Below is the complete list of Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher books in publication order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
The Witcher Saga Books in Publication Order
- Sword of Destiny (1992)
Sword of Destiny was published in 1992 and is listed as book #1 in the The Witcher series. - The Last Wish (1993)
Published in 1993, The Last Wish is listed as book #2 in the The Witcher series. - Blood of Elves (1994)
Blood of Elves is a 1994 release and appears as book #3 in the The Witcher series. - The Time of Contempt (1995)
In the The Witcher series, The Time of Contempt is book #4 and was published in 1995. - Baptism of Fire (1996)
Baptism of Fire was first published in 1996; within the The Witcher series, it is listed as book #5. - The Tower of Swallows (1997)
The Tower of Swallows was published in 1997 and is listed as book #6 in the The Witcher series. - Season of Storms (2013)
Published in 2013, Season of Storms is listed as book #7 in the The Witcher series. - Lady of the Lake (2016)
Lady of the Lake is a 2016 release and appears as book #8 in the The Witcher series. - Rozdroże kruków (2024)
In the The Witcher series, Rozdroże kruków is book #9 and was published in 2024. - Crossroads of Ravens (2025)
Crossroads of Ravens was first published in 2025; within the The Witcher series, it is listed as book #10.
Witcher Collections Books in Publication Order
- Sword of Destiny (1992)
Sword of Destiny was published in 1992 and is listed as book #11 in the The Witcher series. - The Last Wish (1993)
Published in 1993, The Last Wish is listed as book #12 in the The Witcher series.
About The Witcher
The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski is a dark fantasy saga known for its morally complex characters, richly layered mythology, and sharp political storytelling. Set in a fictional medieval-inspired world filled with monsters, magic, and rival kingdoms, the series follows Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter known as a witcher. Over time, what begins as episodic monster-slaying adventures grows into a much larger story about destiny, war, and the fragile balance between different races and nations.
The series first appeared in the 1980s as short stories published in Polish fantasy magazines before being collected into book form. The first major entry in the series’ publication history is The Last Wish (1993), a collection of interconnected short stories that introduce Geralt, his profession, and the world he inhabits. These early stories establish many of the themes that define the series: moral ambiguity, the consequences of violence, and the blurred line between humans and monsters.
Reading the Witcher books in publication order is important because the narrative gradually expands from stand-alone adventures into a continuous saga. After the early short story collections, Sapkowski shifts into a longer storyline that follows the destinies of several central characters whose lives become intertwined.
Geralt of Rivia is at the center of the series. Witchers like Geralt are humans who have undergone dangerous mutations and specialized training to hunt supernatural creatures. These mutations give them enhanced strength, reflexes, and resistance to toxins, but they also isolate them from normal society. Many people fear witchers, viewing them as unnatural beings despite relying on them for protection against dangerous monsters.
Geralt’s profession initially leads him from town to town, accepting contracts to kill creatures such as strigas, curses, and other supernatural threats. However, his life becomes far more complicated when he becomes connected to a young girl named Ciri, whose destiny is tied to powerful ancient magic.
Ciri, formally known as Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, becomes one of the most important figures in the series. She is the princess of the fallen kingdom of Cintra and possesses extraordinary magical potential linked to an ancient bloodline. As powerful forces seek to control or capture her, Ciri’s journey becomes central to the broader conflict shaping the continent.
Another major character is Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress with a complex relationship with Geralt. Their bond evolves throughout the series, reflecting both deep affection and constant tension. Yennefer’s intelligence, ambition, and magical skill make her one of the most formidable figures in the story.
As the narrative progresses, the scope of the Witcher series expands dramatically. Political rivalries between kingdoms lead to major wars, while secret organizations and magical factions attempt to manipulate events from behind the scenes. The struggle over Ciri’s future becomes intertwined with these larger conflicts.
One of the distinctive elements of Sapkowski’s storytelling is his use of folklore and mythological inspiration. Many of the monsters Geralt encounters are based on Eastern European legends and fairy tales, though they are often presented in unexpected ways. Rather than simple good-versus-evil battles, the stories frequently reveal that humans can be just as dangerous as the creatures they fear.
The tone of the series also reflects a more mature and philosophical approach to fantasy. Characters often face difficult choices without clear moral answers, and the consequences of those decisions can shape the fate of entire nations.
Over the years, The Witcher series has grown far beyond its original novels. The books inspired a hugely successful video game franchise, a television adaptation, and a wide range of other media. Despite these expansions, Sapkowski’s novels remain the foundation of the story and continue to attract new readers.
Following the Witcher books in publication order reveals how Andrzej Sapkowski gradually built a layered fantasy world where monster hunting, political intrigue, and personal destiny converge in one of modern fantasy’s most distinctive narratives.