The Witcher by Andrez Sapkowski is an underrated masterpiece.

Submitted by [deleted] t3_zuzdso in books

Pretty much the title, I have re-read them recently, and it's just as good as ever. On the flip side, it makes me even more depressed about the abysmal Netflix show overshadowing Andrzej Sapkowski's absolute masterpieces. If anyone else has read his series and has different/similar opinions on the series I would love to hear them, otherwise, here are my thoughts.

The Witcher series starts with two collections of short stories that all have as much depth and intrigue as most fully-fledged fantasy novels. The only real complaint I have with the first two books would be that the start of the first book might give you the wrong idea as to the quality of the novels as well as some repeat descriptions that can be attributed to it being Sapkowsi's FIRST BOOK. I REPEAT THIS WAS HIS FIRST WRITTEN NOVEL EVER. Which is truly astounding in my opinion.

From the first two books onward it only gets better, with the characters being intriguing and the locations and settings stunning. Andrez is an amazingly gifted narrative weaver with each story leaving you with a great lesson or in many cases, an overwhelming feeling of Sadness, Hope, or even Contempt at times.

This is essentially my feelings on the books in a nutshell, once again I would love to hear what this community thinks of them. Including whether or not they are underrated. Edit: A little clarification. I believe the books are underrated due to the fact that the games and show have wayyy more viewers in comparison. Despite the books being brilliant.

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gnatsaredancing t1_j1m4jll wrote

So underrated that it resulted in a whole bunch of games and tv series while making the writer very wealthy indeed and growing the game studio into a billion dollar business.

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dornwolf t1_j1m5ud8 wrote

To be fair at the time despite being well know in his home country, the the witcher wasn’t well known. It took to at least the second games release to even start getting English translations which just up and stopped at one point. Finally took till the third game to actually find that mainstream success. That’s when the books all got translated before it’s release, Netflix took interest in it again probably due to 3s popularity more than anything. Most people I think get them mixed up and think the games came first.

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nevereatpears t1_j1p8xhm wrote

Yeah the copies I read were ones that had actually been translated on Reddit. Apparently for years that's the only way fans could read the series, via the subreddit's own translations.

I've looked at the official translation and the fan translation side by side and they are near identical in fact. I'd even say that the fan one is better as the writing is less formal and stilted and more fluid and colloquial.

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_AverageBookEnjoyer_ t1_j1mb214 wrote

It’s also fair to point out the first two Witcher games (the first in particular) were very niche games. The third game was the true gateway drug for most of the people who got interested in The Witcher.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m9sty wrote

Lmao. I was more saying they are underrated in comparison to the games and show. Apologies for not editing my post sooner.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m51m5 wrote

I might edit my post to make it a little more clear what I mean. I think that more people should read the books considering how overshadowed they are in comparison to the show and games. Which is why I consider them "Underrated"

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gnatsaredancing t1_j1m5pb1 wrote

The books resulted in a billion dollar merchandise and media industry exactly because the stories were quite popular already.

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zedatkinszed t1_j1m9fda wrote

No that's factually inaccurate. The games "resulted in a billion dollar merchandise and media industry" more specifically Witcher 2 & 3.

Up till then outside Eastern Europe the books were relatively unlnown. Proof of this is that they only finished translating the books into English after the Witcher 3 was released.

After Witcher 2 was released there was 1 set of short stories and maybe 2 of the novels in English.

So no. This is just not true. At least in English speaking world.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m69xe wrote

Nope. Quite the opposite. CDPR was a relatively small publishing company that saw an opportunity in a video game license with Andrez as he was "The Pride of Poland" at the time, despite not being very popular outside of his home country. Sapkowski even decided to take a flat payment instead of a percentage-based payment due to his lack of faith in the success of the game outside Poland.

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theburiedxme t1_j1m7bt6 wrote

Flat instead of % is a big ouch :( Seems many here aren't getting it for some reason.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m7r1b wrote

Yeah, he still got 16 mill out of it. Also, I expected to get downvoted into the shadow realm, despite my disclaimer at the end. Mostly because Reddit can't read lmao.

