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The Witcher #0.1
Rozcestí krkavců
Spisovatel Andrzej Sapkowski o knize řekl: „V knize Rozcestí krkavců‘ se vracím ke kořenům Geraltovy cesty. Není neohroženým zabijákem nestvůr, jak ho známe, ale mladým zaklínačem, který teprve začíná chápat tíhu svého osudu. Představte si Geralta, ale mladého, s méně jizvami a povýšenějšího. Je to příběh o osobním růstu, setkání idealismu s tvrdou realitou a volbách, které utvořily legendu. Je o hledání svého místa ve světě, který vás neustále vyzývá, abyste se stali něčím víc, než si myslíte, že můžete být. Nemohu se dočkat, až budou mít čtenáři příběh v rukou a budou kráčet po boku Geralta. Zažijí tak zkoušky, které ho formovaly, a cestu, která ho nasměrovala k jeho osudu.“
280 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2024
1492 people are currently reading
17646 people want to read
About the author
Andrzej Sapkowski
204 books18.9k followersAndrzej Sapkowski, born June 21, 1948 in Łódź, is a Polish fantasy and science fiction writer. Sapkowski studied economics, and before turning to writing, he had worked as a senior sales representative for a foreign trade company. His first short story, The Witcher (Wiedźmin), was published in Fantastyka, Poland's leading fantasy literary magazine, in 1986 and was enormously successful both with readers and critics. Sapkowski has created a cycle of tales based on the world of The Witcher, comprising three collections of short stories and five novels. This cycle and his many other works have made him one of the best-known fantasy authors in Poland in the 1990s.
The main character of The Witcher (alternative translation: The Hexer) is Geralt, a mutant assassin who has been trained since childhood to hunt down and destroy monsters. Geralt exists in an ambiguous moral universe, yet manages to maintain his own coherent code of ethics. At the same time cynical and noble, Geralt has been compared to Raymond Chandler's signature character Philip Marlowe. The world in which these adventures take place is heavily influenced by Slavic mythology.
Sapkowski has won five Zajdel Awards, including three for short stories "Mniejsze zło" (Lesser Evil) (1990), "Miecz przeznaczenia" (Sword of Destiny) (1992) and "W leju po bombie" (In a Bomb Crater) (1993), and two for the novels "Krew elfów" (Blood of Elves) (1994) and "Narrenturm" (2002). He also won the Spanish Ignotus Award, best anthology, for The Last Wish in 2003, and for "Muzykanci" (The Musicians), best foreign short story, same year.
In 1997, Sapkowski won the prestigious Polityka's Passport award, which is awarded annually to artists who have strong prospects for international success.
In 2001, a Television Series based on the Witcher cycle was released in Poland and internationally, entitled Wiedźmin (The Hexer). A film by the same title was compiled from excerpts of the television series but both have been critical and box office failures.
Sapkowski's books have been translated into Czech, Russian, Lithuanian, German, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, and Portuguese. An English translation of The Last Wish short story collection was published by Gollancz in 2007.
The Polish game publisher, CD Projekt, created a role-playing PC game based on this universe, called The Witcher, which was released in October 2007. There is also a mobile version of the game which has been created by Breakpoint Games and is being published by Hands-On Mobile in Western Europe,Latin America and Asia Pacific.
The English translation of Sapkowski's novel Blood of Elves won the David Gemmell Legends Award in 2009.
The main character of The Witcher (alternative translation: The Hexer) is Geralt, a mutant assassin who has been trained since childhood to hunt down and destroy monsters. Geralt exists in an ambiguous moral universe, yet manages to maintain his own coherent code of ethics. At the same time cynical and noble, Geralt has been compared to Raymond Chandler's signature character Philip Marlowe. The world in which these adventures take place is heavily influenced by Slavic mythology.
Sapkowski has won five Zajdel Awards, including three for short stories "Mniejsze zło" (Lesser Evil) (1990), "Miecz przeznaczenia" (Sword of Destiny) (1992) and "W leju po bombie" (In a Bomb Crater) (1993), and two for the novels "Krew elfów" (Blood of Elves) (1994) and "Narrenturm" (2002). He also won the Spanish Ignotus Award, best anthology, for The Last Wish in 2003, and for "Muzykanci" (The Musicians), best foreign short story, same year.
In 1997, Sapkowski won the prestigious Polityka's Passport award, which is awarded annually to artists who have strong prospects for international success.
In 2001, a Television Series based on the Witcher cycle was released in Poland and internationally, entitled Wiedźmin (The Hexer). A film by the same title was compiled from excerpts of the television series but both have been critical and box office failures.
Sapkowski's books have been translated into Czech, Russian, Lithuanian, German, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, and Portuguese. An English translation of The Last Wish short story collection was published by Gollancz in 2007.
The Polish game publisher, CD Projekt, created a role-playing PC game based on this universe, called The Witcher, which was released in October 2007. There is also a mobile version of the game which has been created by Breakpoint Games and is being published by Hands-On Mobile in Western Europe,Latin America and Asia Pacific.
The English translation of Sapkowski's novel Blood of Elves won the David Gemmell Legends Award in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,728 reviews
November 13, 2025
Everyone and their granny are writing prequels/sequels to famous series these days, aren't they? With mostly disappointing outcomes.
This one better be an exception to the rule and be good, I tell myself. It's my third most anticipated release of the year, but my expectations are low enough they're comfortably lodged in the basement. Why? Because this series, which I loved back in the day, has one of the most disastrous and messiest endings of all time that it deserves a FUBAR medal.
