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Orbit to Publish Deluxe Edition of Witcher Novel

N ew  York- July 9, 2021

new witcher book 2021

The Last Wish introduces readers to the Witcher Geralt, and along with Sword of Destiny is one of the primary source materials for season one of Netflix’s hit series The Witcher . The collection features seven short stories about Geralt and the world of the Witcher, each of which will be paired with an original illustration. Artists who contributed illustrations include Jeremy Wilson , Tommy Arnold , Jen Bartel , and more.

The Witcher series and adaptations in multiple media are hugely popular worldwide. More than five million copies of the Witcher books have been sold in the United States, and the series has been translated into thirty-seven languages worldwide. The TV adaptation The Witcher was the second most-watched Netflix series release of 2019.

Lauren Panepinto, Orbit’s Creative Director, said: “One of the best things about working on The Witcher books is the wealth of great scenes and characters—both human and mythological—that beg to be depicted. It has been very enjoyable for me to design this deluxe edition of  The Last Wish  around so many great, diverse artists who are also Witcher fans! Each of them has a completely unique and exciting take on the characters and the world.”

To celebrate the launch of season two of The Witcher on Netflix, Orbit will also publish a tie-in trade paperback edition of Blood of Elves this November.

Andrzej Sapkowski, who is an international bestselling author and one of Poland’s most famous and successful authors, is also a recipient of the World Fantasy Award—Life Achievement, along with luminaries like Ray Bradbury, Roald Dahl, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Besides the Witcher series, he is also the author of the historical fiction Hussite Trilogy ( The Tower of Fools and the upcoming Warriors of God and Light Perpetual ).

About Orbit US Orbit in the US is a division of Hachette Book Group, comprising the Orbit and Redhook imprints. Launched in 2007, the Orbit imprint has established itself as one of the market-leading SFF imprints in the US, and the fastest-growing imprint in the field. Orbit US authors include New York Times and international bestsellers Joe Abercrombie, Iain M. Banks, Trudi Canavan, M.R. Carey, Gail Carriger, James S.A. Corey, N.K. Jemisin, Ann Leckie, Kim Stanley Robinson, Andrzej Sapkowski, and Brent Weeks.

About Hachette Book Group Hachette Book Group is a leading trade publisher based in New York and a division of Hachette Livre (a Lagardère company), the third-largest trade and educational publisher in the world. HBG is made up of seven publishing groups: Little, Brown and Company; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Grand Central Publishing; Perseus Books; Orbit; Hachette Nashville; and Hachette Audio.

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The Witcher is getting a new book in the series

Andrzej Sapkowski is working on a new novel, but it might be a while

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artwork of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher season 3 may have just come to an end on Netflix , but it’s elsewhere in the Witcher universe that the latest big news is coming from. On a new livestream Thursday, Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski said that he’s working on another book in the series, which would be the first one in a decade.

The livestream was an interview with Sapkowski and Ukrainian fans organized by Fantastic Talk(s) . Sapkowski’s comments on the stream, as translated by Witcher fan site Redanian Intelligence , reveal that he’s been hard at work on the new story for some time now.

“Yes, I’m working on a new Witcher book and quite diligently,” Sapkowski said.

As for the story, Sapkowski didn’t give any hints. The good news is that he’s talked about follow-up stories before, so we have a few clues to go on. As he has said many times, the main Witcher story came to an end with The Lady of the Lake — which was published 24 years ago. Just like the books Sapkowski has released since then, anything else in the Witcher’s story will continue to be either a side story or a prequel, according to Sapkowski. So don’t get your hopes up for a sequel to the main series.

The good news is, the book doesn’t seem far away. Sapkowski seemed optimistic about the timing, saying that “it may take a year, but no longer.” So we can hope for a new entry in The Witcher’s story by 2024 — though there’s no telling when an English translation might arrive.

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The Witcher books in order (and where to buy them)

By stefani munro | dec 18, 2021.

The Witcher season 2. Image courtesy Jay Maidment, Netflix

Almost two years since its Netflix debut, The Witcher season 2 has finally been released!

On Friday, Dec. 17 , the streaming giant treated its viewers to an early Christmas present with the second installment in the dark fantasy following the ever-brooding monster hunter – Geralt of Rivia, portrayed by  Henry Cavill .

While Netflix’s adaptation of The Witcher  tends to share its tone, aesthetics and story with the video game series more than the books, the overall premise of the show is based on the books written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.

There are nine books in total in  The Witcher series and a specific order in which you should read the books to get the best Geralt of Rivia experience. If the TV production has inspired you to pick up the books, without further ado, here’s the order you should tackle them in:

The Witcher books in order

  • The Last Wish  – BUY IT HERE
  • Sword of Destiny  – BUY IT HERE
  • Blood of Elves  – BUY IT HERE
  • Time of Contempt  – BUY IT HERE
  • Baptism of Fire  – BUY IT HERE
  • The Tower of the Swallow  – BUY IT HERE
  • The Lady of the Lake  – BUY IT HERE
  • Season of Storms  – BUY IT HERE

Season one of Netflix’s The Witcher was based on the books The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. A nd while it’s still unconfirmed, there are several rumors circulating that The Witcher series will end after season 4, which would, in theory, make sense, if each season is based on two books.

The official synopsis for The Witcher season 2 reads:

"“Convinced Yennefer’s life was lost at the Battle of Sodden, Geralt of Rivia brings Princess Cirilla to the safest place he knows, his childhood home of Kaer Morhen. While the Continent’s kings, elves, humans and demons strive for supremacy outside its walls, he must protect the girl from something far more dangerous: the mysterious power she possesses inside.”"

You can stream all eight episodes of The Witcher season 2 right now on Netflix.

dark. Next. When does Jaskier show up in The Witcher season 2?

This post contains affiliate links, where we may receive a percentage of any sale made from the links on this page. Prices and availability accurate as of the time of publication.

Andrzej Sapkowski's New Witcher Book Gets Release Window

Geralt of rivia is back baby..

Ryan Dinsdale Avatar

The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski has given fans a release window for the highly anticipated next book in the series, alongside a possible tease of its story.

As reported by IGN Poland , Sapkowski said during Comic Con Vienna that the next book , which currently lacks a title, will arrive worldwide in early 2025 following a debut in its native Poland in late 2024.

Known for his dry and sarcastic humour, Sapkowski also shared a brief tease as to what the story might involve. "[Netflix] made a series based on one short story. They forced me to continue," he said. "I'm not complaining. Thanks to this, I now have enough money for the rent."

Sapkowski saying Netflix is making a series based on one short story isn't quite accurate, but the streaming service did just announce the animated film Sirens of the Deep earlier in November 2023 , which is based on a single short story. Season 1 of the Netflix show is also based on a collection of The Witcher short stories written by Sapkowski, while Season 2's opening episode is based on the A Grain of Truth short story.

While it's far from confirmed, the likeliest candidate is Sirens of the Deep, which already looks to include content not from the short story it's based on, A Little Sacrifice. It's therefore possible Sapkowski is writing a follow-up or extension of that story, which features Geralt of Rivia, his best friend Dandelion, and a rival bard called Essi Daven.

Heartbroken from his first break-up with Yennefer, Geralt travels The Continent with Dandelion before the pair come across Essi. The three then mediate a lover's quarrel between a prince and a mermaid that looks to grow a lot more intense in the Netflix adaptation.

The Witcher Artwork

Image Credit: CD Projekt Red

Essi has long been a fan favourite character, so an extension of her story would likely be welcome to fans of The Witcher. It also matches expectations the next book will tell a side story that doesn't directly affect the main Witcher saga, that's told throughout five books and is adapted as of Season 2 of the Netflix show. This was the case with the previous Witcher book, Season of Storms, which released in 2013 and told a self-contained story of Geralt years before the main saga.

Not only does Geralt's story come to a fairly definitive end in the main saga, but a (technically unofficial) progression has already taken place through the CD Projekt game series , which takes place in the few years following the books.

While these are the only truly canonical entries in The Witcher franchise, the universe has now evolved far beyond the original book series. The game trilogy ( and several incoming sequels and spin-offs ) are joined by the Netflix show , a comic book series, a tabletop RPG , manga , and even a cookbook .

