Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Saga of Tanya the Evil Light Novel #4

The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 4: Dabit Deus His Quoque Finem

Rate this book
A devil wanders the battlefield in the guise of an adorable young child and her name is Tanya Degurechaff! After returning from the sandy southlands, Tanya receives an incredibly suspicious order from headquarters to embark on a training exercise. In reality, command has sent her on a covert mission to initiate a border conflict with the Federation. Soon the Empire finds itself embroiled in another fight it cannot back down from, even if it means making the entire world their enemies!

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2015

104 people are currently reading
400 people want to read

About the author

Carlo Zen

89 books112 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
311 (49%)
4 stars
230 (36%)
3 stars
74 (11%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Jorge Rosas.
525 reviews32 followers
March 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book, Being X has no direct appearance in the last books, and now the Empire is fighting against a three front war against the Republic in the desert, the John Bulls and now the Federation is ere with a backstabbing attack, I still think that the Empire is just continuing with its defence and everyone wants them dead, Tanya gets a promotion and a small break from the front in order to test a Kampfgruppe (Do look for it in the web, because its technical and teres no big explanation here), we find Mary Sue and, of course, she has plot armour!
Profile Image for Ricardo Matos.
471 reviews4 followers
April 15, 2019
What a crazy war story! Loses a star for over stupefying the Communist Russia. By all means, some of the stuff used in the book is strongly based on what happened during WW2... but sometimes it's just a bit over the top. A super creepy villain is introduced which will make you really uncomfortable while reading his sections. That said, it was quite an adventure! Looking forward to the next volume.
Profile Image for Isbat Bin Hossain.
171 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2020
It's a fun read and definitely a unique piece among light novel. Shows war in a different way from most modern writers which might not be palatable to many readers. After two world wars glorification of war has stopped almost completely in literature but this one does just that. Looking forward to Tanya's next mission...
Profile Image for Aaron.
1,041 reviews44 followers
February 26, 2019
Tanya's festering anxiety for a political resolution (which may or may not involve decapitation of a sort) and her tendency to swallow whole any fool who would dare question her motives (a "model citizen" of sorts) are pushing the Imperial Army to its limits. Not everyone agrees that Communism is the debilitating disease that Tanya is convinced of. Not everyone perceives the rigors of reconnaissance-cum-infiltration as the blunt-force propagandist opportunity that Tanya concurs from the onset. But that doesn't matter, because "God will end it," to paraphrase the novel's title, DABIT DEUS HIS QUOQUE FINEM.

Major Degurechaff's current efforts tilt the war toward the east -- that is to say, toward the Federation. Her battlefield acumen remains sharp and her determination to succeed at all costs hasn't dulled for want of a cushier job in the rear. Regrettably, the Major's acumen and determination have consequences, and for the first time, the General Staff is pulling in the reins: the political consequences of the Major's actions on the battlefield have well and truly bled into the public consciousness. To be more precise, when Tanya attacked the capital of the Federation and made a total mockery of their livelihoods, she made all prospects for a conjoining peace utterly impossible. That means more war -- more lives lost, more material spent, more time wasted muddying the water with blood instead protecting a peace that doesn't yet exist.

In DABIT DEUS HIS QUOQUE FINEM, Tanya Degurechaff is bad news. Not to say she wasn't always causing trouble for the higher ups. The difference here is that the higher ups, having brought the Major into to their orbit through their constant fawning and promotion, are finally feeling the gravity of her actions with far greater force and at a much higher frequency than ever before.

It is thus that Zen posits an intriguing new angle. While the concept of "evil" in the context of war has since been quietly diluted into nothing, it remains undebated whether the consequences of nurturing, becoming, acquiescing to, or destroying said "evil" is ever truly worth it. The obliteration of smaller and annoying evils invariably gives rise to a more demanding and less compromising evil. That ghastly coughing sound one hears is the suckling, arrhythmic heart of a nation that once defined itself by what it could do (opportunistic) rather than what it has convinced itself it must do (compulsory).

