BOOK☆Walker Global has announced its 2025 e-book rankings, showcasing the most downloaded paid digital titles on the global store. This ranking is based on the number of downloads, excluding free titles, from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025 (Pacific Time), and is a powerful indicator of what readers around the world are actively spending their money on and reading.
BOOK☆WALKER is a digital store and reading app specializing in Japanese manga, light novels, and audiobooks, all officially licensed in English. With a catalog of over 76,000 titles, it is one of the largest platforms of its kind available internationally. If you haven’t tried it yet, please give it a try.
Of particular importance to BOOK☆WALKER is its close relationship with KADOKAWA, one of Japan’s largest entertainment companies. For this reason, BOOK☆WALKER often releases titles at the same time as in Japan, offers exclusive bonus content, and has become the main way for international readers to discover new series before they are adapted into anime or live-action programming.
So, let’s dig into the download ranking of BOOK☆WALKER!
1. The Prince of Shadows (Light Novel)
Text: Daisuke Aizawa
Illustration: East and West
Translated by Nathaniel Thrasher
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Otherworld
“Shadow Eminence”, which took first place, became the most downloaded title on BOOK☆WALKER in 2025. What makes this light novel stand out is its self-conscious humor. The protagonist believes that he is secretly manipulating events from the shadows, even if chaos occurs unintentionally. The Eminence in Shadow will be animated by Studio Nexus, with two seasons and a movie in the works. A manga version is also available at Yen Press. As the anime continues and the series expands into multiple formats, fans can easily purchase and read the light novel series on BOOK☆walker.
2. Pharmacist’s Monologue (Light Novel)
Written by Natsu Hinata
Illustration: Touko Shino
Translated by Kevin Steinbach
Genre: Drama, mystery
The Apothecary’s Diary, which came in second place, appeals to readers who enjoy historical settings and mysteries. This story tells the story of a wise young woman who solves medical and political mysteries in a royal palace inspired by ancient China. The series gained significant momentum in 2025 thanks to the second season of OLM’s critically acclaimed anime adaptation in collaboration with TOHO Animation Studio. The success of the anime has led many first-time viewers unfamiliar with light novels to seek out the original books.
Personally, I haven’t read the light novel yet, but I love the Yakuya no Horigoto anime and can confidently say that I’m on the verge of picking up the light novel soon. What really drew me in, both as a viewer and as a fan, was how rich and alive the characters were made to feel: flawed, complex, and sometimes completely troubled in the most convincing ways. The high-stakes mysteries, political intrigue, and hidden agendas unfolding in the background kept me wanting more in every episode.
On top of that, the slow-burning romantic tension and subtle chemistry between the female and male protagonists is impossible to ignore and makes you want to root for them. Purely from my own experience, The Apothecary’s Diary stands out as something truly special. No wonder it was featured in The Beat’s Best Anime of 2025.
It has been officially confirmed that “Apothecary Diaries” will continue into season 3. The project will follow an unusual release structure, starting with Season 3 Cool 1, followed by a theatrical film release, and ending with Season 3 Cool 2. Most notably, the announced film features an original story that is not based on the light novel, marking an important and interesting expansion of the series beyond the original.
You can read light novels on BOOK WALKER.
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Light Novel)
Text: Fuse
Illustration: Mitz Mitz Ver
Translated by Kevin Gifford
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Otherworld
In third place is this long-running fantasy series, which is one of the most accessible entry points to light novels for new readers. Despite the unusual setting of a man reincarnated as a slime monster, the story focuses on world-building, diplomacy, and leadership. The series’ continued success in 2025 was fueled by last year’s animated season 3 produced by Studio 8bit. Although there is no official release date yet, season 4 and a theatrical animated film have been officially announced. The series’ consistent presence across anime, manga (licensed by Kodansha), and novels keeps readers returning to the original work with BOOK WALKER.
