BAPTISM OF FIRE, A NOVEL BY A. SAPKOWSKI, WITCHER BOOK #5 (REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION)

 In this post, I shall review Baptism of Fire, the fifth book and the third novel in the Witcher series. I'm currently reading the sequel to this novel, so you can expect the review for The Tower of Swallow soon. The photographs I will use to accompany this book review were two weeks ago on mountain Prenj ( Rujište) near Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina). I'm wearing Yennefer colours (black and white), but I didn't plan it.  I don't do cosplay, so it's just a coincidence. When I write my book reviews, I do try to match my outfits and locations to the book somehow. he visual aspect of a book review is also important to me. In this case, I think the location will match the book review for Baptism of Fire quite well. Most of this novel takes place outdoors in the nature, so in forests and plains. I love this black and white dress too, it has such a fun print. I bought this dress back in summer in a second hand shop in Split and the label says Solin (a town next to Split) so I'm pretty sure it was made in Croatia. Anyhow, back to the subject at hand- the book review of the fifth book in the Witcher series! 

“Advice is superfluous to you, allies are superfluous, you’ll get by without any travelling companions. The goal of your expedition is, after all, personal and private. More than that, the nature of the goal demands that you accomplish it alone, in person. The risks, dangers, hardships and constant struggle with doubt must only burden you. For, after all, they are components of the penance, the expiation of guilt you want to earn. A baptism of fire, I’d say. You’ll pass through fire, which burns, but also purges. And you’ll do it alone. For were someone to support you in this, help you, take on even a scrap of that baptism of fire, that pain, that penance, they would, by the same token, impoverish you. They would deprive you of part of the expiation you desire, which would be owed to them for their involvement. After all, it should be your exclusive expiation.”

“A baptism of fire, the Witcher thought, furiously striking and parrying blows. I was meant to pass through fire for Ciri. And I'm passing through fire in a battle which is of no interest to me at all. Which I don't understand in any way. The fire that was meant to purify me is just scorching my hair and face.”

The Baptism of Fire takes off immediately where its prequel ended. On overall, the third person narrative is quite chronological. There are neither  time jumps nor  major digressions in the first three novels.  As with the two first novels in the series, the transition between novels was effortless. You can hardly tell when one ends and the other beginnings. However, when you look at the novels as whole books, there are some inconsistencies in the pacing and the character development. 

Moreover, when I compare the first three novels in the series, I do see some slight differences between them. On overall, some novels are more dark and grim while others are a bit lighter in tone. The first novel in the series (Blood of Elves) was more slow paced than the second one (Time of Contempt), probably because it included more worldbuilding. The second novel was more graphic in descriptions of violence, especially towards the end. 

“At the root of this myth, invented around primeval campfires, lies your heliophilia, by which I mean love of warmth; the circadian rhythm, which relies upon diurnal activity. For you the night is cold, dark, sinister, menacing, and full of danger. The sunrise, however, represents another victory in the fight for life, a new day, the continuation of existence. Sunlight carries with it light and the sun; and the sun’s rays, which are invigorating for you, bring with them the destruction of hostile monsters.”

“I would argue that when mutation is spread over a sufficiently long period it ceases to be mutation and becomes evolution."

Baptism on Fire connects the two novels quite well and at times feels like the mixture of two, for it includes both wordbuilding and action. The novel follows the stories of the  main characters (protagonists Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer) and the side characters introduced in the previous novel, but we also witness the reappearance of some memorable characters such as  dwarf Zoltan. His discussions with Geralt often turn philosophical and are quite interesting.

“Unbridled altruism is a huge vice of mine,’ he explained. ‘I simply have to do good. I am a sensible dwarf, however, and know that I’m unable to do everyone good. Were I to attempt to be good to everyone, to the entire world and to all the creatures living in it, it would be a drop of fresh water in the salt sea. In other words, a wasted effort. Thus, I decided to do specific good; good which would not go to waste. I’m good to myself and my immediate circle.”

 Having read the first three novels in the series, I have to admit that I have a slight preference for the short stories book collections (that is the first two books: The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny). Not saying that I don't love the novels because I really do, but there is something about the short stories that is truly magical. The novels are more chronological than the short stories and easier to follow, though. I'm really excited to review this novel. This time, I shall do my best to avoid spoilers.  Scroll down to read my review.

“A sense of guilt, as well as the need for expiation, a baptism of fire, aren't things you can claim an exclusive right to. Life differs from banking because it has debts which are paid off by running up debt with others.”

