The Charles County Public Library offers all sorts of items for check-out, including light novels! They are short books, usually from Japan, that feature some drawings and are often a part of long-running series. These books are often adapted into manga and anime and maybe more familiar to you than you think! This list features ten different series and are perfect for teens that want to try out this form of fiction.
Solo Leveling by Chugong
Jinwoo Sung is the weakest hunter in the world when he enters a hidden dungeon and is left to die. Just when he thinks his life is over, he is mysteriously invited to become a “player.” Now with a leveling system only he can see, will the weakest hunter in the world be able to become the strongest?
This eight book series has been adapted into both a manga and anime!
Raven of the Inner Palace by Kouko Shirakawa
The Raven Consort is a mystery, with many in the palace not even knowing what she looks like. Intrigued by the stories about her, which say that she can communicate with ghosts and curse people, the emperor arrives to ask for her help. Thus begins the popular series, which currently has seven books.
Infinite Dendrogram by Sakon Kaido
In the distant future of 2043, a virtual reality massive multiplayer online game is released and is a sensation. Two years later, Reiji Mukudori is finally able to join the game! With his friends and brother by his side, he dives into the world of infinite dendrogram and goes on the adventure of a lifetime.
There are 20 books in this series!
Urano loves books and is about to become a librarian when she dies in an accident and is reborn as Myne in a new world, where books are rare and many people cannot read. She refuses to give up on her dream and will do anything to become a librarian, even learn magic!
The Case Files of Jeweler Richard by Nanako Tsujimura
When Seigi Nakata becomes acquainted with a mysterious British jeweler, he has no idea what adventure is in store for him! After hiring Richard to appraise a family heirloom, he joins the gem expert and learns more about precious stones and solves mysteries for the clients who bring them in.
Tokyo Ghoul by Shin Towada
Unlike other series on this list, these light novels are based on a manga! Learn more about Ken Kaneki, a college student that is half-human and half-ghoul as he learns about his new powers and navigates conflicts in the two worlds.
The Executioner and Her Way of Life by Mato Sato
Menou is an executioner, charged with stopping those that have come to her world from ours. Her new target, Akari, proves to be a unique case when she is unable to be killed! Menou has to find a way to end Akari before she can bring disaster, and Akari is excited to tag along on the journey.
This series has been adapted into a manga and has five books available.
Adachi and Shimamura by Hitoma Amura
Adachi and Shimamura meet while skipping class and become friends despite their differences. As their friendship develops, Shimamura begins to wonder if Adachi wants their relationship to become something more, and if she feels the same way.
This series has eleven volumes and a manga.
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes by Mei Hachimoku
This stand-alone light novel tells the story of Kaoru, who hears about a mysterious tunnel that grants a wish in exchange for your youth. He agrees to work with the mysterious new girl Anzu to explore the tunnel and must decide whether to use its power to bring back his younger sister.
This book has also been made into a manga.
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! by Satoru Yamagushi
The main character of this series, the daughter of a Duke, realizes that she is a character in a video game she played in another life. Not only that, but she is the villain! Will she be able to change the game and save herself from a bad ending?
There are eleven books in this series, which has been adapted into a manga and has a spin-off anthology.
