While isekai anime shows are great in their own right, few realize that they are not as good as light novels, which describe the events that happen in the story in a very articulate way. In a way, they bring a new approach to fantasy concepts, making the journey of fantasy fanatics memorable.

There are certainly countless fantastic isekai light novels out there, and it’s incredibly difficult to choose just one. However, given the situation, we had to pick a few recommendations for readers. With that in mind, here are the best isekai light novels you can read right now.

7. Mushoku Tensei

Often referred to as the “Godfather of Isekai Stories,” Mushoku Tensei is not only one of the most popular isekai light novels, but also one of the best of the bunch. Even though it has a slow start, taking a long time to build up the main story, it gets substantially better as you progress through the chapters.

The story revolves around a 34-year-old reclusive NEET who faces a miserable death after being kicked out of his home by his own family. However, when fate takes mercy on him, he is reborn in a fantasy world where magic is more than just a myth. With this new opportunity, he is determined to use this life to become the person he always wanted to be but could never achieve.

6. Overlord

Overlord offers readers a fresh perspective on the notions of “overlord transmigration,” especially with the main character being presented in the role of an anti-hero. That said, the novel is more than that, as there are plenty of fantasy and RPG elements thrown in to make it feel more natural, and it’s easily one of the top-tier Japanese novels.

In the 21st century, “YGGDRASIL,” a virtual reality game, took the world by storm, but when the creators announced that they would be shutting down the servers, players stayed until the end. However, Momonga, a veteran player who was the last to leave, finds himself trapped in the game with no way out. How will he survive in this new reality?

5. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku o! (Konosuba)

When you decide to read Konosuba, never make the mistake of comparing it to Mushoku Tensei or any other isekai light novel in general. The reason is that Konosuba serves as a parody to the genre with its continuous comedic efforts, and they work exceptionally well to entertain readers.

Kazuma Satou, a reclusive NEET gamer, meets his death in the most pathetic way: being run over by a tractor. However, instead of passing on to the afterlife, he is given the chance to spend his life in a fantasy world, where he is accompanied by the useless goddess Aqua. How will he navigate his new life?

4. Honzuki no Gekokujou

Honzuki no Gekokujou is a rare isekai light novel and manga because it provides the experience of the fantasy world from the perspective of a nobody, rather than a main character who is dominated for no reason. If you don’t mind reading a light novel that doesn’t rely too much on action but rather on world-building and characterization, this one’s for you.

The story revolves around an avid reader who finally finds a job as a librarian at a university, but is unexpectedly killed. Fortunately, she is reborn in a fantasy world as the daughter of a common soldier. How will she thrive in a new life where access to books is as difficult as finding a diamond?

3. Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?

What's wrong, Nani? is what you call a fun and not too serious isekai light novel that offers a clean RPG experience. While it’s not action-oriented, it has a great fantasy atmosphere and a really intriguing main character to keep you hooked.

A specific classroom on Earth mysteriously explodes, and everyone inside is reincarnated into a fantasy world where a war between the Hero and the Demon King is brewing. The protagonist, however, is born as a spider in a dangerous dungeon. Now, she must adapt to the sudden changes and survive in the new world.

2. Common Sense of a Duke's Daughter

While the title of the light novel is a bit cheesy, it is exceptionally well-written, with the main character’s development taking off in leaps and bounds with each chapter. It also utilizes almost every character introduced in the story and is without a doubt one of the most underrated isekai light novels we’ve ever read.

A young woman working at a tax agency dies unexpectedly in a traffic accident, but is transported to another world that bears a striking resemblance to the otome game she played the other night. With her modern economic knowledge, she is determined to live her best life in the new world.

1. Paladin of the End

The Faraway Paladin, also known as Paladin of the End, is one of the best isekai light novels with mature characters and a story that doesn't feel typical. Plus, you'll see the author's effort in developing the story while avoiding obvious clichés.

The novel follows the journey of Will, a human child raised in the city of the dead by three undead beings. As he embarks on a new adventure to unravel the mysteries of the world and uncover the secrets of the undead, he takes the first step toward becoming a Paladin.