[For untranslated CN novel suggestions, please refer to the Comment Section of this list]... more>>

Romance novels that will make you reconsider the pre-established order of things, that shine by their realism, that demand that you acknowledge cannon fodders, that hinder you in condemning villains. <<less

Female leads that aren’t damsels in distress *Guilty Pleasure*... more>>

- MCs are clever, independent, and can be both mentally and physically strong. 

- Sometimes face slapping and OP. <<less

Imperial palaces, harems, dynasties, concubines, consorts, inner court, young miss, struggle of the princes competing for the throne, phoenix/dragon destinies, face-slapping, scheming
Includes transmigration of... more>> modern-day women into Ancient China and rebirth of FL with a second chance to avoid the mistakes of the past life. <<less

This list is specifically for second chances/age regression in fantasy, historical or VRMMO settings. 
- Not transmigration stories (see: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/16246/)
- Not time loop stories (see: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/10681/)
- Not second chances in modern society (see:  https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/10745/)... more>>

I'll start with a big recommendation for:
1. Metaworld chronicles - wonderful series with well developed characters, magic, monsters and dragons, all set to a really well explored alternate modern Earth fuelled by magi-tech. It's the best in the genre and you should try it out!
2. Selena's Reign - only around 20 chapters out so far, but they're really well done. Beautiful descriptions (though sometimes a bit verbose) and the best depictions of a late 18th century setting that I've seen in an online fantasy. Read this for the magical second chance messiah in a gritty, Louis XIV->Napoleon type time frame world.
3. The Calamity of a Reborn Witch - more of a shoujo take on things, it's filled with political plots and conspiracies of a cinderella type heroine in a rather dark fantasy world
4. Forgotten Conqueror (this was on hiatus for a long time but restarted on the author's site) <<less

There are so many amazing works that feature regressed MCs that are going through a second chance in management, corporate ladders, sports, cooking, etc. Definitely stronger list than the second chance in fantasy. Wanted to make a list that specifically targets this genre.... more>>

First, some of the best that aren't on NU:
1. Trailer tr*sh - wonderful depiction of a second chance high school life with strongly developed characters
2. Metaworld chronicles - only barely qualifies because it's really a fantasy world, but it's an alternate modern day Earth, with great detail and development of cultures and places and set in a modern society, if magic based
3. Let me make you a star - [have not yet read] but has good ratings, comment if you've had a chance to read it!

In addition, there are a number of great drama/TV shows (JP, CN and KR) of second chances that I highly recommend if you like this genre. I've added them in a comment below the list.

If you enjoy second chances, you can also try my other lists on:
- Second chances in fantasy (https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/10749/)
- Time loops (includes movies and webnovels not on NU - https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/10681/) <<less

what the name says... more>>

angst pain torture EMOTIONAL SLAUGHTER and finally COMFORT AND HUGS 

no harem na-da i dun like the cringey harem (tho tasteful ones get an entry pass)  <<less

Reading list of webnovels featuring court & harem intrigue and may include transmigration, rebirth, and gen, f/m and m/m relationships.... more>>

Comments include a brief summary and contain spoilers. <<less

Here is a list of the stories I made Relationship Diagrams for, along with the links to those diagrams (view the notes for each by clicking "more" under them). I typically make diagrams for stories with complicated family trees and interpersonal relationships. This helps remind me of who a character is in stories with slow release schedules, a large casts of characters, and/or similar names.... more>>

*WARNING* - These diagrams are updated to the latest chapter that I have read. That means that they will likely include some spoilers if you are not on the same chapter as I am. I typically do not update completed stories after their climax, so as not to ruin the ending.

Some of the diagrams are not up to date to the latest releases, as I have fallen behind in reading those stories. If you see any errors please let me know in the comments to this list. <<less

Don't expect many harems with characters who can't think for themselves or fall in love with the MC before page 1. Many might have a slow moving plot... have to invest yourself into the characters to find the tragic, beautiful and poignant!... more>>

First, some English original webnovels that are superb and easily googleable (in order of best characters, not necessarily plot): 
1. Trailer tr*sh
2. Iron Teeth
3. Castle Kingside (rewrite)
4. Metaworld Chronicles
5. The Good Student
6. Worm (Parahumans)
7. AnimeCon Harem (18+)
8. Mother of Learning
9. Selena's Reign
10. Double Blind: A modern litRPG
11. Tidal Lock (unfinished)

Note that I've been recently pruning and updating the list to remove some that were just good stories with average characters and move them over to new lists that are top of their genre. You can see all my rec lists at https://www.novelupdates.com/user/10378/tallrice/ <<less