Top 19 Chinese Necromancer Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Chinese necromancer novels add death magic and undead elements to cultivation frameworks. Protagonists in this subgenre typically command armies of the dead, practice forbidden techniques, and navigate worlds where their abilities mark them as taboo or dangerous.

The appeal lies in the power system variations—managing undead forces adds strategic elements beyond personal combat strength. Some stories explore the moral dimensions of death cultivation, others treat it purely as a power source. The quality of world-building and how well authors develop the necromantic systems varies considerably.

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1
TOP PICK
The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love
4.5
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
An internet troll who wanted attention, the reader criticized his favorite web novel, saying: “The protagonist is dumb and the author is s*upid. ” Author: “…Got it.
First Impressions
This novel had been sitting on my to-read list for ages, and I finally took the plunge. "The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love" promises a unique twist on the transmigration trope, and for the most part, it delivers. The premise is undeniably intriguing. A reader gets sucked into their favorite web novel, one they inadvertently ruined with their troll comments, and now has to fix the protagonist's tragic fate. The initial chapters are filled with humor, and the MC's internal monologues had me chuckling. There's a lot of potential established early on. The novel starts w...
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2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich
4.3
(763 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
This is the story of a crazy lich who possesses an internal game system and brings catastrophe to the entire world. “Let’s look at the daily quests today… it’s the damned choose one-of-two-options-type again.
First Impressions
"The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich" is definitely a wild ride! From the title alone, I knew I was in for something different, but I wasn't quite prepared for the mix of genres and tones. It throws you right into the life of Roland, a reincarnated lich with a system, in a world heavily inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy media. The initial chapters set up a silly, almost parodic atmosphere, but there's a serious plot brewing beneath the surface. What really stands out is the world-building. It's deep, detailed, and doesn't offer easy solutions. Roland can't just brute-force hi...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
39 – The Legend of Sun Knight
4.4
(134 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I am a holy knight. To be precise, I am the Church of the God of Light’s Sun Knight…in training.
First Impressions
As a big fan of web novels, I was excited to dive into "39 – The Legend of Sun Knight," the sequel to the popular "Legend of Sun Knight." I went in expecting a similar level of humor and excitement, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also took a different path. This time around, the story shifts its focus to Elaro, the Sun Knight in training, and his relationships with the next generation of Holy Knights. It felt less like a grand adventure and more like a slice-of-life story, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, just different. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the dynamic...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Full Server First Kill
4.4
(132 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
When Xu Yue woke up, he found that he had become a monster. To the left, there were two slimes—the old couple next door.
First Impressions
"Full Server First Kill" plunges readers into a world that starts off feeling like a typical Isekai adventure but quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex. Having read through a substantial portion of the novel, I can see why it has garnered such a dedicated following. It's a story that demands patience and rewards it with intricate world-building and morally gray characters. Initially, I was drawn in by the game-like setting, reminiscent of "Sword Art Online," where players find themselves trapped in a virtual world that has evolved beyond its original programming. The earl...
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6
#6 PICK
Stray
4.6
(226 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Chaos had risen, signifying that the next generation of the Demon King was about to be reborn. In what seemed like another usual attack from demons, Nemo Light was heading towards a shelter when he ran into Oliver Ramon, who was heading back to town to find his father, being chased by a demon.
First Impressions
"Stray" is a novel that truly surprised me. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I quickly found myself completely absorbed in its unique world and the journey of its characters. It's a blend of western fantasy with a distinctly original flavor, and I found myself drawn in by the well-developed world and the complex relationships between the characters. Initially, the sheer length of the novel was daunting, but I soon realized that every chapter contributed to the rich tapestry of the story. The initial translation quality had some minor errors, but the care and effort put into cleaning...
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7
#7 PICK
Dorothy’s Forbidden Grimoire
