General Reading Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests)
-
I have a question about "How not to summon a demon lord" LN. I watched the 1 season of the anime and today i saw the 2nd season. I was wondering how accurate LN and anime? I like to read Lazy Dungeon Master but i wouldnt watch it's anime. As a LN LDM and How Not to is similar? Should you reccomend to someone who like LDM?
-
@crowdcontrol i think its too late now anyway. Its really hard to reccomend to someone who likes bookworm. Bookworm's story is rare to find. There is no action like classic LN action or the world is in danger or summoned hero has to be a hero and do heroic stuff etc etc.
What did you like about bookworm? The writing or general about the world?
If writing i would reccomend mushoku. Mushoku's world building, writing, character development are really good. But its ecchi, there is action all over the place, inventing stuff are not detailed like in bookworm. So its depends. If you give couple more examples what do you like, i(we) could give better advise.
-
@korppi I clicked the link to Novel Horizons and noticed they didn’t bother to capitalize the word English at the top of the page. That does not bode well for their content...
-
Before I begin, let me acknowledge that I'm too lazy to read through the whole thread, so I apologize if this has already been addressed.
Request
Please recommend series that are well-written. I'm not looking for a particular genre or style. My focus here is on works that are competently constructed.Background
I recently had the experience of trying out several new series (new to me, not necessarily newly published) only to be stymied by how poorly written they were. It was bad enough that it broke my willful suspension of disbelief. These series suffered from obvious flaws such as: bad sentence or paragraph structure, bizarre word choice, unnecessary exposition, telling rather than showing, arbitrary and even nonsensical plot points, characters that behave and react unlike any actual human being would behave or react, dialog unlike any that actual human-beings would engage in, etc.I understand that there is wide variation in LN quality. And I'm happy to acknowledge the subjectivity in such judgments. It certainly may be the case that other people take no similar issues with a series that bothers me. For this reason, I will refrain from trashing any series by name.
I'm not a literary critic. On the scale of artistic taste, I'm somewhere around "philistine". I'm cognizant that LNs are not meant to replace Shakespeare - students will not be reading them 100 years from now in a "Great Literature of the 21st century" class. I'm fine with that. All I'm looking for is an easy couple hours of escapism that doesn't feel like it was written by someone who has only ever observed other human beings from the top of a mountain through a telescope.
Positive Examples
- Ascendance Of A Bookworm - One of the best-written LN series that I've read. Those who recognize my username will most likely know me from the AoaB forums.
- Good I have such high praise for this series that it is difficult for me to analyze it objectively. Nearly everything about this series feels - to me - deliberate, planned, competently executed, and well-edited. The people feel human. The culture feels believably alien.
- Bad A bad series will come-off as a sequence of events seemingly chosen by random dice roll. Characters will be flat and robotic. Dialog will seem scripted.
- Overlord - Intentional manipulation and subversion of isekai tropes.
- Good Overlord does a few things very well, and is a surprisingly deeper story than you might at first expect. One thing that stands out to me is the deft way that the author, through careful story structure, tricks you into rooting for the bad guys. By the time you realize just how evil the denizens of Nazarick really are, it's already too late. That's a really hard trick to pull off and is a testament to the careful writing in the series.
- Bad A bad series will be one that doesn't challenge the reader in any way. The morality in all cases will easily correspond with modern western values, the good guy will be obviously good with only superficial flaws, and the bad guys will be obviously bad. No attempt will be made to analyze or deconstruct such judgments.
- Arifureta - It's OK to embrace the tropes.
- Good Perhaps a weird choice to include on this list. I include it to show that I'm fine with the zanier and less serious. What I like most about Arifureta is that even its tropiest most cliche scenes are always done with a nod and a wink. The author is in complete control of the narrative and has just made the eyes-wide-open decision to do the most cliche thing imaginable (usually with tons of style).
- Bad A poorly written series will fall back on tired tropes completely seriously and unironically. They will all be played straight with no meta commentary or self-awareness whatsoever.
