Discover a world of enchanting tales and unforgettable adventures as I present the best completed light novels for you to dive into. These captivating stories have garnered acclaim for their intriguing narratives, memorable characters, and fascinating worlds that transport readers to far-off places. In this article, I will introduce you the best completed light novels that conclude
through a curated selection of completed light novels, spanning various genres and styles, to provide a delightful reading experience for every enthusiast.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling action, heartwarming romance, gripping mysteries, or immersive fantasy, our list offers something for everyone. Each of these literary gems has left an indelible mark on the light novel landscape, and by exploring these completed series, you can fully immerse yourself in their worlds without the worry of waiting for the next installment. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we introduce you to the best completed light novels of all time.
17. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (ありふれた職業で世界最強) is an isekai harem light novel that quickly became popular in English-speaking regions. It was serialized on the novel posting website Shosetsuka ni Naro starting in 2013, authored by Ryo Shirakome and illustrated by Takayaki. The main series has already concluded, with the final volume, volume 13, released in 2022. A prequel to the main series, Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (ありふれた職業で世界最強 零), written as a side story, has been published since 2017.
In Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, Hajime Nagumo, initially with the weakest skill, gains strength in isolation after a dungeon accident. He meets Yue, a vampire girl, in the dungeon and forms a powerful bond with her. Yue becomes the main heroine and his greatest support. Together, they travel through a different world, with Hajime gradually becoming the strongest. As they gather various allies, they search for a way for Hajime to return to his original world, facing many enemies along the way.
Volumes: 13
Published: 2015-2022
Genre: Isekai, Dark-fantasy, Harem
16. The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (はたらく魔王さま!) is a finished light novel series authored by Satoshi Wagahara and illustrated by 029 (Oniku). It was first published under the Dengeki Bunko imprint in February 2011 and ended its run in August 2020, with 21 main volumes. The series gained significant popularity and received multiple adaptations, including a successful anime series that started airing in 2013.
The series follows Sadao Maou, the Demon King from another world who, after being defeated by the Hero Emilia, finds himself stranded in modern-day Tokyo. Reduced to working part-time at a fast-food restaurant to survive, he must navigate the complexities of everyday life while planning his return to power. Despite his intimidating origins, Sadao gradually becomes an endearing character known for his hard work and kindness. Along the way, he encounters various characters from his past, adding elements of action and comedy to this unique slice-of-life narrative.
Volumes: 28 including 7 spin-offs
Published: 2011-2020
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
15. Gamers!
Authored by Sekina Aoi and illustrated by Saboten, Gamers! (ゲーマーズ!) is a popular completed light novel series. The series spanning 12 volumes was published by Fujimi Shobo under the Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint from 2015 to 2019. Gamers! mixes romantic comedy with gaming culture, and its engaging narrative has led to manga and anime adaptations.
The story revolves around Keita Amano, a high school student with a love for video games. His life takes a turn when the school’s prettiest girl, Karen Tendou, invites him to the gaming club. The ensuing misunderstandings and romantic entanglements between Keita and his fellow students serve as the heart of this comedic light novel.
Volumes: 15 including 3 short-story collections
Published: 2015-2019
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
14. Nyaruko: Crawling with Love
Nyaruko: Crawling with Love (這いよれ! ニャル子さん) is a rom-com, science fiction light novel series that started in 2009 and finished with the 12th volume in 2014. Written by Manta Aisora and illustrated by Koin, it was published by SoftBank Creative under the GA Bunko imprint. This series cleverly incorporates elements of Lovecraftian horror into a high school setting, earning itself adaptations into manga, anime, and games.
Nyaruko: Crawling with Love follows Mahiro Yasaka, a normal high school student whose life is turned upside down when he’s saved from alien monsters by Nyaruko, a formless Lovecraftian deity of chaos who has taken on the form of a silver-haired girl. A chaotic, otherworldly, yet hilarious daily life begins as more Lovecraftian entities come to Earth, taking the form of beautiful girls and living with Mahiro.
