It’s that time of year again! Looking back at this year’s English light novel premieres, there were several works that I looked forward to but ultimately disappointed me (Agents of the Four Seasons, brief scenes from Setsuna’s journeyand Days with stepsisterto name a few), but I was also struck by some unexpected surprises, which I’ll discuss below. Interestingly, this is a good year for romance.
5) If a villain meets a villain and falls in love
Print and digital editions from Yen Press.
To be honest, the villain genre has been oversaturated lately, but the premise of this genre piqued my interest and I’m really glad I gave it a try. Both protagonists are very well-characterized characters – Brigitte is an innocent victim who has done nothing to deserve her reputation as a villain, and Yuri is a person who seems cold at first but is actually a sweetheart – but importantly they play off each other very well. It creates a charming romance.
The story begins with some terrible things happening to Brigitte, but luckily the story isn’t depressing. After being dumped by her idiot ex-fiancé, she picks herself up, stops wallowing in self-pity, and immediately finds new, healthy purpose. Honestly, it’s not the most realistic depiction of a girl with a broken worldview, but not every story like this has to be dark and brooding. Regardless, there’s no doubt that its appeal lies in its lighthearted romance and banter.
4) “To me, who has loved you” and “To everyone I have ever loved”
Print and digital editions from Seven Seas Entertainment.
This sci-fi love duology is like Pokémon Red and blue books. You can read them in any order for a stand-alone love story that complements the plot of another story. The gimmick works because the guy has two different love interests that he’s devoted to, depending on which book you’re reading. When you pick up another book, you won’t feel like you’re going down the same road again, and it won’t be difficult to understand what the “point” of the story is.
It also helps that the two romances have very different endings. One is a tragic story about a man desperately trying to save a girl who is doomed to die in every universe (think Steins;Gate), while the other is a mundane story about a couple who make space-hopping part of their daily lives but generally try to stick to the same universe. Overall, this is an interesting way to think about relationships, because it means that people can have multiple soulmates, and even if you meet your soulmate, it won’t always be a romantic couple.
3) It’s me you like, not my daughter? !
J-Novel Club is digital only.
This is a story about a twenty-year-old man who is obsessed with a thirty-year-old woman. Before you protest, “This sounds like it’s cursed!” Remember, this is written by the same author Can you be with a girlfriend who is older than you?this is a story about a fifteen-year-old boy and a twenty-seven-year-old girl. This time, both characters are legal adults! Nothing to complain about here.
very similar An older girlfriend, Older characters were written as more relatable characters. The story is told almost entirely through Ayako’s first-person perspective, as she experiences motherhood, adulthood, and her feelings for the young and sincere Takumi. Do you like me or not my daughter? ! Avoiding any hint of embellishment, it’s made clear that Ayako has no feelings for Takumi until he comes of age and admits his love, so this isn’t a slutty story at all. If anything, it’s a deep vanilla flavor. For the most part, it’s pretty entertaining, so no matter how you feel about the premise, be sure to give it a read.
2) Danyue Reverie
J-Novel Club digital version only.
I’m a fan of “Kushi Furumiya” nameless memoryso I knew I had to check this one out. Like the previous series, Danyue Reverie is a slow-burn romance set against a fantasy backdrop. This is a novel with a strong sense of place, and it’s fun to get inside and watch the characters react to the world around them.
The plot of the first volume is a little thin, but it makes up for it with enjoyable characterization and banter. I particularly like how the series handles the age gap dynamic between the two protagonists. In this small town, everyone can’t help but pressure Sally to find a lover, and Xixu is determined to give Sally enough space to get to know herself. She has become obsessed with him for this very reason, but she won’t admit it. The rich psychological dimensions of the characters make this my most enjoyable romance story of the year.
1) Butareba: The story of a man who turned into a pig
J-Novel Club is digital only.
Butareba The biggest surprise of the year for me. A story that I thought would end on a one-note blossomed into a dark fantasy adventure with some absolutely heartbreaking themes. Butareba It has more characterization and world-building depth than your average fantasy light novel, that’s for sure. I describe the story in more detail in this post, but yes, every aspect of the plot was well thought out.
On the other hand, this book is very interesting to read. The pig protagonist’s inner voice remains hilarious and witty throughout. There’s also a stark contrast between his nerdy brain and the shadowy world he inhabits, which keeps you guessing as to what’s going on beneath the surface. People keep watching this series because the animation looks terrible and the premise looks garbage. This is just a well written fantasy story! Believe me!
Other recommended 2023 young adult novels
- You can support me by: It’s great to see more BL in the English market, especially fantasy BL! While it does have some non-con and other trope issues that make it hard to recommend universally, the core emotional appeal is really solid. Read this article for more details.
- Convicted Heroes: Prison Records of Criminal Law Heroes Unit 9004: This is a suicide squad In the light novel, a chaotic group of individuals work together for the common good. The action scenes are very well written and will be animated at some point.
- You have experience, I don’t: Our dating story: A sweet romance about a hottie and a nerd, with some old-school positivity.
- Associate Professor Takatsuki’s conjecture: A fun exploration of Japanese folklore and the supernatural from a scientific perspective. More details in this article.
- Inner Palace Crow: it’s a bit like pharmacist diary, But the mystery is supernatural and the tone is darker.
Also, if you want to read some other cool light novels, be sure to check out my recommendations for 2022!
This may be my last article in 2023. See you next year! Hope you have a great one!