ParchThe Witcher Reading Order
Andrzej Sapkowski · 8 books · about 66 hours of reading
The Witcher trips people up because the two short story collections come first in reading order but not in original publication order, and the standalone novel was written last while sitting early in the timeline. The good news: the recommended path is settled and nearly everyone agrees on it.
Start with The Last Wish. It's a collection of short stories that introduces Geralt, the world, and the tone, and the five-novel saga assumes you've read it. Jumping straight to Blood of Elves — as many readers do, because it's labelled 'book one' — means meeting characters the book thinks you already know.
Short stories first, then the saga in sequence, with the late standalone at the end. What almost every reader should follow.
This order is about 66 hours of reading — roughly 4 months at half an hour a day.
Average is about 250 WPM. Measure yours in two minutes and every time below recalculates.
Estimated from the unabridged English audiobooks at a typical narration pace of 155 words a minute — close, not exact. Reading times are estimates — editions, translations and your own pace all move them.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the correct Witcher reading order?
The Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, Blood of Elves, Time of Contempt, Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, The Lady of the Lake, and finally Season of Storms. The two short story collections come first even though the saga novels are numbered as books one to five.
Can I skip the short stories and start with Blood of Elves?
You can, but it's the most common mistake. Blood of Elves opens assuming you already know Geralt, Yennefer, Dandelion, and Geralt's claim on Ciri — all established in the short stories. Starting there makes the saga feel like it began mid-conversation.
Where does Season of Storms fit?
It was published last but takes place before the saga, among the events of the short stories. Read it after The Lady of the Lake — it was written for readers who already know the whole story, and reading it early adds nothing.
How long does it take to read The Witcher?
About 66 hours at an average reading speed of 250 words a minute — roughly 997,000 words across all 8 books. At half an hour a day, that's about 4 months. Your own pace changes that a lot, which is why this page lets you set your speed and shows what's left as you tick books off.
Does my progress save?
Yes — ticking a book saves it in your browser, no account needed. Clearing your browser data resets it, so for a permanent record with dates, ratings, and notes, track the series in the Parch app.
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