15 Best Light Novels Worth Reading Twice!

best light novels to read

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You might’ve been familiar with the words anime novels or LN or web novels. All of these words refer to one source, and that is a light novel in which you immerse yourself in a world while reading it.

Light Novels acted as a source for anime since the 1990s. Due to their popularity, many of the light novels have been translated into different languages to make it convenient for the readers.

Probably you haven’t heard about many famous light novels and read some, but couldn’t get into it. Well, you don’t have to worry about that since we have prepared a list of the best web novels/ light novels you can read.

Best Light Novels to Read! 

15. Martial World

Martial World- best light novels
  • Year: 2012
  • Volumes: 2255 Chapters
  • Author: Cocooned Cow

Martial World is a Chinese fantasy light novel with an amazing world-building. Most of the readers praised this novel as ‘Once in a Lifetime Read.’

The plot seems entirely new for regular novel readers, but if you’re already into fantasy light novels, then you’ll get a treat for your eyes.

In the Realm of the Gods, numerous legends fought over a mystical cube. But after the battle, it disappeared into a place called void. Ling Ming finds the cube accidentally, and as you can expect, the journey of a legend is on its way.

Even though we’ve shown a little summary of the plot, there are a lot of turns in the story that’ll mesmerize you. So, if you’re looking for a light fantasy novel, then this one is for you. After all, it is one of the best light novels out there.

14. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash- best light novels
  • Year: 2013
  • Volumes: 15 (+2 Side-story Volumes)
  • Author: Jyumonji Ao

Probably most people like to read Japanese Isekai light novels because wherever you search, you find an amazing isekai novel. And here is Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash with its perfect storyline and decent pacing.

The story starts with Haruhiro waking up in a new world with some other people who were barely able to remember their names. Soon they find out that they entered into a world that is exactly like a game.

To survive, Haruhiro forms a party with them and learns new skills in the world of Grimgar. Without knowing what awaits him, his tale began as he gets into an adventure born from the ashes.

The translation quality of this light novel is top-notch. With a character-driven story, it immerses you completely in the Grimgar world and takes you along the adventures. After all, it is one of the best adventurous light novels.

13. Tales of Demons and Gods

Tales of Demons and Gods- best light novels
  • Year: 2015
  • Volumes: 491 Chapters (Ongoing)
  • Author: Mad Snail

When it comes to fantasy, Chinese light novels are top-notch, and Tales of Gods and Demons is no exception. The most influential aspect of this novel is its intense plot.

Along with its unique world-building, readers would think as if they were summoned in a different world. You might find a few cliches in the novel, but you’ll enjoy it as much as you discover its flaws. It is, without a doubt, one of the best light novels to exist.

Nie Li was killed by a Sage Emperor and reborn as his 13-year-old self. With this second chance in his life, he can finally take revenge against the Sage Emperor and protect his beloved ones.

If only it would be that easy to defeat a Sage Emperor who is as powerful as a God. With the vast knowledge of his previous life, he wields the most potent demon spirits and starts his journey to reach the pinnacle of the Martial Arts.

12. Warlock of the Magus World

Warlock of the Magus World- best light novels
  • Year: 2015
  • Volumes: 1200 Chapters
  • Author: The Plagiarist, Wen Chao Gong

You might’ve encountered a few novels where MC is a badass, but this novel stands on the pinnacle of all those. As you can expect, the MC is quite cold-hearted. Due to this fact, you might even abandon the novel in the middle.

But let us restrain you from doing it. The plot moves at a great pace so that you won’t get bored, and even the characters are entertaining. In the end, you’ll feel satisfied with it.

When a futuristic scientist gets transported into Leylin’s body in a fantasy world, his desire for power leads him to pursue magic. In this world, there is no mercy, and Leylin feels as if only he’ll do something if it benefits him.

He is ruthless who will do anything to reach his goal. Can he live his life like this once he started pursuing his goal? I guess you’ll find out once you finish this incredible novel. We wouldn’t have brought it to the list if it isn’t worthy of being one of the best Chinese light novels.

11. Seoul Station’s Necromancer

Seoul Station's Necromancer- best light novels
  • Year: 2016
  • Volumes: 208 Chapters
  • Author: Jinwoo Seol

Do you like light novels that include levelling up concept and some epic battles with a badass MC? Then you have got the right one here. In the beginning, I thought the novel would end up as the normal ones where the concept won’t differ.

However, when I got halfway through the novel, it was terrific, and it is perfectly set to the title. If you start reading it, I’m sure you’ll go through numerous chapters without any break. That’s how good this novel is.

Kahng Woojin finds himself returned to Earth after 20 years of hellish life on Planet Alphen. He finds that the Earth is not the same, and it is filled with Dungeons, where monsters pop out.

He became a Necromancer after being summoned to the other planet, and now when he is finally back, his strength and age are set back to zero.

Now could he be the one who would save the earth from the upcoming disasters as he gets stronger? It is one of the most well-written Korean light novels out there.

10. Danmachi

Danmachi- best light novels
  • Year: 2013
  • Volumes: 15
  • Author: Yasuda Suzuhito

Suppose one had to describe Danmachi in one word, probably Masterpiece! would be suited for it. If you haven’t read Danmachi yet, you are missing a lot. Unlike some light novels, everything will be on point, and the translation is flawless.

You won’t even find any plot holes in the whole novel, and there isn’t any room for filler words either. What more aspects do you need to call it a Masterpiece? At the very least, it is one of the best light novels I have read.

An Orphan form boy goes to a dungeon city in a fantasy world to become an adventurer. As you can expect, in this fantasy world, adventurers can receive game-like levels and stats.

Patron gods who ascended from another dimension look after these abilities, and one would become strong as he encounters various enemies. Our MC starts as a sole member of a goddess guild and dreams of becoming a harem hero. That is one amazing fantasy he has.

9. Everyone Else is a Returnee

Everyone Else is a Returnee- best light novels
  • Year: 2016
  • Volumes: 348 Chapters (+4 Extra Chapters and 1 Afterword)
  • Authors: Toika, Toy Car

Just by looking at the title, you could get into this fantastic light level, and believe me, you should read it. The concept of this light novel is unique from the novels you read regularly.

Everything sticks together soon even it goes in a different direction in the middle, and you’ll be amazed by the writer’s imagination. We just hope that this novel will be on par with the ones with your taste.

The MC, in this light novel, is a person who left out in his elementary school, middle school, and high school. When he finally becomes a college student, he is left out of humanity. Ignored by God, he spends over a millennium of his skills for the upcoming Cataclysm.

Watching over the earth every day, he waits for the day where he can find the answer behind all this. Aren’t you amazed by the concept? Get ready to witness one of the most thrilling Korean light novels out there.

8. Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World

Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World- best light novels
  • Year: 2013
  • Volumes: 17
  • Author: Akatsuki Natsume

Unlike any other light novel in our list, the world-building of Konosuba isn’t massive, but in the minimal concept, it gives plenty of satisfaction to the reader. More importantly, the story isn’t something that you should consider, and that’s where its charm lies.

It is more like a gag-adventure with tons of hilarious and cute moments. But it doesn’t mean you should imagine the show has no character development. You’ll see once you get into the story.

Kazuma Satou is a shut-in who used to play games all the time. But when he dies, he gets summoned to another world and meets a goddess. He wants to live a good life in this world, but unfortunately, he faces enormous problems due to a single decision.

That is, he chooses the goddess to accompany him when he got a choice to choose a wish. Even the demon king’s army targets him. Thus, we brought it into the list of best Japanese light novels.

7. You’ve Got the Wrong House, Villain

 You've Got the Wrong House, Villain- best light novels
  • Year: 2019
  • Volumes: 18 Chapters (+1 Extra)
  • Author: Margot

How should I start this? A small notice for the new readers that this is a slow burn romance light novel. Just because it took some time to get into it, don’t give up on it. You might miss a fantastic light novel. It takes around a couple of chapters before the romance gets heated up.

However, throughout your read, the character development and the pacing of the plot shows the real deal. In the end, it leaves a scar in your heart as one of the best romantic light novels ever.

As if it wasn’t enough suffering for the female lead in this light novel to be reincarnated as a child in the slums, she was taken to a city of crime as a test subject. But when a man appeared and destroyed the institute, she escaped and trying to live a normal life.

When she meets a certain man named Lakis Avalon collapsing in front of her house, she realizes he is the king of the underworld and the same person she saw at the institute before. But ‘You’ve got the wrong house, Villain.’

6. Reverend Insanity

Reverend Insanity- best light novels
  • Year: 2012
  • Volumes: 2335 Chapters
  • Author: Gu Zhen Ren

Revered Insanity is a God-Tier wuxia light novel when it comes to action and concept. In this novel, the main character gets reincarnated 500 years back after pursuing immortality his whole life.

Now he is reincarnated, but what is his true motive because he even gave up his entire life chasing power? The action scenes in the novel aren’t normal ones like flashy fires or god-like movements.

Gu worms are the essence of one’s capabilities, and the way MC makes use of these is genuinely astonishing. With a lot of twists and turns, you’ll get to learn the truths and secrets of the characters. In other words, it is a complete anticipation builder.

Make sure you read it so that you won’t have to miss once such a fantastic light novel. Try it, and you’ll totally get hooked since it is one of the best light novels to exist.

5. The Legend of Sun Knight

The Legend of Sun Knight- best light novels
  • Year: 2007
  • Volumes: 08
  • Authors: J.u. and Ya Sha

The Legend of Sun Knight” sets in a world where God of Light is worshipped by the Church containing Twelve Holy Knights. While everything changes around them, these Holy Knights always remain the same; so is the law and justice.

The main character is one of the Twelve Knights, and his greatest wish is to stand before the entire continent and roar like a true knight who prevails justice over trash humans. Unfortunately, the God of Light still forgives everyone, and so the main character.

I tried to describe the story as funny as possible, considering this light novel is ridiculously hilarious. The Twelve Knights are awesome amidst different personalities. The main character is the best “hero” I’ve ever seen in any light novel.

With an amazing fantasy setting, it takes you on a wonderful journey with some funniest scenarios. So, if you haven’t read it yet, make sure you do. After all, it is one of the best light novels out there.

4. Monogatari

Monogatari- best light novels
  • Year: 2006
  • Volumes: 27
  • Author: Nisio Isin

If you have heard this name already, then it must be a popular anime series. Well, the Monogatari anime series has quite a reputation over the fandom, but it is adapted from this light novel series. So, you should already know how this novel will be and why you should read it.

With a touch of Japanese myths and the Supernatural concept, it will take you on a ride of amusing adventure. After all, it is one of the best light novels you can find.

The story centers on Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who is still a human; instead, she is actually a Vampire. One day, her classmate Hitagi falls on the stairs and finds himself in Koyomi’s hands. She finds something strange about him, and despite threatening him, she offers him help.

She introduces him to Meme Oshino, who helped her from becoming a vampire. The story turns quite epic when you get into various volumes. We recommend you not to miss such amazing light novels at any cost.

3. Spice & Wolf

Spice & Wolf best light novels
  • Year: 2006
  • Volumes: 22 (+3 Spinoff)
  • Author: Ayakura Juu

If you’re a fan of slice of life light novels, then you should’ve already read this one, or you might as well do it right now. Spice and Wolf is one of the gold-standard light novels if one puts it in terms of rank.

The world-building is too original, and the characters are compelling. Mostly, people like it for the characters and the storyline, but if you think of other aspects such as the romance between the characters and humor, then you’ll love it over time.

The story follows a traveling merchant known as “Lawrence” who used to travel in the usual way and make his living. One day he accidentally finds ‘Holo‘ in his cart, and she resembles the form of a wolf goddess.

Holo makes a deal with Lawrence to take her on his travels, and in return, she would increase his profits with her power. No business person with common sense won’t ignore such an offer. Lawrence decides to travel to many other places he had never been, and so their journey begins.

2. The Empty Box & Zeroth Maria

The Empty Box & Zeroth Maria- best light novels
  • Year: 2009
  • Volumes: 7
  • Authors: Tetsuo, 415

The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria‘ starts with quite a confusion and every loose end that leaves us dumbfounded will tie down at the end of the story. Besides, it’s a novel with school life as its base, and it is more than just a mystery novel.

The story follows Kazuki Hoshino, who desires to live a normal life without any conflicts. But when a transfer student Aya Otonashi who Kazuki believes that he didn’t meet accuses him of committing a crime.

But Kazuki has no memory at all. Just because the plot summary involves a couple, don’t think it as an ordinary romance novel. When the mysteries get revealed and the concepts go beyond one’s imagination, you only get to scream in surprise.

With well-developed characters and fictional concepts, it will take you on a grand adventure of suspense and thrill. After all, it is one of the best light novels out there.

1. Oregairu

Oregairu- best light novels
Alt Title: My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong as I Expected
  • Year: 2011
  • Volumes: 14 (+3 Side-story Volumes)
  • Author: Watari Wataru

Perhaps if you’re looking for the best slice of life light novel, then you won’t get a better recommendation than this. The story follows the life of Hachiman Hikigaya, who leads a tough life without friends and a girlfriend.

When he sees his classmates discussing the good events that occurred in their life, he just imagined them as liars. And he has no dream or aim in his life. That’s how bored his life has become until now, but everything changes one day.

To help him, his teacher forces him to join the ‘service club‘ where only members of the club are Hachiman and a beautiful girl Yukino Yukinoshita. Just because its genre is a slice of life, don’t assume it as a slow-paced story.

Even though it takes a bit of time to build up the story, it includes a lot of hilarious and beautiful moments. Once you get into reading it, there is no stopping you from it. Well, we wouldn’t brag over anything unless it is one of the best light novels out there.

Concluding Best Light Novels!

Well, it seems we have reached the conclusion of our list. Since the recommendations are picky, you wouldn’t find a single one with the worst experience; instead, you’ll love each one with a different sense. If you’re a beginner, make sure to pick up one that suits your taste.

If you’re a novel lover, probably, you’ll love every one of the light novels here. So, what are your thoughts on Light Novels or Anime Novels? What is your favorite novel so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Posted by
Hanumanth Reddy

Hanumanth is an enthusiastic author who enjoys writing about anime, movies, and TV shows and aims to share his optimistic views with his readers. His favorite franchise is Star Wars, and he aspires to be a Jedi in the future, but he vows not to fall on the dark side.