THE WITCHER SAGA- WHAT BOOKS I HAVE READ AND REVIEWED SO FAR?

THE LAST WISH, THE FIRST BOOK IN THE WITCHER SERIES

The Last Wish is considered the first book in the Witcher series, even if it was published in 1993, a year after the publication of Sword of Destiny. The reason why The Last Wish is considered the first Witcher book is all due to do the chronology of the events it describes. The events described in The Last Wish take place before those described in Sword of Destiny. 

The Last Wish could just be the best book in the series for me. It is definitely my favourite among the Witcher books I have read so far. The Witcher series started with short stories. In my opinion, the short story format works really well for this series, especially with the white wolf as protagonist. Geralt is an absolutely fascinating protagonist. He is not a typical hero. Geralt has a wicked sense of humour and an anti-political attitude towards the world. Once you learn more about this fantasy world, you start to understand Geralt and his philosophy of neutrality better. It's a dark and grim world filled with monsters of all kinds. Often it's people who turns out worse than monsters. The reader really has the opportunity to get inside of Geralt's head in this book. Most of Geralt's words are both quotable and memorable. He alternates between being seriously philosophic and wickedly humorous often. What made this one the best book for me? Well, despite being familiar with the events this book describes, I immensely enjoyed it. I read the summary of these stories prior to reading them, but it didn't take anything from them. The pacing in this book is simply perfect. Every story has its own rhythm and atmosphere. The stories are unusual, unique and well connected. The writing is engaging and interesting. 

SWORD OF DESTINY , THE SECOND BOOK IN THE WITCHER SERIES

Sword of Destiny consists of six short stories. All of the stories feature Gerald, the witcher as the protagonist. The stories are told by an all knowing narrator whose voice is often rich with irony and sarcasm. The writing style is simple and descriptive, but at times also poetical. The stories are generally chronological, but they are not tightly bound one to another. It's not exactly sure how much time has passed between the stories or what exactly happened in that time. So, the chronology of the stories is loose. In that sense, you could say that the stories are independent one of another. All the six stories feature at least some the recurring characters from the Witcher universe. Some of these characters will become heroes of the books and novels to follow. I enjoyed immensely both of the short stories collections, but I enjoyed The Last Wish a bit more than Sword of Destiny.

BLOOD OF ELVES, THE THIRD BOOK (AND THE FIRST  NOVEL) IN THE WITCHER SERIES

 The first two books in the Wicher series are collection of short stories. So, Blood of Elves is actually the first novel in the series.  I was really curious to read the first novel. Once I started reading Blood of Elves, I immediately felt drawn into the story. The novel is well plotted and well paced.  It's rather conversation heavy so that slows down the pacing but it helps us to get to know the characters better. Moreover, I really enjoyed the dialogues.  I enjoyed learning more about this fantasy world, so I'm not complaining. 

Published in 1994, this fantasy novel further develops the life story of Gerald of Rivia. It introduces new subplots and characters, but remains focused on the main characters. Gerald, Ciri, Dandelion and Yennifer are the main characters in this novel. Some might argue that Dandelion is a side character, but his friendship with Gerald seems to make him more important. Moreover, Dandelion has a habit of constantly popping up. There are other recurring and important characters, such as Tess and other sorceress yet Dandelion really stands out. 

Naturally, Gerald, Ciri and Yennefer are always in  the focus. The narrative in this novel is told from from the third person but with alternative points of view. The protagonist is, as always, Gerald the witcher, but the focus is often on Ciri. Gerald's adoptive daughter is the focus of this novel. Gerald will have to go to great lengths to protect her. It could be argued that Ciri is really the most important character of the Witcher's saga. Ciri's uniqueness is the driving force behind the main plot of the saga. In this novel, we learn more about Ciri's past and lineage. Moreover, we learn more about Yennefer and Dandelion. Blood of Elves is a great sequel to Sword of Destiny. 

TIME OF CONTEMPT, THE FOURTH BOOK AND THE SECOND NOVEL  IN THE WITCHER SERIES

Time of Contempt is a direct sequel to Blood of Elves. Honestly, at first I hardly noticed the transition from one novel to another. The first part of Time of Contempt might as well be included in Blood of Elves as it almost feels like the same novel. In addition, I was able to read the novels one after the other so the transition was especially smooth. However, as Time of Contempt develops, some differences between the two novels can be spotted. Published in 1995, Time of Contempt takes off where Blood of Elves ended, but it feels more fast paced than its prequel. If you have read my review for Blood of Elves, you would have known that I found it slower paced than the Sword of Destiny but also very interesting in its own right, as it explains a great deal about the Witcher world. Blood of Elves is all about world-building, particularly in the sense of explaining the politics of this fantasy world. Time of Contempt adds more action and in that sense feels more true to the first two books in the series. 

