Well, 'Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?' (So I'm a Spider, So What?) is really good. The story of a girl being reincarnated as a spider and evolving in a harsh world is quite fascinating. Then there's 'Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken' (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime). It has an interesting concept of starting as a slime and growing into a powerful entity. Also, 'Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation' is a well - known one. It follows the story of a NEET who gets a second chance at life in a different world and tries to make the most of it.
One of the top reincarnation light novels is 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'. In this story, the protagonist is reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world and gradually builds his own powerful kingdom. Another great one is 'Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World'. The main character Subaru experiences death and resurrection in a different world, facing numerous challenges and mysteries. And 'Overlord' also stands out. The protagonist is transported to a game - like world as an all - powerful undead lord.
Some top reincarnation light novels include 'The Rising of the Shield Hero'. Here, the main character is summoned to a parallel world as one of the four cardinal heroes but is wrongly accused and has to fight against many odds. 'Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!' is also popular. It features a group of misfits in a reincarnated world filled with comical and adventure - filled situations. 'So I'm a Spider, So What?' is a unique reincarnation light novel where the protagonist is reincarnated as a spider in a dungeon - like world and has to strive for survival.
A common characteristic is the contrast between the protagonist's past life and new life. For example, in 'My Next Life as a Villainess', the main character goes from a normal modern - day life to being a villainess in an otome game world. This contrast sets up interesting situations for the story. Another characteristic is the slow - burn romance. In 'Ascendance of a Bookworm', the relationship between the main character and the nobleman develops gradually over time as they get to know each other's personalities and goals. It makes the romance more believable and engaging.
One of the best is 'Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World'. It has a great story of Subaru being reincarnated into a fantasy world and his repeated attempts to change the fate of those around him. Another good one is 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'. Rimuru's journey from being a reincarnated slime to building a powerful nation is really engaging.
You can start by checking out popular light novel websites like NovelUpdates. They often have rankings and reviews of various light novels, including those with reincarnation themes. Another way is to ask in online light novel communities. Fans there are usually very enthusiastic and can recommend some great reincarnation light novels.
One characteristic is the exploration of different worlds. In many top reincarnation novels such as 'Stellar Transformations', the protagonist is reincarnated into a new world with different rules and systems. They have to adapt and learn these new ways. Also, there is usually a theme of redemption or achieving greater things. The character in 'Desolate Era' is reincarnated and aims to overcome past failures and reach new heights in his cultivation journey. It's a journey of self - discovery and growth as well.
Well, 'So I'm a Spider, So What?' is a great reincarnation worldbuilding light novel. The story is about a girl who is reincarnated as a spider in a dungeon - like world. The worldbuilding here is amazing as it shows how the spider - protagonist has to survive and thrive in a world full of dangerous creatures. It details the evolution system of the spiders and other monsters, as well as the overall structure of the dungeon world. Also, 'Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken' (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) has excellent worldbuilding. The slime - protagonist builds a new society in a world where there are various intelligent races, and the magic and political systems are well - developed.
One of the well - known 'jobless reincarnation light novels' is 'Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation'. It has an interesting plot that follows the story of a NEET who gets reincarnated in a fantasy world and has to start anew. The novel is popular for its detailed world - building, complex characters, and engaging story arcs.
One popular one is 'Martial God Asura'. It features a story of reincarnation where the protagonist is reborn with a powerful will and gradually rises in a world full of martial arts challenges. Another is 'A Record of Mortal's Cultivation to Immortality'. The main character is reincarnated into a world of cultivation and has to face numerous difficulties and opportunities on his path to immortality.
One characteristic is the concept of rebirth bringing a second chance. For example, in 'A Record of Mortal's Cultivation to Immortality', the protagonist gets to start anew and use his wisdom from the past life to avoid some mistakes and pursue a better path in the world of cultivation.
A lesser - known but really good reincarnation animal RPG light novel is 'Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?'. It tells the story of a girl who gets reincarnated as a spider. The story is full of action, as the spider has to constantly battle for survival and also discover the secrets of the world it has been reborn into. There are elements of leveling up, skill acquisition, and building relationships with other creatures, which are typical of RPGs.
One more top light novel is 'Overlord'. The concept of a player being stuck in a game world as an all - powerful undead character is really interesting. It has an extensive world - building aspect, with different races and political systems within the game world that make it a great read for light novel fans.