Fans of The Witcher may have to wait a bit longer for the new season on Netflix, but there’s no need to worry—something exciting is on the horizon! Andrzej Sapkowski is set to release his first Witcher novel in over ten years, titled Crossroads of Ravens. Scheduled for global release on September 30, the book is available in various languages, with the English version translated by David French, a veteran of the series. Today, we’re thrilled to share an exclusive excerpt from this eagerly anticipated standalone work.
So, what can you expect from Crossroads of Ravens? This new book dives into Geralt of Rivia’s early days. Before he became known as the White Wolf and the Butcher of Blaviken, Geralt was simply a newly minted witcher, stepping into a world that neither understood nor accepted him.
After a naïve act of heroism goes awry, Geralt finds himself in a precarious situation, only saved from execution by Preston Holt, a grizzled witcher with his own secretive agenda. Under Holt’s mentorship, Geralt begins to learn what it truly means to walk the Path—not just to fight, but to protect a world that fears him and to survive on his own terms. As right and wrong start to blur, Geralt faces a crucial choice: embrace the monster everyone expects him to be or forge a different path. This is a fascinating tale of how legends are born and the costs they incur.
Let’s dive into an exclusive excerpt from Crossroads of Ravens, featuring a young Geralt, freshly rescued by the enigmatic witcher, Preston Holt.
The Kingdom of Kaedwen was infamous for its unpredictable weather. Nestled between the Dragon Mountains and the Blue Mountains, it was known for harsh winters and fleeting, rainy summers. In March—referred to as “Birke” by the elves—snow lingered in valleys, while ice still clung to puddles and streams, making even the warmth of the sun feel bitterly cold at times.
Geralt had departed from Kaer Morhen just before the Equinox, adhering to a witcher tradition. The post-winter period was when monsters were particularly ravenous, prompting villagers to seek out witchers, even when their resources were thin. However, Geralt didn’t get the chance to find work; his journey led him straight into chaos. Barely two days out, he found himself judged by Alderman Bulava from Neuhold, about to be lynched by soldiers until he was saved by a mysterious man with long white hair and two swords slung across his back, now riding alongside him.
“It might be wise,” the stranger remarked as he turned in the saddle, “for us to ride together for a spell. Captain Carleton seems eager to see you hang. He won’t pursue me, but you could be an easy target alone. So, if my company isn’t a bother…”
“Not at all,” Geralt replied quickly, nudging his mare forward. “I’m glad to have company…”
“I know who you are,” said his companion. “Did your hair turn white after the mutations? Loss of pigment, like I had?”
“Yes… But how do you…” Geralt began, only to be interrupted.
“I keep tabs on what happens up there at the Stronghold. Word spread that a talented witcher named Geralt was ready to venture out.”
“But Vesemir—”
“Never mentioned me? Preston Holt, right? Vesemir and I have traveled different paths for some time.”
Geralt nodded, though he didn’t fully grasp the reference.
As they rode, silence settled comfortably between them. Holt finally spoke, observing that despite a rocky start, beginnings are often challenging.
“You didn’t make a poor showing against that marauder. Your cuts were precise—albeit unnecessary. But technically impeccable,” he acknowledged.
They watched a herd of cattle being driven to pasture and a cowherd sprinting to warm his feet in fresh dung.
“Strange to be driving cattle while the grass barely shows,” Holt mused. “But it signals the season has begun. Work will appear soon.”
“What’s a sough?” Geralt asked, puzzled.
“That opening leads to a sough, a channel for draining water from a mine, in the Upper March, where we’re heading. The region is rich in mines—though many are nearly depleted, leaving only tales of fortune.”
They eventually encountered a group of miners, who initially welcomed them with hostility but softened upon realizing Geralt was a witcher.
“Thank the gods! The Most Honourable Witcher has arrived!” exclaimed the chief digger, dropping his tool.
“I come from nowhere to assist,” Preston declared. Soon, a huddle of desperate women joined them, crying out for help: a boy was taken by creatures dwelling underground.
“You were warned not to dig near the shaft,” Holt chided. “But about that boy…not two weeks ago, I warned you to stay away!”
“Are you sure he’s still alive?” Geralt questioned, his voice uncertain.
“Doubtful, but we may at least recover something,” Holt replied decisively. “Come, young witcher; it’s time to assist those in need.”
Crossroads of Ravens will be available on September 30. Make sure to pre-order your copy now.
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