BAPTISM OF FIRE, A NOVEL BY ANDRZEJ SAPKOWSKI 4/5

GERALT, CIRI AND YENNEFER ARE SEPARATED BY WAR AND CHAOS

“For a war is raging, and disinformation is a weapon whose blade must always be kept sharp.”

As the novel opens, the war between northern kingdoms and Nilfgaard is still in progress. The start of war caught pretty much everyone by surprise. Wise ones were expecting the Nilfgaard attack, but not so soon and not with such force. Our heroes were unprepared for an attempted coup at the mage meeting than turned into complete chaos and left the protagonist separated. Yennefer is missing, Geralt is recovering from his serious wounds with the help of dryads. As we learned from previous novel, Dandelion is by Geralt's side. This is consistent with his character development.

“A most deplorable sight," she said, folding her arms across her chest. "Someone who has lost everything. You know, minstrel, it is interesting. Once, I thought it was impossible to lose everything, that something always remains. Always. Even in times of contempt, when naivety is capable of backfiring in the cruellest way, one cannot lose everything. But he... he lost several pints of blood, the ability to walk properly, partial use of his left hand, his witcher's sword, the woman he loves, the daughter he had gained by a miracle, his faith... Well, I thought, he must have been left with something. But I was wrong. He has nothing now. Not even a razor."

Dandelion remained silent. The dryad did not move.

"I asked if you had a hand in this," she began a moment later. "But I think there was no need. It's obvious you had a hand in it. It's obvious you are his friend. And if someone has friends, and he loses everything in spite of that, it's obvious the friends are to blame. For what they did, or for what they didn't do.”

“È davvero uno spettacolo molto brutto vedere qualcuno che ha perso tutto. Sai, cantore, è curioso. A suo tempo, mi sembrava che non si potesse perdere tutto, che rimanesse sempre qualcosa. Sempre. Perfino nei tempi del disprezzo, in cui l'ingenuità sa vendicarsi nel modo più spietato, non si può perdere tutto. Ma lui... Lui ha perso un'infinità di sangue, la possibilità di camminare agilmente, l'uso parziale della mano sinistra, la spada da strigo, la donna che amava, la figlia recuperata per miracolo, la fede... Be', ho pensato, qualcosa deve pur essergli rimasto. Mi sbagliavo. Non ha più nulla. Neppure un rasoio.

Ti ho chiesto se eri tra quelli che lo hanno ridotto così. Ma forse è una domanda inutile. È chiaro che la risposta è sì. È evidente che sei suo amico. E, se si hanno degli amici, e ciononostante si perde tutto, è chiaro che gli amici ne hanno colpa. Per ciò che hanno fatto o non hanno fatto. Per non aver visto cosa andava fatto.”

DANDELION PROVES TO BE A TRUE FRIEND

Despite dryad's criticism, Dandelion turns out to be a true friend. Moreover, he plays a significant part in this novel. He bravely risked his life, venturing into the dryad forest where he could have been easily shot on approach. Yennefer on the other hand is nowhere to be found. Many suspect her to be a traitor. It seems that our little family has fallen apart as soon as they managed to find one another. In previous novel we witnessed Geralt's and Yennefer's reunion. With little help from Ciri, the two met and made up. However, trouble is always near in the Witcher world and the trio was forced apart.

“Some say everything in the world—everything, with no exception—has a price. It’s not true. There are things with no price, things that are priceless. But you realise it belatedly: when you lose them, you lose them forever and nothing can get them back for you.”

Fortunately, Geralt isn't entirely alone. Dandelion is there by his side. The more I read about these two, the more I understand why they are best of friends. They are more similar than they seem at first. In many ways they are complete opposites, but then you realize they are both decent men with a fun sense of humour. Life would be dull without Dandelion. In addition, both of them are smarter and more knowledgeable than they seem. Despite his wondering ways, Dandelion is practically a scholar, a guest professor at an University. He's more than a troubadour with  a wicked sens of humour.

