The BEST English Light Novels To Read In 2024 / Light Novel Recommendations

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ธ.ค. 2024

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  • @ThatLightNovelGuy
    @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What Light Novels do you consider Peak Fiction?

    • @Areouf
      @Areouf ปีที่แล้ว

      Somewhat serious answers: The Isolator (my favourite piece of entertainment of all time in any medium; it has so much potential, but it hasn't got a new volume in years, which sucks) and D-Genesis: Three Years after the Dungeons Appeared (a long-form essay on the social, political, and economic effects of the typical "RPG dungeons suddenly appeared on Earth" scenario; I used to think that the first few volumes of Dungeon Busters were surprisingly clever because the main character made a few spreadsheets, and then I read this, and now even the better parts of Dungeon Busters look like a joke in comparison)
      Half-joking answers: Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon (BOXXO BEST VENDING MACHINE!), Sasaki and Peeps (I don't know what the hell is happening sometimes with the 382928292 parallel storylines, but I do know that I love it), and sure, I'll throw JK Haru in there too.
      Regarding your joke about Mushoku Tensei, funnily enough, I just had a pretty long debate with a friend a few days ago on how Mushoku Tensei compares to other isekai. We (both of whom have read at least one volume of more than 100 light novel series including a lot of isekai) both agreed that Mushoku Tensei's plot is nothing special but that it is executed competently; however, to my friend, that puts it in his top 3 isekai series, whereas for me, that makes it rank 16 out of 60 or so isekai series. It just goes to show how different people's tastes are.
      As for Bookworm, I acknowledge that it's objectively a very well-written series, but I got bored with all the paper making and stuff and haven't read a volume since Part 2 Volume 1. I'll probably force myself to read the whole series once it's fully translated.

    • @PFletcherNWO
      @PFletcherNWO ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The 3 densely written IPs, that come to mind, of are: Mushoku Tensei, Ascendance of A Bookworm & RE:Zero. Densely written means: I went back & read the Web Novel, & now, collect the Lights Novels, Mangas & Blue Rays of the animes. I like the differences in the 4 media. I see them as different iterations, in a parallel world. I'm thinking of collecting Stein's Gate & Oshi no Ko; when these 3 collections are complete.

    • @lucasvanwijngaarden670
      @lucasvanwijngaarden670 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Call me basic but my top 3 are:
      1. Mushoku tensei
      2. Spice and wolf
      3. Ascendance of a Bookworm
      Honorable mention for Bunny girl senpai/ Seishun buta yarou

    • @emocobra666
      @emocobra666 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      86 slime shield hero id ot wrong re zero

    • @mdhamim7552
      @mdhamim7552 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tensei Slime

  • @Zackattacker654
    @Zackattacker654 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Ascendance of a bookworm is my absolute favorite.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Its so good

    • @fatalsoldier1343
      @fatalsoldier1343 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      100% read up to part 5 in less then a month around a year ago and read the web novel I would recommend anyone who is trying out light novels to at least give it a read

  • @cmbc2210
    @cmbc2210 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Ascendance of a bookworm made me a bookworm 😆 the story gets better and better every volume..
    the anime was for kids but the LN is waaayyy better than the anime and manga..
    Thanks for suggesting other LNs, will try those ☺️

  • @zackshannon834
    @zackshannon834 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Ascension of bookworm is not just one of the best LN, it's honestly one of the best stories I've ever read. It's so good damn good

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It really is one of the peaks.

    • @StoneTitan
      @StoneTitan ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It is a really good read and personally one of my favorite stories.
      Though I do think at times we do get a "picture perfect" world view/reactions. Mind you I haven't read the entire series yet, but we hear consequences, but generally the extreme ones are not given to likeable characters.
      We also have Myne's inventions where we don't get to see enough of the negative consequences, though we get hints of them when it comes to the printing press.
      The Food recipes she make gets praised almost to no end, the only criticism I recall stumbling over was Sylvester trying to avoid the vegetables or something like that ^^'
      It does however make the series have a Feel good feel to it, which helps a lot for the series feel.
      As the world Myne now lives in can be exceptionally harsh and cruel. (It's honestly facinating to see and hear about what goes on off screen/ behind the screens)

    • @BoredLNs
      @BoredLNs 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’ve read it three times but tensei slime is pretty good too

  • @pillbox1240
    @pillbox1240 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Elena the Wandering Witch is pretty hilarious. It’s episodic and doesn’t have any kind of plot or character arcs, but I always love her stories.