Now that I've read it, I can only say a couple of things:
a. This is definitely not the year for my Most Anticipated reads.
b. I formally inform myself that I've outgrown the Swords & Tits genre.
The book was middle of the road for me, neither bad nor particularly great. I'm not sure we needed a prequel at all, who wants a pimply 16-years-old Geralt just learning the art of witchery and lusting after horny sorceresses? Not me, but I sure appreciate the absence of that insufferable pair, Triss and Yennefer, and that brat Ciri. This is Geralt in a pure state, doing what he's good at. That, by itself, is worth all the stars in my book.
The plot isn't anything memorable, it's boy Geralt going from here to there with Holt, another Witcher, who saves him from a serious pickle and takes him on a quest to solve a mystery that directly affects him, with letters going from one side and the other informing a superior of the Witchers about their movements. You get the standard monsters, the standard Latin, the standard towns and folks, and the standard horny priestesses. Everything is familiar, as should be, no surprises and no letdowns.
It's going to please the superfans and the completionists the most, but for others like me, it's probably not going to be more than a quick read and you move on. Part of me is sad about that, because this is the Geralt I wish we had had more of in the main series, and now it feels like it's too late because we no longer are into this kind of Fantasy. But, on the other hand, outgrowing a genre also means you don't lose much if you find this prequel not quite satisfying.
This one better be an exception to the rule and be good, I tell myself. It's my third most anticipated release of the year, but my expectations are low enough they're comfortably lodged in the basement. Why? Because this series, which I loved back in the day, has one of the most disastrous and messiest endings of all time that it deserves a FUBAR medal.
Now that I've read it, I can only say a couple of things:
a. This is definitely not the year for my Most Anticipated reads.
b. I formally inform myself that I've outgrown the Swords & Tits genre.
The book was middle of the road for me, neither bad nor particularly great. I'm not sure we needed a prequel at all, who wants a pimply 16-years-old Geralt just learning the art of witchery and lusting after horny sorceresses? Not me, but I sure appreciate the absence of that insufferable pair, Triss and Yennefer, and that brat Ciri. This is Geralt in a pure state, doing what he's good at. That, by itself, is worth all the stars in my book.
The plot isn't anything memorable, it's boy Geralt going from here to there with Holt, another Witcher, who saves him from a serious pickle and takes him on a quest to solve a mystery that directly affects him, with letters going from one side and the other informing a superior of the Witchers about their movements. You get the standard monsters, the standard Latin, the standard towns and folks, and the standard horny priestesses. Everything is familiar, as should be, no surprises and no letdowns.
It's going to please the superfans and the completionists the most, but for others like me, it's probably not going to be more than a quick read and you move on. Part of me is sad about that, because this is the Geralt I wish we had had more of in the main series, and now it feels like it's too late because we no longer are into this kind of Fantasy. But, on the other hand, outgrowing a genre also means you don't lose much if you find this prequel not quite satisfying.
October 21, 2025
A wonderful insight into the beginnings of one of fantasy's most beloved and iconic characters, Geralt of Rivia. This is a great read. Immersive, exciting and emotional. Crossroads of Ravens is not to be missed.
November 30, 2024
Ta książka to taka paczka chipsów, która stoi otwarta dwa dni, ale jesteście głodni i nie macie nic innego do jedzenia więc wcinacie ją.
Spełniła swoje zadanie, jest ok i niewiele więcej.
Recenzja: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64xlI...
Spełniła swoje zadanie, jest ok i niewiele więcej.
Recenzja: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64xlI...
November 29, 2024
Stary (no dobra, tym razem młody), dobry Geralt.
Want to read
July 19, 2025Fellow Witchers, we are so back.
November 30, 2024
Jak ciepły, letni deszcz.
Sapkowski nie wysila się zbytnio. Nie sili się na żarty. Poszerza kanon i przy okazji obśmiewa niektóre pomysły Netflixa. Mimochodem puszcza oko do miłośników gier. W końcu daje nam zupełnie innego Geralta. Młodego i naiwnego bez skłonności do charakterystycznych monologów.
Osobiście wolałabym przeczytać zupełnie nową historię w moim ukochanym uniwersum. Kolejna przygoda Geralta choć cieszy, to nie zachwyca i pozostawia z dużym niedosytem. Chciałoby się więcej niż to nędzne 250 stron.
Oczywiście żartuję. Tak tylko jojczę. Wszyscy wiemy, że cokolwiek Sapek wyda w tym uniwersum, to kupię w dacie premiery i przeczytam z wypiekami na twarzy, byle tylko znów zanurzyć się w świecie Geralta.
Sapkowski nie wysila się zbytnio. Nie sili się na żarty. Poszerza kanon i przy okazji obśmiewa niektóre pomysły Netflixa. Mimochodem puszcza oko do miłośników gier. W końcu daje nam zupełnie innego Geralta. Młodego i naiwnego bez skłonności do charakterystycznych monologów.
Osobiście wolałabym przeczytać zupełnie nową historię w moim ukochanym uniwersum. Kolejna przygoda Geralta choć cieszy, to nie zachwyca i pozostawia z dużym niedosytem. Chciałoby się więcej niż to nędzne 250 stron.
Oczywiście żartuję. Tak tylko jojczę. Wszyscy wiemy, że cokolwiek Sapek wyda w tym uniwersum, to kupię w dacie premiery i przeczytam z wypiekami na twarzy, byle tylko znów zanurzyć się w świecie Geralta.