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

In This Article

The Witcher

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The First Witcher Book Is Getting A Cool New Edition Around Season 2 Release Date

A hardcover, illustrated edition of The Last Wish, the original collection of Witcher stories, arrives in December.

By Michael Rougeau on July 9, 2021 at 11:43AM PDT

Fans know The Witcher now as a globally popular franchise of video games and a Netflix show starring Henry Cavill, but it began as a series of stories by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Now the first book in the series, titled "The Last Wish," is getting a very cool new edition this December, which is also when Season 2 of Netflix's The Witcher will arrive .

Netflix's official Witcher account announced the new edition on Twitter today. The "hardcover illustrated edition" of The Last Wish comes via publisher Orbit Books' Gollancz imprint. It will feature illustrations for each of its seven stories: "The Witcher," "A Grain of Truth," "The Lesser Evil," "A Question of Price," "The Edge of the World," "The Last Wish," and "The Voice of Reason." Elements of these stories were adapted for the Netflix show's first season, so fans that have only watched the show will find plenty they recognize in this collection.

Book news! The Last Wish hardcover illustrated edition is coming this December. Featuring illustrations for each story in the book that started it all. @orbitbooks @gollancz (Cover art by Tommy Arnold) Preorder US: https://t.co/s38a8xXiS9 Preorder UK: https://t.co/kY3PRD5tgL pic.twitter.com/ppRDkX7bdc — The Witcher (@witchernetflix) July 9, 2021

The stories in The Last Wish are, chronologically within the series' fiction, the earliest Witcher tales. Netflix also posted a teaser image of an illustration of Yennefer, as well as a suggested reading order for the full written series; following The Last Wish is another collection of loosely related stories, "Sword of Destiny," followed by the six novels.

Yennefer of Vengerberg illustrated by Martina Fačková. Plenty of time to dive into the books before December ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/shfdVaCfwf — The Witcher (@witchernetflix) July 9, 2021

This announcement arrived during the WitcherCon event, at which Netflix made several announcements and reveals. Chief among them is The Witcher Season 2's December 17 release date. They also gave us a first look at Ciri and Lambert (another witcher who will appear in Season 2), and a glimpse at Jaskier rocking out in the new season.

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How to Read the Witcher Books in Order (2023 Update)

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Blog – Posted on Wednesday, Dec 18

How to read the witcher books in order (2023 update).

How to Read the Witcher Books in Order (2023 Update)

Since the release of Netflix’s 2019 adaptation of The Witcher, everyone's been buzzing with the same age-old question: are the books better?

We're biased towards books ourselves, of course. But we'll let you decide for yourself — and we'll be here to help you the entire way with the best reading order for The Witcher books.

But first, for anyone new to the series, here's a quick refresher: the origins of The Witcher books actually go all the way back to the 1980s, when Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski entered a short story called The Witcher into a contest run by the magazine Fantastyka . Placing third, that entry spawned a collection of short stories that then inspired the publication of a five-novel series, the Witcher Saga — which then became an entire franchise.

The Witcher focuses on Geralt of Rivia, a man with supernatural abilities that enable him to fight beasts and monsters . The novels primarily revolve around his goal to protect Ciri, a young princess of a recently conquered country who has a great prophecy hanging over her head — but the series is also so much more than that. These are stories that hit hard , by turns sweeping you up in the adventure of slaying monsters, wringing you through the epic tragedy of war, and breaking your heart with the perfect redemption romance.

Here’s a quick look at the series in their recommended reading order, so that you know what you’re in for:

  • The Last Wish (2007)
  • Sword of Destiny (2015)
  • Blood of Elves (2008)
  • The Time of Contempt (2013)
  • Baptism of Fire (2014)
  • The Tower of Swallows (2016)
  • The Lady of the Lake (2017)
  • Seasons of Storms (2018)

Without further ado, let's dive in!

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1. The Last Wish

While it may be tempting to jump straight into the novels, you should really start here. This short story collection contains the roots of the Witcher books, and will provide you with background information and character details that will be important once you get into the full-length books.

The Last Wish contains seven stories. The first one serves as a framing device, showing an injured Geralt seeking shelter in a temple; as such, it’s actually broken up into smaller sections and scattered between all the other stories. The remaining six are memories that he flashes back to while recuperating, each one with its own narrative arc. Together, they allow us to really get to know Geralt in all his complexity. The stories are clever, epic, and daring — perfectly setting the stage for the novels to come.

2. Sword of Destiny

While the English edition of Sword of Destiny was published after the first few novels were released in English, the stories within actually take place before the events of the series. That’s why we’d recommend you pick up this one next.

Unlike the first collection, Sword of Destiny follows a much more straightforward timeline: we’re treated to six more amazing stories in roughly chronological order. Many of them provide context for major characters in the main Witcher Saga, including the introduction of Ciri. In fact, one of the stories serves as a direct prequel to Blood of Elves , showcasing events from shortly before that book begins. If you’re looking for a full picture of the Witcher storyline, this is a vital book to add to your list.

3. Blood of Elves

With Blood of Elves, the main saga begins in earnest. Blood of Elves is set about a year after the downfall of Ciri’s kingdom. This tragedy sets off a hunt for the missing princess, with factions on all sides vying to get their hands on her. Unfortunately for them, young princess Ciri has fallen under the protection of one of the most famous witchers alive.

Taken to safety to learn how to hone her skills, the rambunctious and headstrong Ciri wants nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of Geralt, the man she admires so much. But as her powers grow, Geralt is compelled to mend bridges with his long-lost love, Yennefer of Vengerburg, for help. Yennefer’s skills as a witch are exactly what Ciri needs to hone the power she’s destined to wield — but as Yennefer and Ciri’s bond grows, so too does the evil that seeks Ciri out.

After the breakneck pace of the short story collections, some readers might find this book a bit of a slow start — but don’t let that fool you. There is plenty of adventure to be found in Ciri’s struggle to grow up, and in the subsequent books, the payoff for all this setup will absolutely be rewarded.

4. The Time of Contempt

Time of Contempt picks up where Blood of Elves left off. Ciri and Yennefer set off for the city of Gors Velen. Yennefer hopes to enroll Ciri in a magical academy there — but of course, even the best-laid plans can go awry. Between an incident involving a Wyvern, Ciri’s own rebellious escapades, and a long-overdue reunion with Geralt, there’s more than enough for Yennefer to keep track of as she attempts to protect the wayward princess.

But the book is also much larger than that. Here, the pace of the series jumpstarts, as all the major plot threads in the rest of the series ignite. This huge book is a wild ride, with everything from spies and betrayals, to seductive sorceresses and unicorns, to the very real danger of a war erupting. It’s a story about vulnerability and control, about humility, about chaos breaking out across the world. The pacing leaves you breathless, unable to escape the need to find out what happens next.

5. Baptism of Fire

This is the midpoint of the series, and Geralt is certainly in the thick of things by now. In Baptism of Fire, war continues to rage on, and all sides are growing increasingly determined. In the aftermath of events from the previous book, Geralt is recovering from injuries — but how can a protector protect if he’s unable to fight?

Geralt’s determination drives much of this book, as he rallies and gathers allies in an effort to reach Ciri before the rumors of her impending marriage can come true. It’s a complex, nuanced book that explores what it means to be a “monster.” It tears old bonds apart as Ciri takes a turn down a darker path, and it throws Yennefer against terrible odds as she’s imprisoned and struggling to reunite with her family. The slow tension draws you along, never once allowing you to let your guard down.

6. The Tower of Swallows

Ciri returns to center stage in The Tower of Swallows. Everyone is hunting her, but she’s retreated into an anonymous life of banditry and killing... until fate intervenes, and her life is changed once again.

Much of Ciri’s recent story is told in recalled flashback, similar to the framing story of The Last Wish . Some of what she experiences at the hands of a chilling new villain may be difficult to read, but they’re important to understand the depths of her torment and the lengths she will later go to for exacting revenge.

