A Certain Magical Index is one of the most popular light novels in Japan. This light novel series has sold 31 million copies, which is why A Certain Magical Index is at the top of the list of best-selling light novels. Kamachi Kazuma and Haimura Kiyotaka collaborated on the A Certain Magical Index light novel series. Published under the Dengeki Bunko banner by ASCII Media Works. Old Testament, New Testament, and Genesis are the three sections that make up the series.

Set in a world where science and magic coexist, the story follows Toma Kamijo, a high school student living in Academy City. Toma possesses the ability to nullify any supernatural power with his right hand, known as Imagine Breaker. This unique power draws him into a complex web of conspiracies, conflicts, and supernatural battles. Alongside Toma is Index, a young girl with knowledge of 103,000 grimoires stored in her mind. Together, they navigate through the intricacies of Academy City's factions and face dangerous adversaries, ranging from espers to magicians.

The series is revered for its well-developed characters, intricate plotlines, and thought-provoking themes. With over 40 volumes, A Certain Magical Index continues to captivate readers with its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and compelling storytelling.

• Approximate sales: 31 million copies + including spin-offs

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Certain-Magical-Index-Blu-ray-Digital/dp/B092P76MDH

• Read A Certain Magical Index online: https://www.webnovel.com/book/toaru-majutsu-no-index-%5Bnew-testament%5D-(by-kazuma-kamachi)_13288782805326505
  

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The Sword Art Online light novels have captivated the hearts of readers worldwide with their unique blend of action, adventure, and virtual reality. Kawahara Reki wrote the book, while Abec created the illustrations for this light novel. The Sword Art Online takes readers on a thrilling journey into the immersive world of virtual gaming.

The story is set in the near future, where a revolutionary virtual reality technology called "NerveGear" allows players to enter a fully immersive virtual world known as Sword Art Online. However, the excitement quickly turns into a frightening reality as the players discover that escaping the game is no longer an option. To survive and return to the real world, they must conquer all one hundred floors of Aincrad, the deadly floating castle within the game.

Through its vibrant characters, intense battles, and complex storylines, the Sword Art Online light novels explore themes of friendship, love, and the blurred lines between reality and virtuality. From heart-wrenching tragedies to exhilarating victories, the series never fails to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

• Approximate sales: 30 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Art-Online-Aincrad-Light/dp/B09BBJ3WPY/ref=sr_1_3?

• Read Sword Art Online: https://www.webnovel.com/book/sword-art-online%E2%84%A2_13703783305887005

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The popular light novel series "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" was created by Fuse and Mitz Vah. The story follows the journey of a 37-year-old man named Satoru Mikami, who is unexpectedly reincarnated as a slime in a magical fantasy world after being killed in a random stabbing incident.

Satoru Mikami was reincarnated into another realm and used the abilities he obtained there to become a strong Slime. With his "Predator" skill, Satoru is able to absorb practically any strength from his adversaries. He soon befriends powerful monsters and humanoid creatures, forming alliances and gradually building his own nation known as the Jura Tempest Federation.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime explores Satoru's adventures as he gradually becomes stronger and interacts with a diverse cast of characters, including powerful demons, skilled adventurers, and charming monsters. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime combines elements of fantasy, adventure, comedy, and a touch of romance, making it an engaging and entertaining read for fans of the genre.

• Approximate sales: 30 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/That-Time-Got-Reincarnated-Slime/dp/1632365065

• Read That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime online: https://www.webnovel.com/book/that-time-i-got-reincarnated-as-a-slime_23118589005036905

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Hajime Kanzaka is the author of the amusing light novel series Slayers, which features magic and swords. Despite being marketed as a comical light novel series, each book in the series includes a serious plot in which the lead characters must escape peril. Every plot is a conflict that determines how the world will turn out. With an engaging and thrilling plot, Slayers has become one of the best-selling light novels.

Slayers takes place in a magical world. The story revolves around the main character Lina Inverse, a 14-year-old red-haired witch who is extremely money-hungry and adorablely cruel. Lina's motto is "Wherever there are gold, silver, and jewels, we will make it ours". And whoever stops her will be roasted by the "Fireball" spell. Lina is only afraid of one person: Luna, her older sister. Adventure with Lina is Gourry, a tall, handsome, but extremely stupid swordsman. These two people often fight each other over food.

In Japan, three Slayers novel series were printed. The primary novel series of Slayers had a total of 15 books released in Japan between January 1990 and May 2000. The Slayers and Slayers NEXT anime series and the Slayers manga were both based on the first eight books. The remaining seven novels have not been adapted into animation or manga.

• Approximate sales: 20 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Slayers-Volumes-1-3-Collectors/dp/1718375107
  

• Read Slayers online: https://j-novel.club/series/slayers#volume-1

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Sorcerous Stabber Orphen is a popular light novel that has taken the anime and fantasy world by storm. Authored by Yoshinobu Akita, these novels follow the adventures of Orphen, a powerful sorcerer on a quest to rescue his childhood friend Azalie, who has been transformed into a fearsome beast. A video game, two anime television series, and comics were all made from it. Over 14 million copies of the books were in print.

Yoshinobu Akita has a great love for both American and European literature. He started Sorcerous Stabber Orphen after releasing the acclaimed Japanese fantasy book Inside a Sparkle from the Snow. The novel's characters all have strong personalities that endear readers to them. Orphen's charming and often comedic personality adds a layer of lightheartedness amidst the intense battles and life-threatening challenges he faces.

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen is filled with elements of magic, suspense, and action, making them an absolute treat for fans of the fantasy genre. Akita's writing style effortlessly weaves together complex storylines, memorable characters, and fantastical realms, drawing readers into a world brimming with mystique and wonder.

