We’ve seen everything from a walking fantasy to a dark take on a familiar trope, but now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty as I reveal the last five light novels on my top 10 list!

(5) Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy

Starting off the second half of this list is another Hanashi Media title and their first Alphapolis acquisition.

Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy is likely a title known to many of you within the light novel/anime community. In recent years, this title has had several highly successful TV anime owing to its slick comedic stylings and expansive world-building. In this regard, the light novel series is no different. It feels like an extension of the anime; the comedy, world-building, and storylines are all there, only in greater detail. After several volumes, the series has still managed to maintain its quality, ultimately earning its place in the Top 5.

(4) The Dorky NPC Mercenary Knows His Place

Just missing out on a spot in the Top 3, The Dorky NPC Mercenary is the last J-Novel Club title to make the list.

A complete departure from the other titles on this list, this series is a space opera parody with underlying isekai themes and tropes. During my read-through of the first volume, I was instantly engaged with the author’s ability to create an immersive universe that keeps the spirit of the isekai genre alive despite the change of venue. Moreover, the story makes clever use of trope subversion, elevating the series immensely.

(3) Victoria of Many Faces

Reaching the bronze medal position, Yen Press’s first new release to make it onto this list mixes spycraft with a touch of the quiet life.

Victoria of Many Faces isn’t normally a series that I’d consider putting on a list like this, at least on the face of it. What struck me most about this story is the level of maturity that shines throughout its pages. Featuring a more adult cast, it is clear through the author’s writing that each character has weathered significant life events. As a result, there’s significance to the decisions they make and the consequences they must suffer.

(2) Too Many Losing Heroines

Piped at the post, placing second and winning a silver medal, Too Many Losing Heroines is Seven Seas’ only title on this list and also the only rom-com series to have made the cut.

The source material for its highly successful anime series that also ran in 2024, the title is a cut above those within its genre. Telling the tale of a protagonist caught in a romance between losing heroine candidates, it uses its meta theme to showcase mature drama alongside a healthy helping of romantic comedy hijinks, ultimately earning itself a well-deserved place on this list.

(1) Brunhild the Dragonslayer

Taking the title for my favourite light novel release of 2024, Brunhild the Dragonslayer is unlike any other series I’ve reviewed this year.

It’s a series that transcends the light novel genre, but perhaps it shouldn’t be considered a light novel at all. Dark and twisted without coming across as edgy, the series is a serious piece of work that weaves a plot of love and revenge through the eyes of a religious parable. It is rare to find a series of such quality amongst the light novel genre, and that’s why it had to be placed at the top of my list.

There you have it, 2024 has been and gone with a host of great new titles. I hope you all enjoyed and look forward to more over the coming year!