Light novels is a core part of the anime culture and, ultimately, Japanese literature. A good portion of iconic and not-so-popular anime are based on light novels. These mediums give life and color to these stories, hence, their popularity. Still, light novels may not be as popular as their anime counterparts, but they are just as good.

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The key difference between "light novels" and "novels" is that the book cover illustration resembles anime-like characters. Also, the Japanese culture & language are heavily referenced in most light novels. But just like anime, it is fun to read and easy to understand. If you are an anime-only or manga-inclined fan, choosing the right light novels can be quite the task. So, here are novels you can try if you want to experience what the light novel world has to offer.

10 The Saga Of Tanya The Evil

The Saga of Tanya the Evil is a dark fantasy novel featuring an Isekai storyline, where a typical salary earner is reincarnated as a girl in a fantasy world by god as Tanya von Degurechaff. The gender bender novel stars detailed fights that tease your imagination, creating a fulfilling reading experience.

What starts as a typical Isekai quickly transforms into a military-like world with Tanya at the helm. Tanya distinguishes herself as a talented soldier in this new world, rising up the military ranks despite the odds: her young age and height. The Saga of Tanya the Evil is the perfect novel for new light novel readers.

9 86 Eighty-Six

Recently, 86 got an anime adaptation, and it's been getting quite the attention. However, this isn't surprising since it follows the smash-hit light novels series authored by Asato Asato. 86 Eighty-Six presents a world filled with racial conflict & discrimination among the sub-humans and humans.

Contrary to most light-weight fantasy novels, 86 Eighty-Six is dark. It is a close representation of how human society works, with its politics-based plot points and complex social workings. What’s more, the story features a female lead, allowing readers to experience a different development from the default light novel tropes.

8 Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest is a fantasy Isekai story authored by Ryo Shirakome, which started its publication in 2015. Unquestionably, Arifureta stands at the top when Isekai light novels are mentioned. Ironically, the light novel is way better than the anime adaptation, lined with fan service and plot drifts.

The story's plot follows Hajime Nagumo, who is summoned to a different, fantasy-lined world where magic exists. Unlike most Isekai stories, the main character is reincarnated to another world with his classmates, a major factor that transforms him into the story’s antihero. Arifureta is a recommended read for Isekai fans.

7 Overlord

Most anime fans would have either heard of or seen the anime version of Overlord. However, for a deeper thrust into what the story offers, the light novel is a necessary factor. The story revolves around Momonga, an experienced player of the VR game MMORPG, who gets stuck in the game after its shutdown. Soon, the NPC characters he created gain their own will and decide to serve Momonga with undaunting faith in their leader.

Overlord’s author uses well-crafted wordings to create an immersive experience for readers. This dark fantasy Isekai novel is among the best light novels of all time. If you watched the anime, what’s better than trying out the original, more heightened version of the story?

6 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

The novel title, “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime," may appear unattractive, but the story holds what most readers don't expect. The story follows a frustrated human who reincarnates into another world as a slime, one of the lowest magical creatures. But, despite the protagonist's funny appearance, he is armed with a powerful ability.

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Rimuru possesses the ability to absorb anything, ranging from attacks to humans and even dragons. And once he does, he gains their powers. Following this path, he becomes one of the strongest characters in the series. The novel is already completed, so you can check it out for an unfiltered experience.

5 Jobless Reincarnation

Jobless Reincarnation: Mushoku Tensei is a coming-of-age Isekai that allows readers to follow the protagonist's growth, starting from the first volume. The story begins after a 34-year-old shut-in is reincarnated into another world as Rudeus. With this new chance to begin another life afresh, Rudeus vowed to be different in this world compared to the failure in the form of his past self.

Armed with great magical talents, Rudeus soon begins to become a central figure in the fantasy-dipped story. Jobless Reincarnation is a must-read for newcomers to the light novel medium.

4 Re:Zero: Starting Life In Another World

Re: Zero is one of the light novels that define the Isekai genre. The story has over 30 volumes of light novels, showing how broad and expansive the franchise really is. The story revolves around Natsuki Subaru, who is transported to a parallel fantasy world. Contrary to the typical Isekai protagonists, Subaru isn't endowed with boundless magical talents.

Instead, he is bestowed with a powerful but torturous ability, "Return by Death," which makes him unkillable. Re: Zero is a tragic story filled with pain, emotional turmoil, and unpredictable occurrences. Recently, the story hit a 10-year anniversary. Based on this development, the author of the series has promised readers a happy ending. This means the light novel's peaceful ending is assured, so interested fans can give it a try.

3 No Game No Life

No Game No Life is a light novel series written by Yu Kamiya. Since 2014, the anime version of the story hasn't been updated. Worse, there's no news of a future adaptation. Consequently, if you are among the frustrated fans that seek the story's continuation, the light novel is the perfect solution.

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No Game No Life follows the story of Sora & Shiro, an intelligent duo that is summoned to another world, where their hyper gaming skills are tested through various trials with lives hanging in the balance.

2 Haruhi Suzumiya Series

The Haruhi Suzumiya Series is among the light novels that defined the Japanese novel art form. It's one of the best light novel classics you cannot afford to miss, and the series started its publication as far back as 2003. The novel is an iconic one that paved the way for the popularity of most novel series. The story revolves around the SOS Brigade, of which the protagonist, Haruhi Suzumiya, is part.

The novel spins the concept of aliens cohabiting with humans in a unique manner, different from most alien-based stories. Regardless of the frequent alien intrusions, the main characters still try to fit into the normal, ordinary high school narrative. The story is both interesting to read and watch as it has an anime adaptation.

1 Classroom Of The Elite

Presently, the Classroom of the Elite series is among the most iconic high school-based light novels. Written by Shogo Kinugasa, the story revolves around the students in a merit-based school, where their performance determines their future standing in society. Getting into Class A is the strategic option for students to get the best shot at opportunities, so the story hosts class wars and battles for points and achievements.

The story features incredible psychological twists mostly spun by the story’s protagonist, Ayanakoji Kiyotaka. Classroom of the Elite is a novel that will keep you on your toes with its interesting themes and impressive characters. The story has an anime version; however, it pales down compared to the original source material. If you want to experience the best of the light novel world, Classroom of the Elite is a one-way ticket to your goal.

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