Time of Contempt

Written by Andrzej Sapkowski

Narrated by Peter Kenny

Geralt the Witcher has fought monsters and demons across the land, but even he may not be prepared for what is happening to his world. The kings and armies are manoeuvring for position, each fearing invasion from across the river, each fearing their neighbours more. Intrigue, dissent and rebellion are on all sides.

The Elves and other non-humans are still suffering under decades of repression, and growing numbers join the commando units hidden deep in the forest, striking at will and then dissolving into the trees. The Magicians are fighting amongst themselves, some in the pay of the kings, some sympathetic to the elves.

And against this backdrop of fear and contempt Geralt and his lover Yennefer must protect Ciri, orphaned heir and sought by all sides. For the prophecy rests on her, and whether she lives or dies she has the power to save the world - or perhaps end it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette UK Audio
• Release date: Feb 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781409153290

Reviews for Time of Contempt

[ray_-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an excellent read! I really enjoyed going through it and unravelling all the mysteries and storylines.

I really like how the different stories are woven in together until they all eventually come together at the end, even the chapters from unknown characters that are only here briefly are rather engaging and interesting to go through.

Overall this was a delight to go through and I can't wait to read more!

[thecrow2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The next book in the Witcher saga continues where the last book ended only spectacularly upping the ante . Fatal disruption in the wizard council, new Nilfgaardian aggression, we have everything but my favourite was Ciri`s trials in the desert. Undoubtedly one of the best fantasy series recently.

[sharonmariabidwell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While I’m not saying these books contain the best writing (perhaps a little becomes lost in the translation), they continue not to disappoint. In this volume, the situation heats up with all out battles and portents of war greater than the world of the Witcher has experienced to date.

[jshillingford_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first half lagged like book one, withtoo much conversation and shifting perspectives of the various various kingdoms' rulers. However, once the poltical sh!tstorm struck, the story kicked into high gear. Everyone is looking for Ciri, child of the Elder Blood and prophesy. The Emperor of Nilfgaard wants her because of her royal blood and claim (via a son) to the throne of Cintra. The various other kings are looking to kill her for the same reason. Geralt, skilled warrior and fighter, is wholly indequate with political intrigue and Yennefer is too arrogant in belief of her own skills of manipulation. When a coup erupts at Aretuza amongst the sorcerers, Geralt finally learns that neutrality is a delusion he must relinquish and Yennefer once again vanishes. Ciri is thrown into the world without either to protect her. I really enjoyed the novel because the character flaws in our protagonists, Geralt and Yennefer, are fully revealed and the plot began to unfold. The second half is action-packed, and the book concludes with Ciri finally on her own and forced to take her own fate in hand. I'm excited to see where this goes.

[mamzel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This continuance of the story of Geralt the Witcher has him chasing after Ciri again. Yennefer was taking her to a school (which had as much security as a jail) during a major conference of all the sorcerers and sorceresses. All heck breaks loose when a faction wants to change leadership and Ciri slips out only to be chased by everyone who wants to control her and her Elder Blood powers. There was a lot of political wrangling in this book, involving humans as well as nonhumans. The last chapters which take place after Ciri teleports to the middle of a desert were the best and redeemed the previous sluggish chapters.

