Best System Light Novel? The 57 New Answer

A light novel is one of the coolest modern Japanese cultures, while anime and manga are more commonly known as leading Japanese content lately. However, don’t forget that light novels generated by Japanese pop culture (or subculture) become the basis of anime and manga adaptations. Current popular anime series are adapted from the light novels.

Speaking of Japanese novels, Haruki Murakami, Soseki Natsume and other modern authors are famous worldwide. At the same time, light novels can be positioned as part of Japanese literature.

The definition of light novels is not generally clear. To be clear, light novels often have an anime style illustration on the book cover and some character illustrations are also added inside the book. These types of novels were sold in Japan from around the 1970s and light novels are said to date from that period.

Light novels were widely recognized when the legendary Slayers by Hajime Kanzaki (illustrated by Rui Araizumi) was released in 1989, although there was a small minority of fans across society. Since then, famous titles have appeared in Japan and the light novel is now one of the most popular book genres alongside manga and novels.

Today I want to share the best beginner and intermediate light novels of all time. Many popular books are translated into English and other languages, so feel free to read them in your native language.

25. Goblin Slayer

Goblin Slayer (ゴブリンスレイヤー), a popular dark fantasy ongoing light novel, was originally published on a Japanese textboard in 2012. Since 2016, the current format has been published as a light novel.

The main character, Goblin Slayer, is the soldier who takes his own life while hunting goblins. The manga and anime adaptations were made because of its popularity.

Author: Kumo Kagyu

Illustrator: Noboru Kannatsuki

Release date: from 2016

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Adventure

24. Didn’t I say I should get my skills average in the next life?!

Didn’t I say I should get my skills average in the next life?! (私、能力は平均値でって言ったよね!), which has been released since 2016, is classified as Fantasy and Isekai.

High school girl Misato dies in a traffic accident and is reborn in the parallel world as a teenager named Adele. She finds out that she has much stronger skills than average while asking for her skills to be only average.

Author: FUNA

Illustrator: Itsuki Akata

Release date: from 2016

Genre: Isekai, Naro, Comedy

23. Katanagatari (sword story)

Katanagatari (刀語), which means sword story in English, was written in 2007-2008 by Nisio Isin, who is one of the most famous light novel authors in Japan.

The historical story takes place in fictional Japan around the Edo period. The protagonist Shichika Yasuri begins his journey to collect the 12 legendary swords and fight against the owners and other enemies. Katanagatari was made into a 12-episode anime adaptation in 2010.

Author: Nisio Isin

Illustrator: Take

Released: 2007-2008

Genre: Historical, Action

22. The Rise of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero (盾の勇者の成り上がり) is the popular ongoing light novel by Naro, published as both online and physical books starting in 2012.

University student Naofumi Iwatani is suddenly transported to the fantasy world and given the role of the shield hero. There are three other heroes in the same situation but they have offensive weapons like sword, lance and arrow. The shield hero manages to fight enemies with the defense shield.

Author: Aneko Yusagi

Illustrator: Minami Seira

Year of publication: from 2012

Genre: Naro, Isekai, Adventure

21. Arifureta: From the commonplace to the strongest in the world

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (ありふれた職業で世界最強) has been published on the user-generated novel website Shosetsuka ni Naro since 2013, while the paper books have also been published since 2015.

Nerdy high school boy Hajime Nagumo is summoned to the fantasy world with his classmates. He is portrayed in the story as an anti-hero or dark hero. The first season of the anime adaptation was released in 2019.

Author: Ryo Shirakome

Illustrator: Takayaki

Year of publication: from 2013

Genre: Naro, Isekai

20. Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf (狼と香辛料), one of the most popular fantasy light novels of the 2000s, has been out since 2006.

The setting is the fictional world inspired by medieval Europe and the story focuses on the two main characters. A traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, encounters various incidents on his journey with the personified wolf Holo, who looks like a human-wolf hybrid.

Author: Isuna Hasekura

Illustrator: Ju Ayakura

Published: from 2006

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

19. Death March to Parallel Worlds Rhapsody

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody (デスマーチからはじまる異世界狂想曲), the quintessential Naro novel, is one of the most-read light novels about Shosetsuka ni Naro in recent years.

A 29-year-old gaming programmer named Ichiro Suzuki works too hard and takes a nap in the office. He wakes up to realize that he is in the role play he is doing. In 2018, 12 episodes of the anime adaptation were broadcast on television.

Author: Hiro Ainana

Illustrator: Shri

Released: 2013-2020

Genre: Naro, Isekai

18. This time I was reincarnated as a slime

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (転生したらスライムだった件) is a popular ongoing light novel by Naro and Isekai with the unique theme.

Main characters are reincarnated as humans in the other fictional world, but the protagonist of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is reincarnated as a Slime named Rimuru. The adventure of the strange slime is also depicted in the anime adaptation airing from 2018.

Author: fuse

Illustrator: Mitz Vah

Released: from 2014

Genre: Naro, Isekai

17. Elite Classroom

Classroom of the Elite (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ), released from 2015, is one of the hottest school-themed light novels.

It focuses on the everyday life of the highest high school and there are highly intelligent students in the school, including the protagonist Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. Each class fights against others with a variety of brain games. The following story, which began in 2020, begins after Kiyotaka and his classmates enter second grade.

Author: Shogo Kinugasa

Illustrator: Shunsaku Tomose

Year of publication: from 2015

Genre: School, Thriller

16. Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon?

Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon? (ダンジョンに出会いを求めるのは間違っているだろうか), uploaded to user-publishing website Arcadia, has been published since 2013.

The setting is the fantasy world of Orario, which has many underground labyrinths known as dungeons. The main character, Bell, visits dungeons to live from day to day and grow stronger, and then he falls in love with the powerful swordswoman Ais.

Author: Fujino Omori

Illustrator: Suzuhito Yasuda

Year of publication: from 2013

Genre: Fantasy

15. The irregular at Magic High School

The Irregular at Magic High School (魔法科高校の劣等生) was first published on Shosetsuka ni Naro’s website in 2008 and the light novel has been published as a paper book since 2011.

The continuing science fiction novel has the theme of magic in fictional Japan. The focus of the story are the two students of First High School: the brother Tatsuya and his little sister Miyuki.

Author: Tsutomu Sato

Illustrator: Kana Ishida

Published: from 2008

Genre: Naro, Action, Science Fiction

14. My teenage romantic comedy is wrong as I expected

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。), also known as My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, is the romance light novel that was released in 2011 and marked Volume 14 (and Volume 3). short books) in 2019.

It follows the high school life of pessimistic boy Hachiman Hikigaya and his service club members, including heroine Yukino Yukinoshita. The final season of the anime adaptation will be released in 2020.

Author: Wataru Watari

Illustrator: Ponkan8

Released: 2011-2019

Genre: Period of Life, Romance

13. Zaregoto series

The Zaregoto Series (戯言シリーズ) is one of Nisio Isin’s most popular light novel series. The first title in the series is Decapitation: Kubikiri Cycle (クビキリサイクル青色サヴァンと戯言遣い) which was released in 2002 and all 9 volumes were released by 2005.

The main character “I” and his friend Timo Kunagiza meet a variety of unique characters and become involved in many incidents. The 7-volume Ningen Series and 4-volume Saikyo Series spin-off series are also related to the main series.

Author: Nisio Isin

Illustrator: Take

Published: 2002-2005

Genre: Puzzle

12. Overlord

Overlord (オーバーロード) should be singled out as one of Naro’s most popular light novels. It was first published on Arcadia and Shosetsuka ni Naro websites as of 2012. Momonga, the VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) player named YGGDRASIL, finds out that he is transported to the other world of YGGDRASIL as a character named Ainz Ooal Gown.

Author: Kugane Maruyama

Illustrator: so-bin

Year of publication: from 2012

Genre: Naro, Isekai

11. The saga of Tanya the Wicked

The Saga of Tanya the Evil (幼女戦記), a one-of-a-kind fantasy light novel, was released on the Arcadia website in 2011 and as a physical book in 2013. The setting of The Saga of Tanya the Evil is inspired by the world wars of Europe. An employee is sent back in time to another world by Degurechaff as a little girl named Tanya. The young blonde girl survives as a military member in the world. The light novel has been adapted into manga, anime and movies as well as other popular novels.

Author: Carlo Zen

Illustrator: Shinobu Shinotsuki

Released: from 2011

Genre: Fantasy

10. Konosuba: God bless this wonderful world!

Konosuba: God bless this wonderful world! (この素晴らしい世界に祝福を!) was released in 2013 after gaining popularity among users on the website Shosetsuka ni Naro and the story only ended in May 2020.

The Isekai comedy light novel, which can also be called the naro genre, features the 4 main characters: Kazuma, Aqua, Darkness and Megumin. Kazuma, who dies in an accident as a high school student, is sent into the fantasy world with the goddess Aqua.

Author: Natsume Akatsuki

Illustrator: Kurone Mishima

Released: 2012-2020

Genre: Isekai, comedy

9. Toradora!

As one of the most widely read light novels of the 2000s, Toradora! (とらドラ!) is mainly known in Japan. The Slice-of-Life light novel consists of 10 volumes and 3 spin-offs published between 2006 and 2009.

In the story, everyday life and romance of high schoolers Ryuji, Taiga and their friends with comedy. On the other hand, they have many problems in their lives, such as the heroine Taiga’s family problems.

Author: Yuyuko Takemiya

Illustrator: Yasu

Released: 2006-2009

Genre: Period of Life, Romance

8. Kino’s journey -the beautiful world-

Kino’s Journey -the Beautiful World- (キノの旅 -the Beautiful World-), one of the longest running modern light novel series, has been published since 2000 with 22 volumes.

The adventure novel focuses on a young girl named Kino who travels the world on a talking motorbike named Hermes. She visits a variety of fictional counties with unique customs and social systems. Each episode stands on its own, which has a kind of allegory. Two seasons of the anime adaptation have been released.

Author: Keiichi Sigsawa

Illustrator: Kohaku Kuroboshi

Released: from 2000

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

7. No game, no life

No Game No Life (ノーゲーム・ノーライフ) is a famous ongoing fantasy light novel and anime series. Remarkably, the same person, whose name is Yu Kamiya, writes both the story and the illustrations of the characters on the cover.

It follows 18-year-old boy named Sora and his 11-year-old sister-in-law named Shiro, who are undefeated players with high intelligence. You will be transported to Isekai (another world) and fight various unique games there.

Author: Yu Kamiya

Illustrator: Yu Kamiya

Year of publication: from 2012

Genre: Fantasy, Isekai

6. Rascal doesn’t dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (青春ブタ野郎はバニーガール先輩の夢を見ない), also known as the Seishun Buta Yaro series, is the first title in the recent popular light novel series, released in 2014. Story Happens many strange supernatural happenings around the main character Sakuta and the people around him including his family and classmates. These things are often caused by their mental health issues.

If you like this light novel or other Japanese pop culture, you must know the word senpai, which means a senior, especially in schools and other communities. In this case, the main heroine Mai is the senpai (one class ahead) for Sakuta. A manga adaptation has been released since 2016 and the first season of the anime adaptation was released in 2018.

Author: Hajime Kamoshida

Illustrator: Keiji Mizoguchi

Released: from 2014

Genre: Fantasy, Piece of Life

5. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活), abbreviated to Re:ZERO, is one of the most popular Isekai light novels of all time. Online publication began in 2012 on Shosetsuka ni Naro and since 2014 over 30 volumes of light novels have been published.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- takes place in a parallel world to which the main character Subaru Natsuki is sent for some reason. He is transported to another world but not given powerful abilities, while a main character of many Isekai light novels gets something special.

