Read Goblin Slayer Light Novel Free

The Complete Guide to Kumo Kagyu's Dark Fantasy Epic

Goblin Slayer (ゴブリンスレイヤー, Goburin Sureiyā) is a Japanese dark fantasy light novel series written by Kumo Kagyu and illustrated by Noboru Kannatuki. Originally posted on an online textboard starting from October 2012 as a work combining ASCII art with dialogue (known as "Yaruo Thread" format), the series was later rewritten into novel format and submitted to publisher competitions.

Series Overview

The novel version failed to win awards in the Fujimi Fantasia Contest but was picked up by GA Bunko editors when the author enrolled other works in their competition. The series officially launched commercially under SB Creative's GA Bunko imprint on February 15, 2016, and has become one of the most compelling and controversial dark fantasy light novel series of the modern era.

Set in a fantasy world where adventurers take on quests through a guild system, the story follows an obsessed silver-ranked adventurer known only as "Goblin Slayer," whose sole purpose is the complete extermination of all goblins from the world. The series explores themes of trauma, revenge, friendship, and redemption through a uniquely dark lens, featuring graphic violence and mature content that has sparked considerable discussion.

Publication Details

• Author: Kumo Kagyu (蝸牛くも)
• Illustrator: Noboru Kannatuki
• Publisher: SB Creative (GA Bunko)
• English Publisher: Yen Press
• Status: Ongoing (16+ volumes published)
• First Volume: February 15, 2016
• English Release: December 20, 2016
• Sales: Over 7 million copies in circulation (as of July 2020)

Awards & Recognition

• Ranked 5th in Takarajimasha's "Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!" 2017 (bunkobon category)
• First manga volume reached 39th place on weekly Oricon manga rankings

---

Story & Setting

In a world of fantasy, adventurers come from far and wide to join the Guild, completing contracts to earn gold and glory. The story begins when an inexperienced 15-year-old priestess joins her first adventuring party, but comes into danger after her first goblin extermination quest goes horribly wrong. As the rest of her party is either wiped out or worse, she is saved by a man known as Goblin Slayer—an adventurer whose only purpose is the eradication of goblins with extreme prejudice.

Unlike typical fantasy heroes who seek dragons and demon lords, Goblin Slayer focuses exclusively on what others consider "low-level" threats. His methodical, brutal approach to goblin extermination often shocks other adventurers, but his effectiveness is undeniable. The series subverts many fantasy tropes by focusing on the supposedly "lesser" monsters that are often ignored in epic tales.

Unique Characteristics

• No True Names: Characters are identified by their classes or occupations rather than personal names
• Tactical Combat: Realistic approach to monster hunting with detailed strategy and preparation
• Dark Themes: Mature handling of trauma, violence, and psychological recovery
• World Building: Rich fantasy setting with believable guild economics and politics
• Subversive Elements: Challenges traditional fantasy hero narratives

---

Main Light Novel Series

Volume Summaries and Chapter Listings

Volume 1 - February 15, 2016

ISBN: 978-4-79-738615-8 | English: December 20, 2016 The Beginning of the Hunt

A young priestess joins her first adventuring party for what should be a simple goblin extermination quest. The mission goes catastrophically wrong, with most of her party killed or captured. Saved by the mysterious Goblin Slayer, she becomes his companion as they systematically hunt goblins with tactical precision rather than heroic bravado. Later, Goblin Slayer is recruited by a party of silver-ranked adventurers to deal with goblins in elf territory.

Chapters:

• "The Fate of Some Adventurers"
• Interlude: "The Gods"
• "Cow Girl's Day"
• "Guild Girl's Reflections"
• "The Mountain Fortress Burns"
• Interlude: "Guild Girl"
• "Unexpected Visitors"
• Interlude: "The Heavy Warrior"
• "Traveling Companions"

Story Arc: Introduction of main characters; formation of the core party with High Elf Archer, Dwarf Shaman, and Lizard Priest. The party eliminates a goblin nest and battles an ogre, establishing Goblin Slayer's tactical superiority.

