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Baptism Of Fire
Andrzej Sapkowski

Baptism Of Fire

Quick Answer

Read "Baptism Of Fire" as the 5th book in the The Witcher sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Time Of Contempt" (Book 4)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 5th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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A deadly coup within the Wizard's Guild leaves the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, gravely injured, and his ward Ciri missing in the third novel of Andrzej Sapkowski's groundbreaking epic fantasy series that inspired the hit Netflix show and the blockbuster video games. ★ The New York Times bestselling series ★ Over Fifteen Million Copies Sold Worldwide ★ World Fantasy Award Winning Author ★ David Gemmell Legend Award Winning Author ★ Named One of the Greatest Book Series of All Time by Forbes The Wizards Guild has been shattered by a coup, an uprising that has left Geralt seriously injured. The Witcher is supposed to be a guardian of the innocent, a protector of those in need, a defender against powerful and dangerous monsters that prey on men in dark times. But now that dark times have fallen upon the world, Geralt is helpless until he has recovered. While war rages across the lands, the future of magic is under threat and those sorcerers who survive are determined to protect it. It's an impossible situation in which to find one girl—Ciri, the heiress to the throne of Cintra—until a rumor places her in the Niflgaard court, preparing to marry the Emperor. Injured or not, Geralt has a rescue mission on his hands. Witcher collections The Last Wish Sword of Destiny Witcher novels Blood of Elves The Time of Contempt Baptism of Fire The Tower of Swallows Lady of the Lake Season of Storms Crossroads of Ravens Hussite Trilogy The Tower of Fools Warriors of God Translated from original Polish by David French
Next Recommended Book

The Witcher Boxed Set 1 To 5 Volumes: Blood Of Elves, The Time Of Contempt, Baptism Of Fire, The Tower Of Swallows, The Lady Of The Lake

Book #6 of 12 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

?Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Witcher conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Baptism Of Fire?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Baptism Of Fire before Time Of Contempt?

No. We recommend reading Time Of Contempt first. Baptism Of Fire is the 5th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Baptism Of Fire required reading for the The Witcher?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Baptism Of Fire in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Baptism Of Fire is The Witcher Boxed Set 1 To 5 Volumes: Blood Of Elves, The Time Of Contempt, Baptism Of Fire, The Tower Of Swallows, The Lady Of The Lake (Book #6).