[stefferoo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For the first time ever, the English translations of the novels in Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher Saga series are being made into audiobooks, and I have been enjoying them immensely. Thus far, four Witcher books have been published in this format, including the short story collection The Last Wish. Today I’ll be reviewing The Time of Contempt, the second full-length novel in the sequence.The story beings where Blood of Elves left off, following Yennefer and Ciri’s journey to Gors Velen where the sorceress hopes to continue her young apprentice’s education by enrolling her into a school for magic. Unhappy with these plans, Ciri devises a plan to escape and seek out Geralt, whom she has been told is not far from the city. However, on the way she is intercepted by the Wild Hunt and given an unexpected choice.Meanwhile, more political intrigue and back-alley negotiations are happening in the shadows. A power struggle is developing, and the players must choose sides. How is a Witcher, sworn to neutrality, supposed to deal with this? Especially if that Witcher, a staunch and principled man, stumbles upon a coup that could lead to a bloody war that would tear apart the land? Gerald faces one of his hardest challenges yet in this novel, putting all his wits and fighting skills to the test.If you’re even mildly interested in The Witcher video games, I would highly recommend picking up this series. Even if you’re not, you can still enjoy these novels for the excellent sword and sorcery fantasy books they are. Bottom line: these books are great, featuring plenty of spectacular action scenes along with magic and sword-wielding heroes; you really can’t ask for more than that. Geralt the Witcher is in especially rare form in this one, our favorite “white-haired fiend” demonstrating just how good he is at what he does – killing lots and lots of bad guys and monsters.But of course, these books aren’t just about Geralt, even though he is often used as the face for The Witcher franchise. It’s easy to forget sometimes that the other characters are just as involved as he is, and once in a while, as in the case of this novel, they can even play a bigger role. In my eyes, The Time of Contempt is where Ciri truly gets her chance to shine. She may be destined for great and terrible things, but readers are reminded that despite all the grand prophecies about her, little Ciri is still a child. While still struggling to control the magic in her blood, she learns there is even more to her potential. It’s a lot to place on the shoulders of a young girl, not to mention all the people who want to kill her or use her in their political machinations. The development of her character in this novel shows that she is a strong-willed and spirited youth despite being burdened with a world full of troubles, and that in the face of danger she can still show plenty of good humor. For that reason, she was my favorite character in this book.Also noteworthy is how much the story has matured over the course of this novel, raising the stakes in this world of shifting alliances and backroom deals. The plot comes alive, becoming more twisty and complex as the result of the lofty ambitions and power-hungry maneuverings of mages, rebels and kings. This book also sees a greater role for the Scoia’tael, the group of guerilla fighters mostly made up of elves, dwarves and other non-humans. Portending a time of war and misfortune, the spectral riders of The Wild Hunt also make their appearance in the sky, a promise that everything we see here is merely the beginning.Narrator Peter Kenny continues to deliver a superb performance for this series, making the experience of listening to the audiobook memorable. He has a great voice for expressive storytelling, and is especially adept at doing accents and voices without drawing excessive attention. As a fan of the games, I had initial concerns that I would have trouble reconciling myself to anyone other than actor Doug Cockle as the voice of Geralt, but Kenny quickly dispelled them. He truly is a talented voice artist.In sum, The Witcher series and its characters are a one-of-a-kind creation, and The Time of Contempt is another excellent novel in the sequence, not to mention a great experience in audio format. I’m enjoying them a lot, as you can probably guess; otherwise, I wouldn’t keep listening. Obviously this is a series I want to keep reading, and I’m already excited for the next one.

[kenzen-2 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Not sure where the saga is going. This book didn't have enough Geralt.

[reading_fox · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The 2nd in the series following the destined Child of Elder blood Ciri, who just happens to have the infamous Witcher Geralt as a guardian. The PC game and indeed the series title make Geralt the hero, but the story is told very much from Ciri's point of view, with a few excursions to Geralt and a couple fo unnecessary jumps to other characters. The Sorceress has taken Ciri out of the shelter of Melitte's temple, heading to the Enchanter's Conclave. However wor dof her survival has leaked out, and a few different groups of people are seeking her - with all more or less the same aim, to use her royal lineage to furtehr thei own politicla ends in the war that is still simmering with Nilfgarden. Not forgetting the non-humans who are always suspect in any ime of strife, and many of whom are possibly being supported by one side against the other. When Ciri eventually reaches the Conclave she discovers yet another faction has arisen, but she cares little for any of them, in the manner of Geralt, she is neutral in their conflict, but even neutrality os a choice with consequences. I dislike multi pointts of view as a storytelling device- especially when we jump to various unnamed or minor characters. It works better int he few sections were the story is being recounted of what happened in another time or place. But sometimes we just jump to conspiritors to give forewarning of a plot, and that is shoddy. the rest however remains exciting. We have lost any attempt at fairy tale ilusions from The Last Wish, and instead have detailed sword strokes - another poor trade off. But it doesmean there is a lot fo action. I got lost in the geopgragy and have no idea where each nation is in relation to another, or the reqpestive rulers, but it probably doesn't matter that much. You quickly gather that people are politicking for their own ends, and being short sighted in doing so. Geralt laments of this extensively. Lots of magic, lots of fights and gore, lots of travel and lots of politics. A fast enthralling fun read.