcher books. And even if nothing can surpass the "Battle of Brenna"-chapter (in terms of playing with character perspective, for me the best thing he has written) the books hold a very high level.
Excellent timing, I was just contemplating whether I should go out of my way to get it. Big bookstores don't have polish copies over here despite literally being in a neighboring country smh
I love how passionate you are about The Witcher.. Similar to how I am with my favorite series! Maybe when I finish with Wind and Truth and Tress I’ll start the Witcher..so many good books out there! Stormlight is taking up all my time right now… but I’m loving it..🙂
A fellow Polish reader here- great job Wera! All the best for your channel 😊 Two things about the political point: 1. “Prawo i sprawiedliwość” is also a quote from the Bible, so you could in theory argue Holt was criticising true wider sentiment rather than only the PiS political party (although I also think it was a dig at the party and its philosophy), 2. Witcher books have always been very political. You can see clear references especially to the history of the Second Polish Republic (pogroms, numerus clausus, ethnic and religious strife) and you can clearly see Sapkowski’s sympathies are not with Endecja. And since PiS is quite clearly an inheritor of Endecja’s tradition…At other point they mention “bratnia pomoc” which is a clear reference to the 1968 attack on Czechoslovakia. Look at how churches and religions and priests are portrayed. And so on. These books have always been very political, this time perhaps it is even more obvious.
Awesome video! This sounds like a Witcher book I'll probably enjoy quite a bit more than I have some of the ones in the series to date. I'd heard before that the books have a Polish context to them that most Western readers won't pick up on, the examples you pick out and the rough translation really drive home how much gets lost without that.
Love your content!💜 Sadly there’s no my native language version of this book atm,not even English translated version of this book atm as I know. But I’ve watched a recap video of this book and roughly learned the whole story of this new book. Especially in the end of this book,it truly defined who Geralt really is and what he stands for,and I love it. Will definitely read it when physical English version is released in the future!!
Ngl watching how excited you get talking about the Witcher is adorable 😂. I have only consumed Witcher content through the games but may have to give the literature a shot. To bad I can't read polish
Thank you for another great video. Sending love from Slovakia. Made me even more excited for the book now 🤗😍 hopefully there will be Czech translation as soon as possible. Cant wait!
haha thank you! I wouldn't call myself an expert by any means but man I really love and care about it. most important series in my life so im very passionate abt it ☺
Im big fan of Witcher books and games but I didnt have any specific expectations regarding the book. However Rozdroże Kruków turned out to be really enjoyable! It is not up to par with the novels or the saga but its still a really solid entry in the series.
Hi Wera, great video. Two things to add: 1. Sapkowski is a post-modern writer so references to political parties, changing perspectives to tell a story, characters in largely medieval setting using contemporary youth language is not uncommon for post modernism in literature 2. I actually love it about his books a lot that he doesn’t treat readers as idiots who need to have everything explained and served on a silver platter and lets us do our own research. With internet at our fingertips, it shouldn’t be a problem to check out a French, Italian or Latin word? Heck, I even had to look up some Polish ones he used 😂 Although I agree, he’s flexing - but being a savant/learned person he is is certainly a flex!
I've been dying to read this book and I absolutely love that we got this video from you before the English translation actually comes out. However, I can't help to be a bit dissappointed that we can't experience this book as you do in Polish, because as you explained here and also in your recent colab with Dr. Fantasy, some of these colloquialism and tongue-in-cheek jokes are lost in translation. Anyway, so excited to read a few more witchery contracts chapters later this year! And who knows, I'm hoping some of them might even get translated as sidequests or flashbacks in Witcher 4! (one can only dream)
"Lets take a looksie" isn't a perfect translation of "obczajmy" , but i think that it fits given how out of place it would be for Geralt we know to speak like that.
Great and insightful video, as always! I’m relatively new to the Witcher series, I’ve seen the show, played the Witcher 3 a bit (although I do need to finish it) but hearing your thoughts as a native pole is always interesting
Thanks, I was really curious about this new Witcher book, and you answered all my questions. Also, I used to have the same curse that the head of the village had until you lifted it with your videos. I don't know how, though.
OH MY GOD FINALLY A NEW VIDEO , I'M SO HAPPY💜💜💜 I been watching almost all of your video while waiting for a new content, always love your passion in these videos you make🥰🥰
I see Wera posted a video I click but I also didn't know a new Witcher book is now out so I wanted you thank you for that, this is becoming my new go to for witcher news in general kinda lol. I might read it as my first in the series, almost seems like a sign that's what I should do to get into the books, and just do it mostly in chronological order.
