Pinnacle Novels of Quality! Immerse yourself~

Pinnacle Novels of Quality! Immerse yourself~
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.        

[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. 
27 57906 98
197 Followers
Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
Created: Sep 14th, 2020, Updated: May 3rd, 2021
Created Sep 14th, 2020
Updated May 3rd, 2021
JP (4.6)
11 Chapters Every 271 Day(s) 4559 Readers 22 Reviews 08-15-2023
To-read.
CN (4.5)
182 Chapters Every 6.5 Day(s) 3597 Readers 14 Reviews 01-28-2021
To-read.
JP (4.1)
0 Chapters Every 90.1 Day(s) 1695 Readers 3 Reviews N/A
To-read.
JP (4.5)
72 Chapters Every 66.6 Day(s) 2666 Readers 5 Reviews 11-25-2023
To-read.
JP (4)
752 Chapters Every 11.5 Day(s) 3736 Readers 4 Reviews 11-17-2023
To-read.
JP (4.1)
8 Chapters Every 394.5 Day(s) 4261 Readers 33 Reviews 05-24-2016
To-read.
JP (4.3)
115 Chapters Every 56.9 Day(s) 1632 Readers 3 Reviews 07-12-2022
To-read.
CN (4.1)
44 Chapters Every 641 Day(s) 8226 Readers 120 Reviews 01-29-2017
To-read
CN (4.3)
916 Chapters Every 150.5 Day(s) 13678 Readers 240 Reviews 03-16-2018
To-read
CN (4.2)
234 Chapters Every 66.7 Day(s) 6944 Readers 39 Reviews 11-16-2021
To-read
KR (3.8)
20 Chapters Every 159.7 Day(s) 19370 Readers 377 Reviews 10-19-2017
To-read
CN (3.9)
95 Chapters Every 324.2 Day(s) 4642 Readers 47 Reviews 11-24-2015
To-read 
JP (4.4)
184 Chapters Every 117.1 Day(s) 22950 Readers 209 Reviews 11-28-2022
LN VERSION. To-Read. Comedy.
CN (4.1)
51 Chapters Every 170.7 Day(s) 7349 Readers 123 Reviews 05-26-2017
To-read.
JP (4.6)
183 Chapters Every 9.3 Day(s) 10743 Readers 38 Reviews 09-19-2020
To-read. Comedy.
KR (3.9)
333 Chapters Every 78.5 Day(s) 4115 Readers 17 Reviews 02-10-2022
To-read. Comedy.
JP (4.5)
14 Chapters Every 276.6 Day(s) 680 Readers 2 Reviews 07-02-2015
To-read.
CN (4.8)
14 Chapters Every 33.4 Day(s) 5746 Readers 150 Reviews 03-03-2023
To-read.
JP (4.8)
38 Chapters Every 197.5 Day(s) 10154 Readers 87 Reviews 03-09-2017
To-read
CN (4.6)
118 Chapters Every 211.5 Day(s) 11578 Readers 146 Reviews 10-06-2015
To-read.
JP (4.5)
116 Chapters Every 84.7 Day(s) 2403 Readers 3 Reviews 07-07-2022
To-read. 
JP (4.4)
255 Chapters Every 155.4 Day(s) 2360 Readers 1 Reviews 07-08-2019
CN (4.4)
57 Chapters Every 99.4 Day(s) 1715 Readers 13 Reviews 01-04-2022
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  1. animefan4004
    animefan4004· Oct 31, 2020 04:08 PM

    I agree with everything except ORV(Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint) the last arc of that novel and the epilouge was really bad in my opinion.

    Also BTW, the Web Novel for Dungeon Defense is currently being translated and can be found here:

    https://www.novelupdates.com/series/dungeon-defense-wn/https://www.novelupdates.com/series/dungeon-defense-wn/

    Reply · 3 Likes · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 31, 2020 10:27 PM

      Thanks :) 

      Yeah. I haven't read ORV's last 50 chapters but I heard that it was 'bad' from other's opinion. Still top quality and unique in enjoyment and story among webnovels though.

