Honoo no Mirage (Mirage of Blaze) is a complexly-plotted novel which incorporates a large number of elements, including romantic melodrama, historical politics and supernatural fantasy. Japanese history predominates the heavily structured story-line, which mainly involves the continued aggression between power-wielding guardians ('possessors'), and the denizens of a 'feudal underworld'- a group of restless souls belonging to long-dead samurai from the warring states period who are attempting to re-ignite those age-old wars in present-day Japan.... more>>

Volume Titles:

1: Honoo no Shinkirou (炎の蜃気楼)
2: Aka no Zanei (緋の残影)
3: Garasu no Komoriuta (硝子の子守歌)
4: Kohaku no Ryūseigun (琥珀の流星群)
5: Mahoroba no Ryūjin (まほろばの龍神)
6: Hasha no Ma Kagami 1 (覇者の魔鏡(前編))
7: Hasha no Ma Kagami 2 (覇者の魔鏡(中編))
8: Hasha no Ma Kagami 3 (覇者の魔鏡(後編))
9: Minagiwa no Hangyakusha (みなぎわの反逆者)
10: Wadatsumi no Yōkihi 1 (わだつみの楊貴妃(前編))
11: Wadatsumi no Yōkihi 2 (わだつみの楊貴妃(中編))
12: Wadatsumi no Yōkihi 3 (わだつみの楊貴妃(後編))
13: Yomi e no Kazaana 1 (黄泉への風穴(前編))
14: Yomi e no Kazaana 2 (黄泉への風穴(後編))
15: Hiwa no Ōkoku 1 (火輪の王国(前編))
16: Hiwa no Ōkoku 2 (火輪の王国(中編))
17: Hiwa no Ōkoku 3 (火輪の王国(後編))
18: Hiwa no Ōkoku Reppū-hen (火輪の王国 烈風編)
19: Hiwa no Ōkoku Retsu Tō-hen (火輪の王国 烈濤編)
20: Jūjika o Daite Nemure (十字架を抱いて眠れ)
21: Retsumyō no Hoshi (裂命の星)
22: Sakigake no Maji (魁の蠱)
23: Onshū no Mon Oumi-hen (怨讐の門 青海編)
24: Onshū no Mon Shakkū-hen (怨讐の門 赤空編)
25: Onshū no Mon Hakurai-hen (怨讐の門 白雷編)
26: Onshū no Mon Kurohi-hen (怨讐の門 黒陽編)
27: Onshū no Mon Kōjō-hen (怨讐の門 黄壌編)
28: Onshū no Mon Hakai-hen (怨讐の門 破壊編)
29: Mugen Jōdo (無間浄土)
30: Akaru hen Mokushiroku I Nachi no Shō (変黙示録 I 那知の章)
31: Akaru hen Mokushiroku II Nuno-to no Shō (耀変黙示録 II 布都の章)
32: Akaru hen Mokushiroku III Yata no Shō (耀変黙示録 III 八咫の章)
33: Akaru hen Mokushiroku IV Jinmu no Shō (耀変黙示録 IV 神武の章)
34: Akaru hen Mokushiroku V Tenma no Shō (耀変黙示録 V 天魔の章)
35: Akaru hen Mokushiroku VI Ranka no Shō (耀変黙示録 VI 乱火の章)
36: Akaru hen Mokushiroku VII Nigoyabu no Shō (耀変黙示録 VII 濁破の章)
37: Kakumei no Kane wa Naru (革命の鐘は鳴る)
38: Ashura no Maegami (阿修羅の前髪)
39: Kaminari no Ikusaba (神鳴りの戦場)
40: Senoku no Yoruwokoete (千億の夜をこえて) <<less

Reina Kamisu is a friend of loners, a slayer of families, a savior of worlds, and a killer of lovers—and she is absurdly beautiful. Who is she and what are her intentions? The search for her true identity begins with Fumi Saito, a lonely girl student whose only friend and support in life is Reina, as she is accused of things she did not do…... more>>

This is a story of delusions, despair and destructive beauty.

The series consists of two volumes titled “Kamisu Reina wa Koko ni Iru” (Kamisu Reina Is Here) and “Kamisu Reina wa Koko ni Chiru” (Kamisu Reina Disperses Here). <<less

This novel is a prequel which narrates the series of events that occurred years before the start of the manga version of Owari no Seraph. It primarily tells the background story of what happened before the world became the way it is in the manga. Guren is the protagonist in this light novel series.... more>>

Both the light novel and manga started within a few short months of each other and are running concurrently at almost the same speed. <<less

Once again, I met the person I've been dreaming of――... more>>

The New Orleans Police Department where Jeffrey works, receives a report about the mu*der of a gay prostitute. It is a series of mu*ders targeting a blonde-haired man with blue eyes.

The investigation leads Jeffrey in meeting Raymond, an exceptionally beautiful man, in a cheap apartment.

Hearing the news about the death of his best friend, the beautiful man is shaken and suddenly has a violent panic attack. Jeffrey, who was involved in the rescue of seven boys held captive by a cult eighteen years ago, recalls that Raymond―once known as the "Little Angel"―was one of the victims.

