Once Upon a Witch's Death, Vol. 1: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy

ある魔女が死ぬまで [Aru Majo ga Shinu Made] Light Novel #1

by Saka, Chorefuji (Illustrator)

On Meg’s seventeenth birthday, she learns that she only has one year left to live. Her mentor—the Eternal Witch, Faust—explains that she is cursed and the only way to save herself is to grow a seed of life using one thousand tears of joy. Of course, such tears aren’t easy to come by. As Meg begins her quest, she finds herself drawn into the lives of her friends and neighbors in ways she never imagined. By sharing their burdens and using her magic to comfort them, she learns how precious those moments of connection can be even in the face of death.

Genres: Light Novel, Manga, Fantasy

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2021

Reviews

[Megan Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is completely worth the read! There is real magic in these pages, and it’s got a beautiful heart. I don’t write too many reviews but there aren’t many for this one that I could find. The world building was a unique blend of modern life and magic, a world I would love to live in. It seems geared more towards young adults but I think adults can appreciate it as well. It’s rare for a book to be lighthearted and fun while also being sincere and touching. I would definitely read more from this author!

[Laurie Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read. I found the ending confusing though.

[Zenith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing about this book that caught my eye, when in the bookstore, was the name. Once upon a witch's death, has a bitter sweet tone to it. This made me think of a short Ghibli story. Where a realistic world has a touch of fantasy, and it really is just that and more. Meg Raspberry just turned 17 and finds out she'll die next birthday, her only saving grace is collecting 1000 tears of joy. The book has great moments from her coming to terms with death and finding a reason to live. Her kindness and cheerfulness really brighten these serious themes. So if you're into slice of life books with a touch of joyful magic this book is for you.

[Zevitjoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going in I had thought this was a oneshot but it seems to be a series so a bit disappointed by that because I wanted to read something self-contained but my disappointment was quickly overpowered by the awe of reading one of the best first volumes I've read for a light novel series.

Despite the fantastical nature of the main character's(Meg) situation I relate and understand a lot her of actions and her thought processes. She's also extremely funny and likeable. In short she's extremely well written.

I doubt anyone can relate to the idea of being cursed with one year to live but at it's core it's a story about confronting and fighting against a seemingly inevitable death. As I read Meg's story I couldn't but help think of my mom and her fight against cancer. It's powerful stuff.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other than a few pieces here and there explained in further detail in this light novel versus the manga that I just finished, I would say they're comparable and I don't have an overwhelming sense to continue with the series in either format. It's fun and sentimental but also the language I find weirdly misplaced. It feels "old" but the language is "new".

Meg Raspberry is entertaining as she quests to collect tears of joy in the hopes of staying immortal and becoming an eternal witch like her caretaker.

[Emilia Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun start to an intriguing premise. This first book doesn’t have a very satisfying end, but that’s to be expected of a series I guess. I did cry a bit at one specific spot that hit a bit close to home though

[Jisu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read and I really enjoyed the story of Meg. I went through a myriad of emotions while reading, chapter 4 had me crying, hit me right in the heart. I def reccommed giving it a read.