13 Best Short Light Novels You Can Read in a Day!

best short light novels

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Reading Short Light Novels has to be one of the most convenient hobbies for busy people who are stressed up due to their work life. Often you would be immersed in a light novel for days, and since you can’t finish it due to circumstances, you might’ve dropped it in the middle or left it without reading for days.

With short light novels, you don’t have to face such problems, because most of them can be read in a single day or in a few hours. But don’t think they’re comprised of less enjoyment. Sure, they don’t have many characters to impress you by pulling a stunt after fifty chapters, but they’re best in their own league.

So, if you’re unable to find some good short light novels or one-shot light novels or books out there, we’ve got your back. And here comes our list of best short light novels you must read to make your short breaktimes worthwhile.

Best Short Light Novels to Read!

13. I Became the Hero’s Bride

I Became the Hero's Bride- best short light novels
Alt Title: 용사님의 신부가 되었습니다!

This must be one of the funniest short light novels I’ve read until now. The story sets in a kingdom where a hero with handsome looks and personality saves the country’s prince from the hands of a demon king. With this incident, the kingdom dropped all the worries and has been leaving in peace.

But the power that can even overpower a demon king is too dangerous to leave unrestrained. Then Royalty of the Kingdom thought it would be better to marry the hero to one of their daughters. But sorry, they don’t have any daughters except two princes.

Then they came up with another (weirdest) idea to turn the hero into a princess. It might seem silly from the looks of it, but the story has more potential than you think. It is too hilarious to overlook, and at some points, it is even on par with top comedy light novels like Konosuba.

Its world-building, characters, and even the story is a mess, but that’s what gives it more reasons to read it. Its flaws make it hilarious, and most of the chapters will only fill your day with laughter. So, make sure to add this one to your short light novels list.

  • Written by BHaeun
  • 35 Chapters (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.0/5

12. Tales of Zestria

Tales of Zestria- best short light novels
Alt Title: テイルズ オブ ゼスティリア

Tales of Zestria is already a lot popular with its games animated by Ufotable Studio. The story sets in a world where divine beings are known as Seraphim exist, and the people with the ability to communicate with them are known as “Shepherds.”

Sorey is a boy who has been blessed with such power, and he travels the lands of Glenwood to free them from the threat of Hellion. The adventures of Sorey start here, and to know what happens next, why don’t you try reading it?

This short light novel has a fair story and characters, but what makes it a worthy one on the list of short light novels is narration. There aren’t many complications in the story as it seems in the premise. So, in the end, you’ll be able to have a lot of fun.

It even has some amazing moments alongside the pacing. So, if you haven’t read this one yet, make sure to add it to your short light novels list. Well, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try at the least.

  • Written by Hirabayashi Sawako
  • 2 Volumes (Completed)
  • Partly Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.2/5

11. Narcissu

Narcissu- best short light novels
Alt Title: Narukissosu

Narcissu is one unique novel on our list of best short light novels. The story follows the protagonist, diagnosed with lung cancer when he reaches twenty and gets admitted to a hospital. There he meets a girl who is a couple of years older than him with a terminal illness.

They both have the same wish- not dying in the hospital or at home, and so, they decided to run away together. Soon, they travel across the Japanese highways and still can’t decide where to go. Later on, they head towards the narcissu fields to make some memorable moments before they disappear.

There are a couple of things that I personally loved in this short light novel. Firstly, the writing is unbelievably good, and the conversations between the characters make you love it over time. Secondly, the pacing of the story after a few chapters blends in with the story’s progression. 

It puts you on an emotional journey and never lets you be at ease. Though it starts a bit boring, in the beginning, try and give it a second chance for a couple of chapters. So, we thought, it would be better to mention it on the list of best short light novels.

  • Written by Tomo Kataoka
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.3/5

10. Tomorrow I Will Die, You Will Revive

Tomorrow I Will Die, You Will Revive- best short light novels
Alt Title: Ashita, Boku wa Shinu. Kimi wa Ikkikaeru

If you’re going to start reading this light novel, make sure to keep a tissue box beside you. The story follows Sakamoto Akizuki, a delinquent who leads a tedious life and has always been feared in his class.

One night, he witnesses a girl dying, and immediately, a Death God appears before him and asks him to make a choice. “Half of your lifespan to revive her,” without hesitating, he agrees, and the next day the girl actually becomes half of his life.

As I said, this light novel makes you laugh, feel pleasant, and sometimes even emotional. When I read this, I experienced a whole new type of rom-com, and especially, the character of Yumesaki is my favorite. Since it is only 3 volumes, you can finish it in just a couple of days.

Even if you’re new to reading light novels, you’re bound to love it. So, somehow if you didn’t end up reading this beautiful novel, make sure to give it a try. After all, it is one of the best romance short light novels out there.