The expansion of lore is a freat selling point for me. I loved the infodump from Vilgefortz at Thanned, as well as "random" encyclopedia keywords and excerpts. Really looking forward to read this (because Storm season was a bit of a letdown).
I'm so excited for its release here in germany...and will reread the other books sooner or later too. The name of his horse roach works better in the german version, here its name is Plötze which is more obvious the name of a fish and not Kakerlake/ Schabe(the insect)
I've started rereading the books since Witcher 4 was announced, sadly I've lost my copy of the Last Wish. Somewhat off topic but since they've said we're going to go to regions that haven't been shown in the previous games I hope we get to go to Cintra in 4, I think there's a bunch of really interesting stuff that could be done with Ciri going back to her ancestral homeland for the first time in decades plus it's been under the rule of Nilfgaard long enough that it would have a very different vibe than the rest of the North. Great video as always.
I will be livid if none of the new trilogy or its DLCs explore Zerrikania. The desert world we briefly visit in Witcher 3 would be an incredible setting for a story.
@@anitaremenarova6662 Zerrikania is the other area I really want to explore since it has cool lore and has been referenced so many times but rarely seen, it's also where Letho and the surviving Viper school witchers went.
10:00 As always I’m loving to hear your thoughts, I appreciate the commentary on the prose and if Sapkowski “still holds up.” It was nice to hear a positive opinion, I was reading a lot of comments saying that AS lost his touch, and sadly I probably can’t tell the difference either way because I read translations. But for me this book (prose-wise) felt like Season of Storms, it was not entirely strange, but the more contemporary Sapkowski (although plot-wise it was a marked improvement over that book). For instance, the Latin, which has been common for Sapkowski since the 2000s, he allowed himself to indulge in the Hussite Trilogy and then also went nuts with it in Season of Storms :) Of course I think everyone probably likes the “blue and youthful” period more, like the short stories. (Personally I’m kind of torn on that matter) But there were indeed a few parts of the prose where I was like “yep, that’s our author.” Not just the callbacks (which I loved lol) but in some jokes, POV choices, how sentences are structured, how emphasis is created, and the kind of general playfulness and drama that goes on.
Haven’t read any of the books yet (though I have some of them) but know about the Witcher from the games. I just love the world of the Witcher and it makes me feel like I’m connecting a little with my polish heritage either from reading the books or playing the games
you are my fav book youtuber but tbh the witcher are the only books I ever read so.. I'll probably take this one no matter what but lets see what you say about it. True sunshine in my recommendations
I'm one of those strange people who started with the games (which are all fantastic) but prefers the novels to most of the short stories (which, to be clear, are also good). Lady of the Lake and Tower of Swallows were the best in the series, for me personally. This review/overview really helped to set my expectations for when it gets translated and I read it, so thank you.
Interested to hear your take on Storm of Swords, reading it now and the only way I can describe it is incredibly random, like Sapkowski makes a setpiece then jumps to a new one when he gets bored
@@kinographer5926 without spoiling it, I think it would have worked so much better if it was just a few separate short stories instead of trying to string these loose ideas into one, cohesive narrative. Also I didn't like the tone of one of the storylines to the point that it kind of hurt to read (let's just say his gay characters from the 90's are written so much more sympathetically than in SoS and leave it at that). And he retcons a couple of things, one of which is a bad choice to retcon. These things made it clunky and not as enjoyable for me as the rest of the series. Now there are some fun/cute Geralt hanging out with Dandelion moments (they feel in character and they feel like them). Their interactions were the only time I had that "Ah, I'm at home again" feeling. That was the only positive for me. It didn't feel like it belonged with the rest of the series TBH, but Crossroads of Ravens definitely belongs and I love it. It's so lovely. Some are saying it's a bit of fanservice, but it's GOOD fanservice IMO.
@@music-is-my-world-83 Yeah the "humor" in SoS is kinda offputting the farting guard women were a "wtf is this" moment. Agree about Dandelion and Geralt wholesome interactions
Found the channel through UA-cam suggestions. Being a Witcher geek, I'm not surprised :D Played all the games, read all the books but I think I should read them again. After watching your videos I realized how much I forgot. As for this new book, now I need to wait for it to be translated from Polish, which may take a few months maybe years because apparently Sapkowski only allows his books to be translated directly from Polish or at least German.
I can't wait for it to come out in the UK! As excited as i am for Witcher 4, I thought a new witcher game could have focused on younger Geralt so I'm glad we are getting this!
Reading (and watching) order should almost always be in the release order. There's rarely any case where this isn't the most obvious and good sense option. Any time when this isn't the best recommendation is because either the author or the publisher royally messed up. Prequels *are* sequels, it's in the name.
