Top 11 Chinese Monsters Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

11 Novels

Monster-focused Chinese novels put creature encounters at the center rather than treating them as obstacles between cultivation sessions. You might get beast taming, monster hunting, or protagonists who are monsters themselves. Chinese mythology provides rich creature variety to draw from.

I find the monster focus provides variety that standard cultivation sometimes lacks. Instead of just progressing through stages, protagonists interact with distinct creatures with their own abilities and behaviors. The better entries develop interesting creature designs and hunting dynamics rather than just using monsters as combat fodder.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Release that Witch
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Chen Yan travels between worlds, ending up becoming an honorable prince in a medieval fantasy world. Yet this world was not quite as simple as he thought.
First Impressions
"Release that Witch" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its high ratings and somewhat misleading title. What I found was a surprisingly engaging story, albeit one with some notable flaws. It's a unique blend of genres that, while not perfect, held my attention far more than I initially expected. Initially, the title and cover art gave me the impression that this would be another generic harem story. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The premise is intriguing: a modern-day mechanical engineer reincarnated as a disregarded prince in a medieval-esque ...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Lord of the Mysteries
4.7
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: drama, horror, mature
With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?
First Impressions
"Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Earth is Online
4.6
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.
First Impressions
"The Earth is Online" promised a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and survival with a BL twist, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivered an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. The premise is immediately captivating: a sudden apocalypse forces humanity into deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Black Tower. I was initially drawn in by the unique concept and the promise of a clever protagonist navigating a world turned into a perilous game. The early chapters successfully establish the stakes and introduce Tang Mo, our resourceful and observant MC. I found ...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Coiling Dragon
4.5
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Empires rise and fall on the Yulan Continent. Saints, immortal beings of unimaginable power, battle using spells and swords, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake.
First Impressions
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Coiling Dragon. It was like finding a hidden gem in the vast ocean of web novels. The title itself, "Coiling Dragon," had this mythical ring to it, and the summary promised a tale of growth, power, and the bonds of family. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Linley's journey from a young boy with dreams to a sovereign of the multiverse was a ride I couldn't put down. - The World-Building: The way the universe is structured, with its layers of realms and the intricate system of cultivation, is nothing short of impressive. It’s a testament to...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Little Mushroom
4.8
(1.8K ratings)
Genre: drama, psychological, romance
“Until the day humanity falls. ” In the year 2020, Earth’s magnetic poles disappeared and humankind was nearly wiped out by cosmic radiation.
First Impressions
"Little Mushroom." Don't let the cute title fool you. This isn't a fluffy, lighthearted story; it's a poignant journey through a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of a naive, yet incredibly endearing, little mushroom. I went in expecting one thing and got something far more complex and emotionally resonant. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: a mushroom that takes on a human form and embarks on a quest. But it quickly became clear that this was more than just a quirky adventure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dying planet a...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Kaleidoscope of Death
4.6
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: comedy, horror, mystery
It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it. Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.
First Impressions
"Kaleidoscope of Death" is a wild ride, and I mean wild. I went into this expecting a horror novel with some romance, and I got that, but it was so much more complex and thought-provoking than I initially anticipated. Buckle up, because this novel will take you on a journey through some truly terrifying and mind-bending scenarios. Right off the bat, the novel is incredibly engaging. It throws you headfirst into the action, and the descriptions are vivid and unsettling. I found myself genuinely creeped out at times, which is exactly what I want from a horror story. The premise of entering these...
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Conclusion

This list collects Chinese novels where monsters matter to the story. Reader ratings help identify which develop creature elements meaningfully. Worth browsing if standard cultivation encounters feel too generic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Release that Witch

First Impressions

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

The Earth is Online

First Impressions

Coiling Dragon

First Impressions

Little Mushroom

First Impressions