Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski

“Blood of Elves” is the first novel in the main Witcher saga, following the short story collections that introduced Geralt of Rivia. The story begins with the fall of the kingdom of Cintra and the young princess Ciri, who is taken in by Geralt. Ciri is prophesied to play a crucial role in the fate of the world, and Geralt becomes her protector and mentor. As Ciri trains in the ways of the Witchers at Kaer Morhen, she discovers her latent magical abilities. The novel explores the growing political tensions and impending war among the Northern Kingdoms, Nilfgaard, and various factions vying for power. Key characters such as the sorceress Yennefer and the bard Dandelion return, deepening their relationships with Geralt and Ciri. Themes of destiny, the burden of power, and the complexities of good and evil are woven throughout the narrative, setting the stage for the epic conflicts to come.