However, there is one extraordinary thing he can experience in the world: Shinimodori (“Return by Death”). He goes back in time in the alive state triggered by his death. The story follows him and his encounters with various unique characters such as the heroine Emilia and the twin girls Ram and Rem.

Author: Tappei Nagatsuki

Illustrator: Shinichiro Otsuka

Year of publication: from 2012

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Isekai, Naro

4. A certain magical index

The longest and most popular light novel A Certain Magical Index (とある魔術の禁書目録) is categorized as Action & Fantasy. It consists of three titles so far: the first A Certain Magical Index published between 2004 and 2010, the second New Testament: A Certain Magical Index published between 2011 and 2019, and the third Genesis Testament: A Certain Magical Index , which began in 2020 of the total series volume reached 50.

The setting is the high-tech city in fictional Tokyo, where supernatural powers and magic become reality. There are 2 main groups in the world: Espers based on science and Wizards based on magic. A Certain Magical Index focuses on the main character Toma Kamijo siding with Espers and the main heroine Index siding with Sorcerers. In addition to a large number of attractive characters, Toma’s powerful fight scenes are among the highlights of the light novel.

The offshoots A Certain Scientific Railgun (とある科学の超電磁砲) starring Mikoto Misaka and A Certain Scientific Accelerator (とある科学の一方通行) starring Accelerator are also popular with fans.

Author: Kazuma Kamachi

Illustrator: Kiyotaka Haimura

Published: from 2004

Genres: Fantasy, Action

3. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online (ソードアート・オンライン), abbreviated to SAO, is one of the world’s best-known and most popular Japanese light novels. The fantasy adventure novel published from 2009 can be divided into 5 main parts: Aincrad, Fairy Dance, Phantom Bullet, Alicization and Unital Ring.

The story takes place mainly in the world of virtual reality. Sword Art Online is set in the fictional world of 2022, where the advanced VR online game called Sword Art Online is invented. FullDive technology allows players to immerse themselves in VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), which means that there they can feel all senses for fighting, eating, sleeping and so on.

The story begins when the players of SAO are trapped in the game world as they cannot log out, including the main character Kirito and the heroine Asuna. The current seasons of the anime adaptations are very popular with light novel fans.

Author: Reki Kawahara

Illustrator: abec

Released: from 2009

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

2. Monogatari series

In terms of content quality and popularity, many light novel fans consider the Monogatari series (物語シリーズ) to be the best ever. Written by the popular author Nisio Isin, the Monogatari series received the highest ratings as both a light novel and a straight novel. There are 20 titles with 26 volumes and one spin-off (as of 2020) in the series, and lately there’s still a new volume coming out every few years.

The popular series begins with Bakemonogartari (化物語), which focuses on high school guy Koyomi Araragi and his girlfriends and sisters. The subject of the novel is an aberration called Kaii in Japanese, which is a type of evil spirit. The characters are obsessed with the aberrations for some reason, and Koyomi tries to help them while also being obsessed with a vampire.

One of the highlights in the light novel is the characters’ fast-paced conversations, which have unique personalities. You can enjoy different essences like battle scenes, human drama, mystery, etc. The three seasons (from Bakemonogatari to Zoku-owarimonogatari) have been adapted into an anime, and fans are expecting other parts to be adapted into anime in the future.

Author: Nisio Isin

Illustrator: Vofan

Published: from 2006

Genre: Fantasy

1. Haruhi Suzumiya series

The Haruhi-Suzumiya series (涼宮ハルヒシリーズ), also known for the first title The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱), began to be published in 2003. It goes without saying that the Haruhi-Suzumiya series Series ranked #1 in the best light novels list because it has played a huge role in the light novel industry. It’s also not too much to say that light novels could be a lot less popular without the iconic series.

The story revolves around the main character Haruhi Suzumiya and the other members of the SOS Brigade, a high school club. They are aliens that come from other planets or the future, except for the human named Kyon. It’s interesting that they enjoy a normal school life while supernatural phenomena intervene in their lives that happen through the unconscious power of Haruhi.

Fans were surprised by a technique unique to light novels: “time loop,” meaning characters go back to the same past point in time over and over again. In the Endless Eight part, Haruhi experiences the same two weeks (from August 17 to August 31) over 15000 times with the members of the SOS Brigade.

Of course, an anime adaptation consisting of 2 seasons was popular among fans of the original light novel and anime lovers.

Author: Nagaru Tanigawa

Illustrator: Noizi Ito

Published: from 2003

Genre: Fantasy, Piece of Life

Unlimited light novels

Kadokawa, one of the most popular light novel publishers, offers all-you-can-read deals! You can read unlimited light novels and manga published by Kadokawa. The website here is in Japanese, but Google Translate can easily help you read it in English! Just right-click or tap the menu button on your smartphone to use the translate feature! >> Check More Details About Unlimited Light Novels Service!

▽Want to keep up with Japanese trends?▽

You can now buy these light novels and read them with e-readers like Kindle. If you are interested in the digital books, check out this article for the best device to buy!

If you like light novels, it is highly recommended that you enjoy watching anime and reading manga! Here are the best shortlists of anime and manga!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Choice▼

What is a light novel?

A light novel is a Japanese style of novel aimed at teenagers and young adults. These novels usually contain anime or manga style illustrations. They are usually published in Bunkobon format (A6 – 105 x 148 mm). Light novels are not very long. The length is comparable to a novella in US publishing terms.

Light novels are very popular in Japan, as can be seen in Japanese bookstores.

Where does the term come from and what does it mean?

The word “light novel” is actually not an English word. It is a wasei-eigo (literally “Japanese English”), a Japanese term formed from words in the English language.

The term pops up wherever you read such novels. In Japan, the word raito noberu (sometimes abbreviated to ranobe or rainobe) is used, which is the Japanese term for light novel.

In western culture, light novels are usually referred to as Japanese novellas.

What is the difference between a novel and a light novel?

In short: light novels are usually shorter and also contain few illustrations. In addition, they are easier to read. This is especially because the text contains much simpler and easier to read modern kanji.

The illustrations are usually capitalized at the beginning or when a new character or location is described. The image below shows an example of how a light novel is structured. On the left a picture of the scene and on the right the text to read.

In typical light novels you will mostly find black and white illustrations. But today you can also find many novels with color illustrations.

Why is a light novel styled like an anime or manga?

The reason light novels are styled like anime or manga is because of their story and they actually originated in Japan.

Light novels are an evolution of pulp magazines. To please their audience, by the 1970s most Japanese pulp magazines, which had already switched from the classic style to the popular anime-style covers, began putting illustrations at the beginning of each story and articles about popular movies, anime, and video games. The narrative evolved to please the new generations and was fully illustrated in the popular style. The popular series are printed in novels. In recent years, light novel stories have been a popular choice for adaptation into manga, anime, and live-action films, although in the case of the first two, usually only the first two novels are adapted.

Information from Wikipedia, englishlightnovels, animanga.wikia, tvtropes.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find out where to read light novels online. Below you will find tons of websites and apps where you can read a variety of different and interesting light novels translated from a variety of languages. All apps are a little different, so shop around until you find the platform that works best for you!

Don’t know what to read? Here are our picks for the best light novels!

Internet Archive

With new books being added almost daily, Internet Archive is the perfect place to find your next light read. Her collection includes both new and old books as well as translated works. The best part is? It lets you track, bookmark, and list everything you read to keep you organized.

royal road

The Stack Newsletter Sign up to The Stack to receive the best contributions from Book Riot Comic handpicked for you. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. By registering, you agree to our terms of use

Royal Road is packed with translated light novels. Perfect for someone trying to learn a new language or looking for a book that isn’t translated anywhere else. They have experienced translators and are constantly updating the library, so it’s great to bookmark. There’s always something new!

DotNovel

DotNovel allows you to temporarily download books to your device, making it the perfect option if you plan to travel soon. The best thing about DotNovel is that the community is constantly adding their favorite translations, so you have a variety of reading to choose from.

Novel updates

Novel Updates is a directory app that allows you to bookmark, track, and download tons of light novels. It also shows you which websites/apps your favorite reading is on. It’s a great companion app if you love light novels, but can also be a standalone option.

J Novel Club

This is a subscription-based reading platform where you can read current works that are being translated and will be updated as they progress. It also often includes bonus content such as interviews with the author or insights into other work in progress.

project list

Here you can see tons of light novels that are in the works and read them when they are updated. It’s a great resource for anyone who’s constantly on the hunt for their next favorite light novel, as you can watch them progress.

Baka Tsuki

Both an app and a website, this is a fan-translated community where you can read a ton of different light novels. The app currently includes 252 works in 29 different languages. They also have a “teaser projects” section where you can get a sneak peek at new releases. Baka-Tsuki is a great place to do a good read, and if you’ve always wanted to translate your own light novel, they often take submissions.

Style of a Japanese young adult novel

“Ranobe” redirects here. For the town of Madagascar, see Berevo-Ranobe

For the science fiction novel, see Light (novel)

A light novel bookstore in Macau

A light novel (ライトノベル, raito noberu) is a style of Japanese novels for young adults aimed primarily at high school and junior high school students.[1][page needed][2] The term “light novel” is a wasei-eigo or a Japanese term formed from words of the English language. Light novels are often called Ranobe (ラノベ)[3] or LN in English. The average length of a light novel is about 50,000 words,[4] close to the minimum word count expected for a western novel,[5][better source required] and is published in Bunkobon size (A6, 10.5cm × 14, 8 cm) published or 4.1″x5.8″). Light novels are subject to tight release schedules, with new installs being released at 6-9 month intervals.

Light novels are commonly illustrated in a manga art style and are often adapted into manga and anime. While most light novels are only published as books, some first have their chapters serialized monthly in anthology magazines before being collected and compiled into book format, much like how manga are published.

details [edit]

Light novels developed from pulp magazines. In the 1970s, to please their audiences, most Japanese pulp magazines began putting illustrations at the beginning of each story and included articles about popular anime, films, and video games. The light novel direction evolved to appeal to the newer generations of readers, with light novels fully illustrated in the popular art style. The popular series were then printed in their now-familiar novel format.

Light novels are often chosen to be adapted into manga, anime, and live-action films. Some of them are published in literary magazines like Faust, Gekkan Dragon Magazine, The Sneaker and Dengeki hp or media franchise magazines like Comptiq and Dengeki G’s Magazine.

Light novels have a reputation for being “mass-produced and disposable,” an extreme example being Kazuma Kamachi, who wrote a novel every month for two years, and the writer turnover rate is very high.[6] As a result, publishers are constantly looking for new talent with annual competitions, many of which award the winner a cash prize and publication of their novel. With over 6,500 entries (2013), the Dengeki Novel Prize is the largest annually.[7] [Better source needed] They are all clearly labeled as “light novels” and are published as budget paperbacks. For example, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is priced in Japan at 540 yen (including 5% tax), similar to the normal price for commercial paperbacks—light novels and general literature—sold in Japan. In 2007, it was estimated (according to a Japanese government-funded website) that the market for light novels was about 20 billion yen (US$170 million at the exchange rate at the time) and that about 30 million copies were published annually. 3] The publishing subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, which owns major brands such as Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko and Dengeki Bunko, has a 70% to 80% market share. In 2009, light novels generated sales of 30.1 billion yen, or about 20% of all bunkobon paperback sales in Japan.[8]

Many licensed English translations of Japanese light novels are currently available. These were generally released in the physical dimensions of standard mass-market paperbacks or similar to manga tankōbon, but as of April 2007, Seven Seas Entertainment became the first English publisher to print light novels in their original Japanese bunkobon format. Other English-language publishers in the United States that license light novels include Tokyopop, Viz Media, DMP, Dark Horse, Yen Press (Kadokawa’s American joint venture with Hachette Book Group), and Del Rey Manga. Viz Media founder Seiji Horibuchi speculates that the US light novel market will experience a surge in popularity similar to that seen in the Japanese subculture once it is recognized by consumer audiences.[10]

history [edit]

Popular literature has a long tradition in Japan. Although cheap novels resembling light novels have been around in Japan for years, the founding of Sonorama Bunko in 1975 is seen by some as a symbolic beginning. Science fiction and horror writers like Hideyuki Kikuchi or Baku Yumemakura started their careers through such imprints. Another origin is the sequel to Record of Lodoss War in Comptiq magazine.[11] Anime News Network’s Kim Morrissy reported that Keita Kamikita, the system operator of a science fiction and fantasy forum, is usually credited with coining the term “light novel” in the 1990’s, but the 1980’s also drew anime and manga fans because of it their illustrations by famous manga artists. Kamikita avoided using terms such as “young adult” as the novels did not appeal to any particular demographic.

