Readers love light novels for their extensiveness and the in-depth view they provide of the characters and happenings of a story, offering a deeper experience than their mangaor anime adaptationsif any. Because of this, they are sought after by fans who desire to be fully taken over by a story.
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Although there is a sizeable demand for light novels, access to them can often be limited. Readers know that light novels generally take a long time to complete and can be affected by several factors within and outside the authors’ control. Authors could get burnt out from the many years of writing a story, or low sales may kill an author’s motivation to continue a story, among other reasons. Unfortunately, these ten great light novel series have been affected by such factors and left unfinished.
10Deathbound Duke’s Daughter
Check out the light novel’s vol. 1 on Amazon!
Deathbound Duke’s Daughterpulls off the trope of theotome game villainess. The light novel series follows Erika Aurelia, who is only eight years old, when she wakes as a villainess of a game whose death is pivotal to moving the game forward.
Erika knows the game well and what she must do to prevent her death, but things are even more difficult than her plans envision. The story, written by Senoo Terasu, was first published in 2017 and hasn’t been updated since then, but it has a manga counterpart.
9Stigma Of The Wind
Stigma of the Windtells the story of Kannagi Kazuma, who is stripped of his family’s treasured sword, the Enraiha, traditionally passed down to the next heir in the Kannagi family. Kazuma loses the competition for the sword because he lacks thepower to wield fire, and his loss leads to his father banishing him.
After four years, Kazuma returns a new man who can control wind and goes by the name Yagami Kazuma. However, his return and other circumstances raise suspicions. Unfortunately, this story was cut short after the writer, Yamato Takahiro, died in 2009.
8Clockwork Planet
After the world ended, a new one was built and powered by complex clockwork driving everything on Earth, including gravity. Naoto Miura, an aspiring clocksmith fascinated by machines, dreams of mastering the wonders of this artificial planet.
But his life takes an unexpected turn when something comes crashing into his ceiling. With help froma robot friend, Naoto may be able to save many lives. The story’s writers, Kamiya Yuu, and Himana Tsubaki haven’t released an update in many years, though the story has a finished manga counterpart.
7Amagi Brilliant Park
Check out the light novel’s vol. 2 on Amazon!
Isuzu, an enigmatic and captivating girl, compelled Seiya to join her for a day at the amusement park. Little did he realize that her plan would lead them to Japan’s most lackluster and rundown attraction, the Amagi Brilliant Park.
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Upon meeting Latifa, the “real princess” and leader of the park, Seiya is abruptly charged with preventing the park’s inevitable closure. However, it is no ordinary park but a whimsical land teeming with fairies.Amagi Brilliant Parkwas written by Gatou Shouji and has been left for many years.
6Black Bullet
Black Bulletis set in a dark and dismal future world, where humanity has been conquered by parasitic Gastrea viruses and live gripped by fear and anguish. At the story’s center is Rentarou, who works with “Civil Security,” a group that combats the Gastrea.
He fights alongside Enju, his partner, and is encouraged by the abilities he possesses. Rentarou and Enju then get tasked with saving Tokyo. Thisaction-packed storywas written by Kanzaki Shiden but was later abandoned for unknown reasons, though rumors abound.
5Last Embryo
Last Embryois about Saigou Homura, a young man with a unique and remarkable ability. He is contacted through a mail that changes his fate. Opening the mailtransports him to a new worldgoverned by “Gift Games.” He then has to participate in a Gift Game with the company of some allies.
Written by Tatsunoko Tarou and illustrated by Momoco, this light novel series was first published in 2015 but later abandoned by the author, who announced that he would be going on an indefinite hiatus.
4Slayers
Slayersis an action-adventure story centered around Lina Inverse. With a bag of loot stolen from some thieves, Lina, who calls herself a “genius sorceress,” marches towards Atlas City with a burning ambition for wealth.
But her journey is rudely interrupted by a horde of angry bandits seeking revenge. Gourry Gabriev comes to her rescue, and what follows is an interesting power play between them and a comedic adventure to match. However, the writer, Kanzaka Hajime, didn’t continue the series due to his health issues.
3The Great Legend of the Legendary Heroes
A follow-up to the fantastical action storyThe Legend of the Legendary Heroes, this light novel series continues with Ryner Lute, who possesses the “Copy Eye (Alpha Stigma).” Despitehis lazy disposition, Ryner is a magical genius who won against Quant Kuo, a great magician, at only thirteen years old.
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In this sequel, Ryner and his partner, Ferris Eris, try to save the king, Shion, by fleeing Roland, leading them to discover a secret. The story was written by Kagami Takaya and illustrated by Toyota Saori.
2Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers
InRokka: Braves of the Six Flowers, the fate of the world lies in the hands of the Braves of the Six Flowers, who are chosen and marked by the Spirit of Fate. Their goal is to protect the world when the Evil God awakens.
But things go awry when Adlet Mayer joins the chosen six and has to prove himself, despite being dedicated to preventing the world’s destruction. Written by Yamagata Ishio and illustrated by Terui, the story has unfortunately been kept aside for several years.
1The Twelve Kingdoms
This light novel series is set in the Twelve Kingdoms, a world governed by a moral code called the Way. The world is full of beasts and harsh environments. The story’s protagonist, Youko Nakajima, is transported from her ordinary life as a student tothis fantastical worldholding extreme danger.
While adjusting to her new surroundings, Youko must navigate surviving honestly in a world with a different moral code. The author, Ono Fuyumi, explores complex themes like power, leadership, and individual choice, making this story a valuable read for any reader, despite it being incomplete.
