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 don't like abusive, dog-blood drama, and weak characterization. I don't like Imbalanced Couple where the Seme/Gong is too Overbearing. I don't like weak, femininized, Uninteresting/Lackluster Uke, or bratty/silly Shou whose IQ drop drastically when encountering the Gong.  ... more>>

So these are a few novels with good plots, and mainly consist of interesting MC and good ML I strongly recommend. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NOVELS IN THIS LIST IS RANDOMLY LISTED WITHOUT FIXED RANKING, and also these are only novels that I HAVE READ. 
This list will randomly be updated if I find another worth noting novel. <<less

The title says it all. BLs with a healthy power dynamic (mostly, since those are pretty rare), well-developed leads, great storylines, almost no unhealthy and unrealistic characterisations like yandere MLs or MCs with questionable IQs. Some exceptions are there, though; I've added the novels I liked despite them having somewhat yandere character(s).... more>>

I've added all the novels that checked off most of the boxes and noted everything I might have liked/disliked about those novels while reading. 

The rankings on each novel don't really matter (except for the ones at the beginning). Don't forget the ones at the bottom, although they're the ones I personally didn't like much! But you might!  <<less

Chinese BL novels/manhuas  + some Korean manhwas/novels getting adapted to live action (that I've read/heard of/know of) in 2022 (and some are later)... more>>

Let's read them all before the adaptations are here~~~ 

(01/22 edit: ahaha it might be hard now cuz of that situation with the translators, but at least here's a list for (potential) adaptations) <<less

A list of memorable stories I read on novelupdates that covers mostly survival stories, reincarnation in non-human beings, second chances in other worlds and novels that felt unique in some way.... more>>

More often than not, stories I included had some grim parts to them. Where I find it necessary, I'll put a warning. 

Some stories are simply positive. Not everything needs to be dark. <<less

These novels are ranked according to the amount of readers they have. If you're suprised by the ranking, then trust me, I'm also suprised to begin with lmao. I thought some novels, such as 2ha and Silent Reading (because I hear about them EVERYWHERE), would rank a bit higher but the number of readers said otherwise. ... more>>

Not sure about Silent Reading, but in 2ha's case I believe it could be because, compared to other higher-ranked novels (like The Legendary Master's Wife, Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil etc etc), it's pretty new and once its popularity sky-rocketed, it got published with eng translations and the fan translation was removed, so about 40% of readers of this novel probably bought the novel instead of reading it on NU — which is why they didn't add it to their reading list and those readers weren't counted.  <<less

2023 updated list bio:
variety of genres, including but not limited to: historical, sci-fi, unlimited flow(thriller/horror), xianxia/wuxia/xuanhuan, (e)sports, mystery, psychological, supernatural, slice of life, school life, comedy, transmigration. PLOT HEAVY>>>... more>>

enjoy relatively balanced power dynamics between the two leads - especially in the more enemies to lovers novel e.g. ML insanely obsessive paired with a MC who knows his worth and will beat the sh*t out of ML if he tries anything weird

⚠️ NO MPREG, NO “UWU” MC, NO SEME PROTAGONIST, NO SHITTY TRANSLATION, NO BELOW 4.2 STARS

recs are welcomed!

notw: most reviews r very old and cringe… sorry <<less

i like them for very specific reasons. (i often edit my reviews/switch orders, as a heads up)

[NOT RANKED]... more>>

I'm tired of the double standards, third parties, unnecessary drama, scumbags etc. This list features extremely devoted couple! 1v1 HE. Totally safe to read. 

Gong (Seme) and Shou(Uke) are each others first & only s*xual partner; first & only love.  (Either it's explicitly mentioned, mentioned by the author, mentioned between the lines, or assumed in some cases if no other partners/ prior experience is mentioned). No exes, cinnabar moles, substitutes etc. 

No other partners in case of a seperation or breakup. 

No getting r*ped/ assaulted/ kissed/ mol*sted by passerbys or supporting leads. No love triangles or leading others on. If there's a harem it should be dismissed by the end. If either Gong or Shou are actors, then they should be the type that doesn't do intimate scenes. 

No kids involving other women (surrogacy). No marriage of convenience with other woman. 

P.S I only have requirements for the main cp. 

