Time of Contempt (Polish original title: Czas pogardy, early title was translated less literally as Time of Anger) is the second novel in the Witcher Saga written by Polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski, first published 1995 in Polish, and 2013 in English (under the title The Time of Contempt). It is a sequel to the first Witcher novel Blood of Elves (Krew elfów) and is followed by Baptism of Fire (Chrzest ognia).
Much improved on the first book, though still too much banter and an obfuscating flood of names & places.
Reading time 2 days, 166 pages/day
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The Time of Contempt continues the story of Ciri, Child of the Elder Blood, chased by the Empire of Nilfgaard for unknown reasons. The majority of the book deals with a conclave of sorcerers and enchantresses on the island of Thanedd. It seems like almost any magic user has some kind of agenda working as ambassador for various kings, and instead of a peaceful conclave, violence and war break out. We get a brief overview of the fallout of the conclave and then follow Ciri on the run, who finally joins a group of brigands, as she flees the ever-tightening net of the Emperor's search for her.
I loved the political intrigues and explosiveness of the conclave. There's not a lot of fantasy novels I have read recently where this is the core of the story. The style takes some getting used to still, and it might be an issue …
The Time of Contempt continues the story of Ciri, Child of the Elder Blood, chased by the Empire of Nilfgaard for unknown reasons. The majority of the book deals with a conclave of sorcerers and enchantresses on the island of Thanedd. It seems like almost any magic user has some kind of agenda working as ambassador for various kings, and instead of a peaceful conclave, violence and war break out. We get a brief overview of the fallout of the conclave and then follow Ciri on the run, who finally joins a group of brigands, as she flees the ever-tightening net of the Emperor's search for her.
I loved the political intrigues and explosiveness of the conclave. There's not a lot of fantasy novels I have read recently where this is the core of the story. The style takes some getting used to still, and it might be an issue of translation, as some terms are super-archaic and seem stilted. All in all I am still enjoying my time with the Witcher series, but I know my enjoyment comes from having played The Witcher 3. If I didn't know all these characters already, I would likely be overwhelmed.
