J-Novel Club, a leading digital publisher of light novels and manga, has announced the acquisition of nine new light novel series and four new manga titles. The announcement was made during their Anime NYC 2025 panel on Saturday, August 23, with all titles immediately joining the J-Novel Club digital catalog. This latest expansion significantly broadens the publisher’s diverse offerings for Western audiences.
New Light Novel Acquisitions
The nine newly licensed light novel series span a variety of genres, from fantasy adventures to unique takes on reincarnation and otome game tropes. These additions are poised to capture the interest of a broad readership with their compelling premises and engaging narratives.
Finding My Way to (You) in This MMO World
Authored by Chiwako Fujiwara with illustrations by Enaga Shima, this series introduces Kariya, a young man from a remote mountain village who, after losing his grandparents, is thrust into a world at war. He quickly realizes this new reality mirrors a game he once played. Tasked with escorting a prince disguised as his twin sister, Kariya must leverage his player foresight and S-tier craftsmanship skills to navigate dangers, despite having the combat proficiency of a common NPC.
Heir to a Monstermancer
From Damu Amato with illustrations by shirabii, this light novel follows veteran adventurer Hakura, who is saved from a deadly hydra by Liene, a young woman possessing the rare ability to tame all monsters. Indebted, Hakura joins Liene on her travels, embarking on a journey filled with arguments and monstrous encounters.
The Dorky NPC Mercenary Knows His Place
Written by Toryuu and illustrated by hamm, this title features John Ouzos, a mercenary who shies away from glory, fighting only to pay off debts and indulge his anime hobbies. He pilots his ship, the Patchwork, taking on missions that are least troublesome, determined to remain a mere background character. Despite his efforts, he frequently finds himself entangled with powerful women and chaotic situations, navigating space opera pastiches and humorous misunderstandings.
The Trials and Tribulations of My Next Life as a Noblewoman
This J-Novel Heart title by Kamihara with illustrations by Shiro46, follows Karen, who is reborn in another world. The story promises a journey through the challenges and dramatic events of a noblewoman’s new life.
Dimension Wave
From Aneko Yusagi and illustrated by Ryō Ueda, “Dimension Wave” is another addition to J-Novel Club’s light novel lineup, promising a new fantastical adventure for readers.
The Accursed Chef and His Pair of Furry Foodies
Written by Yuu Tanaka and illustrated by LLO, this series sees Koichi Suzuki reincarnated as Thor in a harsh new world after sacrificing his life. Blessed with the unique ability to cook monsters, Thor, orphaned and alone, uses his culinary skills to survive. His adventure deepens when he encounters two beastfolk girls on the brink of death, leading him to embrace his past life’s love for furry-eared creatures.
Guild Handyman? More like Mastermind! Using My Hidden Skills in the Shadows
Authored by Sakaku Hishikawa and illustrated by Yu-nit, this light novel introduces Tenes Lumel, a guild handyman who maintains a low profile while secretly orchestrating a powerful organization. Exiled from a noble house and abandoned by God, Tenes is determined to dismantle the world’s twisted rules, gathering allies like a battle-hardened maid, an infamous bandit, and a legendary dark elf to execute his hidden schemes.
The Saint’s Private Medical Office
This light novel presents the tale of Saint Evelyn, who, after years of protecting her country with healing magic, has her engagement to the first prince abruptly broken. Stripped of her title and replaced by her half-sister, Evelyn navigates a new, vast world. Fate intervenes when a young boy introduces her to a new path: making a living with her healing magic, which soon leads to a commission and a marriage proposal from a handsome count.
Blade Skill Online: Crushing the Competition with My Abysmal Stats, Useless Class, and Garbage Weapon!
By Dogenzaka Gari with illustrations by Kisui, this highly descriptive title follows Yuri, cursed with bad luck, who seeks to reverse his fortune in the VRMMO “Blade Skill Online.” Following a guide, he picks the summoner class with a bow, dumping points into luck. However, he discovers he’s been trolled: summoners are useless, bows are garbage, and his avatar is a hot girl being pursued by a barbarian. Determined not to be defeated, Yuri aims to make his build work and dominate an upcoming PvP event.
New Manga Acquisitions
J-Novel Club also expanded its manga collection with four new licenses, offering diverse stories through captivating artwork.
Flung into a New World? Time to Lift the 200-Year Curse! (Manga)
Based on the light novel series, this manga features Akira Tennou, an unremarkable janitor flung into a parallel world filled with adorable, cursed animals. Armed with new purification powers, Akira aims to uncurse these creatures and find his place in this new world.
St. Evelyn’s Weird and Wonderful Friends (Manga)
This manga adaptation follows Saint Evelyn, who, after being banished by the prince, discovers the complexities of true adoration. The series promises to explore her journey with new companions and challenges.
From Villainess to Healer: I Know the Cheat to Change My Fate (Manga)
This manga follows Charlotte Cocoriara, the villainess of an otome game, whose engagement is broken due to her job as a Dark Mage. Armed with memories of her past life playing “Reas Life Online,” Charlotte uses her cheat knowledge to change her job to a Healer, not to return to the prince, but to live a life of adventure.
The Invincible Summoner Who Crawled Up from Level 1: Wrecking Reincarnators with My Hidden Dungeon (Manga)
This manga adaptation details the struggles of Shinobu Iijima, who, after a house fire, wakes up in his favorite MMO, “La Vita Online,” reset to level 1. He discovers his foster father was also reincarnated in the game, adding another layer of complexity to his new life.
These new additions underscore J-Novel Club’s commitment to bringing a wide array of Japanese light novels and manga to English-speaking fans, with all titles available digitally immediately after their announcement.