********************************
I'll try my best to eventually mark the details...

PART 2: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/80741/ <<less

(Actively updated.) When I first started reading on NU, I wished that there was a rec list with long descriptions of the novels so I knew what I'm getting myself into instead of having to check the synopsis of each individual novel. Couldn't find any, so I created one. Here it is. Arranged from best > worst > boring reading experience.... more>>

Disclaimer; my "reviews" are my own personal, biased opinions. I'm terrible at being systematic & putting my thoughts into effective sentences, so 90% of the novel descriptions in here are just me rambling. I usually only drop & rate novels after I've read at least until c.35. Also, I like to change my ratings & reviews sporadically. Feel free to suggest more novels and/or argue with me.

[5/5] - Truck-kun would shed real man tears at these masterpieces.

Below [4.4/5] - Truck-kun would shed tears of a disappointed Asian parent.

[3/5] - Truck-kun would hit them (again), maybe then they'll transmigrate and become a better story. Replaceable at any time.

("|| STATUS: [ ]" is my reading status as of typing the novel's description.) <<less

These novels are those that I deemed worthy of being called one of the High/Top Tier BL novels out here. ... more>>

There are also novels here that aren't BL but I still included them (in the list and in the comment box) to bring such masterpieces to your attention.

Also, those with a ⭐ are the ones that occupy a space in my heart! They are very special to me and I will read them over and over again!

10/08/2023. I will arrange my lists in the future! So excited!

01/29/2024. Making a second shelf! Link: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/85506/?ft=yes <<less

1. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ : definitely recommend
2. recommend
3. kinda recommend 
4. -- : undecided

They're apparently so bad, they're good. Also considered "classics".

All of these are, IMO, must-reads. Hands-down some of the best novels here. I've also included my own personal ratings and opinions of each of these novels. Well-written stories, great plots, characters, etc. I have relatively high standards for these to be my favorites, so these are all really high quality. I can't recommend them enough! coincidentally, all of them also have very high ratings (4.3-4.8)... more>>

Actively being updated. I haven't finished writing reviews/ratings for all of them yet, but I will in time. Meant to be ordered by highest personal ratings -> lowest personal ratings, but haven't had time to fix it yet. These are also my own opinions and feelings regarding each novel, so they won't be particularly eloquent, and you can definitely disagree. It's just me rambling.

Also added some ones I haven't read but will read and I know i will love. Feel free to recommend any danmei too!

...somehow, this also turned into a list of danmei I also want to read, not just a review of the ones I've read. I really can't control myself from looking for good danmei. Though, I'm sure I'll get to reviewing all of these someday <<less

all the novels that have a special place in my heart - in no particular order. Keep in mind that I am a very very... more>> picky reader but I often go back and reread these wayyy too many times to be healthy. These are all just gems and must-reads you have to know- there’s angst (hardcore and softcore along with stuff that made me ugly sob with hiccups), there’s downright fluff(some of them literally bleed fluff), there’s some that I read just for the plot( YES PLOT IS A TANGIBLE THING IN MOST OF THESE) and some that are just orgasmically dopamine filled. Disclaimer- like 4-5 of these are pretty hardcore so if you’re uncomfortable with yandere, dubcon, kinda~in*est, bd*m (READ THE TAGS ALWAYS) etc Just take it with a grain of salt but like it’s only a few out of this huge list. I hope you enjoy! <<less

(Mostly) no harem no BL, male lead on fantasy novel setting with his over protective companions.... more>>

***
Some is tagged Yaoi/Shonen Ai. BUT their relationship is mainly bromance, dense MC, super slow romance and barely had any explicit contents. Save read for those who doesn't like BL, like me.

Note: Some with yaoi tag  still ongoing, I'll update if it's bearable to read or not. <<less

Tried to find some top rated BL to read after LMW, but novels were all over the place, so here goes my attempt at collating them into one list.... more>>

Lowest rating will be 4.4 at that time of collation. Won't be ranked from highest to lowest. I will add novels as I find them.

Origin: No comment - haven't read it yet.    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - read it.     ✔️ - liked.    ✔️✔️ - super liked.   ✔️✔️✔️ - in love.

