Reading Order
WitcherThe Witcher Reading Order
Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher saga is best started with the two short story collections before reading the five-novel main saga. This is the recommended order for new readers — the same order the author intended, and the best foundation for understanding Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri before the novels begin.
Where to start
Start with The Last Wish (short stories, 1993) — it introduces Geralt and the world of The Witcher perfectly, and several stories are essential context for the novels. Follow with Sword of Destiny, then read the five-novel saga in order.
Complete Witcher Book List
- 1Buy
The Last Wish
Andrzej Sapkowski·1993·Short story collection — start here; introduces Geralt of Rivia - 2Buy
Sword of Destiny
Andrzej Sapkowski·1992·Short story collection — introduces Ciri; read before the novels - 3Buy
Blood of Elves
Andrzej Sapkowski·1994·Novel 1 — the main saga begins; Geralt and Ciri - 4Buy
Time of Contempt
Andrzej Sapkowski·1995·Novel 2 - 5Buy
Baptism of Fire
Andrzej Sapkowski·1996·Novel 3 - 6Buy
Tower of the Swallow
Andrzej Sapkowski·1997·Novel 4 - 7Buy
Lady of the Lake
Andrzej Sapkowski·1999·Novel 5 — the saga conclusion - Buy
Season of Storms
OptionalAndrzej Sapkowski·2013·Standalone prequel — can be read after Lady of the Lake
Witcher — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct Witcher reading order?
The recommended reading order is: The Last Wish → Sword of Destiny → Blood of Elves → Time of Contempt → Baptism of Fire → Tower of the Swallow → Lady of the Lake. Read Season of Storms after the main saga as an optional prequel. Do NOT start with Blood of Elves — the short stories in The Last Wish are essential introduction to the world and characters.
Do I need to read the Witcher books before playing the games?
The games (especially The Witcher 3) assume some familiarity with Geralt's world, but CD Projekt Red designed them to be accessible to newcomers. Reading The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny before the games enriches the experience considerably — you'll understand Geralt and Yennefer's relationship and many character callbacks. The games are not direct adaptations of the novels.
How does the Witcher book series relate to the Netflix show?
The Netflix show is primarily based on The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny short stories, plus elements of the novel Blood of Elves. Season 1 adapts several stories from The Last Wish. Reading the books will deepen your appreciation of the show's characters and world, even where the adaptation diverges.
Is The Last Wish or Blood of Elves the first Witcher book?
The Last Wish was published first (1993 in Polish) and is the correct first book to read. Blood of Elves is the first full-length novel but assumes you've read the short story collections. Always start with The Last Wish.
Monthly Newsletter
Never miss a big release
Get the most anticipated upcoming books delivered to your inbox once a month — no spam, no filler.
Monthly only. Unsubscribe anytime.
Book links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, BookReleaseRadar earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.