Top 15 Shounen Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. 

   1

   TOP PICK

   My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending

   4.5

   (2.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   When he came to his senses, Hirasawa Kazuki, a normal university student, found himself in possession of the body of a game’s character. Moreover, it was Harold Stokes, the story’s most hated character who was even given the title 『King of Tr*sh』by the players.

   First Impressions

   "My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending" has been quite the ride! Jumping into this isekai adventure, I was immediately hooked by the unique premise. It's not every day you see a protagonist reincarnated as a villain, especially one with a rather… unfortunate speech impediment. The initial chapters grabbed me with their blend of humor and intrigue. The protagonist, a university student reborn as Harold Stokes, a hated character from a game he loves, immediately has to navigate a world where his words constantly betray his intentions. It's a clever twist on the usual isekai formula and sets the ...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Ending Maker

   4.5

   (991 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Two heroes of the game Legend of Heroes 2 who were rotten waters*. Kang Jin-ho in the first place and Hong Yoo Hee in the second place.

   First Impressions

   "Ending Maker" promised a fun ride through a familiar yet twisted reincarnation story, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a story where two gamers find themselves inside the world of their favorite game, armed with meta-knowledge and a chance to avert a looming apocalypse. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the dynamic between Jude and Cordelia. The initial chapters are filled with quirky banter and humorous situations as they navigate their new reality. Their relationship starts off as a rivalry friendship, and watching them plan, support each other, and grow together is genuinely en...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite

   4.4

   (997 ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, fantasy

   When he regained consciousness he was already in another world. There was no meeting with a God, no cheat skills, just a sudden reincarnation.

   First Impressions

   Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite (Falling in Love with the Villainess) is a web novel that took me on a rollercoaster. It's a story that clearly evokes strong feelings, both positive and negative, from its readers. While some found it to be a diamond in the rough, others felt it was a frustrating mess. I'm somewhere in the middle, appreciating its unique aspects while acknowledging its flaws. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a protagonist reincarnated into a world seemingly governed by otome game mechanics. The early chapters promised an intriguing story of loyalty, political intrigue,...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e

   4.5

   (599 ratings)

   Genre: drama, psychological, school life

   The story takes place at Advanced Nurturing High School, a leading prestigious school with state-of-the-art facilities where nearly 100% of students go on to university or find employment. The students there have the freedom to wear any hairstyle and bring any personal effects they desire.

   First Impressions

   "Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e," or "Classroom of the Elite," has been a wild ride, and after diving into it, I can see why it's so popular, but also where some readers might get turned off. It's a series that definitely has its strengths, but it's not without its quirks. The premise is intriguing: a school where students compete fiercely, using points earned through academic and extracurricular achievements to "buy" their way to a better life. Our protagonist, Ayanokouji, starts in the lowest class, and it seems like the goal is to rise through the ranks. But right away, the...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku o!

   4.5

   (625 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Kazuma Satou is a shut in who loves games, and his life ended suddenly… appearing before him is a beautiful girl claiming to be a goddess. Kazuma, who was transported into another world, worked hard to earn a living!

   First Impressions

   "KonoSuba" has been on my radar for a while, and diving into this isekai comedy was quite the experience. It's definitely not your typical power-fantasy, and that's precisely where its charm lies. The novel gleefully subverts tropes, and I found myself chuckling at the sheer absurdity of the situations our protagonist, Kazuma, finds himself in. The premise itself is hilarious: a NEET dies a pathetic death and is offered a second chance in a fantasy world, with the option to bring one item or ability. In a moment of spite, he chooses the goddess Aqua, and that's where the real chaos begins. My ...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Running Away From The Hero!

   4.6

   (601 ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, fantasy

   After living for a long time in a fantasy world, I ended up becoming a villain! Whilst I beat up both bad guys and good guys as a villain, the legendary hero appeared in front of me.

