Time for another ranking post! For the second rankings list of light novels, I’m looking back at some of the new licensed light novels released in 2022. Disclaimer: I did not read every new series and thus will only include my own personal favourites from the year.
10) The World’s Fastest Level Up
Synopsis:
Get ready for dungeon diving done quick in this modern adventure where Earth feels like an RPG!
Years have passed since dungeons sprung up around the world. When adventurer Amane Rin awakens to a unique skill called “Dungeon Teleporting,” the rules can’t touch him anymore. This is the tale of how he races to become the world’s strongest (and fastest-progressing) adventurer! (Source: SevenSeas)
Starting off the list is The World’s Fastest Level Up, a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy series featuring dungeons appearing in modern-day Japan.
Beginning more as a guilty pleasure with Rin managing to hack and slash everything in sight, the series has matured into something much more intriguing with each growing volume.
The mystery elements convinced me it deserved a place on this list. Creating more depth to the story’s world-building, the dungeon system is revealed to have some sort of intelligence and can control certain outside elements – providing the series with more scope for storytelling going forward.
This is on top of the author putting the puzzle pieces into place introducing several characters with abilities that would complement Rin’s fighting style should he ever decide to dungeon dive as a team.
These aspects make this a worthwhile pick-up for those looking for a fantasy series beyond the scope of the average fantasy world.
9) The Fruit of Evolution
Synopsis:
One day, Hiragi Seiichi’s entire school is transported to another world. As he wanders through a mysterious forest alone, however, he is ‘attacked’ by a gorilla.
“Me, never sleep with man before. Be gentle.”
All Saria wants is to be close to him. Just when he begins opening his heart to the feminine simian, however, tragedy strikes.
Can the strength of their bond—and the mysterious Fruits of Evolution they’ve both consumed—bring about a miracle?
A lighthearted fantasy-comedy romp through a fantasy world! (Source: Hanashi Media)
Hanashi Media’s premier series makes it ninth on the list. Personally, this series represents a happy little bit of nostalgia. Taking me back to the beginnings of my anime journey, where I used to live for the slightly stupid fantasy-harem series and all its different little tropes.
The Fruit of Evolution takes this genre to its wacky apex. It’s absurdist and self-aware, which is more than enough reason why this series shouldn’t be dismissed or overlooked.
Moreover, the translation of this series has the comedy fit just right. As their first published series, they’ve clearly put a lot of effort into making sure they start their light novel journey off on the right foot.
Read the series digitally from the Hanashi Media website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
8) Yuri Tama: From Third Wheel to Trifecta
Synopsis:
Yuna Momose and Rinka Aiba were made for each other, and their whole school knows it. Between Yuna’s princess-like elegance and Rinka’s prince-like charm, all their classmates see them as the ideal couple. Yotsuba Hazama is no exception to that, but she is exceptional in another way: she’s somehow managed to become fast friends with both of them! Having the whole school’s favorite ship as her two best friends isn’t exactly easy, though. Not only does it make everyone treat Yotsuba like a particularly obnoxious third wheel, it makes her feel like one too! Or at least it does, until one day, Yuna asks her out. And then Rinka asks her out too! And Yotsuba, whose social anxiety never seems to kick in until after she’s already messed something up…says yes to both of them, without sparing so much as a single thought for the consequences. Oops! Now Yotsuba only has one choice: keep her accidental two-timing under wraps and make both of her new girlfriends as happy as she possibly can! (Source: J-Novel Club)
Being familiar with Toshizou’s previous works and their unique style of writing, there was no way this series wouldn’t reach this year’s top-ranking list.
Chaos rules the roost here, and it’s such a fresh and interesting take on the usual series found within the rom-com genre. It’s one of the very few yuri series within the light novel space that wants to do the balls-to-the-wall type of funny.
There’s never a dull moment as Yotsuba’s actions constantly lead to her digging a deeper hole for herself. Whether it be trying to date both members of the sacrosanct or trying to manoeuvre around a very different type of sisterly love, she just can’t help causing trouble for herself and others.
As each volume raises the wackiness stakes, I look forward to what situation awaits Yotsuba next!
Read the series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
7) Prison Life is Easy for the Villainess
Synopsis:
Get ready for a high-energy prison comedy! Prince Elliott is engaged to Rachel, the daughter of a duke, but he has his eyes set on someone else. He decides to break off their engagement by accusing Rachel of a crime she didn’t commit and throwing her in prison. Little does he know, Rachel has already heard about his plans…and she is thrilled! To her, prison sounds like a fun vacation with no lessons and no annoying servants. She is more than ready to laze about and live the slow life! Surrounded by all the comforts she could want, Rachel thoroughly enjoys everything the dungeon has to offer while tormenting the prince however she pleases! Her free and merry prison life is just beginning! (Source: J-Novel Club)
At only two volumes in length, this series is the very definition of short and sweet.
Coming into a new year, I’ve come into a bit of a revelation – some of the best series within the villainess genre are the ones that go out of their way to put a unique spin on the usual scenario, Prison Villainess being no exception.
