A review by calmcozycorner
Sword of Destiny Tales of The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

So, the objectification and sexualization of women was profound in this installment. Not that this wasn’t also present in The Last Wish, but it was glaring in this book, especially the longer the story went on. 

For example, at one point we follow two grown ass men as they fight over which of them our FMC should be with. Apparently, this isn’t a decision she can make herself. C’mon.. 😒. Also, the absurd and almost comical obsession with every female character’s breasts — nipples, especially. At one point we’re introduced to a mermaid — a really interesting and unique character — and instead of discussing literally anything else about her, we get clobbered over the head by how her “charms” look every time she exits the water.

I’m giving this 3 stars for the world and its creatures. The characters and the quests are also fun and interesting and I really liked the audiobook narrator. I do have a lot of love for Geralt, Dandelion, and all the shenanigans they get up to, especially as I was first introduced to this world through the game. However, the author could have moved the story forward in ways that didn’t include ceaseless sexism and constantly objectifying the female characters.

Not sure how I feel about continuing. If I do, I’ll be taking a very long break before then.

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