Andrzej Sapkowski Books in Order
This reading order guide provides the complete list of Andrzej Sapkowski books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!
Andrzej Sapkowski is one of the most influential fantasy authors of our time, best known for creating The Witcher series — a universe filled with monsters, magic, and morally complex characters that has captured the imagination of millions across the globe. Born on June 21, 1948, in Łódź, Poland, Sapkowski didn’t begin his career as a writer. In fact, his journey into literature was anything but ordinary. Before he became a bestselling author, he worked as an economist and a senior sales representative in a foreign trade company. This real-world experience, especially in marketing and business, later helped him promote his own work in ways that many writers never even consider.
Sapkowski’s love for literature, however, had been with him since his early years. Even as he worked in the world of economics, he continued to nurture a deep interest in books—especially in science fiction, fantasy, and classic literature. He was also a translator, which gave him the opportunity to explore stories from other cultures and styles. This helped him refine his own voice as a storyteller, blending local Slavic folklore with universal themes of power, destiny, and humanity.
It wasn’t until 1986 that Andrzej Sapkowski truly stepped into the spotlight. On a whim, he decided to submit a short story called The Witcher to Fantastyka, a Polish magazine focused on science fiction and fantasy. To his surprise, the story won third place. More importantly, it resonated with readers almost instantly. People were intrigued by the main character, Geralt of Rivia — a monster hunter with a dry wit and a complex moral code. That short story laid the foundation for what would later grow into an epic saga, spanning books, games, a hit Netflix series, and more.
What makes Sapkowski’s writing so powerful isn’t just the action or the magic. It’s his ability to craft stories that feel grounded and emotionally rich. His characters are flawed and human. They face difficult choices, live in a harsh world, and often walk a fine line between good and evil. His stories are filled with sharp dialogue, political intrigue, dry humor, and unexpected twists. This style has often been compared to hard-boiled detective fiction, especially the works of Raymond Chandler — but with swords and sorcery added in.
The Witcher books gained popularity quickly in Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe, but the international breakthrough came later, especially with the rise of The Witcher video games developed by CD Projekt Red. These games brought Geralt’s world to a whole new audience, especially in the West. The success of the games created a ripple effect: the books were translated into multiple languages, sales soared, and soon Hollywood came calling. Netflix’s adaptation further boosted Sapkowski’s global fame, even though the author himself has often kept a distance from the show’s production.
Aside from The Witcher saga, Sapkowski has also written the Hussite Trilogy, a historical fantasy series set during the Hussite Wars. These novels are rich in historical detail and mythology, showing another side of his talent as a writer. Books like Lux Perpetua demonstrate his ability to blend real events with fantastical elements, creating stories that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
In 2013, Sapkowski returned to his beloved Witcher universe with Season of Storms, a novel that fits between the earlier short stories but offers new layers to the world and its characters. Even after all these years, his passion for storytelling hasn’t faded. He remains active in literary circles, attending conventions and giving interviews, though he’s known for being a bit of a recluse when it comes to fame.
Today, Andrzej Sapkowski’s name is synonymous with fantasy storytelling. His books have been translated into dozens of languages, sold millions of copies, and influenced an entire generation of readers, gamers, and writers. Yet, at the heart of his success lies a simple truth: he writes stories that feel alive. Stories that are filled with emotion, wit, struggle, and imagination.