October 9, 2025
4.0 Stars
As someone who has enjoyed the Witcher franchise, specifically the books and the video game, I was thrilled to receive this novella for review.
This novel felt like it was designed to be a new entry point in the series. I personally still recommend the Last Wish as the ideal place to start but I understand that many people (myself included) are reluctant to start a series with a collection of short fiction.
It was nice to see the beginnings of Geralt as a Witcher. He is much younger and less experienced at this point. There is certainly some appeal to start the series here, especially for readers who haven't experienced the other forms of the franchise.
The stark difference in this sequel compared to the later books is that this one has a different writing style. I immediately noticed that it was not the same translator because the narrative felt radically different. I think the new style is more digestible and much easier to become engrossed in the story. That being said, I imagine that it would be a bit of a shock to carry on to the later books that have such a drastically different style.
All things considered, I enjoyed reading this book. It was so nice to return back to a familiar world and character. In terms of the series, I'm not sure that this story “needed” to be told but I'm glad it did.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
As someone who has enjoyed the Witcher franchise, specifically the books and the video game, I was thrilled to receive this novella for review.
This novel felt like it was designed to be a new entry point in the series. I personally still recommend the Last Wish as the ideal place to start but I understand that many people (myself included) are reluctant to start a series with a collection of short fiction.
It was nice to see the beginnings of Geralt as a Witcher. He is much younger and less experienced at this point. There is certainly some appeal to start the series here, especially for readers who haven't experienced the other forms of the franchise.
The stark difference in this sequel compared to the later books is that this one has a different writing style. I immediately noticed that it was not the same translator because the narrative felt radically different. I think the new style is more digestible and much easier to become engrossed in the story. That being said, I imagine that it would be a bit of a shock to carry on to the later books that have such a drastically different style.
All things considered, I enjoyed reading this book. It was so nice to return back to a familiar world and character. In terms of the series, I'm not sure that this story “needed” to be told but I'm glad it did.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 2, 2024
Przyzwoita książka więc trzy gwiazdki, a czwarta za dobrą zabawę i nakarmienie potwora nostalgii.
Proza Sapkowskiego jak zwykle napisana topornie, przaśnie i rubasznie. Uwielbiam humor, puszczanie oczka do czytelnika. Świetne zakończenie❤️.
Proza Sapkowskiego jak zwykle napisana topornie, przaśnie i rubasznie. Uwielbiam humor, puszczanie oczka do czytelnika. Świetne zakończenie❤️.
December 31, 2024
nie mogłem się jakoś wciągnąć, ale pod koniec coś zaskoczyło i bardzo mi się podobało.
ja jestem z tych, którzy zaczęli pierwszy raz czytać Wiedźmina długo po wydaniu Sezonu Burz, więc Rozdroże Kruków to dla mnie pierwsza okazja, żeby kupić sobie premierowo coś Sapkowskiego. A to miłe uczucie
ja jestem z tych, którzy zaczęli pierwszy raz czytać Wiedźmina długo po wydaniu Sezonu Burz, więc Rozdroże Kruków to dla mnie pierwsza okazja, żeby kupić sobie premierowo coś Sapkowskiego. A to miłe uczucie
January 10, 2025
3.75 stars
*** I have a YouTube channel now! Check it out here. ***
When people say they want to read The Witcher, this is the book they want to read. It is Geralt's backstory, as he does Witcher contracts, and discovering the lore of the Continent. Thoroughly enjoyable and shocking at times, Crossroads of Ravens (as I assume it will be translated), is a really good addition to Geralt's story.
READING ORDER: not part of the main series. it is a prequel. can be read at any time but only AFTER The Last Wish.
*** I have a YouTube channel now! Check it out here. ***
When people say they want to read The Witcher, this is the book they want to read. It is Geralt's backstory, as he does Witcher contracts, and discovering the lore of the Continent. Thoroughly enjoyable and shocking at times, Crossroads of Ravens (as I assume it will be translated), is a really good addition to Geralt's story.
READING ORDER: not part of the main series. it is a prequel. can be read at any time but only AFTER The Last Wish.
December 28, 2024
Przed nami Geralt (jeszcze nie z Rivii), bez charkaterystycznej opaski na głowie, bez blizn, kupujący pierwszego konia (a raczej kobyłę), a w temacie potworów wiedźmin z głową nabitą samą teorią. Zdobywa pierwsze szlify i uczy się starej ludowej mądrości: jeśli masz miękkie serce, to musisz mieć twardą tę część, gdzie plecy tracą swą szlachetną nazwę.
September 15, 2025
Crossroads of Ravens is a prequel novel in Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher book series. Chronologically, the events featured in this entry show the earliest presentation of Geralt, with the UK publisher Gollancz marketing this with the tagline: 'Every legend has an origin. Geralt of Rivia's begins here'.
Having not long left the Witchers' training school of Kaer Morhen, the young and inexperienced monster hunter Geralt finds himself about to be executed by hanging. The witcher's crime? On the previous day, he rescued a peasant and his daughter from deserters. The latter was about to be raped. During this altercation, one of the brigands attacked, and in self-defence, Geralt killed him. Luckily, just before Geralt is strung up and left dangling as a warning to other wrongdoers, a mysterious rider named Preston Holt challenges the authority. After a formidable display, a perplexed Geralt leaves the scene with this enigmatic newcomer. From this introduction, the tone is set that this is a dangerous and corrupt environment where power is key. Geralt has much to learn about how this world works and what a witcher's place in it looks like.