Meanwhile, Yennefer and Geralt deal with situations on their own: she’s seeking out old allies in her quest to find Ciri, and he ends up seduced by someone he probably shouldn’t have allowed himself to fall for. The pacing here returns to the slower setup of a few of the previous novels, building for the payoff of the final book. But it’s still thoroughly engrossing, as Ciri processes her recent past and learns what she’ll need to in order to strike out at those who’ve caused her pain.

7. The Lady of the Lake

All good things must come to an end. For many authors, it’s a struggle to figure out how to write an ending to such an epic fantasy series, but Sapkowski is more than up to the task.

The Lady of the Lake finds Ciri trapped on an elven world, alone and cut off from the people she loves. But where others may fall into desperation, Ciri faces her challenge with the determination we’ve grown to expect from the former princess. Meanwhile, Geralt and Yennefer continue in their adventures as they search for the young woman they’ve grown to see as a daughter. Readers will ache to see if the “family” will ever be reunited and get the happy ending they so richly deserve.

We’re not going to say more for risk of spoiling the many surprises this concluding book takes. What we will say is that it’s loaded with cleverly plotted twists and turns, and features appearances by pretty much every character that’s been introduced so far. This book is a thrilling wrap-up to a beloved series.

8. Season of Storms

Although Season of Storms was one of the last Witcher books to be published, it actually takes place after most of the stories in the first collection, but before the novels.

So why did we list it last? Simple: although the timeline is earlier, it ties directly into a major conflict that takes place in the previous five novels. Reading it beforehand will be less interesting without the context — and it spoils several moments from the other books.

For those who have read the rest of the series, however, this standalone prequel will be a welcome dip back into the world of The Witcher , as we follow Geralt on a quest to regain his lost signature weapons. A satisfying dessert to follow the incredibly rich meal that was the rest of the Witcher books.

9. Bonus: The comics adaptations!

Last, in addition to the Netflix series and video game franchise, The Witcher has also been adapted into graphic novels. A couple of times, in fact! And while the earlier series have not been translated to English, Dark Horse Comics started a Witcher series in 2014 based on the storyline from the video games.

Written by Paul Tobin, with art by Joe Querio, this comic series has covered four different story arcs so far. They’re currently available in a trade pub bind up (as well as a single-volume collection of the first three arcs), and make the perfect addition if you finish the books and find yourself wishing to spend just a little more time in the Witcher universe.

The Witcher Volume 1: House of Glass

The Witcher Volume 2: Fox Children

The Witcher Volume 3: Curse of Crows

The Witcher Library Edition Volume 1

The Witcher Volume 4: Of Flesh and Flame

And there you have it — everything you need to know to dive into the rich and engrossing world of the Witcher books. Pick them up today, and you’ll be ready to laud your spoilery knowledge over all your friends as they wait for season two to drop on Netflix.

Can’t get enough fantasy stories? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of the Best Fantasy Books of All Time , or find a new favorite with our guide to all the different Fantasy Subgenres .

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Upcoming The Witcher TV, Movies And More: What’s Coming Up For Fans Of The Books

Henry Cavill on The Witcher

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It seems it’s been an eternity since we last tossed a coin to Henry Cavill ’s Geralt of Rivia on Netflix’s The Witcher , but in no time at all we’ll be tossing all the coins as the fantasy series and numerous other projects based off the work of Andrezej Sapkowski’s iconic collection of books. Wi th a prequel series , The Witcher: Blood Origin , an animated movie, and more, our journey with the legendary witcher and his band of misfits is only beginning.

And yeah, it’s true that fans of The Witcher have been waiting for well over a year since we last caught up with Geralt, Crown Princess Ciri, and anyone else on the the Continent, but there has been plenty of progress behind the scenes with a lot coming down to pike. That being said, let’s take a look at all of the upcoming properties tied to The Witcher …

The Witcher Season 2

The Witcher Season 2 is slated to premiere on Netflix at some point in 2021 despite it still being in production well over a year after cameras starting rolling in February 2020. And while a lot of specifics about the season’s plot have yet to be revealed, it sounds like Geralt’s return will be bloody and epic in the premiere. And fans of the books will be happy to hear that Queen Meve will be showing up at one point or another, not to mention the excitement that came from those images released back in October 2020.

Before The Witcher even premiered on Netflix in December 2019, the streaming giant announced that the fantasy series had already been renewed for a second season, giving fans hope that the show would be more than just a one-and-done type situation. The show continued to gain momentum following the success of its first season and production quickly got underway in early 2020 with hopes of having Season 2 debut at some point in 2021, though an exact date was not announced. But this is where things get a little messy…

Not long after principal photography got underway in early 2020, The Witcher , like virtually every TV and film production, was forced to halt production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After nearly a half-year of waiting, the cast and crew resumed production on The Witcher Season 2 in August 2020, but they weren’t out of the woods yet. With additional lockdowns being put in place and the show’s star, Henry Cavill, injuring himself , The Witcher was met by even more delays as the year went on.

The Witcher: Blood Origin

In July 2020, Netflix announced its plans to further expand its fantasy franchise with the prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin . According to the streamer, this series will take place 1,200 years before the events of The Witcher and be set in a world of elves. This “story lost to time,” will show fans of the series the origin of the first Witcher as well as the events that transpired in the centuries leading up to the main show. This forgotten history of the first Witcher and exploration of the Elven civilization before it came crumbling down is something showrunner Declan de Barra said he was excited to tackle when the spinoff was first announced by Netflix .

Exactly when Declan de Barra will get to tell that story remains to be seen as no release date has been announced for The Witcher: Blood Origin , but Redanian Intelligence , a blog covering all things pertaining to The Witcher , reported that production could take place between May and December 2021. This could have the six-episode prequel series debut as early as spring 2022.

The Witcher: Nightmare Of The Wolf

In addition to all the live-action series coming out in The Witcher ’s universe, Netflix will also be releasing an anime film titled The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf . First announced back in January 2020 that a new Witcher story was in the works, one that would take viewers back to the Continent where a new threat was on the rise. The animated feature is being overseen by The Witcher ’s showrunner Lauren Schmidt and head writer Beau DeMayo, and is animated by Studio Mir, the famed animation house behind The Legend of Korra .

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf will center on the Witcher Vesemire and take place years before Geralt came into the picture and became the fierce warrior with an affinity for baths . And even though Nightmare of the Wolf is an animated feature, as opposed to a live-action series, it will be canon to The Witcher and feature similar elements taken from Andrzej Spakowski’s novels.

There is no word on when the The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf will be released, though there is already a Netflix page for the title listing its runtime at 81 minutes. Hopefully that means it's ready to go and will premiere at some point in 2021.

The Witcher — Volume 5: Fading Memories (Graphic Novel Collection)

It’s not just Netflix series and movies coming out for The Witcher franchise in the near future as the fifth volume in in Dark Horse Comics’ run of graphic novels is set to land in bookstores (and digital retailers) in summer 2021. The Witcher — Volume 5: Fading Memories will serve as a collection of four issues in the comic books series dating back to December 2018 from Bartosz Sztybor.

The latest collection from Dark Horse Comics The Witcher series is based on the video game series (more on that next) and is produced alongside CD Projekt Red, the game’s developer. This 104-page volume follows Geralt as he becomes wrapped up in the drama of a small town dealing with the kidnapping of young children by Foglets, magical beings who appeared in the expansive world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt . Fading Memories is currently slated to be released August 10, 2021.

Pre-order The Witcher — Volume 5: Fading Memories on Amazon here .

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Next-Gen Version (Video Game)

CD Projekt Red’s open-world fantasy video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was first released on PC and consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) on May 19, 2015, with various DLC packages and updates being released on those platforms as well as the Nintendo Switch in the years following. And now it appears Geralt will live to see another day (in 4k resolution) on next-gen (or current-gen depending on how you look at console generations) at some point in 2021.

Prior to the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles in November 2020, CD Projekt Red announced that the studio was working on a new version of The Witcher 3 , one that would take full advantage of the consoles’ advanced hardware capabilities. With a range of visual and technical improvements like ray tracing and improved load times, the new version of the game will also feature all expansions and bonus content that has been released over the years. Oh, and those who have already purchased The Witcher 3 on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will receive a free upgrade to the next-gen version upon its release.

