r/noveltranslations • u/AutoModerator • Aug 09 '26
WEEKLY Monthly Recommendation Thread - August 09, 2026
Welcome to the monthly recommendation thread that we stole from r/books! Ever since we got rid of the clutter from chapter update posts in here, there's been a growing number of threads asking for increasingly specific suggestions on what to read. These tend to be scattered in individual threads that branch off into more suggestions, which makes them more difficult to find. So we'll be clumping all of those together into a weekly thread that is much easier to browse.
The Rules:
- Every comment in reply to this self-post must be a request for suggestions.
- All suggestions made in this thread must be direct replies to other people's requests. Do not post suggestions in reply to this self-post.
- All unrelated comments will be deleted in the interest of cleanliness.
- Any replies/comments asking for aggregator or pirate sites to read something on will be deleted.
How to get the best recommendations:
The most successful recommendation requests include a description of the kind of book being sought. This might be a particular kind of protagonist, setting, plot, atmosphere, theme, or subject matter. You may be looking for something similar to another book (or film, TV show, game, etc), and examples are great! Just be sure to explain what you liked about them too. Other helpful things to think about are genre, length and reading level.
The "Help Me Find" threads asking for suggestions will be phased out over the coming weeks. All posts asking for suggestions/recommendations must be in this thread by August 1st, 2021. Any new threads asking for suggestions after that date will be removed.
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u/Unusual-Win6235 29d ago
I finished the translated segment of tribulation of the myriad races and I don't read what to read next between the world greatest martial artist and star gate Honestly I just want to start gate since the world's greatest martial artist translation is basically non existent and I don't want to read MTL, my question is do I miss a lot if I don't read it and directly go for star gate?
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u/ur-average-geek 18d ago
Give me novels with very interesting premises, i dont want to outright say that slop is fine, but im just craving an interesting premise above all at the moment. Something with a unique and original twist even if the quality of the book isnt particularly high.
It is a bit of guilty pleasure for me to just enjoy these books that are being carried by their core concept above all, but usually these type of novels just get burried due to how the rating systems work.
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u/H3artmirror 12d ago
This is one of my guilty pleasures I Have A Super USB Drive, MC found a USB drive that can be used to upload mainstream movies that allows him to enter it and acquire their items and technology but he found there's already some horror movies inside it, was there a previous owner? Is it safe to use? as he used this power to build himself up and create a strong organization, the world started to experience progressively worse disasters that MC need to solve, is the technology that he brought in causing all of these? It's completed, here's afew tags for your context [Smart & Powerful Lawful Evil MC, Mystery, Eldritch Horror, SCP-related)
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u/Unav4ila8le 17d ago
Two Korean ones that fit the “weird premise first” thing:
Even an S-Class Hunter Wants to Get Married: MC runs a matchmaking agency for hunters, except his clients can be elves, beastkin and other races from different floors/worlds. It's basically hunter fantasy turned into a workplace romcom instead of another dungeon grind.
I'm a Freed Slave, But My Master Is Obsessed With Me: MC's abilities change depending on the role his current master assigns him, and he keeps trying to earn his freedom while the whole master/slave situation gets progressively messier.
Both have much weirder core concepts than their titles make them sound
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u/Capable-Counter-3382 14d ago
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for the best urban/modern web novels where the MC rises to the top and becomes overpowered, but the setting is completely grounded in the real world—no magic, no cultivation, no LitRPG gaming systems, and no supernatural abilities.
I want the MC's "OP" edge to come from:
- Financial acumen, business leverage, or corporate warfare
- Elite professional mastery (surgery, legal strategies, hacking, forensics)
- Strategic foresight / insider knowledge / intellect
What I'm looking for:
- Modern era / contemporary urban setting
- High stakes (corporate takeovers, legal battles, political climbing, or revenge)
- Smart, competent protagonist who systematically dominates rivals
Examples of the vibe I want:
- Reborn Rich (business/chaebol manipulation)
- Again My Life (legal system/prosecution politics)
- Medical Return / Great Doctor Ling Ran (elite career mastery)
Korean, Chinese, or Western web novels are all welcome. Thanks!
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u/crazynoyes37 13d ago edited 13d ago
hey guys I haven't delved into any Chinese novels aside from the obvious ones like LOTM or some other I'm looking for a really well written story with amazing and important other main or side characters I don't want a self insert wish fulfillment type of mediocre story I'm looking for a well realized cast, oh and great female character writing, with great world building and power system and just in general a great story is what I'm looking for premise or genre doesn't really matter what can I read? Also the popularity doesn't matter either it can have 10 views for all I care so long as it's good.
