Light novelsis a core part of the anime culture and, ultimately, Japanese literature. A good portion of iconic and not-so-popularanime are based on light novels. These mediums give life and color to these stories, hence, their popularity. Still, light novels may not be as popular as their anime counterparts, but they are just as good.
Related:Light Novels That Are Getting Anime Adaptations In 2022
The key difference between “light novels” and “novels” is that the book cover illustration resembles anime-like characters. Also, the Japanese culture & language are heavily referenced in most light novels. But just like anime, it is fun to read and easy to understand. If you are an anime-only or manga-inclined fan, choosing the right light novels can be quite the task. So, here are novels you’re able to try if you want to experience what the light novel world has to offer.
Where To Read
Amazon,Goodreads
The Saga of Tanya the Evilis a darkfantasy novel featuring an Isekai storyline, where a typical salary earner is reincarnated as a girl in a fantasy world by god as Tanya von Degurechaff. The gender bender novel stars detailed fights that tease your imagination, creating a fulfilling reading experience.
What starts as a typical Isekai quickly transforms into a military-like world with Tanya at the helm. Tanya distinguishes herself as a talented soldier in this new world, rising up the military ranks despite the odds: her young age and height.The Saga of Tanya the Evilis the perfect novel for new light novel readers.
Amazon,Book Walker
Recently,86got an anime adaptation, and it’s been getting quite the attention. However, this isn’t surprising since it follows the smash-hit light novels series authored by Asato Asato.86 Eighty-Sixpresents a world filled with racial conflict & discrimination among the sub-humans and humans.
Contrary to most light-weight fantasy novels, 86 Eighty-Sixis dark. It is a close representation of how human society works, with its politics-based plot points and complex social workings. What’s more, the story features a female lead, allowing readers to experience a different development from the default light novel tropes.
J-Novel Club,Goodreads
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongestis a fantasy Isekai story authored by Ryo Shirakome, which started its publication in 2015. Unquestionably,Arifuretastands at the top when Isekai light novels are mentioned. Ironically, the light novel is way better than the anime adaptation, lined with fan service and plot drifts.
The story’s plot follows Hajime Nagumo, who is summoned to a different, fantasy-lined world where magic exists. Unlike most Isekai stories, the main character is reincarnated to another world with his classmates, a major factor that transforms him into the story’s antihero.Arifuretais a recommended read for Isekai fans.
Book Walker,Overlord
Most anime fans would have either heard of or seen theanime version ofOverlord. However, for a deeper thrust into what the story offers, the light novel is a necessary factor. The story revolves around Momonga, an experienced player of the VR game MMORPG, who gets stuck in the game after its shutdown. Soon, the NPC characters he created gain their own will and decide to serve Momonga with undaunting faith in their leader.
Overlord’sauthor uses well-crafted wordings to create an immersive experience for readers. This dark fantasy Isekai novel is among the best light novels of all time. If you watched the anime, what’s better than trying out the original, more heightened version of the story?
The novel title, “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime," may appear unattractive, but the story holds what most readers don’t expect. The story follows a frustrated human who reincarnates into another world as a slime, one of the lowest magical creatures. But, despite the protagonist’s funny appearance, he is armed with a powerful ability.
Related:Best Anime Based On Light Novels
Rimuru possesses the ability to absorb anything, ranging from attacks to humans and even dragons. And once he does, he gains their powers. Following this path, he becomes one of the strongest characters in the series. The novel is already completed, so you can check it out for an unfiltered experience.
Book Walker,Amazon
Jobless Reincarnation:Mushoku Tenseiis a coming-of-age Isekaithat allows readers to follow the protagonist’s growth, starting from the first volume. The story begins after a 34-year-old shut-in is reincarnated into another world as Rudeus. With this new chance to begin another life afresh, Rudeus vowed to be different in this world compared to the failure in the form of his past self.
Armed with great magical talents, Rudeus soon begins to become a central figure in the fantasy-dipped story.Jobless Reincarnationis a must-read for newcomers to the light novel medium.
Tappei Nagatsuki & Shin’ichirō Ōtsuka
Genre & Volumes
Isekai, Dark Fantasy (29 Volumes, 5 Side Stories, 6 Short Stories)
Re: Zerois one of the light novels that define the Isekai genre. The story has over 30 volumes of light novels, showing how broad and expansive the franchise really is. The story revolves around Natsuki Subaru, who is transported to a parallel fantasy world. Contrary to the typical Isekai protagonists, Subaru isn’t endowed with boundless magical talents.
Instead, he is bestowed with a powerful buttorturous ability, “Return by Death,” which makes him unkillable.Re: Zerois a tragic story filled with pain, emotional turmoil, and unpredictable occurrences. Recently, the story hit a 10-year anniversary. Based on this development, the author of the series has promised readers a happy ending. This means the light novel’s peaceful ending is assured, so interested fans can give it a try.
Goodreads,Amazon
No Game No Lifeis a light novel series written by Yu Kamiya. Since 2014, the anime version of the story hasn’t been updated. Worse, there’s no news of a future adaptation. Consequently, if you are among the frustrated fans that seek the story’s continuation, the light novel is the perfect solution.
Related:How to Get into Arifureta: Everything You Need to Know About the Anime, Manga & Light Novels
No Game No Lifefollows the story of Sora & Shiro, an intelligent duo that is summoned to another world, where their hyper gaming skills are tested through various trials with lives hanging in the balance.
TheHaruhi Suzumiya Seriesis among the light novels that defined the Japanese novel art form. It’s one of the best light novel classics you cannot afford to miss, and the series started its publication as far back as 2003. The novel is an iconic one that paved the way for the popularity of most novel series. The story revolves around the SOS Brigade, of which theprotagonist, Haruhi Suzumiya, is part.
The novel spins the concept of aliens cohabiting with humans in a unique manner, different from most alien-based stories. Regardless of the frequent alien intrusions, the main characters still attempt to fit into the normal, ordinary high school narrative. The story is both interesting to read and watch as it has an anime adaptation.
Shogo Kinugasa & Shunsaku Tomose
Slice of Life, Psyhological, Thriller, School (11 Volumes, 3 Short Stories)
Goodreads,Book Walker,Amazon
Presently, theClassroom of the Eliteseriesis among the most iconic high school-based light novels. Written by Shogo Kinugasa, the story revolves around the students in a merit-based school, where their performance determines their future standing in society. Getting into Class A is the strategic option for students to get the best shot at opportunities, so the story hosts class wars and battles for points and achievements.
The story features incredible psychological twists mostly spun by the story’s protagonist, Ayanakoji Kiyotaka.Classroom of the Eliteis a novelthat will keep you on your toes with its interesting themes and impressive characters. The story has an anime version; however, it pales down compared to the original source material. If you want to experience the best of the light novel world,Classroom of the Eliteis a one-way ticket to your goal.
