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/lit/ - Literature

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12335913 No.12335913 [Reply] [Original]

/v/ tourist here

Are The Witcher books worth a look?

>> No.12335949

>>12335913

Please refer sci-fi and fantasy to the sci-fi and fantasy general.

Yes, they are worth a look

>>12335944

>> No.12336068

>>12335913
Meh. I read the first four and can’t start the 5th because I have no motivation and can’t remember the plot line. I hear the English is subpar. I would spend your time elsewhere, the games are much better

>> No.12336075
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12336075

Dear lord, those covers.

>> No.12336083

>>12336075
They do look like YA fantasy novels, don't they?

>> No.12336115

>>12335913
They're great when read in polish, even better when understanding this place's reality.
In english I think they might not be as good, but I haven't read them, so why shouldn't you check them out?

>> No.12336137

>>12336068
>>12336115
I cant speak for the Polish, but the English definitely isn't the best; at times the translation feels very clinical and dry.
However, the characters are all great, and if you enjoyed the games for their atmosphere and characterization, you'll probably be able to enjoy the books as well. The first book (The Last Wish) is a collection of short stories about Geralt, and worth reading even if you don't pick up the rest of the series.

>> No.12336217

>>12336137
Just as I thought. I just can't see how Witcher's (very good piece of) stylistic prose in polish, translates well to english.
And yes, characters are generally well written. Plot might get bit repetitive in later books III-VII, but I presonally didn't mind it that much, and just acknowledged Sapkowski isn't that good at ploting.

>> No.12336225

>>12335949
There are no rules that you are required to use generals, redditor

>> No.12336240

The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny are worth reading at least, even if you don't want to invest in all the books. The first two are collections of short stories. My favorite is the one about Ys. Maybe if you like the first two you'll want to read the rest.

>> No.12336310

Sapkowski really excels at writing interactions between at most 3 characters, and anything beyond that becomes mind-numbingly disengaging. That being said his world building and exposition are spot on, and he's managed to craft one of the most genuinely frightening characters I've encountered in fiction (Bonhart). As a lover of fantasy I couldn't put them down, though it's true that the first two books following the collection of short stories are a little slow to pick up pace.

It's imperative that you read The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny first before moving onto the linear novels though. I made the mistake of thinking I could skip them at first.

>> No.12336361

>>12336217
Yes, still enjoyable from a storytelling perspective, just not a great translation.
>>12336310
Slow is a good word. I had a good time reading the series, but at times the books did drag.
I absolutely recommend the series, with those caveats.