• Approximate sales: 14 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Sorcerous-Stabber-Orphen-Wayward-Journey-ebook/dp/B07FPNJW3N/ref=sr_1_2?

• Read Sorcerous Stabber Orphen online: https://j-novel.club/series/sorcerous-stabber-orphen

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DanMachi stands for "Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?". The fantastical setting of this short story is the realm of Orario. The narrative centers on Bell Cranel, a 14-year-old novice explorer and the only representative of the Hestia Familia. After a fortunate encounter in which she saves his life from a formidable monster, he makes a commitment to become as strong as Ais Wallenstein, a well-known and formidable swordswoman of the Loki Familia.

Fujino Omori described DanMachi as a unique dungeon system where adventurers explore the unknown labyrinthine depths of the official dungeons. Each level of the dungeon poses new challenges and dangers, attracting all sorts of skilled warriors and mythical creatures. The series is filled with exciting plot twists and epic battles.

DanMachi is a novel series built from many elements such as action, humor, and a little romance. This is the highlight that not only helps DanMachi win the hearts of readers around the world but also becomes a name listed on the list of best-selling light novels.

• Approximate sales: 13 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Pick-Girls-Dungeon-Vol/dp/0316339156/ref=sr_1_3?

• Read DanMachi online: https://www.webnovel.com/book/danmachi-reborn-with-emiya's-powers_25165772405069005

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Natsu Hyga is the author of the Apothecary Diaries. It was turned into two separate manga series, one by Square Enix for Monthly Big Gangan and the other by Shogakukan for Monthly Sunday Gene-X. Square Enix and J-Novel Club have digital and print rights to the light novel in North America, respectively. Nekokurage's manga also has a license from Square Enix.

The Apothecary Diaries revolves around a young woman who works as a pharmacist in the red light district and is abducted before being sold as a servant to the royal. She is an odd and inquisitive individual. She started to look into the issue after learning that there were reports that the emperor's children were in critical condition. She used her expertise as a pharmacist to solve the mystery of their disease.

With vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the Apothecary Diaries not only provide a thrilling narrative but also offer profound insights into the world of traditional Chinese medicine. The delicate balance between politics, power struggles, and the healing arts creates a rich and immersive reading experience. The Apothecary Diaries stands as a testament to the power of knowledge, the strength of resilience, and the beauty of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

• Approximate sales: 12 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Apothecary-Diaries-Light-Novel-ebook/dp/B0953NMHMW/ref=sr_1_5?
  

• Read The Apothecary Diaries online: https://j-novel.club/series/the-apothecary-diaries

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Full Metal Panic is about Sagara Sousuke, a soldier in the covert Mithril anti-terrorist militia, who is tasked with guarding Chidori Kaname, a young woman with unique skills and a fearsome disposition. The novel has been adapted into various media such as five manga series, three anime series, and one live-action film.

Full Metal Panic is divided into two distinct halves. One one is on Sousuke's Mithril warrior mission, which involves him employing powerful mechas to fight on ferocious battlefields, and the other section is a comedy about his workday activities. guards Chidori at Jindai High School where he repeatedly detonates explosives and receives beatings from Chidori every time.

Gatoh's writing style is fast-paced, filled with intense action scenes, and infused with moments of comedy and introspection. Full Metal Panic provides a deep exploration of the characters' thoughts, emotions, and motivations, making them a must-read for any fan of the series.

• Approximate sales: 11 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Metal-Panic-Shouji-Gatou-ebook/dp/B07NQW2WTT

• Read Full Metal Panic online: https://j-novel.club/series/full-metal-panic

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The Rising of the Shield Hero is no stranger to those who love light novels. It is on the list of popular light novels written by Aneko Yusagi. The Rising of the Shield Hero was initially published only as an online novel, but the light novel was later published by Media Factory with an expanded storyline. The Rising of the Shield Hero has published 24 volumes.

The Rising of the Shield Hero tells the story of the main character Iwatani Naofumi. He is a laid-back young Japanese guy who, along with three other young men from parallel universes, is called into a parallel world to join the Four Great Knights and battle Wave (Nami), interdimensional monsters. He is faced with betrayal and injustice, as he is falsely accused of a crime and ostracized by those around him.

The Rising of the Shield Hero focuses on the Shield Hero as the underdog protagonist, using his wits and determination to overcome the obstacles thrown his way. The series explores themes of redemption, trust, and the effects of prejudice, providing readers with a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative. The Rising of the Shield Hero has a reasonable narrative rhythm and depicts character motivations in a very realistic way.

• Approximate sales: 11 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-of-the-Shield-Hero-22-book-series/dp/B074CL6VQL

• Read The Rising of the Shield Hero online: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-rising-of-the-shield-hero_13339272006538905

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Mushoku Tensei is the last name listed in the list of best-selling light novels. It is a Japanese web novel series written by author Rifujin na Magonote on the Syosetsu website. A year later, Mushoku Tensei was published as a light novel by Media Factory's MF Books imprint; with illustrations drawn by a Pixiv artist named SiroTaka. According to Syosetu's rankings, the novel received positive reviews from the online community.

Mushoku Tensei is about an unemployed young man lacking hope who was kicked out of his house right at his parents' funeral and died in an unexpected accident. Later reincarnated into a fantasy world, this time he decides to live a serious life.

As the narrative unravels, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of vibrant characters, immersive world-building, and enthralling plot twists that keep them hooked until the very end. The characters are skillfully built to help readers feel a true sense of their journey. This is also the reason why Mushoku Tensei becomes an addictive and thought-provoking book.

• Approximate sales: 10 million copies

• Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Mushoku-Tensei-Jobless-Reincarnation-Light/dp/1642751383

• Read Mushoku Tensei online: https://www.webnovel.com/book/mushoku-tensei-jobless-reincarnation_24769893706062105

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