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BankshotVanguard t1_j1m67uo wrote

I agree with OP, if you consider the popularity of the games and show and other spinoff media, by comparison, the books are underrated.

But I think, without comparing them, the books themselves are popular in comparison to books that didn't receive any spinoff media.

Like, I really like The Tapestry series by Henry Neff, and I'd consider it underrated, and. It's definitely less read known than The Witcher.

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mymoama t1_j1m5831 wrote

Underated? What are you smoking?

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m5kb0 wrote

The games have sold more than double as many copies as the books, with the show getting nearly 600 million hours of watch time. I think its safe to say the books are underrated in comparison.

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mymoama t1_j1m74re wrote

The books had sold over 15 million as of 2019. It is more than likely 50 in total in 2022. Lord of the ring sold 150, and the game of thrones sold 90 million. So my question remains.

It's easily one of the best selling fantasy series of all time.

Edit. The game has sold 65milion in total. So your statement is not correct.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m7jqa wrote

Yes, once again in comparison to the other installments in the series it is very much overlooked. I also don't see nearly as much praise as I believe it deserves.

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mymoama t1_j1m7qob wrote

If you compare the books to the movies than with that logic the lord of the ring books are comics compare to the 6 movies and series.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m8rjp wrote

True. I still think my point stands considering you are providing an extreme example, with the LOTR novels selling three times as many copies as The Witcher despite having half as many installments.

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mymoama t1_j1mpf3o wrote

Oh did not know there where that many books of the witcher.

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_AverageBookEnjoyer_ t1_j1mc67o wrote

Calling the franchise “underrated” is a bit of a stretch. That certainly would’ve been true a decade ago but these days, it’s a massive deal.

The books are incredible though and you are correct in saying that they’re masterpieces. I finally started collecting the books since they finally started getting released in hardback.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mcqv4 wrote

Yeah probably is a stretch. I still feel like it is overshadowed by the games and tv show. Especially since I haven't personally met a person who has even heard of the books.

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TD1215 t1_j1m8ud8 wrote

As far as fantasy series go, the Witcher is most certainly not underrated. As others have pointed out, it is one of the most financially successful fantasy series of all time. Maybe the most successful one that was not originally written in English.

I think the point you’re circling around is that books themselves are criminally underappreciated as a medium. Comparing ASOIAF to the GoT show, clearly more people are engaged with the series that have never picked up one of the novels. Many speculate that might be a huge reason why GRRM might never finish—I imagine he’s earning much more money and acclaim through HBO than he ever did through publishing books.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m9at4 wrote

You are probably the first person to say this while having read my full post, thanks. Tbh you are probably right. This should probably be called "The Witcher and books, in general, are underrated" however I sort of just wanted to write a love letter to Sapkowski's work, while also bringing attention to a severe lack of fans of the games and show that read the books.

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TD1215 t1_j1m9m04 wrote

I played the games first, but immediately went for the books when I finished. I think they’re fantastic, and I hope anyone who’s unhappy about Cavill leaving the show reads them to find out why he wasn’t happy.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m9x6b wrote

I am in the exact same boat as you here.

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GamerMan15 t1_j1mas4c wrote

If you like Sapkowski you should check out little known indie author George Raymond Richard Martin. He wrote some fantasy book in rhe 90s. Not sure if anyone ever did anything with it

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mayy3 wrote

Will do! It probably better falls under the underrated umbrella if it's of similar quality to Sapkowski's work.

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GamerMan15 t1_j1mc7sq wrote

George RR Martin...Song of Ice and Fire...Game of Thrones

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mckh6 wrote

I haven't read the GoT books, sorry. Probably seem rather uncultured lmao.

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Publius82 t1_j1mmcey wrote

They're extremely popular but he's never rated as one of my favorite fantasy authors.

