By: Dan Rivera

The Kingdom of Riddill is a land filled with magic and fantastical beasts that constantly threaten its safety. To defend against these dangers, great military strength has been marshaled to protect the realm. Among its mightiest defenders are the Seven Sages, the kingdom’s most powerful mages. One of them is Monica Everett, a prodigious mage and the only one capable of using magic without chanting. Yet beneath her brilliance lies severe social anxiety—a struggle that led her to develop this unique skill. Though she prefers solitude, fate now thrusts her into a vital mission involving the royal family.

Art 5/5

Studio Gokumi did an excellent job with this anime adaptation. The original material exists in light novel format, so there is naturally very little artwork to reference. However, the presence of a secondary source,the manga ,makes comparisons easier. The backgrounds in the anime are impressively detailed, and the visual effects enhance the experience, creating an otherworldly and vibrant depiction of magic that captures the story’s essence beautifully.

Music ⅘

Both the opening and ending songs are performed by the alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku. The opening theme, Feel, conveys a message of love overcoming hardship and the pursuit of hope, an idea that deeply reflects Monica’s character. The ending theme, Mild Days, features a soothing and melodious tune that also carries a sense of hope, something that can never be in excess. Together, both songs complement the anime beautifully and enhance its emotional tone.

Story ⅗

Certain parts of the story are presented through exposition, which slightly diminishes its storytelling value. The anime could have avoided excessive exposition and instead allowed the plot to naturally reveal key information as events unfolded. That said, this aspect is redeemed by the story’s steady pacing. We gain meaningful glimpses of Monica’s backstory through well-placed flashbacks, a format that enriches the narrative and adds depth to the revelation of how and why Monica became who she is.

Overall ⅘

There’s so much charm and adorableness to be found in this anime. Monica, despite her struggles with social anxiety, is irresistibly endearing. Adding to her appeal is the fascinating contrast between her timid personality and her brilliance as a prodigious mage. If you enjoy stories filled with magic, engaging plotlines, and lovable main characters, this anime is definitely worth watching. Give it a try. Secrets of the Silent Witch is currently streaming on Crunchyroll!