Crossroads of Ravens is written in the third person with an omniscient narrator. The narrator is thoughtful, candid, and often humorous with comments such as 'something Geralt also didn't know' or 'He couldn't know they were the ruins of an ancient shrine'. The effect of this is to illustrate that Geralt is currently a novice and quite oblivious to the intricacies and intrigues that he will understand later in his life. At this time, he will need to adhere to the advice and guidance of his rescuer, Preston Holt. I found Holt to be a fascinating character with an interesting backstory, leaving lots of questions surrounding his behaviour and motives.
The first half of Crossroads of Ravens reads as a collection of monster-hunting missions, quest-like objectives, and presents excellent insight into the workings of the witcher trade. Holt and Geralt have some training and bonding moments, and, although familiar in origin stories, they are charming and work well. Geralt reflects that some of his first kills were more luck than skill, and we even discover how the banking system works. These elements showcase a raw and vulnerable side to the witcher, creating empathy as we are learning the ropes alongside him. In Crossroads of Ravens, there are more monster-hunting segments than any of the other Witcher novels, and each accomplishment adds respect and renown to Geralt's reputation.
Fans of CD Projekt Red's The Witcher games who have not read one of Sapkowski's novels before could start with Crossroads of Ravens and find a lot to enjoy. They may feel right at home with the monster hunts, quests, conversations that take the witcher from speaking with peasants to the societal elites, as well as the complex decision-making in this tale. In fact, until about the halfway point, I was unsure where the story was going. Each chapter reads similarly to a mission in the games, but it does work towards an intriguing and enjoyable second half. It is worth noting that there are a large number of characters, and aside from Holt and a handful of others, some of the players were indistinguishable or unremarkable.
Crossroads of Ravens features some dynamic and memorable set-pieces and many clever easter eggs for long-time series fans. These include foreshadowing that Geralt may have some trouble with sorceresses in the future and revealing where the name Roach comes from. The dialogue in Crossroads of Ravens is excellent. You can almost hear the emotions in interactions with Geralt, whether loathing, distrust, or respect. Geralt builds good favour with some and contempt from others.
This is a tale worth paying full attention to because, although some parts seem redundant initially, everything contributes towards the novel's mostly satisfying conclusion. Towards the end, Crossroads of Ravens is gripping and thrilling, and the pacing throughout most of the book is efficient. The ending, however, seemed too abrupt. The finale reads as if a couple of objectives were completed, scores were settled, and then on to the next one. This left me feeling slightly off balance, yet, this could be intentional by Sapkowski, reflecting that this is not a neat world where things go as expected.
To conclude, I had an enjoyable experience with Crossroads of Ravens, returning to this exquisite dark fantasy world. As a standalone experience, I will score it a 7/10, having enjoyed reading about a young and flawed Geralt in these early adventures. For potential readers who are already familiar with Geralt, either through the TV series or video games, this is a great place to start your reading adventure. If readers are completely unfamiliar with Geralt, there are better entrance points to this legend of fantasy's complicated and intriguing exploits.
Recommended entry points: The Last Wish (short stories), The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (video game), The Witcher Netflix Season 1 (TV show).
I received a review copy of Crossroads of Ravens in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Andrzej Sapkowski and Gollancz.
Having not long left the Witchers' training school of Kaer Morhen, the young and inexperienced monster hunter Geralt finds himself about to be executed by hanging. The witcher's crime? On the previous day, he rescued a peasant and his daughter from deserters. The latter was about to be raped. During this altercation, one of the brigands attacked, and in self-defence, Geralt killed him. Luckily, just before Geralt is strung up and left dangling as a warning to other wrongdoers, a mysterious rider named Preston Holt challenges the authority. After a formidable display, a perplexed Geralt leaves the scene with this enigmatic newcomer. From this introduction, the tone is set that this is a dangerous and corrupt environment where power is key. Geralt has much to learn about how this world works and what a witcher's place in it looks like.
Crossroads of Ravens is written in the third person with an omniscient narrator. The narrator is thoughtful, candid, and often humorous with comments such as 'something Geralt also didn't know' or 'He couldn't know they were the ruins of an ancient shrine'. The effect of this is to illustrate that Geralt is currently a novice and quite oblivious to the intricacies and intrigues that he will understand later in his life. At this time, he will need to adhere to the advice and guidance of his rescuer, Preston Holt. I found Holt to be a fascinating character with an interesting backstory, leaving lots of questions surrounding his behaviour and motives.
The first half of Crossroads of Ravens reads as a collection of monster-hunting missions, quest-like objectives, and presents excellent insight into the workings of the witcher trade. Holt and Geralt have some training and bonding moments, and, although familiar in origin stories, they are charming and work well. Geralt reflects that some of his first kills were more luck than skill, and we even discover how the banking system works. These elements showcase a raw and vulnerable side to the witcher, creating empathy as we are learning the ropes alongside him. In Crossroads of Ravens, there are more monster-hunting segments than any of the other Witcher novels, and each accomplishment adds respect and renown to Geralt's reputation.
Fans of CD Projekt Red's The Witcher games who have not read one of Sapkowski's novels before could start with Crossroads of Ravens and find a lot to enjoy. They may feel right at home with the monster hunts, quests, conversations that take the witcher from speaking with peasants to the societal elites, as well as the complex decision-making in this tale. In fact, until about the halfway point, I was unsure where the story was going. Each chapter reads similarly to a mission in the games, but it does work towards an intriguing and enjoyable second half. It is worth noting that there are a large number of characters, and aside from Holt and a handful of others, some of the players were indistinguishable or unremarkable.
Crossroads of Ravens features some dynamic and memorable set-pieces and many clever easter eggs for long-time series fans. These include foreshadowing that Geralt may have some trouble with sorceresses in the future and revealing where the name Roach comes from. The dialogue in Crossroads of Ravens is excellent. You can almost hear the emotions in interactions with Geralt, whether loathing, distrust, or respect. Geralt builds good favour with some and contempt from others.
This is a tale worth paying full attention to because, although some parts seem redundant initially, everything contributes towards the novel's mostly satisfying conclusion. Towards the end, Crossroads of Ravens is gripping and thrilling, and the pacing throughout most of the book is efficient. The ending, however, seemed too abrupt. The finale reads as if a couple of objectives were completed, scores were settled, and then on to the next one. This left me feeling slightly off balance, yet, this could be intentional by Sapkowski, reflecting that this is not a neat world where things go as expected.
To conclude, I had an enjoyable experience with Crossroads of Ravens, returning to this exquisite dark fantasy world. As a standalone experience, I will score it a 7/10, having enjoyed reading about a young and flawed Geralt in these early adventures. For potential readers who are already familiar with Geralt, either through the TV series or video games, this is a great place to start your reading adventure. If readers are completely unfamiliar with Geralt, there are better entrance points to this legend of fantasy's complicated and intriguing exploits.
Recommended entry points: The Last Wish (short stories), The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (video game), The Witcher Netflix Season 1 (TV show).
I received a review copy of Crossroads of Ravens in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Andrzej Sapkowski and Gollancz.
December 2, 2024
Pięć gwiazdek, ponieważ to sto procent Sapkowskiego w Sapkowskim i to bardzo dobry prequel. Wchodzi się w tę opowieść szybko, płynnie i z dużą przyjemnością. Od początku jest w niej smak wiedźmińskiej opowieści, lepszy niż w „Sezonie burz”. Celowo podzieliłem lekturę na trzy części, aby jakoś czas z nią wydłużyć. Ale musi być „ale”. Mimo pięciu gwiazdek, to jednak „tylko” prequel. A ja chciałbym nie tyle ciąg dalszy (bo rozumiem, że dzieje Geralta są już skończone), co opowieść z pozostałymi bohaterami, tymi, którzy zostali. Może z Ciri?
Nie znam żadnego prequela, który sprawiłby, że mi serce szybciej zabije. A ma powstać jeszcze jeden. Też przeczytam poza kolejką i też pewnie dam pięć gwiazdek i też będzie żal, że to tylko prequel.
Nie znam żadnego prequela, który sprawiłby, że mi serce szybciej zabije. A ma powstać jeszcze jeden. Też przeczytam poza kolejką i też pewnie dam pięć gwiazdek i też będzie żal, że to tylko prequel.
January 4, 2025
Przyjemnie się czytało. Po tylu latach to samo uczucie co przy pierwszym czytaniu opowiadań, coś wspaniałego. Mam sentyment do tej serii a ten zbiór uważam, za bardzo udany.
January 16, 2025
3.5/5⭐
Film z bardziej rozbudowaną opinią znajdziecie tutaj: https://youtu.be/BVQ8zuyKsNg
Muszę przyznać, że był to powrót przyjemny, choć nieszczególnie zaskakujący. Osobliwy styl Sapkowskiego sprowadził mnie ponownie do podróży samochodowej na wakacje do Chorwacji, kiedy to zaczytywałem się w dwóch pierwszych zbiorach opowiadań.
Jednak w trakcie lektury Rozdroża Kruków coś mnie uwierało, szczególnie na początku. Wypowiedzi młodego Geralta sprawiały wrażenie anachronicznych, niepasujących do tego świata, z czasem uległy one jednak poprawie.
Jest tutaj trochę fabularnego recyklingu i fanserwisowych rozwiązań, które rozjaśniają nam pochodzenie pewnych charakterystycznych elementów znanych nam z opowieści o starszym Geralcie.
Miło było wrócić do tego świata, bawiłem się nieźle, choć krótko.
Film z bardziej rozbudowaną opinią znajdziecie tutaj: https://youtu.be/BVQ8zuyKsNg
Muszę przyznać, że był to powrót przyjemny, choć nieszczególnie zaskakujący. Osobliwy styl Sapkowskiego sprowadził mnie ponownie do podróży samochodowej na wakacje do Chorwacji, kiedy to zaczytywałem się w dwóch pierwszych zbiorach opowiadań.
Jednak w trakcie lektury Rozdroża Kruków coś mnie uwierało, szczególnie na początku. Wypowiedzi młodego Geralta sprawiały wrażenie anachronicznych, niepasujących do tego świata, z czasem uległy one jednak poprawie.
Jest tutaj trochę fabularnego recyklingu i fanserwisowych rozwiązań, które rozjaśniają nam pochodzenie pewnych charakterystycznych elementów znanych nam z opowieści o starszym Geralcie.
Miło było wrócić do tego świata, bawiłem się nieźle, choć krótko.
November 30, 2024
Czy ta książka jest skokiem na kasę fanów? W sumie tak. Ale nie obrażę się, jeśli Sapkowski napisze takich książek więcej.
Tym razem spotykamy Geralta na samym początku jego wiedźmińskiej kariery. Wybór ciekawy, pozwalający na obserwowanie bohatera, który popełnia błędy i używa słów takich jak „obczaić”, „no weź”, czy „przypał” (tak naprawdę używa tylko dwóch z trzech podanych słów, pozwolę zgadywać których).
