Episode 27 Our Top Reads of 2019

January 11, 2020April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

Hello there Light Novel Podcast listeners! Since 2019 came to an end, we decided to postpone JK Haru and instead take a look back at our favorite reads of 2019 and talk a little about some light novels we’re looking forward to in 2020.

Here’s the link for the survey mentioned in the podcast. To help celebrate Justus’ YouTube channel hitting 10k subscribers, we’re giving the chance for listeners to tell us which series we’ve previously covered that we should do a follow-up episode on!
https://s.surveyplanet.com/xEdeRu-H

NEWS

Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi 2020

The Detective is Already Dead Wins 15th Annual MF Bunko J Light Novel Rookie Award

Eromanga Sensei’s Manga Spinoff About Elf Yamada Ends

Kino’s Journey Manga Ends in Dengeki Daioh Magazine

Suppose a Kid From the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town’ Light Novel Series Gets Slice-of-Life Spinoff Manga

Meidea Tensei Monogatari Novels by Kakuriyo’s Midori Yūma Get Manga

‘The 8th son? Are you kidding me?’ Novels Get New Manga

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ Anime Gets 3 More Original Anime DVDs

Nachi Kio’s Remake Our Life! Novel Series Gets Anime

Hige o Soru. Soshite Joshi Kōsei o Hirou. Novels Get Anime

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Infinite Combate Game Heads West in 2020

A Certain Magical Index Light Novels Get New Series in February

Seven Seas Licenses BUCK NAKED IN ANOTHER WORLD Light Novels

Cross Infinte World License The Misfortune Devouring Witch is Actually a Vampire?!

MAIN DISCUSSION

Episode 26 Anime NYC 2019 Light Novel Licenses

episode 26 anime NYC light novel licenses

November 29, 2019April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

Welcome to another episode of the Light Novel Podcast! In this episode, we’re discussing the light novel licensing announcements made at Anime NYC 2019! Quite a number of new light novels were announced, and J-Novel Club even announced a brand new light novel imprint!

NEWS

Fortune Quest Light Novel Series ends after 30 year run (1:49)

Bishonen Tanteidan Gets an anime (4:24)

Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi (ReDo of Healer) Light Novel series gets an anime (5:28)

MAIN DISCUSSION

SQUARE ENIX

Nier: Automata YoRHa Boys (9:06)

VERTICAL

Bishonen Tanteidan (Pretty Boy Detective Club) (11:29)

YEN ON

High School Prodigies Have it Easy Even in Another World (16:56)

The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy (22:10)

Banished From the Heroes Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside (23:29)

In the Land of Leadale (27:06)

Three Days of Happiness (30:02)

High School DxD (32:37)

J-NOVEL CLUB

My Next Life as a Villainess All Roads Lead to Doom – coming in Print (41:20)
Sexiled – Coming in Print

Teogonia (42:23)

The World’s Least Interesting Swordsman (45:49)

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Isekai (50:42)

The Economics of Prophecy (55:07)

Kobold King (1:01:51)

Outer Ragna (1:09:54)

Her Majesty’s Swarm (1:17:17)

Isekai Rebuilding Project (1:23:50)

J-NOVEL CLUB HEART (1:29:27)

Tearmoon Empire (1:38:45)

I Refuse to Be Your Enemy (1:45:23)

The White Cat’s Revenge as Plotted from the Dragon King’s Lap (1:47:26)

Tales of Marielle Clarac (1:51:41)

The Bibliophile Princess (1:54:13)

🎉Thanks for listening!

Channel mascot, Shiori, artwork by Cetriya – https://www.youtube.com/user/tkawaii
🎼Music from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com

Episode 25 – Arifureta

November 21, 2019April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

Welcome to another episode of the Light Novel Podcast! In this episode, we’re discussing the light novel series Arifureta From Commonplace to World’s Strongest. This one is released in eBook via J-Novel Club and in print by Seven Seas.

