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The Saga of Tanya the Evil Light Novel #8
The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 8 (light novel): In Omnia Paratus
When Zettour tries his best to caution against the reckless plan to strike at theFederation's vital resource fields, he soon finds himself "promoted" to a fielddeployment on the eastern front. Meanwhile, as the ill-advised Operation Andromedapresses on, commanding officer Tanya must fight another bitter battle despitedwindling supplies, poor communication, and exposed flanks. With retreat expresslyforbidden and time running out, the only way to survive is to win...
310 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2017
60 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 17, 2022
While Carlo Zen's writing can be a little drawn out and frustrating at times, but I'm still a sucker for it. Zen has a great attention to detail and can spend several pages focusing on just one topic, that's something I know plenty of people won't be able to put up with, but I personally love it. My favorite part of this series is reading Tanya's inner thoughts and watching her commit war crimes while still following international laws. Those mind games are what Zen is easily the best at.
However, I will say, the series is starting to get a little repetitive now, even for me. This is the *fifth* book where they're fighting The Federation. Aside from the aforementioned war crimes, the best part about The Federation is the political intrigue they bring to the table, which unfortunately isn't focused on as much as it should be. However, based on the ending, it seems like the story might go in a different direction, which I am heavily looking forward to.
The other thing I've come to find really frustrating is the treatment of Mary Sue. In the anime movie, she was framed as an antagonist and philosophical foil to Tanya. Where Tanya is motivated by self preservation and only tries to protect herself and her reputation; Mary is motivated by her desire to avenge her father and tried to protect everyone she can. It's basically cold logic and reason versus warm love and comradery. It's a strong dynamic that greatly summarized the main theme of the show in one relationship.
However, in the novels, this entire dynamic is almost nonexistent. The past few books, Mary has done almost nothing but get yelled at by her commanding officer (who I hate) and just kind of stand around. She's literally only interacted with Tanya twice, and it's honestly just starting to get old now. Just like with The Federation, I hope something changes with her soon, because it's starting to get a little grating.
Overall, I still enjoyed my time with this book. Zen's writing is still strong, though it stands out more in certain parts than others. I just hope something big is going to happen soon, because the current status quo of this series is starting to get old.
However, I will say, the series is starting to get a little repetitive now, even for me. This is the *fifth* book where they're fighting The Federation. Aside from the aforementioned war crimes, the best part about The Federation is the political intrigue they bring to the table, which unfortunately isn't focused on as much as it should be. However, based on the ending, it seems like the story might go in a different direction, which I am heavily looking forward to.
The other thing I've come to find really frustrating is the treatment of Mary Sue. In the anime movie, she was framed as an antagonist and philosophical foil to Tanya. Where Tanya is motivated by self preservation and only tries to protect herself and her reputation; Mary is motivated by her desire to avenge her father and tried to protect everyone she can. It's basically cold logic and reason versus warm love and comradery. It's a strong dynamic that greatly summarized the main theme of the show in one relationship.
However, in the novels, this entire dynamic is almost nonexistent. The past few books, Mary has done almost nothing but get yelled at by her commanding officer (who I hate) and just kind of stand around. She's literally only interacted with Tanya twice, and it's honestly just starting to get old now. Just like with The Federation, I hope something changes with her soon, because it's starting to get a little grating.
Overall, I still enjoyed my time with this book. Zen's writing is still strong, though it stands out more in certain parts than others. I just hope something big is going to happen soon, because the current status quo of this series is starting to get old.
