BOOK☆WALKER GLOBAL has released its 2025 eBook Ranking, showcasing the most-downloaded paid digital titles on its global store. The ranking is based on the number of downloads, excluding free titles, between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025 (Pacific Time), making it a strong indicator of what readers around the world actively spend their money on and read.
BOOK☆WALKER is a digital storefront and reading app specializing in Japanese manga, light novels, and audiobooks, all officially licensed in English. With a catalog of more than 76,000 titles, it is one of the largest platforms of its kind available internationally. So definitely give it a try if you haven’t already!
What makes BOOK☆WALKER especially important is its close connection to KADOKAWA, one of Japan’s biggest entertainment companies. Because of this, BOOK☆WALKER often releases titles at the same time as Japan, offers exclusive bonus content, and becomes the primary way international readers discover new series before they are adapted into anime or live-action shows.
That being said, let’s dig into BOOK☆WALKER’s most downloaded titles ranking!
1. The Eminence in Shadow (Light Novel)
Written by Daisuke Aizawa
Illustrated by Touzai
Translated by Nathaniel Thrasher
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Isekai
Taking first place, The Eminence in Shadow was the most-downloaded title on BOOK☆WALKER in 2025. What sets this light novel apart is its self-aware humor: the main character believes he is secretly manipulating events from the shadows, even when chaos unfolds unintentionally. The Eminence in Shadow has an anime adaptation by Studio Nexus with two seasons and a movie on its way, and a manga adaptation available on Yen Press. With the anime continuing and the franchise expanding across multiple formats, fans can easily purchase and read the full light novel series on BOOK☆WALKER.
2. The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel)
Written by Natsu Hyuuga
Illustrated by Touko Shino
Translated by Kevin Steinbach
Genres: Drama, Mystery
Ranking second, The Apothecary Diaries appeals to readers who enjoy historical settings and mystery. The story follows a clever young woman solving medical and political mysteries within a royal palace inspired by ancient China. The series saw major momentum in 2025 thanks to the second season of its highly-acclaimed anime adaptation by OLM, in collaboration with TOHO Animation Studio. The anime’s success brought in many first-time viewers unfamiliar with light novels, leading them to seek out the original books.
Even though I personally haven’t read the light novels yet, I can confidently say that I absolutely loved The Apothecary Diaries anime, and I’m so close to picking up the light novel. As a viewer and a fan, what truly pulled me in was how rich and alive the characters feel—flawed, complex, and sometimes outright problematic in the most compelling way. Combined with high-stakes mysteries, political intrigue, and hidden schemes unfolding in the background, every episode left me eager for more.
On top of that, the slow-burning romantic tension and subtle chemistry between the female and male leads is impossible to ignore and make you want to root for them. Speaking purely from my own experience, The Apothecary Diaries stands out as something truly special. It’s no surprise to me that it was even featured in The Beat’s best anime of 2025.
It has now been officially confirmed that The Apothecary Diaries will continue with a third season. The project will follow an unusual release structure, beginning with Season 3, Cour 1, followed by a theatrical movie release, and concluding with Season 3, Cour 2. Most notably, the announced film will feature an original story not adapted from the light novels, marking a significant and intriguing expansion of the franchise beyond its source material.
You can read the light novel on BOOKWALKER.
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Light Novel)
Written by FUSE
Illustrated by Mitz Mitz Vah
Translated by Kevin Gifford
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
In third place, this long-running fantasy series remains one of the most accessible entry points into light novels for new readers. Despite its unusual premise—a man reincarnated as a slime monster—the story focuses on world-building, diplomacy, and leadership. Its continued success in 2025 was supported by last year’s season 3 of its anime adaptation, produced by Studio 8bit. Season 4 and a theatrical anime film have been officially announced, although there’s no official release date yet. The franchise’s consistent presence across anime, manga (licensed by Kodansha), and novels keeps readers returning to the source material on BOOKWALKER.
4. I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire! (Light Novel)
Written by Yomu Mishima
Illustrated by Nadare Takamine
Translated by Amy Osteraas
Genres: Comedy, Harem, Isekai, Sci-Fi
Landing at fourth place, this series blends science fiction with comedy. It follows a protagonist who tries to become a cruel space tyrant but accidentally improves society instead. The light novel is ideal for readers who enjoy humor, space battles, and satire. The series growing popularity in 2025 can be explained by its new anime adaptation by Quad, available on Crunchyroll. You can check out the light novel on BOOKWALKER.
5. Secrets of the Silent Witch (Light Novel)
Written by Matsuri Isora
Illustrated by Nanna Fujimi
Translated by Alice Prowse
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, School Life
At fifth place, Secrets of the Silent Witch is a fantasy series that focuses on a powerful magician who struggles with extreme social anxiety. Rather than emphasizing combat, the story centers on character development and emotional growth, appealing to readers who prefer quieter, more personal narratives. The series gained traction through its new anime adaptation by Studio Gokumi. Read the light novel via BOOKWALKER.
6. From Villainess to Healer (Light Novel)
Written by Punichan
Illustrated by Yoh Hihara
Translated by Adam Seacord
Genres: Adventure, Isekai
Ranking sixth, From Villainess to Healer belongs to the popular “villainess” subgenre, where the protagonist reincarnates into the role of a supposed antagonist in a romance-focused fantasy world. Instead of following the expected path, the protagonist chooses to become a healer. The genre remains especially popular with readers interested in romance-driven fantasy stories. While no anime adaptation has been announced, the series’ success suggests strong future potential. You can read From Villainess to Healer via BOOKWALKER.
7. Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! (Light Novel)
Written by Ryuto
Illustrated by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima
Translated by Benjamin Daughety
Genres: Harem, Isekai
Coming in at seventh, this fast-paced science fiction adventure emphasizes space combat and exploration. If you are looking for some action-heavy escapism with light comedic elements, then this light novel might be worth a try. Check it out on BOOKWALKER.
8. Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs (Light Novel)
Written by Yomu Mishima
Illustrated by Monda
Translated by Christine Dashiell
Genres: Comedy, Isekai, Sci-Fi
Placing eighth, this series humorously subverts romance-game tropes by focusing on a side character trapped in a world stacked against him. Its popularity was supported by an anime adaptation produced by Studio ENGI in 2022. The anime is set to receive a new season, but until then, you can read the light novel via BOOKWALKER.
9. Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro (Manga)
Written and illustrated by Nanashi
Translated by Kristi Fernandez and Kumar Sivasubramanian
Genres: Romance, School Life, Comedy
The only manga in the top ten, Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, ranks ninth. The series is a romantic comedy focused on teasing humor and character growth, aimed at younger adult readers. Its anime adaptation was produced by Telecom Animation Film, and a second season helped maintain interest in the original manga volumes available on BOOKWALKER.
10. Mushoku Tensei: Redundant Reincarnation (Light Novel)
Written by Rifujin na Magonote
Illustrated by Shirotaka
Translated by Saba Kan
Genres: Fantasy, Harem, Isekai
Rounding out the list at tenth place, this spin-off series expands on the world of Mushoku Tensei, one of the most influential modern fantasy franchises. The main series’ anime adaptation, produced by Studio Bind, is widely credited with setting a new standard for fantasy animation quality. Fans eager for more background stories turned to this light novel in large numbers throughout 2025 and you can do so now through BOOKWALKER.
And this is it for the top 10! If you’re curious about which titles just missed the cut, or if you’d like to explore rankings focused specifically on manga or other genres, be sure to check out the full BOOKWALKER ranking here.