“I have met many military men in my life. I have known marshals, generals, commanders and governors, the victors of numerous campaigns and battles. I’ve listened to their stories and recollections. I’ve seen them poring over maps, drawing lines of various colours on them, making plans, thinking up strategies. In those paper wars everything worked, everything functioned, everything was clear and everything was in exemplary order. That’s how it has to be, explained the military men. The army represents discipline and order above all. The army cannot exist without discipline and order. So it is all the stranger that real wars–and I have seen several real wars–have as much in common with discipline and order as a whorehouse with a fire raging through it.

 Dandelion, Half a Century of Poetry”

GERALT IS IN A PRETTY BAD SHAPE BUT DETERMINED TO LOOK FOR CIRI

Geralt is physiologically, emotionally and physically exhausted. In the book, it is stressed that Geralt is indeed unwell. He doesn't know what happened to Ciri and Yennefer or whether they are alive. Yu could say he is a broken man in many ways. The Dryads advise him against travel but when he insists, they not only let him leave but their queen introduces Geralt to Milva, another strong female character. This is pretty unusual as dryads don't usually do favours for men, but with the white wolf they make exception. Is it because Geralt is a mutant? It might be part of the reason, but there is more. Dryad queen and Geralt go way back. Besides, as we have the chance to learn- Geralt is not only more than he seems, but a man strongly marked by destiny. This is in some way true of all witchers, but it is even more so in Geralt's case.

“It’s impossible to repay something that has no price. Some say everything in the world–everything, with no exception–has a price. It’s not true. There are things with no price, things that are priceless. But you realise it belatedly: when you lose them, you lose them forever and nothing can get them back for you. I have lost many such things. Which is why I can’t help you today.”

A SEARCH COMPANY IS FORMED AND ANOTHER STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER INTRODUCED 

Milva is a first class archer who was spared by dryads and now works for them. I believe she was too old to be turned into a dryad, but she has an understanding with them and they collaborate well together. Milva hunts outside the forest because the forest is sacred to dryads. In addition, she is guiding  Scoia'tael when they seek refuge in Brokilon. This fact about her is not only quite important to her personal story but it provides context for the novel itself. Milva doesn't see eye to eye with Geralt, but when asked by dryads, she agrees to accompany him and Dandelion  and help hem on their way. Therefore, she becomes an important character.

“He’s just “me, me, by myself, all alone”. A lone wolf! But you can see he’s no hunter, that he’s a stranger to the forest. Wolves don’t hunt alone! Never! A lone wolf, ha, what twaddle, foolish townie nonsense. But he doesn’t understand that!”

A FRIEND OF MY ENEMY IS MY FRIEND? THE COMPLEX WORLD OF WITCHER SAGA

The world of witcher is quite complex. There are no clear 'good' and 'bad' guys. As the war wages on, one understand the witcher's wish for neutrality better and better. The Squirrels ( Scoia'tael ) guerrilla group is responsible for much killing and is famous for its cruelty. At the moment, they are allied with Nilfgaard Empire that uses them as pawns. Once we learn more about the prosecution endured by elves on hands of Northern kingdoms, it is more understandable why the Squirrels hate humans so much. Previous novels have provided enough context for this conflict. Therefore, it is hard for us as readers to choose sides.  I think the author was really clever the way he went about this. Every character tells  a different story.

What is Milva's motivation in helping the guerrilla? Despite being human, Milva has little love for humans, especially men. She escaped her family as a teenager, when her stepfather made advances on her. Taken in by the dryads, she has become loyal to them. Milva is rough on the outside, coming from  family of poachers, but she is soft on the inside. We get to know her better when her back story is revealed. The author goes to great length to describe her skill with the bow. Sapkowski describes her elven bow in detail, pointing out how superior it is. The bow is perhaps a metaphor. It's a beautiful thing created by elven skill and culture, but it's used for killing. So, are the Squirrels used. 

THE CRUELTY OF THE SQUIRRELS IS BEING PUNISHED

“When someone tells me he is politically neutral,’ Francesca smiled, ‘I always ask which politics he specifically has in mind.”

 In the previous novel we learned that the mage Francesca Findabair has secretly been an ally to Nilfgaardian Emperor Emhyr. Presently, the Emperor Emhyr has allowed her to become a queen of Dol Blathanna. In reality, Francesca serves the Emperor and is queen only in name. Moreover, in exchange for her throne, Francesca agreed to withhold aid from the elven Scoia'tael. So, are those who supported Nilfgaard's initial advance into the North rewarded! They are left to their own devices- basically these elves are sentenced to death.

