RegisterLogin
Theme
Search
Series Group

Peak Hidden Gems

Peak Hidden Gems
Novels that should be significantly more popular than they already are.  Comment any recs below! Everything added to this list at the time had less than a 1000 readers. I personally think Part 2 is a better list than this one so do check it out. Part 2: https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/88138 Part 3: https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/91671/
Male Protagonist
40 157763 100
737 Followers
cbboss
cbboss
Created: Dec 30th, 2023, Updated: Mar 25th, 2024
Created Dec 30th, 2023
Updated Mar 25th, 2024
KR (4.1)
#26Aura of a Genius Actor
0 Chapters Every 30.9 Day(s) 1049 Readers 12 Reviews N/A
Comedy Drama Fantasy School Life Slice of Life Supernatural
[Winner of the 5th Korea Web Novel Contest]. The novel is all about MC and his passion for acting.
KR (4)
#27The Evil God Beyond the Smartphone
0 Chapters Every 990 Day(s) 1357 Readers 16 Reviews N/A
Completed Action Adventure Fantasy Harem
What if a civilization simulation game on your phone is an actual world?
JP (4.4)
#28Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan
77 Chapters Every 1.3 Day(s) 1054 Readers 3 Reviews 06-07-2025
Drama Mature Mystery Psychological Romance Seinen
The setting is a rural city in which a kidnapping and a series of mu*ders are happening simultaneously, where there was also a kidnapping 8... more>>
KR (4.3)
#29I’m a Genius Idol but My Passive is Sunfish
81 Chapters Every 23.6 Day(s) 2223 Readers 18 Reviews 05-16-2025
Comedy Drama Fantasy Slice of Life Supernatural
Very good idol novel
KR (4.1)
#30Trait Hoarder
280 Chapters Every 3.3 Day(s) 909 Readers 8 Reviews 05-05-2025
Action Fantasy Supernatural
The day after I drew my first SSR Character. I became a rookie grade character, Kim Jeonsa.[2023 Grand Prize at the World’s Largest Web Novel... more>>
KR (3.7)
#31The Hero Died Before I Could Return
111 Chapters Every 31.8 Day(s) 867 Readers 8 Reviews 02-21-2025
Adult Drama Fantasy Mature Mystery Psychological Seinen Tragedy
I thought the girls who hated the hero would surely be pleased, but their expressions are strange.…But how do I get home?
KR (4.4)
#32When I Moved Back to the Countryside, Celebrities Started Flocking In
0 Chapters Every 33.9 Day(s) 500 Readers 3 Reviews N/A
Drama Fantasy Romance Shounen Slice of Life Supernatural
It is a cozy slice-of-life at a farm with not much conflict, making it a comforting read.
KR (4.4)
#33The Heaven-Slaying Sword
70 Chapters Every 21.6 Day(s) 963 Readers 7 Reviews 08-21-2024
Action Comedy Fantasy Romance Tragedy Wuxia
Top tier novel by papapa (author of  'The Regressor and the Blind Saint'). Murim/wuxia novel about a child who was born under the 'heaven-slaying star' with... more>>
KR (4.3)
#34Black Corporation: Joseon
16 Chapters Every 117.6 Day(s) 1910 Readers 15 Reviews 07-01-2021
Comedy Fantasy Harem Historical
It has kingdom-building, technology, smart lead, politics, and a bit of comedy. Also translated pretty well. The MC is inventing "new" things for ancient Korea... more>>
KR (4.1)
#35Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang
75 Chapters Every 5.1 Day(s) 1104 Readers 6 Reviews 06-10-2025
Action Adventure Martial Arts Romance Slice of Life Wuxia
Very unique premise. Meun Fabre, a YouTuber specializing in poisonous insects and venomous creatures is reincarnated in a Murim and encounters the Tang Family (essentially... more>>
KR (4.2)
#36Is It Bad That the Main Character’s a Roleplayer?
24 Chapters Every 84.9 Day(s) 2462 Readers 24 Reviews 09-24-2023
Action Adventure Comedy Drama Fantasy Psychological
Great translation,  breaks clichés and uses them in a completely original ways with great world-building. ... more>>
KR (3.7)
#37Surviving as a Mid-Boss Henchman
157 Chapters Every 19.1 Day(s) 1614 Readers 8 Reviews 11-02-2024
Action Comedy Fantasy Romance Shounen Supernatural