In this case, everyone in the series is, in one way or another, a complete, irredeemable psychopath and Rachel reigns on top of them all.
A broken engagement and imprisonment sets the real Rachel free and now she strives for revenge and a way to ensure she escapes from the queen’s education. The plans and schemes she comes up with as a result often had me laughing out loud.
Furthermore, the series’ ending is just perfect for the overall tone. Nobody gets redemption and nobody gets a happy end even Rachel. Consequences for everyone!
If you enjoy comedy and the villainess genre, this is a series you should definitely check out!
Read the series digitally on the J-novel Club website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
6) The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady
Synopsis:
Despite her supposed ineptitude with regular magic, Princess Anisphia defies the aristocracy’s expectations by developing “magicology,” a unique magical theory based on memories from her past life. One day, she witnesses the brilliant noblewoman Euphyllia unjustly stripped of her title as the kingdom’s next monarch. That’s when Anisphia concocts a plan to help Euphyllia regain her good name-which somehow involves them living together and researching magic! Little do these two ladies know, however, that their chance encounter will alter not only their own futures, but those of the kingdom…and the entire world! (Source: Yen Press)
Continuing the theme of unique twists on the villainess genre, Magical Revolution just misses out on a spot in the top 5.
What Magical Revolution exceeds at most is the level of maturity in its writing and themes. Deep-routed emotions and complex family dynamics are handled adeptly alongside lighter, more comedic moments and well-staged action sequences.
The series’ sibling rivalry is its main highlight. The issues between them are so ingrained that tragedy is inevitable. It’s an emotional battle scene that requires Anisphia to grow as a person and take finally take responsibility.
I would highly recommend this series as it blends mature emotional themes alongside its comedic and light-hearted moments. And now that this series is receiving an anime this season, it’s the perfect time to give this story a try.
Read the series both digitally and physically on the Yen Press website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
5) Now I’m A Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon
Synopsis:
Yuki finds himself reincarnated as a demon lord in another world, and he’s been put in charge of a dungeon to boot! Once Yuki accepts that his fate hinges on the dungeon’s survival in a world where powerful monsters roam free and danger lurks at every corner, he begins gathering allies and bolstering his defenses. Within a few days, he takes on a legendary dragon, an adorable pet slime, and a vampire girl, but despite all his precautions, life as a demon lord in a dungeon constantly under threat…is surprisingly mellow? Of course, with such a colourful cast of characters (and possibly more on their way), Yuki’s bound to wind up in some trouble. Will he be able to pull off a reckless rescue mission? And how will he and his monster girls survive an invasion by a hostile human kingdom?! Join him as he juggles daily life, responsibilities as a freshly minted demon lord, and his growing family of monster girls and pets! (Source: J-Novel Club)
Getting to the top 5 and the first to reach this hefty milestone is a fluffy dungeon builder expertly mixing slice-of-life, comedy and action!
The true highlight of this series comes from its protagonist. Newly reincarnated in another world as a demon lord he takes it all in his stride – killing monsters, making mythical friends and uncovering royal schemes. This is all done through Yuki’s one-of-a-kind unfiltered thoughts.
The translators of Now I’m a Demon Lord! have gone the extra mile with this series. Yuki throws around some colourful insults throughout the first three volumes, “cumrags” and “dickweeds” litter the pages and it never fails to get a chuckle out of me.
Additionally, there are some great relationships developed throughout the series. Yuki and Lefi’s interactions are a treat and I love how well-paced their romantic endeavours are.
Read the series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
4) Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
Synopsis:
Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou is Seiren Private Academy’s “solitary princess.” She’s a half-Russian beauty with silver hair, at the top of her class, student council accountant, and…completely unapproachable. For some reason, she’s also taken on the responsibility of reprimanding the slacker who sits next to her in class. Masachika Kuze is constantly frustrating her by falling asleep, forgetting his textbooks, and just being an overall unexemplary student. Or at least, that’s how it looks from the outside. She may put on a tough act, but she doesn’t mind Masachika as much as others would think. She even lets him call her by her nickname, Alya. Anyone hearing the comments she mutters in Russian under her breath might know how she really feels, but since none of her classmates understand the language, she’s free to say whatever she likes! Except…there is one person who knows what she’s saying. Masachika eavesdrops on her embarrassing revelations, pretending to be clueless, all the while wondering what her flirtatious comments actually mean! (Source: Yen Press)
Just missing out on a place in the top 3, Alya Hides Her Feelings is the first fluffy-style rom-com to make the list.
Well-balanced, the series strikes a good mix between high school drama and cute, fluffy moments. On the serious side, there’s great introspection in the first volume about what it means to have a purpose and motivation. It looks at whether Masachika should really help Alya with her student council president run or whether this is just selfishness on his part.
On the other side, the series gives ample time to its sugary goodness. Masachika and Alya have great chemistry and the scenes of them flirting are always a joy to behold.