   First Impressions

   "Running Away From The Hero!" is a breath of fresh air in the reincarnation genre. It's a wild ride that had me laughing from the get-go. The premise alone is enough to pique anyone's interest: a reincarnated nobody ends up as an instructor for an evil organization, training future heroes (or villains, depending on your perspective). I was immediately hooked by the fact that the story jumps straight into the action. No tedious childhood phase here! We're thrown right into Naruan's life as a 40-year-old instructor, and I appreciated the lack of drawn-out exposition. The initial point of view fr...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   The Legend of Sun Knight

   4.7

   (642 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   I am a knight. To be precise, I am the Church of the God of Light’s Sun Knight.

   First Impressions

   "The Legend of Sun Knight" is a wild ride, a series I initially avoided but quickly fell in love with. It's a story that expertly blends humor and heart, and I found myself completely swept up in the adventures of Grisia Sun and his band of quirky knights. At first glance, I'll admit, the title and cover art didn't exactly scream "must-read." I braced myself for something generic, maybe even a bit cheesy. What I found was anything but. The initial chapters grabbed me with their unique brand of humor, and I was soon hooked. The premise, while seemingly unbelievable, quickly becomes endearing as...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   The Villainous Daughter’s Butler ~I Raised Her to be Very Cute~

   4.5

   (539 ratings)

   Genre: drama, fantasy, romance

   Regaining the memories of his previous life, Cyril realised that he was an otome game’s character, the villainous daughter– Sophia’s butler. At the rate things were going, Sophia would eventually have the prince stolen away from her by the heroine, fall into darkness, and be executed.

   First Impressions

   This web novel offers a fresh twist on the villainess trope, and I found myself quite engrossed in the dynamic between Cyril, the reincarnated butler, and Sophia, the "villainous daughter" he's tasked with protecting. The premise alone is intriguing, and the execution, for the most part, lives up to the initial promise. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the unique perspective. Instead of focusing on the villainess herself, we experience the story through the eyes of her loyal butler. This immediately sets it apart from other novels in the genre. The slow-burn romance aspect, while perhaps n...

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9. 

   9

   #9 PICK

   Isekai Tensei Soudouki

   4.4

   (441 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Baldr Cornelius is the son of a noble of the Mauricia kingdom and inside him also dwell the souls of the avaricious warring states commander Oka Sanai Sadatoshi and animal ear otaku high schooler Oka Masaharu. Follow the journey of these 3 souls in a single body, as they exhibit extraordinary ab...

   First Impressions

   Isekai Tensei Soudouki is one of those novels that really grabbed my attention with its unique premise. A single body housing three distinct souls? I was definitely intrigued. While it has its share of familiar isekai tropes, it also attempts to carve out its own identity. The initial hook of this story is undeniably strong. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between the three personalities inhabiting young Bard Cornelius: his original self, a money-obsessed samurai from the Edo period, and a chuunibyou-afflicted modern-day otaku. This trio makes for some genuinely humorous and interesting...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Date This Super Cute Me! (LN)

    4.6

    (323 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, romance

    The most popular girl in class, Yuzu, confessed her feelings to me. Well, it was more along the lines of: “Please pretend to be my boyfriend so I can help sort out the love triangle among the group of normies!

    First Impressions

    "Date This Super Cute Me!" definitely grabbed my attention, and I've been diving into the available chapters to see what all the buzz is about. This light novel promises a blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life, set against the backdrop of high school. With tags like "beautiful female lead" and "bickering couple," I was definitely intrigued to see how this story played out. The initial hook of a fake dating scenario between an average-looking protagonist and a narcissistic beauty is certainly compelling. I found the premise interesting, and the early chapters do a solid job of setting up ...

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11. 

    11

    #11 PICK

    Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

    4.5

    (421 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    I couldn’t even clear the 2D version, now to clear the game in reality? Maybe I’ll have to live here for the rest of my life.