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TamusSenHadar t1_j1m4kmt wrote

Wow, the video games were so popular that they inspired a Netflix show and novelizations? That's impressive.

Jokes aside, though, while I personally like the Netflix adaptation, I've got to agree that the books are much, much better.

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NotUpInHurr t1_j1m3zv5 wrote

The chapter near the end of the series, the battle of Brenna, was one of the best chapters I've ever read in any book.

So many introductions of minor characters, so many washed away shortly after introduction. A general's last moments in the mud. Ancestors looking down at a captain. Nurses and doctors frantically saving lives.

So intense. Such a good story.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m4ind wrote

I had an identical experience. I think that was the only time I have cried while reading a book, the cavalry charge with the Alba devision just felt so... Idk. Real?

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zedatkinszed t1_j1m92q6 wrote

I would say the short stories are the masterpiece TBH. I thought the novels were fascinating and probably a better example of grim dark than anything other than Abercrombie and GRRM but I enjoyed the short stories much more.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m9jcj wrote

Yeah, the short stories were truly brilliant. I think to enjoy the novels you have to have really invested yourself in Geralt and Ciri, otherwise, it might feel a little hollow since the core of the novels is their relationship.

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zedatkinszed t1_j1mouqe wrote

I agree but honestly for me it was the scenes with Triss having diarrhea and descriptions of the Sorceresses that lost the work points. This and the whole piece on Ciri's periods in Kaer Morhen (this remains one of the worst pieces on menstruation ever written in fantasy) and her multiple SAs from book 3 onward by different elves. Sapowski could have left all of this out. You have to forgive this to enjoy the series.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1op69c wrote

I think the whole Triss being sick thing has more to it than you think, as sorceresses cant actually get sick. It's probable she was just continuing her creepiness of trying to get closer to Geralt. The Ciri stuff I must agree was a little weird, I don't think I remember it being quite as bad as you say but I will have to see, only on book 4 of the re-read.

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TheBadGuyFromDieHard t1_j1me3s7 wrote

I had almost the exact opposite reaction. I’ve never been more disappointed in a series than the Witcher. The short stories are definitely the better than the whole novels.

Geralt is the most interesting character in the series, but he does almost nothing. The majority of his chapters are him just traveling from place to place. And we never get anything deeper than that. Some of the political intrigue is interesting, but it’s not nearly enough.

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PM_me_good__advice t1_j1mfbme wrote

This has been my experience too. I finished the books just so I could say I've read them, but I did not particular enjoy the characters or the way it was written. I would definitely pick the Netflix show over the books any day. Haven't played the games though.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mebmm wrote

I do wonder if we read the same books with the "Geralt does almost nothing" thing but I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience with it.

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kyler_ t1_j1mazl0 wrote

The criticisms I’ve seen online have kept me from the series. A ton of misogyny and some sexualization of teen characters from what I’ve seen. It’s a shame cause i like the universe but there’s so much to read out there that I have a hard time prioritizing this given what I’ve read. I’ll prob get to it eventually thanks to reviews like this.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mcgi8 wrote

I don't remember any sexualization of teens, and the misogyny stuff is a little dumb considering it is made quite obvious that it is not the intention to simply be sexist, but instead to give some realism to the world and to call attention to the issue. Especially since there are plenty of characters that I would consider "Feminist".

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m4d4t wrote

I absolutely loved the short stories but somehow never got past that, I could not get into the novels. Are you saying I should stick to it and I'm missing out? Does it build up essentially? I felt it was very different from the short stories but your enthusiasm now makes me feel I judged it too quickly!

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Thornescape t1_j1mj7w7 wrote

I've read all of the novels and short stories. Apparently they are better in Polish?

If you read them, go in with low expectations and you might enjoy them? I found them scattered and not very compelling.