NEWS

GENERAL NEWs

Invaders of the Rokujouma!? Novels’ Kickstarter Ends With US$165,811 (3:00)
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-11-07/invaders-of-the-rokujouma-novels-kickstarter-ends-with-usd165811/.153020

MAIN DISCUSSION (39:09)

📔LIGHT NOVEL INFORMATION
TITLE: Arifureta From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
JAPANESE TITLE: ありふれた職業で世界最強 “Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou”
AUTHOR: Ryo Shirakome
ILLUSTRATOR: Takaya-ki
PUBLISHER (English): J-Novel Club & Seven Seas
TRANSLATOR: Ningen
RELEASE DATE (English): May 2017
PURCHASE (Amazon.com): http://amzn.to/2ovUNjW
PURCHASE (iBooks): https://apple.co/2NMzOJh

SYNOPSIS:
Seventeen year old Hajime Nagumo is your average, everyday otaku. However, his simple life of pulling all-nighters and sleeping in school is suddenly turned upside down when he, along with the rest of his class, is summoned to a fantasy world! They’re treated like heroes and tasked with the duty of saving the human race from utter extinction. But what should have been any otaku’s wet dream quickly turns into Hajime’s nightmare. While the rest of his class are blessed with godlike powers, Hajime’s job, Synergist, only has a single transmutation skill. Ridiculed and bullied by his classmates for being weak, he soon finds himself in despair. Will he be able to survive in this dangerous world of monsters and demons with only a glorified blacksmith’s level of strength?

PUBLISHER (Japan): Overlap Bunko
RELEASE DATE (Japan): June 2015
VOLUMES RELEASED (Japan to Date): 10 (still ongoing)
ANIME SERIES: Yes. Covered volumes 1-4
MANGA: Yes. Published in English by Seven Seas

🎉Thanks for listening!

Channel mascot, Shiori, artwork by Cetriya – https://www.youtube.com/user/tkawaii
🎼Music from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com

Episode 24 A Sister’s All You Need

Light Novel Podcast episode 24 a sister's is all you need

November 1, 2019April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

Welcome to another episode of the Light Novel Podcast! In this episode, we’re discussing the light novel series A Sister’s All You Need. It’s released officially in English by Yen On.

NEWS

GENERAL LIGHT NOVEL NEWS

Boys Love Light Novel Label Platinum Bunko Ceases Publication

My Sister, My Writer Manga Ends With 4th Compiled Volume

Sohryuden Legend of the Dragon Kings Gets 1st New Volume in 16 Years!

J-Novel Club Launches First Ever Kickstarter! Fully Funded in 6 Hours!

Final Volume of My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong as I Expected (Volume 14) Releasing November 19, 2019

ANIME NEWS

Date-A-Live gets new Anime Project – Adaptation of Spin-off Date A Bullet

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick-Up Girls in a Dungeon Gets 3rd Anime Season!

The Irregular at Magic High School Gets a new Anime Season Will adapt Volumes 9-11

Mao Gakuin no Futekigosha Light Novels Getting an Anime

Strike the Blood Series Getting a 4th OVA Series

Arifureta Gets 2nd Anime Season

Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki Gets Anime

LICENSING NEWS

Seven Seas Licenses Adachi and Shimamura Light Novel Series

Viz Licenses Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece Novels

Cross Infinite World License New Light Novel Series Of Dragons and Fae: Is a Fairy Tale Ending Possible for the Princess’s Hairstylist?

MAIN DISCUSSION

📔LIGHT NOVEL INFORMATION
TITLE: A Sister’s All You Need
JAPANESE TITLE: 妹さえいればいい。 “Imouto sae Ireba ii.”
AUTHOR: Yomi Hirasaka
ILLUSTRATOR: Kantoku
PUBLISHER (English): Yen On
TRANSLATOR: Kevin Gifford
RELEASE DATE (English): May 22, 2018
PURCHASE (Amazon.com): https://amzn.to/2pkuVxL
PURCHASE (Book Depository): http://bit.ly/2vJG6Cu
PURCHASE (iBooks): https://apple.co/2XamMa9

SYNOPSIS: Itsuki Hashima is a novelist who’s hopelessly enamored with the idea of little sisters and is constantly surrounded by colorful characters. A world class genius and love-guru who’s beauty almost seems a waste on her. A girl who’s constantly troubled by her friendships, love interests, and can’t even find refuge in her dreams. A ridiculously talented illustrator. Each of them have as many problems and worries as the next and they never have a dull day together as they play games, travel, and work together. From the same author of the famous I Don’t Have Many Friends, Yomi Hirasaka!