The two are quickly drawn to each other, but it is Jeffrey's cousin, Kyle, the FBI's most talented agent who manages to save Raymond from being the next target... <<less

The owner of the netherworld inn listens to a ghost recount his life up above before all of it can be forgotten.

Born to a house where women were only seen as tools to birth children, I was already in my twenties. I was standing on the crossroads of life.... more>>

At my fingertips were close to fifty photos of different men. They were the marriage partner candidates my father had prepared.

Those who took the initiative and volunteered because they wanted his company, and those that were recommended to strengthen our ties with other companies. There were various reasons, but I was to marry one, and build up a child.

That was my reason for existence in this house.

I don’t think I can love another.

I wonder how everyone believes in something so shapeless as love. It was only a marvel to me.

That I couldn’t do something any standard person could must be because I was a person who was never properly loved.

I put a break on the countless unanswered questions I held since my birth, and stared down at the photos around me.

That I chose him was truly a coincidence. <<less

On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

The young girl appeared at the end of summer.... more>>

We had been very close childhood friends, regardless of time. We formed the ‘Super Peace Busters’ and had always played with each other. However, when we had become high school students, we were poles apart. Jintan became a shut-in. Anaru endeavoured to meet the expectations of her female friends. Yukiatsu and Tsuruko entered an elite high school. Poppo gave up studying and travelled around the world. Finally, the only one unchanged, a girl called Menma, suddenly appeared in front of Jintan, hoping he can help her to grant her wish. With this turning point she induced, the six of them gathered once again… <<less

Roselyn Bluebell was once called the Blue Rose of the Empire, but became embroiled in various scandals due to the intrigues of her stepmother and ex-husband.... more>>

Exhausted from enduring the rapidly changing circumstances and countless misunderstandings, she was approached by Prince Aiden, who extended his hand to her. However, she did not know if he was her salvation or not.

“I need a scandal to turn down the marriage proposal. After I’ve achieved my goal, there will be sufficient compensation.”

“You’re trying to make me a target for your arrows.”

“To put it bluntly.”

And the Prince, as arrogant as he was noble, had no qualms about picking on Roselyn's wounds.

“You have to be smart, Roselyn, to get what you desire.”

For Roselyn, who was cornered, the temptation to restore everything she had lost was too sweet, so much so that she deliberately ignored the fact that she might regret it.

Willingly, Roselyn took the Prince’s hand and decided to plunge into the fall.

***

Aiden slowly took her outstretched hand and lowered his head. His lips, which rested on the back of her hand, felt hot as if they would burn her. He whispered, pulling Roselyn’s hand hard as she panicked and tried to withdraw it, “You will have to get used to skinship with me by this time.”

“Why, why…?”

“Because a lover in love should not be startled by holding hands.”

His eyes admonished her, as if asking if he had made a trivial statement. Roselyn exhaled deeply, as if she had made up her mind, and curled her fingers slowly. Aiden smiled brightly as he held her hand in his own large hand.

“Then, please take care of me, my love.” <<less

Douno has been falsely convicted of mol*sting a woman on a train. He serves time in a group cell in prison, surrounded by inmates who... more>> are all suspicious in some way. Just as Douno's distrust of people reaches its peak, he is saved by the innocent kindness of his cellmate, Kitagawa. For Kitagawa, who is imprisoned as a mu*derer, this is the first time in his life that he feels the emotion of love. This complete edition encompasses the main work, "In the Box", as well as "Out of the Cage", which tells their story after their release from prison. <<less

This is a story about love, friendship, ambition, betrayal and fearsome weapons.

Kung Fu by Giddens Ko, the story of a Taiwanese middle school student who is obsessed with wuxia novels and ends up learning martial arts... more>> from a mysterious old man. <<less

At the age of seventeen, Xie Xiao Qiu met “him.”... more>>

Since then, “he” was engraved on her heart, an unforgettable existence.

Since then, she has been imprisoned by love to the point of madness.

“He” is called Wang Li Chuan. `

Six years ago, her boyfriend Li Chuan left without saying goodbye. Thereafter Xiao Qiu becomes the prisoner of love. She does not understand how such an intense and strong love could vanish overnight. The mystery of Li Chuan’s disappearance shatters Xiao Qiu’s heart. When they meet again Xiao Qiu wavers between advance and retreat. In the face of such a good and patient man, she suddenly understands happiness is never easy to grasp. Crippled or perfection is always accompanied by shadow. <<less

One leap from the city tower thus fulfills the Marquis of Chang Ye’s triumph in conquering the world, establishing a new era. Yet she only turns into a lonely wisp, accompanying him day and night.... more>>

Note: the title shares the same name as the female lead – Sang Ge 桑歌 meaning mulberry song <<less

One day, Katsuragi Daichi and his classmates found themselves in a different world. The god who summoned them to another world divided its power and... more>> gave it to them, saying that it wanted Daichi and the rest to defeat the Demon King as heroes. However, Daichi alone was given no abilities. And sure enough, Daichi was thrown away and used as a decoy in a demon’s den. Eaten by a demon, Daichi had lost consciousness and thought he had passed away, though when he came to he noticed his statuses had skyrocketed. He had obtained『Revenge of the Resented』. Every time he died, his abnormal ability powered up. <<less

After three years of being married to an unfaithful wife, the multi-billionaire is chased out of his home!... more>>

After the divorce...

