Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Time of Contempt summary
Brief summary
The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the story of Geralt of Rivia as he navigates a world filled with political intrigue, sorcery, and war. It's a tale of power struggles and the consequences of choosing sides.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Time of Contempt
Summary of key ideas
Political Intrigue and Sorcery
In The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski, we find ourselves in a world filled with sorcery, political intrigue, and deadly monsters. Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher, is tasked with protecting Ciri, a young princess with extraordinary powers. As the story unfolds, we learn that Ciri is a key player in a prophecy that could change the fate of the world.
The story begins with Ciri training in the magical arts at the Temple of Melitele, under the tutelage of Yennefer, a powerful sorceress, and Geralt's love interest. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when a coup within the wizard's guild leads to a brutal massacre at the temple. Ciri barely escapes with her life, and the group is scattered.
A World in Chaos
As Ciri flees, she finds herself in a world torn apart by war. The empire of Nilfgaard is on a ruthless conquest, and the Northern Kingdoms are in disarray, struggling to form a united front against the invaders. Ciri is pursued by various factions, all seeking to use her powers for their own ends. Geralt, Yennefer, and their allies embark on a dangerous quest to find and protect Ciri amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, Geralt faces his own trials. His reputation as a Witcher, already tarnished by prejudice and fear, is further damaged by false accusations. He is pursued by bounty hunters and forced to confront his own doubts and fears. Yennefer, on the other hand, is captured and tortured by the sadistic mage Vilgefortz, who seeks to use her to control Ciri.
The Struggle for Power
As the story progresses, we witness the struggle for power among the sorcerers and kings, all of whom seek to manipulate Ciri for their own ends. The Lodge of Sorceresses, a secret organization, is revealed to have its own agenda, using Ciri as a pawn in their political games. The boundaries between good and evil blur, and it becomes increasingly difficult to discern the true motivations of the characters.
Amidst this turmoil, Ciri discovers the extent of her powers and her connection to the mystical world known as the "Elder Blood". She becomes a pawn in a game she barely understands, and her survival becomes increasingly uncertain. The story ends with a climactic battle, leaving our characters scattered and the world even more uncertain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Time of Contempt is a thrilling and complex tale of power, destiny, and survival. Sapkowski's world-building is rich and immersive, and his characters are multi-dimensional, flawed, and intriguing. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. As we close the book, we are left with a sense of foreboding, knowing that the worst is yet to come. We are eager to continue the journey with Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer in the next installment of the Witcher series.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Time of Contempt about?
The Time of Contempt is the second book in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, continuing the adventures of Geralt of Rivia. In this dark fantasy novel, political turmoil and betrayal threaten the stability of the world as sorcerers, kings, and magical creatures clash. As Geralt fights to protect those he cares about, he must navigate a web of deceit and danger to uncover the truth.
The Time of Contempt Review
The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski (1995) immerses readers in a dark and magical world where sorcery and politics collide. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- With its complex characters and intricate plot twists, it keeps readers engaged from start to finish, offering a truly immersive experience.
- The book delves deep into themes of power, betrayal, and sacrifice, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the fantasy genre.
- Through its rich world-building and unexpected events, it constantly surprises and captivates, ensuring a thrilling and unpredictable read.
Who should read The Time of Contempt?
Readers who enjoy dark fantasy and intricate world-building
Fans of the Witcher series, whether it's the books, video games, or TV show
Those looking for morally complex characters and thought-provoking themes
Categories with The Time of Contempt
Book summaries like The Time of Contempt
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Time of Contempt FAQs
What is the main message of The Time of Contempt?
The main message of The Time of Contempt revolves around power struggles, courage, and the consequences of choices.
How long does it take to read The Time of Contempt?
Reading The Time of Contempt takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is The Time of Contempt a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Time of Contempt is worth reading for its gripping storyline, complex characters, and intricate plot.
Who is the author of The Time of Contempt?
The author of The Time of Contempt is Andrzej Sapkowski.
What to read after The Time of Contempt?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Time of Contempt, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
- Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
- Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman
- King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
- Weaveworld by Clive Barker
- Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
- Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
- The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
- Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa