Light Novels

[Kisame Hoshigaki]

there are a few series that are serialized in light novels that i would love to read in that form, before they are adapted into a manga or anime

does anyone know of a site where i can find scanlated, translated or even raw light novels from japan?

[Kaiten]

Baka-Tsuki is the best known site, they have quite a few famous titles including the Index, Suzumiya Haruhi, Sacred Blacksmith, Drrrr!!, and more. There are quite a few other translators, some manga teams also do novels. I could not possibly hope to link to every group that translates novels. Manga-Updates lists light novels and tracks releases, just as they do for manga. You can search by title, author, artist, publisher, and magazine. New releases are listed on their release tracker, and noted as (novel). If a novel has been adapted to manga, there is usually a link from the manga page to novel page, and vice versa.

[Asarii]

Perhaps this can be a recommendation thread of sorts.

One of the major stories of the series centers around a girl named Yoko Nakajima from Japan, who is suddenly transported to the world of the Twelve Kingdoms and searches for her destiny. However, neither the series nor the anime concentrates solely on Yoko, and they do tell stories of other characters. The anime uses Yoko as a framing device for telling other stories, while the novels do not.

The novels focus on several characters other than Yoko, including Taiki, a timid rare black kirin who serves the ruler of Tai, and Enki and Shouryuu, the kirin and King of En, respectively. Other major characters include Keiki, the blunt and apparently cold minister of Kei who brings Yoko to the Twelve Kingdoms; Gyousou, a general chosen by Taiki to become King of Tai; Shushou, the Queen of Kyou; Shoukei, the disposed princess of Hou, and Suzu, a peasant girl who is unexpectedly transported from Japan to the Twelve Kingdoms.

Each of the Twelve Kingdoms has a monarch and a kirin, a mythological beast who first selects, and then serves, the monarch of his or her kingdom, and can assume human form. Though only a few rulers and kirin are in the main focus of the story, many are encountered in the series and play a significant role.

A few of the books have been published in English so you can check them out here. Don't get too attached; the last book came out in 2001 and I have no idea if Ono Fuyumi ever intends to continue.

The story takes place in a particularly hot summer in the nineties, in a small quiet village called Sotoba. A series of mysterious deaths begin to spread in the village, at the same time when a strange family moves into the long abandoned Kanemasa mansion. Toshio Ozaki, dean of the only hospital in Sotoba, initially suspects an epidemic. But as investigations continue and the deaths begin to pile up, he becomes convinced that they are the work of the undead plaguing the village. A young man named Natsuno Yuuki, who hates living in the village, begins to be pursued and surrounded by death.

This book is also by Ono Fuyumi. I got through Twelve Kingdoms fine, but I couldn't finish this one. Laziness. I remember there were so many names I had to memorize so thank goodness there was a character list at the back. (Unlike the manga and anime, you have to rely on kanji alone as opposed to character design.)

Based on a highly successful novel by Higashigawa Tokuya, selling over 1.4 million copies after its publication in September of 2009, the intriguing yet familiar mystery takes place inside a seemingly unsuitable place for mysteries: Socialite Reiko's stately mansion. Reiko is the only daughter to the CEO of a major enterprise, "Hosho Group," known worldwide. Hiding her true identity behind her day time job as a rookie police officer, Reiko comes home to her butler and driver, Kageyama whenever she is faced with a complex case, being a perfectionist, Kageyama is flawless when it comes to serving meals full course from hors d'oeuvre to dessert. He sharply points out the lack of reasoning on Reiko's side, keeping the comment one fine line away from being offensive.

The cutting remarks by Kageyama and appearances by unique characters, as well as the play on words and light tempo of witty conversations...and most of all, being referred to as the "Armchair detective" who solves mysteries without encountering the suspects together create a daring mystery solving roller-coaster ride.

I c&p the summary from the Drama wiki.

I haven't read the novel or watched the drama, but I know this one has been fairly popular in Japan. Hopefully the series will be translated soon. ^_^

[Kisame Hoshigaki]

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai

Story Synopsis

Kodaka Hasegawa is just trying to get through his school life, but one day he sees the cute but forever pissed off girl Yozora Mikadzuki alone happily talking to herself. “Can you see ghosts?”, he asks her, to which she responds “I am just talking to my friend here. My air friend!” (She is a goner…) Kodaka and Yozora start discussing how to make friends, and Yozora, with her excessive proactiveness starts a tragic club. Then, as things get more complicated, one by one other ‘regretful’ cute girls also join the club. Together they play games, go swimming, and they put together stage acts. Can our hero, who got suckered into the mess, become good friends with others? The even-though-it-really-leaves-much-to-desired-for-but-still-very-entertaining tragic youth romance story has been born!


Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai

Story Synopsis

17-year old high school student Kousaka Kyousuke was at a cold-war with his little sister Kirino. They seldom talked and never had a proper conversation these past years. One day, Kyousuke accidentally found a DVD case of a childish anime program titled "Stardust-Witch Merle." What surprised him more was the fact that inside the case was an R-18 Ero-game CD ROM. Things looked bad since the obvious suspect for having a pornographic material such as that was HIM. (He did have some, but they were all magazines) He didn't want to think what would happen if his mom or his scary father found out about that. Later, he learned that his little sister owned the DVD case (AND the CD ROM inside). She confessed to him that she liked, er, loved Imouto characters with great passion, enough that she'd bought tons of Imouto Ero-games and other Imouto-related items. To put it simply, he learned that she was an Imouto-only Otaku. Kyousuke had hard time believing that a "typical girl nowadays" such as his sister would turn out to be an Otaku. Now, Kirino wanted Kyousuke to have a "Life consultation" with her, which put an end to the peaceful life that Kyousuke was having.


Toradora!

Story Synopsis

Takasu Ryuuji begins his second year of high school trying to look his best. However, there is one thing that torments him: despite his gentle personality he has inherited his gangster father's intimidating eyes, which often leads to misunderstandings by his classmates. But all that is about to change, on the first day of the new school term he accidentally bumps into the most dangerous being in school - Aisaka Taiga, also known as the Palmtop Tiger. Despite her diminutive appearance, Taiga has a very negative attitude and has left a "bloody trail" wherever she goes, hence her nickname.

After his unfortunate encounter with Taiga, Ryuuji does his best to avoid her. Yet by chance he discovers that Taiga has a crush on his best friend Kitamura Yuusaku, while Taiga finds out about his crush on her best friend Kushieda Minori. And so Taiga decides to let Ryuuji help her hook up with Kitamura as her "personal servant", and in return, Taiga will help Ryuuji get closer to Minori.

Due to Ryuuji's obsession with cleanliness and the close proximity of Taiga's apartment block, besides sleeping, Taiga ends up spending most of her time at Ryuuji's place. Over time, Ryuuji witnesses a side of Taiga that people normally don't see, and their relationship becomes so close that rumours begin to spread about whether they are going out as a couple.

Thus begins the clash between the Tiger and the Dragon - Toradora!


Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai!

Story Synopsis

19-year Segawa Yuuta was looking forward to start his new university life and go through a normal university life, making new friends, etc, etc. But suddenly, when the plane which his elder sister and brother-in-law were on went missing, he became the 'father' of his three young nieces! Now, his six-tatami mat apartment not just has to accommodate himself, but 14-year old Sora, 10-year old Miu, and 3-year old Hina. What will be the fate of Yuuta?


these are some of the novels i am reading or have read on baka-tsuki

i suggest all 4 of them to anyone, they are some pretty compelling stories with interesting characters

[Doraku]

For recommendation, I think all titles of Haruhi Suzumiya is a must (Duh!). Kyon's narrations are hilarious and sounds cool since he often use scientific references in his narration, hence I prefer reading the light novel rather than watching the Anime. Another good title that I can think at this moment is Welcome To The N.H.K. It's probably just one novel, but the story itself is touching for me (It's also adopted to Anime too!).

[Crude]

The official English translations of Haruhi Suzumiya are great and very fun to read! I'm currently re-reading the first volume so that I can then read the next few. And yes, the English editions feature all of the illustrations featured in the original work. Also the English covers are better in my opinion.

[Kisame Hoshigaki]

The official English translations of Haruhi Suzumiya are great and very fun to read! I'm currently re-reading the first volume so that I can then read the next few. And yes, the English editions feature all of the illustrations featured in the original work. Also the English covers are better in my opinion.

oh god i would love that, i am a huge fan of the melancholy of haruhi suzumiya anime, so i am sure i would love the light novel as well

to me light novels add depth and detail to anime or manga that just cannot fit all of the content in

i will definitely have to check out the suzumiya stuff

---------- Post added July 02, 2012 at 09:29 AM ---------- Previous post was June 29, 2012 at 12:19 PM ----------

add shakugan no shana to my list, i am currently watching the anime, but i will soon pick up where it leaves off on the manga and then the light novel

i read a bit of the light novel on baka tsuki, oddly enough the earlier chapters arent translated but some of the later ones are

[phio_chan]

Juuni Kokki (Twelve Kingdoms) that Asarii recommended is a great series. A friend -- yukihime03 -- read it and showed me the way to the anime since I was too lazy to read the novel, LOL~ It was great from the anime, I believe the novel would have had more chance to explore the plot and the character developments more importantly. It was cool to see how quiet, standard student paved her way to become a queen of her destiny. The only bad thing is how the series seems to be kind of forgotten by the author. ^^;

Another light novel to try will probably be Saiunkoku Monogatari. It's the only other light novel I know, and although I don't read it personally, like Juuni Kokki I watched the anime and it was good too. I heard it has ended, though I'm not sure if there is any English translation version. A story about a young girl dreaming to enter the country's palace; she befriended two men who were actually the king and his brother, and so on. Almost like Juuni Kokki: a twist of politic, tactic, slice of life, with a bit of romance and magic. :P

[FrostyMouse]

Sword Art Online (English tl) is a winner. Just read it. It's a story about an effeminate guy stuck in a virtual world where the only way to escape is to beat the game. If you die inside the game, or are disconnected in the real world, you die.

[yukihime03]

Juuni Kokki (Twelve Kingdoms) that Asarii recommended is a great series. A friend -- yukihime03 -- read it and showed me the way to the anime since I was too lazy to read the novel, LOL~ It was great from the anime, I believe the novel would have had more chance to explore the plot and the character developments more importantly. It was cool to see how quiet, standard student paved her way to become a queen of her destiny. The only bad thing is how the series seems to be kind of forgotten by the author. ^^;

Another light novel to try will probably be Saiunkoku Monogatari. It's the only other light novel I know, and although I don't read it personally, like Juuni Kokki I watched the anime and it was good too. I heard it has ended, though I'm not sure if there is any English translation version. A story about a young girl dreaming to enter the country's palace; she befriended two men who were actually the king and his brother, and so on. Almost like Juuni Kokki: a twist of politic, tactic, slice of life, with a bit of romance and magic. :P

I didn't know you wrote this here, phio-chan; moreover, mentioning my name.
Juuni Kokki is indeed an excellent one. I can say it's the best LN I've ever read. It's a shame it went on hiatus but the news is that Fuyumi Ono intends to continue the series. Let's hope that's true. I wonder what happens since the last novel. There are still many stories unexplained. For now, I'm still following one novel that is still translated. If anyone interested, I have an almost complete collection of Juuni Kokki novels in e-book.

Saiunkoku is also a good one, though with a lot more flaws than Juuni Kokki. It has ended though, and sadly no one translates the last novel, but I read that it has a good ending. I can't really say how good the series as a whole when I haven't read the ending yet...

These two series are good for those who are interested in josei/kingdom politics/fantasy genre.

---------- Post added at 07:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:34 PM ----------

Sword Art Online (English tl) is a winner. Just read it. It's a story about an effeminate guy stuck in a virtual world where the only way to escape is to beat the game. If you die inside the game, or are disconnected in the real world, you die.

I have started to read it yesterday, and I can say it's really good since I almost cannot stop reading volume 1. I can't believe it has so many volumes since volume 1 already tell a lot of stories. Any news on how many volumes there will be?

[FrostyMouse]

I have started to read it yesterday, and I can say it's really good since I almost cannot stop reading volume 1. I can't believe it has so many volumes since volume 1 already tell a lot of stories. Any news on how many volumes there will be?

It's currently being written, and there are more chapters written that volume released. I'm not sure how long it'll end up going on for though. You could go read the first selection of sidestories, especially the Aria in the Starless Night, and all of the ME sidestories.

[yukihime03]

It's currently being written, and there are more chapters written that volume released. I'm not sure how long it'll end up going on for though. You could go read the first selection of sidestories, especially the Aria in the Starless Night, and all of the ME sidestories.

It looks like it's still a long way to go... I've onto volume 4 now, and I've read Aria in the Starless Night. To be honest, I like the SAO setting more than ALO. I wish there are more stories about their life in SAO.

[FrostyMouse]

It looks like it's still a long way to go... I've onto volume 4 now, and I've read Aria in the Starless Night. To be honest, I like the SAO setting more than ALO. I wish there are more stories about their life in SAO.

There's also A Murder Case in the Area, as well as all of Volume 2, which are just SAO sidestories.

You can see ME 1 and 3, which are in manga form, on Batoto.

I was never a huge fan of ALO, nor of GGO. The Underworld arc (volumes 9 and on) has promise and brings us more back to the SAO style.

[yukihime03]

There's also A Murder Case in the Area, as well as all of Volume 2, which are just SAO sidestories.

You can see ME 1 and 3, which are in manga form, on Batoto.

I was never a huge fan of ALO, nor of GGO. The Underworld arc (volumes 9 and on) has promise and brings us more back to the SAO style.

Murder Case is in vol 8, right? Then I'll just wait till I reach vol 8.

I'm not really interested in the manga form, though I read ME 4 and so forth.

Oh really? Then I'm going to look forward to it. But actually I think I like SAO more because of the life-and-death situation it presents. There are more things at stake.

[FrostyMouse]

Murder Case is in vol 8, right? Then I'll just wait till I reach vol 8.

I'm not really interested in the manga form, though I read ME 4 and so forth.

Oh really? Then I'm going to look forward to it. But actually I think I like SAO more because of the life-and-death situation it presents. There are more things at stake.

Ignore how the volume numbers work out.

The arcs work out like this:

SAO: Volume 1
ALO: Volumes 3-4
GGO: Volumes 5-6
UW: Volumes 9-present

Volume 7 is a long story taking place in ALO, but it's not exactly ALO.