Sturgeon's law: 99% of everything is terrible.... more>>

I know many people say that there are no good novels on this site, and it oftens feels like the top lists are filled with overpowered MC's, undeveloped harems, 2D characters, and lacking plots.

There are some novels that stand out, however, whether that be for their plots, characters, or translations.

This is a list for my personal 1%. It is ranked in order. <<less

I'll be adding my own ratings for each novel on this list. The core of this list is the [S] rating. The rest are just additions.... more>>

[S]: Masterpiece

[A]: Very Good

[B]: Good

[C]: Normal <<less

I've read novels over the years, and I guarantee you won't regret diving into them.... more>>

No BL, GL. Sorry that's not my type of novels. 

Other novels from another websites (webnovel, scribblehub..)

Time emperor (fanfic)
https://www.webnovel.com/book/time-emperor-(champion)_17500339706298405

Fox in a inverted world 
https://www.webnovel.com/book/fox-in-an-inverted-world_19203318006781205

Author POV 
https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-author's-pov_20524563005115705

Administrator
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/94510/-the-administrator-/

School idol (yandere/gore novel)
https://www.wattpad.com/story/296700221-the-school-idols-yandere-harem

Shadow s*ave
https://www.webnovel.com/book/shadow-s*ave_22196546206090805

A Budding Scientist in a Fantasy World
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/256241/a-budding-scientist-in-a-fantasy-world/

The Reincarnation of Alysara 
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/278151/the-reincarnation-of-alysara/

Nanomancer reborn 
https://www.webnovel.com/book/nanomancer-reborn---i've-become-a-snow-girl_14064812306272705

Mother of learning 
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21220/mother-of-learning

My vampire System
https://www.webnovel.com/book/my-vampire-system_16709365405930105

Library of Rain
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/858447/library-of-rain/

For more recommendations, check out my next list: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/83142/ <<less

Sequence is CN- JP- KR- Fluffy- (Comedy)- Exceptions- To-reads. Not ranked by number. 
My descriptions varies greatly from a gist, polished review, impressions, or explains key points.        ... more>>

[Flexible Preferences] 
A. Protags are somehow mostly male but I read both!- interesting, has compelling qualities, flawed with development
B. Entertaining, Distinct, & Creative
C. Steady premise, no TERRIBLE plot hole 
D. Romance: good execution, pacing, build-up, & evokes emotion; no bullsh!t drama & brain-dead denseness
E. Vital, relevant, fleshed-out characters
F. Comedic & Fun
G. Danger, Wars, Battles, Strategy, Tactics, Trials, Fights, Thriller, Suspense
H. Lore, Culture, Kingdom, Worldbuilding 
I. Political Intrigue, Schemes, Mind Games, Manipulation, Mystery
J.  Pure tragedies rarely - it hurts!
K. No BL/GL(yet?)
L. Can be R-18 
M. Polygamous-like IF great story | even if you're averse consider my recs. ;)

[Criteria]
1. These are (mostly) 4/5 stars in story, translation and enjoyment according to my flawed evaluation that is mainly 3/10 objective, 7/10 subjective.
2. I have perused the novels or adaptation before sharing my thoughts.
3. Writing must be consistent, coherent and engaging and the ending must at least not be sh!t. Clichés to a point are fine however it needs to be purposeful & executed well. 
4. I will keep adding books that are promising, satisfying, translated.  <<less

A list of novels I like so I don't forget. Not in order. I try to not make this similar to FIEND's and other people's list but there aren't that many decent ones with no romance y'know. ... more>>

Some novels : Since The Red Moon Appeared, The Damned, Supreme Grandpa, Is That A Wisp?, Spending My Retirement In A Game.

P.S. I still haven't differentiated quick transmigration and world hopping so I could be mistaken about some. Thank you for understanding. <<less

Just read it don’t hesitate( actually hesitate on some of them.)
Also, not in any particular order and take these with a grain of salt cuz it’s made by a 15 year old.... more>>

FYI some might not be fully focused on romance, but I still add it because if you're like me, even if its plot is like the plot return of mount hua sect, if it has even a tiny hint of romance in the first 50 or so chaps, I'll dig that sh*t out.

For all the short stories or oneshots just read, they’re short anyway, or read some review on it first.

These novels aren’t on NU, but they are still good 

Author’s POV (still good but got a bit wack at some parts, but it’s 800 chaps so that’s normal.)

