It’s the isekai genre that currently dominates the current light novel scene, particularly as to how their unique approaches to approaching the “other world” story can also become the worthwhile subject of an anime adaptation. And while the likes of Overlord and The Saga of Tanya the Evil remain standout examples of isekai light novels, their ongoing nature means fans still need to wait a couple of months for more recent volumes - something that can halt the enjoyability of the experience.
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Thankfully for fans, there are isekai light novels available for reading that have completed their respective storylines. These stories include tales of teenagers being reincarnated as various things, such as nobles, sorcerers, slimes, and even spiders. In some tales, protagonists just give up on a grand quest given to them or even take the form of the Devil himself, becoming ordinary humans to escape holy warriors. Since these isekai light novels can offer a complete reading experience for genre fans, just which of these stories should readers check out first?
Updated by Rhenn Taguiam on April 5, 2024: With 2024 heralding the announcement of new isekai anime adaptations such as Ishura and Fluffy Paradise, fans of the otherworldly genre may be interested in completed isekai stories worth the read - especially if they have unique characters and stories. With KonoSuba and Mushoku Tensei establishing the genre’s potential in the world of fantasy, other isekai works can spark a fan’s interest based on their premises. Among must-reads when it comes to completed isekai light novels include being called upon to another world to help a Torture Princess, becoming a Dungeon Master as a reward for a gacha game, and a lone alchemist’s journey to become the world’s strongest.
13 Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen
Amazon Review Average: 4.7
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Japanese Title |
Isekai Goumon Hime |
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Writer |
Keishi Ayasato |
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Number of Volumes |
10 |
Fans of isekai stories looking for something short and sweet to pass the time may want to give Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen a shot. In its story, protagonist Kaito dies after being strangled by his father… only to be summoned to another world by Elisabeth Le Fanu, the Torture Princess. Initially offered to serve as this enigmatic figure’s butler or die a torturous death, Kaito relents and becomes Elisabeth’s faithful servant.
Throughout their many encounters, Kaito is also granted access to a killer robot named Hina, and the unlikely trio embark on a journey to help Elisabeth kill 14 Demons or be killed by the Church. Despite its short narrative, Torture Princess strikes a decent balance with gore intermixed with action, comedy, drama, and the occasional mature content. The story never comes across as too short or too long across its volumes, striking as just right.
12 Lazy Dungeon Master
Goodreads Review Average: 4.21
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Japanese Title |
Zettai ni Hatarakitakunai Danjon Masutā ga Damin o Musaboru Made |
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Writer |
Supana Onikage |
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Number of Volumes |
17 |
In a traditional fantasy story, the hero usually clears dungeons of monsters, but the tables have turned in Lazy Dungeon Master. This time around, protagonist Keima is transported from Japan into another world as a gacha game prize. Unfortunately for the lazy gamer, Dungeon Core 695 Rokuko has tasked him with advancing her small dungeon cave into a sprawling masterpiece.
Much of Keima and Rokuko’s adventures in Lazy Dungeon Master revolve around this objective. As with other isekai titles, Lazy Dungeon Master gamifies their core premise: this time, with Dungeon Master Keima having to earn Dungeon Points to customize the layout of Rokuko’s dungeon for maximum profit. While the duo’s dysfunctional relationship is a recipe for a hilarious romcom, it’s how they eventually get there that makes its familiar “boy from the real world meets new world girlie” premise entertaining.
11 The NPCs In This Village Sim Game Must Be Real
Goodreads Rating Average (3 Volumes): 4.28
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Japanese Title |
Murazukuri Game no NPC ga Namami no Ningen to shika Omoenai |
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Writer |
Hiru Kuma |
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Number of Volumes |
6 |
In a twist to the isekai story concept, The NPCs In This Village Sim Game Must Be Real doesn’t necessarily “transport” its protagonist into another world - rather, he’s practically become their god. Its story revolves around 30-year-old Yoshio as he receives a new village sim fantasy game that boasts incredible AI for its characters. While his initial run with the game has become underwhelming, he’s soon drawn to just how “realistic” its characters seem to act.