The 1990s saw the birth of the hit Slayers series, which fused fantasy RPG elements with comedy. A few years later, MediaWorks formed a pop-lit imprint called Dengeki Bunko, which still produces well-known light novel series today. The boogie pop series was their first big hit, which was soon animated and attracted many anime viewers to literature.

The writers of Dengeki Bunko slowly gained attention until around 2006 when the world of small light novels boomed. After the huge success of the Haruhi Suzumiya series, the number of publishers and readers interested in light novels suddenly skyrocketed.

Light novels became an important part of Japanese 2D culture in the late 2000s, with series such as A Certain Magical Index selling large numbers of copies with each release. The number of light novel series released each year is increasing, usually illustrated by pixiv’s most famous artists, and the most successful works are adapted into manga, anime, games and live-action films.

Since the mid-2000s, it has become increasingly popular for publishers to contact web fiction authors on their blog or website to publish their work in print. The material is often heavily edited and may even contain an altered story, which might compel someone who has already read it online to buy the print edition as well.[6] The Shōsetsuka ni Narō free novel publishing website is a popular source of such material. Popular works such as Sword Art Online, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Overlord, Re:Zero, and Konosuba were originally popular web novels that were contacted by a publisher to distribute and publish these stories in print format.

Recently, there has been a gamble to publish more light novels in the United States. The head of this publishing company, Yen Press, is a joint venture between the Hachette Book Group and the Japanese publisher Kadokawa.[12] Other publishers such as Seven Seas Entertainment, Viz Media (owned by Shogakukan and Shueisha), Vertical (owned by Kodansha USA), One Peace Books, J-Novel Club, Cross Infinite Worlds, Sol Press have all scrambled to release more Light novels in English.[12] In addition, light novel writers and writers have started making guest appearances at overseas anime conventions. One of the biggest anime conventions of the year, Anime Expo 2019 featured creators such as Kumo Kagyu, author of Goblin Slayer, and Fujino Omori, author of Is It Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon?.[12]

A popular genre in the light novels category is isekai (異世界), or stories from “other worlds.” These stories usually feature an ordinary person who is transported from modern city life to a world of fantasy and adventure.[12] Sword Art Online, a web novel originally published in 2002, helped popularize “Isekai” as a genre.[13] This web novel became extremely popular and formed various adaptations like anime, manga and even various movies and spinoff series. Due to the success of Sword Art Online, other novels such as KonoSuba, Overlord, and Re:Zero rose in popularity.[13] The success of Sword Art Online and ‘isekai’ as a whole contributed to the creation of novel writing websites in Japan and the increasing popularity of light novels in the West as well.[13]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

I think you will agree with me when I say:

“I want to start reading an amazing light novel, but since I have thousands of choices, I don’t know which one to read.”

Or am I wrong?

What you could do is ask a friend, or maybe just go to Google and search “top selling light novels in Japan” or “any good light novel recommendation”.

I noticed that the second method is not that efficient. The results you get from search engines are not entirely accurate.

Well, in this post, I’m going to show three rankings that Japanese people use to discover:

Trending light novels by title in Japan

Top-selling light novels by volume in Japan

The best-selling light novels of 2020 and 2021

and more!

This post is based on quantitative data!

If you’re looking for light novel recommendations, you’ll love this post.

Let’s start!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive a notification when this post is updated.

E-book Japan

It is one of the most popular services where you can read and buy light novels and manga.

They have a variety of titles and a leaderboard where you can check out their best selling light novels.

The best-selling light novels in Japan by volume in July are:

Suterare Danshaku Reijou wa Kurokishi-sama no Okiniiri (Vol. 4) Magic Artisan Dahlia Wilts No More (Vol. 8) Yowaki MAX Reijou Nano ni, Ratsuwan Konyakusha-sama no Kake ni Notte Shimatta (Vol. 4) Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 (Vol 7) Cooking at the Campfire in Another World Using My Absurd Skills (Volume 12) I swear I won’t bother you again! (Vol.4) Ie kara Nigedashitai Watashi ga, Ukkari Akogare no Daimahoutsukai-sama wo Katteshimattara (Vol.3) Tensei Youjo wa Akiramenai (Vol.10) The Irregular at Magic High School Appendix (Vol.1) Caught in a Dating Simulation : The World Of Otome Games Is Tough For Mobs (Vol.10)

Source.

Kimirano

Kimirano is a website created by KADOKAWA where you can discover new light novels and read some of them for free.

They have a leaderboard where you can see what the Japanese are reading right now.

Currently popular light novels by title in Japan:

Reunited with my former lover on a dating app (Vol.1) Iinazuke ga Dekita to Omottara, Sono Iinazuke ga Gakkou de Yuumeina [Akuyaku Reijou] Dattan Dakedo, Dosureba Ii? (Vol.2) Re:Zero Kara Hajimaru Isekai Seikatsu Ex 4: The Great Journeys Re:Zero Ex Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 1 Shishio no Mita Yume Otoko Girai na Class no Bijo ga, Jitsu wa Brocon Shitte Shimatta Kekka (Vol.1) My stepmother’s daughter is my ex (vol. 9) Toki wo Kakeru Kaijuu (vol. 1) Onaidoshi no Imouto to, Futari Hitoritabi (vol. 8) The girl sits behind me and loves me. (Vol.1) Elite Classroom: Year 2 (Vol.7) 🔥

Source.

Orikon

The last ranking I want to show is Oricon. There you will find the best selling light novels, manga and books in general.

2021

The lists above include sales of physical items collected from November 23, 2020 through November 21, 2021.

Top-selling light novels in Japan by volume:

Kaisen Jujutsu: Iku Natsu an Kaeru Aki (259,960) Kaisen Jujutsu: Yoake no Ibara Michi (227,474) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Kaze no Michishirube (208,693) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Shiawase no Hana (183,304) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Kataha no Cho (180,389)

Buy it on Amazon

source

Top-selling light novels in Japan by series:

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Novelization (776,320) That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (597,819) The Apothecary Diaries (496,626) Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (424,173) The detective is already dead (367,984)

Buy it on Amazon

source

2020

The following applies from November 18, 2019 to November 22, 2020.

Top-selling light novels in Japan by volume (2020):

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Shiawase no Hana (923,139) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Kataha no Cho (913,388) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no YaibaKaze no Michishirube (607,347) Overlord 14 (228,628) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Train ( light novel version) (197,397)

Buy it on Amazon

source

Top-selling light novels in Japan by series (2020):

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Re:ZERO – Starting life in another world when I was reincarnated as a slime Sword Art Online Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

source

Our recommendations

As I mentioned earlier, this ranking was based on quantitative data from various rankings. It’s not my opinion.

But if you want to know what I’m reading right now or Mipon’s recommendations, here are our recommendations:

Elite Class 2 Classroom (Volume 4.5)

Buy it on Amazon

Sword Art Online: Progressive (Vol.8)

Buy it on Amazon

What is the difference between manga and light novels?

A light novel is basically a book with illustrations.

While reading a light novel, you may find some illustrations like the one below.

If you’re a Wandering Witch fan, don’t miss the interview with the author of Wandering Witch.

Does the story change between web novel and light novel?

It depends on the novel. Most light novels differ somewhat from the original source (web novel).

For example, in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Yuuki Kagurazaka plays a different role in the web novel and anime.

What qualifies as canon, a web novel, or a light novel?

There is no official answer as to which one is considered canon.

In my opinion, the light novel is considered canon while the web novel served as inspiration.

The light novel has been edited, polished and improved by the original author. So I have a slight penchant for considering the light novel as canon of the story.

Also, I would always recommend reading the light novel version of the story instead of the web novels

Should light novels be anime?

In recent years, popular anime like Sword Art Online, KonoSuba, Overlord, etc. were all based on light novels.

So you can expect more light novels to become anime.

We have a video explaining what Shousetsuka Ni Narou is where most light novels come from.

If you like light novels, you must watch this video:

What light novel are you reading right now?

Do you have recommendations?

Let me know in the comments!

©柴・伏瀬・講談社／転スラ日記製作員会

35 Best Anime-Like Sword Art Online You Must See

Reading has the magical ability to take you into new and exciting lives of characters.

While stories have never been in short supply, finding the right one for every reader can be difficult.

Luckily, the internet allows for even more stories to be shared and offers the same level of quality as many of the printed books.

Thanks to the Internet and various websites that support online writers, new types of novels have been created.

What is the difference between a web novel and a light novel?

The biggest difference between a web novel and a light novel is that web novels only have digital formats while light novels can have digital and physical copies.

When you get the light version of a novel and the web version of a novel, you might see little to no difference.

Light novels tend to have publishers and appear more professional than web novels.

Web novels are usually written, edited, and published by the author.

You might find that light novels feel a little tidier thanks to the editing process they go through.

There are many different genres of light novels and web novels.

It is becoming increasingly popular to publish manga as light novels or web novels.

Manga is a Japanese graphic novel format typically aimed at an older audience.

Because light novels are published by corporations rather than individuals, they receive more public attention.

This increases the chances of any light novel being made into a show or film.

The publisher does a lot of good for a light novel by helping to increase its quality.

Light novels have fewer errors, more professional illustrations, fewer plot holes, and tend to be more cohesive than the average web novel.

Web novel writing has fewer rules than light novels.

While light novels are typically around 50,000 words, web novels can be any length.

Some are very brief, while others seem to last forever.

Some web novelists know how to use the lawless land of web novel writing to their advantage by allowing themselves to write in ways they normally wouldn’t.

There is more variety in story and quality, but you have to sort through a lot of poor quality stories.

Where can you find light and web novels?

You can find light novels at your local bookstore or online, in both physical and digital formats.

Light novels published by smaller companies may be more difficult to find in physical stores, but you can usually find a store locator on the book’s website.

Those looking to find a light niche novel and still want to support their local bookstore should visit Bookshop.

This online retailer sources its inventory from bookstores across the country and orders the book you want from your local bookstore.

You will not find a physical copy of a web novel anywhere unless you have someone custom print it for you.

Because web novels are limited to being online, they often cost little to no money.

Most web novelists will instead have a link that you can use to send them money through services like Patreon.

These services allow them to spend more time writing and editing.

Some web authors set funding goals to improve their novels.

These funding goals can include things like hiring an editor, adding illustrations, improving the cover art, writing a sequel, or even attempting to get the web novel published.

These crowd fundraising goals allow web novels to be made into different types of novels.

Readers looking for a web novel to endorse should check out sites like Wattpad, which is the most common and well-known.

You can also try Web Novel, Web Fiction Guide or Royal Road.

Every website seems to have something from every genre but specializes in one or two genres.

For example, Royal Road is best known for fantasy and science fiction novels.

You can find almost every genre on most of these platforms.

Choice of quality or quantity

Have you ever wondered why you can’t bring the same charm and flow to your own writing as the authors you love to read?