Volumes: 12
Published: 2009-2014
Genre: Romantic comedy, Fantasy
13. The Irregular at Magic High School
Written by Tsutomu Sato and illustrated by Kana Ishida, The Irregular at Magic High School (魔法科高校の劣等生) was published between 2011 and 2020. The completed sci-fi action light novel series has 32 volumes plus a spin-off. It was initially published online from 2008, before being picked up by ASCII Media Works who published the series under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. It has been followed by its sequel The Irregular at Magic High School: Magian Company since 2020. The original series has some spin-offs including The Honor Student at Magic High School, The Irregular at Magic High School: Plan to Assassinate Tatsuya Shiba, and New The Irregular at Magic High School: Maidens of Cygnus.
Set in a world where magic is acknowledged as a technical skill, the series follows Tatsuya Shiba, a seemingly unremarkable student attending a prestigious magic high school with his younger sister, Miyuki. While Miyuki excels and is recognized as one of the school’s best, Tatsuya is labeled as a “reserve” student due to his seemingly lackluster magical skills. However, behind his mundane status, he possesses rare technical knowledge, physical combat capabilities, and unique magic techniques, making him the true “irregular” at the magic high school.
Volumes: 33 including 1 spin-off
Published: 2011-2020
Genre: Science fiction, Action, Romance
12. Oreimo
Oreimo (俺の妹がこんなに可愛いわけがない), which is also known as My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute, is a famous completed light novel by Tsukasa Fushimi, with illustrations by Hiro Kanzaki. Published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint from 2008 to 2021. The main story was concluded with the 12th volume in 2012, followed by some alternative endings focusing other heroines like Ayase, Kuroneko and Kanako. It was adapted into a manga series from 2009 to 2011 and a TV anime series in 2010 and 2013.
Oreimo centers on Kyosuke Kosaka, a normal high school student who has a strained relationship with his younger sister Kirino. However, when he discovers Kirino’s secret life as an otaku obsessed with adult-rated games featuring Imoto (little sisters), he finds himself drawn into her world, helping her navigate her secret hobby while bringing them closer.
Volumes: 17
Published: 2008-2021
Genre: Slice of life, Comedy
11. A Sister’s All You Need
With the theme of Imoto (little sisters), A Sister’s All You Need (妹さえいればいい。) is a light novel series written by Yomi Hirasaka and illustrated by Kantoku. Published by Shogakukan under their Gagaga Bunko imprint from 2015 to 2020, this light novel explores themes of friendship, love, and the creative process, leading to its anime and manga adaptations.
A Sister’s All You Need revolves around Itsuki Hashima, a 20-year-old novelist who’s obsessed with little sisters, despite not having real one himself. His obsession is to the extent that all his works revolve around them. Despite his peculiar preferences, Itsuki is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, including a fellow novelist, a tax accountant, a university student, and his younger stepbrother. This series is a heartwarming comedy about their daily lives and struggles in the publishing industry.
Volumes: 14
Published: 2015-2020
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
10. Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (冴えない彼女の育てかた) is a romantic comedy light novel series penned by Fumiaki Maruto and illustrated by Kurehito Misaki. Published by Fujimi Shobo under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint from 2012 to 2019, Saekano delves into the world of visual novel development. It was made into an anime adaptation comprising two seasons in 2015 and 2017 by A-1 Pictures and the final anime movie in 2019 by CloverWorksA.
The story focuses on Tomoya Aki, a hardcore otaku who wants to create his own visual novel after meeting a beautiful girl during cherry blossom season. He assembles a team of talented girls including Eriri as an illustrator and Utaha as a writer from his school, only to realize that the girl who inspired him, his classmate Megumi, is shockingly unremarkable. Thus, his project to develop the game and turn Megumi into the ultimate heroine begins.
Volumes: 20 including 7 short-story collections
Published: 2012-2019
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
9. Ascendance of a Bookworm
For experienced light novel fans, Ascendance of a Bookworm (本好きの下剋上) is a great title that shouldn’t be missed. The author Miya Kazuki first released it on the user-generated novel publishing site Shosetsuka ni Naro in 2013, and the light novel series with illustrations by Yu Shiina has been published since 2015. The final volume 33 was released in December 2023, completing the series. There are also one spin-off book and two short story collections. Ascendance of a Bookworm has been made into the manga adaptation since 2015 and the anime adaptation since 2019.
