Top 21 Cunning Protagonist Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

21 Novels

Cunning protagonists win through schemes rather than raw power. The satisfaction comes from watching plans unfold, enemies outmaneuvered, and advantages created from seemingly nothing. Korean regression novels do this particularly well since foreknowledge enables strategic positioning.

The tag requires actual cunning, not just author-declared intelligence. The best entries show their work, letting readers follow the logic of the protagonist's schemes. When done well, readers feel clever alongside the MC. When done poorly, the protagonist succeeds through convenient coincidences labeled as plans.

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TOP PICK
Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil
4.5
(3.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain. With no free will, every world became a dead end.
First Impressions
"Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil" is quite the ride, a whirlwind of different worlds and romantic entanglements that kept me thoroughly entertained, even if it wasn't always perfect. It's a novel that seems to inspire both fervent devotion and some equally strong reservations, and I can see where both sides are coming from. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately struck by the sheer variety. The premise of a protagonist transmigrating through multiple worlds, each with its own unique genre and storyline, is undeniably appealing. There's something for everyone here, from ancient China set...
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2
RUNNER UP
Dungeon Defense
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, ecchi
Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.
First Impressions
Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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EDITORS CHOICE
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
4.6
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.
First Impressions
"Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
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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#6 PICK
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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#7 PICK
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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8
#8 PICK
Supernatural Movie Actor App
4.7
(923 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
Xie Chi is a patient with multiple personality disorder. On the surface, he is educated and gentle but the secondary personality is cold, ruthless, and powerful, with explosive strength.
First Impressions
Okay, wow. "Supernatural Movie Actor App" was quite the ride. I went into this expecting a fun horror romp, and while I got that, I also got a whole lot more. This novel isn't just about scares; it's a clever blend of genres that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise alone grabbed me: a protagonist who falls in love with his split personality and then uses a horror movie app to help them get their own body? It's bonkers, and I was immediately on board. I was a little hesitant about the self-cest aspect, but the author quickly establishes the MC and ML as distinct individuals, which...
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#9 PICK
Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man
4.5
(976 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
After dying from a strange terminal illness, Ling Lan was reborn into a world 10,000 years into the future. Although she dearly wished she could just live a peaceful and uneventful life in her new healthy body, fate had other plans… Forced to disguise herself as a boy just so she could inherit h...
First Impressions
"Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man" is quite the ride! With its blend of action, adventure, comedy, and a healthy dose of gender-bending mecha sci-fi, it's easy to see why this novel has garnered so much attention. It certainly grabbed mine. Initially, I was intrigued by the high ratings and the unique premise of a female protagonist navigating a futuristic, male-dominated society while disguised as a man. The early chapters hooked me with the introduction of Ling Lan, a girl reborn into a world of mechas and interstellar wars, and the circumstances that forced her to adopt a m...
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#10 PICK
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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11
#11 PICK
Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin
4.7
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Chi Xiaochi: fourth-rate citizen at birth, three-time award-winning film emperor, second-rate temper, first-class looks. He crawled his way out of hell on hard mode to become a winner at life.
First Impressions
"Don't Pick Up Boyfriends From the Tash Bin" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise and overwhelmingly positive reviews. I dove in, ready for a unique ride through multiple worlds, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. The initial hook of a 'sum gong reconditioning' system is what drew me in, and the first few chapters definitely set the stage for a darkly comedic adventure. I was immediately impressed by the writing style, which felt both grounded and subtly lyrical, creating a captivating atmosphere...
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Conclusion

Cunning overlaps with strategic and intelligent protagonist tags. The distinction is emphasis on schemes and manipulation rather than just analytical thinking. The entries here feature protagonists who actively plot rather than simply react cleverly.

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

Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil

First Impressions

Dungeon Defense

First Impressions

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

To Be A Virtuous Wife

First Impressions

Eight Treasures Trousseau

First Impressions

Supernatural Movie Actor App

First Impressions

Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man

First Impressions

Ending Maker

First Impressions