Another story is: "Tyranny of Steel" The story progress something like Release That Witch. MC makes Austria become a power house by introducing gun technology... more>> in an era of cold weapon. Some reader says its unacceptable since MC does not have super power like the witches in Release That Witch but the author keep mentioning the MC have an almost photographic memory and he is an engineering soldier who focus on technology knowledge. Warning: MC is grooming his teenage fiancé to be his wife. There are s*x scenes too. (Recommended but with warning: Adult/Mature tag.)  <<less

A few hidden gems ... others not so much but all of them totally worth the read. List spans quite a few genre such as Fantasy, sci-fi, cultivation, management, mystery.... more>>

Not all novels in the list will have top ratings. In my opinion the best novels are rated around 3.2 - 4.5. Anything over is mostly BL or FL with some exceptions. Anything below is mostly tr*sh with minor exceptions of novels for people with very specific taste. 

PS: All my recommendations are based on MTL. I rarely read human translated versions ..  <<less

Ancient or Cultivation BL reads that will make you feel you didn't waste your time. This list is apart of a series classified by genre; other lists of this series include Thriller/Action, Fluff, and Modern/Transmigration novels. I tried to include both known and unknown novels to give more diversity to the reading list. Honest note--not a big fan of ancient settings. I've judged quality by reviews and seeming plot. ... more>>

So what is my subjective version of a quality BL of this list?

-No/little plot holes & well developed plot

Capable MC and ML  (not aggravatingly s*upid and knows when to respect each other but also put their foot down at the right moments). 

 -Lasting impression. I made this list by memory so if it's not on here...Chances are it's not worth remembering for the list.

-Makes me think--especially applies to this genre since I usually read this genre for the court schemes and palace intrigues. 

-Make me cry, laugh, yell or gasp. Perhaps all at the same  time. 

*****I have also included BL novels that have high expectations from me. The higher the expectations, the higher the stars. Hence, "***, **, *."

PS. Novels I've read are the only ones rated according to number. The rest (unread) are just listed randomly.

 PSS. There are always exceptions on this list that don't fit the requirements. But it's not bad to explore out of your comfort zone.  <<less

Men who are clever and capable and cunning without being absolute wretches of humanity.... more>>

Added to as I read, you'll find all kinds of genres here. Feel free to comment some recs.  <<less

Korean novels that mainly include ... more>>

- female and male protagonist

- villains. queens, ladys, witches 

- smut. a lot 
2nd part. https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/53598/ <<less

Smart, Scheming Geniuses that win by brains instead of brawn.

Ever got tired of the same old sh!t of questionably problematic relationships? Or of some stup!d characters and world building? ... more>>

If so, here lies a humble list of my favorites, in which the MC's are likable and the ML's aren't ªssholes in plot disguise... 

(Will include themes like reincarnation, transmigration, Isekai, time travel, revenge/strategic plots, xianxia, fantasy/medieval/sci-fi/game worlds, romance, friendship, badªssery, humor, drama, action, adventure and, more)

 There're recommendations in the comments too! Make sure you guys look there too since I haven't found some awesome works as novels here. <<less

These are straight novels in which the male lead experiences at least half of the story as weak strategist (smart enough to conquer an army,... more>> but doesn't have enough muscle to win in a brawl). Please advise if there are any misses. <<less

ah yes, the misunderstandings and cognitive dissonance... more>>

The list is ranked from most like Cale's personality to the least like Cale's personality.

I'll use the following criteria (doesn't have to meet them all):

1. Found Family (FF) = Collects friends and allies like it's the easiest job in the world (BONUS [FF+]: if said friends/allies care about MC so much that they are MC's family truly)

2. Self-Sacrificial (SS) = coughing up blood/dying/getting hurt gang (BONUS [SS+]: if friends/allies heavily disapprove of MC's self-sacrificing habits)

3. Self-Deception (SD) = the Cognitive Dissonance that makes us stan cale (BONUS [SD+]: if MC is an unreliable narrator/undermines themself)

cale: I'm so selfish...i just wanna be lazy and slack off. 

cale: *saves the world*

cale: hold on....where did my slacker life go?! 

4. Slightly Tsundere, but mostly Calm (TC) = in other words, that Warm Heart

5. Strategic Type (ST) = plans out things to better their situation

6. Crazy Bastard (CB) = would do things (BONUS PTS [CB+]: if those "things" benefit others) that only someone with almost no self-preservation would do

7. No romance at all (No Rom) = not looking for no one, just friendships, anything is allowed, as long as it is PLATONIC THROUGHOUT the story

BONUS: Comedy (C), GAP MOE (GP) = yes you don't know how much i love this trope so much, System Administrator (SA) is involved <<less

Here are some novels with good knowledge and easy to understand.

Like I said,they are really unforgettable that they pop out in my mind at any free time.

Transmigration, pulled into a novel, nonhuman love, and other BL stories.  Really a bunch of fun stories.

Hidden gems for me.  Searching needles in the haystack means trying to find very rare thing that you want under harsh circumstances and usually its very hard to find that. No yaoi and related stuffs. No adolescence, ecchi and harem. I have been reading light novels for 8 years or more and I will add whenever I come into something cool. I am up for your recommendations whether its ln or not.... more>>

No order in the list. <<less

A collection of stories I’ve read ranging from historical, fantasy, sci-fi, modern, demon realm, or a slice of life that will have a satisfying ending.... more>> The MC’s are either female or male, innocent, smart, sweet, strong, struggling, revengeful, or just wants to live happily.  <<less

No description.

These are the novels I've read and worth of spending my time. Cuz I usually forgot about anything else once I start reading, lol.... more>>

And here I give you some story that worth to read. Some of it already finish. <<less

This specific recommendation will help you realize war strategies that can be easily applied to modern conflicts. Afterall who doesn't want to win?

Certified hood classics only. What I've read. Higher up is peak only.... more>>

Will be using Reverend Insanity and Lord of the Mysteries are /5 gauges for novels. RI for cold philosophical, LOTM for world building and story. <<less

Collection of stories where you do not want to mess with the Female Leads since they are not only smart, cunning, seductive, independent, and they... more>> don't rely on men. They either make the Male Leads fall head over heels or use them as pawns. <<less

No description.

These are some great novels that I'm reading or intend to read in the future.

Strong independent female leads.... more>>

I am open to suggestions, but just because the FL has red hair is not enough. She has to have the strong and determined personality. It doesn't have to be a reincarnation story, though all the one I've added so far are. <<less

Good novel '>'

Good novels with great story line and character growth. This does not include arrogant characters , excessive face slapping scenes or brainless harem characters but... more>> smart leads who take informed logical decisions. <<less

Fav. Would literally sell my kidneys to be friends with the characters.