Exactly. Prequels are supposed to add more context, they serve a similar function as flashbacks. But nothing can replace the proper first introduction of the world and the characters in the first published book. Because back then, the author knew it would all be new to the readers, so he had to think through this introduction properly - to convey as much as he wanted to tell, to leave the readers with the right impression, etc. Prequels, even if they focus on some new characters, are usually using parts of the already established lore, that the author-even unconsciously- inserts there.
Great video and sumup! Really looking forward to the book but last time I checked there were no translations available yet, hoping to get my hands on it soon
My first read of the year, actually finished it throughout 1st and 2nd of January. Good piece of lore and worldbuilding. Now reading Tome 2 of "Historia Mundiali" (Football World Cups History) and about to finish it in few days. And that'd already be 2 books/1000+ pages of reading by the end of January.
[minor SPOILERS] Sapkowski said in the interview with Polish magazine "Polityka" (paywall, unfortunatelly), that Preston's Viper medallion and Viper school in the games is coincidance. There are 3 schools mentioned in the books (note that Sapkowski stated that he used term "school" only once in the books, and adpatations popularized this concept): Wolfs, Cats and Griffins. In ""Rozdroże Kruków" there are 3 places where witchers were trained. We know that in Kaer Morhen Wolfs were trained, there is a mention were Cats were trained, so I guess (there is no direct confirmation) the third place trained Griffins. As we know that Preston Holt was in Kaer Morhen he most probably was a Wolf too. After significant events he was in active disagreement with Vesemir, so I think either he was asked to return Wolf's medallion or he returned it by his own will. My best guess is that Viper medallion is either a symbol of vengenace or sth related to Preston past (maybe it will be revealead in next book that Sapkowski said he is writing, but it isn't even 110% confirmed this is a book about Witcher).
The only witcher school mentioned in the books is "School of the Wolf", in the _The Voice of Reason._ Sapkowski has abandoned that concept though, and so in the Saga there's just Kaer Morhen -- "Witcher's Lair" ("Wiedźmińskie Siedliszcze"), and not "Lair of the Wolves" (not to mention that Geralt is the only witcher referred to as a "Wolf" -- by other residents of Kaer Morhen at that). The idea that there are 3 witcher schools presumably comes from making a connection between the 3 witcher medallions that appear in _The Lady of the Lake,_ and the aforementioned line from _The Voice of Reason_ in which Geralt refers to his medallion as a "sign of the School of the Wolf". Sapkowski actually talked about that misconception in the recent interview for Wyborcza (interviewed by Radosław Czyż, and paywalled as well). Might also be worth mentioning that Sapkowski wrote a novel titled _Viper,_ so that's a more likely connection. By the way, it's also a mistake to confuse Sapkowski's "Cats" with CD Projekt's "School of the Cat". Seem similar on the surface, but Sapkowski's Cats are self-anointed and referred to as "failed witchers".
Been reading my whole collection again with the TW4 announced. I forgot how much Season of Storm is a good one. Can't wait to get the french translation for this one.
You should try doing a playthrough of the witcher 3 or 4 when it releases. Would be fun to see a polish person's views on how faithful the game is to its source material,
I just started season of storms today after binging the previous 7 books. You can definitely tell a difference in writing, but I'm liking it so far. It's weird reading a prequel after the finaly of a story tho
What I love about the Witcher stories is that they start like a regular monster killing quest, but they evolve into something unpredictable and awesome
Sou Brasileiro, estou terminando a DLC do jogo Blood and Wine pela primeira vez, e estou lendo os livros. Fiquei muito curioso por esse novo livro, ótimo vídeo 😉
Name’s Preston and he goes settlement to settlement, each one needs help.
Feel like there’s a joke here.
can you mark it on my map?
@@valliyarnl i always wonder how tf they know how to mark the map like what device are they physically in possession of that they are able to wirelessly do all that lol
Fallout 4 minuteman?
OMG you're right hahaha
@@apIthletIccjust marking it on the player characters pip boy
Wind's howling
Is it weird to keep refreshing comments waiting for this
@@dtPolar I prefer coin
(Much appreciated)
Jerald Radanian in Witcher 4 pls CD Projekt
@@FromMahakam nice to see you again zoltan
Indeed my friend. Storm Eowyn was wild last night
As an English speaker its very interesting to hear you speak about some of the specifically Polish idioms/references in these books that might not translate exactly. Especially knowing how important Polish culture is to the source material. Great review 👍
yeah it is a case in every language but honestly it can handle if use a bit longer sentence! :S
may use some greek or latin phrases as well like hubris which is not exist in english but a negative charged pride cause it can be positive and negative as well; father proud of his son after get good scores in the school / david proud cause he born in a rich family and can solve anything with money and can do whatever what the upper 10% do.