  • Written by FUJI Maru
  • 3 Volumes + 1 Side Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.3/5

9. The Dark Maidens

The Dark Maidens- best short light novels
Alt Title: Ankoku Joshi

“The Dark Maidens” is a school life mystery novel, and the story sets in Virgin Mary Girls Academy. Itsumi Shiraishi, the director’s daughter, dies, and no one knows the reason how she died except the lily she squeezed before dying.

But the rumors about her dying because of the members of the literature club soon began to circulate. What exactly and why they had to kill her? Read this suspenseful thriller school life novel to find out.

It’s got a strong premise, and the author didn’t hesitate to execute it flawlessly. The best thing in the novel is you don’t know who exactly is the culprit until the end. With intriguing characters and an interesting premise, it takes you on a magnificent thriller ride.

You also get some pretty good twists and turns in the story, making it one of the best short light novels out there. If you haven’t had a good read in a while, try this one out.

  • Written by AKIYOSHI Rikako
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.4/5

8. Your Name

Your Name- best short light novels
Alt Title: Kimi no Na wa

Probably you’ve watched an adaptation anime film with the same name or at least heard of it. Your Name follows Mitsuha, who lives in the countryside, and Taki, who lives in a busy Tokyo city. They both have dreams about each other’s daily lives, and strangely, it feels too real.

Guess what, it isn’t a dream but a phenomenon that lets them switch their bodies unwillingly. Even though they live far away from each other, their minds are connected, and they search for the truth behind this unusual phenomenon.

Your Name is a story-driven light novel with promising characters. It is a short light novel with only 1 volume but gives you a never-had experience while reading it. As good as the movie is, the light novel is also worth a read.

Though the original is pretty amazing from the translated one, it still feels appealing throughout your read. So, if you haven’t read this beautiful light novel, then make sure you do. Thus, we brought this novel into the list of best short light novels.

  • Written by Makoto Shinkai
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.5/5

7. The Lazy King

The Lazy King- best short light novels
Alt Title: Daraku no Ou

The protagonist in this light novel gets reincarnated into another world before he realizes it. He does nothing except sleeping, and somehow he ended up becoming a demon lord. Yes, he never wished for it, but it must be a stroke of luck that comes once in a while for good people.

He is a lazy person who doesn’t show any interest in things like glory, honor, and virtue. Read how the lazy king deals with the world he got reincarnated and why he is actually a Lazy King.

The main character in the novel feels the center of it but actually, he isn’t. Most things get done by the demons around him, and that’s what actually gives you a reason to read this amazing short light novel. Its humor is on point and never lets you off the hook once you get into it.

It is definitely different from the ones you’ve read until now and you won’t find any plot holes in it. So, we suggest you this one as one of the best short light novels out there.

  • Written by Tsukikage
  • 16 Web Chapters + 2 LN Volumes (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.5/5

6. Death Note Another Note: Los Angeles BB Murder Cases

Death Note Another Note: Los Angeles BB Murder Cases- best short light novels
Alt Title: Death Note Another Note: Los Angeles BB Renzoku Satsujin Jiken

Death Note fans would enjoy this novel like no one else, but it is for everyone. It sets in Los Angeles, and a serial killer is on the loose, killing people every day. But for some reason, the killer is leaving the clues at each crime scene that happen to be hints for the next murder.

“L,” a mysterious and genius detective with peculiar working habits steps in, and he never showed his face to the public before. Along with Naomi Misora, L starts investigating the case. Later on, the psycho killer and L end up playing a game of wits, and who’ll win in the end?

It is definitely one of the best thriller short novels out there. It has a dark theme and a gripping storyline to engage you all the time. Without any unnecessary introductions, it heads straight towards the story and lets you have an astonishing experience.

With continuous plot twists, it leaves the reader on bated breath, and with the constant change of the way of storytelling, it never gives you space to feel bored. So, if you haven’t come across this light novel, now’s the time. After all, it is one of the best short light novels out there.

  • Written by NisiOisiN
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English by Andrew Cunningham
  • Rating: 4.6/5

5. I Had the Same Dream Again

I Had the Same Dream Again- best short light novels
Alt Title: Mata, Onaji Yume wo Mite Ita

“I Had the Same Dream Again” is a story about an unhappy girl who harms herself, a woman who is excluded from society, and an old woman trying to leave her life in peace. But there is a common thing among them, and Koyanagi Nanoka, a grade-schooler is trying to find it out.

When her teacher assigns her to find out what happiness means to her, Nanoka befriends these three strangers, and through them, she learns more of herself. Read this beautiful light novel to explore a world of happiness.

This novel has a decent pace, and the chapters pass on just like that, but the last two chapters wrap up everything very well, making the reader astonished. The characters are amazing, and more than the storyline, you’ll get attracted to them.

In some moments, you’ll tear up, and in other ones, you’ll have some great laughs. Overall, “I Had the Same Dream Again” is an alluring light novel that presents you with a delightful storyline and also one of the best short novels worth checking out.

