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Light novels, although they are not as popular as the manga format, are still well-beloved by many readers of Japanese media. Many people have read through some of the most popular works (such as Sword Art Online or Re:Zero), and are now looking for a new series to read through. This includes more recent titles; more specifically, those that released in the year of 2021.
There have been many light novels that have started out in 2021. Like always, some of these new titles definitely stand out as being higher quality than other titles when it comes to the writing.
9 Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling
An isekai reincarnation light novel, Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling was released on July the 27th, 2021. The main character of this novel wakes up in a new fantasy world… but the only problem is he started off as an egg, in an unfamiliar forest full of monsters ready to eat him.
The egg eventually hatches into a dragon hatchling, though. With his newfound body (and newfound ability to defend himself), the main character starts off on his journey to become this world’s strongest dragon.
8 A Tale of the Secret Saint
Released on November the 2nd, 2021, A Tale of the Secret Saint is a light novel series about a woman who wants to become a knight, but has magic that she must keep a secret.
Fia was born into a family of knights, and is determined to become one just like the rest of her family. However, as it turns out, she is the reincarnation of a powerful Saint – and still has her powers! But if she doesn’t keep it a secret, she will be in danger.
7 Loner Life in Another World
A comedic adaptation of the manga of the same name,Loner Life in Another World was released on August the 3rd, 2021.
Haruka is a shut-in, sarcastic, and a loner. When he and the rest of his class are suddenly transported to another world, all he really cares about is getting strong powers. Unfortunately for him, though, his class got all the “cool” skills, meaning he is left with all the rejected abilities. Can he survive with his bizarre magic, or will he simply flounder?
6 The Undead King’s Reign of Peace
With a release date of October the 5th, 2021, The Undead King’s Reign of Peace is a well-written light novel series.
Mira is struck with a fatal illness, and does not expect to live for much longer. However, much to her surprise, the Undead King Terios arrives at her door, and cures her. As it turns out, Terios intends to conquer the world, but on one condition – he won’t kill anyone! Mira, now a beginner at magic, has decided to join him in this quest.
5 The NPCs in this Village Sim Game Must Be Real!
The NPCs in this Village Sim Game Must Be Real! is about a 30-year-old named Yoshio, who’s a total shut-in that gets invited to play an oddly realistic simulation game about a village, called The Village of Fate. Sure enough, the characters are so real and lifelike that Yoshio starts to wonder if they’re just code and A.I., or if there is something more to them. It could be what’s needed to improve his life.
The light novel was released on October the 19th, 2021.
4 World Teacher
Released in February the 19th, 2021, World Teacheris an isekai about a man named Sirius, who had been a skilled secret agent in his previous life. Unfortunately, he died saving his friends, and his regret was that he never got to see his students grow up.
After being reincarnated into another world, Sirius decides not to let that happen again. With his knowledge of his previous life, he sets off to travel the world and improve the lives of those that he meets and travels with.
3 How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart
How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart is a slice-of-life romance light novel released in July the 25th, 2021. Often known as “The Ice Queen” to her classmates, Fuyuka Himuro is closed off from everybody else.
Her neighbor, Asahi Kagami, is the complete opposite; he’s very social and likes to help people. They’ve never really interacted before, but due to Kagami’s tendency to help others, eventually their paths cross. From there, their relationship slowly begins to grow and change into something more than just neighbors.
2 King of the Labyrinth
King of the Labyrinth saw a release date of January the 19th, 2021, and is a light novel about a Minotaur in a labyrinth.
The tenth floor of the Sazardon Labyrinth is now ruled by a mighty Minotaur, who is not going to let itself be killed off like the previous Minotaur. This Minotaur grows stronger and more powerful as time goes on, and even the labyrinth itself seems less strong than the Minotaur. It really does seem like nothing can ever stop it.
1 The King of the Dead at the Dark Palace
Released on May the 4th, 2021, The King of the Dead at the Dark Palace is a light novel about necromancy and freedom, when a young boy succumbs to his illness and is reanimated as an undead.
This boy, now called End, is excited to know what it’s like to live with a body that wasn’t frail with illness. Unfortunately for End, though, he’s bound to the necromancer that revived him. If he wants to have his freedom, he’ll have to overcome this powerful ruler!