SEASON OF STORMS BY ANDRZEJ SAPKOWSKI (#8 WITCHER BOOK REVIEW)

In this post, I shall review Season of Storms, a dark fantasy novel by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Set between the stories in the first Witcher book (that is the collection of short stories titled The Last Wish),  this novel is the sixth novel and the eight overall novel in the Witcher saga. Even if as a prequel Season of Storms was never indented to be the ending novel of the saga, it was still regarded as the last book for quite some time. Let me explain that. Published in 2013,  Season of Storms had the status of the last published novel in the saga for a decade. It lost that status last year (in 2024), when Crosswords of Ravens was published. Crosswords of Ravens is a prequel to both the Witcher saga and to Season of Storm, so neither of these novels changes anything in the chronological sense, but the addition of another novel means something, does it not? Until the next Witcher book gets published, that is. Who knows? I can imagine Sapkowski publishing another novel or two. In fact, Sapkowski has positively promised he will write more Witcher books during a public appearance, so there is that. I wish I could attend some of Andrzej's book signing, he is a hilarious guy. 

 Anyhow, at the time I read it, I believed  Season of Storms to be the final Witcher book. Now that I know it is not, that sort of changes my reading experience a bit. How? Isn't it still the same novel? Well, it is. However, there is an awful lot of responsibility placed on the 'last work'. Even if the The Lady of the Lake will always chronologically be the last Witcher novel since it finished the saga and the fate of our central characters, there is still a feeling of closure that comes with the last published novel. When I first read Season of Storms, somehow it did not feel like the 'final' novel. It did not seem serious enough. So, when I found out that it was not the last I was actually quite happy. Interestingly, it also made me 'cut it some slack'. I will explain what I mean by it later.  Scroll down to continue reading!

Outfit details: black blazer, floral dress, black boots, floral shirt, tote bag/leopard blouse, grey vintage skirt, brown heels, burgundy bag 

I devoted a lot of time to the Witcher saga on my blog. Not only did I reviewed all of the novels and short story collections individually, I also wrote very long and detailed reviews. You could even say that this saga monopolized my blog for months. If you remember I read all the books I knew of during Summer and Autumn 2023. I invested a lot of time and effort into writing those reviews and editing photographs to accompany my review. It was a whole thing. 

Yesterday I came back to those Witcher posts I wrote. I edited my review of The Lady of the Lake, removed typos, added a few new thoughts and acknowledged that the saga was not exactly over. When I finished The Lady of the Lake, I was aware that there is another novel in the saga, but I also knew that it was a prequel. I needed time to processes the ending of the saga. Therefore, I wanted to wait a little before I read Season of Storms. So I did. I waited for a bit and read  Season of Storms when I was ready to return to the witcher universe. I'm not exactly when exactly I read Season of Storms, but it was some time after the rest of them, so probably during 2024. 

It was only yesterday that I felt that it was finally the time for me to review Season of Storms. I went through my other Sapkowski reviews, read them and thought about things I said and things I feel like I still need to say. Again, I'll try to avoid major spoilers, but the review will probably contain some minor spoilers, so if you want to completely avoid spoilers, you can avoid reading past the introductory part of the review. Of course, it is nearly impossible to completely avoid spoilers unless you are living under the rock. The Witcher universe (and this book series) is a part of popular culture. Films and a very popular video game has been based on it, not to mention that in recent years it has been adapted by Netflix.

LET US TALK ABOUT SEASON OF STORMS AS COMPARED TO OTHER WORKS

So, what is this novel like? First of all, it is a prequel. There is no Ciri in it. Some people might be surprised that the Witcher novels actually focus a lot on Ciri and Yennefer. Ciri is practically the protagonist of the Witcher novels. It is only the Witcher short story collections that are about Geralt. Even in those short stories, Yennefer is often present and Ciri appears pretty early on as well. So, the Witcher saga is not a saga about Geralt per se. Yes, it is about him, but it is just as much about Yennefer and Ciri. It is a family saga, actually. 

This book is all about Geralt. That's great if you want to read a book about him. In fact, many people wanted to read more about Geralt, so it could be said that A. Sapkowski is listening to his fans. I personally love both Ciri and Yennefer. They are both such strong female characters, and they are a crucial part of the Witcher saga. So, the fact they are absent from this novel is not exactly a plus for me. Still, since the final novels were all about Ciri, especially the ending novel that was all about her, I did not feel that I miss her that much. I did miss Yennefer, though. She sorts of makes a short appearance, but it is very short indeed. Yennifer does influence the plot, though. 

If you are new to this series, Yennefer and Geralt have a very on and off relationship. The two of them are very much like a modern couple. They are both very far from the traditional values or marriage. Both of them have many partners, sometimes simultaneously and in many ways remind me of a modern couple. Yennefer is ambitious, one could say, focused on her career. Geralt is often pessimistic, and while he is a softie underneath, he does not exactly shows his emotions or deal with them. Theirs is a turbulent relationship. Anyway, even if Yennefer is fairly absent from this novel, I think her presence can still be felt, especially by those readers who are familiar with her and Geralt story. 

Another character that features in this story is Dandelion. This is good news if you like the guy, and I do so I enjoyed that part. There are quite a few new characters introduced in this novel so that's something to have in mind as well. In that sense, this novel is like the short story collections, with different chapters sometimes introducing you to wholly different set of people. There are quite a few side stories and subplots, and do not necessarily all connect neatly or are elaborated on. I felt like some stories in this novel were just left hanging in the air. That's another way in which this novel reminded me of a short story connection, it did not simple like this one story that ended neatly. 

Location: Jelsa, island Hvar

 IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT THE MONSTERS AND MAGICAL CREATURES 

When I read reviews that describe the Witcher Saga as based on Slavic lore and mythology, I'm a bit perplexed. Yes, monsters and creatures from Slavic mythology do appear. However, so do those from other mythologies, European as well as Asian. For example, in Season of Storm specifically, you have an element from Asian mythology- a shapeshifting fox creature that is the center of one subplot. However, are these monsters really at the focus? Are the book a connected study of supernatural beings and dangerous monsters? They are definitely not. The real reason why the Witcher world is so bleak and dark are power hungry humans, not any kind of monster. Yes, 'monsters and supernatural beings' are sometimes terrible and bloodthirsty, sometimes just a dangerous animal of sorts, and sometimes these monsters are actually better than humans. The darkness in the Witcher world comes from humans. It is perhaps even implied that this inner darkness (inner monster) is something Geralt and everyone human must battle with. 

The books have either Geralt (and occasionally his friend Dandelion)  in the focus, or his family (Ciri and Yennefer). While Geralt sometimes makes friends with creatures that are considered monsters but are in fact anything but (for example the golden dragon  Villentretenmerth that appears in the short story collection Sword of Destiny and the cultured vampire Regis that appears in the final novels), they are not the driving plot behind the novel as a series. Sometimes this challenging of the monster stereotype is the driving plot behind some of the short stories. These friendships with 'monsters that are actually the good guys' are crucial to some plots of the short stories and subplots of the novel, but on overall the novels are about Geralt and his family set in a dark fantasy world.

 Generally speaking, A. Sapkowski does not venture into the study of supernatural beings or monsters in his Witcher books and novels. Season of Storm is no exception. These creatures are not the driving force behind the plot. Human monsters are what drives the plot most of the time. Indeed, A. Sapkowski often explores the concept of human monsters, corrupt politicians, tyrannical rulers and so on. There is a reason why Season of Storms (and the Witcher saga in general) is labelled dark fantasy. The supernatural and the folklore is an element of this fantasy saga, but it is not the focus of it. Yes, you can find mentioning of different creatures from Slavic lore and tradition, but so you can from many other traditions. 

MANY CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE POLISH CULTURE AND THE WITCHER SAGA

We all have identity we draw from and that shapes our view of the world, and no writer is an exception to this. Of course, you can make connections between the Witcher saga and the Polish culture/history/lore/folklore. However, for that to make sense you have to actually know something about the history of Poland. You have to understand that the Renaissance period arrived much earlier in Poland then it did in England, for example. The English Renaissance was actually late compared to many other European countries, due to the isolated position of England at the time. It was only in the Elizabethan time that England got its Renaissance. 

The fact that the English is a global language now does not mean that it was always so. Still, many English language speakers see other countries as following their own literary tradition when this was simply not the case. Shakespeare is a crucial figure in English literature, but in the wider context of European literature of the time, he is pretty insignificant in the sense that most Renaissance authors published their fundamental works before Shakespeare was even born and were not and could not have been directly influenced by him. 

Shakespeare became an influential literary figure worldwide much later on, in industrial times, when he was practically rediscovered, possibly due to the growing importance of the English language. Europeans of the Shakespeare's time would not have known much about Shakespeare and the writers would not have looked up to him in any way. 

Sapkowski on the other hand, is familiar with Shakespeare. He even quotes him in this novel. When Geralt is arrested in a tavern, this quote appears: 

What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Nevertheless, when you have characters like Dandelion, you have to remember that they were more likely influenced by the Polish Renaissance writers that by those of Elizabethan period. Renaissance in Poland started in the fifteen century and lasted all the way until the end of the sixteen century. It is actually regarded the Golden Age of the Polish culture. I think echoes of that can be found in the Witcher. Again, it is not the central part of the story, but it is something worth mentioning. 

However, you can find echoes of modern English speaking world in Witcher as well. Some of the names in the Witcher series are distinctly English sounding. Furthermore, like all modern writers A. Sapkowski was and is influenced by Tolkien and other fantasy writers before him. A. Sapkowski is a modern writer that draws on historical sources. Many of the themes in his novels are topics relevant from the nineties to our time. To me Witcher novels that were published in the nineties very much feel like nineties novels if you know what I mean, and the same goes for those published in recent years. You can feel the spirit of our times in them. The Witcher books are marked by popular culture, influenced perhaps also by the fan reactions to them. The Witcher has a very loyal fan base, and I think the author considers that when he is writing. Does he sometimes writes for his fans? It is indeed possible. The Witcher novels are complex and intertextual. Now, let us get back to the novel I'm actually reviewing today.  

