Light Novels That Are Lit

​We’re switching things up a bit today! Usually we recommend “typical” fantasy and sci-fi novels (whatever that exactly means, lol), but today we’re recommending some great light novels, translated from Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Many are isekai (portal fantasy). So if that’s your thing, dive in and enjoy!

​1. The Sorcerer’s Receptionist by Mako: Nanalie, a determined young woman who dreams of working as a receptionist at the prestigious Magic Bureau, navigates workplace challenges, rivalries, and unexpected romance while proving her worth in a world of powerful sorcerers.

2. I’m Really Not the Demon God’s Lackey by Great Calamity of Fire: Lin Jie is a seemingly ordinary bookstore owner whose book recommendations unknowingly grant immense power and enlightenment to his customers, leading them to revere him as a mysterious, otherworldly being while he remains oblivious to their interpretations.

3. Her Majesty’s Swarm by 616th Special: A strategy-game enthusiast is reincarnated as the queen of an Arachne swarm in a fantasy world, where she uses ruthless tactics and military strategy to expand her empire while grappling with morality and the consequences of her power.

4. Classroom of the Elite by Syougo Kinugasa: Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is a seemingly unremarkable but highly intelligent student at the elite Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, where students compete in a cutthroat system designed to prepare them for success, all while he secretly manipulates events from the shadows.

5. So I’m a Spider, So What? by Okina Baba: A high school girl is reincarnated as a weak spider monster in a deadly fantasy dungeon, where she must use her intelligence, creativity, and evolving skills to survive while uncovering the deeper mysteries of her world.

6. Trapped in a Dating Sim by Yomu Mishima: Leon, a modern-day man reincarnated into a matriarchal otome game world as a background character, uses his knowledge of the game’s mechanics and his wits to rise through the ranks while navigating political intrigue and rebellious nobles.

7. The Eminence in Shadow by Daisuke Aizawa: Cid Kagenou, a boy who dreams of operating from the shadows like a mastermind, after being reincarnated into a fantasy world, unknowingly builds a powerful organization while believing he’s playing pretend—unaware that his fabricated conspiracy is actually real.

8. The Misfit of Demon King Academy by Shu: Anos Voldigoad, a reincarnated Demon King, enrolls in an academy meant to identify his successor, only to find history has been altered, his legacy forgotten, and society weakened—leading him to reclaim his rightful place with overwhelming power.

9. Overlord by Kugane Maruyama: Momonga, a devoted player of a soon-to-be-shutdown MMORPG, finds himself trapped in the game as his powerful undead avatar, Ainz Ooal Gown, and embraces his role as the supreme ruler while exploring the new world and expanding his dominion.

10. The King of the Dead at the Dark Palace by Tsukikage: A boy is resurrected as an immortal undead by a powerful necromancer and must navigate a world of magic, intrigue, and war while seeking the meaning of his existence and his place in the dark palace.


What’s your favorite isekai, or other, light novel? Tell us in the comments!


P.S. – ​If you loved these book recommendations, why not sign up for our newsletter? Twice a month, we’ll send you a themed list of fantasy and/or sci-fi book recommendations, and sometimes music, movies, or manga too. (Not to mention jokes, games, puzzles, memes, and the occasional recipe!)

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