Volume 2 - April 14, 2016

ISBN: 978-4-79-738752-0 | English: March 21, 2017 The Goblin Lord

The newly formed party faces their greatest challenge yet when a goblin horde led by a goblin lord threatens to raid Cow Girl's farm. Goblin Slayer must rally local adventurers to defend against the largest goblin force he has ever encountered.

Chapters:

• "Goblin Slayer"
• "Goblin Slaying"
• "The Strong Ones"
• Interlude: "The Hero"
• "Dozing"
• "A Party of Adventurers"
• "Over the Goblins' Hill"
• "The Fate of an Adventurer"

Story Arc: The epic battle against the goblin horde at night, culminating in Goblin Slayer and Priestess's confrontation with the goblin lord. This volume establishes the series' large-scale tactical combat elements.

Volume 3 - August 24, 2016

ISBN: 978-4-79-738834-3 | English: June 20, 2017 The Water Town

The party travels to Water Town to investigate goblin activity affecting trade routes. They discover goblins lurking in the city's sewers and must navigate both underground dangers and urban politics to complete their mission.

Chapters:

• "Adventures and Daily Life"
• Interlude: "Of the Gods Making Merry"
• "Goblin Slayer in the Water Town"
• Interlude: "Of the Two of Them, Then"
• "Random Encounter"
• Interlude: "Of the Young King"
• "Between Adventures"
• "Onward Unto Death"

Story Arc: Introduction of Sword Maiden, a former hero with a tragic past involving goblins. The volume explores PTSD and trauma through her character while the party navigates sewer-based goblin threats.

Volume 4 - December 7, 2016

ISBN: 978-4-79-738955-5 | English: September 19, 2017 Intruders and Visitors Special Edition includes Audio Drama CD

As winter approaches, the party deals with various smaller adventures while Goblin Slayer grapples with the concept of taking breaks from his eternal hunt. New characters are introduced as the world expands beyond goblin-focused adventures.

Chapters:

• "Riddles"
• "Whispers and Prayers and Chants"
• Interlude: "Of an Adventurer Quite Meddling with Other Adventurers"
• "A Moment's Rest"
• Interlude: "Of the Slaying of the Evil Sect"
• "The Monster That Must Not Be Named"
• "City Ruins and Magical Traps"
• "There and Back Again"

Story Arc: Focus shifts to character development and world-building, introducing Noble Fencer and exploring the party's relationships outside of goblin hunting.

Volume 5 - April 19, 2017

ISBN: 978-4-79-739158-9 | English: December 19, 2017 Festival Dreams

The long-awaited Harvest Festival finally arrives, bringing with it both celebration and new dangers. The party learns to balance adventure with peaceful moments, while Goblin Slayer begins to understand the value of non-goblin-related activities.

Chapters:

• "Harvest Moon"
• Interlude: "Of a Surprisingly Troublesome Woman"
• "Festival's Eve"
• Interlude: "Of Concern Over This Year's Offering"
• "The Harvest Festival Brings Dreams"
• Interlude: "Of the Mother Superior's Preparations for the Festival"
• "It's Your Smile That Matters"

Story Arc: Major character development for Goblin Slayer as he participates in normal social activities. The volume balances slice-of-life elements with the series' darker themes.

Volume 6 - August 14, 2017

ISBN: 978-4-79-739159-6 | English: March 20, 2018 Overturned Scenarios Special Edition includes Audio Drama CD

The gods' game becomes more complex as the party faces scenarios that challenge their usual approaches to problem-solving. New threats emerge that test the party's adaptability beyond their established tactics.

Chapters:

• Interlude: "Of the Gods' Creating a New Scenario"
• "A Scenario Overturned"
• Interlude: "Of the Mastermind, Quite Full of Himself Behind the Scenes"
• "Seven Powers"
• Interlude: "Of the Honored Hero and Her First Hail Mary Attack"
• "Cherish the Simple Days"

Story Arc: Introduction of meta-narrative elements involving the gods who watch over the world like players in a tabletop RPG. The party faces increasingly complex challenges.