THE SEASON OF STORMS OPENS UP WITH A NIETZCHE QUOTE

The novel opens with a ominous sounding quote from a German philosopher known as a cultural critic, perhaps the most influential of modern philosophers, with ties to nihilism, atheism and marked questioning of societal norms and morals: 

Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster; for if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back into you. 

Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil

What is often emphasized in the Witcher universe is the fact that humans are often the worst monsters, capable of extreme cruelty to one another. This saga speaks much about the dark side of humanity, about the cruelty of wars, about the devious political manipulations, crude abuses of power and the ever present corruption.

 This dark side of humanity often makes the monsters that Geralt hunts seem like innocent animals that are only following their instincts. Sometimes they are really that. Sometimes monsters that Geralt kills are just creatures that happen to be dangerous to humans, but that are basically an aggressively behaving animal who is competing with the human kind for natural resources.

 Therefore, Geralt can feel sorry for the 'monsters' he kills. Geralt kills them because it is his job, and because he does not want innocent people to get killed by these dangerous creatures, but he feels sorry for them in the process. Of course, some of these monsters are not animals, but vampires and other dangerous creatures that he feels like he must kill. However, over the course of the novels, even such mythological demonic creatures as vampires are described as having feelings and sometimes being better than some people. 

In the light of all this, it is really interesting to think about this Nietzsche quote. Does Andrzej Sapokowski think that battling with monsters is dangerous? And if yes, with what kind of monsters? Often in the series, we see that people hate witchers even if they need them. The men in particular seem to dislike witchers and are always ready to start a fight with Geralt, while women act a bit different. Geralt seems to be popular with women for some reason, but more about that some other time. 

What is important to remember is that Geralt often feels like a monster himself. That is how other humans see him. It is something he struggles with. There is the question of a prolonged existence whose purpose is to kill monsters. Geralt's life span is greater than that of humans, but it is so he could kill monsters.

 One wonders does he have a post traumatic stress disorder. Yes, he is a mutant but unlike what people like to believe, he is capable of emotions. Sometimes he doubts it himself, but Geralt of the books can be quite self-conscious and self-critical. It is no wonder, for he lives a lonely existence. This is even more true before Ciri comes into his life. This novel is a prequel and there is no Ciri. Geralt does not have the family he has in the future books. He is the monster slayer, living a pretty solitary life. However, he does have his friend Dandelion, a character that is a bit part of Season of Storms.

THE NIETZSCHE QUOTE IS FOLLOWED BY DANDELION WORDS

Nietzsche's quote is the first one, but his quote is then contrasted by a quote from Dandelion, who happens to be the best friend of Witcher:

I consider gazing into the abyss utter foolishness. There are many things in the world much more worth gazing into.

 Dandelion, Half a Century of Poetry

Obviously, Nietzsche does not belong to the Witcher universe, he is a philosopher from our world, so there is a bit of intertextuality there. Is it a way for Sapkowski to suggest there is more to the Witcher than meets the eye, that this fantasy saga is meant  to be philosophical and not just entertaining? That we should look for more in Season of Storms, question its meanings? 

After these quotes, the third person narration starts, following and describing what Geralt is doing. The narrative structure in Season of Storms is not as complex as in The Lady of the Lake. It is rather straightforward third person narration. The narration takes us right into the story, introducing a monster idr that was only created to kill. Unlike other monsters that witchers slain, this was is 'unnatural' and therefore one does not feel sorry for it as it might for some. 

"It lived only to kill. It was lying on the sun-warmed sand. It could sense the vibrations being transmitted through its hair-like feelers and bristles. Though the vibrations were still far off, the idr could feel them distinctly and precisely; it was thus able to determine not only its quarry’s direction and speed of movement, but also its weight. As with most similar predators, the weight of the prey was of cardinal importance. Stalking, attacking and giving chase meant a loss of energy that had to be compensated by the calorific value of its food. Most predators similar to the idr would quit their attack if their prey was too small. But not the idr. The idr didn’t exist to eat and sustain the species. It hadn’t been created for that. It lived to kill. Moving its limbs cautiously, it exited the hollow, crawled over a rotten tree trunk, covered the clearing in three bounds, plunged into the fern-covered undergrowth and melted into the thicket. It moved swiftly and noiselessly, now running, now leaping like a huge grasshopper..."

The passage showing Geralt hunting the monster is quite descriptive, and sometimes a little graphic in terms of violence. This first passage is not particularly graphic, but you can expect some gore and descriptions of violence in this series in general, and in Season of Storms in particular. The amount of violence described and the graphic level of it can be compared to some other modern fantasy authors that depict medieval history, such as George R.R. Martin. Sapkowski's descriptions of violence are exactly what one would expect in dark fantasy (such as wars and corruption), and so are the themes this novel explores. Back to this passage. This novel is set between the short story collections, so we see Geralt doing his job, hunting a monster that lives only to kill. Monster presently threatens three humans lives: that of a man, a woman and a little girl. Geralt does not manage to save the man, but he manages to save the woman and the little girl.  Both the women and the girl are petrified with fear, but the girl somehow manages to move. Our Witcher saves the day (the lady and the girl). The account of him killing the monster is not terribly long (two or three pages), but it is quite descriptive and well written. 

"Although he didn’t believe he would, the Witcher managed to save her. He leaped and pushed hard, throwing the blood-spattered woman from the path into the forest, among the ferns. And realised at once that this time, too, it had been a trick. A ruse. For the flat, grey, many-limbed and incredibly quick shape was now moving away from the handcart and its first victim. It was gliding towards the next one. Towards the still shrieking little girl. Geralt sped after the idr. Had she remained where she was, he would have been too late. But the girl demonstrated presence of mind and bolted frantically. The grey monster, however, would easily have caught up with her, killed her and turned back to dispatch the woman, too. That’s what would have happened had it not been for the Witcher."

Next thing that Geralt should do after killing the monster is to collect the prize. The authority figure Albert who commissioned his services seems happy about getting the monster problem sorted, and asks Geralt whether the saves lady and the girl expressed their gratitude. Geralt does not answer, but we hear his thoughts. Rarely does he get any thanks. Sometimes the people he saves are too traumatized to speak, sometimes they are not conscious, as was the case here. Sometimes they are afraid of him as well. 

“You promised you’d kill the monster,” he said, without raising his head. “Seems you weren’t having me on. You’re a man of your word, for a vagabond … And you saved those people’s lives. That woman and the lass. Did they even thank you? Express their gratitude?”

GERALT HAS GROWN TO EXPECT LITTLE TO NO GRADITUTE

What follows are Geralt's thoughts, and they are placed in italics, so it is easier for the reader to tell they are Geralt thoughts. I'll put them in bold, as I usually put in italics any passage I quote from the books I review. Anyhow, Geralt feels guilty about using them as baits and is sure that the girl will not thank him once she realizes she lost her father. This might or might not be true. In any case, this situation demonstrates the graveness of Geralt job. In his line of work, he has to make calculated risks. Geralt sometimes uses humans as baits, so he could kill monsters that might kill more people if he did not. However, in this case perhaps he was really in the wrong. Perhaps he was really arrogant. Perhaps he should have been more careful. Perhaps he has nothing to feel guilty about. Perhaps he is  the hero. Perhaps not using them as baits would result in many more killed. However, Geralt has no way of knowing that. Neither do we. Whatever Geralt does he will have to watch people die. He will have to live with the guilt. It is the reality of the world he lives in, the burden of being alive. 

No, they didn’t. The Witcher clenched his jaw. Because they haven’t yet fully regained consciousness. And I’ll be gone before they do. Before they realise I used them as bait, convinced in my conceited arrogance that I was capable of saving all three of them. I’ll be gone before it dawns on the girl, before she understands I’m to blame for her becoming a half-orphan. 

He felt bad. No doubt because of the elixirs he’d taken before the fight. No doubt. 

Maybe the elixirs are making him feel worse about the whole situation, but the burden of his fate and occupation is very real. Like the monster in question, Geralt was created to kill. Nobody asked him whether he wanted to become a mutant when he was a little boy, he had little choice in it all. It was fate, it could be argued. That does not make things easier for him. Geralt does not answer Albert Smulka's question, and does not reveal his uncertainty about the monster's kind. When Albert wants to take a look at the blade, Geralt does not let him. Geralt is rather attached to his swords.

“That monster is a right abomination.” The reeve sprinkled some sand over the paper, and then shook it off onto the floor. “I had a look at the carcass when they brought it here … What on earth was it?” Geralt wasn’t certain in that regard, but didn’t intend to reveal his ignorance. “An arachnomorph.” Albert Smulka moved his lips, vainly trying to repeat the word. “Ugh, meks no difference, when all’s said and done. Did you dispatch it with that sword? With that blade? Can I take a look?

“No, you can’t.” 

Albert does not complain about the Witcher not letting him see the knight, guessing it is enchanted, and  then shows the bill to Geralt, expecting him to be illiterate. There is irony is this, as Geralt has taken University classes and is friends with one of the greatest literary man of its time. Geralt is much smarter than people give him credit for, but he is also smart enough not to care to try to prove it to fools. Geralt does get depressed by the everyday grind. His job is not repetitive in the traditional sense, Geralt does not work in an  office, but his dangerous, hard and often bloody job is made worst by the constant dealings with idiotic or corrupt politicians or authority figures. There is not do much to put him in high spirits, so no wonder Geralt often chooses silence. 

THE STATE OFFICIAL IS BOTH CORRUPTED AND VILE

He is forced to speak now, as Geralt finds out that Albert has the wrong sum written on the bill. Naturally, it is because Albert wants to keep a good portion of the money for himself. Geralt is not left with much choice. Either sign the bill and make the corrupt state official even more wealthy, or not to get paid at all and risk starving to death. Despite the dangerous of his job, Geralt is usually paid little, sometimes next  to nothing and sometimes actually nothing. It is clear how annoyed he is by the corruption of the official, but what choice does Geralt has? This is often the case in the Witcher series. Geralt has to choose between lesser evil, because the choice for good does not presents itself.