What you often lack is editing and a publishing house that gives your writing the golden kiss of professionalism.

Light novels have the advantage of going through many different drafts before the final version is released to the public.

While writing may be something you do alone, book publishing is best when it’s a group effort.

Web novels do not go through the same editorial process as light novels.

The closest thing to an editor is a critical commenter, if you’re lucky.

At best, the author had a friend read it through.

Web novels are rawer and unabridged than light novels.

While this allows them more freedom and avenues to explore that no writer has had before, it also means they don’t have the same sheen or shine as light novels.

The lack of basic editing can cause readers to abandon a story before they even get to the end of a chapter or page.

While there may be some readers willing to put up with the unprofessionalism, the majority of readers will just walk away and find a better written story.

Light novels might not always have the best storylines, but you know things will be written correctly and there won’t be many confusing grammatical errors.

Light novels may be better written, but there are many web novels with ideas better than anything major media outlets put out.

Web novels may have more quantity, but light novels have much more quality.

There are exceptions for light novels and web novels, so you should read both types.

The variety between light and web novel

Light novels and web novels have their own advantages when it comes to quality and quantity of writing.

Web novels give you a lot of writing for little to nothing, but there’s no guarantee that every story will be any good.

Light novels might give you a smaller selection, but you know you’re getting a full story of decent quality.

Web novels have more variety in the stories, and many web novels even continue stories you’ve already seen, which is known as fan fiction.

Fan fiction is the genre of story that uses characters from another form of media to which the author has no rights.

This modern genre of writing bypasses most copyright laws because authors don’t make money from these web novels.

Fan fiction stories are never allowed to be published, making it impossible for them to become light novels.

The freedom that comes with bending the rules surrounding copyright law is what allows web novels to thrive.

You will also often see web novels, which draw the reader’s attention to more taboo subjects than light novels.

Light novels must be kind enough to be sold in as many stores as possible so that the publisher can make a reasonable profit and the author is considered successful enough to be republished.

Web novels don’t have to worry about turning a profit.

They are willing to address topics such as mental health, sexuality, and different lifestyles that the average reader might never have encountered otherwise.

Without these limitations, the web novels can include literally anything on their virtual pages.

That’s why it’s important to read all the information about a web novel thoroughly before you start reading.

The likelihood of adjustments

Those who are fans of a novel get either thrilled or angered when their favorite story becomes a movie, TV show, anime, or even a video game.

While some bookworms may argue that other forms of media don’t fit a story as well as the book does, other fans will be excited to hear the voices and see the faces of their favorite characters.

Shows like Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero, Free! and The Devil is a Part Timer were once popular light novels.

They were released and popularized in Japan before being shown around the world.

Publishers do a lot more than just print and sell light novels.

They also market them to make the light novel worth printing.

This helps these light novels grab readers’ attention, which creates demand for more content.

Light novels have a higher need for adaptation and it is easier for companies to obtain legal usage rights.

Publishers act as copyright sellers, allowing various animation, film, and game studios to use the characters and stories from light novels.

Web novels are usually edited only by the author and many authors have no way for companies to reach them.

Some authors prefer to remain completely anonymous, which makes contacting them even more difficult.

For a web novel to even get noticed by a media company, it needs to receive a lot of positive attention.

Businesses would use the number of views, comments, or social media posts on the web novel to determine demand for more content.

There was an occasion when a game developer decided to create a game based on a web novel series: SCP – Containment Breach.

The presentation of light and web novels

Light novels almost always have better covers and illustrations than web novels.

While there are many examples of web novels with spectacular art, most authors have to do all of their art themselves.

The companies that publish light novels know that their books need to be as compelling as the story is emotionally compelling, if not more so.

Avid readers may know not to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes you can’t help it.

Cover art can make or break a novel.

Cover art can engage readers in even the most outlandish novels.

Boring or bad cover art can make it easier for potential readers to overlook and ignore.

Awkward, choppy cover art is the worst type of cover a novel can have, and it’s incredibly common to see it in web novels.

While authors may be artists with words, they may not be painters or illustrators.

Light novels typically have artists who specialize in cover art design to create the outward appearance of their novel.

In the meantime, they may have another illustrator doing one of the illustrations for the story.

Most webcomics are created by one person.

Some of the best looking web novels are usually created by two people: an author and an illustrator.

It’s rare to find web novels that have two people working on them, but these people almost always know each other in real life.

It is common for webroman duos to be related, friends, or in a relationship.

Occasionally you will find web novels that are written by one person but have the same quality as a light novel.

Most often, the author and fans have managed to raise enough money through crowdfunding to hire an illustrator.

Best examples of light and web novels

When it comes to books it can be difficult to say which books are the best as there are many personal preferences as to what types of books you like and dislike.

However, there are some light novels and web novels that are loved and treasured by many.

One of the best horror web novels is My House of Horrors which follows the life of Chen Ge who bought a house which is haunted by graphic horrors.

The best horror light novel is Ring by Koji Suzuki, the book on which the American horror film The Ring is based.

Those looking for fantasy should try reading Release That Witch.

The web novel follows the story of Prince Roland, who is declared unfit to rule by his father.

Roland befriends one of the local witches, who helps him become stronger than anyone ever thought possible.

The most famous fantasy light novel used to be Spice and Wolf, a 2006 novel by Isuna Hasekura and Ju Ayakura.

The story revolves around Kraft Lawrence, a spice merchant, and Holo, the werewolf-like creature, on their journey through medieval Europe.

There are many web novels that are absolutely action-packed, with Night Ranger being the prime example.

Night Ranger tells tales of battles against mighty kings and unshakable armies.

There are loads of entertaining and unique characters that add a bit of comic relief with perfect timing.

You can’t talk about action light novels without mentioning That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, another light novel that was successful enough to spawn an entire anime series.

While all other characters died and were reincarnated as humans, the protagonist instead became a slime monster and had to learn to return to his old body.

Web and light novels are loved

The differences between web novels and light novels can be crystal clear in most comparisons, but there are some web novels that take light novels out of their money.

Don’t completely discredit a web novel for not being published by a professional publisher.

Light novels are more akin to what you would expect from a traditional book, while web novels are something completely unique to the internet.

While some web novels take this uniqueness to the extreme, there are many that you would think were published by a publisher.

However, the majority of web novels will not compare to light novels.

The attention to detail and professional processes these books go through before being released to the public contribute to a more consumer-friendly look.

Light novels and web novels are equally capable of immersing you in the worlds, relationships, and adventures of the stories they weave.

Next time you can’t decide what to read, maybe choose a light novel or web novel to unwind.

A common question is, “How long should my book be?” There are of course different answers for different genres, but for my clients we’re typically talking about business, thought leadership, self-help, or professional development books.

To answer the immediate question, let’s look at some numbers. Then, more importantly, let’s talk about the strategy and look at some case studies. How long do you want your book to be?

Book length by numbers

When it comes to book length, we tend to speak of the word count rather than the page count. A typical manuscript page (8.5×11 paper, 1-inch margins, 11- or 12-point standard font, double-spaced — as you would type in Word) is considered 250 words.

So a 25,000 word manuscript is about 100 pages. A 50,000 word manuscript is 200 pages. The arithmetic is easy. (Of course, your page count in the finished book may vary widely based on formatting: margins, fonts, line spacing, graphics, white space, and so on.)

Even if there is no correct answer to the question “How long should my book be?”. Here are a few guidelines.

Short book length

A client tells how she agreed to swap books with another author. The other person handed her a very narrow volume, almost a little book. When my client offered her copy, the other author held it up and said, “Oh, you have a real book.”

If your nonfiction book is less than 30,000 words (120 pages), I don’t think it feels big enough to be a “proper” book.

Long book length

At the other end of the spectrum, an 80,000-100,000 word book has significant weight, 320-400 pages. This is not an uncommon length in traditional publishing, particularly (in my observation) for non-fiction books that are heavily researched. But modern attention spans are shrinking, and I think 300 pages pushes the limits of many readers (there are always exceptions). I rarely see self-published authors attempting this length.

Book lengths in the sweet spot

For my client base, which includes experienced consultants, coaches, and self-publishing speakers, I find that a nice book length is somewhere in the 40,000-70,000 word range, which equates to 160-280 pages. Long enough to feel substantive, short enough not to intimidate potential readers.

When in doubt, I suggest people aim for 50,000 words to start; then we can judge and see if there are any gaps, too much fluff, etc. and adjust accordingly.

Strategy for determining book length

Now you have a feel for acceptable book length, but that’s not all. Choosing an effective book length depends not only on your content, but also on your goals, audience, publication route, and book format.

book content

Once you start looking at what you have in relation to the suggested word count (above), you may find that you don’t have enough for a full-length book. You may need to develop more content over time.

But assuming you have enough content, if you try to write a comprehensive guide, your book will be on the longer side. If you want to convey the most important information to get the reader started, your book might be a bit shorter. And most of us, I imagine, fall somewhere in between, providing a robust but limited discussion.

Book destinations

If you’re writing a book just to say you have a book, length doesn’t matter. But most of us have a different goal in mind. which one is yours Here are some common ones that my clients have. I would like…

Position yourself as a thought leader so I can influence more people.

Increase my credibility to increase my fees and attract clients.

Use my book as a marketing tool to more easily get consulting, coaching, and speaking engagements.

While these goals aren’t mutually exclusive, I think thought-leadership goals might require a book with more emphasis; a credibility goal looks more like the sweet spot area; and a pure marketing game can potentially get shorter.

Book audience (and business audience)

Your audience starts with the people who will read your book. Depending on your goals — for example, if you’re using your book to sell other services — your audience may also include decision-makers who view the book (remember, it’s a marketing tool) but don’t necessarily read it.

What are the demographic (e.g., age, gender, occupation) and psychographic (e.g., quality over price, questioned assumptions) of your target audience?

What is her attention span?

Are they high-level delegators or detailed doers?

Is your focus on tasks or relationships?

How often do you read and do you like to read?

Consider the differences you might find between a leader and an academic. Or a pro between jobs and a salesman trying to hit a quota. How might these differences affect your choice of book length?

release route

If you’re looking for a traditional publisher, you may need to be mindful of industry norms and what’s happening in the specific genre you’re targeting. (And with nonfiction, you probably want to sell the concept before you write the book, so book length can be a moot point by then.)

With self-publishing, you can choose the desired book length. Note, however, that there is a reason certain standards exist; Going well beyond them may or may not work for you.

book format

What book format are you developing? As I work, my focus is more on the printed book (my own bias) which I want to feel substantive. I almost always recommend an e-book as well (e.g. for Kindle or Nook). The sweet spot range I’ve suggested (40,000 to 70,000 words) seems to work well for both formats.

If you’re just interested in developing an ebook, you can comfortably go to the lower end of the word count. Note: If your eBook is short, it’s a good idea to include the word or page number in your online description so readers aren’t misled.

If you are developing an online giveaway, e.g. For example, if you have a PDF that readers can download from your website, I recommend opting for a pamphlet rather than an entire book. In my opinion, PDFs are great for shorter documents like white papers, but still not as reader-friendly for book-length work. (Others may disagree.)

case studies

Here are three real-life examples that consider book length strategy.

Crisis and resilience book

When Becky Sansbury wrote After the Shock, she wanted to help people in crisis build resilience. She knew that her audience would face time pressures, concentration difficulties and emotional extremes. Readers should be able to quickly and easily get in and out of the book for a short period of time.

As a result, we broke the information into small pieces – short paragraphs, bulleted lists, clear headings. We have provided an overview of concepts at the beginning of the book, and we have provided summaries at the end of each chapter, as well as a compilation of chapter summaries at the end of the book. People with extremely limited time can read the 14-page overview at the beginning and the six pages of chapter summaries at the end and still walk away with useful new perspectives.