The idea of an isekai protagonist starting as a “god” of a new world from his computer screen is an unconventional approach to the genre. However, seeing how Yoshio develops fatherly feelings for characters who may never comprehend his existence can lead to quite a perplexing and philosophical tale. Fans who want a quick isekai read may appreciate this story’s short narrative, although others might want to read more of Yoshio’s adventures with his virtual family.
10 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.69
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Japanese Title |
Arifureta Shokugyō de Sekai Saikyō |
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Writer |
Ryo Shirakome |
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Number of Volumes |
13 |
Unlike other isekai stories who has the protagonist become the lone “transportee” from the real world into the other world, Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest has protagonist Hajime Nagumo and all of his classmates (and even their teacher!) Transported into a fantasy world. All of his classmates get awesome abilities, but Hajime gets simple alchemical powers that are common among the world’s smith and craftsmen. What’s worse, Hajime’s bullies in the real world are with him in the other world, and they leave him for dead in one of the first dungeons they’ve found.
Resolved to improve himself and find a way for everyone to leave the other world, Hajime uses his newfound alchemical powers to forge weapons and outsmart his foes. His adventure would eventually have him cross paths with the vampire Yue and other companions such as the dragon Tio and bunny-eared Shea. Despite its rather simple “adventuring party” troupe, Arifureta remains a story of a decent length enough to entertain readers who want a change of pace from the traditional lone isekai protagonist.
9 How To Kill Reincarnators From Earth
Rating: N/A
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Japanese Title |
Chikyuu Tenseisha no Koroshikata |
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Writer |
Yamashiro |
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Number of Volumes |
Discontinued at 75 Chapters, 7 Interludes |
In a rather stark departure from the isekai trend, How to Kill Reincarnators from Earth spices things up with a peculiar premise: what if the protagonist plans on hunting down “reincarnators” instead? This is exactly the task that Orc Queen O’Luna had put upon Katou Motoki, a reincarnator from Earth who just so happened to be in the Orc Queen’s employ.
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Despite its rather dark title, How to Kill isn’t necessarily ultraviolent. Motoki’s major strategy is to “steal” the harem of reincarnators to make them lose their will before assassinating them. While the story is under the backdrop of a cheating setup, the light novel attempts to analyze and deconstruct tropes in the isekai genre. Although the light novel has been discontinued, the decent writing makes Motoki’s journey worth the read - especially since it’s not all the time a hero gets their harem stolen.
8 I Got Reincarnated And Mistaken As A Genius?
Goodreads Rating: 4.1
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Japanese Title |
Isekai ni Tensei Shitandakedo Ore, Tensai tte Kanchigai Saretenai? |
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Writer |
Nyun |
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Number of Volumes |
80 Chapters (Webnovel), 3 Volumes |
Who said an isekai had to take place in a world filled with swords and magic? Unfortunately for Arakawa Kouki, not only does he reincarnate with his memories intact, he only ends up in a version of Japan ever so slightly different from where he had come from. When his new mother “discovers” a formula out of Kouki’s random scribbles, he gets sent to the State Technology Academy, where somehow everything he does gets him mistaken for a genius.
Kouki’s shenanigans with his new friends Alice and Shingo become the centerpiece of I Got Reincarnated and Mistaken as a Genius, which is surprisingly more leaning into slice-of-life than a typical adventure isekai. In turn, Mistaken as a Genius may not be suitable for isekai fans looking for a deep plot. There’s also a need for suspension of disbelief, as Kouki being constantly misunderstood may get stale fast had it not been for comedic timing.
7 (Um, Sorry) I’ve Been Reincarnated!
Rating: N/A
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Japanese Title |
Tenseishichatta Yo (Iya, Gomen) |
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Writer |
Headphone Samurai |
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Number of Volumes |
6 |
Fans who want a lighter take on the isekai genre should give (Um, Sorry) I’ve Been Reincarnated! A shot for its straightforward story. When Shou is accidentally killed by a god, they offer him not just reincarnation but also any gift of his choosing. After choosing to retain all his past memories, Shou reincarnates as nobleman’s son Will who just so happens to develop an aptitude for magic.
Now practically a genius, Will becomes the go-to person for a lot of problems in his immediate vicinity. Save for subtle boys romance angles and attempts to add depth to his character, Um, Sorry reads too predictably for an isekai story. Both newcomers to the genre or those just itching for an uncomplicated story may find Um, Sorry entertaining enough for their desires, although it may lack a deeper plot that other modern isekai stories tend to capitalize on.
6 A Toolmaker Reincarnation~ I Told You to Reincarnate Me In A Tool Shop, Not As A Tool Shop (Building)~
Rating: N/A
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Japanese Title |
Dōgu-ya tensei ~ dōgu-ya ni tensei sa sero to ittaga, dōgu-ya (tatemono) to wa ittenai ~ |
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Writer |
Saccharo |
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Number of Volumes |
6 Chapters |
When a virus kills the protagonist of A Toolmaker Reincarnation~ I Told You to Reincarnate Me in a Tool Shop, not as a Tool Shop (Building)~, the god that did so presents them with a few gifts. On top of erasing their PC and phone history, the protagonist’s original body contains antibodies that can process a cure to stop the virus from ravaging the Earth. The protagonist even gets to choose the way they get to be reincarnated. Opting out of the traditional hero’s journey, the protagonist simply wanted a normal life with a simple job as a toolmaker in a tool house.
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Unfortunately, a misstep in the reincarnation process takes things a step further, making the protagonist reincarnate into a literal tool shop in a game world. Now practically playing out a business management sim, this hilarious premise and the protagonist’s frustrations become a key part of Toolmaker Reincarnation. Sadly, its short run didn’t give the author a lot of opportunities to expand on potential plotlines for the protagonist, leaving much to be desired. However, the attempt to spice things up in the isekai genre makes Toolmaker Reincarnation worth its short read.
The above image is from SAO as an official image of Toolmaker is not available.
5 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (2015)
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.81
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Japanese Title |
Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu |
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Writer |
Rifujin na Magonote |
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Number of Volumes |
26 |
Anyone who wants to get into the isekai genre might want to start with the story that formed its foundations, with Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation being that piece. Originally published as an online web novel, the story’s protagonist was an unnamed NEET (not in education, employment, or training) who died after saving a group of teenagers and reincarnated as Rudeus Greyrat, a skilled sorcerer in a world of sword and sorcery. The light novel takes on a more fantasy route after that, with readers seeing the perspective of Rudeus as a resident of his new world and recalling his memories of the “old” Earth.
Rudeus’ various misadventures lead him to multiple places in the world, eventually coming to contact with a mysterious Human-God who will supposedly cause great calamity to the world. The novel at first tells of Rudeus’s more extraordinary exploits before resorting to episodic mini-arcs, becoming a fictional autobiography of sorts of his life in a new world. This rather severe attempt at an isekai story is a far cry from modern comedic storytelling, which makes Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation a pretty exciting read.
4 KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World (2013)
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.61
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Japanese Title |
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! |
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Writer |
Natsume Akatsuki |
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Number of Volumes |
17 |
Fans of the fantasy genre who want a more refreshing and lax take on the concept may appreciate KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World. Technically an MMORPG spin on the isekai concept, KonoSuba sets itself apart from other stories with its comedy-focused setting. Starring Kazuma Sato, a contract with a goddess after his death had the actual goddess, Aqua, accompany him in his new life. Originally joining Aqua in her quest for freedom by defeating the Devil King, Kazuma slowly sees that his new companions - explosion-loving Megumin and masochistic Darkness - aren’t exactly going to lead them anywhere.
Funnily enough, it’s when Kazuma decided their life is probably better off as a normal adventuring team that fate somehow “conspired” to lead them directly to the Devil King’s path. This funny premise and the idea of four oddballs saving the world might not be new to fans of fantasy comedy - however, the added perspective of Kazuma coming from another dimension can provide more depth to his characterization and views of his new “life.”