Volume 7 - February 21, 2018

ISBN: 978-4-79-739161-9 | English: June 19, 2018 Daily Adventures S Edition includes Audio Drama CD

Focus shifts to the everyday lives and smaller adventures of both the main party and other characters in their world, providing deeper insight into the lives of those who don't appear in the main storylines.

Chapters:

• "Of Rookie Warrior and Apprentice Priestess"
• "Of a Certain Little Boy"
• "Of the Tavern Waitress"
• "Of a Perfectly Ordinary Goblin Nest"
• "Of a Day When He Isn't There"

Story Arc: Anthology-style volume exploring supporting characters and showing the world from different perspectives. Demonstrates the impact of Goblin Slayer's activities on the broader community.

Volume 8 - September 13, 2018

ISBN: 978-4-79-739809-0 | English: October 30, 2018 Temple of Doom Special Edition includes Audio Drama CD

The party faces their most dangerous adventure yet in a demon-enthralled temple filled with undead and dark magic. This mission tests all of their accumulated experience and teamwork.

Chapters:

• "Of the Destruction of the Demon-Enthralled Temple of Doom"
• "Of the Second Time the Necromancer's Plans Were Upset"
• "Of an Elf's Lazy Day"
• "Of the Three of Them, Some Months Ago"
• "Of Going There and Back Again"

Story Arc: High-stakes dungeon crawl that showcases the party's growth and coordination. Features intense undead encounters and magical challenges beyond typical goblin hunts.

Volume 9 - November 19, 2018

ISBN: 978-4-79-739812-0 | English: February 19, 2019 Mountain Fortress Campaign

A large-scale military operation unfolds as multiple parties coordinate to assault a heavily fortified goblin stronghold in the mountains. Noble Fencer returns to participate in the massive siege.

Chapters:

• "Tutorial"
• "Mass Combat"
• "Hack and Slash"
• "Rebuild"
• Interlude: "Of Those Who Were Waiting"

Story Arc: Epic siege warfare featuring multiple adventuring parties working together. Goblin Slayer's tactical expertise becomes crucial in large-scale operations.

Volume 10 - February 14, 2019

ISBN: 978-4-815-60095-2 | English: June 25, 2019 The Goblin Crown Special Edition includes Audio Drama CD

The party delves into ancient ruins to confront a goblin king wearing a mysterious crown that grants terrible power. This artifact represents one of the most dangerous goblin threats they have ever faced.

Chapters:

• "Dungeon Raid"
• "Goblins' Crown"
• Interlude: "Of the Gods Breathing a Sigh of Relief"
• "After Session—a New Dawn"

Story Arc: Major dungeon exploration with significant magical artifacts. The goblin king with the crown represents a turning point in the series' escalation of threats.

Volume 11 - July 24, 2019

ISBN: 978-4-815-60330-4 | English: October 22, 2019 Training and Growth

New adventures begin as the party takes on training roles while facing fresh challenges that test their accumulated experience. A red-haired wizard boy becomes their responsibility.

Chapters:

• "An Ordinary Spring Day"
• "The Red-Haired Wizard Boy"
• "Magical Resources"
• Interlude: "Of Two Women"
• "The Men With Two Names"

Story Arc: Mentorship themes as the experienced party guides newer adventurers. Focus on magical education and resource management within the guild system.

Volume 12 - December 25, 2019

ISBN: 978-4-815-60333-5 | English: February 18, 2020 Southern Expeditions Special Edition includes Audio Drama CD

The party ventures into new territories, exploring southern lands with different challenges and environments far from their familiar northern frontier.

Chapters:

• "The Training Field On The Edge of Town"
• "To Each Their Own Battle"
• Interlude: "Of the Hero Who Went There and Back Again"
• "Onward to Adventure"

Story Arc: Geographical expansion of the series' world. The party faces new types of challenges outside their comfort zone, showcasing their adaptability.

