Hello fellow light novel enthusiasts! Endeavouring to make these lists a continued annual occurrence, it’s once again time to celebrate all 2023 had to offer. Over a series of two blogposts, I’ll be looking at the new and the continuing, sorting through the generic to show you the truly special.

To start off this celebration, I’ll first look at our regulars and how they’ve continued to develop.

1) Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 10

With double-digit volumes under its belt, you would’ve thought that Full Clearing would be getting a bit long in the tooth by now. The series, however, has managed to defy expectations, continuing to be as strong as it ever was.

The tenth volume in the series, released during the second half of 2023, is a particular testament to the story’s longevity. Featuring a world of change for the series’ titular protagonist, the volume sees Makoto thrust into the past to face an almighty enemy threatening the present.

Whilst ditching everything this late in the game could be considered more than just a risky move, Isle Osaki manages to pull it off. Without the usual baggage, the series’ author can explore new themes and atmospheres out of place in its present, lighter setting. Moreover, with an arc exploring the past, the reader can experience first-hand the lore and background information slowly built over the past nine volumes.

2) Disciple of the Lich Vol. 6

After what had been a disappointing fifth entry into the series, the penultimate volume brings the story back with highs not seen since the series began.

As the story begins its sixth instalment, the threats against Kanata and Lunaere have started to reach their apex. No longer satisfied with sending in-world pawns to destroy their mistake, the Gods that control the world have decided to send in a few trumps cards to finally finish the job.

Key to this series’ return to form lies in the reunion between Kanata and Lunaere. Often serving the best moments from the early volumes, the sixth volume proves that the two haven’t missed a beat. Furthermore, there are some ace moments as the two fight alongside each other as equals, showing just how far Kanata has come from the early days in Cocytus.

3) The Apothecary Witch Vol. 2

The final entry on this list is, I’ll admit, a bit of a cheat. Having only started in 2023, I just had to put it on the list anyway due to the sheer improvements made between volumes one and two.

Following the successful resolution of a future royal marriage, the sequel volume of Apothecary Witch finds the protagonist duo venturing deeper into the world of divorce proceedings. As they attempt to solve more sinister cases, the two are slowly unwinding the truths behind their own tragic pasts. 

No longer satisfied with being a slightly quirky fantasy detective series, the second outing for these total opposites finds the story adding more intricate layers as past and present become more involved in proceedings. A wider view of world-building and more involved motives from the protagonists hold the key to a promising future with this series.