The Witcher Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of The Witcher books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything! It includes both publication and chronological order.

About The Witcher Series

The Witcher book series is a deeply captivating and richly imagined fantasy saga written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. At its core, the series follows Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter known as a Witcher. Unlike typical warriors or heroes, Witchers are specially trained from childhood and subjected to intense trials that grant them enhanced strength, quick reflexes, and resistance to most poisons and diseases. But with these powers also comes a sense of isolation, as Witchers are often viewed with fear and suspicion by the very people they protect.

What makes The Witcher series so compelling is not just its dark fantasy world or magical battles, but its complex characters and the moral ambiguity that surrounds them. Sapkowski blends elements of Slavic folklore, fairy tales, and philosophical reflection into stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. Geralt, for instance, is not a typical sword-swinging hero. He is calm, sarcastic, intelligent, and often tries to avoid violence when possible. His true strength lies not just in combat, but in his ability to analyze situations, understand people, and choose the lesser evil—though such decisions are rarely simple in this world.

The Witcher books began their life in the 1980s, when Sapkowski submitted a short story titled Wiedźmin (“The Witcher”) to a Polish magazine called Fantastyka. The story earned third place in a writing contest, but it was enough to capture the imagination of readers. Sapkowski continued to develop Geralt’s world through short stories that were eventually collected into volumes. The first official collection, also titled The Witcher, was released in 1990, featuring the earliest tales. Later, The Last Wish was published, rearranging the timeline and serving as the most common entry point into the series for English-speaking readers.

The world in which The Witcher takes place is simply called the Continent. It is a land with a long, layered history. Long ago, it was inhabited by elder races such as elves, dwarves, and gnomes. Over time, humans arrived and claimed much of the land, leading to wars, uneasy alliances, and cultural conflicts. Magic is real in this world, and so are monsters—beasts born from curses, chaos, or ancient experiments gone wrong. That is where Witchers come in. They roam the Continent hunting dangerous creatures for coin, navigating a world that doesn’t always reward justice or kindness.

Throughout the series, readers are introduced to a memorable cast of characters who deeply shape Geralt’s journey. One of the most important is Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful and fiery sorceress with whom Geralt shares a complicated and passionate bond. Their relationship is at the heart of many stories, filled with tension, heartbreak, and undeniable love. Another central figure is Ciri, a young girl with a mysterious destiny linked to both Geralt and the fate of the Continent itself. Ciri is not just a side character; she is a key part of what transforms The Witcher from a monster-of-the-week adventure into an epic saga of prophecy, war, and family.

Other beloved characters include Triss Merigold, another sorceress who plays an important role in Ciri’s upbringing and shares a history with Geralt, and Dandelion (also known as Jaskier), a humorous and charming bard who documents Geralt’s adventures. Their presence adds warmth and levity to a world that can often be brutal and cold.

The books have been translated into multiple languages and have inspired a wide array of adaptations, including a successful video game franchise, graphic novels, a film, and a Netflix television series. Each adaptation has brought new fans to the books and renewed interest in Sapkowski’s original work. While the adaptations differ in tone and detail, they all retain the heart of the story: the moral complexity of a man navigating a world where right and wrong are often hard to define.

The first two books, The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny, are collections of short stories that introduce Geralt and his world in bite-sized adventures. These stories are crucial, as they lay the foundation for the main saga, which begins with Blood of Elves. From there, the series evolves into a larger narrative arc that follows Ciri’s destiny and the political turmoil of the Continent.

Reading The Witcher books in order is important, especially for those new to the series, as the timeline and character development unfold gradually. The tone of the stories shifts from dark fairy tale to high fantasy over time, allowing readers to grow alongside the characters.

Whether you’re drawn in by the sword fights, the rich lore, or the emotional depth of its characters, The Witcher series offers something for every fantasy lover. It’s a world where magic has a price, love is never simple, and even a monster hunter must ask himself—what truly makes someone a monster?

How many books are there in the The Witcher series?

There are a total of 9 main The Witcher books and 2 collection books. The series, written by Andrzej Sapkowski, includes the following titles in order: