Isekai light novels to catch before it's over

Light novels are a unique form of Japanese literature, usually aimed at young adults and characterized by their shorter length. They usually feature manga-style illustrations and are designed for easy reading, making them accessible for commuting or casual reading. Light novels have similarities to Western pulp fiction and often incorporate familiar tropes from anime and manga, such as elements of fantasy, humor, and relatable teenage struggles. Many light novels are serialized and adapted into anime or manga; these are some you should try.

7 Log Horizon

This will be a treat for strategy geeks

• Author: Mamare Touno
• Number of volumes: 11
• Publisher: Kawado Future Publishing
• Release date: March 31, 2011

The story follows Shiroe, a veteran player who, along with 30,000 other players, becomes trapped in the MMORPG Elder Tale after a major update. The series explores themes of strategy, community, and adaptation as Shiroe and his friends navigate their new reality, forming the Log Horizon guild to bring order to their chaotic environment. The anime adaptation premiered in 2013, featuring complex world-building and character development, focusing on social dynamics rather than action-packed battles.

6 Endless Path: Infinite Cosmos

Used as a slave, he will not let anyone else control him

• Author: Einlion
• Number of volumes: 31
• Published by: Webnovel
• Release date: 2019

Endless Path: Infinite Cosmos is a story featuring Vahn, a young man with a rare mutation that allows his blood to act as a universal cure. Despite being hailed as a hero, he endures a life of captivity and experimentation until he dies at age 14 during a kidnapping attempt. Reincarnated in a new world, Vahn seeks to control his destiny while navigating themes of adventure, action, and harem dynamics. The series drew attention for its extensive chapter count and complex character interactions, blending elements from various genres, including fantasy and romance.

5 Campfire cooking in another world with my absurd skill

An absurd story that has a delightful feel to it

• Author: Ren Eguchi
• Number of volumes: 15
• Publisher: Shosetsuka ni Naro
• Release date: January 5, 2016

This is the story of an ordinary salaryman who is transported to a fantasy land. Unlike the other summoned heroes, Mukouda possesses the “Online Supermarket” ability, allowing him to order modern Japanese food. As she navigates this new world, she uses her culinary skills to gain allies, including a powerful Fenrir named Fel. The story blends humor and slice-of-life elements, focusing on Mukouda's culinary adventures rather than traditional battles, making it a unique entry in the isekai genre.

4 Failure frame

Considered a failure, he fights tooth and nail to survive

• Author: Kaoru Shinozaki
• Number of volumes: 11
• Publisher: Shosetsuka ni Naro
• Release date: November 24, 2017

The story follows Touka Mimori who, along with his classmates, is summoned to a fantasy world by a goddess to fight a Demon King. Unlike his peers, Mimori is considered weak and banished to a deadly dungeon. However, he finds that his E-rank ability, which causes debuffs, has unique advantages. As he seeks revenge against those who underestimated him, the narrative explores darker themes and character development, setting it apart from similar isekai stories such as Arifureta.

3 The best assassin in the world is reincarnated in another world as an aristocrat

From the Nameless Assassin to the Aristocrat

• Author: Rui Tsukiyo
• Number of volumes: 8
• Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten
• Release date: February 2019

The World's Best Assassin Reincarnates in Another World as an Aristocrat follows the story of an unnamed top assassin who is betrayed and killed by his own organization. A goddess gives him a second chance in a fantasy world, tasking him to kill a hero destined to bring chaos. Reborn as Lugh Tuatha Dé, heir to a noble family of assassins, he uses his past life skills and new magical abilities. The series blends action, strategy, and character development as Lugh navigates assassination missions while forming relationships with various allies, often exploring themes of morality and power dynamics in a richly constructed world.

2 Death March to Parallel World Rhapsody

From programmer to overpowered MC

• Author: Hiro Ainana
• Number of volumes: 30
• Publisher: Fujimi Shobo
• Release date: March 17, 2014

The story follows Suzuki Ichirou, a programmer who, during an intense work session, finds himself transported to a fantasy world that resembles the MMORPG he was developing. In this new realm, he adopts the name Satou and possesses overwhelming strength, allowing him to effortlessly navigate various adventures. He meets diverse characters, including demi-humans and princesses, as he deals with his escape and the consequences of his power. The series combines elements of comedy, adventure and harem dynamics.

1 Sword Art Online

The story of the black swordsman

• Author: Reki Kawahara
• Number of volumes: 28
• Publisher: ASCII Media Works
• Release date: April 10, 2009

The story follows Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya, a skilled gamer who gets trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where death in the game leads to death in real life. The series explores themes of survival, friendship and the psychological effects of gaming. The franchise includes several anime adaptations, films, and spin-offs, starting with the first season that aired in 2012. Later seasons, such as Sword Art Online II and Alicization, further develop the story and characters, expanding on the complexity of the worlds virtual and human interactions inside. them.