The Witcher Returns: Sapkowski’s New Book Explores a Teenage Geralt

After more than a decade since Season of Storms, Andrzej Sapkowski is returning to the world of The Witcher with a brand-new book. Polish fans will soon dive into the latest adventure, Rozdroże Kruków (roughly translated as Raven’s Crossroads or Crossing of the Ravens). 

Sapkowski finished the book in August, and the first chapter is already featured in the latest issue of Nowa Fantastyka. The full book is set to release on December 1 in Poland, while international readers will have to wait a little longer for translated editions.

This long-awaited addition to the Witcher saga takes us back to Geralt’s early years, focusing on an 18-to-20-year-old version of the White Wolf just beginning his journey. 

Armed with two runic swords, young Geralt faces deadly monsters, saves damsels in distress, and helps star-crossed lovers—all while trying to uphold the code taught by his mentors.

However, his youthful idealism often collides with harsh reality, as Sapkowski promises a tale of growth, challenges, and disappointment.

Given the timeline, fans shouldn’t expect appearances from most of Geralt’s usual companions. Instead, the story will likely spotlight Vesemir, fellow witchers, and perhaps a younger Nenneke. This prequel era opens up the possibility for more books set decades before the first short stories, offering a fresh perspective on Geralt’s formative years.

Note: If you’re curious, you can read an English translation of the first chapter of the new book here.

Sapkowski, once adamant about not writing prequels or sequels, has evidently shifted gears, much to fans’ delight. As the Witcher saga continues to evolve, so does its protagonist, showing us a side of Geralt we’ve never seen before.

With the first chapter available now and the full release just around the corner, the journey into Geralt’s teenage years is about to begin. Will this youthful version of The Witcher resonate with longtime fans? Only time will tell.

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