Megan Mabee has been filling notebooks with her story ideas and favorite book quotes since she first began reading. She enjoys board gaming, rewatching Miyazaki movies, and building Legos with her preschooler. Megan holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from UNC Greensboro and a Public Librarian Certification. Megan has worked in a college bookstore and high school library, and she now loves talking books in the public library where she works and as a Bibliologist at TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations.
Aethon & Vault, an imprint of Vault Comics
Orphaned by monsters, Matt must power-up to save others from the same fate. Matt’s dreams of hunting the monsters are crushed when his Tier 1 Talent rates as detrimental. No guild will take him. But after meeting a mysterious, powerful couple, Matt joins the Path of Ascension, an empire-wide race to ascend the Tiers and become living legends. Vengeance awaits. If you love LitRPG and Progression Fantasy with a heavy dose of Xianxia, pick up the illustrated The Path of Ascension (Light Novel) Vol. 1 – based on the smash LitRPG eBook series from Aethon. For fans of Demon Slayer and The Wheel of Time!
My first experience with reading a light novel began with Touya’s A Tale of the Secret Saint. It caught my eye while I browsed in a local comic store in town. The gorgeous cover artwork drew me right in, and as a lifelong fan of Tamora Pierce’s Alanna series, I am always on board with a lady knight storyline. The reincarnated healer element only furthered my intrigue. Flipping through the pages of the book, I noticed manga-style illustrations interspersed at various intervals between the prose. The eye-catching art, compelling plot, and sweet characters inspired me to buy the book and piqued my interest in the light novel genre.
For those who are new to the format, light novels are short, fast-paced, manga-style novels, often using tropes familiar to avid manga readers. Because light novel characters and plot lines appeal to teen readers, they are often compared to YA novels, but not all light novels are for YA or middle grade audiences.
There are lots of great new light novels that have published in 2025 so far, and I’ve gathered together some of the best of those below. You’ll find an overworked employee reincarnated into a magical artisan, a couple of epic historical romantasies, a caretaker of gods within a cozy garden setting, and more! Amongst the light novels, you’ll find series starters published this year, as well as later installments in series. Which is your favorite light novel out in 2025?
Best New Light Novels Out in 2025
Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start With Magical Tools Volume 9 by Hisaya Amagishi, Translated by A.M. Cola, Illustrated by Hachi Komada and KEI
This charming light novel series by Hisaya Amagishi follows a woman named Dahlia who dies from overwork (relatable) and gets reincarnated into a magical new world. Dahlia’s father is a magical toolmaker, and Dahlia soon becomes his apprentice. When her fiancée leaves her the day before her wedding, Dahlia remains delightfully unfazed and continues to pursue her passion for her craft! This ninth volume of the series published in 2025, so fans can enjoy a new installment of Dahlia’s adventures as she visits the Order of Beast Hunter, takes a castle tour, works on a magical lantern, and gets invited to a ball!
Dinghai Fusheng Records by Fei Tian Ye Xiang
This fantasy romance light novel series by Fei Tian Ye Xiang takes place in ancient China. With magic having vanished for the past 300 years, Chen Xing is now the last exorcist, the only one left with the power to prevent Mara from destroying the world. Chen Xing needs a Protector for his dangerous quest, and he finds one in none other than dashing death row convict Xiang Shu.
Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods, Vol. 2 by Enju, Art by Ox, Translated by Matt Treyvaud
In this light novel series by Enju, Minato Kusunoki experiences some Totoro-adjacent adventures after he inherits a countryside estate. While it’s initially haunted by evil spirits, Minato uses his exorcist powers to drive them out. This creates a peaceful place of refuge for more benevolent and unique gods and spirits to visit instead. The second book in this series published in 2025 and finds Minato enjoying the ups and downs of springtime with his otherworldly garden guests, as well as the opportunity to explore some kami realms.
Love Between Fairy and Devil Vol. 1 by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, Translated by Yū
Jiu Lu Fei Xiang’s light novels inspired this Chinese live-action series on Netflix. While the light novel differs from the show, fans of the show as well as newcomers to the series will fall in love with it! Despite his defeat long ago, Demon Lord Dongfang Qingcang has now been resurrected and is bent on revenge. Forcing the unsuspecting, sweet orchid fairy Xiao Lanhua to switch bodies with him, Dongfang Qingcang will find himself getting more than he bargained for as the pair get caught up in a series of misadventures together.
Miri Lives in the Cat’s Eyes by Taiga Shiki, Art by Isshiki
Who doesn’t love a good light novel involving cats? This time travel mystery meets romance by Taiga Shiki follows college student Youichi Kamisuki who has the gift of seeing people’s pasts when he looks into their eyes. When his neighbor gets murdered, Youichi locks eyes with a cat and is shocked to see a girl looking back at him from the past. Unlike Youichi, Miri can see into the future, and she warns him more murders may be coming. As Youichi tries to stop these murders, he wonders where Miri could be in his present timeline.
The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1 by Mio Nukaga, Original Author Mokumokuren, Translated by Ajani Oloye
Mokumokuren’s beloved manga series now has a light novel adaptation available this year by Mio Nukaga! While Yoshiki and Hikaru have always shared a close friendship in their remote village, Yoshiki one day notices something off with his best friend. Hikaru had mysteriously disappeared for five days, and now that he has returned, Yoshiki can tell someone else is wearing his face.
Before You Go…
There are so many wonderful light novels publishing this year, and I hope you enjoy diving into them this summer! If you’re looking for more great light novels to get lost in, you may like these best fantasy light novels. For those new to the genre, another fellow Rioter provides a nice list of light novels to get started with too. Happy summer reading, light novel lovers!
English (US) · 