PUBLISHER (Japan): Gagaga Bunko (Shogakukan)
RELEASE DATE (Japan): March 18, 2015
VOLUMES RELEASED (Japan to Date): 13
ANIME SERIES: Yes. Adapted Volumes 1-3 with content from volumes 4 & 5 https://amzn.to/32Uuwkb
MANGA: Yes. Not licensed for English Release

🎉Thanks for listening!

Channel mascot, Shiori, artwork by Cetriya – https://www.youtube.com/user/tkawaii
🎼Music from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com

Episode 23 The Faraway Paladin

Light Novel Podcast ep23 The Faraway Paladin blog header

September 18, 2019April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

Hello Light Novel Podcast listeners! On this edition of the podcast we’re discussing the light novel series The Faraway Paladin. This one is released in English by J-Novel Club. It’s an isekai series with a very “High Fantasy” feel.

NEWS

Cross Infinite World Licenses Root Double -Before Crime * After Days-

My Next Life as a Villainess getting an anime

MAIN DISCUSSION

📔LIGHT NOVEL INFORMATION
TITLE: The Faraway Paladin
JAPANESE TITLE: 最果てのパラディン “Saihate no Paladin”
AUTHOR: Kanata Yanagino
ILLUSTRATOR: Kususaga Rin
PUBLISHER (English): J-Novel Club
TRANSLATOR: James Rushton
RELEASE DATE (English): February 2017
PURCHASE (Amazon.com): https://amzn.to/3036JkP
PURCHASE (iBooks): https://apple.co/2kQ0NIb

SYNOPSIS:

In a city of the dead, long since ruined and far from human civilization, lives a single human child. His name is Will, and he’s being raised by three undead: the hearty skeletal warrior, Blood; the graceful mummified priestess, Mary; and the crotchety spectral sorcerer, Gus. The three pour love into the boy, and teach him all they know. But one day, Will starts to wonder: “Who am I?” Will must unravel the mysteries of this faraway dead man’s land, and unearth the secret pasts of the undead. He must learn the love and mercy of the good gods, and the bigotry and madness of the bad. And when he knows it all, the boy will take his first step on the path to becoming a Paladin. “I promised you. It’s gonna take a while, but I’ll tell you everything. This is the story of the deaths of many heroes. It’s the story of how we died, and it’s the reason you grew up here.”

PUBLISHER (Japan): Overlap Bunko
RELEASE DATE (Japan): March 2016
VOLUMES RELEASED (Japan to Date): 4
ANIME SERIES: None
MANGA: Yes. Licensed for English release by J-Novel Club

Episode 20 The Saga of Tanya the Evil

June 22, 2019April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

On this episode of the Light Novel Podcast we’re discussing the light novel series, The Saga of Tanya the Evil. This one is released in English by Yen On and has had an anime adaptation and feature film adapted from the books. It’s an interesting tale of a sociopathic Japanese HR department head who, upon getting up close and personal with a subway train, meets god. Trouble is, god isn’t your usual happy or apologetic deity we see in other isekai stories. Nope. This god is pretty upset and decides to make an example of our MC by reincarnating him in a world bound for global conflict.

CAST

Justus R. Stone
Kyle C.
Flyz
Terrence
Jean-Luc

NEWS DISCUSSED

Wolf & Parchment: New Theory Spice & Wolf Light Novels Get Manga
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-04-15/wolf-and-parchment-new-theory-spice-and-wolf-light-novels-get-manga/.145729

1st New Twelve Kingdoms Novel Story in 6 Years Slated for 4 Volumes in October, November https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-12-12/1st-new-twelve-kingdoms-novel-story-in-6-years-slated-for-2019/.140692

The Unwanted Undead Adventurer manga has been licensed by J-Novel Club

The Faraway Paladin manga has been licensed by J-Novel Club

Hitoma Iruma’s Adachi to Shimamura Yuri Novels Get TV Anime
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-05-06/hitoma-iruma-adachi-to-shimamura-yuri-novels-get-tv-anime/.146465

JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World is getting a manga adaptation

Seven Seas has licensed SCP FOUNDATION: IRIS OF THE MIRROR WORLD by Akira and Sidu
https://sevenseasentertainment.com/2019/04/18/secure-contain-and-protect-with-seven-seas-release-of-scp-foundation-iris-of-the-mirror-world-light-novel/

J-NOVEL CLUB LICENSES
Middle-Aged Businessman Makes a Name for Himself in Another World Thanks to Goddess Power!

Record of Wortenia War!
https://amzn.to/2FpXejf

Side-by-Side Dreamers!
https://amzn.to/2XYYP6N

Seriously Seeking Sister! Ultimate Vampire Princess Just Wants Little Sister – Plenty of Service Will Be Provided
https://amzn.to/2Y3DhGd

Crest of the Stars/Banner of the Stars
https://amzn.to/2L7HepE

Cross Infinite World to Release Another World’s Zombie Apocalypse Is Not My Problem!
https://amzn.to/2WRlMHG

YEN ON LICENSES
https://www.theouterhaven.net/2019/05/yen-press-announces-new-manga-and-light-novels/
You Call That Service?

In The Eminence in Shadow

J-Novel Club is releasing the following titles in print…
Ascendance of a Bookworm
https://amzn.to/2Y5GV28

An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride
https://amzn.to/2IUwybe

Full Metal Panic & Crest of the Stars will be released in print Omnibus format

MAIN DISCUSSION

TITLE: The Saga of Tanya the Evil
AKA: Youjo Senki, 幼女戦記, The Military Chronicles of a Little Girl
AUTHOR: Carlo Zen
ILLUSTRATOR: Shinobu Shinotsuki
PUBLISHER (English): Yen On
PURCHASE (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2FmhnGU

PUBLISHER (Japan): Enterbrain
VOLUMES RELEASED (Japan): 11 (Ongoing)
ANIME SERIES: 12 episodes. Aired January-March, 2017. A Feature film was released early 2019

Podcast 14 Katanagatari

light novel podcast episode 14 katanagatari

December 25, 2018April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

Hello Light Novel Podcast listeners! Tonight we’re discussing the latest English offering of Nisioisin, Katanagatari. This one is being released in English by Vertical. It’s the tale of two unique individuals seeking out twelve even more unique katanas.

You can leave your comment on the YouTube video here – https://youtu.be/5LLFJXD3pQE

CAST

Justus R. Stone
Jean-Luc
Flyz
Kyle
Terrence

NEWS

Hachinantte Sore wa Inai Deshō! Fantasy Light Novels Get Anime

1st New Twelve Kingdoms Novel Story in 6 Years Slated for 2019

Yen Press Licenses Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! Novels

Sound! Euphonium Series Gets 2 New Novels About Kumiko’s 3rd Year

Itai no wa Iya nano de Bōgyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu. Novels Get Anime

MAIN DISCUSSION

Katanagatari by Nisioisin

PURCHASE (Amazon.com): https://amzn.to/2SgOuAd
PURCHASE (Book Depository): http://bit.ly/2JxBylQ

A huge thanks to Vertical for supplying us with books to review and for the sponsored Bookmark giveaway!

Bookmark Images

Channel mascot, Shiori, artwork by Cetriya – https://www.youtube.com/user/tkawaii
🎼Music from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com

Podcast 13 Licenses, J-Novel Club Manga, Kono Light Novel Ga Sugoi 2019

Light Novel Podcast episode 13 licenses j-novel manga kono light novel ga sugoi

December 14, 2018April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

In this episode of the Light Novel Podcast we are talking about several big news items in the light novel world.
The first is the licensing announcements coming out of Anime NYC last month.
The second is the announcement of J-Novel Club’s first round of manga titles. Especially one that has us feeling like a possible new light novel announcement is being teased!
Finally, we talk about the 2019 edition of Kono Light Novel Ga Sugoi. This yearly ranking has a huge influence on the decisions regarding new anime adaptations as well as possible future English licenses.