Volume 13 - July 8, 2020

ISBN: 978-4-815-60640-4 | English: August 17, 2021 Forest Encounters

Deep forest adventures and encounters with the Elf King's domain bring new magical challenges and political complexities involving High Elf Archer's people.

Chapters:

• "A Handout For Her"
• Interlude: "Of How the Girls' Slow Reactions Are to Blame"
• "Beard-Cutter Goes To The Southern River"
• "The Forest of the Elf King"
• "The Fight With The Beast"
• Interlude: "Of a Flash of Inspiration at the Library"

Story Arc: Deep exploration of elf culture and politics. High Elf Archer's background becomes central to the plot as the party deals with forest-based threats.

Volume 14 - January 7, 2021

ISBN: 978-4-815-60812-5 | English: February 22, 2022 Heart of Darkness Special Edition includes Audio Drama CD

A jungle expedition leads the party into their darkest adventure yet, confronting primal fears and ancient evils in an environment unlike any they have faced before.

Chapters:

• "Jungle Cruise"
• "Heart of Darkness"
• "Cleanse the Blood"
• Interlude: "Of Hell Smacking Down into the Abyss"
• "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Story Arc: Psychological horror elements intensify as the party faces environmental and supernatural challenges that test their mental fortitude as much as their combat skills.

Volume 15 - July 8, 2021

ISBN: 978-4-815-61152-1 | English: August 23, 2022 Capital Adventures

The party travels to the capital city, encountering urban adventures and political intrigue far from their usual rural settings. Goblin Slayer must adapt his methods to city life.

Chapters:

• "The Prime of Youth, Now Ashes"
• "Beard-Cutter Goes to the Southern Sea"
• "The Slayer of Goblins Goes to the Capital"
• Interlude: "Of the Hoyden Who Wanted to Go on an Adventure"
• "City Adventure"
• Interlude: "Of How There Is No Use Crying over Spilled Milk"
• "Master Scene: Behind-the-Scenes Actors"
• Interlude: "Of Wondering Whose Master Scene It Had Been"

Story Arc: Urban fantasy elements as the party navigates political intrigue and city-based threats. Significant character development for multiple party members.

Volume 16 - May 16, 2022

ISBN: 978-4-815-61346-4 | English: May 23, 2023 Cosmic Threats

Cosmic horror elements emerge as the party faces threats that challenge the very foundations of their world, bringing the series into larger supernatural territory.

Chapters:

• "The Princess's Ordeal"
• "The Pulse of Demonbirth"
• Interlude: "Of How Cosmic Horror Is Not the Enemy of Swords and Sorcery"
• "The Heart of the Maelstrom"
• "Goblin Hand, Sign of Destruction"
• Interlude: "Of How It's Better Than Dragon Slaying, Probably"
• "O My Prayers, Have You Reached Heaven?"

Story Arc: Escalation to cosmic-level threats while maintaining the series' core focus. The party must deal with forces beyond their usual scope while staying true to their principles.

---

Side Story Series

Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One

Author: Kumo Kagyu | Illustrator: Shingo Adachi

A prequel series revealing Goblin Slayer's tragic origin story and his first year as an adventurer, showing how he developed his signature tactics and obsession. This series provides crucial backstory for understanding the main character's psychology and methods.

Volume 1 - March 15, 2018

ISBN: 978-4-79-739041-4 | English: October 30, 2018

The beginning of Goblin Slayer's journey, from his village's destruction to his first steps as an adventurer consumed by vengeance. Shows his initial struggles and the development of his methodical approach.

Volume 2 - October 22, 2018

ISBN: 978-4-79-739810-6 | English: April 23, 2019

Goblin Slayer's early development of his tactical approach and his growing reputation among other adventurers. Explores his relationships with early mentors and allies.

