Blood of Elves

A 1994 fantasy novel that marks the beginning of the main five-part Witcher saga. Following the events of the previous books, Geralt of Rivia takes under his protection Princess Ciri, a child of destiny linked to ancient prophecies. In a world torn apart by war between the Nilfgaardian Empire and the Northern Kingdoms, Ciri becomes the target of multiple powerful factions. Geralt hides her in the witcher stronghold of Kaer Morhen, where she undergoes initial combat training before being sent to the sorceress Yennefer to develop her magical abilities. Meanwhile, political intrigue engulfs the world, and omens of upcoming disasters become increasingly evident. This novel shifts focus from action to character development, internal conflicts, and the political game that will define the rest of the saga.