The overview and summary information introduced some redundancies in the book, increasing the word count to around 60,000 words, but this intentionally designed structure gave readers more opportunities to get the information they needed.

To learn more about the strategy for Becky’s book, watch the 5-minute video on my talks page.

Book Sales Management

One of my clients is writing a book on sales leadership. As we discussed the strategy questions, we found the following:

He would like to use the book as an aid in sales training and generate new training business.

He wants to offer information that sales leaders don’t often hear, ideas that can change their perspective on their actual role.

The sales leaders he works with tend to be fast-moving and focused on relationships rather than tasks. A few are psychologists who want to understand the intricacies of the human psyche, but more often they want to understand the practical implications. They want to know how to influence the sales team and the sale.

Based on our estimation, my advice was to keep the book on the shorter page, maybe 30,000-50,000 words. This audience doesn’t seem to dig through dense text, so I’ve recommended breaking the information into short segments that clearly state the most important points. (Read more about using highlighting effectively.) Additionally, using plenty of white space in your formatting helps readers keep turning the pages so they feel like they’re moving forward quickly.

Spirituality/Self Help Book

Even when the words in transformative self-help or spiritual books are simple, the concepts can be complex. Sometimes a shorter book is preferred because it allows room for deep concepts to be absorbed and processed.

Maryann Patalano’s book The Peephole Effect teaches people to use the power of perception to create the life they want. It may sound simple, but it’s not easy. It requires self-awareness, acknowledgment of responsibility for our own lives, and acceptance of our power to change.

Maryann’s book is approximately 35,000 words. To me, this shorter length feels just right for the weight of a transformative concept. More words would not enrich the book; they would only make it awkward. In addition, Maryann creates mental and physical space in her book by offering the reader questions for self-reflection.

What’s your strategy?

If you’re just starting your book, plan your strategy ahead of time. It saves you time and energy by making it clear what you really want to achieve, leading to an easier decision on the right book length.

If you’ve already designed your book, a good editor can guide you on what to trim and what to expand to achieve your book goals and give your readers the information they need, when they need it.

Ultimately, your book needs to be as long as it needs to be to say what you need to say—and not a word longer. And that’s the trick, right?

Do you have a manuscript you are unsure about? I offer intensive manuscript writing courses that assess not only book length, but also structure, content, and craftsmanship. We look at what works, what customizations could improve your book, and how your book supports your strategic goals. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Read more

Hello, visitor! You are reading one of the most popular articles on my website. If you found it helpful, here are a few more articles that might interest you…

If you find these articles helpful, please feel free to subscribe to my email list. I send out a monthly newsletter with a full article (just like this one), a client or partner highlight, and notices of upcoming events. No spam, I promise; and you can unsubscribe at any time. Just look for the signup form on the right (or maybe below if you’re using a device). Happy reading and happy writing!

DID YOU KNOW?

Have you ever seen a Japanese comic with manga-style images on the covers and often inside? These are the so-called light novels or known in Japan as Ranobe. It is a Japanese style of novel aimed at high school and middle school students or young adults. The average length of a light novel is about 50,000 words. Also, one of the defining characteristics of the best light novels is that they are illustrated in anime and manga art style.

Interestingly, it’s not just the Japanese who are addicted to reading the best light novels. People from western and other Asian countries are showing interest in these light novels. And while there are still people who buy the physical copy, many also read light novels online. Many websites and reader apps offer users the ability to read and download light novels, making it easier to find the latest updates to those novels. One of the best-selling light novels is Overlord, a fantasy sci-fi light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin. Volume 13 sold 127,000 copies in three days. This only proved the constant popularity of light novels around the world.

04/16/2021 Wiki maintenance On the weekend we carry out maintenance work on the server and the wiki. Expect downtime. Save your changes offline before saving the changes just in case. May 13, 2019 Kadokawa DMCA’s BT received two DMCA requests from Kadokawa for the High School DxD and Tokyo Ravens English projects and have been removed. 4 February 2019 BT Executive Council members ’19-’20 Polling stations are closed. Her 2019-2020 Executive Council Volunteers are KLSymph, RS, Leviticus, Hobogunner and zzhk. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and to those who took the time to vote. 29 December 2018 BT Executive Council ’19-’20 nominations 2019-2020 Executive Council nominations begin 1st January 2019 and will run through 15th January. Voting will take place from the 16th to the 31st, if necessary. If you are an eligible contributor and would like to help with BT’s operations, you should consider running for council. See this page for details UPDATE January 17, 2019

The nominations were completed with only five volunteers, making a technical vote unnecessary. However, the polling stations are open as planned. If you’d like to show your support for the incumbents, you can vote as usual at the link above. December 26, 2018 Minor Maintenance There will be a minor 1 hour maintenance coming soon. During this time the wiki is read-only

For more information or just to chat, visit the Discord server.

Edit: and done. May 03, 2018 User Permissions Change Due to the influx of spambots, some changes have been made to the ability to create new pages.

To get permission to create a page, users must either contact an admin on the Discord/via Talk page or make at least 9 edits and be registered for at least 7 days.

Visit Discord’s #Support channel if you’re having trouble.

Update: Due to the bots registering with emails, the page creation email confirmation no longer grants permission. For the time being it will be added to users upon request (request via discord). However, you still get the perm if you make the 9 changes. 23 Nov 2017 Wiki updated November 17-19 site maintenance has ended. The wiki has been extensively updated, please mention any issue on the Discord #support channel.

Click here to view older messages

No matter what happens, there will always be some level of prejudice, misperception, and trepidation about non-mainstream media and unpopular entertainment art forms. They are often the product of misinformation and cultural stereotypes; disinterest or simple disregard don’t help either. With a medium like light novels still weaving its way through a few markets around the world, misunderstandings abound.

Let’s address the common misconceptions made by both Japanese and Western audiences – and of course, explain why they’re wrong.

A light novel has light content

Moron. Probably the most controversial of all misunderstandings derives from his name. However, it is important to emphasize that light novel is nothing more than a marketing term developed by publishers and imprints in the early 80’s to find new audiences and explore different content. To be more precise, it appeared for the first time at the online service provider NIFTY-Serve. Usually, readers are fooled by the presentation and appearance of the books themselves. A light novel, like any other book, can be about anything.

There is no definition of a light novel

“Light Novels = Books for Young Readers”

Its definition – mainly in Japanese – has been debated over and over again, and there is an established consensus on it. As previously mentioned, the term first appeared at online service provider NIFTY-Serve, as it was coined by readers at the time to refer to Cobalt and Sonorama Bunko releases. Publishers took notice of the term, and the rest is history.

Whether it’s science fiction, mystery, fantasy, or just plain old literature, in hindsight they all have ambiguous definitions that are always subject to scrutiny and context. Within this range, light novels have a relatively clear and recognizable definition, so there is no need to make them seem ambiguous.

Light novels are aimed only at middle and high school students

Yes, certain imprints are aimed at specific audiences, but to say that their primary target audience is young readers is to narrow the scope way too much. Of course, this varies from imprint to imprint. A case in point is Dengeki, an imprint whose catalog features content for high school students through young adults, spanning readers in their 30s and even 40s. MF Books has a following ranging from readers in their 20’s to people in their 40’s. And one of the most interesting is μNOVEL – an imprint subsidiary of Mainichi Shimbun Newspaper – with an average audience between 30 and 50 years old.

Light novels are great for getting started with reading

Don’t you confuse this with children’s books/novels?

While there are readers in Japan who believe that light novels are good for a transitional period — when children move from lighter, family-friendly stories to more complex and nuanced narratives — remember that light novels aren’t written with the aim of making it easy to make read or understand. The perception that young readers read less than older ones seems to be dominant in some sectors of Japanese society, but a 2014 study by the Agency for Cultural Affairs (page 10) shows the exact opposite. Around 60% of those surveyed do not read a single book a month and are 70 years or older. Of the total, a proud 47.5% of readers do not read a book at all. So this perception would suggest that young readers are generally reading more recently, regardless of the content of what they read – including light novels.

The overall quality of light novels has declined recently

It is noticeable that the “marketing battle” between the imprints has intensified over the past two decades. In the 80’s and 90’s it was often said that an unknown author could publish something and still sell it. And since the first print runs were usually high at the time, even if an author didn’t sell, there was a small risk that a series would be discontinued. There were really few people trying to be light novel writers and compared to today it was relatively easy to become one.

To put things in perspective a bit, I’ll use the Dengeki Novel Contest, which is usually held every year, as an example:

The first edition of the competition in 1994 received a total of 656 entries (works), but the twentieth edition in 2013 came to an impressive total of 6554, and the numbers have steadily increased (or decreased slightly) since then, but always the same remained four figures.

The latest numbers don’t necessarily have anything to do with quality, and it hasn’t become a question of quantity over quality either. Simply put, more and more people have realized that there is an opportunity for them to become light novel writers and have chosen to do so. The profession is no longer mythical, but “quality” is still there as it was over 20 years ago. It’s just gotten a little harder to find.

Light novels are nothing more than Isekai

More than 200 different light novels are pumped out every month, so saying “X is nothing but…” just can’t happen. It’s also not profitable.

The quickest way to know the latest trends is to take a look at the Dengeki novel competition, and judging by last year’s iteration there isn’t really any isekai work of note. Even in mainstream media like anime, the adaptation of such works has declined, and you can see it if you look at last spring’s line-up: Eromanga Sensei, SukaSuka, Sagrada Reset, Saekano, Rokudenashi, Sword Oratoria and not from the Spring season but the anime adaptation of Ryuuou no Oshigoto! was announced just a few hours before this article was published.

If anything, the rise of Isekai works peaked in Narou, not in the light novel market per se (publishers license Isekai works from Narou, that’s another can of worms).

Light novels are just porn

The format in which light novels are typically presented—bunko (paperback), illustrated, average page count between 250 and 300—hasn’t changed much in the past two decades. This goes for the way certain works are promoted, and while some of them may look “provocative,” this is nothing but a fraction of the market. To be honest, novels and fiction aimed at an “adult audience” tend to be more erotic, often inconsequential.

A curious case dates back to the 1960s, when the forerunner to the light novel-focused magazine Cobalt—then called Shousetsu Junior—had a quirky pornographic section. Other series like 魔獣戦士ルナ・ヴァルガー, MAZE爆熱時空, デビル17, かのこん, etc. were notable works for the erotic content they portrayed, but generally they were harmless isolated cases.

Older works are not light novels

I’ve read or heard this more than once, especially in Japanese, and can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I do. The characteristics of what constitutes a light novel, especially in technical terms, have been around since the early 20th century, even before World War II. It was at this time that the very first stories for girls – which later became girls’ novels or 少女小説 – were conceived, both a product of the era and a desire to culturally rebel against a female section of Japanese society.

However, it was then that the serialized format and lively storytelling that characterize light novels today saw their very beginnings. It wasn’t until the late 70’s/early 80’s that readers became aware of their nature and came up with the name, but the very essence of light novels has been around in various forms for over 60 years.

To make this point clearer and leave no doubt, here is a helpful image:

PS Yes, novels for girls can also be considered light novels.

