Sword of Destiny (The Witcher, #0.7)

Title: Sword of Destiny (The Witcher, #0.7)

Author: Andrzej Sapkowski

Published in: 1992

Date read: 20th December 2021

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Sword of Destiny" by Andrzej Sapkowski, published in 1992 (and translated into English later), is the second collection of short stories in The Witcher series, serving as a prequel that expands on the world and characters, particularly the relationship between Geralt and Ciri, before the main saga novels. While often listed as #0.7, it's chronologically the first time Ciri truly enters Geralt's life in the narrative.

The collection features six short stories:

"The Bounds of Reason": Geralt is drawn into a hunt for a green dragon, encountering a diverse group of adventurers including the sorceress Yennefer (with whom he has a complicated, on-again, off-again relationship), the bard Dandelion, and a knight who believes he has a true dragon to slay. This story explores Geralt's ethical code and his reluctance to kill intelligent creatures, as well as the nature of love and destiny.

"A Shard of Ice": This tale focuses intensely on the turbulent and passionate relationship between Geralt and Yennefer, complicated by the presence of Istredd, another sorcerer vying for Yennefer's affections. It delves into the emotional complexities and jealousies inherent in their bond, and Geralt's struggles with destiny versus choice.

"Eternal Flame": Geralt and Dandelion arrive in the bustling, merchant city of Novigrad, where they encounter a doppelganger that has assumed the identity of a merchant. This story is a clever exploration of identity, deception, and the chaos that can ensue when shapeshifters interfere with human society.

"A Little Sacrifice": Geralt becomes involved in a conflict between humans and merfolk, falling in love with a human bard named Essi Daven. This bittersweet story highlights the challenges of love between different species and reinforces Geralt's destiny with Yennefer, while also being a poignant look at fleeting connections.

"The Sword of Destiny": This pivotal story sees Geralt venturing into Brokilon Forest, the sacred domain of the dryads, where he encounters a young girl named Ciri (Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon) for the first time. Unbeknownst to him, Ciri is his Child of Destiny, bound to him by the Law of Surprise. Their initial meeting is full of misunderstanding and Geralt's attempt to avoid his fate. This is the crucial story that introduces Ciri and foreshadows her importance.

"Something More": This concluding story directly follows up on the events of "The Sword of Destiny" and is set during a devastating war (likely the First Nilfgaardian War). Geralt is injured and reflects on his life, his connection to Yennefer, and the Law of Surprise. He finally truly accepts his destiny regarding Ciri, leading to their eventual, emotional reunion amidst the chaos of war, solidifying their bond.

"Sword of Destiny" is essential for understanding the foundations of the Witcher saga, particularly the crucial relationship between Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, and the concept of destiny that drives much of the later novels.

Comments:
Great stories and some of these are shown well in the Netflix series.

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)