Best Light Novels To Start Reading In 2025

Summary

• 2025 offers a variety of light novels, from quirky romances with cultural clashes to high-stakes fantasy adventures.
• Best picks for 2025 include tales of a Russian-speaking girl, a VRMMORPG world, and a merchant-wolf goddess duo.
• These light novels feature engaging characters, unique worlds, and enticing twists, making them worth diving into this year.

2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for light novel enthusiasts, with plenty of fresh and exciting reads to dive into. From quirky romances that blend humor and cultural clashes to incredible fantasy adventures with high stakes, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a sentient sword mentoring a tough young girl, a reincarnated saint hiding from her past, or a laid-back exorcist hosting eccentric gods, the variety of stories on offer is nothing short of epic.

These light novels are the perfect escape, offering engaging characters, unique worlds, and enticing twists. But with so many excellent options, it’s time to pick up the best of the best, which are worth starting in 2025.

10

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings In Russian

A Cold Girl Flirts In Russian, Hiding Her Feelings From A Classmate

• Written by: SunSunSun
• Illustrated by: Momoco
• Published by: Kadokawa Shoten
• Original run: February 27, 2021 – present
• Goodreads: 4.06

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is all about quirky romance, humor, and cultural clash. The story centers on Alya, a brilliant yet emotionally distant high school girl with a Russo-Japanese background. Though admired by her peers, she struggles to connect, especially with Masachika, her classmate who’s completely unaware of her unique way of flirting: speaking in Russian.

Alya’s occasional use of Russian as a way to hide her feelings adds a fun twist to their growing relationship. As Alya’s cold, solitary persona begins to crack, readers get to watch her transformation from aloof to genuinely warm, making for an emotional and satisfying character arc. Plus, the cultural clash between the characters adds an extra layer of depth, making it a lighthearted yet heartfelt read.

9

Infinite Dendrogram

A VRMMORPG World Where Every Decision Has High Stakes And Consequences

• Written by: Sakon Kaidō
• Illustrated by: Taiki
• Published by: Hobby Japan
• Original run: November 1, 2016 – present
• Goodreads: 4.14

In a future where VRMMORPGs mimic real life, Reiji Mukudori enters the world of Infinite Dendrogram as Ray Starling, a rookie Paladin with a powerful Embryo named Nemesis. But this isn’t a typical power fantasy where the hero bends the world to his whims. The game’s ruthless, the world’s complex, and every decision has a lasting impact because the consequences are brutal.

For readers who are into Sword Art Online but crave more strategy and emotional depth, this ongoing series is the perfect binge. As Ray navigates the complex Kingdom of Altar, battling morally ambiguous enemies and facing heartbreaking loss, the stakes keep climbing. With intricate world-building, smart combat mechanics, and an ever-expanding cast of unique characters, it’s no surprise that Infinite Dendrogram has built up such a dedicated fanbase.

8

Spice And Wolf

A Merchant And A Wolf Goddess Navigate Trade, Business, And Romance

• Written by: Isuna Hasekura
• Illustrated by: Jū Ayakura
• Published by: ASCII Media Works
• Original run: February 10, 2006 – present
• Goodreads: 4.19

Spice and Wolf brings something immensely unique to the table—economics. Set against a backdrop inspired by medieval Europe, this light novel ditches traditional tropes for market dynamics, following a wandering merchant, Kraft Lawrence, and a centuries-old wolf goddess, Holo. What begins as a business arrangement soon turns into a wonderful journey filled to the brim with clever negotiations, witty banter, and a slow-burn romance.

With over five million copies sold and a reboot anime, Spice and Wolf‘s renewed buzz makes now the perfect time to jump in. For fans tired of cookie-cutter fantasy, this series proves that trade routes, wheat prices, and traveling merchants can be just as gripping as dragons and sword fights. And thanks to Holo’s clever schemes and sharp tongue, the story keeps its edge while tugging gently at the heart.

7

A Tale Of The Secret Saint

A Reincarnated Saint Seeks Quiet, Avoiding Enemies From Her Past

• Written by: Touya
• Illustrated by: chibi
• Published by: Earth Star Entertainment
• Original run: June 15, 2019 – present
• Goodreads: 4.23

A Tale of the Secret Saint takes the classic reincarnation fantasy and adds an unexpected twist. Fia, a knight-in-training, finds herself on the brink of death when memories of her past life as the legendary “Great Saint” flood back. The catch is that her saintly magic is both a gift and a curse. While powerful, it’s also a beacon for the enemies who once betrayed her, including her brother, who left her to die when her abilities faltered.

It’s certainly a unique take on the saint trope. Instead of seeking glory or recognition, Fia just wants to stay out of the spotlight, which only adds tension to her journey. The emotional stakes are high, and the contrast between her quiet struggle and the world-changing magic within her keeps the story fresh and compelling.

6

Reincarnated As A Sword

A Sentient Sword Guides A Young Girl On A Journey Of Growth

• Written by: Yuu Tanaka
• Illustrated by: Ruroo
• Published by: Micro Magazine
• Original run: July 30, 2016 – present
• Goodreads: 4.23

Reincarnated as a Sword discards the usual hero trope and opts for something much more out of the box: a sentient sword. It sounds wild, but it works. The story follows “Teacher,” a legendary sword that was once human, and Fran, a young Black Cat girl with a tough past and an even tougher attitude. Their bond grows as Fran wields Teacher, and he becomes more than just a weapon—he’s her protector, mentor, and the key to unlocking a future she never imagined.