Alya is a series that would satisfy both those looking for a bit of drama and those looking for 100% sugar.
Read the series both digitally and physically on the Yen Press website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
3) An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups
Synopsis:
When the gorgeous Nanami Barato confesses to Yoshin Misumai, it seems too good to be true! Only, it is—and Yoshin knows it. How’s an introverted guy like him supposed to keep his cool when he knows this is all just a dare? Even more puzzling, despite her gaudy appearance, this supposed gyaru isn’t actually all that good with guys! Perhaps this is the perfect chance for this shy guy to pluck up his own courage and say yes to the guy-shy girl. So begins their new cushy life of morning meet-ups and handmade lunches. The thing is, judging by the way she’s acting, Nanami has fallen head over heels for him! From dares and dating to downright disasters, can these two first-timers figure out their feelings and maybe even fall in love—for real, this time?! (Source: J-Novel Club)
Just piping Alya to a place in the top three and winner of a bronze medal is one of JNC’s newest rom-com series.
The main reason why Hookup Hiccups has a higher rating than Alya is more a matter of taste rather than one series being worse than the other. Both are great series, the only difference being this series turns the sugar all the way up to 1000, and I love my series sugary.
Taking a closer look at the couple behind the sugar, Nanami and Yoshin are a great fit for each other. Both inexperienced, their clumsy ways of working through their relationship comes over as endearing and for those worrying about the pace of their relationship, you needn’t fear, there’s solid graspable development in every volume.
For those looking for a sugar fix, this is the series for you!
Read the series digitally on the J-novel Club website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
2) Though I Am An Inept Villainess
Synopsis:
Prepare for swirling court intrigue in this magical “trading places” tale of maidens competing for the crown–and don’t miss the manga adaptation, also from Seven Seas!
In the Kingdom of Ei, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts—but only one will be crowned empress. Just when frail and beautiful “court butterfly” Kou Reirin seems poised to marry the crown prince, jealous “court rat” Shu Keigetsu steals her body! Reirin wakes up in the dungeons as the conspirator, and things look dire…or do they? Now that she’s got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her! (Source: SevenSeas)
Taking the silver medal, Inept Villainess earns a place in the top three due to its intricate mystery weaving and fantastic world-building.
The complete arc portrayed in both its first and second volumes is what finally clinched this series a place on the list. Everything is just wrapped up so well; the twist and turns, the characters, and their friendships and rivalries. There isn’t a single aspect that I can find to fault this series on.
Reirin and Shu are the true stars of the show and often move beyond the tropes of the genre. Shu is an especially interesting character and her perspectives are always the ones I look forward to the most. Not actually malicious, instead she’s acting defensively as a product of her environment and experiences.
The author also uses the past as a parallel in this series. A lot of how the present dynamics come together are as a result of past clan members and these are entertainingly explained through immersive past sequences. I can’t wait to see how the series continues into a new arc.
Read the series both digitally and physically on the SevenSeas website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
1) The Holy Grail of Eris
Synopsis:
Never neglect to read the fine print
As a viscount’s daughter, Constance Grail is an ordinary girl whose only notable trait is sincerity, leaving her with no real options when someone steals her fiancé and falsely accuses her of petty theft at a ball. While Connie awaits her undeserved punishment, a ghost appears to offer a bargain. The spirit is none other than Scarlett Castiel, a noblewoman once praised for her beauty, lineage, and undeniable charisma—and executed some ten years earlier for her wicked deeds. When Connie accepts this proposal, she is possessed by the infamous spirit who instantly turns the tide on her tormenter, thus saving the hapless girl from her miserable fate. It’s never wise striking a deal without knowing exactly what you’ve committed to, though…or you might find yourself bound to a ghost dead set on revenge against her own enemies! (Source: Yen Press)
Gold medal winner and my personal favourite series of 2022, The Holy Grail of Eris is a unicorn in the light novel world.
It’s very rare to find a light novel series like this, part murder mystery, part conspiracy, part supernatural, and part villainess story – it’s a wonder that it hasn’t been done sooner.
Enrapturing. It’s the only possible way to describe this series.
I’m constantly glued to the page as each passage gets us closer and closer to unwrapping the mystery behind Scarlett’s execution. I’m in awe at the amount of talent this author has, from writing engaging main characters to ensuring that every minor character has a part to play in the overall mystery. Nothing is overlooked.
Taking a closer look at the characters, the dynamic between Connie and Scarlet is truly a special one. Each has something to learn from the other. Connie lacks the confidence to enter the dangerous world of high society, and Scarlett provides the key. Scarlett is entrenched in her haughty ways and Connie’s empathy can help her see new perspectives.
The Holy Grail of Eris is the full package. Seldom have I found myself so shocked by a series’ ups and downs and as invested as I am in the characters of this novel. That is what makes this my favourite of 2022 and one that everyone, regardless of their tastes, should check out!
Read the series both digitally and physically on the Yen Press website.
Read a full review of the series HERE.
What new series did you enjoy? What were your favourites of 2022? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
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