Volume 3 - January 21, 2022

ISBN: 978-4-815-61283-2 | English: August 24, 2021

The formation of early alliances and the hardening of his resolve against all goblin-kind. Shows key formative experiences that shaped his adult personality.

Volume 4 - September 14, 2024

ISBN: 978-4-815-62491-0

The latest chapter in understanding Goblin Slayer's formative year and the experiences that shaped his methods (English release pending).

Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana

Author: Kumo Kagyu

A complete side story focusing on different characters in the Goblin Slayer universe, exploring themes of honor, swordsmanship, and justice. Originally serialized in Gangan GA online magazine and collected into three volumes.

Volume 1 - August 9, 2019

ISBN: 978-4-79-739835-9 | English: December 22, 2020

Chapters:

• "Step I: Red Blade of Doom"
• "Step II: Wire-Frame Proving Grounds"
• "Step III: Bushwhackers and Highwaymen"

Volume 2 - September 29, 2020

ISBN: 978-4-815-60368-7 | English: June 22, 2021

Chapters:

• "Step IV: Critical Hit of the Tiger"
• "Step V: Trial of Champions"

Volume 3 - February 15, 2022

ISBN: 978-4-815-60369-4 | English: May 24, 2022

Chapters:

• "Step VI: Dead Space"
• "Step VII: Lair of the Evil Samurai"
• "Step VIII: Dai Katana"
• "Step IX: Youth and Ashes, Side by Side"

---

Key Characters

The series employs a unique naming convention where characters are identified by their classes or occupations rather than personal names, emphasizing their roles in the fantasy world's structure.

Goblin Slayer (ゴブリンスレイヤー)

Voiced by: Yūichirō Umehara (Japanese); Brad Hawkins (English)

A 20-year-old silver-ranked adventurer who exclusively hunts goblins. As the sole survivor of a goblin attack on his village, he witnessed his sister's murder while hiding under floorboards—an event that defined his obsessive hatred of goblins. Uses deliberate average equipment optimized for goblin hunting, employs ruthless tactical combat, and shows no mercy to any goblin regardless of age. His methods shock other adventurers but his effectiveness is undeniable.

Priestess (女神官, Onna Shinkan)

Voiced by: Yui Ogura (Japanese); Hayden Daviau (English)

Initially a 15-year-old porcelain-ranked adventurer saved by Goblin Slayer during her disastrous first quest. An orphan raised in a temple, she specializes in healing magic and protective spells. Despite initial disgust at Goblin Slayer's brutal methods, she adapts and becomes an essential team member, improving her magical proficiency through experience.

High Elf Archer (妖精弓手, Erufu)

Voiced by: Nao Tōyama (Japanese); Mallorie Rodak (English)

A 2,000-year-old silver-ranked high elf ranger who initially looks down on Goblin Slayer but comes to respect his abilities. Naive about the realities of goblin threats, she gradually understands the necessity of his work. Known for being a lightweight when drinking and for her determination to make Goblin Slayer go on "real adventures."

Dwarf Shaman (鉱人道士, Dowāfu)

Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura (Japanese); Barry Yandell (English)

A 107-year-old silver-ranked dwarf spellcaster with expertise in metal, stone, and alcohol. Cheerful and argumentative, especially with High Elf Archer. Immediately recognizes Goblin Slayer's experience and strength, often proving more knowledgeable than his elvish companion despite being much younger.

Lizard Priest (蜥蜴僧侶, Rizādoman)

Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese); Josh Bangle (English)

A silver-ranked lizardman who serves as mediator between Dwarf Shaman and High Elf Archer. Uses both healing magic and sword combat, can summon skeletal familiars. Calm and composed, deeply religious, and obsessed with cheese (exotic to his people). His ultimate goal is to become a dragon.

Cow Girl (牛飼娘, Ushikai Musume)

Voiced by: Yuka Iguchi (Japanese); Brittany Lauda (English)

Goblin Slayer's childhood friend and farm assistant. Adopted by her uncle after her family was killed in the same goblin attack that traumatized Goblin Slayer. Clearly harbors deep feelings for him, though he remains oblivious to her affections.