No. Title [b] Director Written by Original broadcast date

1 “I Love You and Auto Memory Dolls”

Transcription: “Aishiteru” to Jidō Shuki Ningyō” (Japanese: 「愛してる」と自動手記人形) Taichi Ishidate

Haruka Fujita

Shinpei Sawa Reiko Yoshida January 11, 2018 ( )

Violet is a soldier in the Ardent Army who served under Major Gilbert Bougainvillea, to whom she was deeply devoted. However, Violet is injured after a mission where her arms were lost and they had to be replaced with prosthetics. Colonel Hodgins, an old friend of Gilbert’s, comes to pick up Violet. He explains to Violet that the war they were fighting is over and peace has come, although he doesn’t want to tell Violet what happened to Gilbert. They drive to the capital, Leiden, where Gilbert had already arranged for Violet to be adopted by the Evergarden family. However, Violet is unable to adjust to civilian life due to her military indoctrination. Hodgins then decides to show Violet his business, the CH Postal Company, which operates as a private postal and ghostwriting service, and hires her as a postal clerk. She then sees the Auto Memory Dolls of the ghostwriting department writing a letter for an illiterate man who wants to announce his love to someone. Violet then remembers that “I love you” were the last words Gilbert said to her. Wanting to know the meaning of the words, Violet asks Hodgins to join the ghostwriting department. Impressed that Violet is finally showing signs that she is acting of her own free will rather than under someone else’s orders, Hodgins accepts Violet’s request despite not being an Auto Memory Doll.

2 “Never Coming Back”

Transcription: “Modotte Konai” (Japanese: 「戻って来ない」) Haruka Fujita Reiko Yoshida January 18, 2018 ( )

Violet joins the ghostwriting department and meets its members: veteran Cattelya and two rookies, Erica and Iris. Under Cattelya’s tutelage, Violet begins her training as an Auto Memory Doll and quickly learns how to use a typewriter. Despite her technical skills, Violet is still unable to understand emotions. This comes to a head when she offers to write a romantic letter that will upset both the recipient and the client. Erica then confronts Violet about her motivations for becoming a doll, but relents when Violet tells her about her desire to know the meaning of the words “I love you”. Iris suggests Hodgins fire Violet, but Erica defends her, partly motivated by her own insecurities about being a real doll. Choosing not to fire Violet, Hodgins gives her a new uniform, along with the brooch Gilbert originally gave Violet, which Hodgins was able to recover. Violet is overjoyed at the return of the brooch and agrees to attend a doll training class. That night, Hodgins confides in Cattleya that he used to be friends with Gilbert and that Gilbert “will never come back”.

3 “May you be an exemplary auto memory doll”

Transcription: “Anata ga Yoki Jido Shuki Ningyō ni Narimasu Yō ni” (Japanese: 「あなたが、良き自動手記人形になりますように」) Noriyuki Kitanohara Tatsuhiko Urahata (2 January 10)

Violet attends Auto Memory Doll Training School to become a real doll. There she meets and befriends a girl named Luculia Marlborough. The next day, Violet and Luculia are tasked with practicing their actual ghostwriting skills on each other. Instructor Rhodanthe, however, is unfazed by the way Violet ghostwritten Luculia’s letter and informs her that letters are a tool to communicate a person’s feelings and that this letter she ghostwritten , was unacceptable. Luculia decides to take Violet to her favorite spot atop a clock tower to show her the view, and it turns out that Luculia’s brother has been crippled by the war and is now a drunk. However, Violet fails the class while Luculia graduates with top grades. Luculia reunites with Violet and offers to ghostwrite Gilbert a letter, but Violet can’t find the right words. Luculia then tells Violet how her parents died in the war and her brother feels guilty for not protecting her. She wants to tell her brother that she’s glad he’s alive and at home, but she can’t find the words either. Touched by Luculia’s words, Violet manages to write a short and concise letter that effectively communicates Luculia’s feelings to her beloved older brother. Showing the letter to Rhodanthe, Instructor allows Violet to graduate and Luculia helps her older brother to the top of the clock tower to enjoy the view like they did as children.

4 “You will not be a tool, but a person worthy of the name”

Transcription: “Kimi wa Dōgudenaku, Sono Na ga Niau Hito ni Narunda” (Japanese: 君は道具でなく、その名が似合う人になるんだ) Shinpei Sawa Reiko Yoshida February 1, 2018 ()

Iris receives a personal ghostwriting request from her hometown, but accidentally injures her hand in the process. As a result, Violet is sent with her to help her write. Upon arrival, Iris is met by her parents and her mother reveals that she was the one who sent the request to get Iris to come back to celebrate her birthday. However, Iris is frustrated when her mother admits she wants to use the party to find a suitor for her. While Violet is writing the party invitations, Iris specifically asks her not to send an invitation to a man named Emonn Snow, but Violet sends the invitation anyway. When Emonn shows up at the party, Iris angrily retreats to her room. Violet then talks to Iris to find out what’s going on, and Iris tells her that Emonn had a childhood crush, but he rebuffed her confession. The emotional pain caused by Emonn’s rejection caused her to leave her hometown to become a doll. This makes Violet realize that a confession of love like Gilbert’s must have taken a lot of courage. Violet then helps Iris write apology letters to all the party guests and their parents. Moved by the letter, Iris’ parents allow her to continue working as a doll. On the way back to Leiden, Iris tells Violet that her parents named her after the flower of the same name because she was born in full bloom. This triggers a flashback for Violet, who remembers that Gilbert named her after the flower of the same name.

5 “You write letters that bring people together?”

Transcription: “Hito o Musubu Tegami o Kaku no ka?” (Japanese: 人を結ぶ手紙を書くのか？) Haruka Fujita

Shinpei Sawa Takaaki Suzuki February 8, 2018 ( )

At the request of the military, Violet is sent to the kingdom of Drossel to write a public love letter for his teenage princess Charlotte to Damian, the prince of the neighboring kingdom of Flügel. Violet’s mission is crucial as thrush and wing were previously enemies in the war and arrange the marriage to solidify the terms of the peace treaty. Although Princess Charlotte is worried about the wedding, Violet writes the love letter and Prince Damian writes back a reply letter, but Princess Charlotte doesn’t seem happy with it. Princess Charlotte later confides in Violet that she met and fell in love with Prince Damian when she first met him, as he treated her as a person and not as a potential wife or mere consort of the Queen. However, she is unsure whether Prince Damian reciprocates her feelings or not, as she could tell that the letter he sent back contained no emotion. Violet then has an idea and arranges with Damian’s doll for Princess Charlotte and Prince Damian to both write their own letters. This begins a heated but passionate correspondence between the two that captivates everyone in both kingdoms. The wedding goes as planned while Violet and Cattleya, who was Prince Damian’s doll, return to Leiden, although Cattleya remarks upon Violet smiling. Upon her return, Violet meets Gilbert’s brother Dietfried, who expresses his disbelief at how she became a doll and reminds her that she has killed countless people, including many of his men.

6 “Somewhere under a starry sky”

Transcription: “Doko ka no Hoshizora no Shita de” (Japanese: どこかの星空の下で) Yoshiji Kigami Tatsuhiko Urahata February 15, 2018 ( )

Violet comes to the Shaher Observatory along with a number of other dolls to help the scholars make copies of a series of rare books. Violet is paired with a young scholar named Leon, who initially dislikes her and dolls in general. However, he is impressed by how quickly she works and softens when he sees that she doesn’t care about his background or his orphan’s upbringing. He invites Violet to see the Alley’s Comet with him, which only appears once every two hundred years, and she accepts. As the two stare at the stars, Leon explains that his father was also a scholar at the observatory but disappeared on an expedition. His mother then left home to look for him and never returned either, leading to Leon rejecting her and the concept of love. Violet then tells Leon that she has no known blood relatives but is completely devoted to Gilbert. Then Leon realizes that Violet is in love with Gilbert. The next morning, Violet prepares to leave after her work is done. Leon bids her farewell and tells her that instead of waiting at the observatory for his parents to return, he will start traveling the world like Violet in search of them. As Violet leaves, Leon wonders if he will ever meet her again.

7 “[c]” Takuya Yamamura Reiko Yoshida February 22, 2018 ( )

Violet helps a famous writer, Oscar Webster, write his next play. However, she arrives to find him a drunk recluse. Violet manages to convince Oscar to stop drinking while they work and they start writing the play. The play is about a girl named Olive who uses her power to summon magical spirits to defeat a beast, but sacrifices her skills in the process and is stranded from her home and father. Violet gets curious about how the story will end, which Oscar hasn’t decided yet. Violet then finds an umbrella, prompting an angry outburst from Oscar. He then admits to Violet that he made Olive dependent on his daughter Olivia, who had died of an illness, and he tries to write the play to deal with his grief at her loss. Violet then inspires Oscar with the idea of ​​Olive using her magic parasol to fly home. Coping with his daughter’s death, Oscar thanks Violet. On the way home, Violet begins to regret the people she killed during the war and wonders how many happy endings she might have prevented. Upon returning to Leiden, Violet learns from Mrs. Evergarden that Gilbert is dead and confronts Hodgins. He admits that after their last mission, neither Gilbert nor his body could be found, but his dog tags were recovered, leading the army to presume him dead. Violet continues to deny that Gilbert is dead and flees the post office in despair.

8 “[c]” Shinpei Sawa Reiko Yoshida March 1, 2018 ( )

Violet goes to military headquarters to confront Dietfried with the truth about Gilbert’s fate, and he confirms that he is dead. Still in denial, Violet travels to Gilbert’s mansion, where she finds his grave. Back at the post office, Hodgins goes looking for Violet. Violet then begins to reminisce about her past with Gilbert, which began when Dietfried transferred her to his command as a child soldier. Despite his desire to raise Violet as a normal girl, Gilbert is forced by his superiors to take her to the front lines due to her amazing fighting skills. Violet proves instrumental in winning many important battles. During this time, Gilbert gave Violet her name and taught her to read and write, and he eventually buys her a brooch as a gift. Some time later, Gilbert’s unit is tasked with staging an attack on enemy headquarters, the success of which could spell the end of the war. Gilbert’s unit suffers heavy casualties in the attack, but they are able to capture the headquarters and signal the main force to attack. However, just as Gilbert sends the signal, he is shot dead by enemy soldiers, scaring Violet to the core.

9 “Purple Evergarden”

Transcription: “Vaioretto Evagāden” (Japanese: ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン) Yasuhiro Takemoto Reiko Yoshida March 8, 2018 ( )

Continuing Violet’s flashback, she is determined to rescue an injured Gilbert, but is shot and hit by a grenade in the process, resulting in the loss of both of her arms. Gilbert tells Violet to go without him and eventually tells her he loves her, but she doesn’t understand his words. Defeated, the enemy army bombards their own headquarters and Gilbert sacrifices his life to get Violet to safety. In the present, Violet returns to the battlefield to search for Gilbert. Hodgins then arrives and tells her that Gilbert has entrusted her care to him should anything happen to Gilbert. Violet returns to the post office with Hodgins, but refuses to undertake any more ghostwriting work, which worries her colleagues. In her grief, Violet tries to commit suicide but cannot pull it off. After helping Roland deliver letters and reading a letter Erica and Iris sent her, Violet realizes that receiving a letter can bring joy to someone. She returns to work and begins ghostwriting a letter for Spencer, Luculia’s brother. Violet returns to the post office and asks Hodgins if it’s really okay for a person like her to live on. Hodgins replies that what she did in the war can never be undone, but so can all the good deeds she did as the Auto Memory Doll.

10 “A Loved One Will Always Watch Over You”

Transcription: “Aisuru Hito wa Zutto Mimamotteiru” (Japanese: 愛する人はずっと見守っている) Taichi Ogawa Reiko Yoshida March 15, 2018 ( )

Violet arrives at a mansion where a seven-year-old girl named Anne lives with her wealthy but ailing mother. Anne’s mother hired Violet to write letters for seven days, but Anne is not told what the letters are about or who they are for. Additionally, Anne is both suspicious and fascinated by Violet, mistaking her for a living doll due to her prosthetic arms. Over the next week, Anne accepts Violet, but cannot accept being separated from her mother while the letters are being written. After Anne’s outburst, Violet manages to calm Anne down and convince her not to blame herself for her mother’s illness. After the intimate letters are finally written, Violet leaves and eventually the mother dies. Afterwards, Anne receives her mother’s letters written by Violet and eventually grows up to start a family of her own. Back at the post office, Violet reveals to her staff that the letters would be delivered to Anne on her succeeding birthdays for the next fifty years, and is overcome with emotion at the thought of young Anne having to live all alone after her mother’s death.

