J-Novel Club announces winners of English Light Novel Contest – News

J-Novel Club announced the winners of the “JNC Original Light Novel Contest” during its Anime exhibition Panel on Thursday. The competition was looking for submissions for original English light novels from the past year. J-Novel Club It was also announced that another competition will be held this year. Further details will be announced at a later date.

The winner of the main prize is John W. Rohmans ATLAS: She, the fighter, and he, the heroRohman will receive $15,000, a publication of the story in Japanese translation by Kadokawaand a possible future manga adaptation. J-Novel ClubThe story summary for the post is:

If “hero” is just another job, who will fight for those who can’t pay? For those of the Substrata, born under the attention of the wealthy, there is only one place where people are always wanted. Welcome to Secret Society ATLAS, fighters. Try not to die.

Judge’s comment:

ATLAS is a great example of a work that surprised and delighted all of us at JNC. It foregoes the usual fantasy and superpower setting and instead offers a real sci-fi feel in the far future of a mega-corporation, with great Mecha (Exo-suit) battles against Sentai-esque “heroes,” all wrapped up in a relatable story about battling prejudice and trying to make ends meet, gave us a fresh feeling while still being undoubtedly a “light novel” through and through. Every entry with a Guts-sized greatsword… er, Chainsaw bladewill go to the top of the pile and will remain there throughout the competition

First prize winners include Quadrilian’s Beautiful daydreamCathfachs A stubborn incantationand Laura M. Drakes Clockwork Clues: When Death TicksFirst prize winners will each receive $3,000.

J-Novel Club describes Beautiful daydream:

I am me. I love girls.
Maybe it’s a weird place to start, but it’s the core of my identity. It’s who I am. There’s no better place to start when you’re talking about my story.

A story about stories.
A story about a single step.

J-Novel Club describes A stubborn incantation:

An embattled king calls upon a supernatural hero to defend his starving kingdom from a demonic invasion. Unfortunately, the summoned hero seems quite determined to ignore his carefully crafted script, thwarting the plans of humans and demons alike.

J-Novel Club describes Clockwork Clues: When Death Ticks:

Kyra can slip through time, but can’t escape her controlling father and arranged marriage. When she discovers a murder, she defies her upbringing and uses her power to solve the mystery alongside a dashing detective and a socially inept server bot.

The BOOK☆WALKER The winner is Hunger’s The enchanting Dungeon MasterHunger receives $2,000 and an exclusive sales window for BOOK☆WALKER. J-Novel Club describes the story:

Lucia Morales is 22 years old. One day, a turf war between rival gangs leads to tragedy, but that’s just the beginning. Lucia is reborn in another world as a character she created in a game, and she’s super cute!

Runners-up include Selena Pigonis Promised to a dragonGabihimes The young lady is the substitute harvest goddessJan Olexas It’s hard being a necromancerand Garry’s The Dragon and the Sword Saint: We don’t end hereThe winners will receive $1,000.

Source: Press release

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