Guild Girl (受付嬢, Uketsukejō)

Voiced by: Maaya Uchida (Japanese); Sara Ragsdale (English)

The guild's front office receptionist who hands out contracts to adventurers. Shows particular concern for villages pleading for help against goblins and respects Goblin Slayer for taking missions other experienced adventurers avoid.

---

Special Features & Media

Audio Drama CDs

Written by Kumo Kagyu and included with special editions:

• Volume 4: First original audio drama
• Volume 6: Limited edition with drama CD
• Volume 7: Limited edition with drama CD
• Volume 8: Limited edition with drama CD
• Volume 10: Limited edition with drama CD
• Volume 12: Limited edition with drama CD
• Volume 14: Limited edition with drama CD

Adaptations & Expansions

• Anime Series: Two seasons (2018, 2023) and one film (2020)
• Multiple Manga: Several different manga adaptations and spin-offs
• Video Games: Browser RPG and strategy RPG titles
• Merchandise: Extensive figure and collectible lines

---

English Publication

All main series and side story volumes are available in English through Yen Press, with professional translations that maintain the dark tone and tactical complexity of the original Japanese text. Yen Press also provides simultaneous publication for many of the manga adaptations.

Digital Availability: All volumes available digitally through major ebook platforms Physical Releases: High-quality paperback editions with original cover art Translation Quality: Professional localization maintaining author's intent

---

Why Read Goblin Slayer?

Goblin Slayer stands apart from typical fantasy light novels through several unique qualities:

Tactical Realism: Detailed, methodical approach to monster hunting that treats combat as serious warfare rather than flashy heroics. Every piece of equipment and every strategy serves a specific purpose.

Psychological Depth: Mature exploration of trauma, recovery, and how people cope with devastating loss. The series doesn't shy away from difficult topics but handles them with surprising sensitivity.

World Building Excellence: Rich fantasy setting with believable economics, politics, and social structures. The guild system feels authentic, and the world has internal consistency.

Character Development: Deep relationships built on mutual respect and shared experiences. Characters grow and change meaningfully throughout the series.

Subversive Storytelling: Challenges fantasy tropes by focusing on "lesser" threats that are ignored in epic tales, showing how small monsters can be genuinely terrifying and dangerous.

Tactical Innovation: Goblin Slayer's methods are genuinely clever and well-researched, making battles intellectually engaging as well as viscerally exciting.

---

Content Warnings

Goblin Slayer features mature content including:

• Graphic violence and combat descriptions
• References to sexual violence (handled with narrative purpose)
• Dark themes of trauma and revenge
• Psychological horror elements
• Strong language in places

Recommended for mature readers who can appreciate serious treatment of difficult subjects within a fantasy context.

---

Reading Order Recommendations

For New Readers:

1. Start with Main Series Volume 1 to understand the tone and setting
2. Continue through main series volumes 2-5 for core story establishment
3. Read Year One Volume 1 after Main Series Volume 5 for optimal emotional impact
4. Dai Katana can be read independently at any time after Volume 3

For Complete Experience:

Read all volumes in publication order to experience the story as originally intended, with side stories providing deeper context and background to the main narrative.

For Character Focus:

• Main Series Volumes 1-3: Core character establishment
• Year One Series: Goblin Slayer's backstory and development
• Main Series Volumes 4-8: Party dynamics and relationship growth
• Dai Katana Series: World expansion and alternative perspectives
• Main Series Volumes 9+: Advanced adventures and escalating threats

---

Future Releases

The series continues to be published in Japan with new volumes releasing approximately every 6-8 months. English translations typically follow 8-12 months after Japanese release. Year One Volume 4 was recently released in Japan (September 2024), with English translation expected in 2025.

---

Last Updated: January 2025
This guide covers all officially published volumes through Main Series Volume 16 and includes comprehensive information about all side stories and spin-offs.