The Witcher took the bill from Smulka and held it up to the light. “Look at ’im.” The reeve shook his head, grimacing. “What’s this, can he read?” Geralt put the paper on the table and pushed it towards the official. “A slight error has crept into the document,” he said, calmly and softly. “We agreed on fifty crowns. This bill has been made out for eighty.” Albert Smulka clasped his hands together and rested his chin on them. “It isn’t an error.” He also lowered his voice. “Rather, a token of gratitude. You killed the monster and I’m sure it was an exacting job … So the sum won’t astonish anyone …” “I don’t understand.” “Pull the other one. Don’t play the innocent. Trying to tell me that when Jonas was in charge he never made out bills like this? I swear I—” “What do you swear?” Geralt interrupted. “That he inflated bills? And went halves with me on the sum the royal purse was deprived of?” “Went halves?” the reeve sneered. “Don’t be soft, Witcher, don’t be soft. Reckon you’re that important? You’ll get a third of the difference. Ten crowns. It’s a decent bonus for you anyway. For I deserve more, if only owing to my function. State officials ought to be wealthy. The wealthier the official, the greater the prestige to the state. Besides, what would you know about it? This conversation’s beginning to weary me. You signing it or what?” 

BETWEEN THE CHAPTERS WE GET THE INTERLUDE AND ARE INTRODUCED TO CAROL

We do not find out whether Geralt signed the bill or not. Instead we get to Interlude that introduces us to Coral, a sorceress that will start a relationship with Geralt. Indeed, their relationship takes much of this novel. We are informed that the time setting is two days later and the setting is well described.

 “Do come closer, madam.” Belohun, King of Kerack, beckoned imperiously. “Do come closer. Servants! A chair!” The chamber’s vaulting was decorated with a plafond of a fresco depicting a sailing ship at sea, amidst mermen, hippocampi and lobster-like creatures. The fresco on one of the walls, however, was a map of the world. An absolutely fanciful map, as Coral had long before realised, having little in common with the actual locations of lands and seas, but pleasing and tasteful. Two pages lugged in and set down a heavy, carved curule seat. 

Coral is dressed to impressed, and the king stares at her. There is a fair bit of humour in how this is described, especially when the writer stresses it is not entirely unclear whether the king stared at the ruby or her cleavage. Given the way kings and people in power are portrayed in the Witcher world, expect every level or corruption. Fortunately, there is also humour and irony in the writing.

THE EVER SPREADING CORRUPTION IS DEPRESSING BUT THERE IS ALSO HUMOUR

The sorceress sat down, resting her hands on the armrests so that her ruby-encrusted bracelets would be very conspicuous and not escape the king’s attention. She had a small ruby tiara on her coiffed hair, and a ruby necklace in the plunging neckline of her dress. All especially for the royal audience. She wanted to make an impression. And had. King Belohun stared goggle-eyed: though it wasn’t clear whether at the rubies or the cleavage. 

The humour does not end there. In fact, this while passage is wonderfully funny, as for example when it is pointed out that Belohun's rule is legitimate as one of his brothers allegedly even gave up the crown of his own will. Allegedly, at least. The others presumably did not give it up of their own free will. 

Belohun, son of Osmyk, was, it could be said, a first-generation king. His father had made quite a considerable fortune from maritime trade, and probably also a little from buccaneering. Having finished off the competition and monopolised the region’s cabotage, Osmyk named himself king. That act of self anointed coronation had actually only formalised the status quo, and hence did not arouse significant quibbles nor provoke protests. Over the course of various private wars and skirmishes, Osmyk had smoothed over border disputes and jurisdictional squabbles with his neighbours, Verden and Cidaris. It was established where Kerack began, where it finished and who ruled there. And since he ruled, he was king—and deserved the title. By the natural order of things titles and power pass from father to son, so no one was surprised when Belohun ascended his father’s throne, following Osmyk’s death. Osmyk admittedly had more sons—at least four of them—but they had all renounced their rights to the crown, one of them allegedly even of his own free will.

Humous remarks keep on coming, as Belohun audience is regarded as majestic as a dung beetle on a cowpat. We can also see that Lytta (nicknamed Coral) cares little for the king, and is not afraid to demonstrate her feelings (within a measure of course, she is careful not to be too obvious). The king's children are annoyed that a sorceress is sitting with them, but there is nothing to do about it as they want to appear civilized.  

And now King Belohun, seated on a raised throne, wearing a sable calpac and with a sceptre in one hand, was granting an audience. As majestic as a dung beetle on a cowpat.

“Our dear Madam Lytta Neyd,” he greeted her. “Our favourite sorceress, Lytta Neyd. She has deigned to visit Kerack again. And surely for a long stay again?”

 “The sea air’s good for me.” Coral crossed her legs provocatively, displaying a bootee with fashionable cork heels. “With the gracious permission of Your Royal Highness.” 

THE ARISTOCRACY TOLARES MAGES BECAUSE IT NEEDS THEM

What is exactly the social standing of mages in the Witcher saga? Well, they often do dine with kings, aristocracy and royalty. The mages move in high social circles, and are usually well of. Whatever might be their origins, their usage of magic gives them prestige and power. Some (possibly many) mages come from wealthy families,  but since magic is something that cannot be taught to everyone, being a mage is not a position you can buy or inherit. Being a mage is something that has to be earned through work and training. While mages' morals are a matter of personal choice, their potentially high social status is earned. One can be born into royalty, but one cannot be born into the mage family and simply inherit magic. There is no such thing as mage families. This might explain some of the animosity of the king's children towards Coral. 

The king glanced at his sons sitting beside him. Both were tall and slender, quite unlike their father, who was bony and sinewy, but of not very imposing height. Neither did they look like brothers. The older, Egmund, had raven-black hair, while Xander, who was a little younger, was almost albino blond. Both looked at Lytta with dislike. They were evidently annoyed by the privilege that permitted sorceresses to sit in the presence of kings, and that such seated audiences were granted to them. The privilege was well established, however, and could not be flouted by anyone wanting to be regarded as civilised. And Belohun’s sons very much wanted to be regarded as civilised. 

However, mages can lose their status. Some mages serve as aids or servants to the aristocracy or royalty, some prefer to be more economically dependent. They make different decisions, and while doing so they also face different risks. Being a mage means possibilities, but also dangers and risks. If they displease their clients, mages can find themselves in real danger. Often they have to play the political game, and play it well if they want to survive. One of the things the Witcher saga is known for is morally grey characters. Mages and aristocracy are often portrayed as playing the games of power, and using every weapon and manipulation available in the book. The world of Witcher saga is a Machiavellian one. Not that the "common folk" are portrayed as exceedingly innocent and good hearted. Characters in this novel are often morally complex. I have to say that these two Lytta and the king seem to be both leading towards the black spectrum, that is they do not seem to have any integrity in them. 

“We graciously grant our permission,” Belohun said slowly. “With one proviso.” 

Coral raised a hand and ostentatiously examined her fingernails. It was meant to signal that she couldn’t give a shit about Belohun’s proviso. The king didn’t decode the signal. Or if he did he concealed it skillfully.

The king and Coral start a debate. The king has found out that Coral's medical services include abortion, and they debate on the subject, as the king claims that is immoral and Coral answers that it is a woman's natural right. It appears they actually care about the discussion for a second, but it is a mere façade. Both of them are only looking for their own interests. 

 “In your lengthy disquisition you keep stubbornly returning to the themes of increasing wealth and prosperity. I understand you perfectly, since my own prosperity is also extremely dear to me. And not for all the world would I give up anything that prosperity provides me with. I judge that a woman has the right to have children when she wants and not to have them when she doesn’t, but I shall not enter into a debate in that regard; after all, everyone has the right to some opinion or other. I merely point out that I charge a fee for the medical help I give women. It’s quite a significant source of my income. We have a free market economy, Your Majesty. Please don’t interfere with the sources of my income. Because my income, as you well know, is also the income of the Chapter and the entire consorority. And the consorority reacts extremely badly to any attempts to diminish its income.”

Mentioning of consorority and its financial interests raises some feathers, as it can be interpreted as a treat from Coral to the king. However, Coral basically gives up this debate to discuss something closer to both of their hearts and that is the subject of money. 

In the end they come to agreement, because they are both greedy for money and can therefore easily understand one another. The king does not care whether women get abortions or not, he just wants to make sure that this bride-to-be will not make one. Coral does not care either, as long as she keeps getting enough money. Coral happily agrees to make an exception, promising not to perform the abortion if the wife of the king asks for it, and all is settled.

 Coral then warns the king that someone is trying to rob him, catching his attention fully. Basically, we can conclude that both the king and Coral are the kind of people who only care about themselves and their money, or as Coral puts it- prosperity. Coral is at least open about it, and does not pretend to care much about the morals. When she gives this information to the king, it is clear Coral wants something for herself.

“ I have some information. Confidential information. I consider informants repellent; but fraudsters and thieves even more so. And this concerns impudent embezzlement, Your Majesty. People are trying to rob you.” Belohun leaned forward from his throne, grimacing like a wolf. “Who? I want names!”

THE SECOND CHAPTER SEES GERALT ON HIS WAY TO THE CITY OF KERACK

This brings us to second chapter.  The witcher is riding his faithful Roach and making his way to Kerack. The smell of the sea is in the air, but surely troubles are not far from our protagonist.  Sapkowski goes into great detail describing this city that can be entered only through a watchtower and after handing in one's weapons.

The Witcher spurred his mare in her sides. Roach raised her head and flared her nostrils as though also enjoying the smell of the sea breeze. Urged on, she set off across the dunes. Towards the city, now nearby. The city of Kerack, the chief metropolis of the kingdom bearing the same name, was divided into three separate, distinct zones straddling both banks at the mouth of the River Adalatte... "

Geralt hands over his swords to the girls in an all female garrison. They taunt him for handing his weapons so easily (even thought it is standard procedure) and are quite vulgar. The author even uses quotation marks when he calls them "girls" or "ladies", implying that their behaviour does not merit calling them girls and ladies. I mean their behaviour is really repelling. Moreover, it will only get worse as the novel progresses and they appear again. Why did the author describe them so? For humour? Or to prove that women can be just as vulgar as men? The female guards are not entirely bad, though. One of them actually turns into a hero towards the end of the end of the novel.  However, more about them later. 

SAPOKOWSKI RISKS TURNING THE FEMALE GUARDS INTO CARICATURES

I feel like the author was trying to challenge some gender norms with many of his characters in Season of Storms.  It might have rubbed some the wrong way. Reading reviews of this novels, I even came upon some reviews that accused Sapkowski of misogyny. I feel  like Sapkowski had a list of potential female characters that he did not get to write about and the wanted to fill it out. The vulgar garrison ladies must have been one of them. Afterall, he created all kinds of  strong female characters in this saga: determined queens (elven and human), resourceful rural and city women, talented female artists and singers, even female mercenaries such as Pretty Kitty. I suppose Sapkowski figured out he must also create some females that are less inspiring and more vulgar. There are some other boxes he crossed in this novel. For example, Sapkowski did not write about a female criminal mastermind before (as far as I remember), so when he wrote Season of Storms he saw  a chance. 

It might be also that he is missing his two key female characters: Yennefer and Ciri. So, Sapokowski creates many different types of female characters, such as these vulgar and aggressive female guards you might not expect to find in a fantasy novel. However, sometimes Sapokowski takes it too far and they seem mere caricatures. There are also some female characters that are not where you would expect them, that is in the criminal world. The "girls" disappear from the scene as Geralt continues to the tavern.

THE GUARD DOES NOT LET GERALT IN, BUT THE OWNER FEBUS RAVENGA GREETS HIM POLITELY

Anyhow, Geralt arrives to the tavern, but his clothes raises suspicious as the tavern is frequented by nicely dressed individuals. When Geralt stresses that he is unarmed, the guard even tells Geralt that he looks like someone who would be wearing weapons if he only could. The gatekeeper does not let him in, but then the owner insist that he is honoured to have someone like Geralt visit his tavern. A rare display of respect follows, and I must admit it made me suspicious. I guess as a reader, I'm used to people hating Geralt for  no reason that I was surprised to see someone being nice to him or acknowledging that what he does is essentially heroic. Do not get used to it as a reader. Men are typically mean to Geralt, while women (especially mages) tend to be more accepting.

“Geralt of Rivia. The Witcher. Known for protecting people and saving their lives. As he did a week ago, here, in our region, in Ansegis, when he saved a mother and her child. And several months earlier, he famously killed a maneating leucrote in Cizmar, suffering wounds in so doing. How could you bar entry to my tavern to somebody who plies such an honest trade? On the contrary, I’m very happy to see a guest like him. And I consider it an honour that he desires to visit me. Master Geralt, the Natura Rerum osteria warmly welcomes you. I’m Febus Ravenga, the owner of this humble house.

 In the tavern Geralt catches glimpse of Coral and her fox hair. Geralt is convinced that she is a sorceress by her body language, even if she pretends not to take notice of him. Well, Geralt certainly has enough 'body' experience with sorceresses to be able to read their body language. However, soon Geralt is arrested. Does Coral have anything to do with it? That was the first question I asked myself as a reader, honestly. 

GERALT IS ARRESTED AND IN THE NEXT CHAPTER WE FIND HIM WITH A BARISTA (A FORMER APPRENTICE AT SCHOOL OF MAGIC) WHO IS NOT OF MUCH HELP TO HIM

In the next chapter, we find Geralt with his barista, who is a former sorceress apprentice herself. Sorceresses and Geralt, they are drawn together like magnets it seems. 

 “Let us focus on the prosecutor’s charge. The tribunal assessor is accusing you of a grave crime, punishable by a severe penalty.” 

How could it be otherwise? he thought, contemplating the lawyer’s features. He wondered how old she had been when she entered the school for sorcerers. And how old she was when she left. 

Apparently, that is what happens to failed sorceress, they go on to practice law. Why? Well, because they are children of wealthy people and as such a place for them needs to be find. A solution is found for both the boys and girls who fail at being mages.

GERALT GOES ON TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE FAILED APPRENTENCES

One of the things I like about this novel is that it fills the reader on the information about the Witcher world. It answers some of the questions that a reader can have, as for example what happens with those who do not manage to learn how to use magic? There is a bit of worldbuilding here, and it is fairly logical. Sapkowski's worldbuilding is not as detailed as some of the other fantasy authors, but at least it makes sense. Geralt fills us in on the go, and it feels pretty natural for him to do so. At this point in the novel, the narrative flows effortlessly. 

 There was no problem for the boys rejected by Ban Ard—they joined the diplomatic service, the army, navy or police while politics was left for the stupidest. Magical rejects in the shape of the fairer sex seemed to be more difficult to place. Although expelled, the young ladies had nonetheless crossed the threshold of a school of magic and had tasted magic to some degree or other. And the influence of sorceresses on monarchs, and on all areas of political and economic life, was too powerful for the young ladies to be left in the lurch. They were provided with a safe haven. They joined the judiciary. They became lawyers.

GERALT TAKES HIS DEFENCE INTO HIS OWN HANDS PROVING THERE IS MORE TO HIM THAN MEETS THE EYE

The failed sorceress is no use of Geralt, so he takes the defense to his own hands. He is accused of not only stealing the money from the Crown but corrupting those around him and leading them to it. Funny if you remember that it was the state official who did it, and Geralt the one who rebelled against it. The court scene was not without humour either. 

Geralt calmly accepts that the honorable judge must be distracted as she has a lot on her mind, for example stretchmarks on her growing behind. Geralt's calm irony and humour is hilarious. A bail is established, and Geralt has to avoid court. Again, we are given a quote from Shakespeare, this time from his play Coriolanus , and the question:  What is the city but the people?

So, another question presents itself. Who are the people who have framed Geralt? The next chapter sees a temporary liberated Geralt. Someone paid his bail, and he went to get his swords only to find them gone. He gets into a fight with the before mentioned female garrison. The fight turns pretty bloody too, until someone intervenes.

The person who had intervened, however, was an elegantly attired man with noble features, emanating authority. Geralt didn’t know who he was. But he knew perfectly well who the noble-looking man’s companion was. A dandy in a fanciful hat with an egret feather stuck into it, with shoulder-length blond hair curled with irons. Wearing a doublet the colour of red wine and a shirt with a lace ruffle. Along with his ever-present lute and with that ever-present insolent smile on his lips.

GERALT AND GERALT MEET AGAIN AND THEY HAVE MUCH TO DISCUSS!

 “Greetings, Witcher! What do you look like? With that smashed-up fizzog! I’ll split my sides laughing!” “Greetings, Dandelion. I’m pleased to see you too.”

So, Dandelion and the Witcher meet again. Their bromance is possibly the best part of the series. Anyhow, the investigator assures Geralt that his swords will be found, if they were stolen in the first place. Much of the plot of this novel revolves around Geralt's missing swords. The two are simply vital to him, as he explains in his own words.

“I’d rather it were sooner.” The Witcher didn’t care too much for the instigator’s tone of voice. “My swords are my existence; I can’t do my job without them. I know my profession is adversely perceived by many and that I suffer as a result of this negative portrayal caused by prejudice, superstition and xenophobia. I hope that fact won’t influence the investigation.” 

“It won’t,” replied Ferrant de Lettenhove dryly, “since law and order prevail here.” 

GERALT'S SWORDS ARE GONE AND IT IS A PROBLEM FOR OBVIOUS REASONS

The female garrison members claims they have not seen anyone take the swords and have been too busy eating. They are convinced Geralt took them, even if there is no proof. The only proof is some obviously misspelled signature not belonging to Geralt. It seems the "girls" and the Witcher have started on the wrong foot. Geralt complains of superstition against him, but he does not shy from lying about the swords being magical, he even implies that if a man uses them they will render him impotent. Who says that the Witcher does not have a sense of humour?

“May I warn you in advance,” said Geralt, “that my swords are protected by powerful spells. Only witchers can touch them; others will have their vitality drained away. It mainly manifests in the loss of male potency.....”

The instigator nodded. “For the moment, though, I would ask you not to leave the city. I’m inclined to turn a blind eye to the brawl in the guardhouse—in any case, they occur there regularly. The guards are pretty volatile. And because Julian—I mean Lord Dandelion—vouches for you, I’m certain that your case will be satisfactorily solved in court.”

AS DIFFERENT AS THEY ARE, DANDELION AND GERALT ARE TRUE FRIENDS

So, as it might have seemed, it is Dandelion that saved the Witcher from the jail, at least for the time being. As soon as they are alone, being the good friend that he is, Dandelion reveals everything he knows. The way Dandelion talks is very entertaining and so distinctly his. 

Geralt often talks in short sentences, but he can be eloquent but he must. In court, Geralt showed that he can be his own lawyer, and that he knows how to use the court vocabulary correctly. Nevertheless, Geralt is concise in his speech. 

Dandelion on the other hand is elaborative and poetic. When the two talks, their talking styles often contrast wonderfully. Geralt often cuts Dandelion short with ironical or cyclical remarks. Nevertheless, he never does so out of spite. Dandelion also likes to comment on what and how Geralt says something. So, you could say they are on even terms. Sometimes it seems that the two know each other so well, they finish one's another sentences.

IT APPEARS CORAL IS BOTH BEHIND GERALT'S ARREST AND RELEASE (ON BAIL)

Scarcely had they exited the town square and entered a narrow street than he revealed everything he knew. “It’s a genuine catalogue of unfortunate coincidences, Geralt, my dear. And unlucky incidents. And as far as the bail is concerned, it was paid for you by a certain Lytta Neyd, known to her friends as Coral, from the colour of the lipstick she uses. She’s a sorceress who works for Belohun, the local kinglet. Everybody’s racking their brains wondering why she did it. Because it was none other than she who sent you down.” “What?” “Listen, will you? It was Coral who informed on you. That actually didn’t surprise anyone, it’s widely known that sorcerers have it in for you. And then a bolt from the blue: the sorceress suddenly pays your bail and gets you out of the dungeon where you’d been thrown because of her. The whole city—” 

So, the woman behind it all is Coral. Why are we as readers not exactly surprised? Well, Geralt certainly has something for sorceresses: Yennefer, Triss, Fringilla and the list goes on. Geralt's mother that abandoned him as a child was a sorceresses. So, perhaps Geralt has mommy issues. However, the motives of Coral are hard to understand. Why have him arrested and then bail him out? Just to toy with him? Geralt does not dwell on the subject just yet, as him and Dandelion are deep in conversation. They will mention her soon enough, but for now Geralt is thinking of the city. 

“Widely known? The whole city? What are you saying, Dandelion?”

 “I’m using metaphors and circumlocution. Don’t pretend you don’t know, you know me well enough. Naturally not the ‘whole city,’ and only certain well-informed people among those close to the crown.”

 “And you’re one of them, I presume?” 

“Correct. Ferrant is my cousin—the son of my father’s brother. I dropped in to visit him, as you would a relative. And I found out about your imbroglio. I immediately interceded for you, you can’t possibly doubt that. I vouched for your honesty. I talked about Yennefer …” 

“Thank you very much.”

AS SOON AS YENNEFER IS MENTIONED, GERALT'S MOOD CHANGES

As soon as Yennefer is mentioned, Geralt grows sarcastic and Dandelion points it out, telling him to: “Drop the sarcasm." Geralt and Dandelion really do know one another well. While at this point in chronology (and in many of the novels) Yennefer and Dandelion do not exactly get along, Dandelion respects Geralt's feelings for Yennefer. In fact, Dandelion will point them out quite openly later on. At the moment, there are more pressing matters, and Dandelion continues their talk:

"I had to talk about her to help my cousin realise that the local witch is maligning and slandering you out of jealousy and envy. That the entire accusation is false, that you never stoop to swindle people. As a result of my intercession, Ferrant de Lettenhove, the royal instigator, a high-ranking legal executive, is now convinced of your innocence—”

 “I didn’t get that impression,” said Geralt. “Quite the opposite. I felt he didn’t believe me. Neither in the case of the alleged embezzlement, nor in the case of the vanished swords. Did you hear what he said about evidence? Evidence is a fetish to him. The denunciation will thus be evidence of the fraud and Gerland of Ryblia’s signature on the docket is proof of the hoax involving the theft of the swords. Not to mention his expression when he was warning me against leaving the city …” 

So, Dandelion was perhaps there by chance, but he jumped to Geralt's help  as soon as he heard about him being in trouble. By luck (or is it?), Dandelion is related to the investigator, but that does not mean that Geralt will easily be let of the hook. The situation seems to grown more complicated by the minute. Someone has forged Geralt's signature and Geralt is not convinced that Dandelion's cousin will help him. Dandelion is urging Geralt to have faith and avoid running away in search of his swords.

“You’re being too hard on him,” pronounced Dandelion. “I know him better than you. That fact that I’m vouching for you is worth more than a dozen inflated pieces of evidence. And he was right to warn you. Why do you think he and I headed to the guardhouse? To stop you from doing anything foolish. Someone, you say, is framing you, fabricating phoney evidence? Then don’t hand that someone irrefutable proof. Which is what fleeing would be.”

Geralt's instict tell him to flee, and a witcher's instincts are a powerful thing. Furthermore, a witcher without his swords is exactly that- a warrior without his weapon.

 “Perhaps you’re right,” agreed Geralt. “But my instinct tells me otherwise. I ought to do a runner before they utterly corner me. First arrest, then bail, and then right after that the swords … What next? Dammit, without a sword I feel like … like a snail without a shell.” 

Dandelion suggests to Geralt to buy new swords but after Geralt's comparison with his lute, sees the Witcher's point. Swords are to a witcher what paint brushes are to a painter and what lute is to Dandelion.

“I think you worry too much. And anyway, the place is full of shops. Forget about those swords and buy some more.” 

“And if someone were to steal your lute? Which was acquired, as I recall, in quite dramatic circumstances? Wouldn’t you worry? Would you let it slide? And buy another in the shop around the corner?” 

Dandelion involuntarily tightened his grip on his lute and his eyes swept around anxiously. However, none of the passers-by looked like a potential robber, nor displayed an unhealthy interest in his unique instrument. 

 Dandelion and Geralt's conversation is both meaningful and funny. After agreeing with Geralt, Dandelion expresses fears about possible impotence and Geralt admits it was all a lie. 

“Well, yes,” he sighed. “I understand. Like my lute, your swords are also unique and irreplaceable. And what’s more … What were you saying? Enchanted? Triggering magical impotence … Dammit, Geralt! Now you tell me. I mean, I’ve often spent time in your company, I’ve had those swords at arm’s length! And sometimes closer! Now everything’s clear, now I get it … I’ve been having certain difficulties lately, dammit …” 

“Relax. That impotence thing was nonsense. I made it up on the spot, hoping the rumour would spread. That the thief would take fright …” 

“If he takes fright he’s liable to bury the swords in a muck heap,” the bard noted, still slightly pale. “And you’ll never get them back. Better to count on my cousin Ferrant. He’s been instigator for years, and has a whole army of sheriffs, agents and narks. They’ll find the thief in no time, you’ll see.”

Again, the Witcher is not convinced that Ferrant will be of any help. He is a man who is used to relying on no one. Plus, he does not exactly trust authority figures. Geralt turns his mind to the woman who both put him in jail and bailed him out, but Dandelion warns him that it is a bad idea to pay her a visit.

 “If the thief’s still here.” The Witcher ground his teeth. “He might have run for it while I was in the slammer. What did you say was the name of that sorceress who landed me in this?” 

“Lytta Neyd, nicknamed Coral. I can guess what you’re planning, my friend. She’s a sorceress. An enchantress and a woman in one; in a word, an alien species that doesn’t submit to rational understanding, and functions according to mechanisms and principles incomprehensible to ordinary men. Why am I telling you this, anyway? You know it very well. You have, indeed, very rich experience in this matter … What’s that racket?”

TROUBLE IS NEVER FAR FROM THE WITCHER HENCE- AN ATTACK

Geralt gets attacked by a group of men, and asks Dandelion to fetch him a stave. He manages to defend himself against the attackers and comments how they dared to attack him because they knew he was unarmed. Well, they said as much while they attacked him, so it is not exactly enlightening of Geralt to take notice of that, but he probably says it because Dandelion did not hear them say it (being busy fetching Geralt a stave). Dandelion tries to talk Geralt out of visiting Coral, but when he sees that Geralt is determined, he advises him to go to the bathhouse and get a barber first. Good impressions are important, right? 

This chapter was very entertaining, and possibly one of the best written ones. The way Geralt and Dandelion seem to finish each other's sentences is endearing. Moreover, the plot seems to be moving quickly here and not a sentence feels out of place, something that cannot be said for this whole novel.

THE NEXT CHAPTER DESCRIBES THE MEETING OF CORAL AND GERALT

Lyotta nicknamed Coral greets Geralt wearing a white dress. Geralt feels anxious because he is aware of his weakness for redheads, but is determined to be on his guard. Their whole introduction and first conversation is full of hilarious comments. 

Erotically alluring red hair wasn’t the sorceress’s only attractive attribute. Her snow-white dress was modest and utterly without effects, which was the aim, the intended aim, and without the slightest doubt deliberate. Its simplicity didn’t distract the attention of the observer, but focused it on her attractive figure. And the plunging cleavage. To put it concisely, Lytta Neyd could easily have posed for an engraving accompanying the chapter “Impure Desire” in the illustrated edition of the prophet Lebioda’s Good Book. To put it even more concisely, Lytta Neyd was a woman whom only a complete idiot would have wanted to have relations with for longer than two days. It was curious that women like that were usually pursued by hordes of men inclined to stay for much longer. 

Geralt gets to the point that is getting him in jail and bailing him out, and Coral says she did it all to prove that she can. A moment later, Coral explains she is not acting of her own accord, but that some other mages are involved, and that she does not know everything that is planned herself. However, Coral claims not to have anything to do with the theft of swords, and assures the Witcher that the trial will probably be resolved in his favour. 

CORAL ADMITS THAT MAGES HAVE AN INTEREST IN GERALT (AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH YENNEFER)

Geralt is not convinced and makes comments about the mages making his life difficult. Coral seems to admit that his involvement with Yennefer did not make him popular in the mage world, but that nobody cares enough about him to attack him. Coral even claims to have won a pretty penny betting on how long Geralt and Yennefer will last. 

“Some members of our community—not many, but influential— deigned to notice you. No one was clear what precisely occurred between you. Some of us thought that Yennefer, after coming to her senses, broke off with you and kicked you out. Others dared to suppose that you, after seeing through her, ditched her and took to your heels. Consequently, as I mentioned, you became the object of interest. And, as you correctly guessed, antipathy. Why, there were those who wanted you punished in some way. Fortunately for you the majority thought it not worth the trouble.” 

“What about you? What part of the community do you belong to?”

 “Those whom your love affair merely entertained, if you can imagine.” Lytta twisted her coral lips. “And occasionally amused. And occasionally supplied with true sporting thrills. I personally have to thank you for a significant influx of cash, Witcher. Bets were laid about how long you’d last with Yennefer—the stakes were high. My wager, as it turned out, was the most accurate. And I scooped up the pot.”

Geralt continues to pretend he does not notice Coral's beauty. Instead he flirts with Coral's servant/ apprentice Mozaik even if the girl begs him not to with her eyes. He does it to anger Coral, and is succesful. However, Geralt is being a jerk there, as the poor girl will be punished for his actions. 

What follows is a quote on the Witcher's sword, supposedly by Pandolfo Forteguerra, and from A Treatise on Edged Weapons, that is, a little bit of intertextuality coming up again. I enjoyed the intertextuality of this novel.

A witcher sword (fig. 40) distinguishes itself by being, as it were, an amalgam of other swords, the fifth essence of what is best in other weapons. The first-rate steel and manner of forging typical of dwarven foundries and smithies lend the blade lightness, but also extraordinary resilience. A witcher sword is also sharpened in the dwarven fashion, a secret fashion, may we add, and one that shall remain secret forever, for the mountain dwarves guard their arts jealously. For a sword whetted by dwarves can cut in two a silken scarf thrown into the air. We know from the accounts of eyewitnesses that witchers were able to accomplish the same trick with their swords.