February 2, 2020
存在 X 依舊沒有出場，我都快忘了女主角的體內其實是某大叔了……
這一集小說依然在描述帝國（影射德意志）與聯邦國（影射蘇聯）的全面戰鬥。由於前一冊的停戰和談，遭到帝國高層以「必須將失去的從敵人手中取回補償」的民心而否決，逼得軍方仍得繼續將這場曠日廢時的戰爭延續下去。參謀本部擬定了兩條戰線︰南方的 A 戰線為主攻方，目的在奪取聯邦南部的生產資源區（影射今天烏東一帶）；北方的 B 戰線則為牽制方（位在今日白羅斯至波羅的海三國東方國境線一帶）。
主角一開始被長官「陷害」，帶著自己的戰鬥群在 B 戰線邊緣處死守高地，吸引聯邦軍力而遭到孤立包圍。此時她的長官再以自己的「中將」身份轟轟烈烈地裹脅著 B 戰線的稀薄軍力開赴救援，成功地洩漏情報，讓聯邦軍改變策略而打算「斬首」，從而破壞了原本的兵力配置。此時主角參透長官的意圖，帶領她的機動軍力（魔導航空大隊）溜出圍城，與長官的部隊一起夾擊敵人的主戰力，在這條原本雙方都只專注在防守的戰線，取得了大家都意想不到的大勝利。然而，帝國的南方主戰線卻未取得預期的成果，未能佔據敵方的資源生產地區——也就是以失敗作收……
由於已經讀了這套輕小說好幾集了，因此作者的寫法也差不多適應下來，單純地享用著裡頭所提出各種「人類組織的運作」方面的討論。不曉得是中譯方面有了進步，使得過去幾冊中的許多冗餘綴詞的情況好了許多——特別是那句「一如字面意義上的……」已經不再出現。
日本的輕小說在表現出一連串的人物「對話」時，與英語小說最大的不同，便是引號中的那句對白的「說話者」是誰，常常都在文字中隱而未現，因此在讀者閱讀上會造成極大的困擾（所以我在遇上這個小說場景時，經常都要再回溯到前兩三句以前的對白，再以奇偶重新計算最後的那句話是由哪個角色所說的。但在閱讀本冊的女主角（中校軍階）與長官（中將）之間的談話時，我突然想到一點︰日本人的對話是很「龜毛」的，在用字遣詞上有著各式各樣的「身份表示」標記，很難直接簡易地譯成外語。因此當這部小說寫出對話時，對於日文讀者而言，光看到句中的某些用詞就足以示別，而不需要再以「"blah blah...," said General Zettour cheerfully.」或「"blah blah...," Tanya asked.」之類的句型了吧。
這一集小說依然在描述帝國（影射德意志）與聯邦國（影射蘇聯）的全面戰鬥。由於前一冊的停戰和談，遭到帝國高層以「必須將失去的從敵人手中取回補償」的民心而否決，逼得軍方仍得繼續將這場曠日廢時的戰爭延續下去。參謀本部擬定了兩條戰線︰南方的 A 戰線為主攻方，目的在奪取聯邦南部的生產資源區（影射今天烏東一帶）；北方的 B 戰線則為牽制方（位在今日白羅斯至波羅的海三國東方國境線一帶）。
主角一開始被長官「陷害」，帶著自己的戰鬥群在 B 戰線邊緣處死守高地，吸引聯邦軍力而遭到孤立包圍。此時她的長官再以自己的「中將」身份轟轟烈烈地裹脅著 B 戰線的稀薄軍力開赴救援，成功地洩漏情報，讓聯邦軍改變策略而打算「斬首」，從而破壞了原本的兵力配置。此時主角參透長官的意圖，帶領她的機動軍力（魔導航空大隊）溜出圍城，與長官的部隊一起夾擊敵人的主戰力，在這條原本雙方都只專注在防守的戰線，取得了大家都意想不到的大勝利。然而，帝國的南方主戰線卻未取得預期的成果，未能佔據敵方的資源生產地區——也就是以失敗作收……
由於已經讀了這套輕小說好幾集了，因此作者的寫法也差不多適應下來，單純地享用著裡頭所提出各種「人類組織的運作」方面的討論。不曉得是中譯方面有了進步，使得過去幾冊中的許多冗餘綴詞的情況好了許多——特別是那句「一如字面意義上的……」已經不再出現。
日本的輕小說在表現出一連串的人物「對話」時，與英語小說最大的不同，便是引號中的那句對白的「說話者」是誰，常常都在文字中隱而未現，因此在讀者閱讀上會造成極大的困擾（所以我在遇上這個小說場景時，經常都要再回溯到前兩三句以前的對白，再以奇偶重新計算最後的那句話是由哪個角色所說的。但在閱讀本冊的女主角（中校軍階）與長官（中將）之間的談話時，我突然想到一點︰日本人的對話是很「龜毛」的，在用字遣詞上有著各式各樣的「身份表示」標記，很難直接簡易地譯成外語。因此當這部小說寫出對話時，對於日文讀者而言，光看到句中的某些用詞就足以示別，而不需要再以「"blah blah...," said General Zettour cheerfully.」或「"blah blah...," Tanya asked.」之類的句型了吧。
March 15, 2021
Operation Andromeda. The eastern front is a known unknown. It's a functioning morass of sparsely inhabited mud fields and poorly maintained rails. Outposts on the eastern front are ugly, quiet, and lonely. But there is movement. The Empire has cobbled together the last remnants of its most stalwart land units. Its current goal is to justify one final push into Federation territory. This last-ditch operation, somewhat ironically, is not to decapitate Federation leadership, but to capture physical resources and ammunition stores that would further enable the Empire to continue the war effort. The Empire, in effect, is now waging war so as to acquire the means to wage war.
