29 Best Underrated Web Novels To Read | Hidden Gems

The number of web novels has been increasing so much recently that I some genuinely good novels are getting buried under vast medicore web novels and are not getting recognition. This post is a “back to the past” kind of post where I recommend underrated web novels from the past as well as present. I have read about 80% of the novels, while the rest are collected from various communities.

Related: Best Web Novels Recommendations

Thanks to the kind person who asked me to make this list. I know they made the request a while back in an email, but I was so busy. Nevertheless, here’s the list of some good web novels that are kind of underrated.

Top 30 Hidden Gems Web Novels

Three Days of Happiness

Let’s start this recommendation list with one of my top 10 novels. Also, don’t say I’m recommending popular novels because I’ve very rarely seen people recommending this web novel.

Three Days of Happiness is a seinen novel by Sugaru Miaki. It explores the consequences of selling away your remaining life at a mysterious shop.

The protagonist, facing loneliness and unrequited love, chooses to sell his life, leaving himself with only a few months to live. This act leads him on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the value of life, happiness, and finding joy in human connection.

Highly Recommended

Related: Three Days of Happiness Review

Gamers of the Underworld

Gamers of the Underworld is a fantasy novel about Sherlock, a Dungeon Lord aspiring to become the greatest Devil King. He summons goblins from another world who become “gamers” in his dungeon. The goblins form cliques, trade, and even fight amongst themselves, creating a unique and humorous world within the dungeon. The novel focuses on Sherlock’s efforts to build the greatest dungeon in the Underworld, managing his “gamers” and manipulating them for his own gain.

The story focuses heavily on the dungeon’s internal economy and mechanics, sacrificing character depth and overarching plot development.

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The Great Storyteller

The Great Storyteller follows Yun Woo, a teenage prodigy who became famous for his debut novel but later lost everything due to his inability to repeat that success. He gets a second chance, but this time, it’s not about regaining fame. Instead, it’s about finding his own path and growing up without the pressures of his past success.

The story is a slice-of-life narrative focused on the protagonist’s personal journey and his interactions with other characters. It is calm and introspective, exploring the world of writing through Yun Woo’s perspective and his relationship with other writers.

Highly Recommended

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Embers Ad Infinitum

Embers Ad Infinitum is a post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk novel set in a world ravaged by an unknown event that destroyed the Old World, leaving behind a wasteland known as the Ashlands. The story follows Shang Jianyao, a seemingly crazy protagonist living in the underground city of Pangu Biology, one of the few remaining factions in this desolate world.

Shang Jianyao, despite being considered crazy, harbors a grand dream: to save all of humanity. Our protagonist, alongside a team of friends from Pangu Biology, embarks on a perilous journey through the Ashlands, facing mutated creatures, dangerous factions, and their own internal struggles.

This story is written by Cuttlefish, the author of most popular web novel Lord of The Mysteries.

Differences from Lord of the Mysteries:

* Embers Ad Infinitum has a more technologically advanced and chaotic setting compared to the Victorian-era setting of Lord of the Mysteries.
* The protagonist of Embers Ad Infinitum is more humorous and less serious than Klein from Lord of the Mysteries.
* The narrative of Embers Ad Infinitum focuses on a team of four main characters, unlike the single-protagonist focus of Lord of the Mysteries.

Highly Recommended

Related: Top Web Novels Similar to Lord of The Mysteries

My Longevity Simulation

My Longevity Simulation follows Li Fan, a transmigrated individual seeking immortality in a world plagued by a deadly disease. The immortals are separated from the mortals, and immortality has become a dangerous game where every step leads to doom.

Li Fan, initially trapped in mediocrity, awakens a powerful treasure that allows him to rewind time and relive his life. He uses this ability to seek immortality, but his path is fraught with danger. Throughout numerous lifetimes, he manipulates, scheming and using his knowledge of the future to gain power. However, despite his efforts, immortality remains elusive.

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A Practical Guide to Sorcery

A Practical Guide to Sorcery by AzaleaEllis follows Siobhan Naught, a genius in a world where magic is treated as a science, who has been expelled from the country’s only magical university after unwittingly aiding in the theft of a priceless artifact, making her a wanted criminal.

Determined to fulfill her dream of becoming the world’s most powerful sorcerer, she magically disguises herself as a boy and indebts herself to a gang of criminals to pay for tuition. With law enforcement on her trail, competitive magic classes, and a gang demanding favors, Siobhan must use every bit of her magical prowess to survive and succeed.

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Cook of the Mercenary Corp

Cook of the Mercenary Corp follows the story of an ordinary cook who is transported to a fantasy world. He stumbles upon a group of mercenaries and, lacking any other options, becomes their cook.