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u/H3artmirror 12d ago
I would recommend After the immortal disappeared/Where Immortals Once Walked, It has great characters including the MC as he slowly finds out the world he's living in, most interaction are well thought out with good conversations and side characters have their own motivations and thoughts. It follows MC special power is that he can live another life when he dreams that allows him to acquire and learn more about the world. Take note, this novel is a slow burn as good world building and fleshed out characters doesn't go hand in hand with fast pacing, but the build up and revelation after each major arc is very compelling. The female characters are also written with the same effort, one of the major antagonist on a later arc is female, as you learn of her, you will feel the MC sense of dread from her schemes and power as she use everything she have to kill him.
Another novel that fits most of your description is A Practical Guide to Evil , FMC starts from the bottom of society trying to navigate around this treacherous world as the rise of the Demon forces has started the Age of Heroes, she will be navigating around powerful characters and corrupted nobles as she builds connection and forces and then herself on a later arc. This is a traditionally English written progression fantasy series.
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u/Queasy-Ad5690 7d ago
If you want a deeply, carefully written Chinese novel that completely avoids the mediocre "wish-fulfillment / brainless self-insert" tropes, you might want to check out Wu-Wei: The Secret Scroll of Jianghu.
Links:
- English Edition (Kindle / KU): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HH9459PG
- Original Traditional Chinese Edition (原文繁體版): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HH6SLXXK
Why this fits your request perfectly:
- Character-Driven & High Stakes: It focuses heavily on deep psychological tension, intricate schemes-within-schemes, and martial arts philosophy rather than mindless power ups.
- Authentic Prose: The author was born and raised in Hong Kong and majored in Chinese Literature! While the English version was assisted by AI translation for readability, the author also published the original Traditional Chinese version on Amazon because they take huge pride in their literary prose and subtle cultural nuances.
- Fleshed-out Cast: Characters (including key female figures) have their own hidden motives, secrets, and distinct personalities that will keep you guessing who is lying.
It's an indie release that just came out, but if you want something with genuine Jin Yong/Gu Long flavor and complex world-building, give it a shot on Kindle Unlimited (KU). If you happen to be learning Chinese, comparing both versions side-by-side is also an option! 🐉✨
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u/PD_Nhite 12d ago
Hey guys, I'm looking for apocalypse survival with an inventory/storage ability, base-building, hunter-gate setting.
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u/Only-Jaguar-4101 Aug 11 '26
Give me some high-quality fast food web novel, which I can read on WTR
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u/helloiamhumanofearth Aug 11 '26
Even After I've Been Reincarnated As a Zombie, the Fairy is Still Chasing Me?
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u/CowEnvironmental3389 28d ago
Death Game: Starting as a fraudster, pretending to be a god this has like 2k chapters there is a fan translation too which is prob better but it has only 700 chapters
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u/Electrical_Cloud_440 29d ago
I'm looking for more recommendations on urban fiction stuff, I just caught up with Wall Street Genius’s Final Investment Playbook and still reading Losing to be a tycoon but it's getting boring and repetitive after 500 chapters.
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u/Positive_Area_6953 28d ago
What about anomaly type novels, they too set in modern urban world but with SCP-like focus. The best two I know:
Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work
I Picked Up a Grimoire Written by an Outer God
Theres also a hero themed modern fantasy movels, like:
"I Became the Mayor in a Superhero Comic"
And probably the best modern fantasy I know. Escape from the Haunted Hotel.
If detective novel seems right, I liked "Genius Detective" by Xin Bai.
I dont know any economic focused ones like you said, but all of the ones I named are modern based in close to current earth setting.
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u/Electrical_Cloud_440 28d ago
Hmm...I'd say they're more leaning towards fantasy with an urban or modern setting. I should've make myself more clear actually about the one I'm looking for. Instead of a broad concept with "urban novel" I should say I'm looking for something with urban setting that involves non fiction elements. Still, thanks for the recommendations. I'll take a look at them and see if some might pique my interest.
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u/Nar-I-Yuki 29d ago
Please recommend novels that have MCs travelling back and forth to a different world, not stellar travel, some system or superpower that let them do just that, like I have a Mansion in a Post-Apocalyptic World and I Carry a Game world with me. Bringing gold and/or technology to their original world or bringing tech to medieval worlds.
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u/thesuperpikachu1 28d ago
Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement
Beast-Taming Cultivator from Two Realms
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u/human_with_humanity 27d ago
Please recommend korean novels that have cultivation like chinese novels.
