The Time of Contempt: Book Review

Dive into the world of The Witcher with the second novel in the series The Time of Contempt by writer Andrzej Sapkowski. It is here where the adventures of Geralt of Rivia started and sparked the popular game and Netflx Show. Keep reading to find out why you should read the books!

The Time of Contempt: Summary

Throughout the first book, we see the good guys do the smart thing. They know what is a bad idea and steer away from it. Here, however we see the main characters mess up big time. Nilfgaard is still hunting for Ciri but also preparing for war. The kingdoms know that a war will break out and are waiting for the right moment to strike. Allegiances are being tested and the stage is being set.

Ciri is traveling with Yennefer and is reunited with the Witcher. There is a council meeting of sorcerers and sorceresses and Yennifer heads there with Geralt. The mages are there to discuss something very important and determine the course fate is supposed to go but not everyone is in agreement.

Commentary

I really enjoyed this novel and have to say it was my favorite so far. The novel picks up at a good pace after starting off a bit slow. Sapkowski uses interesting narrators and makes it work. He is an excellent story teller and makes it hard to put the book down.

There are a lot of themes floating around and the one I want to discuss is the one he mentions a lot in his previous novels; neutrality. Geralt of Rivia wants to remain neutral in all the wars. He doesn’t want to be anyone’s pawn and doesn’t want to spill any unnecessary blood. We see how his worldview comes crashing down when the world around him goes to war and how his inaction let it happen.

If you have seen the show, then the books will be a little confusing. The war doesn’t take place until later on and the short stories are spread out in the show. For the most part, the show keeps most of the stories as it is which is a great feeling as a fan of the book.

Conclusion

If you have been reading the Witcher books, then this is the reward book. We were promised a war and Sapkowski delivers on his promise. I highly recommend reading this book because it showcases how good fantasy books can be when set up properly.