- Ascendance Of A Bookworm - One of the best-written LN series that I've read. Those who recognize my username will most likely know me from the AoaB forums.
-
@unknownmat since you haven't mentioned which series you've read, I'll just mention a few from JNC:
- The Faraway Paladin - one of the best written (and best translated) LNs, and a great starting point if you haven't read it yet. It has a very good introspective character development.
- Altina the Sword Princess - a more conventional fantasy military story. The author knows where he's going, and is able to use use comedy and clichés when it's appropriate. It's quite fun to read.
- Invaders of the Rokujouma!? - if you want something more lighthearted, it has 38 volumes and counting that was planned from the beginning. It takes a few volumes before the proper story starts, but after that I always want to know what happens next.
-
@unknownmat said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
Please recommend series that are well-written.
If well-written and competently constructed is what you're looking for, I can't not recommend Tearmoon Empire. It's just... mwah, chef's kiss.
-
@crimson-wise said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
since you haven't mentioned which series you've read, I'll just mention a few from JNC:
The Faraway Paladin...Altina the Sword Princess ... Invaders of the Rokujouma!?
I have read Faraway Paladin and I agree that it is well written, good recommendation.
Altina sounds intriguing based on your description. I'll stick it at the head of the queue (I own the series already, actually, as I have a bad habit of buying books that I'll definitely get around to eventually, ahem).
I saw the first 10 minutes of the Rokujouma anime and thought it was so dumb that I couldn't watch it any further. Maybe I need to stick with it a bit longer...? How closely does the LN track with the anime?
@masterlillyclaw said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
If well-written and competently constructed is what you're looking for, I can't not recommend Tearmoon Empire. It's just... mwah, chef's kiss.
Perfect. Another one that I already own and was meaning to get around to eventually. I will place it at the top of the queue.
-
@unknownmat The anime does take some liberties, particularly at the end, but I think the tone at the beginning is pretty much the same as the novels.
The first three volumes were OK, but then things move up from there, and the actual plot starts around volume 7. I do love the series and I think it's worth it, but it's of course up to you whether you want to dedicate your time to it.
-
@unknownmat said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
I saw the first 10 minutes of the Rokujouma anime and thought it was so dumb that I couldn't watch it any further.
The 1st episode of the Rokujouma anime covered the whole of Volume 1. The anime is not a good way to check how amazing Rokujouma is. It was too rushed and many important scenes were skip or changed. It was so rushed that they covered 7 volume of the LN. Just imagine how many scenes were skipped or changed to fit that amount of content in a 12 episode series.
Edit: The first 7 volumes of Rokujouma is the whole introductory arc. After that is when the story starts to really get going.
JNC LN Ranking:
1st - Rokujouma
2nd - Realist Hero
3rd - Bookworm -
@unknownmat Have you tried Mushoku Tensei? A rich world with a MC that's dfinitely NOT a moral paragon, with a story that while it wasn't definitely thought out from the onset (the author has openly revealed that he thought it up in reaction to the readers commentaries), it still feels coherent and cohesive enough aside from a few parts. I like the way characters are presented, they feel quite humane instead of just caricatures or tropes. I'd suggest to wait until Seven Seas updates their translation tho. Or watch the anime, it was a very faithful adaptation of the first 3 books
-
@bartzbb said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
The anime is not a good way to check how amazing Rokujouma is.
But it served its purpose - it hooked me on the idea of finding out why the two love interests seemed just a bit too much like their characters in the play.
Going back to @unknownmat's criteria, I agree the story is more important than the genre. There are lots of times that I encounter a book of a genre I don't generally follow, but the story isn't a slave to that genre.
I've been recommending Lazy Dungeon Master to a friend who would be absolutely clueless about the tropes involved, but would appreciate it nonetheless for the characters involved (we're both "there was a box?"-types, like Keima). Maybe when he finishes his year-long move to a new home.
