The Time of Contempt (The Witcher book 4)

The Time of Contempt shifts focus to political maneuvering as Ciri is sent to the island of Thanedd for diplomatic training. Geralt and Yennefer’s relationship faces strain amid sorcerers’ plots and the looming Nilfgaardian invasion. The book’s climax—a magical coup at the academy—alters the Continent’s balance of power, scattering the main characters. Themes of betrayal, ambition, and the cost of neutrality take center stage, with Sapkowski critiquing the self-interest of institutions.
The novel’s faster pace and sharper dialogue highlight the series’ shift from episodic tales to a tightly woven epic. Secondary characters like Dandelion and Triss Merigold gain depth, enriching the tapestry of alliances and rivalries.