11 “I don’t want anyone else to die!”

Transcription: “Mō, Dare mo Shinasetakunai” (Japanese: もう、誰も死なせたくない) Noriyuki Kitanohara Tatsuhiko Urahata March 22, 2018 ( )

The CH Postal Company receives a request for a doll from the neighboring country of Ctrigal, but the country is caught in a civil war between warmongers and moderates. The request comes from a soldier fighting on the front lines, but due to the danger, Hodgins declines the request. Violet overhears and travels to Ctrigal to find client Aidan Field. Aidan fights for the moderate faction, but his squad is annihilated by the enemy and he is severely wounded. Violet comes by parachute and rescues him. Believing he is mortally wounded, Aidan has Violet write farewell letters to his parents and good childhood friend Maria, professing his mutual love for her. After the letters are complete, Violet comforts Aidan in his final moments as he envisions himself reuniting with Maria. Violet hands over the letters to Aidan’s parents and Maria. Though saddened by Aidan’s death, they thank Violet for delivering his final letters to them. Violet then breaks down in tears and apologizes for her inability to protect Aidan and help him return home safe and sound.

12 “[c]” Shinpei-Sawa

Takuya Yamamura Takaaki Suzuki March 29, 2018 ( )

Dietfried is assigned to protect a special envoy who will travel to a conference to sign a peace treaty officially ending the war. Meanwhile, a rebel anti-peace faction led by General Merkulov plots to ambush the envoy to delay peace talks. Cattleya and Benedict accompany the envoy as they board a train to travel to the town of Distery. Meanwhile, Violet, returning from Ctrigal, notices a series of fires near the railroad. Upon learning that Cattleya is on the train, Violet decides to accompany her for protection. However, the anti-peace rebels have already infiltrated the train and launch an attack after exiting the station. Violet tries to fight back but is eventually held back because she refuses to kill anyone. Dietfried saves Violet, although he blames her for Gilbert’s death and tells her she has no reason to live. Violet replies that Gilbert’s last order was that she live, and that she regrets not being able to protect Gilbert. Just then, a rebel fires a rifle grenade at Dietfried, but Violet deflects the grenade with her prosthetic arms, which begin to disintegrate from the intense exertion.

13 “Auto Memory Doll and “I Love You””

Transcription: “Jidō Shuki Ningyō to “Aishiteru”” (Japanese: 自動手記人形と「愛してる」) Taichi Ishidate

Haruka Fujita Reiko Yoshida April 5, 2018 ( )

Violet continues to protect Dietfried, losing one of her arms in the process. However, the train approaches a bridge and General Merkulov reveals that as a backup plan, the bridge was rigged to explode before jumping off the train. Violet and Benedict leave to remove the bombs, and Violet sacrifices her other arm in the process. With the envoy safe, it’s on to the peace talks where Passionate and Gadariki officially sign a peace treaty ending the war. After returning to Leiden, because of the peace, a popular event called the Air Show is revived, where planes are loaded with letters that are released into the sky to rain down across the country. While Violet’s colleagues write letters to submit, Cattleya suggests writing a letter to Gilbert. However, Violet finds no words. She is then invited by Dietfried to visit his and Gilbert’s mother. She assures Violet that she does not hold her responsible for the death of her youngest son and that he lives on in her heart, even though the memories are painful to recall. As Violet leaves, Dietfried finds that she has become completely independent thanks to Gilbert’s kind and selfless devotion and teachings. Inspired now, Violet writes a letter to Gilbert for the air show. In it, she tells Gilbert how she learned so much as an Auto Memory Doll and that she plans to move on in the hopes that she will see him again so she can tell him she now understands the words “I love you.” a little more. In doing so, she finally comes to terms with Gilbert’s loss, although she chooses to believe he’s still alive. The next day, Violet receives a new ghostwriting request and returns to work to introduce herself to her new client .

14 (OVA) “Surely one day you will understand love”

Transcription: “Kitto “Ai” o Shiru Hi ga Kuru no Darou” (Japanese: きっと”愛”を知る日が来るのだろう) Taichi Ishidate

Haruka Fujita

Taichi Ogawa Tatsuhiko Urahata July 4, 2018 ( )

Are the light novels canon in any way or are they just fun spinoff stuff (and in that context are they even video game canon or are they also on a take it or leave basis?)

Depends how you look at it! I think they are somewhere in between. The light novels were written by Makoto Inoue, who worked directly with Arakawa and her editor, so they’re probably closer to canon than anything else. They should match the manga. However, the events of the novels were never mentioned in the manga, and there are some things in the novels that seem out of place or otherwise a little weird (like the “raised blood” or whatever else conveniently didn’t mention for Chimeras or Eds – elsewhere childhood friend Pit).

So I would say take them with a grain of salt. I consider them canonical, but that’s why whenever I make a fact that derives from them, I always add “In the light novel…” just to clarify that this didn’t happen in the manga.

As for the video games, it depends on the game. I haven’t played The Girl Who Surpasses God so I can’t tell you about that, but the first two are mostly spin-offs. Broken Angel was made fairly early on when the 2003 anime was still fairly new and I think based more on the manga than anything but I wouldn’t consider it canon.

Crimson Elixir is based on the 2003 anime, but it’s more of what you might see as “canon divergent” or whatever they call these types of AUs. Although the events and style are based on the 2003 anime, they kind of reinvent it and take things in a different direction with certain events playing out differently. For example, we all know that Cornello wasn’t REALLY swallowed by golems, and Nina and Shou Tucker are killed before the Elrics even hit them. So yes, if anything, it is an AU.

I still don’t know too much about the Wii games, but what I do know is that they are based on Brotherhood. The plots seem quite complex, ranging from just after Greeling becomes a thing (I think that’s where they start anyway) to after the Brotherhood. I’d guess they’re probably some sort of AU as well, because it really doesn’t make sense for such big events to happen and not be mentioned at all in the manga. The same could be said for the other games I think. I mean, that’s how these things work because of the nature of spinoffs, but still.

I guess you could say it’s maybe a similar situation to some Star Wars EU members? I think when it comes to the novels and games we can get a lot out of them in terms of the characters, but when it comes to the plot… ehhhh. It really depends.

Something went wrong. Wait a moment and try again.

Try again

Enter the characters you see below

Sorry, we just need to make sure you’re not a robot. For best results please make sure your browser accepts cookies.

Light novels are a huge and popular medium in Japan and increasingly in the West. However, as more good ones pour in, it becomes harder to browse through and find the best light novels to read.

What you will find here is a selection of the best light novels currently available in English translation. Many of these are long-running series, and even more have gained popularity after a successful anime adaptation.

Whether you’ve read any of these light novels or not, you’ll recognize the names of at least a few – like KonoSuba and Re:ZERO – thanks to their popular anime adaptations.

Before we dive into the best light novels list, and just in case you are wondering and unfamiliar, let us ask and answer the question: what are light novels?

What is a light novel?

Simply put, a light novel (literally ライトノベル in Japanese) is a novel. But to meet the definition of a light novel, it must have certain characteristics.

A novel is typically defined as a work of prose over 30,000 words (approximately 100 pages) in length. Anything shorter is often defined as a novella. Light novels are usually around 50,000 to 60,000 words, so they’re definitely novels.

But what also defines a light novel is its target group: teenagers and young adults. Light novels share many themes, tropes, and styles with the broader YA literary genre.

Another characteristic of light novels is that they are often serialized rather than standalone works. Some of the best light novels last as long as some manga, spanning dozens of volumes.

However, because they have an airy tone and low word count, they get through quickly (hence the name “light novel”). Reading ten volumes of a light novel is not the same as reading The Wheel of Time or A Song of Ice and Fire.

Another feature of light novels is that they feature manga-style art. Usually every few pages there is a full page manga panel depicting the current scene. There aren’t hundreds of them, but usually a few per chapter.

As mentioned earlier, the best light novels are also often adapted into both manga and anime. It’s easy to watch a popular anime series and never realize that it was first a light novel series and often a manga as well.

A common trait of some of the best light novels is their comically long titles (especially when they’re in the isekai genre). The anime will then share that title as well, and fans will have to find a way to shorten it (like shortening That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime to Tensei Slime, Tensura, or Slime).

The aforementioned KonoSuba is an abbreviation of God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! or この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！).

So that’s your definition of a light novel. In memory of:

A word count of around 50,000 to 60,000 words (150-200 pages)

Occasional manga style illustrations

A medium or young crowd and style

Several volumes in a row

Often adapted into manga and/or anime

Often very long titles, especially when it comes to Isekai

The best light novels you can read right now

With that definition out of the way, here are some of the best light novels to read right now. Of course, some of these are light isekai novels, but many aren’t. All are popular and popular light novels regardless of their genre.

The anime adaptation of 86 EIGHTY-SIX was one of the best animes of 2021 and led many new fans to search for the original 86 EIGHTY-SIX light novel series, which is easily one of the best light novels of all time.

If you’re unfamiliar with the anime or light novel, 86 is set in a pseudo-dystopian world, in a land known as The Republic of San Magnolia. This country is divided into eighty-five human districts.

Title 86 is the name given to the home district of an abused race of people: the Colorata. They are viewed as subhumans by the rest of the Republic, which consists entirely of a race called the Alba.

San Magnolia has been at war for nine years. People believe this war is being waged by autonomous machines called Juggernauts and no lives are lost. However, it soon turns out that the Juggernauts are actually piloted.

However, these pilots are still not considered human, as they are all from the eighty-sixth district.

However, one person – our protagonist Lena Milizé – spoke out about the monstrous treatment of the Colorata of 86.

A member of the military, Lena is assigned as the warden (or handler) of a group of Colorata soldiers. This particular group are elite fighters, and Lena vows to get to know them on a human level and continue to speak out against the Republic’s fascist behavior.

86 is one of the best light novels of recent years. A non-Isekai series full of personal drama, political issues, intelligent social and political commentary, and a female lead that is well-written and multi-layered.

Mushoku Tensei, which ran from 2012 to 2015 and has a total of 25 volumes, is one of the most influential Isekai light novels to have ever existed.

The reason Isekai looks the way it looks today is because of this light novel series. Whether that’s good or bad is up to you. Anyway, many agree that Mushoku Tensei is one of the best light novels of all time.

As the title suggests, this light novel series is about the fantasy reincarnation of a man who in his previous life was an unemployed Japanese hikikomori in his 30’s. We begin with him being cast out after not attending his parents’ funeral.

In a moment of clarity about his wasted life, our nameless NEET performs a good deed that results in his death. From here he is reincarnated as Rudeus Greyrat into a fantasy world of knights and magic.

While some Isekai teleport our protagonist to another world, Rudeus is literally reborn from the ground up, but with his past memories intact.

The subtitle of this light novel, 異世界行ったら本気だす (translated “When I go to another world, I get serious”) gives you an idea of ​​the themes here. In his new life, our protagonist has been given the opportunity to do better – to be better – and he will try.

However, Rudeus is not initially a sympathetic protagonist. He retains all his previous perverted tendencies. But he tries. This is a story of redemption, and it goes a long way.

With both a manga and an anime adaptation, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has proven to be one of the most popular isekai series of all time, and with good reason.

Not all isekai are good (far from it), but Tensei Slime is an example of how to do isekai well while still enjoying and reveling in the genre’s most notable tropes and traits.