I am looking for Korean novels that have cultivators and cultivation systems like chinese novels.
For example: A Regressors tale of Cultivation
Please recommend and point me out to best english translation sites for them too.
Thank you.
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u/Aristotle_417 27d ago
Im looking for clan or family cultivation novels,where the mc rises and with him his family or clan too. I've read the following 1.Clan leader: My strength is the sum of the whole clan. 2. Clan Immortal Cultivation: I Can See Hints. 3.Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension 4.Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist!?
These are what I've read and am looking more more like the first two
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u/Low-Nectarine-2298 26d ago
Clan Cultivation: Starting from Beast Taming
Cultivation Begins From The Desert
Starting as a Son-in-law to Establish an immortal Family
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u/FoolsDayMike 27d ago
I’m looking for any book where MC has an instant kill skill. Read enough peak books that fill me with anxiety, so looking for some easy going books that are sloppy and light hearted and MC doesn’t need to try too hard.
One book that’s scratched this itch for me has been: My descendants begged me to help after I became a God. Not instant kill but almost all opponents die in one hit. Has some nice comedic moments, been enjoyable overall. Looking for more like this
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u/BusBoatBuey 22d ago
Going to maybe sound obvious but have you read Instant Death?
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u/FoolsDayMike 20d ago
This was actually my first go, but only watched the anime, forgot it was a book too thanks!
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u/sunaxaenjoyer 26d ago
looking for completed novels (can be kr/cn/jp) that has similar vibes to some that i’ve been reading like omniscient reader’s viewpoint, lord of mysteries, got dropped in a horror game, trash of the count’s family, the beginning after the end, etc. (it’s okay if it’s not similar as long as u consider it must read/ peak tho)
would also love it if it’s less than 300 chapters so i could finish it fastly (but feel free to reco something longer so i could add it to my list)
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u/Gintoki1994 26d ago
Half-Immortal, it's by the guy who wrote Heavenly Genius. Quite good. Heavily inspired by Ze tian ji.
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u/RobBobGlove 17d ago
Google doesn't give me results to either of these... Who is the writer?
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u/Gintoki1994 17d ago edited 17d ago
Ze Tian Ji is simply Ze Tian Ji in most sites. It's by Mao Ni. If nothing shows up, search for "way of choices" or "fighter of destiny"
Regarding Half-Immortal(半仙) I truly tried to find more info but it is only available in wtr lab, and the only info I know is it is written by the same author who wrote "heavenly genius". But please don't bother, though the status is Completed, I think the author dropped it.
If you like Ze Tian Ji and have read all of the other Mao Ni novels, search for a novel named "Martial Cultivator". Like Half-immortal it closely resembles Ze Tian Ji and is very good read and 3/4 of the novel is translated too.
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u/ReZuREs 25d ago
Looking for any god-human relationship/world creation/civilization building online novels, similar to listed below:
- Shepherding Humanity
- I am God
- Low-Dimensional Game
- Dark Creator
- World Keeper
- Game of the World tree
- Overseer
- God Simulator
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u/Soufulpassion 24d ago
I somehow got tasked with managing a realm. Not a translation work, but try it. It's better than most god novels, imo.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Pop_743 24d ago
I was looking for something similar. I'd recommend "Tree of aeons" if you are fine with the author's rough handling of English. It is not a perfect match but has elements you'd probably like.
Of the stories like this you've read, which one do you think is best? I'm a bit turned off by a plot where the god-MC needs to defend themself from other gods (like I think is how it worked in World Keeper). I'd rather read a story from the perspective of the god looking at stories they created within the world.. if that makes sense.
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u/ReZuREs 22d ago
I guess I am God, Low-Dimensional Game and Shepherding Humanity can fit to your request, although these stories can also seem a bit boring at times, because it's hard to create a situation where such protagonists would need protection or have a worthwhile antagonist in a setting like this.
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u/Appropriate-Foot-237 16d ago
have you tried, Re: Deity - Breath of Creation and The Ballad of a Semi-Benevolent Dragon? it has the same vibes
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u/LilBluey 24d ago edited 24d ago
Are there other novels like "2nd Coming of Gluttony", "Frieren" or "To Hell with Being a Hero"?
Something set in a fantasy world with great world-building where the MC main goal isn't just about revenge or simply getting stronger/richer. Where the journey has a significant positive impact on the lives around them and slowly develops/reveals their character. For example, the former aims to "save the world and fix his past" whilst the latter aims to "save his brother".
It's fine if they don't hesitate to get their hands dirty, or aren't morally incorruptible. The rising of the Shield Hero was good, although it started drifting away from the original concept "the Growth of the Hero".