      Also I read Dungeon's Defense WN but it's so different. For me, LN and WN have same title, but different stories right from the beginning - both versions are like the difference between the original fairytale books and disney adaptation. I'm waiting for translations to pile up but it's not a priority as I really, really like the LN. My reason is that the writing is lower in quality than the later written LN, aspects are toned down, and a favorite character of mine had tragic things done to her which hurts my heart clear.png

      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  2. animefan4004
    animefan4004· Dec 31, 2020 04:13 PM
     Seeing that you liked "Lord of the Mysteries", the novel I strongly suggest you continue reading and not drop is definitely "Little Tyrant Doesn't Want A Bad End", because after chapter 200 of that novel becomes a lot like "Lord of the Mysteries".
    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Jan 1, 2021 03:34 AM
      Sure! I saw LoTM influences but its defintely a surprise that it will be much more influenced later on.
      Reply · ·
    • animefan4004
      animefan4004· Feb 9, 2021 03:47 PM

      @Sleep-deprived-enthusiast 

      clear.png

      I also recommend that you read this novel:

      https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-editor-is-the-novels-extra/

      It's a much more serious version of "tr*sh of the Count's Family". Be warned though, the first 30 or so chapters are pretty boring as they are mostly just set-up for the actual story, so I suggest you read until chapter 60 before you decide to drop it or not.

      Reply · ·
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    • Nude_philoshopher
      Nude_philoshopher· Aug 17, 2021 05:12 PM
      @animefan4004 The ed was bad.But the author is writing "the villain wants to live" and it's damn good.Hope author nim doesn't screw the ed this time
      Reply · ·
  3. Lei TIan
    Lei TIan· Nov 9, 2020 11:23 PM
    Thx for the great list and a good summary for novels, I've managed to pick out quite a few that could possibly be to my liking. And seeng that we have similar taste in novels, especially Lord of Mysteries and Sevens are one of my all time favorites, If you are interested you can check out my list too :)
    Reply · 1 Like · ·
  4. Buskervile
    Buskervile· Oct 28, 2020 02:49 AM

    GREAT! Finally someone who read House of Horrors! Also Gekkou! Im guessing you too have been a reader before fan translations become popular since Gekkou is in Baka tsuki. Im just a bit disappointed about Rakuin no Monshou not being in this list. That novel to me is on the same level as lord of the mysteries and house of horrors, the highest level for me. 

    Ive read everything on this list except the legend of Sun Knight and most of the last 10(i will check them out now) on the list and i would say I pretty much agree with every thing you said. This is a great list.

    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 28, 2020 08:09 AM

      Hahaha yeah I did start with baka-tsuki novels, starting with old titles. Also thanks for the praise :) It's something I made purely because of wanting to share my enjoyment to other people like you.

      I'll read Rakuin no Monshou. I was previously hesitant because nobody talked to me about it.

      For Legend of the Sun Knight, for all of the things I don't like about it, it's what could I say, something I enjoyed for it's comedy and adventure aspects though I did not finish it yet. 

      Glad we agreed with My House of Horrors. Top-favorite of mine and I got hooked right from the start and did not regret binging all available chapters at the time.

      Reply · ·
  5. naviet
    naviet· Oct 21, 2020 09:13 AM
    clear.png
    Reply · 1 Like · ·
  6. Waka
    Waka· Oct 19, 2020 08:25 AM
    Amazing list<( ̄︶ ̄)↗
    Edit:Oh yeah and u should check out these other novels:
      
       Ouroboros Record
       Kumo desuka nanika?
       Delve from Royal road
       The wandering inn from Royal road
       The gate of good fortune
       To be a power in the shadows
       The magus of Genesis
       Hakai no Miko
       The novels extra
       
    That all I can remember for now

    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 19, 2020 09:39 AM

      Thanks for the suggestionsclear.png

      -Kumo Desuga and The Novel's Extra -- Great starts, lowers in quality. TNE went from great to good, I kept reading even when people said one of the arc is similar to HxH but then I stopped reading at around chapter 300 because it was skipping all details and fights. Kumo was great for the first parts when there was evolution, and I still read it throughout the war arc. I lost interest in the story of Kumo though in the middle of the story because of the muddled direction. Maybe one day I'll re-read it but I'll definitely watch the anime adaptation, as well as read the manga adaptation because I saw it had a revised story.

