Like A Game of Thrones before it, The Witcher series had been growing in cult popularity for years before breaking into mainstream success with a Netflix series adaptation in late 2019. The epic saga follows the adventures of monster hunter Geralt, sorceress Yennefer, and outcast princess Ciri as they become embroiled in the politics and warfare of a fantastical, medieval world called the Continent.
Fans of the series will know that the Netflix show only covers pieces from the first two books: The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. However, the story continues with Blood of Elves and is followed by three more novels, all of which are available through the library catalogue.
For those who have enjoyed The Witcher, there are many more fantastical worlds and high adventures to explore at YPRL. Check out some of our staff selections below.
Magician by Raymond E. Feist, 2012
The great grand-daddy of epic fantasy. Originally published in 1982, Magician follows the adventures of Pug as he grows from an orphaned kitchen servant to a mighty wizard who will be called on to end a war between two worlds. This is a great book to pick up because it can be read as a stand-alone novel or followed by the two sequels: Silverthorn and A Darkness At Sethanon.
A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie, 2019
Joe Abercrombie writes gritty, low-to-the-ground fantasy with morally grey characters struggling against each other. In his latest trilogy, beginning with A Little Hatred, he brings us a fantasy world on the brink of an industrial revolution. A must-read for fans of political intrigue and interweaving story lines.
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, 2011
A novel of fantasy and adventure on the high seas from one of the masters of the genre. Ship of Magic follows the saga of the recently impoverished Vestrit family, the sentient ‘liveships’ they use to trade, and the unforgettable anti-hero, pirate captain Kennit. Beware: once you've finished this one you will certainly want to read the rest of the trilogy.
Red Sister by Mark Lawrence, 2017
Orphaned Nona escapes execution and is taken away to train in an order of warrior nuns. She must learn to make herself anew in the midst of deadly conspiracies. All the while, the walls of ice that enclose her world are coming closer… In this book — the first of a trilogy — Mark Lawrence has created an action-packed page-turner, combined with a fascinating world where religion and politics collide.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James, 2019
A dark, violent journey through a high fantasy world based on historical Africa. The narrator, Tracker, is one of nine mercenaries hired to find a missing child who is key to a royal bloodline. If you are looking for a fantasy novel that goes beyond the typical settings based on medieval Europe, this is a top pick, but be advised it is a grim novel with some scenes not for the faint-hearted.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf is available in print, eBook, Audio CD, and large print formats.