Ascendance of a Bookworm follows the journey of a young woman with a deep love for books, who tragically dies in an accident in the modern world. She is reborn as Myne, a frail 5-year-old girl, in a medieval-like world where books are scarce and only accessible to the elite. Despite her weak body, Myne’s passion for books remains undiminished. She quickly realizes that in this new world, books are a luxury far beyond her reach, being born into a poor family.
Volumes: 36 including 1 spin-off and 2 short-story collections
Published: 2015-2023
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy
8. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (この素晴らしい世界に祝福を!) is a delightful completed light novel series authored by Natsume Akatsuki, with illustrations by Kurone Mishima. Published under the Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko imprint from 2013 to 2020, the series spans 17 volumes. There are some spin-off series including KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! and Consulting With This Masked Devil!. KonoSuba’s unique blend of fantasy, comedy, and adventure led to its adaptations into manga, anime, and even a film, each contributing to the series’ widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
After a laughable death, high-schooler Kazuma Satou finds himself in an afterlife with the goddess Aqua, who offers him a second chance in a fantasy world. Opting to bring Aqua herself, they embark on a quest to defeat the Demon King. Expecting a grand adventure, Kazuma instead finds himself dealing with mundane tasks, Aqua’s uselessness, and an array of eccentric party members. KonoSuba humorously flips the Isekai genre conventions, delivering hilarity and misadventures at every turn.
Volumes: 19 including 2 short-story collections
Published: 2013-2020
Genre: Isekai, Comedy
7. Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu
Maybe less known to international readers, Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu (イリヤの空、UFOの夏) is a highly-regarded finished science fiction light novel series written by Mizuhito Akiyama and illustrated by Eeji Komatsu. Published by MediaWorks from May 2001 to October 2002, the series has gained a reputation for its beautiful storytelling, which was adapted into to an anime OVA adaptation in 2005. It is classified into Sekai-kei set on the border between reality and fantasy like Haruhi Suzumiya Series.
Naoyuki Asaba, a regular junior high school boy, spends the entire summer vacation in the mountains looking for UFOs, but in the end he had no success. On the last night of the summer vacation, he sneaks into the school swimming pool and meets an unfamiliar girl who calls herself Kana Iriya. As Naoyuki gets closer to Kana, he learns that she’s a fighter pilot from a secret defense agency, engaging in a war against alien invaders. The series intricately weaves a narrative of young love and sorrowful reality in an impending crisis.
Volumes: 4
Published: 2001-2004
Genre: Science Fiction, Sekai-kei
6. Spice and Wolf
Spice and Wolf (狼と香辛料) is a uniquely themed light novel series by Isuna Hasekura with illustrations by Ju Ayakura. Published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint from 2006, it is renowned for its blend of medieval trade economics, romance, and anthropomorphic characters. While the new series Wolf and Parchment: New Theory Spice & Wolf, which started in 2016, is currently being published, the original series Spice and Wolf concluded with the release of its 17th volume in 2011. The light novel series was adapted into the first anime series in 2008 and 2009, and a new anime production has been decided to air in 2024.
The story revolves around Kraft Lawrence, a 25-year-old traveling merchant, and Holo, a wise and ancient wolf deity with a human form. Together, they journey across lands, dealing with trade intricacies and various challenges. As they explore economic complexities, a subtle romance blossoms between them, further enriching their journey’s tale.
Volumes: 17 excluding Wolf and Parchment: New Theory Spice & Wolf
Published: 2006-2011
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
5. A Certain Magical Index
A Certain Magical Index (とある魔術の禁書目録) is one of the most famous and popular light novel series, written by Kazuma Kamachi and illustrated by Kiyotaka Haimura. Published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint from 2004 to 2010, it is a beloved fantasy series that intertwines science and magic. The renowned sci-fi series was completed with 24 volumes, which was followed by a 23-volume sequel A Certain Magical Index: New Testament. The third title A Certain Magical Index: Genesis Testament has been published since 2020.
The story revolves around Toma Kamijo, a high school student in Academy City, a place teeming with technological advancements and supernatural occurrences. Despite having a power that nullifies all magic, psychic, and divine abilities, Toma leads an ordinary life. This changes when he meets Index, a young nun from the Church of England possessing knowledge of 103,000 forbidden magical books, setting the stage for numerous magical and scientific confrontations.
Volumes: 24
Published: 2004-2010
Genre: Science fiction, Action
4. Toradora
Authored by Yuyuko Takemiya and illustrated by Yasu, Toradora! (とらドラ!) is one of the best romantic comedy light novel series ever. Originally published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint from 2006 to 2009, the series’ engaging narrative and well-developed characters have made it a fan favorite. Its anime adaptation airing from 2008 to 2009 has been well received by fans and experts alike as well as the original light novel.
Toradora! navigates the unusual love story between Ryuji Takasu, a gentle high school student with intimidating eyes, and Taiga Aisaka, a small yet fierce girl nicknamed the “Palmtop Tiger”. When they discover they have crushes on each other’s friends, they form an unlikely alliance, and their chaotic, heartwarming journey of love and friendship unfolds.
Volumes: 13 including 3 spin-offs
Published: 2006-2010
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
3. My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, as I Expected
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, as I Expected (やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。), also known as its anime adaptation titled My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, is a masterful completed light novel series written by Wataru Watari and illustrated by Ponkan8. It was published by Shogakukan under their Gagaga Bunko imprint from 2011 to 2019, the series’s distinctive portrayal of high school life has resonated with many, followed by its spin-off series My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, as I Expected: Yui from 2021.
The great novel series casts a spotlight on Hachiman Hikigaya, a cynical high school student with a distorted view on life and no friends or girlfriend. When he is compelled to join the Service Club by his teacher, he meets Yukino Yukinoshita, a beautiful, smart, and seemingly perfect girl. And, a cheerful, friendly student Yui Yuigahama also joins them. As they assist others in navigating high school life’s social intricacies, their unique perspectives challenge and change each other’s outlooks.
Volumes: 18 including 4 short-story collections
Published: 2011-2021
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
2. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden (ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン) is an exceptional completed light novel series penned by Kana Akatsuki and adorned with illustrations by Akiko Takase. Kyoto Animation published the series under their KA Esuma Bunko imprint from 2015 to 2020. The profoundly moving narrative and richly drawn characters have not only earned it the grand prize in the fifth Kyoto Animation Award program but also sparked highly acclaimed anime and film adaptations.
The series follows Violet Evergarden, a former child soldier, as she reintegrates into post-war society. With her arms replaced by mechanical prosthetics after a devastating battle, she becomes an “Auto Memory Doll” scribing people’s thoughts and feelings into letters. As she explores human emotions through her work, she also seeks to understand the last words her major said to her, leading to a powerful journey of self-discovery and healing.
Volumes: 4 including a spin-off
Published: 2015-2020
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Coming of age
1. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Achieving praise from a wide range of people, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (無職転生), which is also known as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, just concluded its grand Isekai story with the 26th volume in November 2022. It was serialized by the author Rifujin na Magonote and the illustrator Shirotaka from 2014. The author distributed the original story on the light novel website Shosetsuka ni Naro at first between 2012 and 2015. The completed isekai light novel has been successfully made into an anime adaptation since 2021 and a manga series since 2014. Since June 2023, the collection of stories set after the final battle, titled Mushoku Tensei: Redundancy, has begun. Each tale carefully illustrates the subsequent narratives of various characters. This sequel is a must-read for fans.
Mushoku Tensei tells the story of a 34-year-old unemployed and socially withdrawn man, who is suddenly sent to an Isekai world after death in an effort to rescue high schoolers nearly run over by a car. He is reincarnated as a baby named Rudeus Greyrat who possesses a talent for magic in the medieval European world. Mushoku Tensei is definitely one of the best light novel series in the recent decades.
Volumes: 26
Published: 2014-2022
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy, Adventure
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