Knowing this, one can understand how the Witcher doesn't argue with dryads because they are helping Scoia'tael. I don't think it's just because Geralt is in no position to argue. He understand the complexities of this world. Geralt doesn't seem to be focused on revenge. Geralt's priority is saving Ciri. The Scoia'tael attack of mages' meeting separated Geralt from his adoptive daughter, but he knows that Ciri is no less threatened by the norther kingdoms, whose rulers agreed to kill her. So, Geralt's isn't picking sides anytime soon. 

......

For him the points of the compass have no great importance. It's all the same to him which one he chooses, as long as he's not idle. That is truly a witcher's principium. The world is full of evil, so it's sufficient to stride ahead, and destroy the Evil encountered on the way, in that way rendering a service to Good. The rest takes care of itself. Being in motion is everything, the goal is nothing.”

.........

“What a company I ended up with,’ Geralt continued, shaking his head. ‘Brothers in arms! A team of heroes! What have I done to deserve it? A poetaster with a lute. A wild and lippy half-dryad, half-woman. A vampire, who’s about to notch up his fifth century. And a bloody Nilfgaardian who insists he isn’t a Nilfgaardian.’ 

‘And leading the party is the Witcher, who suffers from pangs of conscience, impotence and the inability to take decisions,’ Regis finished calmly. ‘I suggest we travel incognito, to avoid arousing suspicion.’ 

‘Or raising a laugh,’ Milva added.”

MORE INTERESTING CHARACTERS ARE INTRODUCED- AN INTELLIGENT AND TRUSTWORTHY VAMPIRES JOINS IN AND SO DOES THE BLACK KNIGHT

With Milva as their guide, Geralt and Dandelion travel more safely. Soon, they meet some new interesting characters and some old ones as well. I must say I really enjoyed all the characters in this novel. The vampire was particularly entertaining: 

“Yes, indeed' said the vampire, impervious to the  derision. 

‘Your mutated race is capable of regenerating its fingernails, toenails, hair and epidermis, but is unable to accept the fact that other races are more advanced in that respect. That inability is not the result of your primitiveness. Quite the opposite: it’s a result of egotism and a conviction in your own perfection. Anything that is more perfect than you must be a repulsive aberration. And repulsive aberrations are consigned to myths, for

sociological reasons.”

“I’m not certain,’ Regis said, smiling through pursed lips, ‘that you’re treating the right illness. I’d also like to remind you that one should treat causes, not symptoms.”

THE DWARF WITH  A BIG HEART...WELL, SORT OF!

I enjoyed Zoltan's and Geralt's reunion. Their conversations are always so amusing.

“It’s time you gave up your secrets, Geralt,’ Zoltan grimaced. ‘Dandelion hasn’t told us much we didn’t know. You can’t help it if you’re a walking legend. They re-enact stories of your adventures in puppet theatres. Like the story about you and an enchantress by the name of Guinevere.’ ‘Yennefer,’ Regis corrected in hushed tones. ‘I saw that one. It was the story of a hunt for a genie, if my memory serves me correctly.”

Moreover, Zoltan sometimes turns quite serious and philosophical.

“I predict a bad end for your race, humans,' Zoltan Chivay said grimly. 'Every sentient creature on this earth, when it falls into want , poverty and misfortune, usually cleaves to his own. Because it's easier to survive the bad times in a group, helping one another. But you humans, you just wait for a chance to make money from other people's mishaps. When there's hunger you don't want want to share out your food, you just devour the weakest ones. The practice works among wolves, since it lets the healthiest and strongest individuals survive. But among sentient races selection of that kind usually allows the biggest bastards to survive and dominate the rest.”

Geralt and Zoltan are such  a great team. They both alternative between being dead serious and sarcastic. 

“You can be certain I will,” Geralt said, taking the sword and slinging it across his back.“You can be certain I’ll remember. In this rotten world, Zoltan Chivay, goodness, honesty and integrity become deeply engraved in the memory.”

GERALT GETS A CHANCE TO EARN HIS TITLE

There is a fantastic episode in this book when Geralt gets caught up in a battle nd he and his party have to decide whether they will help the queen of Rivia. Geralt calls himself Geralt or Rivia in a witcher's tradition of choosing  a name that sounds good but now he will be given  a chance to fight for Rivia. 