      -Ouroboros Record was dropped in LN and hiatus in WN so I'd rather not try because I don't know if it'll ever get continued. Delve's reviews where overwhelmingly telling they enjoyed it but the plot didn't have any major direction past chapter 100 so I will let chapters stock first before diving into it in case it get better. 

      -The Wandering Inn, To be a Power in the shadows was in my to-read and I guess I'd put it higher in priority  ;) 

      - The Gate of Good Fortune, the Magus of Genesis, and Hakai no Miko -- thanks, first time knowing of these so I'll put it in my to-read. Reviews are mixed though, but I'll definitely try The Gate of Good Fortune looks pretty great, which I only had the chance of hearing of because of you.

      Thanks again! clear.png

      Reply · ·
  7. Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
    Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 14, 2020 01:58 PM
    Some books not in NU, always support the authors because they also need to earn! Imma summarize in tag words.

    1. The Mech Touch [webnovel] - mechs, designing and building mechs, limited mech pilots, organizations and nations, wars and schemes, action, universe world-building, 3 dimensional characters, character development and realistically flawed protagonist, conflicts, interestingly deep mystery and power systems, action-adventure, comedic, organization and influence building, late and slow romance (and this poses many, maybe deliberate, relationship problems and flaws of both the protagonist and his girlfriend), unique system, sci-fi -- a great read and favorite of mine, only has a mid arc which dragged for too long, but it is integral and not redundant, and still very much interesting if you're patient to the story. I have some issues with a group of characters and nation presently, but for now it still makes sense to the story as it feels it's deliberate on part of the author, and the logic and protagonist still make sense and are relatable to me.

    2. Time Traveler's Guide to Feudal Japan [webnovel] - time travel, war and fighting, ancient times, character development, realistic characters, historical facts are neatly done, romance subplot, intelligent protagonist, conflicts, realistic and normal world with some mysteries. -- entertaining but somehow dark and serious.

    3. The Great Game - The Young Master [scribblehub] - interesting premise, intelligent protagonist, small and well-done harem, schemes and wars, travelling and adventure, realistic characters with character development, conflicts, action, overarching plot. and has some memorable scenes I still laugh at when I recall -- changes gears in plot after the first arcs, but still top-notch.

    4. The Beginning After The End [tapas] - exploration of transmigration-reincarnation,  interesting power systems and abilities, schemes and wars, action, conflicts, overarching plot, romantic subplot, realistic characters and character development, sacrificial and intelligent and flawed protagonist. -- has some flaws but good for a webnovel.

    6. The Oracle Paths - this is so good. My gripes with this is the author keeps on making the main character tolerate some characters with a bad personality most readers don't like (not that I really hate it, it just gets much reaction for the audience), for now the main romance feels like its affecting mc's other possible relationship with love interests because of the circumstance but main romance and mc haven't met except for the start and there is no bullsh*t as of now that made the mc not want to have a fling/relationship because of 'main romance fate', and maybe the protagonist's notion of strategy and battle tactics are sometimes hindered by the widespread 'system' (oracle in this case, as the title says) but it does get handled properly, and while his intelligence does really develop and used properly to think of creative means, achieve goals and do things for his own growth,  he's not the ultimate scheming/strategist types.

    Still adding when I sort out stories I have read, stories that are in my to-read, and judging if some books are good besides their smut. It will take a long time though besides reading novelupdates-available books.


    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Buskervile
      Buskervile· Oct 28, 2020 03:08 AM

      Time travelers guide to feudal japan is definitely good, especially those who are extremely familiar with the sengoku era. This is the only novel where i paid my way to the latest chapter in just 2 days. Highly recommended to those who play Shogun Total War.

      The Beginning After the end - the tags you’ve written piqued my interest, i will add it to my reading list/bookmark.

      The mech touch- sadly mechs are not my taste anymore. 

      Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 28, 2020 08:01 AM

      @Buskervile the mech touch is currently.... yeah, some things are just ruining the enjoyment. The author at least written it well enough with things for the future so I hope it get better when I get back to it a few months later, edit: just seen some chapters, not free of annoyances and flaws, but still good and enjoyable enough. 