While the novel focuses on the protagonist’s cooking, it’s more about the journey and the relationships he builds with the mercenaries. He uses his culinary skills to support them and become a legend in their world.

Cook of the Mercenary Corp is a lighthearted and comedic fantasy novel that might appeal to readers looking for a relaxing and enjoyable read. However, those seeking complex storylines, intense conflicts, and realistic character interactions might find it lacking.

History’s Number 1 Founder

“History’s Number 1 Founder” is a xuanhuan novel about Lin Feng, a man who transmigrated into a world of cultivation and was tasked with creating the most powerful sect in history. He has a year to complete this task or face death.

Lin Feng uses his knowledge of cultivation tropes and his system’s help to recruit powerful disciples, many of whom are protagonists from other novels, before they reach their full potential. This leads to comedic situations as he navigates the world of cultivation with a “sage” facade while being secretly clueless. The novel starts with a strong emphasis on humor and parody but shifts towards a more traditional wuxia style as it progresses.

While the novel has strong points like well-developed characters, a satisfying sect-building aspect, and a unique take on disciples’ development, it suffers from a lack of tension and the MC’s overwhelming luck.

Despite the criticisms, many readers find the novel enjoyable for its sect-building aspect, well-developed characters, and satisfying ending.

My Disciple Died Yet Again

This novel, My Disciple Died Yet Again, follows Zhu Yao, a game designer who gets transmigrated into a xianxia VR game she’s developing. In the game, she becomes the disciple of Yu Yan, a beautiful male immortal who has been waiting 16,000 years for a student. He treasures Zhu Yao, but she repeatedly dies, forcing him to get new disciples – who are also Zhu Yao, reborn.

The story is a comedic xianxia with a focus on Zhu Yao’s unique and often frustrating personality. While she’s characterized as clever and resourceful, she’s also incredibly naive and oblivious. This leads to a lot of misunderstandings and humorous situations.

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The Record of Unusual Creatures

This novel follows Hao Ren, a good-natured man who dreams of a peaceful life as a landlord. However, his plans are thrown into chaos when he rents his apartment to a collection of strange and supernatural creatures.

Hao Ren becomes an unlikely “babysitter” for a diverse cast of non-human tenants, including demons, dragons, elves, and even an AI. This all starts with a mysterious labor contract from “God” himself. The story explores themes of character growth, teamwork, and the acceptance of the “abnormal” as part of a larger, interconnected world.

Overall, The Record of Unusual Creatures is a story about a kindhearted man who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances, discovering a world far beyond his wildest imagination. The novel promises a journey of discovery, laughter, and perhaps even romance, all while tackling the complexities of human and non-human coexistence.

Related: The Record of Unusual Creatures Review

Nirvana In Fire

Nirvana In Fire is a historical, political drama novel set in ancient China, where the protagonist, Mei Changsu, seeks revenge for his wronged family under the alias of Su Zhe.

Mei Changsu, a brilliant strategist, uses his intelligence and cunning to navigate the complex political landscape and orchestrate his revenge. The novel features a complex web of conspiracies, power struggles, and betrayals, with characters constantly shifting alliances. The novel boasts a rich cast of characters, each with their own motivations, ambitions, and tragic backstories.

Department of Dungeon Studies

Department of Dungeon Studies by J Pal follows Nox, an ambitious alchemist with dreams of magehood, who overcomes his limitations through scholarly pursuits and sheer determination. He gains the attention of Woodson University’s Department of Dungeon Studies, known for transforming gods into Dungeon Lords and their domains into Dungeons.

As Nox navigates the challenges of the magic university, he must also find ways to afford its steep tuition, relying on alchemy and smart business deals to achieve his goals. The story features a unique magic system, mature characters, and a protagonist with questionable morals, set in a world of arcane discovery and dungeon diving.

Living leisurely in Tang Dynasty

This lighthearted novel tells the story of Li Yuanying, the youngest brother of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. He’s known for his shameless, carefree attitude and possesses a unique “library system” that gives him access to vast knowledge beyond his time.

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A Forum for Patients of Fourth Hospital

A Forum for Patients of Fourth Hospital is a humorous, supernatural adventure novel about Yu Xiao, a terminal cancer patient who finds herself thrust into a bizarre hospital-themed survival game. After downloading a mysterious app, Yu Xiao is transported into a world filled with ghosts and horrifying encounters.

Yu Xiao, despite her terminal illness, is a clever and playful protagonist who uses her wit and unexpected skills to navigate the dangers of this new world. She’s joined by a group of quirky, equally determined fellow patients, forming a unique and supportive friendship.