Your channel has gotten me back into reading
This is the greatest outcome. Love to hear it!
Me as well honestly had the Witcher books on my shelf for years finally picking them back up
That's probably the best compliment you could give someone
This means so much to me thank you for letting me know 🥹💕
@valliyarnl no problem, I always look forward to seeing a new video drop
I read Wera and Witcher. I press click. I press like.
Thanks bro 🫡
Is it because you are a simple man?
As a brazillian fan of The Witcher, I'm loving this channel.
Difícil achar um bom canal que fale sobre Witcher. Esse já maratonei kkkkk
@@caioscotini7894 Verdade.kk E por isso mesmo que é bom aproveitarmos. A franquia é boa demais e merece o destaque.
Your explanations on the way Sapkowski really writes the series helps me better understand the lore, i was introduced with the first witcher game and remain a fan of this series. Thank you.
I found your channel just a couple of days ago with your recap of The Last Wish and now I'm hooked to your content! There's nothing better than listening to someone talk about something they're passionate about, especially if it's something I love too, and I feel like you really get The Witcher in a way not everyone does. This was a great review. I'm especially looking forward to your recap of The Sword of Destiny and then the novels.
Your enthusiasm for The Witcher inspired me to start reading the books. The way you talk about The Witcher with so much passion is just so adorable. I'm looking forward to more of your Witcher content.
Wera,
I've noticed your channel gets more engagement than even channels with way more subscribers. I think that's something to be proud of.
Really? Oh thank you Kevin! Maybe it related to the boost of new viewers since December?
@valliyarnl Your views to comments ratio and subscribers to comments ratio are both really good. So I don't think the new viewers are responsible because those are ratio metrics. It's just a good community that you've built.
@@kevintran502 awhhh that’s so sweet Kevin! 🥹🥹💞
This was so thorough and helpful! I especially loved hearing you speak, translate, and discuss specific passages. I’d like to reread The Last Wish sometime, so maybe after that, I’ll pick this one up! 💜
I'll never get tired of new Witcher content!! I hope its out in English soon so that I can read it ASAP!
Love the vid! Got me a great overview for what I should look forward to!
Obczaić: maybe - “check it out” ?
It’s been so long since I read Wiedźmin... you are making me want to come back to it!
Btw, I’m so happy to see you getting sponsored! 🙌
PiS reference is definitely not an accident. 😂 I hate it when S King gets political in his books, but here I don’t mind it.
"Check it out" is too obvious and direct for a jargon of youth. I kinda like "smell the vibes", because "checking the vibes" already means something else.
I don't mind the PiS reference either. It's honestly the sentiment shared by majority of Polish people (since even other conservatives don't like them), and after 8 years of having them in power, I can understand that Sapkowski needed to vent XD
It's also why it always makes me laugh when someone criticizes some things done by the games, or the Netflix series-- not because they criticize things, I do too. But because some people seem convinced that it's these bad "leftists" who destroy the source material. I'm like...dude, the author of the source material is a leftist himself.
I’m sold
Thank you for the donation 🥰
Grateful for this video ❤ This book is flying under the radar !! It’s not everyday we get a new Witcher book. Although there is probably more hype on Polish social media, I have not seen a lot for it so far in English, maybe that will change when translation is released, but yeah.
Also I saw that note at the beginning hehe :) Yes, “Crossroads of Ravens” sounds better, although, knowing the English translation it will probably get translated as “THE Crossroads,” because we need some superfluous articles to make it sound important ;) (The original title translation of Krew elfów/Blood of Elves was “THE Blood of THE Elves” … what the…)
Related to the ravens/crows debacle, it’s also “kruk” used, and not “wrona”? I don’t know for sure the difference, but in Blood and Wine, Regis had kruki, which was ravens in English dub :) and in the Fredro play Zemsta (I watched the movie with English subs & read a translation last year) when Papkin says he was shooting, Dyndalski says he was shooting “na wrony,” at crows :D
To me Wrona is more Raven and Kruk is more Crow but tbh I don’t think it matters too much in this case
@@valliyarnl Kruk is raven (big, black bird, lives in countryside, stay away from the civilization), wrona is crow (smaller bird, common in the city) . In Poland black crows (czarnowrony) are uncommon, as far as I know black crows are pretty popular in USA and Wester Europe, Polish crows are mostly grey with black heads and parts of the wings (wrona siwa). In the cities very common is as welll gawron (rook), smaller than raven, more of the size of crow, whole black, except the bill.
Best Witcher book content on UA-cam! More please!
