One minor note: within 'The Last Wish,' the story 'The Voice of Reason' acts as a framing narrative set in the Temple of Melitele. The other stories are told as flashbacks while Geralt recovers there. So even within the book, there's a present timeline that progresses slightly. It's more connected than a typical anthology.
I'd even say the short stories contain some of the most philosophically interesting moments in the whole series. The dialogue between Geralt and various characters about ethics, destiny, and the nature of evil is sharp. The novels have bigger stakes, but the shorts have deeper, more personal debates.
The relationship between Geralt and Nenneke in 'The Last Wish' is another reason to start there. She's a minor but recurring character who provides wisdom and a base for Geralt. Her temple is a safe haven. That relationship is established in the shorts and quietly underpins his character in the novels.
I'd argue 'Sword of Destiny' is the most important book in the whole series for understanding the heart of it. The bond between Geralt and Ciri is formed there. If you jump into the novels without it, their connection in 'Blood of Elves' feels unearned. It's not a collection of disconnected adventures; it's a direct lead-in.
Interestingly, the games by CD Projekt Red take place after the books and basically treat all the events of the short stories and novels as established history. So if you came from the games, reading the shorts first will show you the origin of so many references—Dandelion's personality, the striga contract, the first meeting with Yennefer at the temple of Melitele. It's all there.
2026-07-24 09:51:22
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Okay, here's how I’d lay it out if you want a smooth, satisfying progression through the world Geralt stomps around in: read the two short-story collections first — 'The Last Wish' then 'Sword of Destiny' — because they set up Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri in small, sharp scenes and give you the emotional scaffolding for the novels.
After those, move straight into the novels in publication/chronological order: 'Blood of Elves', 'Time of Contempt', 'Baptism of Fire', 'The Tower of the Swallow', and 'The Lady of the Lake'. That sequence follows Ciri’s arc cleanly and keeps the political and character threads building naturally. Finally, slot in 'Season of Storms'. It was published later and is technically a standalone tale set around the short stories, so you can either read it after 'Sword of Destiny' if you prefer chronological placement, or read it last as a bonus standalone that feels like a capstone.
If you’re an adaptation fan, reading the short stories before touching the games or the Netflix show helps a ton — you'll recognize the source beats and appreciate the differences. Personally I like starting with 'The Last Wish' on audio and then switching to print for the novels; the short stories taste like appetizers, and the novels are a feast.
If you're diving into 'The Witcher' novels for the first time, the best order isn't strictly the publication sequence—though that's not a bad way to go. Start with 'The Last Wish' and 'Sword of Destiny'. These short story collections introduce Geralt, his world, and key characters like Yennefer and Ciri. They’re packed with folklore-inspired tales that set the tone for the saga. Then jump into the five-book main series, beginning with 'Blood of Elves'. The prequel 'Season of Storms' fits weirdly—it was written later but takes place during 'The Last Wish'. Save it for last; it’s more of a side quest for hardcore fans.
Some argue you could skip the short stories, but that’s like eating a cake without frosting. The emotional beats in 'Sword of Destiny', especially Geralt and Ciri’s bond, make the later books hit harder. And don’t let the games confuse you—they’re sequels to the books! The novels have a slower, political burn compared to the action-heavy games, but the payoff is worth it. I accidentally read 'Blood of Elves' first and spent half the book wondering who half these people were. Learn from my mistake!
Let me geek out about 'The Witcher' books for a sec! The best way to dive in is chronologically by publication order, starting with 'The Last Wish' and 'Sword of Destiny'. These short story collections introduce Geralt’s world and relationships (especially with Yennefer and Ciri) in bite-sized adventures that hit harder if you read them before the main saga. Then jump into the five-novel sequence: 'Blood of Elves', 'Time of Contempt', 'Baptism of Fire', 'The Tower of the Swallow', and 'Lady of the Lake'. The prequel 'Season of Storms' came out later but fits best after everything else—it’s like a fun bonus episode for longtime fans.
Honestly, skipping the short stories would be a crime—they’re where Sapkowski’s wit and world-building shine brightest. The novels get political and dense, but those early tales? Pure magic. I reread 'The Last Wish' every winter just for the nostalgia of falling in love with this universe.