#BookReview: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

Title: The Last Wish (The Witcher #1)

Format: eBook

Pages: 292

Published: 19th Aug 2010

Publisher: Gollancz

Source: Bought

Genre: Fantasy

Shelfability:  COVET

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / BookDepository

About The Book

Geralt is a witcher, a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent. He roams the country seeking assignments, but gradually comes to realise that while some of his quarry are unremittingly vile, vicious grotesques, others are the victims of sin, evil or simple naivety.

The Witcher series was recommended to me by a friend. I had heard of the game but didn't know it was a book series as well. I went into this not knowing what to expect, as epic fantasy is a hit or miss. So I am so glad that The Last Wish was a massive hit for me.

Set in a world full of supernatural beings and magic, Geralt The Witcher goes on many adventures. Battling vampires, beasts and witches. The Last Wish is a collection short stories that will capture your imagination. Many of the stories are retelling of classic fairy tales, e.g Beauty and the Beast and Snow White. Although they are more of a retelling of the original tale rather than the Disney version which is perfect for me as I love a darker story-line.

Usually short stories aren't my thing. They just don't have enough details to really grip me. However, all these tales intertwine with each other and you really get to know Geralt as a character with each and every tale. The author really has such a vivid imagination to have every story packed with enchanting details that can transport you into the story.

I can't wait to start the full length novels to see what's in store of Geralt and to hopefully see more of Dandelion. He was my favourite character.  He was just so charismatic. And out there. Very different to Geralt, yet the two have this great friendship. And while he was my favourite character he wasn't in my favourite story. "A Grain of Truth" which is a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling. It was wonderful, enchanting and dark! Just what I like. :)

When I was recommended this I was a little unsure just because it was short stories but I am so glad I started this series. I did originally start it as the audio book edition. And while the narrator had a very nice voice and managed to created different accents for different characters I just struggle with audio books in general. So the ebook was the perfect choice for me. It took me a while to read the full book (reading slump) but once I got around the 50% mark I devoured it all in about two days. The author really takes you on an emotional roller coaster and even hitting you in the feels at times with certain quotes that can get you on a personal level. 

If you haven't started this series yet then this is a perfect novel to get a taste of it. Go on! Give it a try. I now need the game now!!!!

Like This Post? 

Show Your Support

Like / Comment / Share

0

*Blog Tour* Breathe by Leila Segal

TITLE: Breathe: Stories from Cuba

AUTHOR: Leila Sagal

PAGES: 132

PUBLISHED: 21st Jan 2016

PUBLISHER: Flipped Eye

GENRE: Short Stories

Breathe is a collection that explores the heart of Fidel Castro-era Cuba; an outsider's look that is balanced by a weight of empathy to illuminate truths that lie couched between the island's propaganda and the Western media's portrayal. Characters from Europe and the USA in Swimming, Taxi and Sabbatical seem to want to hold on to the indulgences that their countries offer them, while praising Cubans for the more abstemious lives they lead and seeking to sample what the locals experience; in Siempre Luchando, I Never See Them Cry and The Party, romantic liaisons strengthen or buckle under the strain of the minute exploitations that result from the assumptions one makes about the other; the seedy sexual aggression of Luca's Trip to Havana is undercut by the subtle yet intense lust of Breathe; while Leaving Cuba, with its closing image of Havana's night sky, is as eloquently balanced a tale of the lives of everyday Cubans as you will read in a long while - whichever path one takes, something is lost. As Aida Bahr, winner of Cuba's Premio de la Critica Literaria says, "relying more on subtleties than on drama, [Segal] portrays the tensions and struggles, but also the joy and warmth, that fill Cubans' lives."