IN THE SIX CHAPTER GERALT AND DANDELION LOOK FOR A SOLUTION AND TALK ABOUT YENNEFER

In the sixth chapter, Geralt and Julian that is Dandelion are met by the investigator cousin. The investigator is worried for Dandelion, since Geralt is getting attacked and all, but Dandelion plans to stay by Geralt's side. Geralt and Dandelion go on trying to buy a sword, but Geralt gives up soon. He says that everything for sale is junk, either mass produced garbage or shiny things meant for dandies. Somehow I found that very credible. After all, quality weapons are not easy to make. Dandelion suggest to Geralt to go the the Witcher's base where they must be a silver sword or two, but Geralt is sure that Vesimir and others would laugh at him for losing his swords and at any rate it is too far off. 

SOMETIMES GERALT'S EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE SEEMS QUITE LOW

Geralt then meets the girl Mozaik, and sees that her hand is injured. It is all of his fault for using Mozaik to anger Coral. Mozaik blaims Geralt for everything, and says she is lucky Coral did not do something worse to her. However, soon Mozaik laughs and shows she does not hold a grudge against Geralt. Honestly, I would if I were her. He acted like an idiot. This is not the end of him acting as an idiot, either. Well, if he did not, then Geralt would not be a morally grey character. 

The girl’s left hand was turned over. Twisted at the wrist. The thumb stuck out to the left, the back of her hand was facing downwards. And the palm upwards. A long, regular life-line, he noticed involuntarily. The heart-line was distinct, but dotted and broken. “Who did that to you? Did she?” “You did.” “What?” “You did!” She jerked her hand away. “You used me to make a fool of her. She doesn’t let something like that slide.” “I couldn’t—” “—have predicted it?” She looked him in the eyes. He had misjudged her— she was neither timid, nor anxious. “You could and should have. But you preferred to play with fire. Was it worth it, though? Did it give you satisfaction, make you feel better? Give you something to boast about to your friends in the tavern?” He didn’t answer. He couldn’t find the words. But Mozaïk, to his astonishment, suddenly smiled. “I don’t bear a grudge,” she said easily....

Again someone tries to kill Geralt, and he defends himself. When Mozaik begs him not to beat up the attacker, he listens to her.  Mozaik urges him not to go and see Coral because it will have consequences for him, not so much for Mozaik herself. However, Geralt does not listen. He goes on and sees Coral. They spend many a passionate night together. Passages follow depicting their passage. I must admit there were times when I as a reader said- really? Some of those passages felt like they were fan fiction for some reason. Maybe I had the feeling of deja vu. Geralt forgetting about his problems in the arms of another sorceress. Still, as the descriptions of their conversations and hm other relations followed, one could start to see Coral as a real woman, that is a sorceress. 

There were details that made Coral seem more human, and less this ambitious emotionless sorceresses that she seemed to be. There is one passage in particular that I liked where Coral talks of the sea and her desire to be alone. The Witcher thinks about how he feels alone every day, but he does not say it out loud, rather like so many things, he keeps it to himself.

“I come from Skellige,” she told him later, in bed. “The sea’s in my blood. And I love it.” “I dream of sailing away one day,” she continued, when he remained silent. “All alone. Set sail and put out to sea … Far, far away. All the way to the horizon. Only water and sky all around. The salt foam splashes me, the wind tugs my hair in an utterly male caress. And I’m alone, completely alone, endlessly alone among the strange and hostile elements. Solitude amid a sea of strangeness. Don’t you dream of that?” No, I don’t, he thought. I have it every day. 

Mozaik urges Geralt not to talk to her, but does he listen? I swear sometimes he is not the brightest. Mozaik is very bright, though and she warns him that he is not safe with Coral, explaining that her mistress is well aware that Geralt does not love her and is just trying to forget Yennefer. Geralt is aware of it himself, but cannot stop himself.

“Since she treats you like that … can’t you simply go?”

 “Go where?” she said crossly. “To a weaving manufactory? To serve time with a seamstress. Or head at once to a brothel? I don’t have anyone. I’m a nobody. And I’ll always be a nobody. Only she can change that. I can endure it all … But please don’t make it any worse. 

“I met your pal in town.” She glanced at him a moment later. “That poet, Dandelion. He asked about you. He was anxious.” “

Did you calm him down? Explain I was safe? In no danger?”

 “Why should I lie?”

 “I beg your pardon?” 

“You aren’t safe here. You’re here with her out of sorrow for the other one. Even when you’re close to her you only think about the other one. She knows it. But she plays along, because it pleases her, and you dissemble splendidly; you’re awfully convincing. 

Dandelion and Geralt have a similar talk soon enough, and yet Geralt is not capable of helping himself. What is really the problem with Geralt? Does he have some kind of problem? Addiction to females that do magic? It does not make sense to just walk into danger, or is Geralt perhaps so sure of his 'special skills'? At times, these repetitive and predictable affairs of his feel like fan fiction or fan service. Do they really add anything to the plot? Can we get to know a bit more about Geralt? Can Geralt stop burying his emotions in these senseless affairs? Dandelion is now doing what friends do best- meddling, and the Witcher seems to be calmly accepting his criticism. 

“I know I shouldn’t meddle. I know you don’t like it when anyone meddles. But certain things, Geralt, my friend, ought not to be left unsaid. Coral, if you want to know my opinion, is one of those women who ought to always wear a conspicuous warning sign. One proclaiming ‘Look but don’t touch.’ In menageries, they put things like that in terrariums containing rattlesnakes.”

 “I know.” 

“She’s playing with you and toying with you.” 

“I know.” 

“You, meanwhile, are simply filling the void after Yennefer, whom you can’t forget about.” 

“I know.” 

“So why—?” 

“I don’t know.

CORAL WANTS TO HELP GERALT FIND HIS WEAPONS BUT SHE MIGHT HAVE MOTIVES OF HER OWN

Coral like most mages, has her own motives and ambitions. Coral is not all bad, though. At least not at the moment. The way we see Coral is somewhat mirrored through Geralt's eyes. He finds and notes little details that humanize her, like her tattoo that is a sort of birth certificate. Both of them are quite old, as witchers and witches live long lives. However, how emotionally mature they really are? Is he a reliable eye-witness? Anyhow, Coral seems to mellow down a bit and wants to help Geralt.  When Geralt complains about missing his swords, she actually does something. Maybe she is not as materialistic and self-centered as she seems. 

Coral actually uses her powers to help Geralt look for his swords, The first thing that Geralt sees in the water is Yennefer, and not the swords. Coral is not happy about that and urges him to think of her swords. This is another proof that Yennefer is never far from Geralt's mind. Anyhow, Geralt focuses. With Coral's aid he sees a vision that will help lead him to his swords. Coral sees a vision for herself, and not a good one.

I ENJOYED 'THE SWORD' CONVERSATION BETWEEN GERALT AND DANDELION AS THEY SET ON TO FIND HIS SWORDS

Dandelion and Geralt set looking for the stone from the vision that promises to help him find his swords. They have a very entertaining debate about Geralt's swords. After talk of University, meteors and professors, Geralt confesses there is nothing magical about his weapons but begs Dandelion not to talk of it. This conversation is significant because it reveals how educated Dandelion is. Sometimes he seems a bit goofy, but Dandelion does have an extraordinary memory and mind, something our Witcher gladly acknowledges. 

“I don’t know what to admire more; your talent for mimicry or your memory,” Geralt snorted. 

“Returning, meanwhile, to the issue of interest to us: meteorites, which our good Fiddle-Faddle termed falling stars, Siderea Cadens, or something like that, break off from the firmament and fall downwards, to burrow into our good old earth. Along the way, meanwhile, they penetrate all the other planes, that is the elemental planes, as well as the para-elemental planes, for such are also said to exist. The elements and para-elements are imbued, as is known, with powerful energy, the source of all magic and supernatural force, and the meteorite penetrating them absorbs and retains that energy. Steel smelted from a meteorite—and also blades forged from such steel—contains a great deal of such elements. It’s magical. The entire sword is magical. Quod erat demonstrandum. Do you understand?”

 “Certainly.”

 “So forget it. Because it’s poppycock.” 

“What?” 

After this insightful debate, Geralt turns his humour back on, and asks Dandelion to keep his secret. The swords are after all not magical. However, it is important that others believe them to be.

“Poppycock. Fabrication. You don’t find meteorites under every bush. More than half the swords used by witchers were made from steel from magnetic ores. I used them myself. They are as good as the ones that fell from the sky when it comes to the siderites penetrating the elements. There is absolutely no difference. But keep it to yourself, Dandelion, please. Don’t tell anyone.” 

“What? I’m to stay silent? You can’t demand that! What’s the point of knowing something if you can’t show off the knowledge?” 

“Please. I’d prefer to be thought of as a supernatural creature armed with a supernatural weapon. They hire me to be that and pay me to be that. Normality, meanwhile, is the same as banality, and banality is cheap. So I ask you to keep your trap shut. Promise?” 

"Have it your way. I promise.”

WHEN THEY MEET PYRAL PRATT, A CRIMINAL BOSS, THINGS GET DANGEROUS

Geralt and Dandelion go on to meet Pyral Pratt, an ex priest turned criminal. Not just any kind of criminal, but one conducting organized crime, a crime boss if you will. His daughter Antea Derries is another significant character in this novel, but we only get to know her later on. I'm only mentioning her now because she does have a significant part to play. Antea does not get along with her family, and cares little about her father. However, she works with her father when it suits her, and she lives a life of crime as well. Antea just hides herself better. I found her to be a fascinating character, but more about her later on.

Anyhow, Pyral Pratt has a devious plan. When Geralt refuses to do 'business' with him, that is agree to do him a criminal favour some day in exchange for his swords, Pratt informs him that he must leave through a certain door.

