The Last WishAudiobook review by Paul Fiander
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Written by: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins Series: The Witcher Saga Publisher: Orion Publishing Group |
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Why Should I ….Listen to The Last Wish
The Witcher series is probably the best new series in games for a long time, however it started off its life as a series of short stories by Andrzej Sapkowski. This is the second published book but it collects stories which were put to print in other publications. So chronologically speaking this is the start and what a start it is. We get to learn who Geralt is and a vast amount about the world he lives in. However the real genius of Sapkowski’s work is the grey area the White Wolf world in. where other heroes kill with adapandon the Witcher weighs his options and lets you into to his thinking on each occasion. If you are new to the series or just want to learn more then this really is the perfect place to start your journey with Geralt. The narration by Peter Kenny is a veritable feast of British accents and his Geralt although different from the game voice still nods to the power of the best hero for many a year. |
Review
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I love the Witcher games, when the Wild Hunt (The Witcher 3) was announced I immediately added it to my Amazon wishlist and waited with baited breath for the release date. The reason for this was due in part to the work done by CD Projekt Red but mainly because Geralt of Rivia is such an intriguing character. I happily consumed the games and the comics and now its the books that have come under my spotlight. This is a bit odd as the books came first but I’m nothing if not a bit contrary.
The last wish was actually released in 1993 in its original Polish although it is made up of stories that appeared in works published elsewhere by author Andrzej Sapkowski. The book itself sees Geralt looking back a number of events in his recent past many of which show what type of a man he is. From battles to tests of his intellect his desire to do the right thing is paramount in every encounter. This mixing of encounters is what helps to make Sapkowski's writing so appealing, he shirks the usual fantasy tropes of living by the sword to draw in issues of political, racial and sexual confrontation. This is best shown by the attitude towards the Witcher himself. |
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Geralt is a mutant, in that he was born human but given Mutagens as a child and crafted into the monster hunter we meet in the series. Although we do not get too much information into his heritage there are hints to his heritage leaving him a sense of the mysterious. Unfortunately the Witchers despite their obvious use in helping to rid the land of dangerous creatures are still looked down upon by pretty much everyone especially the noble classes. This helps to mould our depiction of Geralt as a hero who works for good no matter the reaction he gets. There is however another side to his job, in that he kills for money. This is often confused for meaning he is a hired assassin but casts doubt on his virtues all adding to the convoluted character that is the Butcher of Blaviken.
This is actually the book we get to know how Geralt comes upon this most unfortunate name. It is contained within the tale named; The Lesser Evil. In a book of great stories this has to be my favourite as it gives historical context to the character I first met in the games but also shows the interpersonal relationships Geralt has built up in his days of Witchering. The plot sees Geralt needing to decide with path of destruction is most preferable hence the title The Lesser Evil. I will not spoil the story suffice to say this story in particular shows one of the best Catch 22’s I have ever read, seen or listened to.
The narration by Peter Kenny was a bit difficult to get around at first his Northern English portrayal of Geralt is different to Doug Cockle’s voice within the game. Kenny’s depiction actually makes sense within the history of the character but I will admit it did take some getting used to. From the initial period though I got to enjoy his varied tones for Geralt as he can be soothing and venomous in equal measure whenever the need arises. This range gives his performance a more theatrical note and is extremely fitting for the work. Elsewhere his Scottish Ciri is a great performance of a young female voice as his traipsing around the United Kingdom for accents for the multitude of other characters we meet.
At just over 10 hours, 10 hours 15 minutes to be exact, this is no light listen. The stories though ove along at a great pace and there are times you will be holding your breath while others when you will be resting scratching your head as to what will pop up next. I will passionately say that The Witcher is a character that demands your attention in whatever format you desire. Whether it be the games, comics, books or audiobooks. In each you will find a complicated character that roams the world in a fantasy setting that is hard to beat. The real genius though has to be the complex situations crafted by Andrzej Sapkowski. These really are a treat and make The Last Wish a Audiobook you really should listen to.
This is actually the book we get to know how Geralt comes upon this most unfortunate name. It is contained within the tale named; The Lesser Evil. In a book of great stories this has to be my favourite as it gives historical context to the character I first met in the games but also shows the interpersonal relationships Geralt has built up in his days of Witchering. The plot sees Geralt needing to decide with path of destruction is most preferable hence the title The Lesser Evil. I will not spoil the story suffice to say this story in particular shows one of the best Catch 22’s I have ever read, seen or listened to.
The narration by Peter Kenny was a bit difficult to get around at first his Northern English portrayal of Geralt is different to Doug Cockle’s voice within the game. Kenny’s depiction actually makes sense within the history of the character but I will admit it did take some getting used to. From the initial period though I got to enjoy his varied tones for Geralt as he can be soothing and venomous in equal measure whenever the need arises. This range gives his performance a more theatrical note and is extremely fitting for the work. Elsewhere his Scottish Ciri is a great performance of a young female voice as his traipsing around the United Kingdom for accents for the multitude of other characters we meet.
At just over 10 hours, 10 hours 15 minutes to be exact, this is no light listen. The stories though ove along at a great pace and there are times you will be holding your breath while others when you will be resting scratching your head as to what will pop up next. I will passionately say that The Witcher is a character that demands your attention in whatever format you desire. Whether it be the games, comics, books or audiobooks. In each you will find a complicated character that roams the world in a fantasy setting that is hard to beat. The real genius though has to be the complex situations crafted by Andrzej Sapkowski. These really are a treat and make The Last Wish a Audiobook you really should listen to.
Review copy and Cover Image courtesy of Publisher
