BookPath
The Time Of Contempt
Andrzej Sapkowski

The Time Of Contempt

Quick Answer

Read "The Time Of Contempt" as the 4th book in the The Witcher sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Blood Of Elves" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?
2013
To protect his ward Ciri, Geralt of Rivia sends her to train with the sorceress Yennefer. But all is not well within the Wizard's Guild in the second novel of the Witcher, 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 Geralt is a Witcher: guardian of the innocent; protector of those in need; a defender in dark times against some of the most frightening creatures of myth and legend. His task now is to protect Ciri. A child of prophecy, she will have the power to change the world for good or for ill—but only if she lives to use it. 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

Time Of Contempt

Book #4 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 The Time Of Contempt?

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

Can I read The Time Of Contempt before Blood Of Elves?

No. We recommend reading Blood Of Elves first. The Time Of Contempt is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Time Of Contempt 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 The Time Of Contempt in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Time Of Contempt is Time Of Contempt (Book #4).