10 Best Light Novels To Read If You Like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Finding light novels similar to Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is as difficult as finding anime like Frieren. No one light novel or anime is a perfect analogue for the manga-anime that’s redefining the community’s expectations for fantasy and slice-of-life. But there are stand-out titles perfect for fans who want to read light novels with themes, approaches, and vibes comparable to Frieren.

Second chances and long, retrospective journeys are almost a character in some of the following titles. Others appear far removed from Frieren but have underlying concepts, such as problems faced by long-lived species, tying it to the title. And like Frieren, a few titles create elaborate worlds and systems to make sense of their characters and their stories.

9 The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey

If You Like Frieren’s Catharsis

• Author: Rokushou Usuasagi
• Release Date: October 5, 2020
• Web Novel Source: Shosetsuka ni Naro

Setsuna Sugimoto was stuck in a hospital for all his 27 years on Earth. His illness persisted even after he was summoned to a new world as its 68th hero. But through the kindness of Kyle, the 23rd hero, and with the companionship of a half-beast boy, Setsuna can finally see the world.

Frieren’s second campaign is marked by her attempt to experience what made their adventure special to her companions. Similarly, Setsuna’s third chance at life has him experience the world anew. Although their motivations are different, their cathartic adventures change them and the people they encounter.

8 I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level

If You Like Frieren’s Cute Moments

• Author: Kisetsu Morita
• Release Date: January 14, 2017
• Web Novel Source: GA Novel

Azusa vowed to live a stress-free life after dying of overwork and waking up as an immortal witch in another world. Unfortunately, 300 years of lazing around and killing slimes maxed out her stats. Her power ends up attracting all sorts of trouble, and even apprentices and adoptive daughters.

If the best part of Frieren for fans are its low-stakes, slow-as-molasses moments, this light novel is for them. The original light novel of 300 Years, in particular, is about the indulgent parts of living a long life.

7 Enough with This Slow Life! I Was Reincarnated as a High Elf and Now I’m Bored

If You Like The Potential Of Frieren’s Long Lifespan

• Author: Rarutori
• Release Date: April 15, 2021
• Web Novel Source: Shosetsuka ni Naro

Lots of isekai heroes want a quiet life, but not Acer. After 120 years of peace, Acer wants to explore his new world, eat meat, and seek excitement. With only fruits and spirits by his side, Acer sets out for an adventure that spans nations, decades, and generations.

Frieren‘s fast-paced scenes breaks up and enhances its slow-and-sweet sections. Acer sets out to have these moments and, in later volumes, the consequences of his thrill chasing comes back to bite him. Still, even with an active protagonist, Acer’s long life feels appropriately long and fleshed out.

6 Emanon: A Reminiscence

If You Like Frieren’s Genre & Philosophical Work

• Author: Shinji Kajio
• Release Date: June 1983
• Novel Series: 1983–2017

With a name the anagram of “no name”, Emanon wanders the world without purpose. She meets a listless, failed writer-to-be on a ship to Kyushu, with whom she explores her 3 billion years of memories. Together, they wonder about God, the purpose of her eternal life, and the memories humanity leave behind.

Related

8 Anime Romances With Bitter Endings

While some viewers enjoy watching characters end up in a happy ending, others want to see romance anime with sad and bitter endings

Finding a copy of the Emanon short stories is difficult. Fortunately, their manga adaptations are easier to find. Co-written by Kajio, Emanon may appeal to Frieren fans who like its exploration of long lives, memories, and human connections.

5 The Weathering Continent

Watch If You Like Frieren’s Exploration

• Author: Sei Takekawa
• Release Date: April 1990
• Serial Novel Source: Monthly Dragon Magazine

Atlantis, the Continent of the Wind, is on the verge of destruction. Tasked to save it are Tieh, Boice, and Lakshi, who all harbor secrets. Spanning 28 volumes, The Weathering Continent journals their dramatic quest to save the doomed continent, marred by intercontinental politics, cruel royalty, and magic beyond their control.

The Weathering Continent luxuriates in exploring the titular continent. Time slows down to emphasize its destruction, eventual rebirth, and its effect on inhabitants. The Production IG adaptation brought Atlantis to life and added mystique to what life was before its decay.

4 Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers

If You Like Frieren’s Characterization

• Author: Ishio Yamagata
• Release Date: August 25, 2011
• Light Novel Source: Shueisha (Super Dash Bunko)

The Goddess of Fate has summoned six heroes to defeat the Demon Lord Zoflare, who has risen a third time. But this time, seven heroes emerge, leading to the framing of Adlet as a fake hero. It’s up to Adlet to clear his name and find the real traitor lest the Six Flowers fail to fulfill their destiny.

Rokka features interesting worldbuilding and characterization. Villains and heroes alike are multidimensional and reveal new complications with every volume. Readers get a full sense of their roles and social standing, as well as why being one of the six heroes is critical to their identity and goals.

3 Spice And Wolf

If You Like Frieren’s Romance

• Author: Isuna Hasekura
• Release Date: February 10, 2006
• Light Novel Source: ASCII Media Works (Dengeki Bunko)

Holo is the disenchanted wolf goddess of Pasloe, which has forgotten their pact with her. Desperate to return home and see the world again, she strikes a deal with merchant Kraft Lawrence. Holo and Lawrence not only end up as business partners, but, eventually, a loving couple.

Related

15 Greatest Iyashikei Anime Of All Time

Looking for a calming and healing series or movie? Then check out these fantastic iyashikei anime.

Fans who wanted Frieren and Himmel to have a happy ending can find relief in Holo and Lawrence’s happy-ever-after. Holo and Lawrence’s child, Miyuri, even has her own adventures in the sequel Wolf and Parchment. Light novel readers still on the fence can also watch Spice and Wolf’s new anime to gauge Holo and Lawrence’s chemistry.

2 The Faraway Paladin

If You Like Frieren’s Learning About Human Experiences

• Author: Kanata Yanagino
• Release Date: May 2015
• Web Novel Source: Shosetsuka ni Naro

Reincarnated into a new world, William grows up in the City of the Dead in the loving care of three undead. When the God of the Undead comes to claim the undead, William vows to save his new family and live the life he failed to have on Earth.

William’s redemption through reincarnation and new life is somewhat similar to Frieren re-examining her lifespan. Paladin’s first arc in particular pulls from the same well as Frieren regarding long lives and well-lived lives. Its power structure is also as well-established as Frieren, with plenty of good side characters to boot.

1 Violet Evergarden

If You Like Frieren’s Tearjerker Moments

• Author: Kana Akatsuki
• Release Date: December 25, 2015
• Light Novel Source: Kyoto Animation (KA Esuma Bunko)

Aged 14 and already a war veteran, Violet Evergarden takes up work as an Auto-Memories Doll in peacetime. She seems ill-suited to the job at first, as she could not properly decipher her own emotions, much less that of her clients. But Violet persists in the job, all to understand the meaning behind the “I love you” her major, Gilbert Bougainvillea, told her before he died.

Violet Evergarden became famous for its well-earned tearjerker moments. Frieren and Violet’s emotional blockers are different, but it takes them time to access the full spectrum of their emotions. Secondary and minor characters are also given time to grieve, rejoice, and get into their feelings.

More

7 Manga That Will Make You Want To Visit Japan

From gorgeous cityscapes to cultural trends and mouth-watering traditional foods, these manga will make readers eager to explore Japan in person.