-
@crimson-wise, @BartzBB , @SomeOldGuy
Wow, Rokujouma fans are pretty serious about it, huh? You've convinced me to give it another go. I will have to warn you in advance, though, that harem antics don't do much for me. I think I've just outgrown them. I realize that's weird given the presence of Arifureta in my list, but I will just have to plead an inconsistency in my tastes.
@paulnamida said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
Have you tried Mushoku Tensei?
Yes! Another well written series and a great recommendation.
I was so intrigued by the first episode of the anime (the "dirty old man" narration cracked me up - it was such a contrast from the innocent-seeming antics of a toddler) that I blew through all the available novels before episode two. Sadly this was before the censorship fiasco came to light and so my original readings of the scenes-in-question are tainted by the bad-faith editing.
@someoldguy said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
I've been recommending Lazy Dungeon Master to a friend who would be absolutely clueless about the tropes involved, but would appreciate it nonetheless for the characters involved (we're both "there was a box?"-types, like Keima). Maybe when he finishes his year-long move to a new home.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have read Lazy Dungeon Master. I do enjoy it, but LDM is a strange one given my criteria above. As a series that doesn't take itself all that seriously, I tend to grade on a pretty forgiving curve. I guess I would say that it falls to the lower end of what I am willing to tolerate before my suspension of disbelief reaches its limit. It's got elements that I genuinely enjoy, but also elements that just make me roll my eyes.
-
@someoldguy said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
I agree the story is more important than the genre. There are lots of times that I encounter a book of a genre I don't generally follow, but the story isn't a slave to that genre.
Agreed. I've come to realize that plot and setting almost don't matter when it comes to how much I enjoy a story. Fundamentally, good writing can make any story interesting and satisfying, while poor writing can ruin even the most exciting plot setup. This is one reason that I don't get terribly worked-up about spoilers - well-written stories are just as enjoyable even when you know what's coming.
While I realize this intellectually, I have a hard time internalizing it. I spend way too much time reading series descriptions - I'm partial to supernatural elements, mystery, deception, and external conflict (and, being honest, OP protagonists). Some of my favorite series are ones that I put off for a long time because the plot summary didn't strike my fancy. One Punch Man being perhaps the most prominent example of great storytelling around a (intentionally) dumb premise.
-
@unknownmat i can advise you to check "Mushoku Tensei". Which i see that many wrote that :D . Kind a maybe "Realist Hero" as well. Also i could say "Release that Witch" but after chapter 900 or so, story got complicated i think. But for the time could be fine? Idk "Arifureta" distracts me. For that i could also advise "Tensei Slime" and maybe "Sevens" as well.
-
@unknownmat have you tried Apothecary Diaries? It has good writing and the main character is great. And shares some similarities with Bookworm, which you said you liked.
Tearmoon Empire: fantastically written and hilarious. Seriously, every part has at least one place where I am both impressed both the sentence construction and chuckling
Combat Baker has decent character development and narrative, plus its completed
Since you mention Arifureta, Mixed Bathing since it does some interesting spin on the typical isekai tropes and completely removes the most annoying harem tropes. I know you said don't really care for harems but this series does the best I've ever seen at a harem by 1) being completely non-lecherous 2) making dynamics of the harem something I can actually believe and 3) by making love between some of the girls and the main character familial or friendship in nature rather than romantic
Also Deathbound Duke's Daughter because I think it's a great adventure story and one of my favorites so I have to recommend it
-
@unknownmat also, I would like to second the recommendations for Faraway Paladin and Altina
-
@hopebestman said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
"Realist Hero"..."Release that Witch"..."Tensei Slime"..."Sevens".
Thank you.
- Realist Hero Is a JNC property right? I will keep it in mind.
- Release That Witch and Sevens both seem like fan translations of WNs, right? They both look interesting, so I will keep them in mind.
- I've seen the Tensei Slime anime, but stopped watching after the first season. Like Cellphone - to me - it's just a collection of isekai tropes played straight. Yawn. Is the LN different/better than the anime?
"Arifureta" distracts me
Sorry for my weird tastes. I included it because I didn't want people limiting their recommendation to slower more literary properties. I'm fine with ridiculous, cliche, and over-the-top - as long as it's executed well and brings something new to the table.