Untitled Fourth Witcher Video Game

There has been talk of the successor to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ever since the game was released more than five years ago, with the game’s developer CD Projekt Red going on the record in 2016 saying that the most recent chapter in Geralt’s story would be his last. That didn’t do much to quell rumors and speculation as the topic has come up numerous times since then, even as the game studio turned its focus to the development and eventual 2020 release of Cyberpunk 2077 .

In a 2018 interview with Polish finance website Bankier.pl (via TechSpot ), CD Projekt Red CEO Adam Kicinski said the first three titles in the series made up a solid trilogy but that the franchise wasn’t necessarily going to end there, going on to call The Witcher one of the studio’s two franchises on which they would build their future. Kicinski would go on to make similar statements at a 2020 industry event (via Eurogamer.pl / GameRadar ) when he revealed that the studio had a “relatively clear concept” for the next entry in the series.

Upcoming The Witcher Books?

Andrzej Sapkowski hasn’t published a new book in The Witcher series since the 2013 release of the sidequel novel Season of the Storms , which wasn’t released until 14 years after The Witcher Saga concluded back in 1999. There have been English translations that have come out since then, but the Polish fantasy writer hasn’t produced any new stories involving everyone’s favorite Witcher or other characters from the franchise since.

Now, that isn’t to say there is a great deal of speculation surrounding Andrzej Sapkowski and his crowning achievement in the years since the final book’s release. In a February 2020 interview with Audible , the accomplished novelist was asked if he had plans to write another prequel novel at any point in the future to which he replied:

I never disclose my plans, sorry. Be patient.

Andrzej Sapkowski has previously told fans that he would never write a continuation of The Witcher Saga, but in a 2018 interview with Orbit Books , he said he was open to the idea of writing another book about Geralt, similar to the fashion seen with Season of the Storms .

Well, it certainly looks like The Witcher (the shows, movie, graphic novels, games, and books) isn't going anywhere any time soon. Which of these projects are you most excited to check out? Leave your response in the poll down below.

This poll is no longer available.

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Philip grew up in Louisiana (not New Orleans) before moving to St. Louis after graduating from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. When he's not writing about movies or television, Philip can be found being chased by his three kids, telling his dogs to stop barking at the mailman, or chatting about professional wrestling to his wife. Writing gigs with school newspapers, multiple daily newspapers, and other varied job experiences led him to this point where he actually gets to write about movies, shows, wrestling, and documentaries (which is a huge win in his eyes). If the stars properly align, he will talk about For Love Of The Game being the best baseball movie of all time.

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The Witcher books in order: how to read them start to finish

Here's how you can read The Witcher books in order so you're up to speed with Geralt's adventures.

Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer (on horseback) in The Witcher season 3

Looking to read The Witcher books in order and get ahead of the Netflix series now that The Witcher season 3 has landed?

Like many of the biggest fantasy sagas on TV right now, Netflix ’s Witcher franchise is based on a series of hugely popular novels. In this instance, the world of the Continent (and the people that inhabit it) was dreamt up by best-selling Polish author, Andrzej Sapkowski.  

Sapkowski's series has shifted more than 15 million copies and has only continued to grow in popularity thanks in part to the show and CD Projekt RED's incredibly successful video games. And with more seasons of the main series on the way (with a new lead actor in the frame) — plus more spin-offs like The Witcher: Blood Origin and Nightmare of the Wolf in the works, we'd bet the series will only get even bigger from here on out.

The books themselves started out life as a series of short stories published in a Polish fantasy magazine. The first set of stories was subsequently collected together and published in 1992, but English translations didn't start to arrive until 2007; Danusia Stok translated the first two, with David French taking over for every Witcher book thereafter.

If you've decided you want to read the Witcher books in order, you might think you can just pick them up in publication order... but that's not necessarily the best way to read the series. 

If you want to follow the story chronologically, you'll need to change your approach slightly, which is exactly why we put this guide together explaining how to read the Witcher books in order.

How to read the Witcher books in order

The order you need to read the Witcher books in order to best follow the main story is:

  • The Last Wish (English translation first published 2007) 
  • Sword of Destiny (English translation first published 2015) 
  • Season of Storms (English translation first published 2018) 
  • Blood of Elves (English translation first published 2009) 
  • Time of Contempt (English translation first published 2013) 
  • Baptism of Fire (English translation first published 2014) 
  • The Tower of the Swallow (English translation first published 2016) 
  • The Lady of the Lake (English translation first published 2017) 

If you're wondering why the above order doesn't follow the publication dates, allow us to give a little bit more detail about  the date they were first published, here's why.

The Last Wish collects several stories together that establish the rules of what it means to be a witcher, and give a sense of Geralt’s personality and detail what the Witcher gets up to whilst working and in his spare time. 

Sword of Destiny might have been published later, but you should read this second collection of short stories next purely because it’s where we first meet princess Ciri, a character who is vital to the overarching narrative of the entire saga. The first season of the show was based on these two collections.  

From there, if you want to experience every single Witcher story Sapkowksi has written, you should pick up Season of Storms, though you could skip this one if you're trying to power through the series as quickly as possible.

Whether you skip Season of Storms or not, things get easier after this third collection, as you can follow the five main novels — Blood of Elves , Time of Contempt , Baptism of Fire , The Tower of the Swallow , and The Lady of the Lake — in release order. And that's how you read the Witcher books in order.

You can purchase each Witcher book individually, but all eight books are often collected together into bundles, so you might save some money by picking the whole set up in one go. You can find eight-book bundles on Amazon US and on Amazon UK .

If you'd prefer to read The Witcher books digitally, you can pick up complete ebook collections at the Amazon Kindle store .

Do I need to read the Witcher graphic novels? 

If you've worked your way through eight books, three games, and one of the best Netflix originals to date, and you want to spend even more time in the Witcher universe , you could check out the graphic novels for even more Witcher tales. Comic book publisher Dark Horse has published a series of comics that details even more of Geralt’s exploits on the Continent.

It’s worth noting that the graphic novels are less connected to the story from the Witcher books as they share a continuity with the video games. Each story arc is available for purchase as individual issues or as collected volumes that can be purchased directly from Dark Horse.

If you want to check out the writing and art style of the comics before paying a penny, there's a sampler available on the Dark Horse comics site for free. 

New Witcher comics are still being produced, but the current list of stories as of our last update includes: 

  • The Witcher: House of Glass (2014) 
  • The Witcher: Fox Children (2015) 
  • The Witcher: Curse of Crows (2016-2017)
  • The Witcher: Of Flesh and Flame (2018-2019)  
  • The Witcher: Fading Memories (2020-2021) 
  • The Witcher: Witch’s Lament (2021) 
  • The Witcher: A Grain of Truth (2022)
  • The Witcher: Ronin [Manga] (2022)

There are also two "Library Editions", which are deluxe hardback collections which bundle multiple series together along with some bonuses like extra art. Volume 1 collects House of Glass, Fox Children, Curse of Crows and the Killing Monters one-shot, whilst Volume 2 collects Of Flesh and Flame, Fading Memories, Witch's Lament and the 2021 Free Comic Book Day story, The Witcher: Once Upon a Time in the Woods .

The World of the Witcher is also in the wild, but this compendium serves as a companion to the video games, rather than the books. It was produced by CD Projekt RED as a guided tour of their version of the Witcher saga and it offers insights on everything from weapons to locations and plot points — that does mean you should probably steer clear if you've not read the books just yet.

How faithful is the Netflix series to the Witcher books? 

Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich said that The Witcher show would be staying true to the books the series is based on, but — as with most adaptations — the show has deviated from the original saga in some big ways. 

Ahead of The Witcher season 3's release, reports claimed that the latest installment of the show was the closest to a one-to-one adaptation so far, with Hissrich telling Entertainment Weekly : "What is so interesting is that season 3, to me, is the closest thing that we've done as a one-to-one adaptation of the books. 

"Obviously, we can't do every page, but  Time of Contempt  gave us so many big action events, plot points, defining character moments, huge reveals of a big bad. There's so much to do that we were able to stick really, really closely with the books."

