Blood Of Elves

The Witcher series isn’t the first that comes to mind in this genre, especially if your knowledge is limited to the games. However, this particular title features far more training than you might expect. For the unfamiliar, this series tells of a world overrun by mythical creatures and the supernatural. Alongside invaders, they terrorize villages and are the cause of endless problems. Witchers are one of the only solutions --monster hunters mutated through rituals to have speed, strength, and their own flavor of magic. Ciri, a daughter of the emperor, is part of that group, though not naturally. She’s been taken under the wing of famed Geralt of Rivia, who acts as a surrogate father. A daughter of the Elder Blood, she learns to wield not only sword and potions, but the powerful magic that runs through her. This time, though, tutors aren’t just faceless learning machines. The atmosphere of Kaer Morhen is a close one. Like all good school fantasy, Blood of Elves is focused on character as well as education. Ciri forms emotional bonds with her tutors, a relationship with the sorceress Yennefer developing from hatred to daughterhood. Though his world-building is incredible, Andrej Sapkowski’s true talent is making you care about his characters. By slowly building intimacy, he creates a sense of tension as the danger ramps up. As a result, Ciri’s education is vital to the survival of her friends, and holds an urgency that’s not often seen.