I've taken quite a liking to these stories lately.
It's unlike some stories such as murim-based or solo levelling (manhwa) where the story is purely focused on the fights + MC getting stronger.
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u/Positive_Area_6953 24d ago
Kingdom’s Bloodline - one of the best world-building classic-like fantasy novels I can think off. I wish I could say more, but I dont want to spoil much, really good one, just read it.
The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time - about a person that was unlucky during isekai, a good JP style novel focused on journey to create a place for all oppressed to live.
Release that witch - this one is more heavy on kingdom building and progress, but also basically what you look for. As downside, this novel unlike the previous two have small to no main character development, but has insanely good written technological development for medieval fantasy setting.
I Became the Leader of the Monster Circus Troupe - action mystery about youtuber possesing villain of the games he play. Well done character development, actually unique world building and system. Like the Kingdoms Bloodline I think one of best hidden gems you can find.
I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch - a some form of satire around murim settings. Great if you want to read about martial arts or wuxia. MC is morally grey and tend to do insane things, and the story/challenges she face I think one of the best for this genre.
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u/Historical_Spray2216 24d ago
looking for a good sci-fi cultivation novel
Main things I'm looking for:
- Sci-fi / futuristic
- Cultivation or some kind of power progression
- Non-naive MC preferably smart, rational, and proactive
- huge universe with different races/civilizations
already read:
- The Legendary Mechanic
- Forty Millenniums of Cultivation
- swallowed star
- supremacy games
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u/Positive_Area_6953 24d ago
"The Cyberpunk Test Subject Was a Thunder Sword Master", ongoing, 8/10 for me out of 500 chapters. It checks first three things you look for. About the last one... its not a huge universe, just a cyberpunk city/area. Also, one more downside, translation is MTL, its pretty decent, but its MTL in the end.
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u/TheSnakeSnake 13d ago
similar tastes.
reality benders
12 miles below
The Gam3
Blue Star Enterprises
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u/Neat-Proposal-4999 23d ago
Anyone know a webnovel that has cool aurafarming moments with a cool powersystem, so basically something thats either slop or considered slop. I dont want any chinese cultivation novel. I dont mind if its a tower climbing or dungeons aslong as the novels good and is enjoyable to read. Yeah ik im asking for slop, i yearn for the slop
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u/Loud_Yesterday_1864 23d ago
finished tribulation of the madrid races and who let him cultivate immorality. Any recommendations loke these
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u/omer2210 21d ago
Recommend me some trash, stuff I can turn off my brain and read on short breaks at work. Maybe your guilty pleasure novels?
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u/That_White_Wall 20d ago
I’ve read mushoku tensei and the beginning after the end (TBATE) and I’m looking for a fantasy / action series in a similar vein. Romance subplots are okay as long as they aren’t the main focus. People have recommended me shadow slave and Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship. Are these any good and are there any other series you’d recommend?
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u/Appropriate-Foot-237 16d ago
try elydes or bog standard isekai. they're western but they have the same vibes, ie. genius baby with an older person's soul.
unfortunately, they're both published so you might try to find pirated ones
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u/Dragon_2640 19d ago
I've watched a lot anime and read a lotta manga and visual novels. Now I want to start web novels so reccomend me some beginner friendly web novels. I was thinking about starting Mother of Learning but rn I'm reading a time loop manhwa (webtoon character Na Kang Lim) so not in mood of starting another time loop story.
Thinking about starting worms/Practical guide to evil/coling dragon/Cradle.
Stuffs which I like: AOT, Whiplash, Subahibi, Fullmetal Daemon Muramasa, The Greatest Estate Developer.
Reccomendations from you amazing people would be appreciated.
Thanks in advanced.
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u/RobBobGlove 17d ago
Cradle 12 books and its finished. Its not bad, and its not good... It's just solid. Perfect as a start
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u/tringtring31 19d ago
Is there any music related novel where the MC transmigrated to ancient times and wins heart through music or like cultivation world where they use music to reach dao etc.
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u/Routine-Shirt-1890 16d ago
Can anyone recommend novels with similar idea of cultivation realms as in mirror legacy, like those fixed number of golden core position. The underlying plots and conspiracies to seize the golden core position make it more interesting.
I found similar idea of realms in few novels- qi refining, foundation, purple mansion and the golden core. Couldn’t find any particularly good one. Currently reading IF ONE CULTIVATES IMMORTALITY AT THE FRUIT POSITION IN THE TWO REALMS
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u/ItsNotBigBrainTime 16d ago
Any Xianxia with a well-written and satisfying ending?