Nevertheless, there are still some big changes that have taken place compared to the books *spoiler warning for season 3!* For a start, the character of Prince Radovid has been changed in several ways, Vilgefortz's attempts to create a fake Ciri were not present in the books and the lavish Thanedd banquet and ball that capped off Volume 1 was originally organized as a sort of trap by Emhyr, but in the series, Yennefer throws the ball before the Conclave of the Mages.

To help you keep up with the latest goings-on in the series, Netflix maintains a dedicated Witcher website that compiles info about major events, characters, locations, and other relevant lore from their version of the Continent. 

Are the Witcher books complete?

Yes, but Sapkowski has made it clear he's got plans to produce some more. Most recently, he said "they are in the plans" at the Taipei International Book Exhibition earlier this year. 

However, a few years earlier, the author did state: "the story is complete, the saga has been concluded, so if by any chance I write something in The Witcher universe, and I sure have intention, it would probably be something like a prequel or a sidequel. Not a sequel". (Quotes via Redanian Intelligence ). 

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Martin Shore

Martin is a Staff Writer with WhatToWatch.com, where he produces a variety of articles focused on the latest and greatest films and TV shows. 

Some of his favorite shows are What We Do In The Shadows , Bridgerton , Gangs of London , The Witcher , Doctor Who , and Ghosts . When he’s not watching TV or at the movies, Martin’s probably still in front of a screen playing the latest video games, reading, or watching the NFL.

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How to Read ‘The Witcher’ Books in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date)

Toss a coin to your local bookstore.

When Netflix announced in 2017 that they would be making a live-action adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski ’s The Witcher saga, it became clear right away that the streaming giant wanted their own Game of Thrones . An epic, mature fantasy adventure series that takes place in a dark world with a complex mythology, the Polish novel series seemed to be exactly what Netflix was looking for, with the high viewership of the show’s first two seasons proving them right.

With a third season on the way, some fans may want to further immerse themselves in the world of The Witcher by delving into the novels that started it all. Whether you want to see how Geralt and Ciri’s story differs from the show or want to be prepared for what’s to come in future seasons, the books are a great place for fans both new and old to expand their knowledge of the franchise.

Now the only question is, what is the best order to read The Witcher books? Well, see below to find out how to read the books in order of release or in chronological order.

Henry Cavill in The Witcher

Related: 'The Witcher': Was That Really Geralt's Mother or Just a Fever Dream? Here's Frida Gustavsson's Take

The Witcher Books in Order of Release Date

Note: Publication dates are of the original Polish language releases.

Sword of Destiny - 1992

The Last Wish - 1993

Blood of Elves - 1994

Time of Contempt - 1995

Baptism of Fire - 1996

The Tower of the Swallow - 1997

The Lady of the Lake - 1999

Season of Storms - 2013

The Witcher Books in Chronological Order

Henry Cavill as Geralt and Joey Batey as Jaskier in The Witcher

So now you have a roadmap to read each and every book in the series in the order in which they were introduced. However, the first two books in particular are structured in an anthological collection of short stories, and the timeline can get a bit jumbled with regard to what takes place when.

Those who would rather read everything as close to the chronological order as possible simply need to refer to the listing below:

The Last Wish (1993)

Though it's the second book to be released in the series, The Last Wish features events that come earliest in The Witcher timeline. It also ultimately functions as a much more accessible entry point into the series, with its introductions to the major characters of Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Dandelion (known as Jaskier to fans of the show). Rather than be a straightforward linear storyline, The Last Wish takes a more anthological approach with a series of seven short stories that tease a wider narrative. Fans will also probably recognize the title as being in reference to a critical point in the relationship between Geralt and Yennefer that will intertwine their fates for the rest of the series.

Season of Storms (2013)

Season of Storms is the most recent and most unusual entry in Geralt's story. Not only is it a standalone spinoff that doesn't relate to the wider storyline, but it's also a bit difficult to tell where exactly this takes place in the timeline. The general consensus seems to agree that it takes place sometime during or after the events of The Last Wish , but again, because it's an independent entry, its position in the timeline isn't super important. While not the most popular novel, it's still interesting to see Geralt in a situation where he doesn't have his monster-slaying weapons and has to use his wit and skill to succeed.

the-witcher-season-2-episode-8-geralt-social-featured

Related: 'The Witcher' Season 3 Adds Robbie Amell, Hugh Skinner, Meng'er Zhang, and Christelle Elwin

Sword of Destiny (1992)

The first book to be published in the series, Sword of Destiny , similar to The Last Wish is a collection of short stories following the many adventures of mutated monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia. It continues to chronicle Geralt's adventures but also introduces the character of Ciri, a young princess who is arguably the most important character in the entire saga. The concluding story of the novel perfectly sets the stage for the remaining saga to come.

Blood of Elves (1994)

Now is the point where things really start to get rolling in the story of Geralt and Ciri. A more traditional novel with one overarching story, Blood of Elves sees Geralt and Yennefer squabble over the training of young Ciri, whose awesome powers are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. It's a bit of a slower-paced tale that does take some getting used to after the breakneck pace set up by the shorter stories in The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny , but it still does a great job setting the stage for an epic saga.

Time of Contempt (1995)

The adventures of our protagonists continue right where Blood of Elves left off, with the tides of war between neighboring kingdoms and non-human races like elves and dwarves rising to a boiling point. While the previous story focused more on where Ciri's story was going to go , Time of Contempt gives more of a glimpse into the impact that the current political climate is having on the larger world. It plants the seeds for a difficult moral quandary for the main characters, with them having to decide whether it's better to pick a side or remain neutral.

the-witcher-season-2-ciri-snow-social-featured

Related: ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Reveals First Image of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri as Filming Begins

Baptism of Fire (1996)

Much like Blood of Elves , Baptism of Fire spends a good portion of its time setting up adventures to come. While this method of writing may be tedious to some, the halfway point for the main saga introduces some of the most unique and interesting characters so far, which is saying something given the already complex people that have already been introduced. Geralt this time around is once again seeking Ciri after the chaotic events in the previous story, now with a ragtag group of companions to accompany him.

The Tower of the Swallow (1997)

The penultimate chapter of Geralt's quest to protect Ciri sees the world around him in the middle of an all-out war. While Geralt's fellowship is out searching for her, Ciri has adapted to her new life as a bandit, with a taste for violence and bloodlust clinging to her like a malignant parasite. Seemingly not realizing how important both she and her abilities are to the rest of the world, Geralt may be Ciri's only hope to help her find her true destiny .

The Lady of the Lake (1999)

The Witcher saga finally reaches its conclusion in The Lady of the Lake , where the fates of practically every major character are ultimately revealed. With war tearing the world apart, with evil leaders and sinister sorcerers at every turn, Geralt and Ciri now face the outcomes of every decision they ever made, leading to a finale that's sure to make fans who were along the ride for this epic journey satisfied.

Related: How 'The Witcher's Daring Character Choice Changes the Show's Future

Geralt's Story Continues in the Video Games

witcher-3-video-game-social

When CD Projekt Red acquired the rights to begin a video game series based on The Witcher , they opted to do something a bit different by making the games a continuation rather than a direct adaptation. All three of the main games and the two spinoff games are available on Steam, and while the older entries are admittedly a bit dated, the stories are still so gripping that they're worth playing. Plus, decisions made by players in one of the three main games will carry over to the next game in the series, giving hardcore fans who have read the books an amazing opportunity to role-play as Geralt and try to make decisions he would make. Every game in the series can be found below.

The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut (2008)

The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings Enhanced Edition (2012)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)*

Spinoff Games

Thornbreaker: The Witcher Tales (2018)

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game (2020)

*Recommended version is the 2016 Game of the Year Edition as it includes all the DLCs for just ten dollars more.

Netflix Adaptations of The Witcher

the-witcher-season-2-henry-cavill-sword-backside-social-featured

The Netflix series starring Henry Cavill has seen some tremendous success, with The Witcher serving as a much more direct adaptation of the books. In addition to the main show, Netflix has big plans to expand the IP even further, with an animated spinoff following Geralt's mentor Vesemir titled The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf currently available.

If that wasn't enough, there is also a live-action prequel series starring Michelle Yeoh titled The Witcher: Blood Origin , which is scheduled to premiere sometime this year. Lastly, those who search for The Witcher on Netflix will find some educational lore-centric videos, including the two-part The Witcher Beastiary .

