What is the name of the first novel in Andrzej Sapkowski's 'The Witcher' series?

The first novel in Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” series is Blood of Elves. Originally published in Polish as Krew elfów in 1994, it marks the beginning of the Witcher Saga, following the earlier short-story collections The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny.

The novel focuses on Geralt of Rivia’s efforts to protect Ciri, the princess of Cintra whose destiny becomes tied to his own. After Cintra’s conquest, Ciri becomes a target of political powers and begins training with the witchers at Kaer Morhen.

A common source of confusion is the distinction between “first book” and “first novel.” The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny often appear first in recommended reading orders, but both are collections of short stories. Blood of Elves is the first full-length novel in the main saga.

The saga continued with Time of Contempt, Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and The Lady of the Lake. Blood of Elves also provided much of the story material for the second season of Netflix’s The Witcher.