Light Novel

A short, fast-paced Japanese novel typically aimed at young adults and often illustrated with manga-style art. Light novels are known for their bite-sized chapters, easy-to-read prose, and over-the-top plots, ranging from high school rom-coms to isekai adventures full of demon lords and harems.

Context:
Light novels are the backbone of many hit anime and manga. Titles like Sword Art Online, Re:Zero, and No Game No Life all started as humble light novels before blowing up into massive franchises. If you see a book with an anime waifu on the cover and a title longer than a grocery list, it’s probably a light novel.

Example Usage:

• “This anime is based on a light novel series with 20 volumes—and it’s still going.”
• “Light novels are perfect if you love binge-reading ridiculous isekai power fantasies.”