What to Read Next Based on Your Favorite Characters From The Witcher

Regardless of how you feel about Henry Cavill being replaced by Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia in the fourth season of The Witcher series, it’s hard to deny the charisma commanded by the character himself. Along with his supernatural abilities that enable him to slay fearsome beasts stalking the land, Geralt has a strong sense of right and wrong, even as he prefers to be somewhat of a loner. 

If Geralt’s adventures are what swayed you to join The Witcher fandom, you might be delighted to know that Sapkowski recently released another prequel novel, Crossroads of Ravens set in the same universe. Of course, Geralt is the main character here and the story unfolds during his youth, making it perfect for fantasy fans keen to revisit the series or newer bookworms hoping to get started with sword and sorcery stories. 

Like Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg also commands a similar magnetic presence, famed for her sorcery skills, majestic beauty and her dramatic relationship with the titular monster hunter. Her own journey is quite an inspiration, and if you like stories of witches living life on their own terms, you’ll definitely enjoy Circe by Madeline Miller. 

Like Yennefer, Circe is an all-powerful sorceress, making her way through a patriarchal world, aiding heroes while also pursuing her own goals. With evocative prose and a compelling narrative, Circe makes for an enchanting read.

In the Netflix series, Geralt’s gaunt and grim demeanor is matched only by Jaskier’s vivacious exuberance. In the books he’s called Dandelion, and accompanies Geralt on his travels, turning his brave deeds into song while also offering comic relief. And if the story of a wandering, sweet-talking bard interests you, you can try reading Spellsinger series by Alan Dean Foster. 

The first book introduces readers to Jon-Tom or Jonathan Thomas Merriweather, a musician and janitor who is unwittingly pulled into a fantasy world by a wizard. Just as Jaskier initially struggles to adjust to life on the road, so too does Jon-Tom, making his light-hearted adventures in a medieval fantasy realm, all the more delightful and hilarious. 

Ciri is, no doubt, one of the most important characters in The Witcher narrative, with close ties to both Geralt and Yennefer. Also known as the “Lion Cub of Cintra”, Ciri trains both in sword and sorcery, and rises masterfully to meet the demands of the occasion. And if you found Ciri’s epic destiny (and the way she prepares for it) fascinating, you’ll have a marvelous time with There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool. 

The central plot hinges around ancient prophecies and chosen ones—with five individuals, all from different walks of life, connected to each other. With a richly detailed world of various traditions and cultures, and a complex, character-driven plot, There Will Come a Darkness is a brilliant start to a grand trilogy. 

Before Yennefer became a famous sorceress in her own right, she trained under the tutelage of Tissaia de Vries, the Rectoress at Aretuzza. And if you’re curious to know more about the behind-the-scenes mayhem at a magical academy, from the perspectives of the teachers, you should definitely check out Emily Tesh’s dark academia novel, The Incandescent. 

This compelling sapphic novel follows one Doctor Walden, a high-ranking professor dealing with a demon infestation on campus. From checking coursework to protecting the school to finding time for love, this slice-of-life fantasy novel wonderfully captures life at a magical boarding school from the POV of the adults who are training the next generation of mages.

Along with the monster-slaying and magical adventures, a good deal of The Witcher series deals with magicians and nobles all scheming against each other. A prime example being Vilgefortz of Roggeveen, a powerful sorcerer who goes onto lead the Brotherhood of Mages and even rallies other sorcerers to stop the Nilfgaardian army. 

And if you’re craving more of that intrigue with morally grey characters or villainous individuals convinced of their greatness and righteousness, Glen Cook’s The Black Company will absolutely pique your interest. It follows an elite mercenary unit through roughly four decades, blending military fiction with gritty action, magic, mystery and down-to-earth characters.

Finally, if you enjoyed Ciri’s friendship with Dara, the young elf boy, you’ll also enjoy the sweet friendship between Princess Torina and Landen depicted in The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley. A story of honor, love, politics and trickery, The Seer and the Sword is a nostalgic comfort read that will surely be adored by YA fantasy fans.