Wera your channel is amazing and its not only Witcher content, I think you provide a fascinating perspective on modern day literary works and bring them to the modern audience in a superb way!. Kudos to you all the way from the Cold chilling snows of Sweden.
It is interesting how attentive to detail you are. Even when I have read a book you can bring up things I did not pick up on.
I love that book! Geralt's "no weź" was the funniest thing ever for me. 😆
Great video as always!
I didn't expect a new witcher book! it's interesting to hear the perspective from a polish reader. I read them in spanish and I remember them being really confusing to read and i think it was because of the translation and the cultural references I was missing. Still, my favourite was the first one because of Geralt and stories so I might give this one a try! Hopefully they release one of jaskier at some point haha
I started reading the series this year and I'm going through Time of Contempt now, already dreading devouring it so fast. Afterwards I'm diving right into the games. More Witcher is exciting.
Oh my gosh thank you for the explaining the book! Been thinking about returning to the series and so excited that I can while taking in newer witcher content! Love your channel btw just came across it a while back, amazing work girly💖
Hey Wera how ya doin. Will there be more parts of your explanation of the Witcher's plot? I loved the first part..
thank you! and yes there will be more. i announced it in my Wera in Reverie for Dec. I'm aiming for sometime in February. :)
@@valliyarnl Omg that's so awesome. I can't wait. I looooooved the first part so much.
@@valliyarnl definitely some good plots in this video
8:00 the whole point of the series is contained in this frustrated sigh lol. Geralt is constantly thoughtful, feeling, and principled
Thanks so much for this video! I can't wait for this book to be translated, either English or Dutch would be fine
Feels nice to find a book channel I can chill listening to. Videos are always well made and the Witcher is close to my heart so I love when you cover it.
Need it! Thanks for sharing what you think. No idea how long the wait will be, but I will be anxiously looking forward to the book's english translation!
Ngl I am very intrigued with the outright political callouts. I love the great Dante's Divine Comedy and I always enjoy the parts where Dante self inserts and throws shade and his adversaries and political rivals. I'll definitely love to dig into that with Sapkowski.
Thanks for blessing the morning and all the good favor to you, Wera!
Thanks Brandon!
Cant wait for global release. Thanks for the video!
Have you read his Hussite-trilogy? As a huge fan of the witcher books and especially Sapkowskis writing style I have to admit that I may even like this trilogy even more then Witcher. It mixes historical places, people and events with fantasy so incredibly well in my opinion. Also it's pacing is better then that of the main Witcher books. And even if nothing can surpass the "Battle of Brenna"-chapter (in terms of playing with character perspective, for me the best thing he has written) the books hold a very high level.
Thanks for the review! I hope it gets released in English soon, as I'd love to pick it up!
Excellent timing, I was just contemplating whether I should go out of my way to get it. Big bookstores don't have polish copies over here despite literally being in a neighboring country smh
Lovely to get this upload to kick back and relax by candlelight after Eowyn took out my power. Cheers Wera.
Oh my god I’m so sorry! Hope you get power back soon 💕
I did lose any thankfully but I don’t think I was hit as bad as Galway and the north
@valliyarnl 🤝
I love how passionate you are about The Witcher.. Similar to how I am with my favorite series! Maybe when I finish with Wind and Truth and Tress I’ll start the Witcher..so many good books out there! Stormlight is taking up all my time right now… but I’m loving it..🙂
Thank you for your review! Much appreciated! Can't wait to have this book
A fellow Polish reader here- great job Wera! All the best for your channel 😊
Two things about the political point:
1. “Prawo i sprawiedliwość” is also a quote from the Bible, so you could in theory argue Holt was criticising true wider sentiment rather than only the PiS political party (although I also think it was a dig at the party and its philosophy),
2. Witcher books have always been very political. You can see clear references especially to the history of the Second Polish Republic (pogroms, numerus clausus, ethnic and religious strife) and you can clearly see Sapkowski’s sympathies are not with Endecja. And since PiS is quite clearly an inheritor of Endecja’s tradition…At other point they mention “bratnia pomoc” which is a clear reference to the 1968 attack on Czechoslovakia. Look at how churches and religions and priests are portrayed. And so on. These books have always been very political, this time perhaps it is even more obvious.
winds howling
Looks like rain
ploughing temeria
💔
@@Jerald_radanian ah man, you got beaten to the punch.
Smh
You're not him
Awesome video! This sounds like a Witcher book I'll probably enjoy quite a bit more than I have some of the ones in the series to date. I'd heard before that the books have a Polish context to them that most Western readers won't pick up on, the examples you pick out and the rough translation really drive home how much gets lost without that.
