Finally another Witcher book that actually pushes plot forward. After the wartime saga of Geralt and friends in Baptism of Fire, we get back to Ciri's story. Most of the novel is written from the point of view of Ciri and people involved in the hunt for Ciri talking about what happened in the previous weeks and months.

Ciri is found in the swamps, badly wounded, and as she is treated, she's telling her story how she escaped the sadistic bounty hunter Leo Bonhart who killed the band of robbers she had joined and tried to sell her off to the highest bidder.

Geralt shows up briefly, still looking for Ciri, but he is as far away as ever and cannot do anything to help her. The ultimate villain of the series, the sorcerer Vilgefortz, has sent one of his henchmen to kill Geralt and his friends.

Last but not least, we learn about Yennefer, who is in the Skellige islands, looking for Vilgefortz, as she suspects he holds Ciri, who is like a daughter to her.

The strands of the story do not weave together yet but I am ready for the finale now, with a Ciri who has turned out resourceful and powerful on her own, without the aid of her quasi-parents Geralt and Yennefer.

3.5 to 4 stars for me.