0

**Book Review** A Touch of Autumn (The Pleasures Series #3.5) by Evie Hunter

Reviewed By: Siobhán

Format: Kindle Ebook

Pages:  63

Published: 1st Nov 2013

Publisher:  Penguin

Source: Bought

Genre:  Erotica, Romance

Buy:  Amazon UK / Amazon US /

Description:

She’s playing with fire…

Sinead O'Sullivan's life destroyed when she is accused of stealing a fabulous ruby called the Fire of Autumn. Her search for the real thief leads her to the shady underworld world of Parisian BDSM clubs and into the arms of private investigator Niall Moore.

The attraction between them is white hot, but that's not their biggest problem. Their hunt for the jewel draws them into a web of intrigue, blackmail and danger. Believing that the ruby will change hands at an exclusive fetish ball, Niall and Sinead must pose as Mistress and Slave - a role the fiercely Dominant investigator resists.

Niall may play at being her submissive in public, but in private he wants Sinead in his bed and under his command.

And before the party is over, the sparks are going to fly ...

2

Mini Review: Goodnight Sam (Running in the Dark #0.5) by Inger Iversen

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: 12
Published: 18th Nov 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Source: Bought/Free
Genre: Paranormal, Vampires
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:
An intimate narrative of the exchange between Samuel and Hope, told from Hope's perspective, this short story prequel to the Running in the Dark series sheds light on a frightening event witnessed by Beth, who later narrates book one of the series.  Goodnight Sam reveals the tragic history of Sam and Hope, who have existed as vampires since the eighteenth century. Sam has grown weary of the new world along with the escalating conflicts of his kind and wishes to attain peace in what is know as 'the true death', while Hope desperately desires to pursue a more fulfilling life together. The repercussions of the shocking mutual decision they make, and Beth's role as a witness to it, become the catalyst for the dangers facing Beth in the Running in the Dark Series.

0

Mini Review: Elixir (The Covenant #3.5) by Jennifer L Armentrout

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: ebook
Pages: 80
Published: 27th Nov 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Source: Free from Publisher
Genre: YA Paranormal, Mythology
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository UK I Book Depository US

Description:
Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex.
Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for.
Even if it means making war against the gods.

7

Bites by Ninfa Hayes

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format:  Kindle Ebook
Pages:  UNKNOWN
Published:  Bitten by Books
Publisher:  25th March 2012
Source: Author for Review
Genre: Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository UK* I Book Depostory INT*
*Pre-order in Paperback (31st May 2012)

Description:

Irina is about to become Queen of the Daemonic Court and Damon is on the run from his own nature ... where will their paths take them?

Two short stories that will seduce you with romance, danger, sensuality ... and Vampire bites.

2

Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts by Talli Roland

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: Unknown
Published: 12th Dec 2011
Publisher: Nothing Hill Press
Source: Kindle Freebie : Now 77p
Genre: Adult, Romance, Short Story
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:

All Rose needs is a Christmas miracle... or does she?

When chief romantic Rose Delaney scores her dream job at London's quirkiest new attraction, The Museum of Broken Hearts, she thinks she's got it made. Sure, it's a little depressing dealing with relics of failed relationships each day, but Rose is determined not to let it break her 'love conquers all' spirit. After discovering the museum's handsome curator is nursing a broken heart of his own, Rose steps in to fix it. Can Rose heal the rift in time for the holidays, or will this Christmas crush her fantasies forever?

Review:
I am going to keep this review short as sweet just like book. Miracle is such a sweet and lovely short story. I am usually not one for short stories because they are usually a hit or miss. However, Miracle was one of the first that really made me love a short story. I love the characters, the simple plot and setting. The Idea of a Museum of Broken Hearts is well... its fantastic! I would so go to something like that. And our main character Rose, she is so wonderful. A romantic to the core and you can't help but want her to find her Mr Right.

Having already read one of Talli's previous books, I knew I that would at least enjoy this. I went into it think it would just a fun light read and yes it is that but its so much more. Talli has managed to make this a little gem. Full of hope, romance and coming to terms with family problems.

If you haven't tried any of Talli's book I suggest start with this! It's light and quick and gives you taster of the talent that Talli Roland!!!

Rate: 5/5

3