Genre: Fantasy | Author: Andrzej Sapkowski | Release Date: 1992
Published by SuperNowa, Sword of Destiny follows Geralt of Rivia who faces deadly beasts, tangled destinies, and moral dilemmas as he navigates love, fate, and the growing chaos threatening the Continent in this gripping short story collection.
Plot
Sword of Destiny is a brilliant collection of short stories that acts as a thematic and emotional bridge between The Last Wish and Blood of Elves, the next full-length novel in the Witcher saga. At its heart, this installment dives deeply into Geralt of Rivia’s complicated place in the world—his role as a monster slayer, his outsider status, and his struggles with fate, destiny, and love. The stories are arranged non-linearly but form a cohesive tapestry that peels back layers of Geralt’s psyche and lays the groundwork for his evolving relationship with Ciri, the Child of Destiny.
The book features tales like The Bounds of Reason, A Shard of Ice, and the titular Sword of Destiny, which cover a wide range of moods and themes—from philosophical reflections on the nature of monsters and humanity to heart-wrenching decisions about love and fate. Each tale pushes Geralt further out of isolation and deeper into a world where neutrality is no longer an option. The Bounds of Reason and A Shard of Ice explore Geralt’s complicated past, especially his fraught, tender, and volatile relationship with the sorceress Yennefer.
But the heart of the book lies in the stories that involve Ciri—particularly The Sword of Destiny and Something More—which show a new side to Geralt: vulnerable, conflicted, and fiercely protective. Each character—whether companion, rival, or creature—is richly rendered, but it’s Geralt and Ciri who steal the spotlight. Watching a jaded warrior and a lost child slowly recognize in each other a chance at belonging gives the book a powerful emotional core that lingers long after the last page.
Sapkowski’s strength lies in combining folklore, myth, political intrigue, and grim humor with rich character development. Each story works both as a standalone piece and a chapter in the greater saga. The stories aren’t just about swordfights and sorcery; they are meditations on identity, responsibility, and the moral ambiguity that permeates Geralt’s world. For readers familiar with the games or Netflix series, this book adds emotional resonance and context that can only come from the source material. With the introduction of Ciri in this volume, the saga truly begins to take shape, raising the emotional and narrative stakes considerably.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Production
Peter Kenny returns to narrate Sword of Destiny with an astonishing range and an unforgettable performance. His mastery of voice work continues to shine, especially in his portrayal of Geralt, which is as grounded, gruff, and emotionally resonant as fans have come to expect. Kenny doesn’t just read the lines—he inhabits each character, capturing their unique cadences, emotions, and personalities. From Geralt’s stoic grumbles to Yennefer’s sharp-edged vulnerability and Dandelion’s over-the-top flamboyance, every character feels distinct, alive, and consistent throughout.
Kenny’s portrayal of Ciri is a highlight—subtle and sensitive, capturing her innocence, strength, and emerging complexity as the Child of Destiny. What’s especially commendable is how effortlessly he shifts between tones and accents without ever breaking the flow of the narrative. Whether it’s dwarves, elves, sorceresses, or kings, Kenny’s vocal dexterity brings Sapkowski’s dense world to life with ease.
The audio production quality is also excellent—crisp, well-balanced, and immersive. Ambient sounds are minimal, letting Kenny’s voicework carry the performance without distraction. The pacing is measured and deliberate, allowing listeners to absorb the intricacies of the prose, the cultural allusions, and the emotional nuance embedded in the dialogue.
On the authorial front, Andrzej Sapkowski’s writing in Sword of Destiny is more refined than in The Last Wish, with deeper philosophical musings, sharper dialogue, and more deliberate thematic cohesion. His command over the emotional complexity of his characters stands out, especially in the quieter moments where reflection trumps action. The combination of Sapkowski’s literary flair and Kenny’s professional polish makes this audiobook a standout experience that even veteran Witcher fans will appreciate.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Sword of Destiny is a must-read (or must-listen) for fans of fantasy with philosophical depth and character-driven storytelling. With Peter Kenny’s superb narration and Sapkowski’s poignant writing, this entry solidifies Geralt’s saga as one of the genre’s most compelling and human. Sword of Destiny gets 4 out of 5.
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