Fantasy · Adventure · Epic fantasy
The Last Wish
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher, a mutant monster hunter who sells his sword to anyone who pays. Stories of his contracts are stitched together around his recovery in a temple, each one twisting a familiar fairy tale.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1993
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 352
- Format
- Book 0.5 of 5 in The Witcher
Read this if you like grim, sardonic fantasy with a world-weary hero and monsters who are not always the villain.
Skip this if you want a single continuous plot, since this is a collection of linked short stories.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Last Wish
- What is The Last Wish about?
- Geralt of Rivia is a witcher, a mutant monster hunter who sells his sword to anyone who pays. Stories of his contracts are stitched together around his recovery in a temple, each one twisting a familiar fairy tale.
- Who should read The Last Wish?
- Read it if you like grim, sardonic fantasy with a world-weary hero and monsters who are not always the villain. Skip it if you want a single continuous plot, since this is a collection of linked short stories.
- How long and how fast is The Last Wish?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 352 pages, first published in 1993.
- Does The Last Wish have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Sexual content, Prejudice.
- Can I borrow The Last Wish for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Last Wish; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Last Wish?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Lies of Locke Lamora, The Blade Itself, The Colour of Magic.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Last Wish
-
The Lies of Locke Lamora
Another charismatic, cynical protagonist in a hard world, with banter and clever schemes.
-
The Blade Itself Shares moral ambiguity and black humour, but is a single connected novel with a large cast.
-
The Colour of Magic A fantasy that also pokes at familiar tropes, but with broad comedy in place of grim cynicism.
Fantasy