This sad state of affairs now permeates the highest levels of military awareness. If readers take away anything from THE SAGA OF TANYA THE EVIL #8, it's that the crumbling war effort has exposed how narrow the venture for truth remains when squeezed by the realities of distant conflicts gone awry and near-term politics, long since corrupted. And it is in this narrow venture for the truth that unauthorized attempts to eke out rational solutions are met with a sardonic smile and a dismissive wave (Zettour: "It would require an awful lot of self-deception to look away from reality and pretend like there weren't serious problems underpinning the entire situation," p. 59).
Previously, Lieutenant Generals von Rudersdorf and von Zettour knew the war must end, should the Empire survive with any semblance of power. Zettour enacted a peacekeeping mission via the Kingdom of Ildoa. This effort, as readers soon learn, ended in failure. Subsequent this scheme, Lieutenant General von Zettour earned a demotion-by-promotion, and was sent to the eastern front for his sins. And all during the fateful Operation Andromeda. Indeed, how is the Empire supposed to turn the tide of total war, to supply its main forces, when the man in charge of the operations division is cast into near-exile?
Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff feels the strain. Gaining ground. Wedging positive results. Disregarding attrition. Surviving another season of disingenuous public support. This is how wars are fought now. The conflict between Supreme Command's dereliction of common sense and the General Staff's principled assessment of an increasingly grievous situation sees the Salamander Kampfgruppe wielded as both a shield and a weapon. And when Zettour himself is posted to the front, as pseudo punishment, Degurechaff knows something's wrong.
THE SAGA OF TANYA THE EVIL #8 witnesses Zettour and Degurechaff working side-by-side, a definitive meeting of the Empire's most strategic minds, and the outcome is as feverish and blood-soaked as one might imagine. One presumes the author has been waiting a while to put these two characters together to properly map out the gamesmanship of total war. Thankfully, the current volume does not disappoint in this regard. The novel provides an exquisite balance of strategy and tactics. That is to say, the plan of action for the battle to come and observing the risks and dangers associated with earning the requisite results, while separately, the individual movements within said plan of action, whose consequences must be accounted for in blood and iron, in real time.
Operation Andromeda is of two components. A Group will attack the stores of the Federation, while B Group maintains the rear in active defense. Neither segment possesses either the supplies or training to do its job properly. But orders are orders. And in B Group, where Zettour and Degurechaff are stationed, it's Zettour who manifests an insidious plot to use the Salamander Kampfgruppe as bait to eradicate the Federation's most formidable aerial mage corps.
Does his plan succeed? Zettour is a hard and bitter man. THE SAGA OF TANYA THE EVIL #8 provides readers with ample time and space to get inside the man's head to gain a fuller understanding of how he views his role in the war effort. As such, "success," is not the best word to describe his push for the maneuver battle that subjects the Salamander Kampfgruppe to untold stress. Zettour does not seek success; he seeks to validate the due contradiction of his duty.
The contradiction of abiding by Supreme Command's orders, marking visible the flaws in those orders, and then proposing a solution whose veracity speaks to the many blemishes inherent in the greater war strategy -- this is what Zettour seeks to expose. The Empire is fighting a war based on what it feels to be just, not on what it knows to be true. Readers are forewarned that these logical fault lines may get the general killed, may cut short the General Staff's most prized units, and may, however accidentally, find the Empire reflected in the eyes of its sworn enemies. And yet, Zettour holds, when finally made visible, the truth shall bring certainty.