The novel blends horror and comedy, with Yu Xiao and her friends facing increasingly absurd challenges while trying to survive and find a way back to their own world. While there is a sense of danger and intrigue, the story’s lighthearted tone and the strong female friendships make it a unique and enjoyable read.

Journals of Evander

The Enchanter (Journals of Evander Tailor Book 1) by Tobias Begley follows Evan, the adopted son of a tailor, who never expected to be special until his Aura awakens, leading him to Yesgol Academy of Magic. At this prestigious school filled with the children of elite mages and nobles, Evan must quickly learn enchanting and divination to keep up.

Amidst his studies, he becomes involved with a secret society aiming to reform magic, faces occasional extraplanar horrors lurking in the school’s shadows, and catches the attention of a charming young noble excommunicated from his family.

The Path Toward Heaven

The Path Toward Heaven is a slow-burn Xuanhuan novel by Mao Ni, known for his work on Ze Tian Ji. The story follows a mysterious, seemingly lazy protagonist who is actually a powerful sword wielder with a hidden past. Despite his calm and apathetic demeanor, he possesses genius intellect and immense strength, carefully concealing his true abilities.

The Storm King

The Storm King by warden1207 centers on Leon and his father, Artorias, the last scions of a once-powerful family of lightning mages. Fifteen years after a devastating attack on their home, they live in the perilous Northern Vales, a desolate wilderness far from civilization.

Despite their isolation, those who seek their demise are persistent and powerful, making it only a matter of time before they are found. The story unfolds as Leon and Artorias navigate this dangerous environment, dealing with threats while striving to restore their family’s former glory.

My Wife Waited in the Wheat Fields

Another korean novel in the list. My Wife Waited in the Wheat Fields is a fantasy romance novel with an arranged marriage premise. The male protagonist, a powerful swordsman who hid his true identity, ran away on his wedding night and lived for ten years under a false name. He returns home after his father’s death, only to find his wife, whom he thought had left, still there and as beautiful as ever. Despite their initial misunderstandings, the novel promises a slow-burn romance with a focus on the couple’s growth and overcoming past traumas.

The story features a “cold” female lead and a regretful male lead who is initially overpowered but becomes “crippled” at some point. The romance is “late” and there are awkward conversations, making it a unique and potentially engaging read for those who enjoy misunderstandings and strong male protagonists.

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Abyssal Road Trip

Abyssal Road Trip by Redhand (Glenn Wright) follows Julia, a practical woman whose simple desire for a home and family is upended when she finds herself trapped in the Abyss inside a cursed body. Determined to reclaim her freedom, Julia must navigate the disorganized torment of the Abyss, a place more chaotic than Hell.

As she delves deeper into this dark realm, she must confront both external dangers and the darkness within herself. To escape, Julia needs to become strong enough to reach the Abyss’s deepest secrets, despite the risks and the sinister forces she may attract.

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How To Put An End To The Villainess’ Deaths

Evelyn, the protagonist, finds herself trapped in a deadly cycle. Each time she dies, she’s reborn, reliving her tragic fate. In both previous lives, she was mistaken for the sole descendant of the Marquis of Ferrian and forced into the treacherous Imperial Palace. Her fear of exposure led to a disastrous attempt at escape by marrying the seemingly kind but distant Second Prince, Lloyd.

Now, in her third life, Lloyd takes an unexpected turn. He proposes marriage to Evelyn, offering her a way out of the palace. However, Evelyn is determined to break free from the cycle of death and is wary of Lloyd’s sudden interest. She intends to escape the palace’s deadly trap and achieve a peaceful end, regardless of Lloyd’s intentions.

The story dives into the political intrigue of the empire, exploring themes of betrayal, corruption, and hidden identities. Evelyn’s intelligence and cunning are crucial for survival, as she navigates a world filled with dangerous characters and deadly secrets.

I know there are many novels with similar plot but it stands out.

Pivot of the Sky

Pivot of the Sky is a fantasy adventure novel by Sir Xu Shengzhi, set in a world inspired by ancient Near Eastern mythology, where gods and mortals coexist. It follows Amon, a poor miner’s son who discovers a powerful artifact called the Gods’ Tear, which changes his destiny.

The author draws heavily on Egyptian and Babylonian mythology, creating a richly imagined world. Amon’s path to power is inspired by real Daoist and Buddhist practices, offering a different perspective from typical Xianxia cultivation. Likewise, The novel avoids the typical tropes of face-slapping and revenge plots, focusing instead on a more nuanced portrayal of characters and their relationships.