This book is patient in conjuring the next great step for the Major. This is somewhat difficult to savor, considering all of the strategic challenges that currently sit unresolved, but there is small satisfaction to be had in seeing General von Zettour lose his temper, witnessing the battlefield debut of Mary Sue, and learning, with as much curiosity as chagrin, at the Major's next great challenge -- rapid deployment, again, and on a much larger scale.

Zen's political tastes seep into DABIT DEUS HIS QUOQUE FINEM a little too strongly in some aspects, but the book retains the series' strong procedural tone. The novel series could use some of the barer, bloody-knuckle warfare native to extended engagements, but it's not all bad if the characters focus more on strategy than tactics from this point forward.
Profile Image for LiteratureIsLife.
236 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2020
Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2020/05/...

The Saga of Tanya the Evil is back to having a Latin subtitle. “Dabit deus his quoque finem” translates to “God will give an end to these things as well”. A well-fitting phrase considering Tanya’s antagonistic relationship with Being X. This one does not pick off immediately where the last book left off. It has been a few weeks and Tanya receives new orders to return to the capital for her next assignment. For you anime watchers, the books are now past the events of the TV show and into the events of the movie. I have not actually seen the movie myself at the time of this writing, but it is my understanding that it more or less covers the events of Volume 4.

Going back to the WWII allegories common in this series, this is the point where Russia enters the war. The not-Russia country in Tanya’s new world is a bit blunter compared to the other European nation counterparts. The country’s political stances and history are practically a mirror image of real-world Russia in the same era. Just with magic and the mixed WWI-WWII recent history of Tanya’s new world added in.

While there is still plenty of action in Dabit Deus his Quoque Finem, things start to get a bit more political here. One aspect of military stories is how much the scope can increase as the main character climbs the ranks. When the MC oversees a small unit of soldiers, a single battleship, or a similar command, readers typically see the conflicts they are directly involved with. But as they are promoted and more involved with the big picture, there is less time to devote to them. Audiences are shown other pieces of the big picture because that context is now required.

This series takes it a step further by having more and more nations enter the war as it goes on. This forces the story to divide its attention between even more points of view. Tanya and her troops spend plenty of time winning battles, but the lead-up to those events is becoming equally important. Tanya continues to be plagued by his/her knowledge of Earth’s military history and the fact that many of her superiors are not listening to her ideas. And, as usual, her attempts to get away from the frontline spectacularly backfire as people misinterpret her intentions. Dabit Deus his Quoque Finem is another fantastic entry to this series, but the war is far from over.
Profile Image for S.Q. Eries.
Author 7 books15 followers
May 14, 2019
In Summary

A new front breaks out for the already beleaguered Empire. Previously, we’ve had precious little about the Federation to the east; now the Stalinist leadership clashes head to head with Tanya, who absolutely detests Communists. If you’ve stuck with the series this long, Tanya’s passion against this new adversary will be a fun and engaging new element in this military chronicle.

The Review

Having fought on the Empire’s north, south, and west fronts, Tanya now gets sent east. The Federation is the one neighbor that has maintained peace with the Empire, so when the 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion gets yanked from the Southern Continent and receive orders to infiltrate the Federation under the pretext of a training exercise, it’s clear trouble’s brewing.

In previous conflicts, the narrative generally described the war’s outbreak and provided a heap of commentary before throwing Tanya into that battlefield to participate. This time she’s actually a witness to the outset of the war. And because the Federation and the Empire are being highly secretive—even to their own officers, the tension in the opening chapter is wonderful.

Once the fighting breaks out, things get even better. Against previous adversaries, Tanya never harbored personal hatred; taking them down is just her job. The Communists, however, fall into a completely different category. Our former salaryman and believer in market values loathes Communists, and seeing Tanya get so het up about an enemy is a fascinating change. The lengths she’ll go to undermine the Commies are surprisingly extreme and not only from a military tactical standpoint. Suffice to say, her raid on the Federation capital is a thrill to read.

I am guessing that Zen-sensei himself is also not a fan of Communists because he depicts the Federation as the worst type of Stalinist regime. Not only is it a state whose soldiers are as terrified of the ruling regime as they are of enemy armies, but Comrade Loria, the dictator’s right hand man, is a pervert with no redeeming qualities. He’s definitely a villain with a truly icky POV.

