Baptism of Fire

Geralt of Rivia is on a mission to save his ward, Ciri, and with her the world, in this third novel in the bestselling Witcher series that inspired the blockbuster video games and the fourth season of the hit Netflix show. The Wizards Guild has been shattered by a coup and, in the uproar, Geralt was seriously injured. The Witcher is supposed to be a guardian of the innocent, a protector of those in need, a defender against powerful and dangerous monsters that prey on men in dark times. But now that dark times have fallen upon the world, Geralt is helpless until he has recovered from his injuries. While war rages across all of the lands, the future of magic is under threat and those sorcerers who survive are determined to protect it. It's an impossible situation in which to find one girl - Ciri, the heiress to the throne of Cintra, has vanished - until a rumour places her in the Niflgaard court, preparing to marry the Emperor. Injured or not, Geralt has a rescue mission on his hands. Translated by David French.

Andrzej Sapkowski is the internationally bestselling author of The Witcher series and The Hussite Trilogy, known for his multi-layered plots, rich worldbuilding, and morally complex characters. The Witcher series, which has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold over 35 million copies, also inspired a hit Netflix series and landmark video games from CD Projekt Red. Recognised as one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy, he received the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis in 2025. In 2024, Forbes named The Witcher one of the 30 greatest book series of all time.