The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
The kings and their troops are manoeuvring for position, each one more afraid of their neighbours than they are of an invasion from across the river. On all sides, enmity, discontent, and rebellion fester. After years of persecution, the elves and other races are now battling and attacking humans, and as more and more people arm themselves for combat, the possibility of all-out war is looming. Ciri, the orphaned heir who is being sought after by all, must be protected by Geralt and Yennefer against this terrifying background. Because, if she survives to utilize it, the child of prophecy has the ability to alter the course of history.
The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
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The story starts at what looks to be a very contemptible time. The Nilfgaardian army is still preparing for war, the Kings aren’t talking to the Mages like they used to, and squirrels are attacking people in forests and villages. The mysterious Cirilla, the kid of Destiny, the Lion Cub, is still being sought after by numerous parties.
We are reintroduced to Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer after an intriguing and rather tragic point-of-view chapter following a King’s messenger named Aplegatt, where the troubling and uncertain times that the world is currently facing are expressed. While conducting routine Witcher tasks, Geralt is attempting to learn more about the enigmatic magician Rience.
The mage’s motivations and possible employer are unknown to us, but it is obvious that he wants Ciri. A conclave of mages and enchantresses is scheduled to meet in Thanedd soon to discuss these times of contempt and how they impact the world’s magic users. Yennefer and Ciri are travelling there. While she’s here, it turns out that Ciri might be left with the enchantresses to attend Aretuza’s female magic academy.
The Wild Hunt is introduced, Geralt kills a few monsters, Ciri continues to experience visions and nightmares, Yennefer is still attractive, endearing, strong, and manipulative, and Dandelion is still a well-known poet. Vilgefortz and the monarch of Nilfgaard are two other highly intriguing new figures that are introduced to us. This novel reads less like a complete plot and more like a progression.