Business is business,” Pyral Pratt interrupted him. “I said, the information I possess has its price. If you want to find something out about the fate of your swords, Witcher from Rivia, you have to pay.” “What’s the price on the tag?” Pratt took out a large gold coin from under his robe and handed it to the ogre- dwarf, who without visible effort snapped it in his fingers, as though it were a biscuit. 

Geralt shook his head. “A pantomime cliché,” he drawled. “You hand me half a coin and someone, someday, perhaps even in a few years, shows up with the other half. And demands that I fulfil his wish. Which I will have to fulfil unconditionally. Nothing doing. If that’s supposed to be the price, no deal. Causa finita. Let’s go, Dandelion.” 

“Don’t you care about regaining your swords?” 

“Not that much.” “I suspected so. But it doesn’t harm to try. I’ll make another offer. This time one you won’t refuse.” 

“Let’s go, Dandelion.” “You can leave, but through another door.” Pratt indicated with his head. 

Geralt gets up some information about his swords, but through that other door, he ends up in a fighting arena. It is a close call. He manages to kill the lizard, though.

Besides writing mean book reviews, I also paint and I paint well!

THIS SWORD PLOT MAKES SENSE FOR NOW BUT THERE ARE OTHER PLOTS DEVELOPING

So, the whole plot with his weapons seems to be develop quite nicely. However, there are other things and subplots to consider. The Coral plot did not make much sense to me initially, but it started making some sense after a while. I mean the mages making Geralt's life miserable because he may have left Yennefer (Coral claims they do not know who left who) is a bit neither here nor there. It all simply does not add up. It makes more sense when it turns out that the mages (and their guild if you will) need Geralt for a specific job.

There is additional subplot with the king and power dynamics that did not particularly impressed. All of these subplots meet at some point, but it does not feel like anything revolutionary. The pacing in this novel could be done better at some points. This was the problem in some of the other Witcher novels, and it is not perfect in this one as well.

THE PLOT IN THIS NOVEL WAS A BIT ALL OVER THE PLACE

I'll just say it. The plot in this novel did not exactly blow my mind. I practically reread this novel as I was putting this review together. So, this was almost a second reading, I reread most of the book while I was looking for quotes to include and putting this lengthy review together. Some parts of the plot did not really stick in my mind, and rereading them I understand why. Not all of this book was that entertaining and the plot felt a little bit all over the place at times. 

SOME PARTS OF THIS NOVEL FELT MORE LIKE A SHORT STORY COLLECTION THAN A NOVEL BUT THAT WAS NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING

Do not get me wrong, reading this novel was a great experience. There are many things I loved about Season of Storms. I enjoyed learning more about the Witcher world. The characters introduced in this novel were interesting and memorable for the most part. Some more than others, but on the overall, many of them stayed with me and do did the stories. The book does not feel like a typical novel, though. At times, it feels like a collection of short stores. So, maybe Sapkowski was coming back to Witcher origins. 

There are quite a few episodes or side stories in Season of Storms that I enjoyed, such as the one with the werewolf and the magical fox. They reminded me of the short stories, and I enjoyed them. Both of these episodes or side plots if you will feature characters/creatures that would typically be deemed as monsters, but this novel challenges our notions of them. The werewolf for example is a wonder person, and the fox shapeshifter is just trying to protect her (albeit stolen) child.

Someone knowing this is not the last novel in the series makes me want to take it easier on it. The first time I read it, I liked it but I was also surprised by how messy it was at times. It felt like Sapkowski was coming back to the origins of Witcher. I mean there are quite of few monster battles and fights in this one. Geralt does a lot of physical fighting in this one, with or without his weapons. There are monsters, violence, deaths, and all that. There is also more gore than in some of the other books, especially as Geralt gets called to get rid of a daemon.  However, we do not see any character development from Geralt in this one. He abandons lover after lover, and runs away from everything he might be feeling. I mean it is sort of his thing, he lives a lonely existence as the monster hunter, but one would expect a bit more emotion from him still. 

Is this Geralt of the earlier times? Of course it is. This is Geralt before he became a father to Ciri. He is a man who bottles everything inside and does not trust anyone. The only thing humanizing Geralt in this novel is his friendship with Dandelion. Yes, there are also all the heroic deeds of his, but that is sort of his nature and calling. You expect Geralt to risk his life to save the lives of innocents, even when it is not his job, even when what is threatening is a natural disaster and not a monster. Geralt is certainly not a man without principles. Still, in Season of Storms I found Geralt annoying at times. He is often wonderfully funny with his ironic remarks, but you have a feeling that that heart filled with irony is a little dead inside. Fortunately, there are some episodes where he reveals he does have a heart. Still, Geralt's relationship with women in this novel in particular feels problematic on some levels. He definitely has some growing to do.

Moreover, Season of Storms is not as philosophical as I expected the last book to be. However, it is also not the last book, so maybe that does change things. As I read it with this view in mind, I perhaps even enjoyed it more. So, what if it is was perhaps written as a fan service at times? So, what if it does not add anything really meaningful to the series? It is still a fun novel to read. The more I think about it though, the more I feel like it does add something meaningful to the series. Just not as meaningful as I expected. It does add to the series on many levels, it does its share of worldbuilding, and if you consider the prologue, it questions the ending of the last novel. So, it is philosophical at times, just not most of the time.

CORAL AND HER FORMER LOVER EXCHANGE SOME VERY ENTERTAINING LETTERS

As Geralt travels to meet the mages he is soon to work for, one of them sends a letter to Coral and it's hilarious. This mage is a former lover of Corals, and he is so sure of himself as he congratulates Coral on putting up with Geralt. Coral's reply to him is savage.

trust my letter finds you in good health and mood. And that everything is as you would wish. I hasten to inform you that the Witcher—called Geralt of Rivia—finally deigned to put in an appearance at our castle. Immediately after arriving, in less than an hour, he showed himself to be annoyingly unbearable and managed to alienate absolutely everyone, including the Reverend Ortolan, a person who could be regarded as kindness personified, and favourably disposed to everyone. The opinions circulating about that individual aren’t, as it turns out, exaggerated in even the tiniest respect, and the antipathy and hostility that he encounters everywhere have their own deep-seated grounds. But, however, insomuch as esteem should be paid him I shall be the first to do so sine ira et studio. The fellow is every inch the professional and totally trustworthy as regards his trade. There can be no doubt that he executes whatever he attempts or falls trying to achieve it. We may thus consider the goal o of our enterprise accomplished, mainly thanks to you, dear Coral. We express our thanks to you for your efforts, and you shall find us—as always—grateful. You, meanwhile, have my especial gratitude. As your old friend, mindful of what we have shared, I—more than the others— understand your sacrifice. I realise how you must have suffered the proximity of that individual, who is, indeed, an amalgam of the vices you cannot bear. Cynicism derived from a profound complex, with a pompous and introvert nature, an insincere character, a primitive mind, mediocre intelligence and great arrogance. I pass over the fact that he has ugly hands and chipped fingernails, in order not to irritate you, dear Coral; after all, I know you detest such things.

Yes, Coral's answer to him is both savage and hilarious. It reminds me of one similar irony drenched letter that Yennefer sent to Geralt:

As far as my health is concerned, everything is in order, as a matter of fact. Not only physically, but psychologically too, for some little time, since I’ve had what I’d long been lacking. I only realised how much I was missing it when I stopped missing it. I’m glad the enterprise requiring the Witcher’s participation is heading towards success; my modest contribution in the enterprise fills me with pride. Your sorrow is needless, my dear Pinety, if you think it involved suffering, sacrifices and difficulties. It wasn’t quite so bad. Geralt is indeed a veritable conglomeration of vices. I nevertheless also uncovered in him—sine ira et studio —virtues. Considerable ones, at that. I vouch that many a man, were he to know, would worry. And many would envy. 

Anyhow, the mages welcome Geralt and it seems they need him, too.

"Welcome, Witcher.” The welcome party turned out to be two sorcerers. He knew them both, although not personally. Yennefer had once pointed out Harlan Tzara to him, and Geralt remembered him because he was probably the only mage to cultivate a completely shaven head. He remembered the other, Algernon Guincamp, called Pinety, from the academy in Oxenfurt.

 “Welcome to Rissberg,” Pinety greeted him. “We’re glad you agreed to come.” 

“Are you mocking me? I’m not here of my own will. In order to force me to come, Lytta Neyd shoved me in the clink—” “But, she extracted you later,” interrupted Tzara, “and rewarded you amply. She made good your discomfort with great, hmm, devotion. Word has it that you’ve been enjoying her … company for at least a week.” 

Geralt fought the overwhelming urge to punch him in the face. Pinety must have noticed it. “Pax.” He raised a hand. “Pax, Harlan. Let’s end these squabbles. Let’s give this battle of snide remarks and acerbities a miss. We know Geralt has something against us, it’s audible in every word he utters. We know why that is, we know how the affair with Yennefer saddened him. And the reaction of the wizarding community to the affair. We shan’t change that. But Geralt is a professional, he will know how to rise above it.” “He will,” Geralt admitted caustically. “But the question is whether he’ll want to. Can we finally get to the point? Why am I here?” “We need you,” said Tzara dryly. “You in particular.”

GERALT MEETS THE OLDEST LOOKING MAGE

These two work for Ortolan, the famous page who invented the elixir that keeps the mages young, but too late to keep himself young. Ortolan is ancient and eccentric. He believes magic should be available to everyone, and prefers to believe in the lies he is told.

Ortolan’s appearance didn’t surprise Geralt. It was believed he was the world’s oldest living sorcerer. Perhaps that was really true, perhaps not, but the fact remained that Ortolan was the oldest-looking sorcerer. This was strange, in so far as Ortolan was the inventor of a celebrated mandrake decoction, an elixir used by sorcerers in order to arrest the ageing process. Ortolan himself, when he had finally developed a reliably acting formula for the magical liquid, didn’t gain much benefit from it, because by then he was quite advanced in age. The elixir prevented ageing, but by no means rejuvenated. For which reason Ortolan too, although he had used the remedy for a long time, continued to look like an old codger—particularly when compared to his confraters: venerable sorcerers, who resembled men in the prime of life, and his consorors: world-weary sorceresses, who looked like maids. The sorceresses bursting with youth and charm and the slightly grey-haired sorcerers, whose real dates of birth had vanished in the mists of time, jealously guarded the secrets of Ortolan’s elixir, and sometimes quite simply even denied its existence. Meanwhile, they kept Ortolan convinced that the elixir was generally available, owing to which humanity was practically immortal and—consequently—absolutely happy.

