Light novels are a popular medium for storytelling in Japan, featuring a wide range of genres and themes. One recurring theme is the protagonist being a princess, and the challenges they face as they navigate their royal duties and personal desires. In this article, we will explore the top 15 light novels where the main character is a princess, and delve into their unique storylines and character development.
“Ascendance of a Bookworm” by Miya Kazuki:
“Ascendance of a Bookworm” follows the story of Urano, a book-loving girl who dies and is reincarnated in a world where books are a luxury item. She is born as Myne, the daughter of a poor noble family, and dreams of becoming a librarian to have access to all the books she desires. As a princess, Myne faces unique challenges as she tries to achieve her goal and navigate the political intrigues of the court.
“Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers” by Ishio Yamagata:
“Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers” is a fantasy novel about six heroes who are chosen to defeat the Demon God. One of the heroes, Flamie, is a princess of the demon race who has betrayed her kind and joined forces with the humans. Flamie must fight against her people while also earning the trust of her human companions to save the world.
“So I’m a Spider, So What?” by Okina Baba:
In “So I’m a Spider, So What?”, a high school student dies and is reincarnated as a spider in a fantasy world. The spider, now known as Kumoko, must survive in a dangerous world and evolve to become stronger. Later on in the story, it is revealed that Kumoko is the reincarnation of Ariel, a powerful demon lord who was once a princess of the demon race.
“The Magic in this Other World is Too Far Behind!” by Gamei Hitsuji:
In this light novel, Felmenia Stingray is a princess and a powerful mage who has been sent to a distant land to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow mage. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Felmenia discovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the entire world.
“Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!” by FUNA:
In “Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!”, a high school student dies and is reincarnated in a fantasy world. She asks the gods to make her abilities average to live a peaceful life, but they give her abilities that are still above average. The protagonist, Mile, is the princess of the Kingdom of Zoltan and must balance her royal duties with her desire for a normal life.
“The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent” by Yuka Tachibana:
In this light novel, Sei Takanashi is summoned to a fantasy world as a Saint, a powerful healer with the ability to purify monsters. Sei is initially disappointed to learn that she is not the only Saint summoned but soon finds solace in the peace and tranquillity of her new life. Later on, it is revealed that Sei is the lost princess of the kingdom and must reclaim her throne.
“My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!” by Satoru Yamaguchi:
In “My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!”, Katarina Claes is a young girl who is reincarnated into a fantasy world as the villainess of an otome game. Katarina realizes that her fate in the game is to be either exiled or killed and sets out to change her destiny by befriending and winning the hearts of the game’s love interests. As a princess, Katarina must also navigate the politics of the court and ensure the safety of her kingdom.
“The Daughter of the Emperor” by Yunsul:
In “The Daughter of the Emperor”, Athanasia de Alger Obelia is a princess who is killed by her father and is reincarnated in the body of a young girl named Diana. In her new life, Athanasia must navigate the dangerous court politics of her kingdom and try to avoid the same tragic fate as her past self.
“The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass” by Saeki Yashiro:
In this light novel, Lidi, the daughter of a noble family, is reincarnated as the villainess of an otome game. Lidi is determined to avoid her character’s fate of being exiled or killed and uses her knowledge of the game’s events to change her destiny. As a princess, Lidi must also navigate the political intrigues of the court and ensure the safety of her kingdom.
“The Royal Tutor” by Higasa Akai:
“The Royal Tutor” follows the story of Heine Wittgenstein, a tutor who is hired to teach four young princes. One of the princes, Princess Adele, is disguised as a boy to receive an education and struggles to hide her true identity from Heine and her brothers. Adele must also deal with the pressure of being a princess and the expectations placed upon her.
“Princess Connect! Re:Dive” by Asahiro Kakashi:
In this light novel, Yuuki, a young man, is summoned to a fantasy world and becomes friends with a group of princesses who are on a journey to recover their lost memories. As they travel together, Yuuki and the princesses must face dangerous enemies and unravel the mystery of their lost memories.
“The Redo of a Healing Magician: Transcendental Healing of Instant Death Magic and Skill Copying” by Kurokata:
In this light novel, a powerful healing magician named Kureha dies and is reincarnated in a fantasy world as a princess named Reina. Reina can copy the skills and magic of others and uses this power to heal and protect her kingdom from various threats.
“The Hero and His Elf Bride Open a Pizza Parlor in Another World” by Kaya Kizaki:
In this light novel, a hero named Kaname is summoned to a fantasy world to defeat the demon lord. Along the way, he meets a princess named Lilia, who has been cursed and transformed into an elf. Kaname and Lilia decide to open a pizza parlour to earn money and break the curse.
“The Reincarnated Princess Strikes Down Flags Today as Well” by Tuna Empire:
In “The Reincarnated Princess Strikes Down Flags Today as Well”, a girl is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a princess named Katarina. Katarina realizes that she is in the world of an otome game, and must avoid the various “death flags” that lead to her character’s demise. As a princess, Katarina must also navigate the politics of the court and ensure the safety of her kingdom.
“The Engagement of Marielle Clarac” by Saki Saki:
In this light novel, Marielle Clarac is a princess who has been betrothed to a prince from a neighbouring kingdom since birth. However, Marielle is in love with her childhood friend, a knight named Alan, and must navigate the complexities of royal politics and her feelings as she prepares for her wedding. As a princess, Marielle is also responsible for the welfare of her kingdom and must ensure the safety and prosperity of her people.
In conclusion, light novels featuring princesses as the main characters offer a unique perspective on the fantasy genre, providing insight into the challenges and responsibilities of royal life. From navigating the political intrigues of court life to fighting dangerous enemies and uncovering the secrets of lost memories, these princesses demonstrate strength, resilience, and intelligence in the face of adversity. Whether they are reincarnated into new worlds or struggling to fulfil their duties as royal heirs, these princesses prove that they are more than just pretty faces and that they have what it takes to be true heroines.