On the other hand, the Witcher 3 game is a masterpiece.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mjp27 wrote

I loved the short stories and The Witcher games (all three), so I might just need to go in with low expectations indeed and give a chance for the novels to sweep me away 😊

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Thornescape t1_j1mk1qe wrote

Everyone has different tastes! There's a YouTuber that I like who is obsessed with them and does some interesting analysis of them as well. The Proper Bird has a great voice and a nice take on things.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m4mdb wrote

I would most definitely give it another go. I know this is a super hot take but I think it may top LOTR for me, and that's coming from a massive Tolkien nerd.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m5lz9 wrote

It's very hard not to be sold after such a statement! I'll give it another go 😊.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1m6mhr wrote

Do enjoy my friend! I would say to go in with a detective mindset early on. Try and get invested in the mystery he builds in the first novel as you get some pretty great "Aha!" moments later on.

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NefariousnessOne1859 t1_j1m5xe7 wrote

I’ve been on blood of elves for what feels like years. I think I binged the first 2 too fast and overdid myself so now o just can’t get into this one as I’ve had too much Witcher 😂

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SurpriseScissors t1_j1nc9pn wrote

I love that he brings up women's issues. Yes, a lot could be said about the sexualization of every female character (yeah I get it, Geralt is hot), but he also deals with periods, which I find super rare and refreshing.

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PunkandCannonballer t1_j1nwbyo wrote

I'm not sure you know what "underrated" or "masterpiece" mean.

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xaee42 t1_j1mb1xh wrote

Its Anderz Sapkowski

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mcvv0 wrote

We are both wrong lmao. It's Andrezj Sapkowski. A wee brain fart on my end.

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xaee42 t1_j1mdaha wrote

Lmao actually its Anders xdd

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RuneheartNovel t1_j1mhs5j wrote

Couldn't agree more -- those books are phenomenal. I will say, I think Sapkowski shines brightest in his short stories (though his novels, of course, do shine bright, too!). His story "Something More" hits me in the feels every time (and the show butchered it).

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[deleted] OP t1_j1mk282 wrote

Yeah same here. My personal fav is Nivvelen's story. Ending hit me with the feels.

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Elvere t1_j1ncy5t wrote

I wanted to love the books so badly. I watch my husband play the games and we both enjoyed the Netflix show. Tried reading The Last Wish and refused to read another word after the author decided that describing a 14 year old girls breasts was important enough to include in the story.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1pz7oa wrote

Wait, what are you referring to? I just read the book and have no recollection of something like that.

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Elvere t1_j1tm72z wrote

Chapter 1, part 7: Immediately after the striga reverts back to her human self.

“She was rather ugly. Slim with small pointed breasts, and dirty.”

here

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[deleted] OP t1_j27m4u6 wrote

I think "Refusing to read another word" of the story may have been a slight overreaction as its definitely not sexualizing her, but if it was something that really bothered you then what can I do.

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synecdokie t1_j1oka4p wrote

This is my favourite fantasy series so far. I got fully absorbed when I was reading it a few years back. What I loved the most (and from what I can remember) was Geralt, Milva, and the rest of the crew’s camaraderie. It almost felt like I was a part of that group. >!Ciri’s hardships left an imprint in me as well. My heart ached reading what she’s gone through.!< I’m not one to reread stuff but will def consider reading the whole thing again in the future.

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[deleted] OP t1_j1oolu3 wrote

Baptism of fire was brilliant, the whole book was a rollercoaster of pain for the characters involved with brief moments of kindness with the gang meeting people like Regis.

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HunterRoze t1_j1olvpj wrote

OP if you liked these since no one else mentioned it, might I suggest you check out Micheal Moorcock? He was one of the first SF authors to do a multiverse and his influence on SF and fantasy is vast. His main work is a series of characters tangentially connected all together call "The Eternal Champion". There are many different champions but the most famous you might dig - Elric of Melnebone.

You will be surprised to realize his work started on the character back in 1961 and see how many tropes come from his efforts.

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Galactic_Gooner t1_j2c42ol wrote

neither underrated nor a masterpiece. 10/10 post bro

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