The titles of light novels are getting longer and longer. In fact, many use the title like a plot synopsis, with the name telling readers everything they need to know about the premise at a glance. However, that can mean many light novels sound absolutely ludicrous, with almost paragraph-long titles.
However, if you want to enjoy a series with a super-long and hard-to-say title, here are five of the best options currently available.
WorldEnd: What Do You Do at the End of the World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us?
WorldEnd: What Do You Do at the End of the World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us? is frequently shortened to WorldEnd. Debuting in 2014, the series written by Akira Kareno and illustrated by Ue is set in a world where humans were almost wiped out by mysterious monsters more than 500 years earlier. Now, those who survived live on floating islands protected by the Leprechauns, girls who can wield special weapons to repel the monsters.
However, when Willem, a man who lost everything 500 years ago, wakes up, he befriends some of the girls, and together they try to navigate this strange world, and the emotional cost of warfare. Despite the odd name, WorldEnd is a surprisingly thoughtful and stirring deconstruction of the nature of heroism and the nature of combat in a world wracked by war, making it a must-read. It's available from Yen Press.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Written by Fujino Ōmori and illustrated by Suzuhito Yasuda, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? has generated a massive fandom since its 2013 debut. The series is set in the city of Orario, whose gods, keen to experience hardship, limit their powers. However, each one maintains a group of adventurers and support staff called a Familia, and each Familia spends its time exploring the Dungeon that lies beneath the city.
The series follows young Bell Cranel, an adventurer who's the sole member of the Hestia Familia. Bell aims to become as strong as the legendary Ais Wallenstein. However, he must work hard to achieve this goal while navigating romance and other general life problems. The series is a fun romp with gripping characters and a nice blend of genres. The series is available from Yen Press.
I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet
Written by Nozomi Ginyoku and illustrated by Yanomitsuki, I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet follows a knight who is reincarnated after death. However, rather than coming back as something powerful, the knight returns as a cat-like baby Behemoth monster. The knight quickly finds how weak he is when he nearly dies in combat.
However, before he can perish a second time, an elf-girl named Aria saves him and nurses him back to health. To repay her kindness, the knight opts to protect Aria in any way he can. The fun twist on the usual fantasy setup and the engaging core relationship make this series stand out. It's available from Yen Press.
Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside
Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside is written by Zappon and illustrated by Yasumo. The series follows Gideon Ragnason, who was part of a hero's adventuring party. However, when Ares, the party's second-in-command, gets him exiled from the party, Gideon has to find something else to do. Hoping for a quiet and easy life, Gideon moves to a rural town and changes his name to Red. He then opens a small apothecary shop, which soon becomes a hit with the locals.
Alas, Gideon's plans to live in anonymity are soon shattered as someone from his old life tracks him down. Red then must deal with his past and the prospect of romance. A clever subversion of usual tropes, Banished from the Hero's Party features some excellent and memorable characters that will keep you enthralled. The series is available from Yen Press.
The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?)
Written by Toru Toba and illustrated by fal_maro, The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt follows Wein Salema Arbalest, the son of King Owen, ruler of Natra. After King Owen collapses due to an illness, Wein has to manage the kingdom, something he shows a natural aptitude for. However, Wien really doesn't like his new job, and while he tries to keep up appearances, he is secretly planning to betray his country and sell it off to escape his duties.
This is easier said than done, however, due to tumultuous local politics and Natra's tremendous debt. A clever subversion of fantasy tropes, The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt will keep you guessing the entire time. It is available from Yen Press.