Love your content!💜
Sadly there’s no my native language version of this book atm,not even English translated version of this book atm as I know.
But I’ve watched a recap video of this book and roughly learned the whole story of this new book. Especially in the end of this book,it truly defined who Geralt really is and what he stands for,and I love it.
Will definitely read it when physical English version is released in the future!!
Ngl watching how excited you get talking about the Witcher is adorable 😂. I have only consumed Witcher content through the games but may have to give the literature a shot. To bad I can't read polish
This channel is blowing up. Well deserved. Intelligent and well delivered content. Youre amazing!
Thank you for another great video. Sending love from Slovakia. Made me even more excited for the book now 🤗😍 hopefully there will be Czech translation as soon as possible. Cant wait!
*_When it's translated to English and/or when the English AudioBook is out; I'll buy it._*
You are quite knowledgeable about quite a few authors & stories; but your perspective on the Witcher series, Mwah! One of the best I've seen.
haha thank you! I wouldn't call myself an expert by any means but man I really love and care about it. most important series in my life so im very passionate abt it ☺
@@valliyarnl The passion is very obvious! And further, I would say this it is the reason you are gaining subscribers!
I hope you’re going to keep summarizing the books, the first one was great!
Always so fun to see how passionate you get talking about The Witcher! Someday I’ll read it and you’ll be the first to know 😌
Im big fan of Witcher books and games but I didnt have any specific expectations regarding the book. However Rozdroże Kruków turned out to be really enjoyable! It is not up to par with the novels or the saga but its still a really solid entry in the series.
Very much looking forward to this being translated into English, can't wait to get more about Geralt.
Hi Wera, great video. Two things to add:
1. Sapkowski is a post-modern writer so references to political parties, changing perspectives to tell a story, characters in largely medieval setting using contemporary youth language is not uncommon for post modernism in literature
2. I actually love it about his books a lot that he doesn’t treat readers as idiots who need to have everything explained and served on a silver platter and lets us do our own research. With internet at our fingertips, it shouldn’t be a problem to check out a French, Italian or Latin word? Heck, I even had to look up some Polish ones he used 😂
Although I agree, he’s flexing - but being a savant/learned person he is is certainly a flex!
I've been dying to read this book and I absolutely love that we got this video from you before the English translation actually comes out.
However, I can't help to be a bit dissappointed that we can't experience this book as you do in Polish, because as you explained here and also in your recent colab with Dr. Fantasy, some of these colloquialism and tongue-in-cheek jokes are lost in translation.
Anyway, so excited to read a few more witchery contracts chapters later this year!
And who knows, I'm hoping some of them might even get translated as sidequests or flashbacks in Witcher 4! (one can only dream)
"Lets take a looksie" isn't a perfect translation of "obczajmy" , but i think that it fits given how out of place it would be for Geralt we know to speak like that.
i love how you explain with passion
Great and insightful video, as always!
I’m relatively new to the Witcher series, I’ve seen the show, played the Witcher 3 a bit (although I do need to finish it) but hearing your thoughts as a native pole is always interesting
Thanks, I was really curious about this new Witcher book, and you answered all my questions. Also, I used to have the same curse that the head of the village had until you lifted it with your videos. I don't know how, though.
OH MY GOD FINALLY A NEW VIDEO , I'M SO HAPPY💜💜💜
I been watching almost all of your video while waiting for a new content, always love your passion in these videos you make🥰🥰
Damn, I have to binge watch and catch up on my favourite Polish Witcher reviewer UA-camr videos!!!
I would say that segment on how to deal with your opponents with bears hands (or a key😉) is plot relevant, so this justify very detailed description.
I see Wera posted a video I click but I also didn't know a new Witcher book is now out so I wanted you thank you for that, this is becoming my new go to for witcher news in general kinda lol. I might read it as my first in the series, almost seems like a sign that's what I should do to get into the books, and just do it mostly in chronological order.
The expansion of lore is a freat selling point for me. I loved the infodump from Vilgefortz at Thanned, as well as "random" encyclopedia keywords and excerpts. Really looking forward to read this (because Storm season was a bit of a letdown).
I hope the new book gets an English translation soon. I would love to read a new Witcher book, even if its a prequel.
i’m reading the last wish right now and i’m very excited to get to the other books in the series
I'm so excited for its release here in germany...and will reread the other books sooner or later too. The name of his horse roach works better in the german version, here its name is Plötze which is more obvious the name of a fish and not Kakerlake/ Schabe(the insect)
I love to hear people talking with passion about things they enjoy. Books, movies, games ect. Can't wait to read this new witcher book.
