It has been a long wait for fans of The Witcher series since the release of its last game over seven years ago. For those seeking a similar high-fantasy adventure, turning to the original source material may be the answer. The Witcher games are based on a series of books by Andrzej Sapkowski, offering readers a taste of grimdark fantasy and a combative protagonist.
Sapkowski’s books provide a surly and engaging main character and hit all the right marks for those looking for a darker, more mature take on fantasy. For those who have exhausted other open-world adventure games, The Witcher books may be the perfect alternative.
The Last Wish, Andrzej Sapkowski
For those who have fallen in love with the world of The Witcher games, the best books to read are the Witcher saga itself, written by Andrzej Sapkowski. Although the series can be a little daunting to start, readers cannot go wrong with picking up The Last Wish, which introduced Geralt of Rivia to the world.
This book is technically the second in the series and delves even deeper into the lore of The Witcher, providing readers with a better understanding of what really makes Geralt tick.
The Wolf Of Oren-Yaro, K.S. Villoso
“The Chronicles of the Bitch Queen” series introduces readers to Queen Talyien, a ruler who is despised by her own people. In the first book, “The Wolf Of Oren-Yaro,” Talyien embarks on a journey to meet the suitor she was once supposed to marry, hoping to reconcile and save her kingdom.
However, she is met with an assassination attempt that leaves her stranded and unable to trust anyone. The book promises an intriguing plot and a strong female protagonist.
Graceling, Kristin Cashore
Graceling by Kristin Cashore is a young-adult book that satisfies many of the same itches as The Witcher. The story takes place in a fantasy world where some are born with ‘Graces’ or special talents. Katsa’s Grace is killing, and she is coerced into being her king uncle’s assassin and enforcer.
However, her life changes when she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills. Graceling will equally pique the interest of those who enjoyed the lore behind The Witcher. Additionally, the book has a sprinkle of romance that adds to its charm.
The Books of Earthsea, Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin is a trailblazer in the fantasy genre, creating a space for herself as the writer of one of the most renowned fantasy series of all time, The Books of Earthsea. The series comprises six books, including A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, Tales from Earthsea, and The Other Wind.
The first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, follows the journey of a young wizard-in-training named Ged, who ventures to the Island of Roke to learn from a proper wizardry school. However, in his vanity, Ged bites off more magic than he can chew and unleashes something more than he can possibly control. The Books of Earthsea are a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.
Mistborn, Brandon Sanderson
The Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson follows Kel, a Mistborn who aims to overthrow the Lord Ruler and free the enslaved Skaa people. However, Kel cannot achieve this alone and needs the help of Vin, a young girl with immense powers.
Together, they lead a team of underworld allies to overthrow the Lord Ruler and bring freedom to the Skaa. The trilogy explores themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice, and features a compelling father-daughter dynamic similar to that of Geralt and Ciri in The Witcher.
Seven Realms Series, Cinda Williams Chima
The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima is a captivating read for lovers of gritty, high-fantasy court politics. The series follows the dual perspectives of Han Alister, a ruffian who becomes the target of noble wizards after stealing a powerful amulet once belonging to the Demon King, and Princess Raisa ana’Marianna, who returns to court to assume the throne of the queendom.
As they navigate their respective challenges, they discover that their fates are intertwined. The series is perfect for those who enjoy complex characters, political intrigue, and magical battles.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Marlon James
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James is a novel that may appeal to fans of The Witcher series due to its similar plot. The protagonist, Tracker, is hired to find a boy who went missing three years ago.
Like Geralt, Tracker is a solitary figure, but he enlists the help of a group of unlikely individuals, including a shapeshifter named Leopard, to aid him in his quest. However, there are those who will stop at nothing to prevent Tracker from finding the boy. The novel’s blend of fantasy, mythology, and African history creates a unique and captivating world for readers to explore.
Truthwitch, Susan Dennard
In the Witchlands, politics and magic are intertwined, making everything more complicated. Safi is a Truthwitch, gifted with the ability to distinguish truth from lies, but her power puts her in danger.
As a member of the nobility, Safi must hide her abilities, for fear of being used by those who seek to gain from her gift. However, war is brewing in the Witchlands, and Safi’s power may become a valuable asset to those who wish to use it for their own gain. Safi and her friend, Iseult, simply want to live their lives without interference, but they may have to pay a high price to achieve their freedom.
The Poppy War, R.F. Kuang
Rin, a young girl from a poor and discriminated background, is given a chance to attend Sinegard, the most prestigious military school in Nikan, after acing the Keju test.
Despite facing discrimination due to her gender, color, and poverty, Rin has a unique gift of shamanism that could help her survive and even save the empire from the upcoming war. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is a gripping tale of adventure and magic that explores themes of discrimination, power, and sacrifice.
A Song Of Ice And Fire, George R.R. Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin is a highly acclaimed book series that is recommended to fans of The Witcher games. It features multiple character perspectives, which may be challenging to follow, but offers a similar level of gory violence and medieval politics with less emphasis on magic.
The series has gained a massive following due to its intricate plot, complex characters, and unpredictable twists. With the release of the TV adaptation Game of Thrones, the popularity of A Song of Ice and Fire has only increased.
Summary
Fans of fantasy books have recently been captivated by “The Witcher” series. The books, written by Andrzej Sapkowski, follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities.
The series has gained a large following due to its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and unique world-building. It has also been adapted into a popular video game franchise and a Netflix television series. The success of “The Witcher” has sparked a renewed interest in the fantasy genre and has cemented its place as a beloved classic among fans.