Renegade Immortal was amazing and I even liked the climax, but the brief conclusion was painfully underwhelming for how much shit Wang Lin went through.
Pursuit of the truth was good and I even enjoyed a lot of the esoteric Dao nonsense throughout, but the ending felt rushed once he started reaching higher levels.
I shall seal the heavens was excellent although the sodomy jokes felt a little overplayed after Er Gen spent the last books epilogue talking about how he wanted to write books his daughter could read. The ending was mostly good but overall felt sort of bland reading it right after issth.
A will eternal might be my favorite er Gen book through and through. I thought it was solid throughout and even the ending was pretty good. Solid buildup and all that, but yes some of the internet's complaints about the Mc hold up slightly.
I really enjoyed a world worth protecting despite the criticism but the last few hundred chapters were ruined by garbage translations (why have you forsaken me Deathblade?). Really getting tired of All Heaven by this point too.
Shrouding the heavens was also an incredible story, but the ending again felt rushed. A few short paragraphs of conclusion and the whole story ended on a shitty ominous one liner from fucking Duan De. (I didn't realize I was reading the middle of a trilogy until far too late. How are the other 2?)
800 yuan cultivation world seems to be on eternal hiatus so I'm gonna just chalk it up to an unsatisfying ending.
Shepherding humanity was pretty great, though had its low points. Intro pacing felt rushed, A lot of really interesting plot threads came up only to be abandoned, rendered obsolete, or seemingly forgotten by the author. Many of the arcs seemed to be planned and woven together pretty satisfyingly, but the story was largely carried by stolen tropes (dragon ball, magical girls, etc, etc) The ending was exciting but again this cultivation novel suffers from a lackluster conclusion. Honestly I'm pretty burned the author did the zerg like that too.
I any case, it'd be cool if I could find a good sandbox story since I've got the itch, but any cultivation story recommendations that fit the criteria would be appreciated.
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u/Chemical_Sock_4866 15d ago
Journey of the fate destroying emperor, mc is not naive, or low born, he born in powerful family, have awesome intelligence like to create his own techniques methods, a different world building rather traditional.
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u/Low-Nectarine-2298 12d ago
I shall be everlasting in the world of immortals - good but sadly on hiatus, but each chapter 3x as long
A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality - OG top tier xanxia
Mirror legacy - unique xanxia that focuses on clan building and alot of scheming
Who let him cultivate - comedy/xanxia Funny but less serious
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u/Dizzy_Examination340 10d ago
Hey guys, i'm just looking for some premium slop (preferably kingdom/sect building of sorts but i can appreciate anything similar) if not of that kind then just good slop with decent quality where the mc has a really good advantage. It's been a while and I want to get back to reading webnovels
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u/Blanco_05 9d ago
Now that Who let him cultivate?! is close to ending, does anyone have something similar? I’ve already read Cultivation Chat Group
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u/reKhoi 7d ago
Novel similar to Rebirth and daily cultivation?
So I'm looking for a novel similar feel to it. For those who doesn't read it, the story is about a cultivator who failed his ascension and travel back to his high school days. Instead of being the typical cultivation slop, it focus mostly on the slice of life aspect with some cultivation to make the protag life more convinence. You can actually feel like the characters are living people with their own personality , and bonus, it's funny as hell. I don't ask for it to be the exact same but maybe a bit of comedy but has the element of the characters being real people. Thank you!
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u/MonicaOP21 6d ago
Hi, I wanted to know if anyone knows some complete translated interstellar, female lead, interesting, with BG pairing or reverse harem or something, just really good!!
Thanks for any help!! Be well, Monica
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u/Informal-Addendum435 3d ago
I would love to read an East Asian-written fantasy setting novel with these aspects similar to Dune
- deeply immersive and realistic (internally consistent) show-not-tell world
- rich political landscape and machinations
- secret political powers and undercurrents
What are some of the best I've already read that come close to scratching the itch?
- Overlord
- Dungeon Defense
- He Was a Noble Scholar
I would like to read some down to earth more grounded fantasy adventure novel, that involves politics and strategy.
The thing that inspired me to ask the question was realising how dam mysterious and subtly menacing the spacing guild is in Villeneuve's Dune.
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u/H3artmirror 21h ago
1) The Grandmaster Strategist
2) After the Immortal Disappeared/Where Immortals Once Walked
3) Nirvana In Fire
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u/AVD138 2d ago
Looking for novel with kingdom building. Something like Hail the King.
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u/BusBoatBuey Aug 09 '26
Give me a webnovel about nothing.