Shadow s*ave (got kind of boring after first arc for me.)
I started to gain sentience in an eroge (it’s quite good and it’s a “bit” crazy, just a bit)

FYI my review’s ratings for NU are always low standards, so if I gave it like a 4, it’ll probably mean that it’s cliche but pretty enjoyable. And a 3 is like, it’s aight but I didn’t enjoy it that much and got bored easily at some parts. And 2 is don’t even, also I change my ratings and opinions quite often once I look back on it because when I am reading it I read for pure enjoyment and not with a critical view. Like if there’s a plot hole, I just skimp over it, it’s only when I look back on it then I see the flaws. <<less

Here is the list of the best translated novels you can find, be it Japanese, Chinese or Korean. (This list is based on my taste and subjective opinion and our opinions and taste might differ). Although I tried to rank it, but you should READ all these novels nevertheless, that's a MUST. ... more>>

This list mainly features novels from two genres : ACTION (mainly cultivation novels) and ROMANCE (preferably tragic romance which leaves deep impression on you) and excludes YAOI/BL (not a big fan of those)

If any novel isn't on this list, its because :

1. I haven't read it yet. (Believe me, I have read 300+ big-ass novels if not a thousand)

2. I didn't like it. (It may be good, just didn't suit to my taste)

Apart from this, if you are looking for ORIGINAL novels, you should give the following a try :

1. The Beginning After The End - By TurtleMe

2. The Author's PoV - By Entrail_JI

3. Supreme Magus - By Legion20 <<less

In no particularly order. Some of the NU link are broken so you have to google it to be able to read the novel.... more>>

My list of best translate Japanese romance/harem novels.

No NTR bullshit. <<less

Noice Novels...they are not in order

No rankings! All random order... more>>

Just a list consisting of characters who apply to at least one of the following tags as stated in list. Some characters will have all 5 of the applied tags, others only would have 1 tag at most. Some might only be ‘slightly’ cold or calm but still will be on this list, alas falling under the category. 

The story will consist of all types of novels like the typical Korean transmigration stories to the angsty danmei. All types, infinite flow, a deep slice of life I keep my word…
Currently updating so more stories will come on here, will try to find some hidden gems, I have been on this site for a while and have only just made an account so you will have to bare with me, as I try to find those stories I have read a long time back

Also would be very nice if anybody reading this recommended anymore stories to add onto this list as I have been desperately searching for actual decent stories with this tag. Surprisingly not many stories actually fulfil this tag successfully and I rather not add some derelict dull 2000+ novel with op mc, rather stories that will captivate your interest <<less

Cream of the crop, tip of the top, best of the best, apex among apex, a must read list.... more>>

Completely translated novels will be pushed to the top of the list and are confirmed masterpieces.

Only quality translation.

Yes: Action (mostly), Adventure, Horror, Mystery, Psychological

No: MTL, BL, Yaoi, Shounen Ai, Danmei, Gong, Seme, Shou, Uke, Men’s Love GL, Yuri, Shoujo Ai, Shoujo, Josei, Fanfiction

Mention your recommendations in the comments if there is a novel worth putting in the list. I will check it out (if I have the time) and reply whether it deserves a place here.

Minimum criteria [S-] Tier.

Happy reading and immersion! :) <<less

Characters who have self-serving personalities or tendencies, and may or may not show it in interactions, actions, emotions, intent, and thoughts. Or just that the character has a willingness to do things that aren't compatible with our modern and diverse views regarding morals, ethics, principles, and ideals of good. Of course these books have different tones and also handling of this subject.... more>>

The list was created with much subjectivity, as I won't put protagonists whose good qualities overshadows all their impactful grey actions and evil actions, which is important to me regardless of whether they are truly good or evil. -> Different examples of who I won't include are Song Shuhang (kindness), Klein Moretti (principles and heroic actions), Kim Dokja (altruism), and Chen Ge (goodwill and generosity).

Work in progress. Of course I have read these, I will simply state if I did not. Most are good novels but I will add some non-favorites, which is purely my opinion because I have a personal standard of quality.

UNRANKED

Let me not bother about my face and recommend my list for top quality novels I've enjoyed:  https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/16488/ <<less

List contains my favorite action/horror/psychological thrillers. Some will question ones humanity but I do love antiheroes.... more>>

I like my MC strong but they're way cooler if they're clever enough to outsmart the enemies. Or should I say cunning?

Novel recommendations not link to NU in the comment section. <<less

After 5 years of reading, wanted to make a list of my favorites novels so far. Not a ranking list but the first ones are the novels that impressed me the most so you can consider that a sort of ranking. Updating as i keep reading.... more>>

edit: years are now 8, adding novels in the next days <<less

if your bored read this list, it will entertain you trust... more>>

PS: Mount Tai

if you guys have anything to say, feel free to say it in the comments. This list is more inclined toward romance but it does have some books that are Action only or MC only and have no romance.

There is no order, almost all if not all books are pretty good to most people

this list does include BL but it's only like once or twice! <<less

No description.

I have read more than 500 novels until now. Here’s my List of best 50 novels. No specific genre. Some of them are Original which i read ... more>>

TBATE - my first Reincarnation novel really good but very slow release 1 chapter per week. - S .

