Buzz
Have you ever tried reading a light novel? Let's explore what Light Novel means together with Mytour in this article.
1. What is a Light Novel?
A light novel, known as ライトノベル (raito noberu) in Japanese, translates to 'light novels,' meaning 'light novels.' This genre originates from Japan.
However, 'raito noberu' is borrowed from English as 'light novel'.
Each light novel usually spans no more than 40 to 50 thousand words. They are often published in paperback format and feature illustrated pages with Japanese manga-style drawings.
The content of light novels is typically serialized across multiple issues of magazines or weekly newspapers before being compiled and published as complete storybooks (a mechanism similar to manga).
Light novels are written to cater to the entertainment needs of readers, so their style often differs from Western adult novels. The writing style of light novels is concise, with paragraphs typically consisting of only two to three sentences.
In light novels, the storyline is led more by dialogue than description. Writers will strive to minimize words wherever possible.
2. Some Famous Light Novels
2.1. No Game No Life
No Game No Life is a light novel that tells the story of two main characters, Sora and Shiro. They are renowned siblings in the gaming community, undefeated in any game they play.
Both are true NEETs, fearing to venture out into society and preferring to stay at home, indulging in one game after another. They always believe they are living in the wrong world.
One day, they receive an invitation from a strange being named Tet – the self-proclaimed Supreme God. Tet invites the siblings to a world where all rules and laws are decided by the winners of games. Thus begins the incredibly exciting journey of Sora and Shiro.
2.2. Hyouka
The story revolves around a protagonist named Houtarou, who is extremely lazy and lives by the motto of 'saving energy to the fullest extent possible.' He avoids getting involved in any trouble.
Unfortunately, Houtarou is coerced into joining the classic literature club, where all the troubles begin to find him.
2.3. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online belongs to the online game genre. The main character, along with many others, is forced to live in a virtual reality game world due to a conspiracy.
To escape from this virtual world, players must reach the 100th floor of the game tower and defeat the final boss there. However, if a player dies in the game, they will die in real life.
Thus, they have to stake their own lives on this endeavor.
2.4. Date A Live
Date A Live narrates a world of fiction. In this place, there is a strange phenomenon called the 'spacequake' that regularly occurs, claiming the lives of many people and devastating entire continents.
Itsuka Shido is a high school student who failed to take refuge during an evacuation due to the 'spacequake.' He encounters a mysterious girl at the epicenter of the spacequake and learns that the reason for these occurrences is the presence of spirits.
Shido is discovered to possess the ability to restrain the power of spirits, preventing the disasters they would otherwise bring upon humanity. However, to accomplish this, Shido must make the spirits fall in love with him and receive a kiss from them.
2.5. Durarara!!
Durarara is a light novel that follows the story of Mikado Ryuugamine, a person who always dreams of living in the city of Tokyo.
After receiving an invitation from a friend, Mikado packs his bags and heads to Tokyo to study. Unfortunately, on his first day in the city, he encounters the headless motorcycle rider, the Black Rider.
Simultaneously, strange events begin to unfold in Ikebukuro, revealing unexpected truths.
Thank you for reading and following our article about light novels on Mytour. By now, perhaps you have grasped the concept of what light novels are. We wish you can discover and enjoy even more great light novel works.