4. I am the evil king of the Galactic Empire! (Light Novel)
Written by Yomu Mishima
Illustration: Takamine Nadare
Translated by Amy Oesteras
Genre: Comedy, Harem, Another World, Sci-Fi
This series, which came in at number 4, is a blend of science fiction and comedy. This is the story of a protagonist who tries to become a cruel space tyrant, but ends up improving society by mistake. This light novel is perfect for readers who enjoy humor, space combat, and satire. The popularity of this series in 2025 can be explained by the new anime adaptation by Quad, which can be watched on Crunchyroll. You can check out the light novel on BOOK WALKER.
5. Secret of the Silent Witch (Light Novel)
Lyrics: Matsuri Isora
Illustration: Nana Fujimi
Translated by Alice Prowse
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, School Life
Secrets of the Silent Witch, in fifth place, is a fantasy series that focuses on a powerful magician who struggles with extreme social anxiety. Rather than emphasizing combat, the story focuses on character growth and emotional growth, appealing to readers who prefer quieter, more personal stories. The series gained attention with a new anime adaptation by Studio Gokumi. Read light novels with Book Walker.
6. I became a healer from a villainess (light novel)
Made by Puni-chan
Illustration: Hiharayo
Translated by Adam Seacord
Genre: Adventure, Otherworld
#6 “From Villainous to Healer” belongs to the popular “Villainous” subgenre, where the protagonist is reincarnated as an antagonist in a romance-centered fantasy world. Instead of following the expected path, the protagonist chooses to become a healer. This genre is especially popular among readers interested in romance-driven fantasy stories. Although no anime adaptation has been announced, the series’ success suggests a great future. You can read “From Villainess to Healer” at BOOK WALKER.
7. I was reincarnated as a space mercenary and when I woke up, I was piloting the most powerful spaceship! (light novel)
Works written by Ryuto
Illustration: Tetsuhiro Nabeshima
Translated by Benjamin Doty
Genre: Harem, different world
Coming in at #7, this fast-paced sci-fi adventure focuses on space combat and exploration. If you’re looking for an action-packed escapism with light comedic elements, this light novel might be worth a try. Check it out on Bookwalker.
8. Trap of love simulation ~The world of otome games is a tough world for mobs~ (Light Novel)
Written by Yomu Mishima
Illustration: Monda
Translated by Christine Dashiell
Genre: Comedy, Otherworld, Sci-Fi
The series, which ranked #8, humorously subverts romance game tropes by focusing on supporting characters trapped in overlapping worlds. What supported its popularity was the anime adaptation produced by Studio ENGI in 2022. A new season of the anime is scheduled to air, but until then you can read the light novel on BOOK WALKER.
9. Don’t mess with me, Nagatoro-san (manga)
Written and illustrated by Nanashi
Translated by Christy Fernandes and Kumar Sivasubramanian
Genre: Romance, school life, comedy
The only manga in the top 10, “Don’t mischief, Nagatoro-san,” came in 9th place. The series is a romantic comedy aimed at young adult readers with a focus on teasing humor and character development. Its anime version was produced by Telecom Animation Film, and the second season helped maintain interest in the original manga volumes available at BOOK WALKER.
10. Mushoku Tensei ~If I go to another world, I’ll get serious~ (Light Novel)
Written by Rifujinna Grandson’s Hand
Illustration by Shirotaka
Translation: Saba Khan
Genre: Fantasy, Harem, Other World
Rounding out the list at number 10, this spinoff series expands on the world of Mushoku Tensei, one of the most influential modern fantasy series. The animated version of the main series produced by Studio Bound is widely credited with setting a new standard for the quality of fantasy animation. Fans looking for more background story tuned into this light novel throughout 2025. Available now through BOOK WALKER.
That’s the top 10! If you’re curious about which titles missed out on the list, or if you want to check out manga and other genre-specific rankings, be sure to check out the complete BOOK walker rankings here.
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