Just finished Blood of Elves...

[SM]

...and I'm a little bemused as to why it got to the shortlist, let alone won.

My main complaint is that it wasn't a stand-alone book. I know it's part of a series, but in every other series of books I've read (fantasy or otherwise) each part was connected but also a separate entity. Blood of Elves felt like it wasn't finished, as it had a very abrupt ending, with no hint of any of the storylines even being close to a conclusion. This leads me to think that the people who voted for it have read the whole series and voted on that basis, rather than on the individual book.

Also as far as the content is concerned, it was nothing new or special.

So for those of you who voted Sapkowski, what did you think was good about the book?

Also, had you read all or any of the other books in the series when you voted?

[Matthew Staker]

I havent read these books either but mainly because i didnt realise that the author and the books are connected to the PC game called 'The Witcher'. I recommend you read the first book and play the game, it is very enveloping, the characters, story and dialogue will take you into the world that Sapkowski has created.

[drosdelnoch]

The authors has a good reputation due to international sales, add to the mix the game thats based on the books and it will add to the popularity of the author.

As to the noms I read about 74% of the books on the list (the only ones that I missed were the ones that were US based only.)

Each person has thier own opinion about who should have won etc and the best thing about being a fan award is that the winner is picked by the public, those who buy the books and vote for thier favs. The other cracking thing is that those who register on the site can talk about who they think should win and perhaps influence other readers in thier choice. The more active you are the more chance there is to convince people.

[Matthew Staker]

Haven't read 'Blood of Elves' but having just read i have to say that Sapowski has an originality that hasnt been tainted by mainstream or any other sources. Its creatures and characters are created vividly and with such cynical reference to old 'nursey rhymes' one might call them that one should read the characters as well as the writing. i loved geralt the Witcher 'The White Wolf' and his cynical outlook and strange moral code and can hardly wait to read Sapowski's next installment 'Blood Of Elves'. I Truly believe Sapowski and Brent Weeks were great additions to the list and heartily recommend them to any author, both Gemmell fan or not.

[JOE CRAWFORD]

I spent last weekend searching Borders 2 stores near my home and they havent heard of this book nor did they have it listed in the database. Is this maybe a UK print house?
joe

[JOE CRAWFORD]

I have now checked on Amazon, they have plenty of copies, maybe Borders clerks arent particularly familiar with Sapkowski?

[drosdelnoch]

It was released by Gollancz (part of the Orion group in the UK.) In the US it was released by Orbit, take these ISBN number into them:
ISBN-10: 031602919X
ISBN-13: 978-0316029193

That should help, if it doesn't try getting them to search for "The Witcher" which is the series to which its tied.

[JOE CRAWFORD]

thanks,Gareth that helps a lot! Im sure they will be able to find it now. Numbers always seem to help.
joe

drosdelnoch said:

It was released by Gollancz (part of the Orion group in the UK.) In the US it was released by Orbit, take these ISBN number into them:
ISBN-10: 031602919X
ISBN-13: 978-0316029193

That should help, if it doesn't try getting them to search for "The Witcher" which is the series to which its tied.

[JOE CRAWFORD]

I have read about 1/3 of Blood of Elves this last we. Outstanding! I can see why it won. For it not to have been written in the Kings English, it is amazingly clear and clean continuity wise. If the end is at least this good i may have to read the first book next! It was printed by Orbit in May so that may have constituted my difficulty in finding it but your help was invaluable. GREAT READ!
joe

JOE CRAWFORD said:

thanks,Gareth that helps a lot! Im sure they will be able to find it now. Numbers always seem to help.
joe

drosdelnoch said:

It was released by Gollancz (part of the Orion group in the UK.) In the US it was released by Orbit, take these ISBN number into them:
ISBN-10: 031602919X
ISBN-13: 978-0316029193

That should help, if it doesn't try getting them to search for "The Witcher" which is the series to which its tied.

[JOE CRAWFORD]

I sincerely hope this isnt the end of this story line! Of course, Sapkowski may be using the strategy of Tolkien, leave a lot of story untold and let the reader invent (possibly publish?) whatever ending seems apropos. One can only hope.

[wild_ice]

I have just finished reading it and although at the start I did think it was a bit sloppy, after the first third of the book i was completely hooked and couldn't put it down.

I did think the ending was quite abrupt, but I have read many series where the book simply doesn't finish and rather relish the prospect of getting my hands on another volume so I can find out what happened!

[JOE CRAWFORD]

I have finished the bk now and honestly say I can hardly wait for the next one- reminds me of a certain Englishman we all know!

wild_ice said:

I have just finished reading it and although at the start I did think it was a bit sloppy, after the first third of the book i was completely hooked and couldn't put it down.

I did think the ending was quite abrupt, but I have read many series where the book simply doesn't finish and rather relish the prospect of getting my hands on another volume so I can find out what happened!

[NAASHANITE]

i've read the blood of elves and the last wish by mr andrzej sapkowski. I have to agree with your comments. Brent week's night angel trilogy was far superior. i've read some of the other sortlisted authors, but by a long distance brent weeks hit the "spot". Although Andrzej's characters were engaging the story was'nt so hot. I cant stress strongly enough, all those who yearn for what D.G gave us all, have a look at the night angel trilogy, you will not feel short changed