Good execution of the Villainous noble girl and Transmigrated servant trope
CN (3.9)
#38Die, Replay, Repeat
366 Chapters Every 3.7 Day(s) 809 Readers 15 Reviews 05-11-2025
Action Fantasy Horror Mystery Psychological Supernatural
MC can go back in time to a certain important 'save point' which changes as the story progresses.
KR (4)
#39I was Thrown into an Unfamiliar Manga
42 Chapters Every 44.1 Day(s) 3057 Readers 15 Reviews 10-20-2023
Action Comedy Harem Romance School Life Slice of Life Supernatural
MC ends up as an extra in a love comedy manga for boys. Decides to start working out and be a decent person and be... more>>
KR (3.7)
#40The Dungeon Monsters Keep Offering Sacrifices
0 Chapters Every 180 Day(s) 1274 Readers 10 Reviews 10-31-2024
Action Adult Adventure Fantasy Mature Supernatural
I graduated at the bottom of my class at the academy, and now it’s my turn to become stronger in this other world where I... more>>
KR (3.8)
#41I’m the Slit-Eyed Character at the Academy, but I’m not the Mastermind
362 Chapters Every 3.5 Day(s) 1789 Readers 32 Reviews 06-15-2025
Action Adventure Comedy Fantasy Harem School Life Shounen
Great TL. Weak MC who has scary eyes and is mistaken for being much stronger. Good execution on a somewhat cliche plot.
KR (4.3)
#42Hiding a House in the Apocalypse
18 Chapters Every 34.4 Day(s) 1001 Readers 7 Reviews 06-16-2024
Action Fantasy Mature Psychological Sci-fi Seinen Slice of Life Supernatural Tragedy
 Story of a doomsday prepper when an actual apocalypse happens. Dropped by TL.
KR (3.7)
#43I Became a Foreign Worker Loved by Transcendents
0 Chapters Every 333 Day(s) 1629 Readers 9 Reviews 07-19-2024
Action Adventure Comedy Fantasy Harem Romance
 Those you meet will remember you. No matter what happens, they will remember you forever
KR (4.3)
#44The Little Prince in the Ossuary
128 Chapters Every 3.7 Day(s) 2923 Readers 17 Reviews 06-17-2025
Action Adventure Fantasy Mature Psychological Romance Sci-fi Tragedy
Great survival story. MC is in a VR zombie apocalypse as a refugee in a camp and has to deal with the troubles that come... more>>
KR (3.9)
#45The 31st Piece Turns the Tables
3 Chapters Every 233.7 Day(s) 1334 Readers 9 Reviews 08-02-2023
Action Adventure Fantasy Supernatural
TTRPG inspired adventure story
KR (3.9)
#46How To Live As An Academy Extra Villain
0 Chapters Every 302 Day(s) 2019 Readers 19 Reviews N/A
Action Fantasy Harem Romance School Life Slice of Life
Good translation. Pretty generic and plot is exactly as you would expect from the title but decent execution.
CN (4.4)
#47Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts
390 Chapters Every 0.2 Day(s) 1369 Readers 10 Reviews 06-15-2025
Comedy Drama Harem Romance School Life Slice of Life
Wholesome slice of life
KR (4.2)
#48I Will Live As An Actor
76 Chapters Every 35.7 Day(s) 1985 Readers 8 Reviews 02-12-2025
Drama Mature Psychological Slice of Life Supernatural
MC regresses has great acting skills. Unique in the sense that it focuses on the MC being a better person than in their last life... more>>
KR (4.1)
#49Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor
13 Chapters Every 105.5 Day(s) 2542 Readers 9 Reviews 12-01-2024
Adventure Fantasy Mature Tragedy
Reincarnation novel. No fillers, no romance just a smart MC and politics.
CN (3.9)
#50Holy Roman Empire
830 Chapters Every 0.9 Day(s) 1092 Readers 16 Reviews 06-17-2025
Action Fantasy Historical
A really good historical/nation-building/political novel
1234
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Comments (40)
Post Reply Cancel
  1. dragonlord1411
    dragonlord1411· Jan 7, 2024 10:17 AM
    Ayoo??? A list that says Peak Hidden Gems that actually shows peak hidden gems? Shocking.clear.png
    Reply · 20 Likes · ·
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Jan 8, 2024 01:46 AM
      I know right
      Reply · 9 Likes · ·
  2. cbboss
    cbboss· Author · Aug 20, 2024 11:46 PM