4.4
(215 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Amid the steam of the industrial revolution, mysteries surge beneath the surface. Cults and secret societies seek the extraordinary in the shadows, while hidden gods gaze upon humanity from the heavens.
First Impressions
"Dorothy’s Forbidden Grimoire" drew me in with its promise of a Victorian-era fantasy world and a clever protagonist navigating a dangerous new reality. While it has some clear influences, it also forges its own path. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read with some caveats. The initial chapters hooked me with their mysteries and supernatural elements. The setting is richly detailed, reminiscent of "Lord of the Mysteries," but with its own unique flavor. The main character, Dorothy, is intelligent and resourceful, quickly adapting to her transmigrated existence. I appreciated how she had ...
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8
#8 PICK
Evil As Humans
4.5
(231 ratings)
Genre: action, horror, mature
There were three paths before Yin Ren: A force presented a blood sacrifice, asking him for his evil qi. An organization administered a spiritual contract, asking him to walk the path of righteousness.
First Impressions
"Evil As Humans" has been quite the ride! Diving into a world of supernatural investigations, intertwining mysteries, and a blossoming romance, I found myself thoroughly entertained, though not without a few minor hiccups along the way. Admittedly, the synopsis didn't immediately grab me. However, I'm so glad I took the plunge. The novel throws you right into the thick of things with Yin Ren, a carefree "evil being," getting recruited into a department that handles supernatural matters. Paired with the serious and scientifically-minded Zhong Chengshuo, the dynamic is instantly engaging. I was ...
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9
#9 PICK
Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems
4.6
(16 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Exploring the unknown, pursuing truth, transcending life and death, and controlling minds, this is what it means to be a wizard. In a wizarding world heavily reliant on resources, transmigrator Locke Augustine uses his cheat, the Synthesis Cube, to transform low-grade materials into high-grade o...
First Impressions
Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems has really grabbed my attention with its unique take on the wizarding world. It's not your typical power fantasy, and I've found myself quite invested in the MC's journey, even if it's a bit of a slow burn. What immediately struck me was the world-building. It's reminiscent of Warlock of the Magus World in its pragmatic and sometimes cruel nature, but with a twist. The setting feels surprisingly modern, with wizards needing certifications and regulations, which adds a layer of realism I appreciate. The initial premise, involving a protagonist taking over ...
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10
#10 PICK
Great Demon King
4.1
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, ecchi
“If I don’t die… I swear I will act on all my evil thoughts.. ” Not exactly everyone’s typical thought when they’re about to die.
First Impressions
"Great Demon King" is quite the rollercoaster ride! Jumping into it, I found myself intrigued by the unique blend of Western fantasy and Eastern cultivation elements. It’s definitely not your typical xuanhuan novel, which is a refreshing change of pace. The beginning, I'll admit, is a bit rough around the edges. Some parts felt a little "iffy" and I can see why some readers might drop it early on. The initial chapters felt a bit slow, but I decided to stick with it....
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11
#11 PICK
Shen Yin Wang Zuo
4.0
(751 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
While the demons were rising, mankind was about to become extinct. Six temples rose and protected the last territory of mankind.
First Impressions
"Shen Yin Wang Zuo," or Throne of Seal, is a web novel I recently delved into, and it's been quite a ride. With its blend of action, adventure, and xuanhuan elements, it's easy to see why it has garnered a dedicated following. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a world at war with demons, seen through the eyes of a young protagonist destined for greatness. The early chapters do a solid job of setting up the world and introducing the core characters. However, some readers might find the beginning a bit slow-paced, especially during the tournament arc. I will say, the story does pick up, ...
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Conclusion

This list collects Chinese necromancer novels ranked by reader ratings. The approaches differ—some focus on army management and strategy, others on personal power progression that happens to involve death magic. If the premise interests you, I'd suggest trying a few chapters of different entries to find which treatment of necromancy appeals most.

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

The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love

First Impressions

The Legend of Sun Knight

First Impressions

The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich

First Impressions

39 – The Legend of Sun Knight

First Impressions

Full Server First Kill

First Impressions

Stray

First Impressions

Dorothy’s Forbidden Grimoire

First Impressions

Evil As Humans

First Impressions

Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems

First Impressions