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The witcher hardcover editions.

The wait is over. The entire Witcher series will be released in hardcover this fall from Orbit in the US. UK editions will follow in early 2023 from Gollancz . Behold the stunning covers on each of the books below!

The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny

The hardcover editions of The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny feature full-page interior illustrations for each story!

Order The Last Wish Illustrated Edition ( US  |  UK )

Preorder Sword of Destiny Hardcover Illustrated Edition ( US  |  UK )

new witcher book 2021

Preorder Blood of Elves Hardcover (US)

Preorder Blood of Elves Hardcover (UK)

Time of Contempt

Preorder The Time of Contempt Hardcover (US)

Preorder The Time of Contempt Hardcover (UK)

Baptism of Fire Hardcover

Preorder Baptism of Fire (US) 

Preorder Baptism of Fire (UK) 

Tower of Swallows

Preorder the Tower of Swallows (US)

Preorder the Tower of Swallows (UK)

Lady of The Lake

Preorder The Lady of the Lake (US)

Preorder The Lady of the Lake (UK)

Season of Storms

Preorder Season of Storms (US)

Preorder Season of Storms (UK)

The Witcher Books Reading Order

Here’s how to read the witcher books that netflix's henry cavill series is based on..

Now that Netflix’s The Witcher has arrived, this wild world of wonder and weirdness is being introduced to a whole new audience. However, executive producer and showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich’s adaptation of this beloved fantasy world isn’t tied to the massively successful Witcher game franchise developed by CD Projekt Red and which established its significance in the zeitgeist. Instead, the Netflix show is based on the books by author Andrzej Sapkowski. And maybe, just maybe, fans of the show are interested in giving the books a try as well now. Well, let us help you with that!

The Witcher Books In Order

  • The Last Wish
  • Sword of Destiny

Blood of Elves

The time of contempt, baptism of fire, the tower of swallows, the lady of the lake, season of storms, the last wish / sword of destiny.

  • See The Last Wish on Amazon
  • See Sword of Destiny on Amazon

Once you’ve read The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny, you’re ready to move on to the saga. This is comprised of five novels, all of which tell the stories of Geralt, Ciri, Yennefer, Triss, Dandelion, and others. They also introduce a range of characters that don’t appear in CD Projekt Red’s adaptations, most of whom are great.

  • See Blood of Elves on Amazon

The first book in the saga, Blood of Elves, takes place after the short story collections The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. It introduces Nilfgaardian Emperor Emhyr var Emreis’ pursuit of Ciri, Geralt’s adopted daughter, in order to marry her and attain power over Cintra, the land that is hers by birthright. In an effort to thwart Emhyr’s plans, the Northern monarchs meet and decide to assassinate Ciri, but Geralt of Rivia watches over her in Kaer Morhen, the remote keep inhabited by Wolf School witchers. Meanwhile, a mysterious sorcerer is also trying to locate Ciri.

  • See The Time of Contempt on Amazon

The Time of Contempt picks up where the previous novel finishes. The Northern Kings are still conspiring with one another in an effort to lure Nilfgaard into war, while Ciri is due to be enrolled at Aretuza in order to study magic. Ciri comes into contact with some of the most powerful sorceresses on The Continent. As war becomes inevitable, she finds herself on the run with a bandit group known simply as The Rats.

  • See Baptism of Fire on Amazon

Geralt spends time in Brokilon forest recovering from events in the previous book, which is where he and Dandelion encounter an elven archer named Milva, who decides to join their group. People who have played the games will be glad to know that the dwarf Zoltan Chivay temporarily joins Geralt’s ragtag group too, as well as the vampire Regis. A Nilfgaardian knight named Cahir also tags along because he feels indebted to Ciri. Geralt officially receives his “of Rivia” title after an epic battle while Ciri begins to feel at home with The Rats.

  • See The Tower of Swallows on Amazon

Ciri is gravely injured after an encounter with Nilfgaardian bounty hunter Leo Bonhart, who was hired by the coroner Stefan Skellen to kill her. A kind old man nurses her back to health while Geralt’s party continues their search for Ciri and Geralt renounces his status as a witcher. The Lodge of Sorceresses attempt to gain control of a country called Kovir while Triss Merigold seeks information on Yennefer of Vengerberg. (Known as The Tower of Swallows in the U.S.)

  • See The Lady of the Lake on Amazon

Ciri encounters Arthurian knight Sir Galahad who believes she is the eponymous lady of the lake. The story cuts to a dream in which Geralt overhears Skellen and sets out to rescue Yennefer from a faraway castle. Ciri, meanwhile, tells Galahad about her time in the elven world of Aen Elle, home of the Wild Hunt. She begins to jump between worlds in order to escape them, but Eredin Breacc Glas persistently chases her, as she heads towards a final meeting with her surrogate parents Geralt and Yennefer.

  • See Season of Storms on Amazon

Those are the eight books in The Witcher series — in English, at least. There are two anthologies consisting of Witcher stories penned by guest authors in Sapkowski’s world that were published in 2013 and 2017, but they’re in Polish. If you can read them, go ahead, but they aren’t considered canon and likely won’t have anything to do with Netflix’s show or the games.

However, this collection is also in Polish. You can check out a fan translation of the “Something Ends, Something Begins” story that’s apparently pretty accurate here, but “The Road to No Return” is a little harder to find. Also, it’s important to recognize that “Something Ends, Something Begins,” like the anthologies by the guest authors, isn’t considered canon, so it’s not indicative of any plot direction in the series at large. The rest of the stories in Something Ends, Something Begins have nothing to do with The Witcher series.

With all of that said, you should also check out The Witcher games if you haven’t yet. The series may not have anything to do with them, but some of the characters you meet also exist in the books, so the games could indirectly serve as a primer for encountering or hearing about some of those in the show. They’re also fantastic, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, holding up remarkably well — even by 2019’s standards. Henry Cavill, who portrays Geralt in Netflix's series, told IGN even he has played through The Witcher 3 multiple times.

new witcher book 2021

The Witcher

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MovieWeb

10 Best Fantasy TV Shows That Are Based on Books

A s long as compelling narratives exist in literature, filmmakers will keep adapted them to the screen, big and small. 2024 already has an exciting lineup of book-to-movie and TV adaptations , which is another clear sign that the trend is here to stay. Between revered classics like Lisa Frankenstein , comic gems like Madame Web , and modern reads like Fool Me Once , there’s so much to look forward to for bookworms and movie buffs alike. This list, in particular, looks back at some of the best fantasy TV shows born out of books.

It’s a popular trend for filmmakers to find rich source materials with huge fan bases and turn them into fascinating TV shows. No longer confined to only readers’ imaginations, fantasy shows such as Game of Thrones , The Witcher , and The Rings of Power have become widespread fan favorites. From epic sagas to enchanting quests, these 10 shows have seamlessly brought fantasy books to life, captivating viewers with their visual splendor, imaginary worlds, and narrative depth.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game of thrones.

Release Date December 10, 2010

Cast Gwendoline Christie, Maisie Williams, Conleth Hill, Rory McCann, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Liam Cunningham, John Bradley, Isaac Hempstead-Wright

Main Genre Adventure

Genres Drama, Adventure, Fantasy

Celebrated as one of the greatest TV shows ever made, despite its divisive last season, Game of Thrones builds upon The Song of Ice and Fire book series crafted by George R.R. Martin. Published in 1996, Game of Thrones ’ source material received the 1997 Locus Award, among many others, for its exceptional quality, cultivating a dedicated fan base eager to see its 2011 HBO adaptation. Upon arrival on TV, it captivated not only long-time fans of the books, but also lovers of well-written shows.

Westeros' Wondrous World

Just as awesome as the book, and packed with complex characters and fantastical elements, Game of Thrones faithfully adheres to its source material, especially since the author was part of the production. Backed by a large budget, creators David Benioff and Dan Weiss — and, of course, the impeccable cast and crew — captured not only the book’s wondrous world, but brought the complex characters to vivid life. Stream on Max

The Wheel of Time (2021-Present)

The wheel of time.

