I've intermittently maintained a reading journal throughout the years, partly out of curiosity and partly because I have a terrible memory and sometimes forget what I've read. I've read just over 50 light novels as 2023 comes to an end, so I thought I'd compile my Top 5, which includes both newly released and "new to me" light novels. Some of these series might be ideal additions to your 2024 backlog if you haven't had a chance to start them yet!
Here are my Top 5 Light Novels of 2023 without further ado!

Sword Art Online: Progressive, Volume 1

The two latest Progressive movies, Aria of a Starless Night and Scherzo of Deep Night are based on this "remake" light book series written by original Sword Art Online creator Reki Kawahara. Progressive's fundamental premise began as a floor-by-floor retelling of Sword Art Online's Aincrad arc, but it has since evolved into a canonical reboot of the Aincrad events, complete with character meetings taking place at various times, the introduction of new characters and storylines that are later mentioned in Sword Art Online: Unital Ring, and our protagonists Kirito and Asuna going on more intimate, personal adventures together than the original novels suggested.

I found the first volume of Sword Art Online: to be enjoyable despite some of these draconian alterations. Progressive, in particular the longing for a (full) return dive into Aincrad!

Goblin Slayer, Volume 1

Beyond the controversy of the first episode/chapter of the series, Goblin Slayer (in book or anime version) was another “new to me” title on our list. In actuality, Goblin Slayer is a “tabletop RPG” brought to life, in the words of creator Kumo Kagyu, rather than a grim, ghastly fantasy comparable to Game of Thrones. Naturally, it doesn't make Goblin Slayer any less violent—the title character slashes his way through the evil beasts with a deadly purpose that worries even the other members of his team.

Speaking of party members, the interactions between the many supporting characters provide a hearty dose of humor and charm that really ties the "TTRPG" adventure idea together. Goblin Slayer, Volume 1 was a delightful read that was refreshingly different from the typical fantasy fare.

The Executioner and Her Way of Life, Volume 5

The Executioner and Her Way of Life, Volume 5, is one of the first items on our list that delves further into the series. It offers a final unveiling of mythology and past, all set against a backdrop of changing agencies and intense battles. The fifth book deepens the secrets of the church and heightens the conflicting feelings between time-traveling Akari and her purported executioner, Menou, without giving anything away to those who only watch anime.

Everything climaxes at the church's hallowed grounds, where the world's heritage is revealed in startling detail and simultaneously arouses strong character emotions, much like the massive underlying storyline of Fullmetal Alchemist. Volume 5 of The Executioner and Her Way of Life is unquestionably the pinnacle of the series and a wonderful illustration of what writer Mato Sato is creating with her work.

Date a Live, Volume 4 (Itsuka Sister)

I admit that I like reading Date a Live, even though it's a really silly series—in a nice way. The main idea is that a high school student must court a real harem of otherworldly females, known as Spirits, who are all competing for his attention to stop them from using their magical abilities to go crazy and end the world as we know it. Not to be forgotten are the main character's younger sister, who leads a covert battalion dedicated to rescuing the Spirits instead of killing those Spirits, or his classmate, a mysterious military commander who wants to murder those Spirits. And yet—everything comes together perfectly to create a delightful book that always makes me smile.

Itsuka Sister, the fourth volume, focuses entirely on the aforementioned younger sister and achieves a wonderful mix of true emotion and stakes and Date a Live's humorous moments. It also has a very unforgettable combat scenario. Even though I will always be a Kurumi fan, I will always have a particular place in my heart for Kotori Itsuki.

Accomplishments of the Duke’s Daughter, Volume 1

Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter, a different series I started this year, offers a novel take on the "otome isekai" subgenre. Our main character, Iris utilizes her understanding of contemporary Japan to revive her father's Duchy using cutting-edge research after going through the typical "engagement breakup" occurrence. Using her background as an accountant, she develops public education, introduces makeup, double-enters accounting, and positions herself as a formidable figure in the kingdom.

The first volume of Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter is a compelling read, and it's honestly surprising that there isn't an anime adaptation yet. From the supporting characters to Iris herself, to some astounding historically correct details, not a beat is missed! Maybe a shocking reveal in 2024?

edit: Drive Mad 2