Tensei Slime begins with Satoru Mikami, a single and lonely but relatively content employee who is stabbed to death on the street one day by a random assailant. Before he knows what’s happening, Satoru finds himself in a fantasy world as a slime.

Thanks to the Dragon Quest video game series, the slime monster has been a popular character in Japanese media, and that’s exactly what Satoru has now become: a foot-sized wobbly blob of blue slime. Mostly cute and mostly useless.

Except for one trait: his Predator ability, which allows him to easily devour, absorb, and take on the abilities and aesthetics of anything and anyone he encounters.

Overpowered protagonists are a tired and boring trope of lazy Isekai tales, but here in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, that feature is used to surprisingly clever effect.

Named Rimuru Tempest by the dragon Veldora Tempest – whom he frees, devours and befriends – our protagonist then ventures out into the world to make friends and build his own society.

Tensei Slime is one of the best light novels you can read in terms of world building. It does a wonderful job of playing off fantasy and Isekai tropes to create something fresh and brilliantly well drawn.

The world of this light novel is flawlessly designed and draws you in in a way that few other light novels can.

I know it’s another light isekai novel, but oh what a charming and warming one it is. Ascendance of a Bookworm (本好きの下剋上 or Honzuki no Gekokujou) is one of the best light novels for readers who want to have a good time.

It begins, like all good Isekai light novels, with a death. Our protagonist is college student and would-be librarian Urano Motosu, who is crushed to death by a falling pile of books.

Reborn in the body of five-year-old Myne, a girl living in a medieval fantasy world of princes and paupers, Urano (or rather Myne) only wants to return to reading.

In this world, however, books are only for members of the upper classes. And so, using her skills and knowledge from her past life, Myne embarks on a journey of papermaking and bookbinding.

For bookworms like me who are fascinated by both the history of the written word and the craft of bookmaking, Ascendance of a Bookworm is like a soothing balm.

At times, this Isekai light novel reads like edutainment and provides detailed information about bookbinding. But even then, it remains thoroughly captivating and endearing.

Ascendance of a Bookworm is a celebration of reading, perfect for those of us who thrive on literature.

As a side note, the anime adaptation of this light novel is a slow burn but retains the charm and colorful tone of the original.

Spice and Wolf is easily one of the most famous, respected and best light novels ever written. At this point a popular classic and not an Isekai.

While not an Isekai, Spice and Wolf is still a fantasy light novel, but one that clearly stands out as not being about knights and mages. Instead, it’s about a trader and a harvest goddess.

That’s a premise that has intrigued me as a fantasy fan for a long, long time: to write a fantasy story that follows a more ordinary breed of character. For example a journalist, a postman or an artist.

That’s more or less what you get here with the Spice and Wolf light novel series.

Spice and Wolf (狼と香辛料 or Ōkami to Kōshinryō) began way back in 2006 and begins with the traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence. After training as a teenager, the 25-year-old is now a full-fledged trader.

The world-building begins immediately as Lawrence fills the reader in on the city he is en route to, as well as that city’s recent communal changes and spiritual traditions. We get the impression that he is a worldly man with many associates.

In the town of Pasloe there is a superstition surrounding the harvest and the local god of that harvest. Suddenly, however, this very god is asleep in the back of Lawrence’s cart.

Holo presents herself as a young girl with wolf ears and a tail, but can also transform into werewolf fashion at will. As the world around her changes both spiritually and economically, Holo is at a crossroads, and she trades a ride with Lawrence.

The relationship between these two, plus the excellent fantasy world-building on display here and the fact that this isn’t the story of a noble knight or a chosen one, makes for a truly fresh fantasy light novel series.

Tanya the Evil is without a doubt one of the smartest and most compelling, and therefore best, light novel stories out there. A real must for fans of the Isekai genre.

While most isekai manga and anime place their protagonist in a traditional fantasy world (think swords and sorcery and a medieval Western European-inspired setting), Youjo Senki went a different route, and that route is what makes him so smart and so damn unique.

Beginning with an employee who faces an unexpected death, our protagonist’s soul is quickly confronted with God, a being that our protagonist does not believe in. As punishment, God (Being X) reincarnates our protagonist in the body of a young girl named Tanya.

Tanya is an orphan living in a world inspired by Imperial Germany circa 1920. If she is killed, she will be sent straight to hell for her sins. And so she uses her cleverness to secure a secure and tactical position within the Empire’s army, living up to the name Tanya the Evil.

Youjo Senki is a fantastically clever isekai light novel series guided by heavy moralistic themes that consistently captivate the reader, volume after volume.

Overlord is another twist on the often-predictable Isekai trope. This is doubly impressive considering that this light novel series started back in 2010 and proves that it was way ahead of its time.

Overlord begins in the future, with the servers of an advanced MMORPG called YGGDRASIL about to shut down. The last remaining guild decides to stay online until the end, but when the end comes, the guild leader – Momonga – finds himself in the world of the game.

A powerful guild leader with almost limitless power, Momonga is now trapped in an Isekai prison; The twist is that he is the strongest thing in this world. To put it simply, Overlord is the ultimate isekai power fantasy.

If you pick the Overlord light novels, you’ll find a number of books with beautiful cover art, but little else. This is an impressively large series of some of the best light novels you will ever read. The Overlord manga, on the other hand, has some really outstanding artwork for you to enjoy.

Which one you choose simply depends on whether you prefer Isekai manga or light novels. The novels contain more written detail, but a picture is worth a thousand words. choice of the reader.

Otherside Picnic is one of the best light novels I’ve read. For me at least, it mixes a lot of my favorite genres and subjects: sci-fi, surrealism, horror (or maybe “terror” is a better word), and queer relationships.

Our protagonists are Sorawo and Toriko, two young girls traveling through magical doors to horror-inspired parallel worlds known as the Other Side. The horrors of these different worlds are inspired by notorious urban legends and internet creepypastas.

Sorawo meets Toriko after a near-death experience while fighting one of the Other Side’s monsters. From here, the two go on adventures together, collecting artifacts and meeting other people on the Other Side; Meanwhile, their journey begins to twist them as individuals and tangle them as a couple.

Among light novels, Otherside Picnic is truly unique, and its attempts to blend genres and styles pay off in countless satisfying ways.

Kino’s Journey is another classic and one of the absolute best light novel series ever written, starting way back in 2000. Being a classic, it’s no surprise that Kino’s Journey has seen multiple anime TV and film adaptations, as well as a manga.

The title heroine of the light novel is Kino, who travels through a fantastic land only in the company of her talking bicycle Hermes. When she stops to rest and explore a new area, Kino always spends exactly three days there.

She argues that this three-day rule is because three days is always enough, but admits she’s afraid to settle down. As a reader, this hit me particularly hard. I also never stay in one place for long and have lived in many different cities and countries.

I and many other readers like myself feel connected to cinema; their fears and their philosophy. In addition, there are also similarities to Spice and Wolf. This is a fantasy adventure that is not about war and the end of the world. This is about world building, exploration and introspection.

When the anime adaptation of Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai was released, it caused quite a stir in the anime, manga, and light novel communities. And for a good reason. It also made many new fans sit up and pay attention to the source material.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is one of the best light novels in recent memory. However, the less said about it, the more impactful it will be for new readers.

This light novel series begins with a teenager, Sakuta Azusagawa, noticing a girl wandering around the library dressed as a bunny. Nobody else pays any attention to them. In fact, they can’t see them at all. But he can. Why? Who is she?

I will not answer these questions. This is a powerful slice-of-life light novel series that is best explored fresh. It challenges us to consider and relate to the experiences of teenagers as they struggle through that turbulent period of life called adolescence. It looks at loneliness in all its forms, many of which don’t even look like loneliness at first.

There’s a lot going on in Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai thematically, and it’s a light novel series that seriously deserves your time.

KonoSuba, shortened from the Japanese Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku o, is an Isekai light novel series that borrows from and extracts the tropes of Isekai to create one of the most laughable series in light novel history make.

Consisting of manga adaptations of several light novel series and a popular Isekai anime, KonoSuba is huge. In fact, it was probably many readers/viewers’ first isekai experience, which is odd given its status as a parody of the genre.

One of the best-known and best light novels in the isekai and comedy genres, KonoSuba follows Kazuma Sato, a boy from modern-day Japan who dies and is reborn in a fantasy world. So far, so familiar.

What sets KonoSuba apart – and makes it such a successful isekai comedy series – is its central cast of characters. To succeed in this fantasy isekai, Kazuma must throw a party, and he chooses three women, each stupid in their own way.

The first is Aqua, the goddess who originally reincarnated him, whom he quickly outwits. The second is Megumin, a wizard who can do little but makes things explode spectacularly. The third is a masochistic crusader named Darkness.

Together, this group of adventurers throws a hilarious party that brings some really fresh comedy to the isekai genre — comedy that walks the line between silly fun and clever parody.

While it’s another Isekai light novel, what makes Re:Zero smarter, and also one of the very best light novels out there, is the way it plays with its own premise, rules, and the concept of Isekai itself. Couple that with a truly detailed world-building that rivals the best fantasy novels of our time.

Re:Zero is another isekai manga with an unlikable loser protagonist in Natsuki Subaru, but this one presents its protagonist with more of a wink and a nod that lets the audience know: he’ll improve.

Subaru awakens in a fantasy world made up of intricately interwoven politics, story and lore. However, he is killed very quickly.

This moment reveals the unique essence of Re:Zero. Subaru is destined for some mysterious reason to start over after death, always reviving several hours or days back in time, with the world as it was, but his memories of that timeline are still intact. It’s traumatizing to say the least.

Classroom of the Elite is a different kind of high school drama set at the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, a school of the future, a school where students are allowed a lot of personal freedoms, but also on the way to incredible success (if they excel).

Our protagonist, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, is smart, but he still ended up at the bottom of Class-D: the rejection class. He’s a humble kid, but in his classroom he meets Suzune Horikita, a student eager to climb the ranks to reach the top: Class-A.

While Kiyotaka expected an ordinary school experience by the numbers, his new friendships quickly shift his lane completely.

This is one of the big ones: the Monogatari (Story) series. Monogatari had a profound impact on the world of light novels, and it began with his first arc: Bakemonogatari (Monster Story). The Monogatari series began in 2005 and ended in 2021 after 28 light novel volumes.

Bakemonogatari begins with Koyomi Araragi, a high schooler who has just spent a brief stint as a vampire. But he shook it off with the help of a bizarre man who lives in an abandoned tutoring school.

From here, Koyomi soon crosses paths with a classmate of his: a girl named Hitagi who weighs almost nothing at all. He finds out about her when she falls down the stairs at school and falls right into his arms. And so he takes Hitagi to the man in the tutoring school to cure her of her weirdness.

Bakemonogatari is a light novel series about the supernatural and the people who suffer from supernatural oddities. It’s long but great.

This is another heavy hitter. One of the greatest and best light novels of all time. Haruhi Suzumiya’s melancholy was immortalized by legendary animation studio Kyoto Animation, but the original light novel (and its sequel books) is also one of the original greats of the light novel genre.

Haruhi Suzumiya’s melancholy is a wacky story. Its title character is the wide-eyed Haruhi Suzumiya, a girl with reality-warping powers (though she doesn’t know it).

We start with Kyon, a boy whom Suzumiya got into helping her start a club (the SOS Brigade) with the aim of investigating supernatural and mysterious events (ghosts, monsters, UFOs, etc.).

Three new members soon join the club. Behind Suzumiya’s back, they reveal the truth to Kyon: that they are actually there to keep an eye on Suzumiya. They know her powers and fear she could use them to end/change the world forever.

And so, with Kyon’s help, our club must amuse Suzumiya by giving her the adventure and excitement she always craves.