    First Impressions

    "Surviving the Game as a Barbarian" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its unique take on the isekai genre. Instead of the typical overpowered protagonist, we get a modern-thinking man reincarnated as a barbarian in a harsh game world. I found myself quickly drawn into the story, eager to see how he'd navigate this brutal new reality. The initial chapters hooked me with their refreshing approach. The MC isn't dropped into a pre-determined plot; he's simply a barbarian trying to survive. This freedom from a rigid storyline allows for a more organic and engaging narrative. The world-b...

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12. 

    12

    #12 PICK

    I, a Demon Lord, Took a S*ave Elf as My Wife, but How Do I Love Her?

    4.5

    (303 ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, drama

    Zagan is feared as an evil mage, he is awkward and has a sharp tongue, and once again had to put down thieves that encroached on his territory when he was researching that morning. In a dark auction, he finds a white s*ave elf, Nephie, who holds a peerless beauty.

    First Impressions

    This title is quite the mouthful, isn't it? But beneath the lengthy name lies a story that's surprisingly heartwarming, even if it occasionally stumbles. It's a blend of fantasy, romance, and slice-of-life, and while it's not perfect, it has a certain charm that kept me reading. Honestly, the title made me wary. It screamed generic wish-fulfillment. The initial premise – a demon lord buying an elf slave – didn't exactly inspire confidence. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The story quickly establishes that Zagan, our "evil" demon lord, is more awkward than evil, and Nephilia, the elf, is m...

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13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    Gekkou

    4.6

    (394 ratings)

    Genre: mystery, psychological, romance

    Gekkou, or “Moonlight”, is about the peculiar relationship between a cynical boy and a perfect girl. Said cynical boy is Nonomiya who spends day in day out in boredom, taking refuge from his dull life in his imagination.

    First Impressions

    "Gekkou," with its intriguing title and promise of mystery, definitely piqued my interest. Diving in, I found a novel that seems to have strongly divided its readership, eliciting both fervent praise and sharp criticism. My own experience landed somewhere in the middle, appreciating some aspects while feeling underwhelmed by others. The initial setup is classic light novel fare: a cynical protagonist, a beautiful and mysterious female lead, and a series of strange events that quickly pull you into the narrative. I was immediately drawn in by the mystery surrounding the female lead and the prot...

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14. 

    14

    #14 PICK

    Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsu no Ma ni ka Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken (WN)

    4.5

    (491 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, romance

    Amane Fujimiya’s neighbour in the apartment he lives in is the school’s number one lovable angel: Excellent and with a level of beauty that can only be described as angelic – Mahiru Shiina. Amane, an ordinary student who doesn’t stand out, is her neighbour, but until now, they didn’t interact wi...

    First Impressions

    This web novel, with its ridiculously long title, promises a sweet and fluffy romance, and for the most part, it delivers. It's the kind of story that can genuinely warm your heart, especially if you're looking for something light and comforting. However, like any dessert, too much sweetness can become cloying. Initially, I was charmed by the premise: a somewhat down-on-his-luck guy finds himself being cared for by his beautiful and angelic neighbor. The early chapters establish a cute dynamic between the two, and I found myself invested in seeing their relationship develop. There's an undenia...

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15. 

    15

    #15 PICK

    Why Is the Prettiest Girl in School Trying to Talk to a Loner Like Me during Lunch Break?

    4.5

    (339 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, romance, school life

    “Andou-kun, good morning ♪” “Asakura-san, mornin’…” (I got the seat next to the most beautiful girl in the school. A person who is willing to greet a loner like me, what a kind person she is.

    First Impressions

    This title is a mouthful, but the web novel itself is a surprisingly delightful experience. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape from the usual isekai power fantasies or grimdark settings, this might just be the sugary sweetness you need. It's a rom-com focused on the awkward, hilarious, and sometimes frustrating interactions between a popular girl and a self-proclaimed loner. Initially, I was skeptical. The title screams generic high school romance, and the premise – prettiest girl pursuing a loner – felt a bit too wish-fulfillment-y. However, I was quickly drawn in by the dual perspec...

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