    Hello!

    New lists are out!  Parts 2 (my fav) and 3 are better than Part 1 in my opinion so do check them out :) 

    Part 2: https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/88138/

    Part 3: https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/91671/

    Part 4: https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/96775/ (This is still a work in progress)

    As always feel free to drop any recs not included in these lists.

    Reply · 10 Likes · ·
  3. OneHopeSniper
    OneHopeSniper· Jan 15, 2024 03:34 PM
    good stuff
    Reply · 5 Likes · ·
  4. Lolosh2003
    Lolosh2003· Jan 12, 2024 07:20 AM
    Thank you very much for this wonderful list, which is very close to my taste in novels
    Reply · 4 Likes · ·
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Jan 12, 2024 04:27 PM
      You’re welcome :)
      Reply · 4 Likes · ·
  5. Munan
    Munan· Jan 8, 2024 02:44 PM

    Your list have almost half of my reading's saved list.i tip my hat to you fellow brotherclear.pngclear.png

    Reply · 4 Likes · ·
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Jan 12, 2024 04:27 PM
      Appreciate it!
      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  6. Hiaser
    Hiaser· Jan 18, 2024 10:20 PM
    Thanks bro
    Reply · 3 Likes · ·
  7. H0lyH20
    H0lyH20· Jul 28, 2024 11:39 PM
    Thanks for introducing “I Became the Leader of the Monster Circus Troupe,” to me, I had a good read.
    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
  8. Alex Woods
    Alex Woods· Feb 6, 2024 05:43 PM
    One of the most helpful lists on the site. Try out Pivot of the Sky, it's one of the hidden gems. There nothing else like it
    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Feb 6, 2024 06:05 PM
      Thanks! Good recommendation but it has 6924 Readers which is a little too much to consider being added to this list but personally I’ll give it a read. If you have any recs with under 1,500 I will give them an add.
      Reply · 2 Likes · ·
  9. Bosshyperion689
    Bosshyperion689· Feb 6, 2024 05:11 AM
    I've read so many novels that honestly felt like I was running out of things to read. This list has made me rethink that lol
    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Feb 6, 2024 04:14 PM
      Glad to help! I felt the same way so I started looking for some new novels. Feel free to comment if you find any more hidden gems.
      Reply · 3 Likes · ·
    • Bosshyperion689
      Bosshyperion689· Feb 8, 2024 03:35 AM
      @cbboss If/when I find some, would you prefer them here or by message?
      Reply · 1 Like · ·
      • Show More Replies
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Feb 8, 2024 03:56 AM
      @Bosshyperion689 Either or I don’t mind
      Reply · ·
  10. DiamondInApril
    DiamondInApril· Feb 5, 2024 07:37 PM
    The best list I've come across! 
    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
    • cbboss
      cbboss· Author · Feb 5, 2024 07:39 PM
      Thanks appreciate it :) lemme know if you have any recs to add
      Reply · 2 Likes · ·

    Novel Updates

    User Tools

    Latest Series

    | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact Us