I've started rereading the books since Witcher 4 was announced, sadly I've lost my copy of the Last Wish. Somewhat off topic but since they've said we're going to go to regions that haven't been shown in the previous games I hope we get to go to Cintra in 4, I think there's a bunch of really interesting stuff that could be done with Ciri going back to her ancestral homeland for the first time in decades plus it's been under the rule of Nilfgaard long enough that it would have a very different vibe than the rest of the North.
Great video as always.
I will be livid if none of the new trilogy or its DLCs explore Zerrikania. The desert world we briefly visit in Witcher 3 would be an incredible setting for a story.
@@anitaremenarova6662 Zerrikania is the other area I really want to explore since it has cool lore and has been referenced so many times but rarely seen, it's also where Letho and the surviving Viper school witchers went.
Love your passion Wera!
You law of surprised my UA-cam feed. ❤️
Fineeeeeee Wera I’ll read it! Great video.
Ed
10:00 As always I’m loving to hear your thoughts, I appreciate the commentary on the prose and if Sapkowski “still holds up.” It was nice to hear a positive opinion, I was reading a lot of comments saying that AS lost his touch, and sadly I probably can’t tell the difference either way because I read translations.
But for me this book (prose-wise) felt like Season of Storms, it was not entirely strange, but the more contemporary Sapkowski (although plot-wise it was a marked improvement over that book). For instance, the Latin, which has been common for Sapkowski since the 2000s, he allowed himself to indulge in the Hussite Trilogy and then also went nuts with it in Season of Storms :) Of course I think everyone probably likes the “blue and youthful” period more, like the short stories. (Personally I’m kind of torn on that matter)
But there were indeed a few parts of the prose where I was like “yep, that’s our author.” Not just the callbacks (which I loved lol) but in some jokes, POV choices, how sentences are structured, how emphasis is created, and the kind of general playfulness and drama that goes on.
Haven’t read any of the books yet (though I have some of them) but know about the Witcher from the games. I just love the world of the Witcher and it makes me feel like I’m connecting a little with my polish heritage either from reading the books or playing the games
you are my fav book youtuber but tbh the witcher are the only books I ever read so.. I'll probably take this one no matter what but lets see what you say about it. True sunshine in my recommendations
Did not know this existed so very excited to read this!
I'm one of those strange people who started with the games (which are all fantastic) but prefers the novels to most of the short stories (which, to be clear, are also good). Lady of the Lake and Tower of Swallows were the best in the series, for me personally. This review/overview really helped to set my expectations for when it gets translated and I read it, so thank you.
Cross roads of ravens.❤❤ Sounds beautiful
Interested to hear your take on Storm of Swords, reading it now and the only way I can describe it is incredibly random, like Sapkowski makes a setpiece then jumps to a new one when he gets bored
@@kinographer5926 without spoiling it, I think it would have worked so much better if it was just a few separate short stories instead of trying to string these loose ideas into one, cohesive narrative. Also I didn't like the tone of one of the storylines to the point that it kind of hurt to read (let's just say his gay characters from the 90's are written so much more sympathetically than in SoS and leave it at that). And he retcons a couple of things, one of which is a bad choice to retcon. These things made it clunky and not as enjoyable for me as the rest of the series. Now there are some fun/cute Geralt hanging out with Dandelion moments (they feel in character and they feel like them). Their interactions were the only time I had that "Ah, I'm at home again" feeling. That was the only positive for me. It didn't feel like it belonged with the rest of the series TBH, but Crossroads of Ravens definitely belongs and I love it. It's so lovely. Some are saying it's a bit of fanservice, but it's GOOD fanservice IMO.
@@music-is-my-world-83 Yeah the "humor" in SoS is kinda offputting the farting guard women were a "wtf is this" moment. Agree about Dandelion and Geralt wholesome interactions
The only one I stopped reading halfway through... just didn't click for me.
Found the channel through UA-cam suggestions. Being a Witcher geek, I'm not surprised :D Played all the games, read all the books but I think I should read them again. After watching your videos I realized how much I forgot. As for this new book, now I need to wait for it to be translated from Polish, which may take a few months maybe years because apparently Sapkowski only allows his books to be translated directly from Polish or at least German.
I hope they make one that matches my hardcover set! Great video 🖤
Always a pleasant experience listening to your angelic voice
I can't wait for it to come out in the UK! As excited as i am for Witcher 4, I thought a new witcher game could have focused on younger Geralt so I'm glad we are getting this!
Thx for the info. I will read it for sure.
Your enthusiasm is infectious.
i am excite with great release!!!!!!!!!
Reading (and watching) order should almost always be in the release order.