  • Written by Yuro Sumino
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.6/5

4. Gekkou

Gekkou - best short light novels
Alt Title: Moonlight

Gekkou is about a pessimistic boy who spends his boring life by immersing himself in imaginations. But one day, he finds a notebook (not a death note) of a rumored beauty Youko Tsukimori on the ground. When he finds an interesting note inside the book with the title “Murder Recipe,” he stuffs it in his pocket and leaves.

The note consists of a series of accidents but nothing interesting. However, when he asks her about the note, Tsukimori says she didn’t lose any note. The mysterious note causes some unnatural things, and you should read this light novel to find out what happens next.

It is one amazing psychological novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Being a short light novel with only a single volume, it sure provides a lot of details and explanations for readers. Mainly, the characters are vital in making it a compelling and enthralling story.

If you’re still reading our opinion on this amazing short light novel, you’re definitely delaying a day of entertainment. So, make sure you start this engaging novel right away because it is one of the short light novels out there.

  • Written by Mamiya Natsuki
  • 1 Volume + 2 Side Stories (Completed)
  • Totally Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.6/5

3. I Hold Your Voice Alone, Under the Starry Night

I Hold Your Voice Alone, Under the Starry Night- best short light novels
Alt Title: Hoshizora no Shita, Kimi no Koe wo Dakishimeru

Also known as “Hoshizora no Shita, Kimi no Koe wo Dakishimeru” is a story of Shuu, a member of a literature club, and one day, he receives a mysterious message from a girl named Eina. Despite ignoring the message, he starts exchanging the messages with her.

They discuss all novel related things and become closer in no time. When they decide to meet, it turns out that they both are at different times (one in the past and the other in the present). Read how this love story ends to witness a pleasing conceptual premise.

To express this light novel in my own words, it is truly an amusing ride, and even though the premise gets predictable, you’ll love the way of storytelling. The interactions between the main characters are out of bounds, and it brings out the true beauty of this short light novel.

The plot, characters, and even the narration are too engaging to miss such an amazingly fascinating light novel. Nothing much is needed to describe this; instead, try reading it yourself and judge it. After all, it is one of the best short light novels of all time.

  • Written by Takahashi Bisui
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.7/5

2. The Girl Who Ate a Death God

The Girl Who Ate a Death God- best short light novels
Alt Title: Shinigami wo Tabeta Shoujo

As for how the title seems quite tempting, this light novel definitely reaches your expectations. The story follows Shera, a girl born in a poor village but fought in many battles. In a battle, she went head-on with a “Death God,” and before he slices her up with his Scythe, she eats him.

Is it tasty? Well, don’t ask me, I’m not the one who ate him; It’s Shera. Later on, she joined the Kingdom’s Royal Army, and with a giant scythe in her hands, she is all set to massacre the opponents. Not to bring glory, but she was hungry for more food like Death God.

As weird as it seems, that’s how good this short light novel is. It draws you into a fantasy world with amazing characters and pace. Since people like the best translations, this one’s got one too, and it feels as if you’re reading an original one instead of a translated one.

Although it feels a bit weird in the beginning due to the vomit of words, don’t let it alter your expectations. Once you get into the story, every bit of the novel feels good, and even small details in the story have clear explanations. Thus, it is one of the best short light novels out there.

  • Written by Nanasawa Matari
  • Volumes: 34 Chapters + 3 side stories (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.8/5

1. Manuscript Screening Boy and Manuscript Submitting Girl

Manuscript Screening Boy and Manuscript Submitting Girl- best short light novels
Alt Title: Shitayomi Danshi to Toukou Joshi

The concept of light novels in a light novel would surely spark interest in you. The story follows a normal high school boy named Ao, who works as a manuscript screener for light novel contests. When he finds a familiar name in the submissions, he totally gets shocked.

Hiyuki Hinomiya, Ao’s classmate and an aloof girl with ice-cold behavior who earned the title “Ice Maiden,” actually wrote a light novel with a contradictive concept to her personality. Later on, Ao gives her guidance to become a good novelist, and so, a sweet love story begins.

“Manuscript Screening Boy and Manuscript Submitting Girl” is a satisfying sweet novel that leaves you with a fascinating feel in the end. It has no twists or turns, but you’re going to have an amazing read with the way of storytelling. It is definitely one of the best short light novels I’ve read so far.

The story tells you how light novels get published and a lot more unknown info. So, it’ll be an informative light novel with a slice of life romance feel. So, make sure to add this one to your short light novels list to have a sweet and delightful read.

  • Written by Mizuki Nomura
  • 1 Volume (Completed)
  • Completely Translated into English
  • Rating: 4.8/5

Conclusive Thoughts!

Finally, we’re done with our long list of short light novels, and with these recommendations, you can have a pretty good time. Most of the ones from the list can be read in a single day and some even in hours. So, selectively, choose one to your taste and go through the whole article of short light novels.

Personally, I recommend these short light novels “The Manuscript Screening Boy and Manuscript Screening Girl” and “The Girl Who Ate a Death God.” So, we hope you had a great time with our article and if you have any thoughts to share or spare, feel free to drop them 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.