Dies Irae: Song To The Witch

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was a declaration of war on the Longinus Dreizehn Orden! The Longinus Dreizehn Orden stood in the way of the allied forces during World War II and left them with a sense of defeat, after which they disappeared without a trace… But a certain man’s testimony revealed the existence of this group to the world. The major powers of the world, considering them a serious threat, awaken a witch. One created in secrecy. In the spotlight, the Longinus Dreizehn Orden’s own witch, Rusalka Schwägelin, enters the stage. The battle between witches hurls the stage that is America into a chaotic tempest that defies human knowledge. The truth about the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is revealed at last!

Original Publisher

kadokawa

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Dies Irae: Song To The Witch ### First Impressions Alright, so I dove into "Dies Irae: Song To The Witch" with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The "Dies Irae" name carries a certain weight, and I was curious to see how this light novel spinoff would hold up. Right off the bat, it's clear this isn't a standalone story for newcomers. You're essentially jumping into an established universe, and prior knowledge feels almost mandatory. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of this novel, in my opinion, is its focus on Rusalka. She's a compelling character, and this story does a solid job of fleshing her out. If you're already a fan of Rusalka from the main "Dies Irae" visual novel, then I think you'll find a lot to enjoy here. The narrative delves deeper into her lore and personality, providing a welcome expansion of her character. It's clear the author understands what makes her appealing and plays to those strengths. The action is well-written, and the supernatural elements are integrated seamlessly into the historical setting. The blend of genres – action, fantasy, historical, horror, mystery, and supernatural – creates a rich tapestry that keeps you engaged. ### Areas of Concern However, I can't ignore the elephant in the room: accessibility. If you haven't experienced the "Dies Irae" visual novel, you're likely to feel lost. The story assumes a certain level of familiarity with the world, characters, and overarching plot. Without that foundation, much of the nuance and emotional impact will be lost. This makes it difficult to recommend to readers unfamiliar with the franchise. It really does feel like a side story crafted specifically for existing fans. ### Final Verdict "Dies Irae: Song To The Witch" is a treat for existing "Dies Irae" fans, especially those who appreciate Rusalka. It expands on her character in meaningful ways and provides a satisfying side story within the larger Shinza Banshou universe. However, its heavy reliance on prior knowledge makes it inaccessible to newcomers. If you're new to "Dies Irae," I would recommend starting with the visual novel first before jumping into this spinoff.