His unfaithful ex-wife comes begging for forgiveness while she says, “I was wrong, please give me another chance!” <<less

The first time they met, she said to him, “Mr. Song, I see that you’re ill-fated, and I’m afraid that you will die soon.
The people around him accused her of being a fraud, and threatened to beat her. ... more>>

The second time she saw him, she said to him, “Mr. Song, you will die tomorrow.” She was nearly beaten.

The third time they met, he was on the brink of death. ***

Qiao Jin was a twenty year old with a meek disposition, but her personality changed drastically after her su*cide attempt, and she became neurotic and pompous.

She is labeled as a possessed lunatic.

Song Yanqing is a blue-blooded 25 year old. He is ill-omened and so sickly that he can barely walk two steps without coughing.

In Qiao Jin’s eyes, he is a phantom with a short life.

This is a fictional story about the epic romance between a lunatic that is too big for her britches and a slick noble-born phantom with a short life. <<less

Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part... more>> of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violet exploitation when first published in Japan—where it became a runaway best seller—Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world. <<less

Thirty years ago, Korn and Intouch were university students in Bangkok. Intouch entered Korn’s life despite knowing that he was the son of one of the most influential people in Bangkok, the mafia. At first, Korn kept pushing Intouch away, but in the end, he couldn’t resist the boy who was so full of life where he was the exact opposite and decided to let him into his heart.... more>>

However, in a time where homosexuality was unacceptable and having parents that were against their relationship and each other, Korn and In’s love was bound to be doomed. Midst the chaos, while Intouch kept on fighting for their future, Korn could not deal with all the suffering his lover was facing and decided to give up. That day, two sounds of a gunshot rang through the air.

Their story ended with tragedy, but something had already tied itself between them, binding them together even after they were dead.

Years later, a freshly returned to Thailand, Pharm (19) who is a freshman in T- University has grown up always feeling like he is waiting for someone. Being riddled with sad dreams that always left him waking up with a wet face, fear of loud noises, and a birthmark on his temple, the boy has always felt like there is someone he is missing.

Dean (21), the third year swimming club’s president at T- University has also spent his life searching for someone whose face he can not remember. The red thread of fate that had tied them together in their past life once again pulls the two boys back to each other, tying them to each other and a past that might not be worth remembering, but a love that is unforgettable. Because the red thread that binds the two hearts together will always lead one back to the other. Even though it might tangle or stretch, but it will never break. <<less

A third-year high school boy lost his life due to a disease. When he opened his eyes again, he had turned into a baby.... more>>

The Third Prince, whose existence was hidden, could neither talk nor laugh, and was considered a failure. Add in an overprotective servant and a dragon who did things out of his own convenience.

Continuing on living even with repeated misunderstandings. Heartwarming, alternate world life. <<less

Don't worry, Mom.
This time I will be truly happy.

Chris was a boy who was cursed with the Brand of the Beast that devoured the fates of the surrounding people. His life changed when... more>> he met a girl when he was wandering a corpse-laden battlefield as a young mercenary. She, Minerva, appeared before his eyes waving a huge sword in clothes of pure white. With the power of foresight and overwhelming swordsmanship, she was a legendary swordswoman feared as a grim reaper. Smiling in slaughter and weeping in sleep, that was the heavy burden shouldered by the girl. That fateful night, Minerva's fate of being killed by Chris was distorted by the brand. The two souls destined to be in the company of death met in the depths of despair. In the symphony of blades and blood, the boy and girl's beautiful legend of sorrowful magnificence is born! <<less

A lecherous army special task force soldier from 21st-century Hong Kong is selected to travel back in time, choosing to go to the Chinese Warring... more>> States Period. Unfortunately, the time machine runs into an error during the experiment. With no foreseeable way to return to the present, he must use his combat skills and knowledge of history to thrive in his new life in the year 251 BC. <<less

Ryoichi, a soft-spoken and quiet fifteen year old, meets Naomi, a young girl who is battling a life-threatening illness through her childhood friend, Tetsuya, who is the ace player of their school’s baseball team.... more>>

As they become closer, she opens up to him about her fears and secrets, and he also comes to deeply care for her. But one day when he visits her at the hospital, she suddenly asks him: “Why don’t we commit a double su*cide?" <<less

The story is centred around a cute android who initially had a happy life with her master who dearly loved her. But she was then... more>> struck by a series of misfortunes and ended up in a robot-equivalent of concentration camp. Through experiencing and witnessing the sufferings towards herself as well as the people/robots around her, she eventually gained a better appreciation of life. <<less