And if this war is to end, then certain individuals of a certain fortitude must be charged with this unconditional certainty if they are to attain victory.
Which leaves only one question left: What is Tanya willing to do, for the sake of the Empire, to earn total victory?
This sad state of affairs now permeates the highest levels of military awareness. If readers take away anything from THE SAGA OF TANYA THE EVIL #8, it's that the crumbling war effort has exposed how narrow the venture for truth remains when squeezed by the realities of distant conflicts gone awry and near-term politics, long since corrupted. And it is in this narrow venture for the truth that unauthorized attempts to eke out rational solutions are met with a sardonic smile and a dismissive wave (Zettour: "It would require an awful lot of self-deception to look away from reality and pretend like there weren't serious problems underpinning the entire situation," p. 59).
Previously, Lieutenant Generals von Rudersdorf and von Zettour knew the war must end, should the Empire survive with any semblance of power. Zettour enacted a peacekeeping mission via the Kingdom of Ildoa. This effort, as readers soon learn, ended in failure. Subsequent this scheme, Lieutenant General von Zettour earned a demotion-by-promotion, and was sent to the eastern front for his sins. And all during the fateful Operation Andromeda. Indeed, how is the Empire supposed to turn the tide of total war, to supply its main forces, when the man in charge of the operations division is cast into near-exile?
Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff feels the strain. Gaining ground. Wedging positive results. Disregarding attrition. Surviving another season of disingenuous public support. This is how wars are fought now. The conflict between Supreme Command's dereliction of common sense and the General Staff's principled assessment of an increasingly grievous situation sees the Salamander Kampfgruppe wielded as both a shield and a weapon. And when Zettour himself is posted to the front, as pseudo punishment, Degurechaff knows something's wrong.
THE SAGA OF TANYA THE EVIL #8 witnesses Zettour and Degurechaff working side-by-side, a definitive meeting of the Empire's most strategic minds, and the outcome is as feverish and blood-soaked as one might imagine. One presumes the author has been waiting a while to put these two characters together to properly map out the gamesmanship of total war. Thankfully, the current volume does not disappoint in this regard. The novel provides an exquisite balance of strategy and tactics. That is to say, the plan of action for the battle to come and observing the risks and dangers associated with earning the requisite results, while separately, the individual movements within said plan of action, whose consequences must be accounted for in blood and iron, in real time.
Operation Andromeda is of two components. A Group will attack the stores of the Federation, while B Group maintains the rear in active defense. Neither segment possesses either the supplies or training to do its job properly. But orders are orders. And in B Group, where Zettour and Degurechaff are stationed, it's Zettour who manifests an insidious plot to use the Salamander Kampfgruppe as bait to eradicate the Federation's most formidable aerial mage corps.
Does his plan succeed? Zettour is a hard and bitter man. THE SAGA OF TANYA THE EVIL #8 provides readers with ample time and space to get inside the man's head to gain a fuller understanding of how he views his role in the war effort. As such, "success," is not the best word to describe his push for the maneuver battle that subjects the Salamander Kampfgruppe to untold stress. Zettour does not seek success; he seeks to validate the due contradiction of his duty.
The contradiction of abiding by Supreme Command's orders, marking visible the flaws in those orders, and then proposing a solution whose veracity speaks to the many blemishes inherent in the greater war strategy -- this is what Zettour seeks to expose. The Empire is fighting a war based on what it feels to be just, not on what it knows to be true. Readers are forewarned that these logical fault lines may get the general killed, may cut short the General Staff's most prized units, and may, however accidentally, find the Empire reflected in the eyes of its sworn enemies. And yet, Zettour holds, when finally made visible, the truth shall bring certainty.
And if this war is to end, then certain individuals of a certain fortitude must be charged with this unconditional certainty if they are to attain victory.
Which leaves only one question left: What is Tanya willing to do, for the sake of the Empire, to earn total victory?
October 29, 2023
The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 8: In Omnia Paratus
by Carlo Zen is a thrilling addition to an already captivating series. In this volume, readers are treated to a continuation of the intricate and compelling storyline that has made this series a standout in the realm of light novels.
