A satisfying and epic conclusion to one of the best fantasy series I’ve read in quite some time. The climax comes fairly early and the last third of the book is denouement, but it feels earned rather than indulgent. Sad to see it end.
To be honest, much of this book felt like it was treading water. The main characters are still all separated and on their various drawn-out journeys. There are interminable flashbacks and more minor characters than seem entirely necessary. But the excitement really ramps up in the last quarter of the book, and that ended up salvaging it for me. I usually like to space out entries in a series by reading books from other authors, but the finale to this intrigued me enough that I plan to head directly into the next volume.
Second in the main series, the titular Time of Contempt refers to the war sweeping the Continent and the ensuing treachery and cruelty. The Nilfgaardian Empire continues to grind northward, and the divided kingdoms in its path both cooperate with and defect upon one another, each seeking some marginal advantage. Geralt, the Witcher, attempts to remain neutral in the conflict, but finds himself inexorably drawn in as he attempts to protect his young magically talented charge Ciri from those who wish to possess her.
This volume introduces a great deal of turmoil to the nations and organizations seen in previous books, upending the tenuous status quo. Ciri takes center stage for most of the narrative, with Geralt and sorceress Yennefer in prominent supporting roles. The events of the story are epic in scale, but I appreciated that—rather than through dry exposition—the author tended to relate events filtered through the eyes of messengers, spies, and mercenaries. This kept the human, ground-level perspective intact throughout.
Geralt gets comparatively little exposure in the narrative and he doesn’t do any monster-slaying, which may disappoint some readers. I enjoyed the tumultuous plot and Ciri’s school of hard knocks-style introduction to the wider world, however. This book left me excited for the next volume.
Season of Storms was written after the main series of Witcher novels but set before most of Geralt’s adventures. I’m reading these books in terms of their internal chronology rather than the order of publication. While I got the sense that there were some Easter Eggs left for fans who had read the other books, the story stood well enough on its own.
The plot itself was sort of a reverse Picaresque. Geralt is perhaps the most moral and scrupulous figure in the story, and he’s thrown about by the lies and manipulations of the corrupt people and authorities around him. He’s framed for a crime, railroaded through court proceedings, and has his swords—the instruments of his trade—stolen from him. He just wants to be left alone, but the politicians and mages around him see a tool they can use to further their own schemes.
It took me a while to notice, but despite the magic and monsters, Season of Storms doesn’t have a typical fantasy novel plot. It has a noir plot. It’s all there. The protagonist is cynical and tarnished but still abides by a code. There is a femme fatale. The cops (er, “town guard”) are the biggest gang around. The ruling class run roughshod over the commoners without a care for the collateral damage. Loyalties and motives are uncertain, and the plot takes a number of twists and turns.
Season of Storms was a fun and exciting read, and I look forward to continuing the series.