  • @eriktnnesen6437
    @eriktnnesen6437 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Ascendance of a Bookworm is simply good Fantasy to a degree few light novels are. Few other light novels would do well in a Fantasy Fiction tournament, but AoBW would bag a place among the top 100 on quality alone. Deserves to be read also outside the LN sphere.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      There's a few that I feel are really really good quality. But not many on the same level as Bookworm.

    • @eriktnnesen6437
      @eriktnnesen6437 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have seen Journey of Elaina, but not read it. Might pick it up. But finding something that scratches the Bookworm itch…not easy.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I wouldn't treat Wandering Witch as a Bookworm itch tbh. Its good in different ways @@eriktnnesen6437

    • @eriktnnesen6437
      @eriktnnesen6437 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      After seeing the anime, I don’t expect it to be the same. I don’t think there are anything right now that would fit the Bookworm slot exactly. Miya Kazuki does so much right on so many levels. World building, character development, plot progression, strength/weakness balance, etc.

  • @Harrison11106
    @Harrison11106 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Season 01 of the Ascendance of a Bookworm Anime got me into the Light Novels (LNs). I've not been able to put a single one down. The LNs go in depth on those things that the anime glossed over (like the conditions of the orphanage). I'll miss the series when it ends next year.

  • @pietersleijpen3662
    @pietersleijpen3662 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A series that is rarely mentioned is The Ideal Sponger Life. It is not typical isekai, no OP protagonist, and no medieval-like European setting (at least not at the start). The title is a bit of a misnomer. The MC is not a sponger, and it does focus on a clash of modern Japanese sensibilities with other cultures.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Honestly I forget it exists. Definitely an issue with J-Novel not having physicals out and only having a small social media presence.

  • @StoneTitan
    @StoneTitan ปีที่แล้ว +1

    regarding overlord, I think I'm at vol 14. So just about to enter the Elves stuff area i think. Hearing you talk about the next couple of books being a bit ruushed I can't say i'm surprised, as the Author did indicate after the leak of "the vampire princess" online that his motivation to keep the story going took a dive.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't blame him. I'd have little motivation if my work was being stolen and people were being high and mighty about it.

  • @saschawagner5167
    @saschawagner5167 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Bookworms main point is no expeoition when there is no perceivved reason for the actuall characters to explain things-.And it gets point of views right. Its not that church or nobles know more they know what falls in their area of expertise and have plenty of blindspots for things outside it wich is why it has the best and most unique worldbuilding of any fantasy novel so far. Only point im a bit miffed about is that there a very few characters that are too stupid to be in the positions they are in given their enviroment.......there is only so much you can explain with mana shortage when it comes to incompetence......

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You gotta have a few dumb characters for comic relief. But tbh how many people in power are there in our world that are too dumb.

    • @andrewdurfee3896
      @andrewdurfee3896 ปีที่แล้ว

      In real life we have dumb people in high positions of power. Have you ever heard of politics?

  • @noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878
    @noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Welcome to the world of AOB content creation along with: The Chattering Magpi, Trash Tier Waifu, SugarRushing, mangaman, casterized, and now yourself. Thanks for adding to the content.

  • @OnePieceOfEt
    @OnePieceOfEt ปีที่แล้ว

    Currently reading the aptçothecary diaries and It's soo good

  • @maroindefinitlyhuman6857
    @maroindefinitlyhuman6857 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I see that you only read Japanese lught novels, but might I interest you in something else?
    Try lord of the mysteries. It's a chinese webnovel series but i can confidently say it's better than 95% of everything you've read so far. Im sure once you get a taste of the interesting setting, the unique power system and the incredible lore you'll be addicted to it and won't stop until you finish the whole thing.
    Another webnovel i would recommend is Shadow Slave. Just read the first 20 chapters or so and youll understand why i consider it peak fiction.
    I can guarantee that youll have a much better time with those 2 titles than you have with those gimmick Isekai that keep popping up

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I dont really cover Web novels to be honest. Just don't have the time.
      I have heard good things about Shadow Slave so once it gets a english physical edition I'll look to get a review copy

    • @maroindefinitlyhuman6857
      @maroindefinitlyhuman6857 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ThatLightNovelGuy I believe it was announced a while back, but it might take years for a physical edition to be released.

