J-Novel Club, a prominent digital publisher of light novels and manga, has officially announced the acquisition of fourteen new titles, comprising nine light novels and five manga series. This announcement was made during their industry panel at Anime Expo 2025, with all new titles becoming immediately available on their service.
The latest additions expand J-Novel Club’s diverse catalog, offering a range of genres to its readership. These new licenses aim to bring fresh stories and beloved series to English-speaking audiences.
New Light Novel Acquisitions
J-Novel Club’s latest light novel lineup introduces nine distinct series, each offering a unique premise and world for readers to explore.
Guild Handyman? More like Mastermind! Using My Hidden Skills in the Shadows
Authored by Sakaku Hishikawa and illustrated by Yu-nit, this series follows Tenes Lumel, a seemingly ordinary guild handyman who secretly operates as the mastermind behind an organization dedicated to dismantling the world’s corrupt system. Exiled from a noble house and abandoned by a deity, Tenes works from the shadows with powerful allies to achieve his goals. The first two parts of Volume 1 are currently available.
The Accursed Chef and His Pair of Furry Foodies
Written by Yuu Tanaka and illustrated by Llo, this light novel centers on Koichi Suzuki, who, after a heroic sacrifice, is reincarnated as a young boy named Thor in a harsh new world. Gifted with a unique magical ability to cook monsters, Thor navigates his challenging new life, using his culinary skills to survive after being orphaned at a young age. The initial parts of Volume 1 are now available.
The Goddess Says, “Kill the Tsundere Witch!”
This title joins the collection, promising a fantasy adventure with an intriguing character dynamic.
Worthless at Home, Whiz to the World
An addition to the new lineup, this light novel explores themes of personal growth and hidden talents.
This Gyaru’s Got a Thing for…Vampire Hunters?!
This new series introduces a unique twist on the supernatural genre.
Zero Damage Sword Saint: I Enrolled in a Magic School and Wound Up in a Contract with the Demon Queen
Eugene Santafield, a young man aspiring to be a magic swordsman despite his inability to use attack magic, possesses powerful defensive and healing magic. He flees to Lykeion Magic Academy, where he encounters Erinyes, a fallen Demon Queen, and becomes her caretaker.
Flung into a New World? Time to Lift the 200-Year Curse!
This light novel follows Akira Tennou, a 35-year-old janitor, who is unexpectedly transported to a parallel world after being hit by a truck and dragged into a hero-summoning spell. He finds himself in a gloomy forest and suspects he is afflicted by a dark curse, reminiscent of his sister’s fantasy manga.
Old Knight, New Post: From Retiree to Her Majesty’s Blade
This series features an aged knight embarking on a new role, serving as a blade for royalty.
Scooped Up by an S-Rank Adventurer! This White Mage Is One Heck of a Healer
Lloyd, a white mage trained by Lady Merlin and formerly part of the Hero’s Party, is unexpectedly kicked out for being deemed “too weak,” despite possessing immense strength.
New Manga Titles
Accompanying the light novel releases, J-Novel Club has also licensed five new manga series, offering visual narratives to complement their textual counterparts.
Blade Skill Online: Crushing the Competition with My Abysmal Stats, Useless Class, and Garbage Weapon! (Manga)
This manga adaptation delves into the virtual reality gaming world with Yuri, a character cursed with bad luck, who seeks to overcome his abysmal stats in the VRMMO Blade Skill Online.
The Crown of Rutile Quartz (Manga)
This new manga title contributes to J-Novel Club’s expanding selection of diverse stories.
Looks like a Job for a Maid! (Manga)
This series features a maid taking on significant roles, hinting at a blend of action and domestic themes.
Even Exiled, She’s Still the Beloved Saint! (Manga)
This manga explores the narrative of a beloved saint who retains her status despite being exiled.
The Accursed Chef and His Pair of Furry Foodies (Manga)
A manga adaptation of the light novel by the same name, offering a visual take on Thor’s culinary adventures in a new world.
These new titles are now accessible to readers through J-Novel Club’s service, with the first parts of many volumes already available.