After the initial clash with the Communists, Zen-sensei switches back to his usual style of over explaining the rationale behind everything. In Chapter III, Tanya and her officers spend 9 pages debating whether or not they should rescue forces trapped at Tiegenhoff, and the text describing the actual mission only takes a page. Fortunately, he’s more generous with his play-by-play of a daring combat-search-and-rescue in Commonwealth Territory.

In contrast to Tanya’s brilliant individual victories, the fortunes of her country continue to decline. As result, we get a refrain of an earlier theme: efforts intended to snag a cushy desk job result in yet another assignment on the front lines. In spite of Zen-sensei’s long-winded prose, the twists and turns of the plot remains compelling, and I look forward to the next volume.

Extras include map and fold-out illustration in color; appendixes explaining military strategy and history timeline; author afterword; and six black-and-white illustrations.

For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Akshay.
805 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2023
Unyielding Resolve Amidst the Chaos

In The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 4: Dabit Deus His Quoque Finem by Carlo Zen, the relentless saga of Tanya's unyielding determination and moral complexities continues. With its relentless warfare, psychological depth, and exploration of human nature, this volume adds even more layers to the series' already complex narrative.

Zen's storytelling plunges readers further into the chaos of a world at war, where strategy and survival are paramount. The ever-present tension and grim atmosphere capture the brutality of the battlefield, while the fantasy elements continue to provide an unpredictable twist to the narrative. The world-building continues to expand, revealing the intricacies of power struggles and political maneuvering.

Tanya's character development remains a standout feature as her complexities deepen. Her calculated ruthlessness collides with her internal struggle for a normal life, creating a nuanced portrayal that adds to the psychological richness of the narrative. Her interactions with other characters unveil layers of humanity within her and those around her.

The plot is a tumultuous whirlwind of strategic warfare and personal dilemmas, weaving together Tanya's ambition with the chaos of battle. The pacing remains dynamic, ensuring that action sequences and interpersonal dynamics receive equal attention. The narrative's twists and turns continue to keep readers engaged and invested.

Zen's writing style maintains its engaging and emotionally charged tone, immersing readers in the intensity of both individual struggles and grand-scale battles. The dialogue is sharp and reflects the urgency of the characters' situations, conveying their motivations and personal stakes.

In comparison to other military fantasy novels, The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 4: Dabit Deus His Quoque Finem stands out for its exploration of the human psyche amidst the chaos of war. While other works may focus on fantastical elements, this series excels in its profound examination of the emotional and moral toll of combat.

In conclusion, The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 4: Dabit Deus His Quoque Finem is a powerful continuation of Tanya's journey through a world of conflict and intrigue. Carlo Zen's complex characters and unyielding portrayal of warfare make this volume a compelling read for fans of military fantasy with philosophical depth. Readers seeking an emotionally resonant and morally challenging exploration of war will find this work a captivating and unforgettable experience.
Profile Image for TG Lin.
289 reviews47 followers
November 25, 2018
上次看小說第三冊已經是一年半前的事了。和先前的印象一樣,本書作者 Carol Zen 的寫作技法,我個人並不喜歡,主要的問題在於「描敘者的觀點切換」太過混亂,常常出現前一句話是以第三人稱的視角敘述,下一句話便突兀地切換轉成了第一人稱的觀點。
 
然而,本書吸引人的特點,應該還是故事中想表現的世界觀相當龐大。雖然本書骨子裡跟日式「穿越異世界成為龍傲天」的基本開場十分類似,既然現在都有宅男穿越到異世界的史萊姆建國記、打電玩穿越到異世界的不死骷髏、寫程式穿越到異世界收後宮旅遊等等,這部《幼女戰記》則是「某大叔穿越成為金髮魔導師幼女」的設定。不過,本書作者倒是想表現許多軍武戰爭的「硬核」,因此這部《幼女戰記》重點並不會只描寫女主角(某大叔)去蹂躪敵人的情節,更多的是放在軍事組織的運作上。另外,本書也可以看作是作者對於現實世界「第二次世界大戰」的評析——因為主角(某大叔)所屬的陣營「帝國/萊希」是影射德意志,西線的「共和國」影射法蘭西,海峽外的「聯合王國」當然是影射不列顛,北方的「諾登」影射北歐挪威瑞典,東線的「聯邦國」影射蘇俄,遠方海外的「合州國」則影射現實世界的亞美利堅合眾國。就在女主角(某大叔)具有我們現實世界歷史的知識條件下,由她(他)來看待這個異世界的各國軍事政治外交與互動的種種。
 