  • @nicholaschavez8162
    @nicholaschavez8162 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Man I love Ascendance of a Bookworm. I couldn't put it down. Was reading physical, then went to digital, now a member of JNovel Club so I can get the pre-release chapters every Myneday (monday). I've enjoyed a lot of fun light novels such as My Next Life as a Villainess, Reincarnated as a Slime, Overlord, etc. But Ascendance is the one that keeps me up jonesing for my next hit.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      I went the opposite with Bookworm. Was originally reading weekly through J-Novel then ended up buying the physicals XD
      I fell behind during COVID (was a read on my break thing) and realised it was one I wanted to read physically.

  • @marzipanhuman2356
    @marzipanhuman2356 ปีที่แล้ว

    Regarding Mushoku tensei it is hard to evaluate it properly, due to it 'diversity' of sorts: It feels like while the author had some milestones and end-goals in mind he did not quite try to be very consistent in the route connecting them. Genre-wise and in terms of dynamic its all over the place: from roadmovie to slice of life, hence creating a lot of subjectivity in evaluating different parts of story. First volume focuses more on character and world basics introduction, which coupled with certain aspects of protagonist its definitely has some sketchy aspects to it, and considering the amount of isekais over the last years does not seem quite as unique as when it originally started. From there the novel gets more and more into world and lore building, and at the same time executing characters development which makes it quite engaging in the long run.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      I think with Mushoku it lives or dies on if you hate the protagonist enough to drop it or hate him enough that you want to see him improve.

  • @thecompareablezombie
    @thecompareablezombie 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have Read Rising of the Shield Hero, Mushoku Tensei, Arifureta, Spice and wolf(Wish I bought the collector's edition need to find it.) Overlord to a point, still am interested in reading it, Highgschool DXD, Goblin Slayer, Loner in another world, The Sim in this farming sim must be real and Magistellus bad trip 1 out of 3 and the world's finest Assassin reincarnate in another world as an Aristocra. Now for which is peak.
    Not sure which is peak, am sure there are peak Isekai light novels. Have not read the Ascending of a Bookworm yet, Goblin slayer only read volume one light novel, and Overlord up to volume 6-7, I'd say Over is peak from what I read. While Shield Hero a roller coaster instead of being peak. Arifureta is Peak Chunni for the time being, have to look at other edgy light novels. Spice and wolf Is peak wholesome for light novels, can't say for any of the others. As for peak Ecchi not fully sure.
    This is why I started out with no sure which is peak, there are different kinds of peak for me personally. Overlord being the main peak(only read up to volume 7 or 6) While it ties with Mushoku Tensei, am sure there are others like it as well.

  • @xrick03
    @xrick03 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm sorry for saying...I don't read any of those novels...
    BUT! The novels I read, I don't deem any of them peak fiction.
    In my opinion (like you said at the beginning), the idea of peak fiction may differ between readers 😅

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Its literally a buzz word people use that has lost all meaning now

  • @Faithful_Tribe
    @Faithful_Tribe 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Musheko Tensei was great. It’s just quirky.
    Yes Bookworm is a Masterpiece.

  • @22_rohan21
    @22_rohan21 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi would you mind checking out "The conqueror from a dying kingdom" I really liked it.
    there are currently 5 volumes translated to english with 6th on its way
    Its an adventure Novel with the author focusing on the war aspect
    Its a bit like ascendance of a bookworm + 86(without mecha) and I dont know why no one talks about it

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'll add it to my to read list next time I'm buying Bookwalker stuff

  • @Bic-daxc69
    @Bic-daxc69 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bungo stray dogs, alya sometimes hides her feelings in russian, highschool dxd ,classroom of the elite are my top LN's and peak fiction

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Does Alya get crazy good later? I dropped it after 2 but I think Ive seen a few people hyping it up

  • @monicaroseleemullings6771
    @monicaroseleemullings6771 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ascendance of a Bookworm 😍 I am always so happy to see AOB being appreciated 😊

  • @anosopus
    @anosopus 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    PEAK FICTION!