CAST

Justus R. Stone
Kyle
Terrence
Jean-Luc

LICENSED TITLES

The Dirty Way to Destroy the Goddess’s Hero (Megami no Yūsha o Taosu Gesu na Hōhō):
5 volumes in Japan – Most recent July 30, 2018
女神の勇者を倒すゲスな方法

The Hero is Overpowered but Overly Cautious (Kono Yūsha ga Ore TUEEE Kuse ni Shinchō Sugiru):
5 volumes in Japan
この勇者が俺ＴＵＥＥＥくせに慎重すぎる

Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen (Isekai Gōmon Hime):
7 Volumes in Japan
異世界拷問姫

Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki:
Single Volume Film Adaptation

Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki (Jaku-chara Tomozaki-kun):
7 volumes (7th is 6.5)
弱キャラ友崎くん

Last Round Arthurs: Scum Arthur and Heretic Merlin (Last Round Arthurs: Kuzu Arthur to Gedō Merlin):
2 volumes
ラストラウンド・アーサーズクズアーサーと外道マーリン

Restaurant to Another World aka 異世界食堂 or Isekai Shokudō
Has 4 volumes in Japan
Had a 12 episode anime which ran July-September, 2017.

KONO LIGHT NOVEL GA SUGOI

Tankobon List
10. So I’m a Spider, So What?
9. I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level
8. Mushoku Tensei – Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu (Mushoku Tensei – Jobless Reincarnation)
7. JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World
6. Majo no Tabitabi
5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
4. Overlord
3. Monogatari series
2. Umibe no Byōin de Kanojo to Hanashita Ikutsuka no Koto
1. Honzuki no Gekokujō ~Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen~

Bunkobon List
10. Sword Art Online
9. A Certain Magical Index Series
8. Sankaku no Kyori wa Kagiri Nai Zero
7. Boku-tachi no Remake
6. Classroom of the Elite
5. 86 -Eighty-Six-
4. Hige o Soru. Soshite Joshi Kōsei o Hirou
3, Jaku Chara Tomozaki-kun
2. The Ryuo’s Work is Never Done!
1. Sabikui no Bisco (Rust-Eater Bisco)

Illustrators
*1. Shirabi (Ryuuou no Oshigoto!, 86)
*2. Kiyotaka Haimura (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
*3. Fly (Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun)
*4. Kantoku (Imouto sae Ireba Ii.)
*5. Kurone Mishima (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!)
*6. Keiji Mizoguchi (Seishun Buta Yarou Series)
*7. abec (Sword Art Online)
*8. Saki Ukai (Isekai Goumon-hime)
*9. Riv (Seirei Gensouki)
10. Shunsaku Tomose (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e)

Podcast 12 A Certain Magical Index

Light Novel Podcast episode 12 a certain magical index

December 4, 2018April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

In this episode of the Light Novel Podcast, we talk about the long-running series, A Certain Magical Index (Toaru Majutsu no Index) by Kazuma Kamachi. Between the original series and its sequel, New Testament, it has nearly 50 volumes in Japan. Unfortunately, we are a ways behind in the English market, having not yet completed the main series.
But we thought it was a good time to talk about the series as the third season of the anime, which is predicted to complete the adaptation of the original series, is currently airing. It only took eight years or so to get it!

Cast

Justus R. Stone
Tom
Jean-Luc
BioGundam
Flyz
Kyle

News

Main Topic

A Certain Magical Index
Licensed for English release by Yen On
Purchase A Certain Magical Index Light Novels, Manga, and Anime here…

A Certain Magical Index anime page on MAL

Podcast 11 Goblin Slayer

light novel podcast episode 11 goblin slayer blog header

November 17, 2018April 2, 2021 | lightnovelpodcast

*WARNING* This podcast is about the light novel series, Goblin Slayer. It will contain discussions about the topics of rape and violence. Listener discretion advised.
We will be comparing how the light novel, manga, and anime cover the mature content in Goblin Slayer in different ways. We’ll also discuss the controversy that surrounded the first episode and the response of the anime community.

Goblin Slayer is a fantasy series about an adventurer who has dedicated his life to hunting goblins. As his fame for taking these typically low-paying, high-risk, jobs grows, he is approached by other adventurers.