      For TBATE, it is by no means perfect and has some cliches, but it's execution is good enough that its way above other reincarnation stories do (looking at you generic isekai JP novels) and the plot is thought-out. It's especially memorable to me as it is one of the first stories of this genre I read. I recommend going into it knowing the mc is interesting and has relatability while also having flaws, shortcomings, and conflicts that add some value to the story without you questioning or wanting to beat the mc like in other stories. One of the things I liked about it the most is the protagonist growing stronger as a child because of his reincarnation advantage.

      I'm also the same with Time Traveler's Guide because of my long attachment to the sengoku era setting way back as a kid playing PS2 games like Nobunaga's Ambition, Kessen, Dynasty Warriors. I even thought those were real  It made the time travelling all the more thrilling and satisfying.
      Reply · ·
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    • animefan4004
      animefan4004· Oct 28, 2020 11:04 PM
      Doesn't the The Beginning After The End go to sh*t after volume 5 though?
      Reply · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 29, 2020 01:32 AM

      @animefan4004 Really? That's a shame, I put it on hold and it was still good at that point. I heard about that opinion in the past but my reading tastes were still immature and inexperienced back then to judge it properly.

      Reply · ·
    • MsMeg
      MsMeg· Jan 18, 2021 11:30 PM

      I like female protags... but the beginning after the end is really good IMO. I anxiously await each upload of the manhwa.

      Reply · ·
  8. Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
    Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Oct 6, 2020 08:36 AM

    Besides the text on the description, I hate shock-value forced ntr and ntr vibes; 

    I can handle r//a//p//e for darker stories but I hate it when it happens outta nowhere to characters we are invested in or especially to any female lead; 

    main protagonists that are cookie-cutter and have no personality and their terrible qualities don't add any value at all to the story; 

    past a certain point bad kr, jp, and cn mc's are turn-off: examples are carefree non-questioning isekai push-over, and lone wolf edgy power-leveler, emotionless mu*der hobo villainous assaulter of the opposite sex;

    lastly usage of popular tropes to pander are tasteless. This includes s*ave harems, jade beauties, unentertaining grandpa or subordinate admirers, uber lucky deus ex machina etc.

    -----------------------------------------------

    World-building is one of my topmost priority in a story

    I can read any genre, but generally nothing too classic (but I am planning to read some soon) or too teen-like or for childish audience, as in something like twilight (correct me if I'm wrong as I have not read it) or idealistic wattpad books for teen/young adults, or for-fun anime fanfic. I'm not insulting those as those have value to who reads them, it's not just for me.

    Premise, emotions, storyline, entertainment, writing quality, and length are things that hook me in, but I'm picky about 'quality' but not picky if I truly enjoy something.

    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Sleep-deprived-enthusiast
      Sleep-deprived-enthusiast· Author · Dec 3, 2020 10:29 AM

      side note: why do I read harem? I am aware they are pretty unrealistic and only 1% can be considered realistic, it's just pretty fun. What I enjoy is the dynamics that are pretty entertaining, the bloodshed funny, and romantic moments exciting, the shipping and fluff lighthearted, and sometimes the heroines can be a protagonist on their own right. Just like how I enjoy evil, grey, and even non-human/monster protagonists, it doesn't have to be realistic for it's fiction. It only needs to hook my interest and soothe my boredom.

      I am aware most do not convey a meaningful message other than pandering so I try to avoid those if I'm looking for quality. And the argument of those protagonists whether female or male being tr*sh? Well, most of them depending on the world. Monogamy isn't the only possible relationship out there -especially in fiction - but it is the easiest to handle for a normal family in our world. Wish fulfillment just has many protagonist magnets, lucky bastards or cheating, womanizing, selfish ones that you need to look out for.

      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  9. NobeliumBanshee
    NobeliumBanshee· Jan 23, 2022 06:21 AM
    I enjoyed RI, LOTM, my house of horrors, and soul of negary on this list. Sss class su*cide Hunter and Isaac are also really good. I was hoping you could provide me recommendations similar to those mentioned above. Thanks for the list :)
    Reply · ·
  10. Santiagojillian
    Santiagojillian· Oct 3, 2021 03:37 PM
    DAMN THIS IS THE LIST THAT IVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR!! THANK YOU!!!
    Reply · ·