Light novels have grown increasingly popular in recent years, offering readers a distinctive and spellbinding blend of narrative and illustrations while serving assource materials for many popular animeshows and movies, and catalysts for many interesting discussions.
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2022 was a great year for light novels, with many exciting series coming to a close after long periods of publishing. For seasoned fans or those new to light novels, this list is full of new material to dive into. Coming from a variety of genres, these light novels that were completed in 2022 are sure to hook readers from start to finish.
7Monster Girl Doctor
Check out Vol. 1 on Amazon!
With its own manga and anime, this series has a very interesting premise, following a doctor who specializes in treating monster girls, and the various challenges and adventures he faces in his practice. With well-developed and likable characters, both human and monster, this story will make any reader invested.
It has a goodbalance of humor, action, and drama that keeps the story engaging and interesting. It also takes place in a unique setting, a world where humans and monsters coexist.Monster Girl Doctorhas ten volumes in total, with its final release in March 2022. Light novel fans are sure this monster-themed harem series.
6Mamasuki (You Like Me, Not My Daughter?!)
This romantic comedy features thirty-year-old Ayako Katsuragi in a surprising situation. Written by Kota Nozomi and illustrated by Giuniu, this light novel series tells the story of how Ayako responds to a surprising declaration of love from a man a decade younger. The story offers readers a captivating and quirky perspective onfamily dynamics and relationships.
First published in December 2019, the series finally came to an end in 2022 after a total of 7 volumes and 66 chapters. This light novel series is great for fans who enjoy romance stories with cool twists.
5From Toxic Classmate to Girlfriend Goals
This series is on the shorter side of the spectrum with only 6 volumes released between 2020 and 2022. It is a romantic comedy featuring Shirogane Koyuki, also called “Venomous Snow White” because she’sboth beautiful and obnoxious.
When Koyuki receives bothersome flirting from another man, Naoya Sasahara comes in and saves the day. And so begins this adorable journey of love between Koyuki and Naoya. But when they do develop feelings for each other, neither of them can express their feelings. Written by Fukada Sametarou, this series is perfect for fans who love a slow-burn romance.
4OreSuki (Are You Really the Only One Who Likes Me?)
Amatsuyu Kisaragi, nicknamed Jouro, is the lonely character that leads this story after he is bummed by confessions of love that were not aimed at him. Cosmos and Himawari, who Jouro thinks might like him, individually confess feelings for his friend instead.
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After this, Jouro is dejected when he notices Sumireko Sanshokuin, a bookish-looking girl who is always quick to snap at him. Apparently, Sumireko is the only girl who actually seems to have feelings for him. This Gold Prize award-winning romantic comedy was written by Rakuda and has an anime adaptation with the same title.
3OreShura (My Girlfriend And Childhood Friend Fight Too Much)
This story is centered around Eita Kidou, a top student who wants nothing to do with romance. However, because of her persistence, Masuzu Natsukawa finally gets Eita roped intoa fake relationshipwith her to ward off other boys. When their relationship becomes public knowledge, Chiwa Harusaki, who is Eita’s friend, begins to harass Masuzu.
The fake relationship trope is a favorite among romance fans, and this comedic light novel series doesn’t disappoint. The story explores friendships, growing up, and the major subject of love. It also has manga and anime adaptations to go along with it.
2Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
With 20 volumes published from June 2015 to September 2022,this fantasy seriesfeatures Hajime Nagumo, a seventeen-year-old otaku whose life takes a turn when he and his classmates are transported into a fantastical world.
In this new world, Hajime’s new task is to protect humanity from going extinct, but he has one problem. He doesn’t have skills as good as his classmates. This light novel series tells the story of how Hajime will make it through this new world where he is severely unequipped for survival. This series also has a side story titledArifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Zero.
1Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
This light novel series was written by Rifujin na Magonote. It is set in a magical world in which a NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) is reincarnated into Rudeus Greyrat after his death. The series follows Rudeus on his second chance at life after wasting the first one.
In this new world, he is reincarnated as a baby possessing knowledge from his old life. A mix of fantasy and comedy, this isekai story deals with Rudeus’ growth and development and his attempt to make the most of his new life.
