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The harem genre is also highly prevalent within light novels, with several titles even receiving successful anime adaptations. But the success of harem light novels without anime adaptations should not be understated, with these eight titles being a fine addition to any harem fan’s library.
8 Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie
Written by Hiroro Akizakura, Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie has a nice blend of comedy, fantasy, and isekai tropes that make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys those genres. The novel also features its main protagonist, Cecilia, amassing a slew of male love interests, making it more of a reverse harem.
Story-wise, the plot revolves around Cecilia being reincarnated as the main antagonist of her otome game. In order to avoid her impending death, she decides to disguise herself as a man, catching the attention of the game’s prince and other hotties in the process.
7 Rebuild World
Taking place in a ruined world, Rebuild World is actually quite the renowned title as far as light novels are concerned. Many fans cite the fantastic world-building as well as the brilliant zero-to-hero development of the lead protagonist Akira as reasons the light novel series is so great.
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Akira is a young man with a dream to become a relic hunter in order to get out of the slums. But just when it seems as though his dream will be cut short, he meets the mysterious Alpha, who happens to be in need of a hunter herself and decides to take Akira under her wing.
6 I’d Rather Have a Cat Than a Harem!
Much like Cross Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie, this light novel incorporates many isekai elements into its plot; in fact, much like with Cecilia, the main protagonist, Amy Northland, must also deal with male love interests from the otome game in which she is reincarnated.
After her entire family finds themselves in an otome game, Amy decides to use this chance to pursue her lifelong dream of owning a cat. But in order to do so, she must find a way to prevent herself from marrying the Third Prince, which would guarantee her role as the game’s villainess.
5 Battle Divas
While most harem titles usually present at least three other potential love interests for their protagonists, Battle Divas only presents two love interests so far. Written by Kouka Kishine, Battle Divas was published on September 26, 2022, with three volumes being available to read.
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The story focuses on King Alnoa of the declining kingdom of Althos returning home only to find two offers of marriage awaiting him, much to his shock. But upon meeting Lesfina, his first potential bride, he finds his second match, Sharon, already present and eager to take his head.
4 Culinary Chronicles of the Court Flower
Moving on from harem titles with isekai elements, Culinary Chronicles of the Court Flower takes place during the feudal era, namely in the fictional empire of Konkoku. The series currently has eight volumes available and is written by Miri Mikawa.
In this light novel, Rimi is a talented chef who is later sent to become one of the Emperor’s concubines. But just as she is getting accustomed to life within the Empire, while simultaneously trying to preserve the memory of her home, Rimi is suddenly sentenced to death for offending the Emperor.
3 Wild Times With a Fake Fake Princess
The title of this light novel series may be a bit long, but it perfectly summarizes the events of the plot. The main protagonist, Kyohei, just wants to live a normal life, something he already finds difficult to do due to his friend’s and family’s flashy lifestyles.
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Things take a turn for the bizarre when Kyohei meets Pamil, who claims to be an android body double for the princess of Bergmann Kingdom. Now with Pamil in his life, Kyohei is suddenly thrust into a life full of hijinks, misunderstandings, and love troubles.
2 I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again!
I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again is the debut work of Reina Soratani, who published the first volume on May 20th, 2021. Unlike some of the entries on this list, this light novel takes a step back from the isekai tropes and instead focuses on the time loop that the main heroine Violette finds herself in.
After attempting to murder her half-sister in a fit of jealousy, Violette is thrown in prison only to suddenly find herself one year in the past. Wanting to make amends for her crimes, Violette decides to live her life in peace and obscurity, which results in her reuniting with her childhood friend Yulan and his friends.
1 I Saved Too Many Girls and Caused the Apocalypse
Written by Namekojirushi, I Saved Too Many Girls and Caused the Apocalypse can be seen as a hilarious take on the negative consequences of being a good Samaritan. The series currently has sixteen volumes available, with the first title having been published in 2011.
The story follows Rekka Namidare, a high-school boy trying to go about his day-to-day life in peace. Upon meeting the mysterious Arlie, however, Rekka learns about his rambunctious bloodline and a future in which an apocalypse will be brought about by the many girls who have fallen in love with him for saving their lives.
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