Part 2 - https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/18634/ <<less

LIST 1 - 10 ARE THE TOP 10 NOVELS I’VE READ. FYI, my standards are exquisite, meticulous and flawless. You can trust my list. ... more>>

SO FAR, I HAVEN’T READ THE REST AFTER #11 BUT THIS LIST GENERALLY HAS GOOD REVIEWS AND ABOVE 4 STAR RATINGS. 

#ANTI BRAINDEAD MCs ALLIANCE. 
#SOME ARE BL

#HANDSOME MALE PROTAGONISTS <<less

!PLEASE READ!:    
ORDER: Alphabetical... more>>

Go check @sonialu 's list < Impression? Quality? Worthy? Check. >  To see summaries for these books. 
All types of genres in here (mostly horror, thriller, mystery, Romance) 

Rest assured my dear action fans 

There might be some BL novels included.  A LOT but don't worry there is also BG, GL ... if i can find it

~.~ !   

There is a lot of BL at first, but keep going and you'll see BG and GL ( if i can find it ) <<less

Because I'm picky.... more>>

Every unlimited flow novel I read is really just a desperate attempt to return to the way I felt reading Liar Game for the first time ten years ago. *lights up a cigarette and takes a long drag, staring vacantly out into the distance*

Note: A lot of titles have had their links removed from NU due to some recent concerns about copyright. I'm not entirely clear on the situation or when/if they'll be returned, but they are still out there to find if you want to read them although there are potentially hoops to jump through to get to the actual texts. Some of the novels are removed for other reasons, such as being officially licensed in English, and I've tried to make a note of those, although I haven't really kept up to date with the status of the super popular novels that are missing or marked incomplete like Husky and his Shizun (aka 2ha). I pretty much just assume that these are in the process of being licensed. If you want to read them, you can find them. <<less

Note: All novels are rated above 4* and you can be rest assured to find some hidden gems here >o^... more>>

Okay, let's be realistic everyone~ ^v^ Human beings are not of the same mold, shape or size hence everyone's bound to have different preferences in some kind of form. Therefore, here I dutifully present to you my collection of novels that have had made the most impression on me and I can only hope that you may find THE ONE from this list.

PS. I personally love good quality reads that has a decent plot line and good character developments, as well as great translation work lest I have to destroy my brain cells haha Xd <<less

Bl novel with unique character designs, amazing romance and great plot.... more>>

My filters are,

1. Smart characters 

2. Unique or not boring relationship

3. Amazing plot

Even though one had downgrade but other two got hight points, I will still recommend them. But if the characters, specifically main characters are dump, 'high kick to the out of space.jpg'. <<less

For personal reference/rereading. Mostly plot focus & serious favs, with solid writing/characterisations/overarching plot. Any pairings (mostly bl/het), but not many harem/stallion novels. Mostly CN/KR novels for dialogue. Roughly sorted, many genres, no/low spoilers.... more>>

I prefer wuxia over xianxia, tragedy over fluff, etc. Some less serious/non-plot-focused novels included/marked for their definitive traits.
Personal genre/trait favs: comedy, tragedy, historical, mystery, psychological, scifi, realistic, mature, bittersweet, wuxia, delinquents, strategies/war, empire building, betrayal, food.   <<less

haven't read this all BUT this is basically my ongoing list so this is also for me as well HAHA ヾ(*'▽'*) these are very well-recommended... more>> to me so I wanna share these to you guys!!! (⌒ω⌒)ﾉ ps: i'm not really sure if this is ACTUALLY underrated but i just haven't seen that much people talk about this so here you go!!! | 4.5 stars and above and in NO particular order <<less

If you're looking for bl without all the abuse. Please note that not all novels will be fluffy or without uncomfortable content, because this list instead focuses on the main couple and how they interact with each other (i.e. healthy main romance).... more>>

Does not include: unequal power dynamics like student/teacher or in*est, pe*ophilia or predatory age gaps, manipulative or controlling love interests, r*pe/s*xual assault/dubious consent, physical or emotional abuse

List will update as I get far enough into the novels to be sure of their content. 

Please let me know if you have any suggestions or disagree and I will rethink my additions!

edit: sorry for any confusion about the list recently! updates to the list system knocked out my description and I hadn't noticed <<less