Pivot of the Sky is a well-written and engaging novel that stands out from the crowd. However, the story may not appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced action or stereotypical Xianxia tropes. It is recommended for readers who appreciate complex world-building, mature characters, and a unique take on cultivation.

The Girl Who Ate a Death God

The Girl Who Ate a Death God follows Schera, a young, seemingly apathetic girl who gained immense strength and a Reaper’s scythe after consuming Death itself. Driven by an insatiable hunger, she rises through the ranks of a war-torn kingdom’s military, devouring enemies and climbing the ranks with ruthless efficiency.

The story blends action, fantasy, and psychological elements to depict Schera’s journey, marked by her unusual ability and the consequences of her unique power. Despite her carefree demeanor and a seemingly bottomless stomach, Schera’s actions are driven by a deep desire for connection and a tragic past that haunts her.

The Legend of Sun Knight

The Legend of Sun Knight is a fantasy novel about a knight, the Sun Knight, who is expected to be compassionate and smiling, but secretly yearns to break free from his idealized image. He’s tired of being the “benevolent” knight and wants to express his true feelings, even if it means using foul language and defying expectations.

The story follows the Sun Knight’s journey as he navigates his role in the Church of the God of Light, dealing with betrayal, hidden abilities, and the complexities of his identity. The novel combines elements of action, adventure, comedy, and mystery, with a focus on the protagonist’s internal struggles and his desire to be authentic.

Slow Prison Life

Slow Prison Life is a comedic novel about Rachel, a noblewoman falsely accused and imprisoned by Prince Elliot. Despite being thrown into the palace dungeon, Rachel sees this as a “slow-life vacation” and gleefully uses her time to troll the prince, indulge in her preparations, and enjoy her newfound freedom.

The story is full of quirky and psychopathic characters, with Rachel as the cunning, manipulative, and surprisingly powerful protagonist. Her schemes and wit are a constant source of amusement, as she effortlessly outsmarts the bumbling prince and his attempts to control her.

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

Chronicles of Primordial Wars follows Shao Xuan, a modern man transported to a primitive world after picking up a peculiar stone. He finds himself inhabiting the body of a young orphan in a stone-age society where people possess superhuman strength and the ability to cultivate their bodies. This world is harsh, with limited resources and a constant struggle for survival.

Shao Xuan, with his modern knowledge and a loyal wolf companion named Caesar, navigates this new reality. He uses his intellect and resourcefulness to adapt to this world, employing his skills in crafting, farming, and even precognition to help his tribe thrive. He’s a determined, cautious, and hardworking leader, who prioritizes the well-being of his people over personal gain.

Highly Recommended

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Kill the Dragon

Kill the Dragon is a fantasy action novel set in a future where humanity has fought and won a war against invading dragons from another dimension. The story follows Han, a 12-year-old boy who is training in a special facility to become a dragon slayer, preparing for the inevitable return of the dragons in 15 years.

The Charm of Soul Pets

Nightmare Islands is a sinister world where children are kidnapped and abandoned on isolated islands by the Nightmare Palace, forced into soul pacts with evil creatures called Nightmares that slowly devour their trainers’ souls to grow stronger. The protagonist, Chu Mu, heir to the Chu Clan, finds himself on one such island after a murder plot.

Struggling to survive, he captures a small Moonlight Fox and fights to stay alive against the odds. After escaping the brutal conditions of the island, Chu Mu believes he has found respite, unaware that his harrowing ordeal is merely the beginning of a destined journey with his loyal Moonlight Fox.

Doomsday Spiritual Artifact Master

This post-apocalyptic novel follows Song Ke, a young woman with the ability to transform objects into powerful tools. As the apocalypse descends, she uses her unique skill to survive and fight against zombies and mutated creatures.

A future world, 50 years ahead of our time, with advanced technology but a fragmented society. Doomsday Spiritual Artifact Master presents a compelling post-apocalyptic adventure with a strong female lead, a diverse team, and a unique power system. The story combines action, humor, and emotional depth, making it a captivating read.

King of Mercenaries

King of Mercenaries is a historical fantasy novel where a modern man, Marin, is transported into the body of a young knight in the 15th century. Armed with only a horse, breastplate, and lance, he finds himself thrust into the world of German mercenaries, led by Maximilian I.

Utilizing his modern knowledge and internet-acquired skills, Marin decides to build his own mercenary force. He wages war against French knights and Swiss armies, amassing power and influence to the point where even Emperors and Kings seek his services.

The novel leans towards kingdom building and domestic affairs, focusing on Marin’s strategic planning, economic management, and technological advancements. It features a fast-paced narrative with a hint of romance, and the story progresses through a blend of historical accuracy and fantastical elements.

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