Baptism of Fire (Witcher Series #3)

by Andrzej Sapkowski, David A French (Translator)

Overview

Now a Netflix original series!

A deadly coup within the Wizard's Guild leaves the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, gravely injured, and his ward Ciri missing in the third book of the NYT bestselling series that inspired the blockbuster video games.

The Wizards Guild has been shattered by a coup and, in the uproar, Geralt was seriously injured. The Witcher is supposed to be a guardian of the innocent, a protector of those in need, a defender against powerful and dangerous monsters that prey on men in dark times.

But now that dark times have fallen upon the world, Geralt is helpless until he has recovered from his injuries.

While war rages across all of the lands, the future of magic is under threat and those sorcerers who survive are determined to protect it. It's an impossible situation in which to find one girl — Ciri, the heiress to the throne of Cintra — until a rumor places her in the Niflgaard court, preparing to marry the Emperor.

Injured or not, Geralt has a rescue mission on his hands.

Andrzej Sapkowski, winner of the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement award, started an international phenomenon with his Witcher series:

Witcher novels

Blood of Elves The Time of Contempt Baptism of Fire
The Tower of Swallows
Lady of the Lake
Season of Storms

Witcher collections
The Last Wish
Sword of Destiny

The Malady and Other Stories: An Andrzej Sapkowski Sampler (e-only)

Translated from original Polish by David French

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316219181
Publisher:	Orbit
Publication date:	06/24/2014
Series:	Witcher Series , #3
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	14
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Andrzej Sapkowski was born in 1948 in Poland. He studied economy and business, but the success of his fantasy cycle about the sorcerer Geralt of Rivia turned him into a bestselling writer. He is now one of Poland's most famous and successful authors.

Editorial Reviews

"The universe of Sapkowski's The Witcher is one of the most detailed and best-explored in modern fantasy, offering endless opportunities for fresh ideas ... Complex character relationships enrich this already complex world; this is the sort of series fantasy fans will cherish."— B&N

"One of the best and most interesting fantasy series I've ever read. Though it functions well as adventure fiction, it has added depth and value as satire and commentary on fantasy literature ... Sapkowski is a genuine stylist."— Nerds of a Feather

"Like a complicated magic spell, a Sapkowski novel is a hodgepodge of fantasy, intellectual discourse, and dry humor. Recommended."— Time

"Like Mieville and Gaiman, [Sapkowski] takes the old and makes it new ... fresh take on genre fantasy."— Foundation on The Last Wish

"A breath of fresh air in a well-worn genre. Don't miss it!"— Fantasy Book Review

"Sapkowski has a phenomenal gift for narrative, inventing sensational events, creating a suggestive mood, and building up the suspense along with a dazzling, slightly cynical sense of humor."— Jacek Sieradzki, Polityka on The Last Wish

"Sapkowski's The Last Wish is a great collection of short stories centered around a witcher, Geralt - a rare sorcerous breed who hunts down the monstrous but is feared by the innocent. With a wondrous mix of Eastern European folklore and myth, beautiful princesses, mischievous demons and where all is not as it seems, The Last Wish is a great read - perfect for dipping into or just reading cover to cover, as I did."— Waterstones

"It is [his] world-weariness combined with his battle-honed powers that make Geralt such an interesting character. Here's hoping The Last Wish is merely the opening chapter in his English language adventures."— Edge

"I really, really enjoyed this book ... None of the characters in Sapkowski's world are black or white; they are all shades of grey, including Geralt and the monsters."— The Deckled Edge

"Sapkowski is very good at creating interesting, imaginative characters with unusual levels of depth to them ... The Last Wish is an enjoyable book full of stories both melancholy and comic."— The Wertzone

"This beautifully written character-based story from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski ... a refreshing champion."— The Specusphere

"New battle mechanics, a fantastic storyline, and a gritty setting make The Witcher one of the most engrossing, mature RPGs to arrive on the PC in years."— Gamespot.com on The Witcher video game

" The Witcher delivers one of the most intense and rewarding role-playing experiences this year."— GT Reviews on The Witcher video game

" The Lady of the Lake is, without any doubt, the best and most profound fantasy novel I have ever read. It is hard to put down, yet also a challenging and deeply rewarding book. And it is genuinely moving. I have never read a fantasy series like this, and suspect I never will again."— Nerds of a Feather on The Lady of the Lake

From the Publisher

"Sapkowski revitalizes the genre with energetic and compelling writing. A breath of fresh air in a well-worn genre. Don't miss it!"

Dreamwatch (UK)

"Like Mieville and Gaiman, Sapkowski takes the old and makes it new."

Foundation (UK)

"New battle mechanics, a fantastic storyline, and a gritty setting make The Witcher one of the most engrossing, mature RPGs to arrive on the PC in years."

Gamespot.com on The Witcher video game

"The Witcher delivers one of the most intense and rewarding role-playing experiences this year."

GT Reviews on The Witcher video game

"The character interplay is complex, unsentimental and anchored in brutal shared history. All bodes well for twisty plotting to come."

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