Parijat Ghosh 
Fans of The Witcher have something new to celebrate. Andrzej Sapkowski’s long-awaited novel, The Witcher: Crossroads of Ravens (Rozdroże kruków), has finally received its English translation by David French, set for release on 30 September 2025. For readers who grew up with Geralt of Rivia, this book is not just another adventure. It feels like a bridge between the Witcher we know and the young man he once was.
A Young Geralt Takes the Stage
Unlike the main saga, which follows Geralt at the height of his legend, Crossroads of Ravens takes us back to his early years. Fresh out of Kaer Morhen, Geralt is untested, raw, and still trying to understand the weight of being a Witcher. He makes mistakes, he doubts himself, and he learns through trial.
This shift in perspective adds a refreshing tone. Readers are not looking at a flawless monster slayer but at a man still learning how to carry his blades and his code. It is, in many ways, a story of initiation — one that hints at how Geralt becomes the figure fans know.
Story and Style
Sapkowski keeps the story tight. Gone are the sprawling diversions that sometimes slowed earlier works. Critics highlight how disciplined the structure feels. The plot builds in steady steps, conversations cut sharply, and the pacing leaves little room for excess.
Still, Sapkowski remains Sapkowski. Toward the end, the narrative ventures into stranger turns, with elements that feel experimental. Some reviewers found this bold, others felt it unbalanced. Either way, it sparks discussion — and that alone speaks to the energy of the book.
Strengths and Shortcomings
The novel’s biggest strength lies in its world-building. Anna Garas of Gry-Online praised how it expands the Witcher universe in ways more compelling than recent television spin-offs. The lore feels richer, and the smaller details breathe life into the Continent.
Michał Jarecki of Spider’s Web admired the lean storytelling, noting that Sapkowski “avoids excess more than ever.” Bartosz Czartoryski, writing for Onet, called the ending excellent, praising how Geralt’s character arc feels deeply human.
But there are flaws. The physical edition drew criticism. Reviewers complained that the paperback looked cheap, while the hardcover had limited availability and weak pre-order support. Content-wise, some felt the ending took too many liberties, risking confusion for readers expecting a more traditional close.
Reception and Impact
Despite mixed notes, reception has been strong. Within three days of its Polish release, more than 20,000 copies sold on Allegro. The book was even nominated for the Janusz A. Zajdel Award and earned Sapkowski recognition as “creator of the year.”
On rating platforms, the response is steady: 7.3/10 on Lubimyczytać.pl and 4.03/5 on Goodreads as of April 2025. These numbers suggest readers find the novel solid, though not flawless — a worthy addition rather than a revolutionary one.
Crossroads of Ravens feels like a companion piece rather than a replacement for the saga. It gives us a Geralt who stumbles, reflects, and slowly grows into the White Wolf. The writing is sharp, the pacing disciplined, and the world-building satisfying. The ending may divide readers, but it shows Sapkowski still has surprises left.
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