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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Last Wish summary
Brief summary
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter. Filled with magic, action, and moral dilemmas, it's a gripping read that delves into the darker side of fairy tales.
Table of Contents
The Last Wish
Summary of key ideas
The Witcher's Beginnings
In The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski, we are introduced to Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, a professional monster hunter with supernatural abilities. The book is a collection of short stories that provide a glimpse into Geralt's early life and his encounters with various mythical creatures. The title story, The Last Wish, follows Geralt as he battles a striga, a cursed princess, and makes a fateful wish that binds his destiny to a powerful sorceress, Yennefer.
As the narrative progresses, we learn more about Geralt's unique upbringing and training at Kaer Morhen, the Witcher stronghold. We also witness his complex relationship with Yennefer, a woman as enigmatic and dangerous as he is. Their love is passionate yet tumultuous, marked by their shared experiences and the magical bond created by Geralt's wish.
Geralt's Adventures
In the subsequent stories, Geralt's adventures take him to various locations, each teeming with its own set of supernatural beings. He confronts a striga in the capital city of Temeria, a golden dragon in the mountains, and a cursed man-turned-monster in a remote village. Throughout these encounters, Geralt's moral code is tested, and he often finds himself in situations where the line between good and evil is blurred.
One of the most memorable stories is The Lesser Evil, where Geralt is forced to make a difficult choice between two evils. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of the Witcher's world, where there are rarely clear-cut solutions or happy endings. Geralt's decisions are often driven by his own code of ethics, which emphasizes neutrality and the lesser evil.
Yennefer and the Djinn
Returning to the overarching narrative, we find Geralt and Yennefer embroiled in a dangerous quest to capture a djinn, a powerful genie-like creature. Their pursuit is driven by Yennefer's desire to break the magical bond between them, a bond that was created by Geralt's wish in the title story. However, their plan goes awry, and both Geralt and Yennefer are gravely injured in the process.
As Geralt lies on the brink of death, he makes his second and final wish to the djinn, a wish that remains a mystery to the reader. The consequences of this wish are far-reaching and set the stage for the events that unfold in the subsequent books of the series. The book ends with Geralt and Yennefer's fates hanging in the balance, leaving readers eager to discover what lies ahead for the Witcher and his sorceress.
In Conclusion
In The Last Wish, Andrzej Sapkowski crafts a rich and immersive world filled with magic, monsters, and moral ambiguity. Through Geralt's eyes, we explore the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of a world plagued by supernatural threats. The book's episodic structure allows us to witness Geralt's growth as a character and his evolving relationships with the people around him, particularly Yennefer and his bard companion, Dandelion.
Overall, The Last Wish serves as an excellent introduction to the Witcher series, offering a compelling blend of action, intrigue, and philosophical musings. It sets the stage for the epic saga that follows, promising readers a thrilling journey through a world where monsters lurk in the shadows and heroes are not always who they seem.
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What is The Last Wish about?
The Last Wish is a captivating fantasy novel by Andrzej Sapkowski. It follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, as he navigates a world filled with magic, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the book delves into themes of destiny, love, and the consequences of our choices.
The Last Wish Review
The Last Wish (1993) by Andrzej Sapkowski is an enthralling collection of short stories set in a rich and fantastical world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its intriguing blend of myth, magic, and folklore, the book immerses readers in a captivating universe that feels both familiar and unique.
- The characters are complex and relatable, grappling with moral dilemmas and personal struggles that add depth and resonance to the narrative.
- Each story is a masterclass in storytelling, packed with suspense, wit, and unexpected twists that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
Who should read The Last Wish?
- Readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure
- Those who are looking for a unique take on traditional folklore and fairy tales
- People who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
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The Last Wish FAQs
What is the main message of The Last Wish?
The main message of The Last Wish is that destiny can't be outrun, but it can be shaped.
How long does it take to read The Last Wish?
The reading time for The Last Wish varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Last Wish a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Last Wish is a captivating read offering a unique take on fantasy. It's definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of The Last Wish?
The author of The Last Wish is Andrzej Sapkowski.
What to read after The Last Wish?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Last Wish, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda