The Time of Contempt (The Witcher #2) by Andrzej Sapkowski - Starting April 1st 2020

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

The New York Times bestselling series that inspired the international hit video game: The Witcher
Geralt is a witcher: guardian of the innocent; protector of those in need; a defender, in dark times, against some of the most frightening creatures of myth and legend. His task, now, is to protect Ciri. A child of prophecy, she will have the power to change the world for good or for ill -- but only if she lives to use it.

A coup threatens the Wizard's Guild.
War breaks out across the lands.
A serious injury leaves Geralt fighting for his life...
... and Ciri, in whose hands the world's fate rests, has vanished...

The Witcher returns in this sequel to Blood of Elves.

[Tiera]

Have you guys started this yet? I am pretty sure I have this on audible.. I'm not a huge fan of the audio, but maybe it can grab me better if its a buddy read.

[Dannii]

Tiera wrote: "Have you guys started this yet? I am pretty sure I have this on audible.. I'm not a huge fan of the audio, but maybe it can grab me better if its a buddy read."

I'm starting it right now :) Just finishing off my current read and jumping in. I'm listening to the audio as I can't get my hands on a physical copy for the rest of the series, with everything being closed.

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[Hmm, so they are trying to convince everyone that Ciri's heritage means she has no claim to the throne. Interesting.

I like how much of Geralt's perspective this initially has, as I found much of the last book didn't feature him, towards the end.

Ciri has been hidden away inside a school and I'm really hoping for some magical academy training/private school type vibes. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[I love that Ciri had her own perspective for so long, it is so lovely to see her grow from the prequel short stories to here and now. I also love that Yennefer and Geralt have been reunited and he finally professed his love for her! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[I don't think we've ever seen Geralt defeated before!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[The first half seriously dragged but the action did pick up in the second half. I did enjoy this but also struggled with it, as it felt nothing like the book I was anticipating. Ciri seems to be the central character and the majority of the story followed her. It also closed on her story, leading the next instalment to follow on with more of her story. She is one of my favourite characters but I feel conflicted as I came here for beast slaying and this is far more historical in tone in parts, and political in theme, on the whole. (hide spoiler)]