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I think it's best I start with what I liked about the book.

Not just because it helps to get that out of the way before naming what I didn't like, but also because there was definitely more that I liked.

I really loved the characterization.  Both in our main characters Geralt and Ciri, and all their supporting characters

For some reason I'm a huge fan of the depiction of dwarves, so a scene where Geralt and Ciri find themselves with a band of dwarves sticks out to me a lot - but it held good things for me to talk about in multiple aspects.

There is a moment where Ciri realizes the Squirrels were attacking the dwarven transport, and Triss, and they begin racing back to help.  In that moment I had so many emotions at once for the coming skirmish.  Not only was I excited for a battle scene, but I also wanted to see Geralt and Ciri in action, while being worried for Triss and the dwarves (who I'd quickly become connected to by their personalities portrayed by Sapkowski).

That being said, I think Sapkowski's battle scenes and skirmishes were amazing.  I was consistently waiting for more of them.  Which almost turns into a complaint, being that I didn't get a "big" one at the end of the book.

I mentioned in my Norse Mythology review I'm a huge fan of medieval studies, vikings, and mythology.  History was part of my degree at SBU and medieval studies was my specialization.  I think Sapowski did a great job creating this type of world for us, mixed with magic, demons, and otherworldly creatures.  It was nice coming off of reading Crown of Midnight, which also involves these things.

Another thing I really liked was the point of view Sapowski utilized and how he jumped from character to character.  It reminded me of how J.K. Rowling does it in her Cormoran Strike novels.

So, overall, I really really enjoyed the read and want to DEFINITELY continue to series.  I'd also love to keep the conversation going with you guys and hear what you think.

But first, I unfortunately want to go through a couple complaints.

After reading Crown of Midnight, which jumps from chapter to chapter within just a few pages (sometimes as short as a page and a half), Sapowski's long 50+ page chapters felt a bit daunting.  This is more of a personal opinion type of complaint, but still something I noticed nevertheless.  

The other big complaint was the last chapter. I really liked it, but I really would have liked more coming off chapter six.  It felt like there was so much more coming, and then I spent about 70 pages waiting and waiting, for nothing to happen and get a cliffhanger that wasn't all that appealing.

That being said, I'm still ranking it at a 4 because I would absolutely recommend it, and will definitely be continuing the series (regardless of if Book Club chooses it next month or not).

I'm curious to see what you guys have to think!

My next read will be Heir of Fire (Book Three of Throne of Glass) if you'd like to keep up with what I'm reading.

Please share your thoughts and keep the Book Club Discussion going in the comment section below!

Review Conclusion

Overall really great and fun read.  Loved the characters and portrayals of this world Sapowski is able to build for us.  Love the lore, and love the battle scenes (want more!).  Extremely long chapters and a bit of a anticlimactic ending, but not big complaints in the grand scheme of things. Would DEFINITELY recommend, and will absolutely be continuing the series.

Purchase Blood of Elves: Amazon Link

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