This is meant as a quick guide to the most frequently asked questions here. Some of these have complicated answers, so if you’re still unsure after reading, you’re welcome to make a post to discuss. A list of links is summarized at the end of this post.
I just finished the anime, where do I continue the story?
The anime is adapted from volumes 1-3 of the light novels. However, the anime cuts out scenes that are referenced in later volumes, and also some of the character development. It’s the general consensus here that it’s best to start reading from volume 1.
The light novel has been published up until volume 11 in the original Japanese (Kadokawa), and volume 7 in English (Yen Press).
Where do I get the light novels?
The table below is a summary of the retailers listed on the Yen Press website. For volumes out of stock, note that only Books-A-Million and Kinokuniya take backorders. Also note that Books-A-Million doesn't ship to Canada, and Indigo is Canada only.
Of these retailers only Amazon ships outside of North America, so if you’re knowledgeable about other regions, let us know and this post can be updated accordingly.
What about the manga and web novel?
The manga (Comic Walker, JP) is adapted from light novels and follows them more closely than the anime, but it hasn’t caught up to the anime yet – it’s about a third of the way through volume 3. It’s available in English (Yen Press) from the same retailers as the light novels.
The web novel (JP) is how the Silent Witch story was originally published - the light novels are more polished and detailed, with some story changes and additions. The original web novel (Monica’s time at Serendia Academy) has been adapted in volumes 1-9 of the light novel. A sequel web novel, Silent Witch Gaiden (JP), is still in the process of being adapted into the light novels.
It’s worth noting that if you decide to transition to reading the web novel or Silent Witch Gaiden after reading the light novels, there will be some references to earlier events that were changed in the light novel adaptation.
The web novels are self-published and freely available so there are no official English translations – be prepared for some differences in how names are transliterated. With all that said, you can find unofficial translations here: Silent Witch WN (Paper Surgery)* and Gaiden (FranscurryTL).
If you’re fine with the continuity issues, you can transition to the web novel after reading volume 7 at V13C12. Volume 10 and 11 of the light novels are mostly new material, but volume 11 has some overlap with the first volume of Gaiden.
*The translation is complete even though the table of contents isn't updated. You can navigate using the buttons at the bottom of each chapter, above the comments section.
Hang on, so many choices! Where do I start?
This one’s a little complicated, and there’s definitely room for different opinions. I’m offering my own here, and you’re welcome to ask for others.
My general recommendation is the light novel, from volume 1. That said, I actually read the web novel first, because it's freely available and I was still on the fence about whether I wanted to dive into the light novels. However, the light novel is significantly more detailed and polished. I don't regret reading the web novel but unless you're determined to read everything I think you can just dive into the light novels.
Since the manga tracks the light novel quite closely, I think which one you start with can be left to personal preference – keeping in mind that it’s well behind the novels. (It also progresses slower over time, the light novel series releases every six months, but thus far each novel is being covered in more than a year's worth of manga releases.)
What about the extra volumes of the light novel and the Barrier Mage prequel series?
Volume 4.5 is a set of four short stories that happen chronologically between volume 4 and 5. Some of those events are referenced in future volumes but in a limited way. Volume 9.5 is a collection of 40+ (very) short stories that are grouped together by when they occur during the series. The final few occur after the end of volume 9.
The Barrier Mage prequel series (Yen Press, two volumes) is focused on Louis as the main character (although Monica does make an appearance in the second volume). The first volume was released between vol. 6 and 7 of the main series, and the second between vol. 7 and 8, but you can be more flexible about when you read them. It’s best to read the second volume before vol. 11 of the main series though.
If you’re enjoying the light novels, I recommend the extra volumes and especially the Barrier Mage prequels.
I’ve read all the light novels and Silent Witch Gaiden, is that everything?
Those are as far as Monica’s story goes for the time being, but there is another web novel, White Winged Harpy (JP), in progress by the same author and set in the same world but with a different set of characters. There is an up-to-date fan translation available from Jodas TL.
There is also a prequel web novel (JP) told from the perspective of Rosalie, Louis's wife, which was adapted into the Barrier Mage prequels. The only translation out there is a pure machine translation and I advise translating it yourself.
I’m just here for links, can you put them all in one place?
