Andrzej Sapkowski, the author behind The Witcher saga, has offered fresh insight into his creative process and the future of the franchise in a wide-ranging interview. The discussion comes on the heels of the English-language release of Crossroads of Ravens, the latest novel in the series, which explores the earliest days of Geralt of Rivia as a young monster hunter. Sapkowski spoke alongside David French, the English translator of the new book, touching on the challenges of writing a youthful protagonist, the narrative structure of prequels, and the potential for new stories set in that formative period.
At nearly 80 years old, Sapkowski admitted that stepping into the mind of an eighteen-year-old Geralt was no simple task. «It's not easy for an author nearly 80 years old to step into the shoes of an eighteen-year-old teenager,» he said. «Fortunately, I still remember a thing or two from my youth.» The novel presents Geralt in moments of genuine panic, forcing him to make split-second decisions despite his inexperience. Sapkowski explained that this vulnerability was a deliberate narrative choice. «Such a superman — always victorious, never defeated, omniscient and never doubting — seemed to me narratively uninteresting — if not outright boring,» he noted. «Therefore, despite all the infallibility resulting from his mutation, in the plot I gave Geralt some fallibilities.»
The author described the central difference between the younger Geralt and his older self as a classic rite of passage. «Lack of experience and the harsh lessons from life associated with it. Development, mental and moral. Overcoming obstacles that accompany development.» He also drew a distinction between writing short stories and full-length novels, quoting Isaac Asimov: «A short story is a straight line, while a novel is a plane.»
One of the key relationships in Crossroads of Ravens is between Geralt and Preston Holt, a mentor figure. Sapkowski acknowledged that Holt fits a familiar fantasy archetype — the surrogate father — but added a twist. «Holt is a rather deceitful mentor and I surely wouldn't put him in the same league as Gandalf. Or Vesemir.» The author also touched on his ongoing engagement with folklore and myth, saying he strives to evolve «on daily basis. Incessantly.»
Looking ahead, Sapkowski remains open to unconventional adaptations of his work, including stage shows or even another musical. «I'm open to unorthodox suggestions,» he said. Meanwhile, the audiobook editions of the series are expanding. Crossroads of Ravens has been released as a full-cast audiobook featuring Sam Stafford, Richard Armitage, Clare Corbett, and Tom Alexander. Full-cast editions of The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny are scheduled for November, with the remaining six audiobooks to follow throughout 2027.
Fans eager for more of Geralt's early years may have reason for hope, as Sapkowski discussed the possibility of returning to that period in future books or short stories. While no concrete plans were confirmed, his willingness to explore unorthodox avenues suggests the Witcher universe will continue to grow in multiple media. The interview also highlighted Sapkowski's sharp wit and scholarly flair, with his translator playfully dubbing his use of classical Latin phrasing «linguistic snobbery.» For now, readers can delve into Crossroads of Ravens to see a different side of the White Wolf, one shaped by inexperience and the first stirrings of the moral complexity that defines his later adventures.