Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski
In order to preserve his ward Ciri and the world as a whole, Geralt of Rivia is on a mission. A coup has destroyed the Wizards Guild, and during the commotion, Geralt sustained critical injuries. The Witcher is meant to be a defender against strong and frightening monsters that prey on men in dark times, a protector of the helpless, and a guardian of the innocent.
However, as the world has entered a dark period, Geralt cannot do anything until he has healed. The future of magic is in danger while the battle rages over all the lands, and those sorcerers who live are determined to save it. Ciri, the heir to the throne of Cintra, has disappeared, making it hard to identify one female, but a rumour is that she is in the Niflgaard court getting ready to wed the Emperor. Whether or not they are hurt, Geralt must perform a rescue operation.
Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski
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When Time of Contempt ends, Geralt is seriously hurt and is taken to Brokilon Forest by the enchantress Triss. He is gradually regaining his health under the cautious gaze of the Dryads. He intends to save Ciri, who everyone believes is in Nilfgaard, as soon as he feels even remotely healthy enough. The truth is that Ciri has assumed the identity of a bandit using the alias Falka and working in a posse like Robin Hood. Although she has gained some notoriety among the general populace, her fury and skill with a blade have quickly become legendary.
Given that there are so many distinct individuals in this ensemble, the dialogue and banter between them are superbly written. Dandelion and Geralt, his best buddy, could not be more dissimilar, and I frequently chuckled at the absurdity of their conversations.
What is happening to Ciri on the other side of the globe is covered in the other sections that we read. A few moments are also seen from the perspective of certain enchantresses who appear to be working on a plan. Dijkstra, the head of Redania’s secret agency, appears in a few scenes. The world is in the midst of a battle that is primarily between Nilgaardians and everyone else, but politics is never that straightforward, and with all the different factions, kings, and noble houses, I still periodically lose track of who is fighting whom. This, however, fits the tone of the book. The fellowship encounters numerous battles, conflicts, and skirmishes while travelling, and Sapkowski’s deft writing emphasizes the chaos and unpredictability of war while also highlighting how alone the brotherhood feels while attempting to accomplish its goal.