Shadow s*ave - Really unique system and story. - S

Mother of Learning - Classic Novel .Time Loop and Magic - S+. One of the Best

The Sinful Life of the Emperor - Great Smut novel with really good story and action , really liked this - S

Along with this i will list about 50 novels from 500 which i liked the best. <<less

Les romans que je considère comme les meilleurs parmi tous ceux que je lis, il y en aura de tous les genres (presque) je n’ai... more>> pas mis d’ordre en particulier et j’ajouterai le reste quand j’aurai le temps <<less

In this list, there will be a variety of novels that I have read throughout my journey. There are also some novels that I'm planning to read as well. Nevertheless for the ones I have read, I will try add some descriptions. ( may not have enough time, but I'll try my best). I've read about 90% of what is included in this list, so it'll take quite long to review all of them ( I would rather spend time reading novels). ... more>>

Unfortunately, there's a limit to the number of novels I can add to this list. That's why I may trim down the list so I can add other novels.  <<less

Stories I have or will read that contain an Evil Main character or a character similar or within the evil theme(None of these are in... more>> order). Also feel free to recommend or give your own review of a story in the comment section. <<less

Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! (このライトノベルがすごい! Kono Raito Noberu ga Sugoi!, lit. This Light Novel is Amazing!) is an annual light novel guide book published by Takarajimasha. The guide book publishes a list of the top ten most popular light novels according to readers polled on the Internet.... more>>

(A/N: This year a lot of, I mean almost half of the novels are newly released ones and so they don't have NU page. Jeez) 

Bunkobon/Light Novels

#1 Chitose-kun wa Ramune Bin no Naka

#2 Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Agent (N/A)

#3 Classroom of the Elite

#4 Confession of Mimosa  (N/A)

#5 Propeller Opera

#6 The Angel Next Doors Spoils Me Rotten

#7 Days With My Stepsister

#8 The Detective is Already Dead

#9 The Neighbouring Aarya-san who Sometimes Acts Affectionate and Murmuring in Russian 

#10 Bullet Code: Firewall (N/A)

Tankobon/Books

#1 Sasaki and Pi-chan (N/A)

#2 Silent Witch

#3 Ascendance of a Bookworm

#4 Rebuild World

#5 Ishura

#6 Babel (N/A)

#7 Chousekai Tension Exodrive: Gekitou! Isekai Zennihon Daikaihen (N/A)

#8 Gendai Shakai de Otome Game no Akuyaku Reijou wo Suru no wa Chotto Taihen (N/A)

#9 Magical Device Craftsman Dahlia Won’t Hang Her Head Down Anymore

#10 Boku wa Saiseisu, Boku wa Shi (N/A) <<less

Upd. May 2023: Latest worthy addition: Fushisha no Deshi (Disciple of the Lich). ... more>>

Upd.:  I encountered several novels that blew up my top ranks in 2022.

I have a specific taste for Isekai novels, and I'm able to tolerate many things and sometimes even issues with the plot, world building and flatness of characters. But what I can say about this list you're about to witness, is that I'm positively able to re-read each and every of this novels, given the time.

In some cases, like Wortenia Senki and Hachinan Tte, I read both WN and LN, but I don't think it's needed to bother adding both versions to this list.

P.S.: While the list isn't fully complete, I'm starting slowly to add my biased comments for you to see.

P.P.S.: My memory is good, but I can still miss your favourite novel, if you think I did (I'm mostly talking about Isekai stuff), feel free to leave comment under the List. Most definitely I'll reply and if I didn't miss it for a reason, I'll add it (at least into my reading list, hehe). <<less

Personal favourites, in no particular order.... more>>

Idk if I'm allowed to put this here but anything QI in this list? Aggregators lmao

More recommendations (this list is non-exhaustive): [The Menocht Loop][Azarinth Healer][Deathworlders][Mother of Learning][Delve][There is no epic loot here, only puns.][Spellgun][The Abyssal Dungeon][Daedalus][Those who aspired to become gods][Apex Predator][I am going to die (in this game-like dimension)][Metaworld Chronicles][The last angel: Ascension][Unbound][Vainqueur the Dragon][Deeper Darker][Mud's Mission][Empire of Salt][Gaia Awakens][The Gam3][Never Die Twice][The Forgotten Conqueror][Tallrock][The Only Real Cultivator][Seabound][Worm][Vaudevillain][A Hermit's Life for Me][Shade Touched][Just A Bystander][Sylver Seeker][Magic-smithing][The House Witch][Apocalypse: Generic System][Rebirth in a Magical World][The Oscillation][Fork this Life][Beware of Chicken][The House Witch][Valkyrie's Shadow][Salvos][First Contact][A Sense for Magic][Romantically Apocalyptic][The Stars Have Eyes]

Extras:[I don't  want this kind of Hero][Weak Hero][Jigokuraku][World Trigger][Hunter x Hunter][Eleceed] <<less

Any story where the MC prefer to use his brain over his brawn to solve his problem. Or when the MC is facing overwhelmingly strong... more>> enemy, he can only use his cunningness to defeat the enemy  <<less

Sometimes you just wants to enjoy reading novel while sipping cup of tea or coffee, almost all the novels inside this list I still reading it and have the urges to re-read again soon after I managed to finish it.... more>>

Well, I just love reading anything that I can get with my favorites genres. <<less