Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski, translated by Danusia Stok, is celebrated for its rich world-building and complex characters, especially the compelling protagonist Geralt. Critics praise its mix of action, political intrigue, and dark fantasy. However, some note a slower pace and dense narrative. Overall, a captivating entry in the Witcher series.

Fans of epic fantasy who relish complex characters and intricate plots akin to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings or George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire will find Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski, translated by Danusia Stok, a gripping read. Ideal for those who enjoy mature themes and morally gray heroes.

In Andrzej Sapkowski's Blood of Elves, Princess Ciri escapes the massacre of Cintra and is taken in by Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who once claimed her life through the "Law of Surprise." Geralt trains her at Kaer Morhen with other witchers, and they are later joined by the sorceress Triss Merigold. Meanwhile, growing political tensions and racial strife threaten the world, and various factions seek Ciri's life and destiny. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, family, and racial tensions within a medieval-inspired fantasy setting with magic and warfare. The story includes references to torture, wartime violence, and genocide/ethnic cleansing.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Dark / Fantastical / Contemplative

- Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski is the first full-length novel in the Witcher series, which was initially a collection of short stories.
- The Witcher series, including Blood of Elves, gained widespread international recognition in part due to the popular video game adaptations.
- Translator Danusia Stok was the first to bring Sapkowski's work to English-speaking audiences, with Blood of Elves being her second translation in the series following The Last Wish.

**Princess Cirilla “Ciri” of Cintra**  
Ciri is a young princess and the sole heir of Cintra, known for her innate magical abilities. She forms strong bonds with key characters and struggles to find her identity after the loss of her family and home.

**Geralt of Rivia**  
Geralt is a witcher, a professional monster hunter with supernatural abilities, who becomes a father figure to Ciri. His destiny is intertwined with Ciri’s through a mystical bond known as the Law of Surprise.

**Yennefer of Vengerberg**  
Yennefer is a powerful and independent sorceress with strong ties to key characters, especially Ciri, whom she mentors. She has a complicated relationship with Geralt, marked by deep mutual feelings.

**Triss Merigold**  
Triss is a mage who serves on King Foltest’s court and cares for Ciri like an older sister during her stay at Kaer Morhen. She is haunted by her experiences at the Battle of Sodden Hill.

**Dandelion**  
Also known as Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount de Lettenhove, Dandelion is a bard famous for his ballads recounting Geralt's exploits. His storytelling skills and observations often put him and others in danger.

**Rience**  
Rience is a dangerous mage who uses his powers to pursue Ciri and other key characters for his mysterious employer. Known for his ruthless behavior, he becomes a significant threat throughout the story.

**Yarpen Zigrin**  
Yarpen is a dwarf and former adventurer who leads a caravan through hostile territory. He shares a complex history with Geralt and embodies principles that highlight racial tensions in the world.

**Mother Nenneke**  
Nenneke is the stern yet caring high priestess at the Temple of Melitele, where she provides shelter and wisdom to Geralt and Ciri. She plays a key role in Ciri’s development.

**Jarre**  
Jarre is a young ward under Mother Nenneke’s care, known for his curiosity and interest in Ciri. His interactions with her spark Ciri’s contemplation of relationships and self-awareness.

**Shani**  
Shani is a medical student from Oxenfurt Academy, with ties to both Dandelion and Geralt. She uses her skills and knowledge to aid them in their pursuit.

**The Witchers of Kaer Morhen**  
Vesemir, Lambert, Coën, and Eskel are witchers who live and train at Kaer Morhen. Each plays a role in training and protecting Ciri, offering her various skills and mentorship.

**Redanian Intelligence**  
Sigismund Dijkstra and Philippa Eilhart are key figures in Redania’s intelligence network. They navigate political intrigue and are involved with various characters across the Northern Kingdoms.

**Rulers of the North and South**  
The rulers King Henselt, King Foltest, King Demavend, King Vizimir, and Queen Meve hold significant political influence and impact the unfolding events across the Northern and Southern regions.

**The Brotherhood of Mages**  
Prominent mages like Vilgefortz, Tissaia de Vries, Lydia van Bredevoort, and Artaud Terranova play critical roles in the realm’s magical and political landscape, often affecting key events and characters.

Andrzej Sapkowski

Transl. Danusia Stok

Adult

Novel

The Witcher

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Blood of Elves reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Blood of Elves | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Blood of Elves and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Blood of Elves

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Blood of Elves?

Reading Age

Book Details