Sama historia zbudowana jest z kilku przygód, które początkowo nie wydają się zbytnio ze sobą powiązane, jednak w finale ładnie spinają się w większą całość. Sapkowski dobrze pisze (jak zawsze), więc ciężko się do czegokolwiek przyczepić, książkę czyta się naprawdę przyjemnie.
Pewnie można mieć pretensje, że autor nie postanowił kontynuować sagi, tylko trzaska kolejny prequel. Ale czy ma to sens? Sapkowski pozostawił kontynuację historii grom. I chwała mu za to.
Tym razem spotykamy Geralta na samym początku jego wiedźmińskiej kariery. Wybór ciekawy, pozwalający na obserwowanie bohatera, który popełnia błędy i używa słów takich jak „obczaić”, „no weź”, czy „przypał” (tak naprawdę używa tylko dwóch z trzech podanych słów, pozwolę zgadywać których).
Sama historia zbudowana jest z kilku przygód, które początkowo nie wydają się zbytnio ze sobą powiązane, jednak w finale ładnie spinają się w większą całość. Sapkowski dobrze pisze (jak zawsze), więc ciężko się do czegokolwiek przyczepić, książkę czyta się naprawdę przyjemnie.
Pewnie można mieć pretensje, że autor nie postanowił kontynuować sagi, tylko trzaska kolejny prequel. Ale czy ma to sens? Sapkowski pozostawił kontynuację historii grom. I chwała mu za to.
December 8, 2024
Już tak mam tradycyjnie z Sapkiem, że ciężko oderwać mi się od jego książek i tak też było tym razem. Wyszło lepiej niż się spodziewałam, udało się autorowi pokazać nieopierzonego Wieśka, jeszcze trochę naiwnego , lekkomyślnego dopiero nabierającego doświadczenia w wiedźmińskim fachu, zderzającego się po raz pierwszy z niesprawiedliwościami świata i nikczemnością napotkanych ludzi, co też sprawia, że nabywa charakterystycznych dla siebie cech usposobienia. Uwielbiam pióro i humor pisarza, jego zabawę ze słowem, nie jest to może jego popis życiowy, ale jak najbardziej te atuty są tu obecne. Pojawia się tutaj też bardzo ważny motyw , który przewijał się przez całą serię o Wiedźminie i bardzo mnie cieszy , że możemy zobaczyc genezę tego wątku i jak najbardziej mnie satysfakcjonuje jego wykonanie.
December 2, 2024
Czemu to było takie krótkie...😭😭😭💔
December 18, 2024
4,5/5 bardzo ciekawe doświadczenie - młody Gerald, który popełnia dużo błędów i dopiero uczy się fachu jest wspaniały.
Motyw z Szekspira wywołał uśmiech na mojej twarzy.
Odejmuje 0,5 pkt za powielenie i zbyt dużo szczegółowości opisu z jednym potworem, którego znamy z innych książki. Wolałbym poznać jakiegoś innego.
Motyw z Szekspira wywołał uśmiech na mojej twarzy.
Odejmuje 0,5 pkt za powielenie i zbyt dużo szczegółowości opisu z jednym potworem, którego znamy z innych książki. Wolałbym poznać jakiegoś innego.
December 11, 2024
Właściwie zbiór fabularnie połączonych opowiadań, a nie powieść ale ok. Czyta się dobrze, przyjemnie, nostalgia wjeżdża na pełnej, nawet Supernova stanęła na wysokości zadania i wydała "Rozdroże" w taki sposób jakbyśmy wciąż byli w roku 2000. Ale dość tych złośliwości, bo "Rozdroże kruków" to naprawdę fajne czytanie, na pewno nie najwybitniejsze dzieło Sapkowskiego, takie postarane na 33%, mimo to wciąga i daje kupę radości.
December 30, 2024
Ni to mnie ziębi, ni to mnie grzeje
September 28, 2025
Geralt’s backstory. Was he always the emo kid?
You can read this without reading anything else, especially as it technically acts as THE prequel.
18-year-old Geralt out of Witcher training taking up his first commissions and making decisions that affects his missions, but also his life, his motivations, his relationships.
Whilst this does have an overarching plot unlike the short story collections, this is focused on building Geralt’s character.
The crossroads his faces in here (real and figuratively) shapes his justice code and world view.
We also got some more background on the Witcher’s and their rise (and fall).
Who is worse - humans or monsters?
This might be in my top three Witcher books. ⭐️
“I know what it was about. It also concerns the law. Which says that medical aid given to women is illegal and punishable. Of course, it was drawn up by men. Ha, were they to become pregnant, a termination would be proclaimed a sacred mystery and would be accompanied by prayers, incense and choral singing.”
If you have read my other reviews of the latter Witcher books, you may have seen my discontent with the misogyny. It frustrates me as I know the author has some great insights into culture and orders (e.g. the above quote).
‘Oh, that just means it’s the characters speaking, not the author!’ I agree, but there is only so much round breasts and male gaze I can take, especially in the latter Witcher books.
Side tangent to this specific book, but I felt like I needed to put it in there.
Arc book box gifted by author and agent.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
You can read this without reading anything else, especially as it technically acts as THE prequel.
18-year-old Geralt out of Witcher training taking up his first commissions and making decisions that affects his missions, but also his life, his motivations, his relationships.
Whilst this does have an overarching plot unlike the short story collections, this is focused on building Geralt’s character.
