Baptism of Fire: Booktrack Edition

By: Andrzej Sapkowski, David French - translator

Narrated by: Peter Kenny

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

This Booktrack Edition adds an immersive musical soundtrack to your audiobook listening experience!*

A deadly coup within the Wizard's Guild leaves the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, gravely injured, and his ward Ciri missing in the third book of the New York Times best-selling series that inspired the Netflix show and the hit video games.

The Wizards Guild has been shattered by a coup and, in the uproar, Geralt was seriously injured. The Witcher is supposed to be a guardian of the innocent, a protector of those in need, a defender against powerful and dangerous monsters that prey on men in dark times.

But now that dark times have fallen upon the world, Geralt is helpless until he has recovered from his injuries.

While war rages across all of the lands, the future of magic is under threat and those sorcerers who survive are determined to protect it. It's an impossible situation in which to find one girl - Ciri, the heiress to the throne of Cintra - until a rumor places her in the Niflgaard court, preparing to marry the Emperor.

Injured or not, Geralt has a rescue mission on his hands.

Andrzej Sapkowski, winner of the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement award, started an international phenomenon with his Witcher series.

*Booktrack is an immersive format that pairs traditional audiobook narration to complementary music. The tempo and rhythm of the score are in perfect harmony with the action and characters throughout the audiobook. Gently playing in the background, the music never overpowers or distracts from the narration, so listeners can enjoy every minute. When you purchase this Booktrack edition, you receive the exact narration as the traditional audiobook available, with the addition of music throughout.

©2014 Andrzej Sapkowski; David A. French - translation (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"This is a series you can sink your teeth into." (BuzzFeed News)

"The universe of Sapkowski's The Witcher is one of the most detailed and best-explored in modern fantasy, offering endless opportunities for fresh ideas.... Complex character relationships enrich this already complex world; this is the sort of series fantasy fans will cherish." (B&N)

"Like a complicated magic spell, a Sapkowski novel is a hodgepodge of fantasy, intellectual discourse, and dry humor. Recommended." (Time)

Book track

Not sure I always big the music, still getting a perspective on it, sometimes it good, other times is distracting

My favorite of the series so far

Loved the Booktrack edition! It really added to the story. Immediately beginning the next one.

Booktrack Edition is a superior experience.

I really love the feel that the background music and other sounds adds to the audiobook experience. Definitely wish more audiobooks had Booktrack.

political

I still love the series, but this one was more political than action. just fyi.

Witcher series can do no wrong

What’s not to love about this series? Just keep going. You will thank yourself many times along the way.

Amazing story and narration performance as usual

Same good stuff you're used to if you've been listening to the previous books. I see some people complaining about the music and sound effects of the booktrack edition, but I found it totally acceptable. It enhances the experiences in some ways. If you're worried about it, just buy the normal version.

Fantastic writing. Great performance

Wonderful characters that maintain their core while continuing to develop. I enjoyed that they have flaws that the writer doesn’t abandon for convenience. Peter Kenny is impeccable and adds so much value to an already great telling.

FYI - personally love the book track editions

Absolutely hooked

Love the audio and production. Great sounds effects / music without being too distracting. Obviously the story is phenomenal too!

I like booktrack music adds to the story

I like booktrack music adds to the story . Good for listening before bed or walking the dog.

Great reading and story, but…..

GET RID OF THE BACKGROUND MUSIC. Not only did it add nothing, but took away from some moments and set the wrong tone for a couple moments.