Another year, another load of new light novels to sift through. It’s that time of year again, and I’m here to bring you my list of the top 10 new light novels to have been released during 2024!

(10) Observation Records of My Fiancée

In a crowded field of new releases, Observation Records of My Fiancée brawled its way through, placing tenth. The second of Hanashi Media’s Alphapolis pick-ups is a short (2-volume) Otome-style series with a lot of heart.

On my original read-through, I was impressed with the series’ comedic undertone and the author’s ability to experiment with a genre that has long been fit to bursting. What solidified its place on this list, however, is how it develops its observer character, The Prince. Throughout the first volume, there’s a tangible change in how he views those around him thanks to the influence of his fiancée’s off-piste way of thinking.

(9) The Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival

Having to go all the way back to January for the ninth entry on this list, The Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival was a highly anticipated series, and it’s easy to see why.

A darker take on the Otome/Isekai genre, it immediately grabs you for an action-packed rollercoaster ride. Through themes of survival and emancipation, it tells the story of a girl thrust into a harsh world ruled by a fate she cannot control. It’s a concept that is well-realised and maturely written, only given a low place on this list due to my own time constraints, having not yet been able to read the next volumes.

(8) The Water Magician

Another early-year release, The Water Magician, is a departure from the two previous Otome series on this list.

A seemingly ordinary Isekai series, it quickly reveals itself to be a standout in the genre. The story has several different aspects to be proud of and what earns it a place on this list. Firstly, the novel’s world-building is first-rate, as the author successfully brings their vision of a magic system based on physics to life. Secondly, the author has a good grasp of writing character dynamics. The friendship between Ryo and Abel is one of the most realistic I’ve seen within the light novel genre.

(7) The Goblin Maiden’s Happily Ever After

So far, we’ve had comedy, fantasy, and series based on a video game genre, so how about a heartfelt romance for the seventh entry on my list?

The Goblin Maiden’s Happily Ever After manages to make this list due to the strong relationship between the series’ deuteragonists, Ginorious and Anastasia. More than just a fluff piece, their relationship allows each of them to face and battle their demons, becoming better people as a result.

(6) Isekai Walking

Closing out the first part of the list is a gimmick series done right.

Following in the footsteps of other series, such as Reincarnated as a Vending Machine and Reincarnated as an Apple, Isekai Walking proves to be much like the former, going beyond and playing into the gimmick. The series features strong world-building, natural characters, and a clear vision for its future, more than earning itself a place on this list.

There you have it for the first part of this list. Be sure to keep your notifications on and your eyes peeled for the second half of my top 10, where I reveal my five best new series from 2024!