Their unlikely partnership is what really hooks the reader. There is none of that harem nonsense or overpowered teenager clichés here. It’s just two characters building a real connection and getting stronger together. The power scaling is detailed but not overwhelming, and with solid pacing and just the right balance of action and emotion, Reincarnated as a Sword proves it’s more than just a gimmick.

5

The Eminence In Shadow

An Isekai Anti-Hero Creates A Cult That Becomes Reality

• Written by: Daisuke Aizawa
• Illustrated by: Tōzai
• Published by: Enterbrain
• Original run: November 5, 2018 – present
• Goodreads: 4.24

The Eminence in Shadow delivers the perfect combination of meta-fantasy, self-aware chaos, and high-octane action for 2025. Cid Kagenou, the protagonist, is far from a typical isekai hero or villain—he’s a guy reborn in a fantasy world who’s obsessed with being the puppet master behind the scenes, no matter what. What begins as a harmless delusion, creating a secret organization and an imaginary cult, spirals into an absurdly entertaining reality when his wild lies somehow come to life.

Equal parts parody and power fantasy, this light novel is reshaping the isekai genre in its own hilariously shadowy way. It brings dark fantasy, deadpan comedy, and over-the-top theatrics to life in a phenomenal way, all while poking fun at the usual power fantasy tropes. As Cid’s ridiculously dramatic followers buy into his nonsense, the stakes keep escalating, making it a clever, fast-paced story that is bound to be unmissable.

4

Failure Frame: I Became The Strongest And Annihilated Everything With Low-Level Spells

An Underdog Uses Low-Level Spells To Annihilate His Enemies

• Written by: Kaoru Shinozaki
• Illustrated by: KWKM
• Published by: Overlap
• Original run: July 25, 2018 – present
• Goodreads: 4.24

Failure Frame: I Became the Strongest and Annihilated Everything with Low-Level Spells kicks off with Touka Mimori, a student tossed into a deadly dungeon after being branded as weak by a goddess. As it turns out, Mimori’s so-called “useless” skills are anything but. And as he hones his abilities, Mimori becomes a force to be reckoned with, taking down anyone who wrongs him—starting with the goddess herself.

Mimori goes from underdog to powerhouse, which is reminiscent of The Rising of the Shield Hero. His journey entails incredibly satisfying battles and plenty of well-earned payback, with his low-level spells turning into lethal combos as he dismantles enemies who underestimate him. In short, Failure Frame offers a marvelous balance of thrilling fights, clever magic, and, of course, that sweet feeling of seeing a character get their well-deserved revenge.

A Reincarnated Woman Ditches Romance To Build A Magical Empire

• Written by: Hisaya Amagishi
• Illustrated by: Kei
• Published by: Media Factory
• Original run: October 25, 2018 – present
• Goodreads: 4.30

There’s something quietly irresistible about watching a woman toss romance aside and build an empire instead. Dahlia in Bloom delivers just that; without the melodrama, but with a hefty dose of charm. Dahlia, a reincarnated office worker once crushed by burnout, finds herself reborn in a magical world where she’s the daughter of a skilled magic toolmaker. After a delightfully drama-free breakup with her fiancé, who casually ditches her the day before the wedding, Dahlia decides it’s time to ditch convention, too. No more playing the obedient daughter or heartbroken bride. Instead, it’s all about magical inventions, business strategy, and the occasional mysterious swordsman named Wolf.

The series sidesteps melodrama and embraces steady character growth, with no over-the-top battles or forced angst—just a woman carving her own path, using magical tools to craft a life she’s proud of. The cozy world-building, likable characters, and slow-burning romance make it easy to see why Dahlia in Bloom is a solid pick for 2025.

2

Kusunoki’s Garden Of Gods

A Relaxed Exorcist Hosts Eccentric Gods In A Spiritual Sanctuary

• Written by: Enju
• Illustrated by: ox
• Published by: ASCII Media Works
• Original run: November 17, 2021 – present
• Goodreads: 4.39

With its growing popularity, stunning art adaptations, and a protagonist more focused on hosting than heroics, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods channels a bit of that Studio Ghibli magic. Minato Kusunoki, a powerful but laid-back exorcist, inherits a countryside estate that unexpectedly becomes a sanctuary for eccentric gods and supernatural beings. Thanks to his aura-cleansing abilities, the house—once haunted by evil spirits—is now a spiritual hotspot.

However, what makes this series a must-read isn’t just its relaxed pacing or supernatural slice-of-life moments. It’s the fact that it blends Japanese folklore with heartfelt character interactions in such a way that the story never feels forced or overstuffed. Perfect for readers in need of a break from intense plots, it delivers gentle storytelling that will tug at the reader’s heartstrings for sure.

1

The Apothecary Diaries

A Sharp-Minded Apothecary Solves Palace Mysteries

• Written by: Natsu Hyūga
• Illustrated by: Touko Shino
• Published by: Shufunotomo
• Original run: August 29, 2014 – present
• Goodreads: 4.43

Chock-full of court intrigue, medical mysteries, and razor-sharp wit, The Apothecary Diaries is the kind of brilliance that keeps paying off. Set in a world inspired by Imperial China, the story follows Maomao, a no-nonsense apothecary with a sharp mind and an unfortunate habit of attracting trouble. After being sold into palace servitude, she stumbles into a deadly mystery involving the emperor’s children and solves it with nothing but brains and herbal know-how. Naturally, this doesn’t go unnoticed. Her knack for deduction earns her a place in the palace’s inner circle, where political games and hidden poisonings are all in a day’s work.

Besides having such a fascinating storyline, The Apothecary Diaries is a lovely read because it also effortlessly combines historical depth with addictive palace intrigue. Add in a hit anime adaptation, and it’s clear this one has moved from cult favorite to essential reading.