Top 17 Martial arts Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

17 Novels

Martial arts novels cover a wide range of approaches, from grounded wuxia to cultivation-heavy xianxia. I've included entries from Chinese, Korean, and other traditions. The common thread is protagonists who improve through training and combat rather than purely through inherited powers or system mechanics.

Quality in this genre often comes down to how well the author handles power progression. Some entries here have tight, consistent combat systems. Others get bloated with power creep or repetitive tournament arcs. I've noted which tends toward which in the individual descriptions.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
T*ash of the Count’s Family
4.5
(3.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.
First Impressions
I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chronicles of Primordial Wars
4.5
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
Shao Xuan joins a friend in his expedition to a recently discovered archaeological cave. After he picks up an ordinary looking stone he is teleported to a different world and wakes up in the body of a small orphan child.
First Impressions
"Chronicles of Primordial Wars" is a web novel that took me by surprise. With a solid 4.5/5 rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I had high expectations going in, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a unique blend of action, adventure, and xuanhuan set in a primordial world, and the story's originality is definitely one of its strongest points. Initially, the pacing is slow. The story eases you into this ancient, tribal setting. We follow our protagonist as he adapts to life in the body of a young orphan in this harsh, Stone Age world. It's a far cry from the typical cultivation novel, ...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Thousand Autumns
4.5
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Yan Wushi had walked a path full of blood and corpses. He did not believe in the good nature of humanity.
First Impressions
"Thousand Autumns" has been quite the ride! Diving into this wuxia world felt like stepping into a meticulously crafted tapestry of ancient China, martial arts, and complex characters. I found myself completely absorbed in Shen Qiao's journey, and even though the romance took a backseat for much of the story, I was invested in the overall narrative. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a kind-hearted MC, and Shen Qiao definitely delivered. He's not your typical overpowered protagonist; instead, he's a strong, principled character who faces betrayal and hardship with unwavering resolve. ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Sha Po Lang
4.6
(743 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
“The first person to dig ziliujin fuel out of the ground could never have predicted that what they dug out was the beginning of a dog-eat-dog age. Our entire life was but an ugly confidence game of greed; this is something everyone knows, but that they could not bring to light.
First Impressions
"Sha Po Lang" is a novel that’s been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it garners so much praise, even if it didn't completely blow me away. It's definitely a unique read, blending elements of steampunk, political intrigue, and romance in a way that sets it apart from many web novels in the genre. Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building. The concept of an ancient China powered by "ziliujin" (violetstream gold) is fascinating, and the mecha elements add a layer of excitement. The setup, with a mature-for-his-age young protagonist and his complex relationship wi...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Faraway Wanderers
4.4
(677 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
A tale about the former leader of a special organization that served under royalty, now leaving his past life behind and unintentionally getting involved with the martial world.
First Impressions
"Faraway Wanderers" is a wuxia novel that certainly took me on a journey. With elements of action, comedy, drama, and romance (shounen ai), it's a blend of genres that aims to offer something for everyone. Having finally finished it, I have a few thoughts to share. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: Zhou Zishu, a former leader of an imperial intelligence network, seeks to retire and wander the Jianghu only to stumble upon a conspiracy. The introduction of Wen Kexing, a flirtatious and mysterious martial artist, immediately piqued my interest. The story felt like it was setting up for a ...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
4.4
(516 ratings)
Genre: action, martial arts, mystery
Magic. It is a product of neither legends nor fairy tales, but instead has become a technology of reality since a time unknown to people.
First Impressions
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei is a series that has definitely left an impression on me. It’s a blend of sci-fi, magic, and school life that creates a unique world, but it’s not without its quirks. Initially, I was drawn in by the concept of a world where magic is intertwined with technology. The idea of a magic academy with a protagonist who seems like an underdog but is secretly powerful is a classic setup, and I was eager to see how Mahouka would execute it....
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8
#8 PICK
Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival (LN)
4.5
(414 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
A girl Alicia lived as an orphan in a world of sword and magic Ciel. One day, she learned that she was an “otome game’s heroine”.
First Impressions
"Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival" certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise. We're thrown into a world that initially feels like a typical otome game setting, but quickly veers off the beaten path. Alicia, our heroine, isn't interested in romance; her primary focus is survival. I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a protagonist who prioritizes strength and skill over capturing the hearts of potential love interests. What I appreciated most was the subversion of otome game tropes. Instead of the usual focus on romance, we get a hardcore leveling-up story. Alic...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
The Captivating Crown Prince
4.5
(511 ratings)
Genre: drama, gender bender, harem
After getting betrayed and killed by the only person she’d loved, Miss Shang wakes up in the body of the cowardly crown prince Shang Wuxin, who, due to her own circumstances, was actually a girl cross-dressing as a boy. After inheriting the crown prince’s memories, Shang Wuxin has three things o...
First Impressions
"The Captivating Crown Prince" promised a thrilling blend of gender-bending intrigue, historical drama, and reverse harem romance. After diving in, I found a story with definite strengths, although not without a few potential pitfalls. The premise immediately grabbed my attention: a cold, ruthless modern woman reincarnated as a cross-dressing crown prince. The initial chapters set the stage well, introducing a protagonist who's far from the typical damsel in distress. I was intrigued by the power dynamics and the hints of a deeper plot brewing beneath the surface....
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Conclusion

These 17 martial arts novels represent different takes on the genre. If you prefer tighter cultivation systems, check the Chinese entries first. Korean martial arts tends to blend more modern elements. The ratings reflect overall quality, but your mileage will vary based on which subtype you prefer.

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

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Sha Po Lang

First Impressions

Faraway Wanderers

First Impressions

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

First Impressions

Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival (LN)

First Impressions