Release Date 2021-00-00

Cast Daniel Henney, Barney Harris, Sophie Okonedo, Rosamund Pike, Peter Franzen, Michael McElhatton

Main Genre Fantasy

Genres Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Comprising 14 volumes, The Wheel of Time is a high-fantasy book series featuring magic, prophecies, and a richly developed world with diverse cultures and societies, where the fight between good and evil unfolds. The first season of the TV series premiered on Prime Video in November 2021, bringing to life Robert Jordan’s words (his literary series was later completed by Brandon Sanderson).

A Satisfying and Incredible Adaptation

The team behind Prime Video's adaptation of The Wheel of Time invested time in translating the heart and soul of Jordan’s fantasy books into a very satisfying experience, ensuring a balance between familiarity to readers and openness to newcomers. Though there are some changes to certain characters’ backstories, they do not detract from the overarching plot. Rosamund Pike shines in every scene as Moiraine Damodred, and the cast of young actors delivers commendable performances. We expect the upcoming third season will maintain the show’s brilliance thus far. Stream on Prime Video

His Dark Materials (2019-2022)

His dark materials.

Release Date 2019-00-00

Cast Ruta Gedmintas, Will Keen, Ruth Wilson

Produced by the BBC and HBO, His Dark Materials is an amazing fantasy show derived from Paul Pullman’s best-selling young adult series of the same name. Set in a multiverse, the narrative follows the adventures of a young girl named Lyra Belacqua. Throughout its four-season run, the series received acclaim for its elaborate world-building, well-drawn characters, and treatment of profound themes.

An Expansive High-Fantasy Series

Praised for being an accurate representation of its source material — and superior to the 2007 movie adaptation of The Golden Compass — this series is anything but predictable. Unlike The Golden Compass, His Dark Materials embraces darkness and fearlessly addresses difficult issues of morality, prophecy, mythology, death, and duty. It also goes deeper into character relationships and their backgrounds. With its impressive set, incredible cast, excellent music, well-written plot and intricate world-building, it is quite clear its high budget was effectively utilized. Stream on Max

Related: 10 Underrated Fantasy TV Series That Deserve More Love

The Sandman (2022-Present)

The sandman.

Release Date August 5, 2022

Creator Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, Allan Heinberg

Cast Gwendoline Christie, Patton Oswalt, Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, David Thewlis, Charles Dance

Read Our Season 1 Review

Over the past 30 years, since Neil Gaiman’s Sandman comic book series was launched between 1989 and 1996, several attempts to adapt it to the big screen have failed. But in 2022, Netflix stepped in and transformed this beloved comic book into a more cohesive 10-part series that chronicles the story of Dream.

Spellbinding and Intriguing

With Gaiman serving as part of the production team, The Sandman certainly feels like being immersed in the spellbinding world of the eponymous graphic novels. Having the original creator in the project helped to ensure a faithful adaptation. Additionally, from Paul Sturridge to the rest of the ensemble, each actor perfectly embodies the essence of the characters’ personalities. Fans of both books and shows will be delighted to know that a second season is in development . Stream on Netflix

Good Omens (2019-Present)

Cast David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Michael McKean, Frances McDormand

Main Genre Comedy

Derived from the 1990 fantasy novel of the same name, written by Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens sees Gaiman as the showrunner. It tells the unique story of the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley, who join forces to prevent the end of the world.

A Clever, Unique, and Faithful Adaptation

With numerous positive reviews heaped on this show, it is quite obvious Good Omens is indeed a standout in the fantasy genre. The concept of angels and demons teaming up to prevent an apocalypse presents a unique and intriguing narrative. The sharp dialogue that perfectly captures the humor in the source material also contributes to its well-deserved acclaim.

Ultimately, what makes Good Omens great is its blend of sharp humor, strong characterization, and unique storytelling, resulting in a faithful adaptation that resonates with both devoted fans of the source material and new audiences. Stream on Prime Video

Shadowhunters (2016-2019)

Shadowhunters.

Release Date August 1, 2016

Cast Isaiah Mustafa, Katherine McNamara

Main Genre Sci-Fi

Shadowhunters marks the first TV series adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s urban fantasy novel series, but it isn’t the first book-to-screen adaptation. Cassandra’s The Mortal Instruments was first made into a feature film that starred Lily Collins as Clary Flay. Like the movie, the show followed the story of Clary Flay, a human-angel who discovers she is a Shadowhunter.

A Fresh Journey Worth Exploring

Shadowhunters isn’t entirely a faithful adaptation, as it takes liberties by expanding the source materials and diverging from the original plot, providing its own take on the world created by author Clare. Notwithstanding this difference, the show is highly intriguing and will have many hooked from the very beginning to the end. With its special effects, acting, and writing improving with each season, this proves to be a new Shadow World worth exploring. Stream on Hulu

The Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017)

The shannara chronicles.

Release Date January 5, 2016

Cast Austin Robert Butler, Malese Jow, Manu Bennett, Ivana Baquero

The Shannara Chronicles is based on the novel trilogy by Terry Brooks. Primarily based on the second book in the original Shanara book series, this TV show unfolds in a post-apocalyptic future threatened by the return of demons. The heroes, Wil, Eretria, and Amberle, must join forces to prevent this.

An Overall Fun Fantasy Show

Though not reaching the epic heights of Game of Thrones , both the show and books offer enjoyable entertainment. The plot may veer into the absurd at times, but viewers will be drawn to the endearing characters. Fans of the books who embrace the divergences between the book and the show will certainly discover a fresh perspective on the Shannara World, while new audiences will find it a fascinating entry into this fantastical realm. Stream on Tubi

The Witcher (2019-Present)

The witcher.

Release Date December 20, 2019

Cast Eamon Farren, Mimi Ndiweni, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Liam Hemsworth, Henry Cavill

Main Genre Drama

Read Our Review of Season 3, Volume 1

Created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, The Witcher , adapted from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski's eponymous books, primarily revolves around the monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavil). Celebrated for its masterful storytelling, visually stunning fight scenes, and perfectly developed characters, The Witcher is a fan-favorite Netflix adaptation.

A Fantasy Wonderland

A treat for fantasy enthusiasts, The Witcher unveils a world teeming with sorcery, demons, various kinds of creatures, and a well-crafted world of complex political intrigue. With all of these elements, the Continent certainly feels alive and expansive, like a fantasy wonderland, which contributes to the overall immersive experience. Despite some differences from the book source, the show certainly captures the essence of Sapkowski’s fantasy universe. The Witcher may take some time to accclimate to, but as the series evolves into a captivating journey, it becomes quite addictive . Stream on Netflix

The Magicians (2015-2020)

The magicians.

Release Date 2016-01-00

Cast Summer Bishil, Stella Maeve, Hale Appleman, Arjun Gupta

Genres Drama, Horror, Fantasy

If you love magical books or TV shows, or by chance believe in the existence of magic, then The Magicians is tailor-made for you. Adapted from Lev Grossman’s beloved Magicians trilogy, this show brings to life a delightful realm with endearing characters, rivaling its source material. Premiering on Syfy in 2015, it follows Quentin Coldwater, a high school student who discovers that the magical world he reads about in books actually exists.

Immersive and Exceptional

Drawing inspiration from other great fantasy movies like Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia , The Magicians immediately caters to those who cherish these classics. Rather than just focusing on a single character like the book does, however, the show unfolds from the perspectives of other core characters, like Alice, Penny, Margo, Elliot, and others. This multifaceted approach elevates the show to a more profound and exceptional binge-worthy fantasy. Stream on Netflix

Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)

Shadow and bone.

Cast Ben Barnes

Genres Sci-Fi

Shadow and Bone is a fantasy TV series that blew minds when it premiered on Netflix in April 2021. It is based on the Grishaverse novels by author Leigh Bardugo, specifically the Shadow and Bone trilogy, which includes the books: Shadows and Bone , Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Raising . Set in the war-torn world of Ravka, it follows Alina, who discovers the key to reuniting her country.