@lily-garden said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
Apothecary Diaries? ... Combat Baker ... Mixed Bathing ... Deathbound Duke's Daughter
Both Tearmoon Empire and Altina have received two recommendations, so these are currently my top choices.
All the other series you've recommended are ones that I haven't read or even seriously considered so thanks for that. Now they are on my radar.
... and completely removes the most annoying harem tropes. I know you said don't really care for harems but this series does the best I've ever seen at a harem by 1) being completely non-lecherous 2) making dynamics of the harem something I can actually believe and 3) by making love between some of the girls and the main character familial or friendship in nature rather than romantic
I think the harem trope that bothers me most is the indecisive, dickless, libido-less protagonist. I hate all the stupid contrived scenarios designed to flash a bit of skin or enable some groping in a way that isn't his fault ("It was just an accident!"). I'm way too old and cynical to get anything out of that. By contrast, something like Arifureta, a.) Hooked me before I realized it was a harem series (i.e. all the elements I like were present before the second girl appeared), and b.) The protagonist actually has a libido and acts on it - like an actual 17 year-old boy would.
-
@unknownmat said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
I think the harem trope that bothers me most is the indecisive, dickless, libido-less protagonist. I hate all the stupid contrived scenarios designed to flash a bit of skin or enable some groping in a way that isn't his fault ("It was just an accident!")
Yeah this why I gave up harem for the most part. Most harem series don't have enough story to stick to bricks together (and brick often have more character than any of the MCs) so they resort to these convoluted attempts at fan service. I've reached the point where that just doesn't satisfy anymore.
I guess that's why I like series now that give that romance without that empty titillation; titillation is all well and good but I want something solid underneath.
By the way, have you checked out a lily blooms in another world ? I mentioned it because I remembered that it was on catch-up this month and it's a decently written yuri/fantasy title. Just thought I would mention it since I remembered
-
@lily-garden said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
Since you mention Arifureta, Mixed Bathing since it does some interesting spin on the typical isekai tropes and completely removes the most annoying harem tropes. I know you said don't really care for harems but this series does the best I've ever seen at a harem by 1) being completely non-lecherous 2) making dynamics of the harem something I can actually believe and 3) by making love between some of the girls and the main character familial or friendship in nature rather than romantic
Also Deathbound Duke's Daughter because I think it's a great adventure story and one of my favorites so I have to recommend itI'll second those two. Mixed Bathing is one of the best mature (as in grown up behavior not adult situations) harems I've read and it's also a fun story.
Realist Hero is one of my favorite JNC titles, and also has an MC that acts like an adult, which he is (college-age not high school). Buy the premium editions from JNC because the bonus short stories are very good.
For non-JNC titles, a few I enjoy:
World's Strongest Rearguard - a Japanese salaryman is reincarnated into a world and discovers his character is stronger than he realized.
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear - because it's bear-y cute, silly fun like classic FUNA. Something less serious to relax with.
Woof Woof Story - also silly fun. The author does a good job of showing how this reincarnated human now has dog-like thoughts instead of just being a human in an animal body. Also amusing because he's not actually the ordinary, average, normal dog that he insists that he is.
-
@lily-garden, @harmlessdave
Ok, so what I'm getting is that Mixed Bathing and Realist Hero are being strongly recommended. Given that I haven't been a teenager for quite a while now, the idea of protagonists who are actual adults is appealing to me. I will check them out.@lily-garden said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
By the way, have you checked out a lily blooms in another world ? I mentioned it because I remembered that it was on catch-up this month and it's a decently written yuri/fantasy title.
Honestly, I've never even considered yuri before. Thanks for the recommendation, it's at least on my radar now, I might give it a try...
@harmlessdave said in General Recommendation Thread (Not Series License Requests):
World's Strongest Rearguard ... Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ... Woof Woof Story
Thanks, all sound like solid recommendations. I really like unreliable narration when done well, so I'm most intrigued by your description of Woof Woof Story.