There's rarely any case where this isn't the most obvious and good sense option. Any time when this isn't the best recommendation is because either the author or the publisher royally messed up.
Prequels *are* sequels, it's in the name.
Exactly. Prequels are supposed to add more context, they serve a similar function as flashbacks. But nothing can replace the proper first introduction of the world and the characters in the first published book. Because back then, the author knew it would all be new to the readers, so he had to think through this introduction properly - to convey as much as he wanted to tell, to leave the readers with the right impression, etc. Prequels, even if they focus on some new characters, are usually using parts of the already established lore, that the author-even unconsciously- inserts there.
Your happiness is visible, you are turning red while explaining it!
Thanks for the review.
Great video and sumup! Really looking forward to the book but last time I checked there were no translations available yet, hoping to get my hands on it soon
Idk how much time we will have to wait for getting that book translated. I´ve been waiting years for a new Witcher book
This is your first video I'm not watching start to finish because I don't want spoilers lol but I will be reading it when translated!
Thanks for this video! I was wondering how this book turned out. Can't wait for the english version.
My first read of the year, actually finished it throughout 1st and 2nd of January. Good piece of lore and worldbuilding. Now reading Tome 2 of "Historia Mundiali" (Football World Cups History) and about to finish it in few days. And that'd already be 2 books/1000+ pages of reading by the end of January.
Sold. Getting it as soon as it releases in English.
Can't wait to read it!!
Thanks for the insight, looking forward to the English edition. :)
[minor SPOILERS] Sapkowski said in the interview with Polish magazine "Polityka" (paywall, unfortunatelly), that Preston's Viper medallion and Viper school in the games is coincidance. There are 3 schools mentioned in the books (note that Sapkowski stated that he used term "school" only once in the books, and adpatations popularized this concept): Wolfs, Cats and Griffins. In ""Rozdroże Kruków" there are 3 places where witchers were trained. We know that in Kaer Morhen Wolfs were trained, there is a mention were Cats were trained, so I guess (there is no direct confirmation) the third place trained Griffins. As we know that Preston Holt was in Kaer Morhen he most probably was a Wolf too. After significant events he was in active disagreement with Vesemir, so I think either he was asked to return Wolf's medallion or he returned it by his own will. My best guess is that Viper medallion is either a symbol of vengenace or sth related to Preston past (maybe it will be revealead in next book that Sapkowski said he is writing, but it isn't even 110% confirmed this is a book about Witcher).
The only witcher school mentioned in the books is "School of the Wolf", in the _The Voice of Reason._ Sapkowski has abandoned that concept though, and so in the Saga there's just Kaer Morhen -- "Witcher's Lair" ("Wiedźmińskie Siedliszcze"), and not "Lair of the Wolves" (not to mention that Geralt is the only witcher referred to as a "Wolf" -- by other residents of Kaer Morhen at that).
The idea that there are 3 witcher schools presumably comes from making a connection between the 3 witcher medallions that appear in _The Lady of the Lake,_ and the aforementioned line from _The Voice of Reason_ in which Geralt refers to his medallion as a "sign of the School of the Wolf". Sapkowski actually talked about that misconception in the recent interview for Wyborcza (interviewed by Radosław Czyż, and paywalled as well).
Might also be worth mentioning that Sapkowski wrote a novel titled _Viper,_ so that's a more likely connection.
By the way, it's also a mistake to confuse Sapkowski's "Cats" with CD Projekt's "School of the Cat". Seem similar on the surface, but Sapkowski's Cats are self-anointed and referred to as "failed witchers".
Been reading my whole collection again with the TW4 announced. I forgot how much Season of Storm is a good one. Can't wait to get the french translation for this one.
You should try doing a playthrough of the witcher 3 or 4 when it releases. Would be fun to see a polish person's views on how faithful the game is to its source material,
7:52 I felt that Wera, so true I have been arguing this point with so many poeple online lmao. Well done.
I just started season of storms today after binging the previous 7 books. You can definitely tell a difference in writing, but I'm liking it so far. It's weird reading a prequel after the finaly of a story tho
Welp, another book to my infinite tbr! Glad to see you getting traction and getting sponsors! See you at the next reverie
Thanks Rafael! See you soon!
What I love about the Witcher stories is that they start like a regular monster killing quest, but they evolve into something unpredictable and awesome
For those curious, there will a english translation releasing early this year, couldn't find an exact date tho
I can't wait for it to be translated, and then read by Peter Kenny. Never thought we were getting another Witcher book
Sou Brasileiro, estou terminando a DLC do jogo Blood and Wine pela primeira vez, e estou lendo os livros. Fiquei muito curioso por esse novo livro, ótimo vídeo 😉