Compelling Mix of Magic, Romance, and Adventure

Shadow and Bone has generally been well-received by both fans of the Grishaverse novels and the newcomers to this world created by Bardugo. It received positive reviews for its compelling mix of magic, romance, adventure, and political intrigue. Other great aspects include: phenomenal character development, a diverse cast, an engaging storyline, and a visually stunning world. However, being loved didn’t save it from getting canceled after just two seasons on Netflix. That being said, its cancellation had nothing to do with its quality, as it is a fantastic adaptation of Bardugo's novels. Stream on Netflix

10 Best Fantasy TV Shows That Are Based on Books

IMAGES

  1. The Witcher

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  2. The Witcher (2021)

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  3. Cover Launch: THE LAST WISH

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  4. The Witcher Books in Order: Chronological Reading Guide ( 2024)

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  5. The Witcher: Witch's Lament (2021-) Chapter 3

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  6. The Witcher: Witch's Lament (2021-) by

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VIDEO

  1. The Witcher Season 3 Review

  2. The Witcher Is NEVER Going To Be The Same AGAIN.. Here's Why

  3. The one thing in Witcher 3 that makes no sense

  4. Witcher. Netflix Characters Comparison vs Books

  5. A NEW WITCHER BOOK ~ let's discuss

  6. THE WITCHER: BLOOD ORIGIN MALAYALAM REVIEW

COMMENTS

  1. Orbit to Publish Deluxe Edition of Witcher Novel

    Set to be published in December 2021, the deluxe edition will be a hardcover featuring seven illustrations from seven different award-winning artists. It will be published by Gollancz in the UK. The cover was revealed today by Netflix as part of WitcherCon, a virtual celebration of the series.

  2. ILLUSTRATED EDITION by Andrzej Sapkowski

    July 14, 2021 Fantastic news for the Witcher fans out there! This December, you'll get to experience The Last Wish —the story collection that started it all—in a new form: a deluxe hardcover edition featuring seven stunning illustrations by seven award-winning artists.

  3. The Last Wish: Illustrated Edition (The Witcher, 1)

    Andrzej Sapkowski's The Last Wish introduced the world to the iconic monster hunter Geralt of Rivia; his beloved ward and the prophesied savior of the world, Ciri; and his ally and true love, the powerful sorceress Yennefer—and they took the world by storm. Now, experience the world of the Witcher like never before with this stunning deluxe hardcover edition of the story collection that ...

  4. Next Witcher Book a Standalone Story Focused on Geralt, Author ...

    By Ryan Dinsdale Updated: Nov 27, 2023 3:35 pm Posted: Nov 27, 2023 3:31 pm Andrzej Sapkowski's next The Witcher book will be a standalone novel based on Geralt of Rivia, the author has...

  5. The Witcher is getting a new book in the series

    Most Read Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski is working on a new novel in the series that he expects to finish sometime this year, but it won't be a sequel.

  6. How to Read The Witcher Books in Order

    The Witcher Books In Order. The books covered in this Witcher Books Order article are (a.k.a. the TL;DR version): The Last Wish. Sword of Destiny. Blood of Elves. The Time of Contempt. Baptism of ...

  7. The Witcher books in order (and where to buy them)

    Blood of Elves - BUY IT HERE. Time of Contempt - BUY IT HERE. Baptism of Fire - BUY IT HERE. The Tower of the Swallow - BUY IT HERE. The Lady of the Lake - BUY IT HERE. Season of Storms ...

  8. Andrzej Sapkowski's New Witcher Book Gets Release Window

    Updated: Nov 21, 2023 4:20 am Posted: Nov 21, 2023 4:12 am The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski has given fans a release window for the highly anticipated next book in the series, alongside a...

  9. The First Witcher Book Is Getting A Cool New Edition Around ...

    By Michael Rougeau on July 9, 2021 at 11:43AM PDT Comments Fans know The Witcher now as a globally popular franchise of video games and a Netflix show starring Henry Cavill, but it began as a...

  10. How to Read the Witcher Books in Order (2023 Update)

    1. The Last Wish Buy on Amazon Add to library While it may be tempting to jump straight into the novels, you should really start here. This short story collection contains the roots of the Witcher books, and will provide you with background information and character details that will be important once you get into the full-length books.

  11. The Witcher

    The Witcher ( Polish: Wiedźmin, pronounced [ˈvjɛd͡ʑmin]) is a series of six fantasy novels and 15 short stories written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The series revolves around the eponymous "witcher", Geralt of Rivia. "Witchers" are monster hunters given superhuman abilities for the purpose of killing dangerous creatures.

  12. Upcoming The Witcher TV, Movies And More: What's Coming ...

    The Witcher Season 2 is slated to premiere on Netflix at some point in 2021 despite it still being in production well over a year after cameras starting rolling in February 2020. And while a...

  13. The Witcher Book Series

    Find all the books from the New York Times bestselling series, The Witcher, at Barnes & Noble. Enter the fantasy world of The Witcher books by reading them in order or pick up The Witcher Boxed Set to have the entire fantasy saga at your disposal. Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher fantasy fiction novels have been translated into over 37 languages and made into a Netflix series, comic books, and a ...

  14. The Witcher books in order: how to read them start to finish

    New Witcher comics are still being produced, but the current list of stories as of our last update includes: The Witcher: House of Glass ... whilst Volume 2 collects Of Flesh and Flame, Fading Memories, Witch's Lament and the 2021 Free Comic Book Day story, The Witcher: Once Upon a Time in the Woods. The World of the Witcher is also in the wild ...

  15. The Witcher Books in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date)

    The Witcher Books in Order of Release Date. Note: Publication dates are of the original Polish language releases. Sword of Destiny - 1992. The Last Wish - 1993. Blood of Elves - 1994. Time of ...

  16. The Witcher Hardcover Editions

    The wait is over. The entire Witcher series will be released in hardcover this fall from Orbit in the US. UK editions will follow in early 2023 from Gollancz. Behold the stunning covers on each of the books below! The Last Wish, illustration by Tommy Arnold. Sword of Destiny, illustration by Martina Fačková

  17. The Witcher Books Reading Order

    Sword of Destiny. Blood of Elves. The Time of Contempt. Baptism of Fire. The Tower of Swallows. The Lady of the Lake. Season of Storms. However, Geralt of Rivia didn't make an appearance in the world of the Witcher until the publication of Sapkowski's 1990 short story collection, also called Wiedzmín. This text is out of print now, so it ...

  18. A New 'Witcher' Book Is Finally Coming Out, And It's ...

    Aug 4, 2023,01:26pm EDT Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The Witcher Credit: Netflix Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski has confirmed a new novel in his fantasy series of...

  19. New Witcher Book Coming in 2021- Solid Game Review

    New Witcher Book Coming in 2021 Andrzej Sapkowski, the creator of The Witcher franchise, has confirmed that a new Witcher book will be published within a year. This will be the first book in the series in more than ten years, and the timing couldn't be better as the franchise is more popular than ever.

  20. 10 Best Fantasy TV Shows That Are Based on Books

    From Game of Thrones to The Witcher, these fantasy shows bring beloved fantasy books to life on the small screen. ... The first season of the TV series premiered on Prime Video in November 2021 ...

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    The Moscow International Business Center (MIBC), also known as Moscow-City, is an under-construction commercial development in Moscow, the capital of Russia.The project occupies an area of 60 hectares, and is located just east of the Third Ring Road at the western edge of the Presnensky District in the Central Administrative Okrug.Construction of the MIBC takes place on the Presnenskaya ...

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    For one reason or another, Sony ended up removing Lucid from the Twisted Metal project and then passed it off to Firesprite, which Sony acquired in 2021. After having worked on this new Twisted ...

  23. History of Moscow

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  24. No Plans for New Year's Eve in Moscow? No Problem!

    The five dance floors will be covered by top DJs: Hector Oaks, Rhadoo, Petre Inspiresсu, Raresh (A:rpia:r), Mick Wills, Etienne, Vlada, Nikita Zabelin and others. Entrance: 3,000 rubles ($40 ...

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    New Moscow (orange shading) corresponds to today's Novomoskovsky Administrative Okrug, Troitsky Administrative Okrug, and outer parts of the Western Administrative Okrug. New Moscow ( Russian: Новая Москва, romanized : Novaya Moskva) [1] or Greater Moscow are territories that were transferred to the Russian capital Moscow in 2012 in ...