“But they’re your countrymen, Witcher,’ Regis said. ‘I mean, they call you Geralt of Rivia.’ ‘A slight correction,’ he replied coldly. ‘I call myself that to make my name sound fancier. It’s an addition that inspires more trust in my clients.’ ‘I see,’ the vampire said, smiling. ‘And why exactly did you choose Rivia?’ ‘I drew sticks, marked with various grand-sounding names. My witcher preceptor suggested that method to me, although not initially. Only after I’d insisted on adopting the name Geralt Roger Eric du Haute-Bellegarde. Vesemir thought it was ridiculous; pretentious and idiotic. I dare say he was right.”

....

“The freshly dubbed knight, Geralt of Rivia, bowed low, so that Queen Meve, his suzerein, would not see the smile - the bitter smile - that he was unable to resist.”

THE REAPPEARANCE OF YENNIFER DOESN'T DISAPPOINT BUT....

Yennefer appears late in the book, but as usually she makes quite an impression. I won't write about that because I want to avoid spoilers.

“But am I suitable? Will I find sufficient strength of character to rid myself of my grudges against the people who took Ciri from me, cruelly beat a man who is dear to me, and packed—” 

“I am certain,” the she-elf interrupted, “that you will find sufficient strength of character, Yennefer.”

 Nevertheless, I wasn't happy with how 'far from sight, far from mind' she seemed  to be. I understand that it's part of the book's plot to keep her destiny a mystery at this point but it is hard to understand why she isn't at least present in Geralt's and Ciri's mind. It is understandable that Geralt doesn't want to think about her, but it doesn't seem consistent with his character's development. I understand that he finding Ciri is his priority. I also understand Geralt's must be careful of his actions and wary of rusting anyone, but I felt like more references to her were needed. I mean Geralt has pretty much been obsessed with Yennefer since their first meeting. While he tried to run from his feelings, Geralt was never particularly successful at escaping his passion for Yennefer...so why this silence now? Is it because he suspects treason or death? What option is worse for him? It would have been nice to learn more, but perhaps author was intentionally silent. Perhaps Geralt is too emotionally exhausted to cope with everything that happened. Who knows?

CIRILLA'S STORY IS CHILLING

Meanwhile, Ciri has settled to her life with teenage outlaws which is terrible and chilling. Again I will avoid spoilers, but this was not an easy reading. This must be one of the darkest points in Ciri's personal history. For me personally, it was too much, to soon. One moments she is this adorable kid with a troubled past, and the next....all hell breaks loose. I understand she had been through a lot, but I still found her character development a bit questionable. I would have liked if there was more of a transition between the young mage/witcher apprentice Ciri and the cruel gang member Ciri. It is not that it doesn't make sense. I just think it could have been written better. It all  seems to happen in a heartbeat. On the other hand, I don't want to be too critical. Maybe the author was going for the shock effect. Maybe there is a message behind all of it. 

“He who has spit blood and he who has drunk blood,’ the girl said, her head still lowered, ‘shall pay in blood. Within three days one shall die in the other, and something shall die in each. They shall die inch by inch, piece by piece… And when finally the iron-shod clogs wear out and the tears dry, then the last shreds will pass. Even that which never dies shall die.”

“Ah' the troubadour said, nodding. 

'Ah. Geralt understood right away and Cahir thinks he understands. I, naturally demand to be enlightened, but first I'm told to be quiet, and then I hear there's no need for me to understand. Thank you. Twenty years in the service of poetry, long enough to know there are things you either understand at once, even without words; or you'll never understand them.'
The vampire smiled.
'I don't know anyone,' he said, 'who could have put it more elegantly.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

I enjoyed Baptism of Fire a lot. The new characters introduced were very interesting and he familiar ones didn't disappoint. The plot with all its subplots was well developed. I only wish that more time and perhaps attention was devoted to Yennefer and Ciri.

“The challenge you have in front of you is the same one we face: to survive and stay alive. In order for this noble mission to continue. Or live an ordinary life, but so as not to be ashamed at the hour of death.”

MORE  MEMORABLE QUOTES 

A profound quote about personal debts that I found quite memorable:

“Everyone has some kind of debt. Such is life. Debts and liabilities, obligations, gratitude, payments, doing something for someone. Or perhaps for ourselves? For in fact we are always paying ourselves back and not someone else. Each time we are indebted we pay off the debt to ourselves. In each of us lies a creditor and a debtor at once and the art is for the reckoning to tally inside us. We enter the world as a minute part of the life we are given, and from then on we are ever paying off debts, To ourselves. For ourselves. In order for the final reckoning to tally.”

I also liked this quote about ambition:

“Ambition is the undoing of men. They always want what they know to be impossible and unattainable. And they are unaware of the attainable.”

Thank you for reading. Have a lovely weekend!