Top 11 Underrated Josei Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

   4.6

   (2.7K ratings)

   Genre: fantasy, historical, josei

   Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.

   First Impressions

   "The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   To Be A Virtuous Wife

   4.5

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: adult, drama, fantasy

   As a virtuous wife, does it include tolerating his cousin, enduring his concubines, bearing his mother? If you will not let me live freely, why would I let you live in satisfaction?

   First Impressions

   "To Be A Virtuous Wife" initially caught my eye with its intriguing premise: a modern woman transmigrating into the body of an ancient Chinese noblewoman. I was curious to see how she'd navigate the complexities of court life and a potentially loveless marriage. After diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, landing somewhere between captivated and slightly underwhelmed. The novel throws you right into the thick of things, with Qu Qing Ju waking up as a Wang Fei, a princess consort. I immediately appreciated the slice-of-life feel, focusing on the day-to-day management of the household, ...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   My Disciple Died Yet Again

   4.5

   (1.6K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Game designer Zhu Yao accidentally gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is currently in development. There she becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal Yu Yan who had to wait 16 thousand years before finally getting a disciple of his own.

   First Impressions

   "My Disciple Died Yet Again" is a wild ride, a xianxia story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and the genre as a whole. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, josei, and romance, which might sound like a lot, but somehow the author manages to make it (mostly) work. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit slow, and the humor didn't always land for me. The premise is unique: a modern-day debugger gets transported into a xianxia world to fix "bugs," and when she fails, she dies and reincarnates, each time with a new perspective and challeng...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Eight Treasures Trousseau

   4.5

   (1.4K ratings)

   Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

   Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure. Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the Di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.

   First Impressions

   "Eight Treasures Trousseau" has been quite the journey, and I've come away with some mixed, yet ultimately positive, feelings. This novel, set in a fascinating ancient China-esque backdrop, weaves a tale of political intrigue, arranged marriage, and a touch of the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a modern-day actress reincarnated as a beautiful, but seemingly apathetic, noble wife. It's a familiar trope, but the promise of a lazy, yet secretly capable, protagonist was intriguing. I found myself curious to see how this character would navigate the complexities of court li...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   A Slight Smile is Very Charming

   4.6

   (1.1K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, josei, romance

   What is it that makes a man fall in love with a woman at first sight? Appearance?

   First Impressions

   "A Slight Smile is Very Charming" is a novel I finally decided to dive into, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. It's a light and fluffy romance that's perfect for when you need a break from heavier reads. The story centers around Bei Wei Wei and Xiao Nai, two ridiculously attractive and intelligent college students who find love through an online game. While the premise might sound a bit cliché, the execution is what makes this story stand out. I was immediately drawn in by the unique setting of an MMORPG. The blend of real-life and in-game interactions was cleverly done and added a...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Greetings, Ninth Uncle

   4.5

   (944 ratings)

   Genre: drama, fantasy, josei

   Cheng Yujin was the elder twin sister, who was supposed to be engaged to an excellent man. However she later learned that her fiance, Marquis Jingyong, had proposed to her because he mistakenly recognized her as her younger twin sister.

   First Impressions

   "Greetings, Ninth Uncle" initially drew me in with its intriguing premise: a capable female lead navigating ancient Chinese aristocracy, armed with the foreknowledge of a previous life. This isn't a revenge-driven rebirth story, which is a refreshing change of pace. Instead, it's about a woman named Cheng Yujin striving for a comfortable and secure future in a society that often undervalues women. The story immediately throws you into Cheng Yujin's complex family dynamics. Raised in an awkward position between two mothers, she's forced to mature quickly, becoming a model young lady to secure a...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse

   4.6

   (768 ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, drama

   Xiao Xiang Zi, a cloud spirit in heaven, and Chu Kong mess up the red strings of fate by accident during their brawl. As a consequence, they are sentenced to be a fated couple in the mortal realm for 7 lifetimes as a punishment for not getting along with each other.

   First Impressions

   "Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse" promised a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm happy to report that it delivered. This xianxia romance took me on a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, leaving me with a satisfied, if slightly bittersweet, feeling. The premise alone hooked me: a fated couple entangled in seven lifetimes, each with its own unique challenges. I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring how their relationship would evolve across different circumstances and identities. The initial chapters were definitely a grab for my attention...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   The Job of an Imperial Concubine

   4.6

   (664 ratings)

   Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

   To pass as an imperial concubine, one must be professional. Actually, the profession of an imperial concubine is pretty good.

   First Impressions

   "The Job of an Imperial Concubine" had me intrigued from the start with its premise: treating life in the harem as a career. I dove in expecting a compelling story of palace intrigue, and while I found a lot to enjoy, some aspects held it back from being a complete knockout. The concept is undeniably clever. Zhuang Laoyan, our protagonist, approaches her role with a calculating mind, prioritizing power and luxury within the system. She's intelligent, perhaps even overly so, and this initially drew me in. I was eager to see how she navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial court....

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9. 

   9

   #9 PICK

   Bai Fumei in the ’70s

   4.6

   (572 ratings)

   Genre: adult, drama, josei

   The villager who was so poor that he couldn’t afford a bride price, did not learn to do anything, and was idle, actually got a beautiful and rich wife from the city! The beautiful and rich Bai (white) Fu (rich) Mei (beautiful), Zhao Lanxiang was reborn, and the first thing she did when she woke ...

   First Impressions

   "Bai Fumei in the ’70s" immediately grabbed my attention with its unique premise: a wealthy woman reborn into 1970s China, determined to find and cherish the man who brought her happiness in her later years. The setting alone sets it apart from many reincarnation stories, and I was eager to see how the author would depict this era and the challenges the protagonist faces. The heart of this novel lies in its sweet and enduring romance. The relationship between the female lead (FL) and male lead (ML) is beautifully developed, built on mutual respect, understanding, and a genuine desire to suppor...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    One Night, One Day, One Year, One Lifetime

    4.5

    (569 ratings)

    Genre: drama, josei, psychological

    That night, I listened to the hymns till dawn, not for serenity, but to seek a sliver of your soul; That month, I flipped through all the scriptures, not for enlightenment, but to touch the pages where your fingers once lingered; That year, I knelt on the grounds, my head embracing the dust, not ...

    First Impressions

    This novel is definitely one that sticks with you. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and I found myself pondering the characters and their choices long after finishing the last page. It's not a light read by any means, delving into some pretty dark and morally gray areas. From the outset, I was struck by the intensity of the premise. The story kicks off with a relationship built on… well, let's just say it's far from a typical romance. It's a twisted tale of obsession, forced circumstances, and the long-lasting consequences of choices made in desperation. It’s a story that grabs your attention...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Villainess Wants To Turn Over A New Leaf

    4.6

    (604 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei

    Lin Feilu, or better known by her nickname—Green Tea Princess, was the best of all the scheming b*tches that the world had ever seen. She was the Oscar-winning actress among the masses with real life as her stage.

    First Impressions

    I recently finished reading Villainess Wants To Turn Over A New Leaf, and I have to say, it was quite the enjoyable ride. This novel blends comedy, fantasy, and romance into a surprisingly heartwarming story. It's a tale of second chances, familial love, and a protagonist who knows exactly how to work her "green tea" charm. The premise is simple: our MC is reborn as a five-year-old princess in ancient China, armed with the memories of her past life and a determination to live a better life. Initially, she's focused on surviving the treacherous palace politics, but she soon finds herself genuin...

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