Time of Contempt

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Time of Contempt

Tensions run high as rumors of Nilfgaard's influence over the other kingdoms begin to cross the land. Sorcerers and warriors alike begin to choose sides, and those who try to remain neutral won't find it easy. Despite all Geralt has done, the number of enemies searching for Ciri continues to grow. And as skilled as Geralt is, even he is not invincible.

Time of Contempt has more politics than the previous novels. I'm not one for politics, but they do provide a good foundation for why certain characters are pushed in different directions. Though I will confess, with the number of characters and kingdoms mentioned, I can't remember any of them. I'm a reader who much prefers character development and action. The politics slowed the story down for me, but the moments when I was able to read about the main characters kept me turning the pages.

Ciri's past will be explained in greater detail, and the girl will receive plenty of page time. I enjoyed reading Ciri's point of view, even if it meant there was less of Geralt in this book. She is such an opinionated and fierce girl. She so badly wants to be independent and respected instead of viewed as a little girl. But Ciri will learn that with the independence she so badly craves, she will have to do things that will forever change her. It is one thing to learn how to defend yourself with sword and magic, but it is an entirely new experience to kill to protect yourself.

The Witcher series continues to provide an engaging story and characters that I can't help but enjoy. Geralt has such a different relationship with each of his companions, and I love the diversity in how he behaves with them. I also enjoyed seeing them all together for the first time in this novel. Readers will not be disappointed as the storylines begin to come together for a remarkable journey.