The old grandmaster criticizes Geralt for killing the beast that was created in this school of magic,  the beast that was made to kill. He used to defend Geralt and Yennefer, but not he turns against the Witcher. That is only the beginning of this subplot, though.

GERALD LEARNS THAT A DEMON MIGHT HAVE ESCAPED THE MAGES

Mages do a lot of experiments, creating these horrible monsters and who knows what else. That is why Pinety has called for Geralt. They are afaid someone among their midst has summoned a demon, used the forbidden magic, that is played at goetia as they call it. 

“Something escaped.” Pinety was theatrically calm. “There are currently eighteen masters working at the castle. And on top of that, well over four score apprentices and novices. Most of the latter are only a few formalities away from the title of ‘master.’ We fear … We have reason to suppose before that someone from that large group wanted to play at goetia.” “

Don’t you know who?”

 “We do not,” Harlan Tzara replied without batting an eye. But the Witcher knew he was lying. “In May and at the beginning of June, three large-scale crimes were committed in the vicinity.” The sorcerer didn’t wait for further questions. 

“In the vicinity, meaning here, on the Hill, between twelve and twenty miles from Rissberg. Each time, forest settlements, the homesteads of foresters and other forest workers, were targeted. All the residents were murdered in the settlements, no one was left alive. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the crimes must have been committed by a demon. Or more precisely, an energumen, someone possessed by a demon. A demon that was invoked here, at the castle.” 

“We have a problem, Geralt of Rivia. We have to solve it. And we hope you’ll help us with it.

GERALT MEETS A VILLAIN THAT IS ABSOLUTE EVIL - SORAL DEGERLUND

Much of the plot revolving around the supposed demon has to do with Soral Degerlund, a beautiful young mage that uses his looks to further his career. Soral is under grandmaster Ortolan's protection, and the mages that have called for Geralt's help cannot accuse him without solid proof.

Well, Soral is absolute evil. The whole subplot with him and the possible demon is pure horror. There is a lot of gore and bloody scenes in this part of the novel. Basically horror film about serial killers kind of stuff. It is more than enough to turn your stomach. However, there is some light in the darkness. Geralt asks for help from his old friend, a werewolf! When Geralt visits him, the werewolf's wife who is a she-werewolf herself almost attacks him. If Dussart did not arrive in time, who knows what would have happened. Geralt is happy to see his old friend, and also relieved that the confrontation was avoided. Who knows what would have happened if that potential fight was stopped? 

DUSSART IS SUCH A GREAT CHARACTER AND I LOVED HIS DYNAMIC WITH GERALT

Geralt is satisfied to see Dussart, the werewolf, married with children. Dussart is very grateful for everything he has, and he feels that he has Geralt to thank for much of it.

“I don’t wish to upset your wife or frighten your children,” Geralt announced. “And what’s more, I have a matter I’d prefer to talk about in private. It concerns a certain favour.” 

“Whatever you want, sir,” said the bearded man. “Just say it. I’ll fulfil your every wish, if it’s in my power. I am indebted to you, greatly indebted. Thanks to you I walk alive through this world. Because you spared me then. I owe you —”

 “Not me. Yourself. Because even in lupine form you remained a man and never harmed anybody.”

 “I never harmed anybody, ’tis true. And how did I benefit? My neighbours, having become suspicious, brought a witcher down on me at once. Though paupers, they scrimped and saved in order to hire you.”

 “I thought about giving them back their money,” admitted Geralt. “But it might have aroused suspicion. I gave them my witcher word that I’d removed the werewolf spell from you and had completely healed you of lycanthropy, that you are now as normal as the next man. Such a feat has to cost. If people pay for something they believe in it: whatever is paid for becomes real and legal. The more expensive, the better.”

 “Recalling that day sends shivers down my spine,” said Dussart.....

I will not reveal what kind of help does Geralt ask of Dussart but I will say that I enjoyed their dynamics very much. Their friendship seems very genuine. It is another example of subverting expectations. One would expect Dussart to be the villain because he is a werewolf. However, the real monster is the beautiful young mage. Speaking of friendship, Dandelion and Gerlat's friendship was my favourite thing in this novel. I missed Dandelion whenever he was not around in some of the Witcher's novels and short stories. Honestly, Dandelion is such a rich character.

LOCATION: ŽNJAN, SPLIT, CROATIA

DANDELION AND GERALT'S FRIENDSHIP

There are many  wonderfully funny moments in this novel, and Dandelion and Geralt's banter is a bit part of them.

“You know, you never congratulate me on my ballads,” Dandelion suddenly spoke up. “I’ve composed and sung so many of them in your company. But you’ve never said: ‘That was nice. I’d like you to play that again.’ You’ve never said that.” 

“You’re right. I haven’t. Do you want to know why?”

 “Yes?” 

“Because I’ve never wanted to.”

Speaking of banter, towards the end of the novel Yennefer and Coral have a nice little talk. 

YENNEFER AND CORAL HAVE A NICE CHAT TOGETHER AND AS ONE MIGHT IMAGINE GERALT IS ONE OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED

“I find it astonishing,” Lytta repeated. “I’d never have expected it of him.” 

“Because you didn’t know him, Coral,” Yennefer replied calmly. “You didn’t know him at all.

THE EPISODE WITH THE VIXEN WAS SO WELL WRITTEN

My first thoughts when reading the vixen episode (or subplot) if you will were all about Asian mythology, you know the magical fox spirit from Japanese mythology and all that. However, when I googled aguara I was surprised to see that it is actually a creature from South American mythology. Aguara term specifically (and that is one of the names for it used in this novel) is a mythological fox from Ava Guaraní and Chané mythology.It is fascinating how similar these mythological figures are. In Chinese and Japanese mythology, the fox spirit takes different forms. How fascinating to learn that in many countries of South America such as Bolivia, Brasil, Argentina and so on- there are similar beliefs. 

Geralt didn’t move. “I warned you I would come.” Rows of teeth glistened in the she-fox’s mouth. “One day. Today is that day.” Geralt didn’t move. On his back, he felt the familiar weight of his two swords, a weight he had been missing for a month. Which usually gave him peace and certainty. That day, at that moment, the weight was just a burden. “I have come …” said the aguara, flashing her fangs. “I don’t know why I came myself. In order to say goodbye, perhaps. Perhaps to let her say goodbye to you.” A slender girl in a tight dress emerged from behind the vixen. Her pale and unnaturally unmoving face was still half human. But probably now more vulpine than human. The changes were occurring quickly. The Witcher shook his head. “You cured her … You brought her back to life? No, that’s impossible. So, she was alive on the ship. Alive. But pretending to be dead.” The aguara barked loudly. He needed a moment before realising it was laughter. That the vixen was laughing. “Once we had great powers! Illusions of magical islands, dragons dancing in the sky, visions of a mighty army approaching city walls … Once, long ago. Now the world has changed and our abilities have dwindled … And we have grown smaller. There is more vixen in us than aguara. But still, even the smallest, even the youngest she-fox, is capable of deceiving your primitive human senses with an illusion.” 

NIMUE APPEARS IN THE EPILOGUE OF THE NOVEL AND THIS POTENTIALLY CHANGES EVERYTHING

The epilogue of Season of Storms is absolutely fascinating. It seems to feature Numue's interaction with Geralt (from the future?) and it opens so many questions.

“The Witcher will return from the beyond!” Nimue wasn’t giving up. “He’ll return to protect people, so that Evil will never hold sway again. As long as darkness exists, witchers will be necessary. And darkness still exists!” He said nothing, looking away. He finally turned towards her. And smiled. “Darkness still exists,” he agreed. “In spite of the progress being made which we’re told to believe will light up the gloom, eliminate threats and drive away fears. Until now, progress hasn’t achieved great success in that field. Until now, all progress has done is to persuade us that darkness is only a glimmering superstition, that there’s nothing to be afraid of. But it’s not true. There are things to be afraid of. Because darkness will always, always exist. And Evil will always rampage in the darkness, there will always be fangs and claws, killing and blood in the darkness. And witchers will always be necessary. And let’s hope they’ll always appear exactly where they’re needed. Answering the call for help. Rushing to where they are summoned. May they appear with sword in hand. A sword whose gleam will penetrate the darkness....."

CONCLUSION: SEASON OF STORMS IS NOT THE STRONGEST BOOK IN THE SERIES BUT IS STILL A WORTH A READ

This might not be the best novel in the series, but I think witcher fans will enjoy this one. It expands on the Witcher lore, it shed more lights on the mage society, and it adds to the Witcher worldbuilding. Sure, the plot of Season of Storms is a bit all over the place, but the novel has still a lot going for it. The whole king plot did not really grab my attention as I did not care for any of the characters involved. The parts of the book that felt like short stories or episodes are among some of those I enjoyed the most. There are some memorable characters introduced, and Dandelion steps onto the scene quite often. If for nothing else, this novel would be worth reading for the fox and the werewolf episode. Be warn, though. This novel is a bit more bloody and violent than some of the others. Gore and elements of horror are present, especially towards the end of the book. Geralt fights a lot in this one, and we do not really get to know him that much better. We do see him to be very active with his swords. 

Here are links to all the Witcher books I reviewed!

1) THE LAST WISH 

2) SWORD OF DESTINY 

  3) BLOOD OF ELVES

4) TIME OF CONTEMPT 5) BAPTISM OF FIRE  6) THE TOWER OF THE SWALLOW  7) THE LADY OF THE LAKE

The photographs I shared were (like most photographs on my blog) taken by husband Gordan. I felt like seaside location complemented the seaside location in Season of Storms. The locations features are two seaside cities: Jelsa and Split (both located in Croatia).

Thank you for reading!