When the nights stretch long, and the world goes quiet, there’s nothing better than sinking into a story that pulls you somewhere else entirely—into worlds where magic isn’t just real, but measurable… where monsters roam, gods meddle, systems unfold, and power is earned one hard-fought level at a time.
As part of our Stories for the Longest Night holiday celebration, we’re spotlighting a new line of bestselling light novels— brought to life in partnership with Aethon Books, one of the leading voices in LitRPG, progression fantasy, and serialized fiction.
These light novels are fast-paced, character-driven, beautifully illustrated, and tailor-made for readers who want to get lost in another world while winter wraps itself around ours.
My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror Light Novel, Volumes 1 - 3
Magic school chaos. Cosmic horror roommate.
By Actus
Damien Vale wanted one thing: to quietly study magic at a mage college. What he got instead was a lifetime bond with an Eldritch entity older than the universe… who insists on being called Henry.
Part slice-of-life, part LitRPG, part cosmic misadventure, this series blends slow-burn power fantasy with hilarious, heartfelt character moments. Damien is determined to survive his first year at Blackmist Academy, keep Henry’s true nature hidden, and maybe—just maybe—avoid ending the world again.
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ magic-school hijinks
✨ forbidden powers
✨ unlikely friendships
✨ slow-build progression fantasy
A cozy-but-chaotic read for the coldest nights.
Mark of the Fool Light Novel, Volumes 1 - 3
The gods chose him. He chose himself.
By J.M. Clarke
Alex Roth dreamed of becoming a wizard—until prophecy branded him “The Fool,” the weakest of his kingdom’s chosen Heroes. Instead of accepting that fate, he walks away, escaping to the world’s greatest academy of wizardry with his sister, his childhood friend, and a three-headed dog in tow.
What follows is a coming-of-age fantasy filled with magical science, high-stakes progression, alchemy, and a relentless determination to carve a new destiny. Alex’s Mark may work against him… unless he can learn to break the system entirely.
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ underdog-to-unstoppable arcs
✨ D&D-inspired worlds
✨ school-of-magic adventures
✨ clever system exploitation
Smart, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying.
Path of Ascension Light Novel, Volume 1 - 3
A monster-scarred past. A climb toward legend.
By C. Mantis
Monsters took everything from Matt. Now he’s determined to power-up, delve dungeons, and rise through the legendary Path of Ascension—a deadly, empire-wide competition where only the strongest move forward.
With a stolen skill, a strange talent, and two enigmatic mentors, Matt begins his climb from Tier 1 nobody to something far greater. This series blends the best of LitRPG mechanics with Xianxia-inspired cultivation, rich worldbuilding, and razor-sharp fight scenes.
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ dungeon delving
✨ immortal cultivation
✨ tactical combat
✨ power progression with purpose
Epic, driven, and impossible to put down once it hooks you.
The Primal Hunter Light Novel, Volume 1 - 3
A world transformed. A hunter reborn.
By Zogarth
Jake was just another office worker—until the universe changed. When humanity is suddenly integrated into a vast multiverse governed by systems, stats, levels, and deadly tutorials, Jake discovers something unexpected:
He thrives here.
Thrown into a forest full of monsters and opportunities, Jake begins a relentless climb toward becoming a true apex hunter. Brutal, atmospheric, and deeply addictive, this is progression fantasy at its finest.
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ monster hunting
✨ skill-driven worldbuilding
✨ apocalyptic stakes
✨ deep system mechanics
Dark. Fast. Immersive. A perfect midnight escape.
Light novels offer something magical for winter: they invite you to lose track of time, to blaze through chapters by firelight, to feel the thrill of leveling up long after the sun has set. 🕯️
And for the longest nights of the year?
That’s the perfect way to keep the dark at bay.