本書接續前一冊的故事時間線,帝國突破萊茵前線打敗共和國,但卻讓共和國的戴.樂高在北非殖民地成立流亡政權(TV 動畫版停在此處)之後,女主角(某大叔)和她(他)的魔導大隊被派任到東戰線去擊敗「共匪」(不知原作的用詞是否如此)。作者 Carol Zen 很明顯地討厭共產主義,在本冊裡藉由女主角(某大叔)之口,對這群「共匪」罵個不停。這讓我懷疑到,如果本段情節要作成動畫,或許 PRC 的胱電線局會下令禁播吧……
 
第四冊的「上帝」沒有出現,所以女主角(某大叔)的瀆神情節就沒有機會加以發揮了。
31 reviews
May 27, 2025
This book is why I read the light novel series. I began reading because the anime was one of my favourites. And here it really hits me with what I am missing in the previous novels.
Action is what I was missing the most, but in the fourth volume the fighting is more detailed, not perfect but better.
On top of that we have military politics, divine intervention, irrational lunatic characters and misunderstandings. Its great.
134 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2018
Skips a bit of time since the events in volume 3. Alternate-Not-CommunistRussia becomes infected with the malady of divine interference. Also Mary Sue gets her hate on. Promotions, and sick fuck, and fire breathing metaphors oh my. Enthralled from start to finish.
5 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2018
World wars as a light novel

Amazing how fun this light novel makes of tactics, history, strategy and economics. Fun reading, full of references yet can be read as easily as a legend. Cant wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Mark.
61 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2018
It’s getting more twisted

The world is getting worse for Tanya, enter the Federation with a paranoid pervert at the top, distrust from the rear and the daughter of an old enemy from the west. Things couldn’t get much worse. The only criticism is that it’s shorter than before.
Profile Image for vantis.
60 reviews
September 14, 2024
While this one had alot of elements i didn’t feel that they came together and that is the nature of these books

Anyways, would’ve been a 5 star for me even with the above mentioned issues but. THE ENDING??? HELLO?? STAY BACK!!!

anyways, yeah 4/5
8 reviews
December 1, 2020
It's interesting, I'm learning so much more about WW1 then... well frankly, I ever cared to. But with this I don't even mind it, if only all learning was as interesting.
Profile Image for Howard.
431 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2021
Another great read in the series. I enjoyed the combat and inner workings of the war machine in this one. It does seem like Tanya likes to shot herself in the foot a lot.
4 reviews
May 18, 2022
Great read

It's a good little war book that gives enough background to let you understand and make it believable, but not so much to make the unrealistic part jarring.
Profile Image for James Morris.
70 reviews
July 11, 2022
A great continuation of the story, with the war really starting to pick up, some characters are starting to come against each other and I can't wait to read/listen to the next book.
Profile Image for Paul.
1,284 reviews28 followers
August 12, 2022
Even the translator has given up at this point and phoned in his work for this volume (or used machine translation) making this barely readable.
13 reviews
February 25, 2024
Tanya does not disappoint and neither Carlo Zen.
Time for the next book.
70 reviews
Read
December 22, 2018

A devil wanders the battlefield in the guise of an adorable young child and her name is Tanya Degurechaff! After returning from the sandy southlands, Tanya receives an incredibly suspicious order from headquarters to embark on a training exercise. In reality, command has sent her on a covert mission to initiate a border conflict with the Federation. Soon the Empire finds itself embroiled in another fight it cannot back down from, even if it means making the entire world their enemies!


**

Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.