  • @Naryoril
    @Naryoril ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The most amazing thing about Ascendance of a Bookworm that it never ever gets stale. Every other light novel I have read loses at least some of its luster after 10 or so volumes, but Ascendance of a Bookworm just keeps getting better and better. I think that a big part of it is, that Myne gets thrown into a new environment with every part (it's a bit iffy with part 4 and 5 in that regard), which keeps things fresh.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      I feel it's also pretty clear the author knows what and where they want to end up on.

    • @Naryoril
      @Naryoril ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ThatLightNovelGuy Yeah, Miya Kazuki described her process in the first fanbook.
      First she designed the story takes place in, the geography, culture, history and so on.
      Then she decided on the plot, she wrote "The first thing I decided on were the beginning and the end; knowing how the story opens and concludes provides the overarching framework that I can fit everything else into." Then she wrote the bullet points of the whole plot of the series on a single A4 sheet (the fanbook lists how these bullet points look like up to the end of part 2). Then she took a part of that plot and broke it down into further detail, all the things that had to happen no matter what detours Myne made along the way (part 1 filled another A4 sheet). Then she created the important characters, espeically their role and personality.
      Then she goes on to write yet another, more detailed outline to fill the space between the important events. Thinking about "this scene needs X, so i'll write a scene about making X" or "I should have a scene with X before Y happens".
      But in the end, she still leaves some leeway to adapt it all.
      This whole approach explains why everything fits together perfectly, why new concepts get introduced and in hindsight you think "i never thought about it, but it explains why that thing is like this". A great example for this: In the very first volume, she describes the buildings in the lower city as being made out of a white stone (or something similar) on the first floor, and anything above that being made out of wood. And 15 volumes or so later we learn what that all is about, and the whole thing becomes a plot point.
      So yeah, she knows where she wants to end up on, it was the very first thing she decided about the plot, and worked backwards from there, decided how she ends up there. And then she repeats the process to fill in more details in several iterations.

  • @BoredLNs
    @BoredLNs 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love ascendance of a bookworm I’ve read it three times (except for the new one) and I’m rereading it right now another one I like is that time I got reincarnated as a slime

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh wow you are definitely a huge fan of bookworm!

    • @BoredLNs
      @BoredLNs 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ThatLightNovelGuy yep I also just reread books when I get bored or in between my high school and college classes and I have bookworm on my phone

  • @anosopus
    @anosopus 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would very much appreciate if you or any light novel readers would leave feedback on my light novel. I upload it on this channel and on Spotify. I’d like to publish one day, but I’d like this to serve as a way to gain feedback so I can make the published version even better!
    P.s.-I don’t claim to be a great writer, but I try.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You might be better off joining a writing subreddit or something where people actively read independent author works

    • @anosopus
      @anosopus 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ThatLightNovelGuy I see🥲personally I believe people in those communities are all writers who just promote their own stuff but don’t actually engage with others stuff or support it. lol kinda sounds like now, but I actually liked the video and subscribed and definitely watching more😎…sorry😭

  • @hemanth850
    @hemanth850 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I might have not read that many light novels but Mushoku Tensei is one of the best light novels I have ever read

  • @av7062
    @av7062 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The only web/light novels that can truly be considered peak fiction are Reverend Insanity and Lord of the Mysteries. Anything else cannot possibly meet this standard.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sounds like they're Chinese novels so wouldn't be on a light novel list anyways

  • @hutch1666
    @hutch1666 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dungeon Busters has a lot of …. Oh, you didn’t mean that kind of peak.

  • @pietersleijpen3662
    @pietersleijpen3662 ปีที่แล้ว

    The first time I read MT I was also not too impressed with v1, it came across as fairly standard (admittedly at the time I did not know it was one of the first LN isekais). Only when people starting to say it was really good, did I try beyond v1 and I started to like it a lot more. Still, not sure it is in my top 5. When it is good, it is good, but it contains quiet a few volumes that are mediocre.

    • @ThatLightNovelGuy
      @ThatLightNovelGuy  ปีที่แล้ว

      I think I'll enjoy it if I read more of it.

    • @pietersleijpen3662
      @pietersleijpen3662 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ThatLightNovelGuy Probably, but I am a bit hesitant to give anybody the advice to just read the first few volumes, it will get better, promise. After all, it is difficult to judge whether that is true for them and reading (or watching) should remain an enjoyable thing ;)

  • @beanqueenie_324
    @beanqueenie_324 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I loved JK Haru!!!! 😊