Top light novel audiobook

Light novels are Japanese-style tales designed for teenagers and young adults. They are described as “novella-type” stories printed with illustrations and are the most common type of anime adaptation today.

They are generally short, with around 300 pages per volume, and have about 50,000 words (depending on the translation) alongside stunning illustrations.

If you’re into sci-fi, litRPG, or traditional fantasy and are looking for light novels to enjoy on your laptop or mobile device, light novel audiobooks can allow you to multitask. Keep reading as we list some of the best to add to your wishlist.

The best light novel audiobooks

Light novels are traditionally written in Japanese. Fortunately, many of the best sellers have English translations and adaptations into other media formats. Here is a list of the best light novel audiobooks for you to consider.

Sword Art Online

“Sword Art Online” is a light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. The storyline starts with a multi-player virtual reality game set in the fictional world of Aincrad that quickly turns into a brutal nightmare. The players discover that they are forced to play the game to escape or die.

The official audiobook is voiced by Bryce Papenbrook.

Overlord

“Overlord” is another popular dark fantasy light novel by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin.

The story is about a Japanese businessman who leads a guild in a virtual online video game called YGGDRASIL. The main character, with the username Momonga, played by voice actor Chris Guerrero in the audiobook, realizes that he has been permanently transferred to his alter-ego in a new world. With Momonga as the last vestige of his guild, Ainz Ooal Gown, in a foreign setting, the novel explores morality that comes with near-omnipotence.

The Saga of Tanya the Evil

Tanya Degurechaff is one of the most outstanding soldiers the empire has ever seen, a reborn businessman, and the Devil of the Rhine. Inside her mind lives her previous life as a ruthless, calculating ex-businessman who once enjoyed a peaceful life. Reborn in an alternate universe as a needy, orphaned girl, Tanya will do what it takes to survive.

“The Saga of Tanya the Evil” is a yen press published light novel series by Carlo Zen.

Only I Level Up (Solo Leveling)

“Solo Leveling,” also translated as “Only I Level Up,” is a web novel by Chugong. The story focuses on Sung Jin-Woo, the weakest of all people with magical abilities (or hunters). He’s struggling to survive in a world where monsters endanger humanity at every turn.

One day he’s mysteriously granted the power of the “Player.“ This sets him on course to become an unparalleled existence through his unique “Level-Up System.”

Eighty-Six

“Eight-six” is set in the Republic of San Magnolia while they have been at war with the Empire of Giad for nine years. Although the Republic of San Magnolia has suffered many defeats, it has since created remote-controlled autonomous drones. The story essentially follows Lena as she commands the 86 drone squad. However, there are secrets hiding in the new technology and the history of the war.

The Rising of the Shield Hero

“The Rising of the Shield Hero” is a dark fantasy light novel series by Aneko Yusagi. It follows Iwatani Naofumi as he’s summoned into a parallel universe with three others to become the world’s heroes. Naofumi receives a Legendary Shield, which earns him ire as the “useless defensive hero.” His parallel-world adventure begins on a bad note when he is backstabbed by his assigned companion.

Spice and Wolf

Author Isuna Hasekura wrote the light novel “Spice and Wolf” about a lone traveling merchant, Lawrence. Lawrence wanders between towns on horse and cart, selling assorted goods to make a living. One night he finds a wolf goddess sleeping in his cart.

They strike up a deal where Lawrence receives increased profits in exchange for a new travel companion. Lawrence quickly learns that the arrangement includes pros and cons.

Bakemonogatari

“Bakemonogatari” is one of the Monogatari series’ best sellers. It follows the life of a boy with a strange supernatural secret named Koyomi Araragi. This secret leads him to others like him.

Koyomi is bitten by a vampire and unable to return to being a human without the help of a bizarre homeless man. Koyomi helps others with their paranormal problems; however, some vampire traits are not so helpful.

Rascal Does Not Dream

“Rascal Does Not Dream” chronicles a high school student Sakuta. He finds a bunny girl named Mai in a library that is invisible to others. Mai is an older student, a well-known actress on a break, and attends the same school as Sakuta.

Sakuta is intrigued and investigates why Mai is unnoticed by everyone else.

Where can I find light novel audiobooks?

Light novel audiobooks like those listed above or other science fiction-type audiobooks can be found on audible.com. Audible.com specializes in audiobooks, offers a podcast service, and is a great place to purchase and stream various forms of audio word content.

Amazon.com is another platform for popular English-translated light novel audiobooks.

Speechify

As a number one text to speech reader, Speechify can be your perfect solution when looking for more items to which to listen. Not only is Speechify the best app for all your educational reading needs, but it is also a multipurpose text to speech reader designed for people with impairments. It functions on all mobile and PC platforms, including Android and IOS, allowing you to listen to a realistic-sounding narration of nearly any text format.

Consider trying the Speechify app for free via your mobile browser.

FAQ

Are there a lot of light novel audiobooks?

Yes, there are several light novel audiobooks available. Many anime and light novel publishers like Yen Audio release audiobook versions of their most famous novels.

What is the number 1 light novel?

The “Haruhi Suzumiya” series is considered the number one light novel of all time, followed by the “Monogatari” series, then the Sword Art Online.

Are there any anime audiobooks?

Yes, a wide selection of anime and manga books are available on platforms like Audible.com and Amazon.com.

Which light novels are popular in Japan?

Currently, the best-selling light novels in Japan include “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Novelization,” “Sword Art Online,” “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” and “The Apothecary Diaries.”