Top 9 Academy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

9 Novels

Step into a world where magic spells are classroom assignments, martial arts are taught in specialized academies, and political intrigue brews among student factions. Academy novels offer a unique blend of coming-of-age stories and epic power struggles, often set against the vibrant backdrop of prestigious institutions. Whether it's a Korean protagonist leveraging a 'system window' to excel in a magic academy, or a Chinese cultivator striving for supremacy in a sect's training halls, these stories thrive on structured progression and intense rivalries.

The allure lies in watching characters grow from fresh-faced novices to legendary figures, navigating complex social hierarchies, mastering incredible abilities, and uncovering hidden conspiracies within their seemingly safe school grounds. From the strategic brilliance of a regressor in a modern academy to the slice-of-life charm of an otaku-inspired fantasy school, the academy setting provides an endlessly fascinating stage for ambition, friendship, and world-shaking revelations.

1
TOP PICK
Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu
4.6
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: comedy, school life, shoujo
It was something that happened while I was waiting for the day of the primary school entrance exam. I realised that I had become one of the characters of a shoujo manga that I loved reading in my old life, ‘You Are My Dolce’.
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite the ride! I dove in expecting your typical reincarnation story, but what I found was something much more charming and relatable. It's easy to see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. Initially, I wasn't entirely sold. The early chapters felt a bit cliché, hitting the usual beats of establishing the premise. Reika's constant internal monologues about her past life were a little heavy-handed at first, making it hard to connect with her new reality. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because the story truly finds its footing as Reika grows and develops....
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Kidnapped Dragons
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
– The planet [Earth] has entered the abnormal state [Apocalypse]. – You have failed in saving the Earth.
First Impressions
"Kidnapped Dragons" is a web novel that really took me by surprise. With its blend of action, drama, fantasy, and even slice-of-life elements, it's a story that's hard to pin down, but ultimately rewarding. The premise itself – a regressor MC who has failed to save the world six times, now tasked with caring for young dragons – felt intriguing enough to draw me in. Initially, I was a little wary. The sheer number of tags (over 60!) made me wonder if it would be a case of too many ideas vying for attention. And, admittedly, the early chapters might not grab everyone immediately. Some readers fo...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fake Saint Of The Year
4.7
(695 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Fudou Niito, a resident of Japan, went to bed dissatisfied with the ending of the game. When he next awoke, he found himself in the body of the game’s hated fake saint, Elrise.
First Impressions
"Fake Saint Of The Year" really took me by surprise. Going in, I expected a fairly standard gender-bender isekai, but what I found was a surprisingly deep and engaging story that kept me hooked until the very end. Initially, I'll admit, I wasn't entirely sold. The early chapters felt a little clumsy, and I wasn't quite connecting with the protagonist, Elrise. The world-building felt a bit rushed, and I was wondering if this would be another generic isekai. However, I'm really glad I stuck with it, because the story really takes off after the first few chapters....
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga
4.6
(268 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, school life
“Infinite Abilities Academy” On his first day at Infinite Abilities Academy, Class F freshman Su Bei awakened a new ability. It was only then that he realized their world was actually a manga.
First Impressions
I dove into "A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga" with a healthy dose of curiosity, and I'm glad I did. This web novel offers a refreshing twist on the familiar shounen academy setting, delivering a story that's both clever and engaging. It's not without its flaws, but the unique premise and compelling characters kept me hooked. The initial hook is undeniably strong. Su Bei, our protagonist, discovers he's a minor character destined for a swift and unceremonious death in a manga. This meta-awareness immediately sets the stage for a clever game of survival, as he navigates t...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
There’s Absolutely No Problem With The Magic Cards I Made!
4.6
(269 ratings)
Genre: comedy, mystery, psychological
“Why is this [Summoning Card: Goblin] wearing a mask? ” “Because it’s a Goblin Gangster!
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite a ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered a lot of positive attention. "There's Absolutely No Problem With The Magic Cards I Made!" is a unique blend of genres, mixing comedy, mystery, and xuanhuan elements into a world where magic cards reign supreme. It’s not perfect, but the sheer entertainment value makes it a worthwhile read. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. A reincarnated protagonist in a world powered by magic cards? Sign me up! The early chapters introduce Dekan, our MC, who quickly establishes himself as a card maker with a knack ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Invasion
4.7
(153 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
As a despised assault-type guide, Lin Yuan has a fiancé matched to her by the state. Her fiancé is from a prestigious family, handsome, wealthy, and impeccably mannered, making her the envy of many.
First Impressions
"Invasion" promised a unique blend of genres, and after diving in, I can confidently say it largely delivers. It's not your typical romance-driven story; instead, it's a compelling journey through a post-apocalyptic world with a strong female lead and a fascinating relationship dynamic. Initially, the synopsis felt a little misleading. I was expecting something lighter, perhaps a sweet romance with some action sprinkled in. What I got was a much darker, more complex narrative with a sci-fi/dystopian edge. The world-building is intriguing, slowly unveiling itself as the story progresses, which ...
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Conclusion

These nine academy novels were selected based on ratings for their school settings, character progression, and social dynamics. The academy framework gives structure to power growth, which works well in web fiction. Bookmark your favorites and check out our other ranking pages for more recommendations.

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

Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

Fake Saint Of The Year

First Impressions

A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

First Impressions