The crossroads his faces in here (real and figuratively) shapes his justice code and world view.
We also got some more background on the Witcher’s and their rise (and fall).
Who is worse - humans or monsters?
This might be in my top three Witcher books. ⭐️
“I know what it was about. It also concerns the law. Which says that medical aid given to women is illegal and punishable. Of course, it was drawn up by men. Ha, were they to become pregnant, a termination would be proclaimed a sacred mystery and would be accompanied by prayers, incense and choral singing.”
If you have read my other reviews of the latter Witcher books, you may have seen my discontent with the misogyny. It frustrates me as I know the author has some great insights into culture and orders (e.g. the above quote).
‘Oh, that just means it’s the characters speaking, not the author!’ I agree, but there is only so much round breasts and male gaze I can take, especially in the latter Witcher books.
Side tangent to this specific book, but I felt like I needed to put it in there.
Arc book box gifted by author and agent.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
October 18, 2025
Long-awaited, read in a flash, and thoroughly enjoyed. The new chapter in Sapkowski's saga follows Geralt's first steps as a young witcher and does not disappoint loyal readers.
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Atteso da tempo, letto in un attimo e apprezzato moltissimo. Il nuovo capitolo della saga di Sapkowski segue i primi passi di Geralt come giovane witcher e non delude il lettore affezionato.
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Atteso da tempo, letto in un attimo e apprezzato moltissimo. Il nuovo capitolo della saga di Sapkowski segue i primi passi di Geralt come giovane witcher e non delude il lettore affezionato.
November 29, 2025
Приквел до знаменитої серії Сапковського, де є молодий Ґеральт, перша Плітка, Велике Будівництво та «хароший рускій».
«У світі монстрів найгіршими все одно є люди» - ідея, якою послуговуються письменники дуже давно, бо вона завжди буде актуальною.
Я направду переживала, щоб автор після такої довгої перерви не зіпсував усе у світі, який сам же і створив, але вийшло наче непогано. Книга коротка, але вайбом нагадувала мені перші дві книги основної серії. Було ностальгійно, хоча Ґеральт тут ще юний та недосвідчений, але такий же grumpy. Були колоритні герої, не було Цирі (що добре для мене), були вибори і їх наслідки, а також історія становлення.
Я не ризикнула дивитися наступний сезон серіалу, тож по-справжньому була рада повернутись в цей світ з книгою.
«У світі монстрів найгіршими все одно є люди» - ідея, якою послуговуються письменники дуже давно, бо вона завжди буде актуальною.
Я направду переживала, щоб автор після такої довгої перерви не зіпсував усе у світі, який сам же і створив, але вийшло наче непогано. Книга коротка, але вайбом нагадувала мені перші дві книги основної серії. Було ностальгійно, хоча Ґеральт тут ще юний та недосвідчений, але такий же grumpy. Були колоритні герої, не було Цирі (що добре для мене), були вибори і їх наслідки, а також історія становлення.
Я не ризикнула дивитися наступний сезон серіалу, тож по-справжньому була рада повернутись в цей світ з книгою.
September 18, 2025
This is a prequel to The Witcher series. We are given the earliest depiction of Geralt, at just 18 years old and just leaving training at Kaer Morhen. Setting out as a young monster-hunting Witcher for the first time, Geralt is not exactly accustomed to the world and the hatred in it, specifically towards his kind. From facing execution, to being taken under the wing of a more experienced yet sort of outcast Witcher, to being poisoned within a millimeter of his life, Geralt goes through trials and tribulations. You may learn a thing or two with connections to the story and world that we already know. It’s told in third person narrative and the narrator has some funny little one line insights. At first it’s kind of like a sequence of monster events, but by the end there is an overarching story that all pulls together. Overall, I really enjoyed it! I love Geralt and the whole world of The Witcher. If you haven’t read the series, you could start here to go in chronological order, or you could read it after. Either way you’re going to want to pick it up!
Thank you Orbit for the physical ARC. Book releases 9/30/25.
Thank you Orbit for the physical ARC. Book releases 9/30/25.
December 14, 2024
4,5/5 ✨
Brakowało mi tej historii, a nieopierzony ze światem młody Geralt to cudo. Świetnie było zobaczyć jego początki na szlaku ❤️
Brakowało mi tej historii, a nieopierzony ze światem młody Geralt to cudo. Świetnie było zobaczyć jego początki na szlaku ❤️
November 29, 2025
[My Rating: 3.75☆] 🏰
🖤❝ᴡɪᴛᴄʜᴇʀꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴏʀɴ. ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ.❞⚔️
♞EXPECT⇘
✠ Young Geralt as a Teenager
✠ Prequel Story (*See below for my recommendations on a reading order for new readers of the series!)
✠ Classic Quest-like Adventures and Original Monster Fighting Contracts reminiscent of CD Projekt Red’s Witcher Video Games
✠ A Dabble into Witcher Lore
✠ Themes: Prejudice against Witchers, Morality, Social Inequalities
❝You are a witcher. A mutant. Created as the result of a process seemed to somebody to be an improvement, a correction of Nature. But nature cannot be corrected. Nor can it be modified. Any manipulation of what Nature has created signifies pathology. Corruption and destruction. Brutalisation.❞
My Thoughts✎𓂃📝
■ I enjoyed my mornings monster hunting before work. It was so nostalgic of my experiences reading the book series a couple of years ago. It was good to be transported back into that dark fantasy world.
■ Like with prior Witcher books I’ve come to expect a certain amount of politics and corruption, as was still present in this one. However, the prequel seemed much easier to grasp in this sense. There were, however, several different characters introduced along the way to kind of keep up with that I struggled a bit with especially reading this in little chunks at a time.
■ What was missing for me that I would have liked to have seen was more recognizable hints or Easter eggs from the rest of the series. Sure a couple of things stood out, but it never gave me those fun a-ha moments I was really craving to stumble upon.
■ I am sure I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. Sapkowski is such a progressive writer of his age. I have so much appreciation for his liberal stance, his devotion to powerful female characters, and his underlying emphasis on women’s rights and pro-choice elements.
■ So, the question is—did we really need this book? No, not really. Was it outstanding? Nope. Fun? Yes, but definitely not needed. I am actually questioning whether or not this book was mostly written specifically for fans of the games, but I also have this theory that Sapkowski may be forging a new pathway for future books to build upon within this new arc since the main series has since been completed. If that is the plan, I doubt I’ll continue to invest more time with the series or add to my book collection because I feel I must explore the many other fantasy worlds waiting for me on my TBR. So, Geralt I suppose this is goodbye 🫴🪙(at least in novel format). I’ll definitely play you again in the games!! 🎮🏰
*My Recommendation: If you are new to the Witcher books, I would not recommend starting with this one even though it is essentially labeled as a prequel. I would say start with the original short story books first at least and/or make your way through the series before picking this one up. Having completed the whole book series prior to reading this, I can attest it is a better way to experience the series because you really come to understand Geralt more as a character. Regardless of what you choose to do, the Witcher universe has lots to offer whether it is with the video games, the TV show, the comic books, the novels….just choose something and enjoy this darkly unique universe!
❝The saga continues. The story never ends….❞
🖤❝ᴡɪᴛᴄʜᴇʀꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴏʀɴ. ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ.❞⚔️
♞EXPECT⇘
✠ Young Geralt as a Teenager
✠ Prequel Story (*See below for my recommendations on a reading order for new readers of the series!)
✠ Classic Quest-like Adventures and Original Monster Fighting Contracts reminiscent of CD Projekt Red’s Witcher Video Games
✠ A Dabble into Witcher Lore
✠ Themes: Prejudice against Witchers, Morality, Social Inequalities
❝You are a witcher. A mutant. Created as the result of a process seemed to somebody to be an improvement, a correction of Nature. But nature cannot be corrected. Nor can it be modified. Any manipulation of what Nature has created signifies pathology. Corruption and destruction. Brutalisation.❞
My Thoughts✎𓂃📝
■ I enjoyed my mornings monster hunting before work. It was so nostalgic of my experiences reading the book series a couple of years ago. It was good to be transported back into that dark fantasy world.
■ Like with prior Witcher books I’ve come to expect a certain amount of politics and corruption, as was still present in this one. However, the prequel seemed much easier to grasp in this sense. There were, however, several different characters introduced along the way to kind of keep up with that I struggled a bit with especially reading this in little chunks at a time.
■ What was missing for me that I would have liked to have seen was more recognizable hints or Easter eggs from the rest of the series. Sure a couple of things stood out, but it never gave me those fun a-ha moments I was really craving to stumble upon.
■ I am sure I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. Sapkowski is such a progressive writer of his age. I have so much appreciation for his liberal stance, his devotion to powerful female characters, and his underlying emphasis on women’s rights and pro-choice elements.
■ So, the question is—did we really need this book? No, not really. Was it outstanding? Nope. Fun? Yes, but definitely not needed. I am actually questioning whether or not this book was mostly written specifically for fans of the games, but I also have this theory that Sapkowski may be forging a new pathway for future books to build upon within this new arc since the main series has since been completed. If that is the plan, I doubt I’ll continue to invest more time with the series or add to my book collection because I feel I must explore the many other fantasy worlds waiting for me on my TBR. So, Geralt I suppose this is goodbye 🫴🪙(at least in novel format). I’ll definitely play you again in the games!! 🎮🏰
*My Recommendation: If you are new to the Witcher books, I would not recommend starting with this one even though it is essentially labeled as a prequel. I would say start with the original short story books first at least and/or make your way through the series before picking this one up. Having completed the whole book series prior to reading this, I can attest it is a better way to experience the series because you really come to understand Geralt more as a character. Regardless of what you choose to do, the Witcher universe has lots to offer whether it is with the video games, the TV show, the comic books, the novels….just choose something and enjoy this darkly unique universe!
❝The saga continues. The story never ends….❞
December 4, 2024
✨Mnie zaś grzeczność minęła dziwnie jakoś. Krócej, wkurwiłem się.✨
Bardzo miło było wrócić na szlak razem z Geraltem. Zabrakło mi jednak dłuższych opisów walk i rozwinięcia wątków przygodowych. Mimo tego, niezwykle udany powrót do świata wiedźminów!
Bardzo miło było wrócić na szlak razem z Geraltem. Zabrakło mi jednak dłuższych opisów walk i rozwinięcia wątków przygodowych. Mimo tego, niezwykle udany powrót do świata wiedźminów!
December 12, 2024
Bez szału. Zabrakło mi tego charakterystycznego dla Wiedźmina i Sapkowskiego jaja. Były przebłyski, ale za mało.
Można przeczytać, ale niczego ten tom nie wnosi. Więc jak się nie przeczyta to i niczego nie odbiera.
Można przeczytać, ale niczego ten tom nie wnosi. Więc jak się nie przeczyta to i niczego nie odbiera.
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