The Saga of Tanya the Evil series, when compared to its contemporaries in the light novel genre, stands out for its unique blend of military tactics, dark humor, and character development. It excels at providing readers with a multi-dimensional and morally complex protagonist, a rarity in many light novel series.
In conclusion, The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 8 (light novel): In Omnia Paratus by Carlo Zen is a must-read for fans of the series and a strong testament to the author's storytelling prowess. It's a book that continues to impress with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and well-crafted world-building. For those who appreciate thought-provoking and action-packed light novels, this volume is a stellar addition to an already outstanding series.
Carlo Zen continues to masterfully weave a tale of military strategy, political intrigue, and the complexities of war in a world filled with magic and alternate history. The central character, Tanya, remains as enigmatic and cunning as ever, making for a protagonist who is both fascinating and morally ambiguous. This volume delves deeper into Tanya's character and her motivations, providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of her role in the story.
The plot in this volume is intense and action-packed, offering a seamless blend of strategy and combat. As the story unfolds, we see the stakes rise higher, and the narrative becomes increasingly immersive. The pacing is well-maintained, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
The Saga of Tanya the Evil series, when compared to its contemporaries in the light novel genre, stands out for its unique blend of military tactics, dark humor, and character development. It excels at providing readers with a multi-dimensional and morally complex protagonist, a rarity in many light novel series.
The world-building in this series remains top-notch, offering a richly detailed and imaginative alternate reality that enhances the story's authenticity. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, and the various political machinations are both engaging and believable.
In conclusion, The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 8 (light novel): In Omnia Paratus by Carlo Zen is a must-read for fans of the series and a strong testament to the author's storytelling prowess. It's a book that continues to impress with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and well-crafted world-building. For those who appreciate thought-provoking and action-packed light novels, this volume is a stellar addition to an already outstanding series.
July 2, 2025
The book starts with some "present day" scenes, where we see people reminiscing about the war. Those scenes are hard for me to rate internally. On one hand I like the information about the ending, however the bits of information I get from those scenes are not the information I want.
The rest of the book is mostly, and rather satisfyingly, action. Some politics shine through, but it is not quite as heavy on that than some of the previous novels.
What really kicks in this book is the despreation of it all. The futility of the war and how dangerous and gambling-like the military decision making is getting.
The ending of the book really drives down that point and gives a nice cliffhanger for one to want to read the next one.
The rest of the book is mostly, and rather satisfyingly, action. Some politics shine through, but it is not quite as heavy on that than some of the previous novels.
What really kicks in this book is the despreation of it all. The futility of the war and how dangerous and gambling-like the military decision making is getting.
The ending of the book really drives down that point and gives a nice cliffhanger for one to want to read the next one.
December 24, 2020
Fantastic countinuation of the story
This book focuses almost entirely on one campaign on the eastern front. Still a great story, and leaves off on what is likely to be a hilarious new plot change for the mc in the next book.
This book focuses almost entirely on one campaign on the eastern front. Still a great story, and leaves off on what is likely to be a hilarious new plot change for the mc in the next book.
April 15, 2023
Suffers from pacing issues, beginning and end flow really well, middle is a bit boring.
Author started deviating a bit more from historical facts on WW1 and 2, so it’s becoming a more interesting “what if?” story.
Author started deviating a bit more from historical facts on WW1 and 2, so it’s becoming a more interesting “what if?” story.
March 26, 2021
Amazing
Very well written, writing really gets you entranced into the story. Illustrations were amazing, and you never find yourself bored.
Very well written, writing really gets you entranced into the story. Illustrations were amazing, and you never find yourself bored.
November 22, 2024
Was a bit confused at the beginning but maybe that’s because I kept losing focus
December 23, 2024
I enjoyed seeing how things were shaken up
December 31, 2020
Great book and I can’t wait fir volume 9
A plot that is actually moving, some rambling and world building but the moved at reasonable pace. Tanya is my favourite psychopath and will continue to be.
A plot that is actually moving, some rambling and world building but the moved at reasonable pace. Tanya is my favourite psychopath and will continue to be.
January 15, 2021
Definitely some localization tomfoolery sneaking into this volume. All the same though it was enjoyable for that strange niche of person that enjoys this genre. Time to hurry up and wait for the next volume.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews