Baptism of Fire (The Witcher, #3)

Title: Baptism of Fire (The Witcher, #3)

Author: Andrzej Sapkowski

Published in: 1996

Date read: 7th April 2022

Score: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Baptism of Fire" is the third novel in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher Saga, continuing the epic fantasy journey of Geralt of Rivia and his companions in a war-torn world.

The story picks up after the devastating Thanedd Coup, which shattered the Brotherhood of Sorcerers and left Geralt seriously injured. He recovers in the magical Brokilon Forest, tended by the dryads. However, consumed by his desire to find Ciri, who he believes is in Nilfgaard, Geralt soon sets out despite his injuries.

He is initially joined by his loyal bard, Dandelion, but their perilous journey through a land ravaged by war soon sees them gathering an unlikely "hansa" or fellowship. This motley crew includes:

• Milva, a skilled archer and tracker from Brokilon.
• Zoltan Chivay, a dwarf leading a group of refugees.
• Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Caellach, the enigmatic Nilfgaardian knight who haunted Ciri's dreams.
• Emiel Regis Rohellec Terzieff-Godefroy, a mysterious and highly educated higher vampire who becomes an invaluable healer and intellectual companion.

As Geralt and his companions trek through battlefields and devastated towns, their quest for Ciri seems almost futile, as they navigate political intrigue, war atrocities, and the complexities of morality in a world gone mad. They are constantly in danger, facing both human and monstrous threats, and often find themselves caught in the crossfire of the escalating war between the Northern Kingdoms and the Nilfgaardian Empire.

Meanwhile, Ciri herself is on a separate, darker path. After escaping through a portal, she ends up in the Korath desert and, following a traumatic experience, falls in with a notorious gang of young outlaws known as the Rats. Embracing a new, ruthless identity as "Falka," Ciri begins to shed her innocent past, learning to survive through violence and thievery, becoming a far cry from the princess Geralt knows.

In another thread, a surviving group of powerful sorceresses, including Philippa Eilhart and a magically freed Yennefer, begin to convene, forming the "Lodge of Sorceresses." Their aim is to safeguard the future of magic and secure their own power in the chaotic aftermath of the coup, often discussing Ciri's potential importance to their plans.

"Baptism of Fire" emphasizes the themes of companionship, survival, and the profound impact of war on individuals and society, as Geralt and his growing band face their own "baptism of fire" in a world consumed by conflict, all while the various factions continue their desperate search for the Child of Elder Blood.

Comments:
As with the other Witcher books, I had seen part of the series on Netflix before I read some of the books. The series do keep to the books, however, they don't seem to care about the order in which they show them. At the time of writing this, I have not seen anything after Henry Cavill left...and I don't plan to, for the same reasons that Henry stated, if they are not respecting the original books, I am not as interested.

Books that we've read by Andrzej Sapkowski (5):
Sword of Destiny (The Witcher, #0.7) (1992), The Last Wish (The Witcher, #0.5) (1993), Blood of Elves (The Witcher, #1) (1994), The Time of Contempt (The Witcher, #2) (1995), Baptism of Fire (The Witcher, #3) (1996)