Searching for reviews and rankings of light novels can be helpful. Websites like MyAnimeList not only rank anime but also list the related light novels. By looking at the ones with high rankings and a large number of volumes or a long publication span, you can identify the longest running light novels. Additionally, visiting local bookstores that have a good selection of light novels and asking the staff there can also lead you to some of the long - running titles.
One way to find the longest running light novels is to ask in light novel fan communities. For example, on Reddit there are subreddits dedicated to light novels where fans discuss and recommend different series. Also, you can look at the publication history of light novel publishers. Some well - established publishers like Kadokawa have a long list of light novels, and the ones that have been continuously published for a long time are likely to be long - running ones.
Checking out major publishers' websites can also be helpful. Publishers like Kadokawa often have a long list of light novels they have published over the years. By looking at their catalogs and the release dates of different titles, you can get closer to finding the longest running light novel. Also, some libraries may have a section dedicated to light novels, and the librarians there might be able to give you some pointers based on the age of the books in their collection.
One way is to start with the most popular fanfiction platforms. For example, Archive of Our Own (AO3) and FanFiction.net. These platforms have search functions. You can try to sort the fanfictions by the date they were first published and then look for the ones that have the earliest start date and are still active. But this method may not be foolproof as there could be some really old fanfictions on smaller, less - known platforms as well.
Well, 'Sword Art Online' is among the longest running light novels. It has not only a long - running series of novels but also has been adapted into various anime and other media forms. 'Log Horizon' is also a long - running light novel that has a complex and engaging story which has kept readers interested for a long time.
Searching for top - ranked or highly recommended visual novels can also lead you to the longer ones. Usually, the more complex and in - depth the story, the longer the visual novel is likely to be. For example, those that deal with multiple storylines, complex character relationships, and elaborate world - building tend to be longer. Some well - known publishers of long visual novels include Key and Type - Moon.
You can check online book databases like Goodreads. They often list the page count of books, so you can search for Stephen King novels and sort them by length.
Honestly, there's no straightforward answer. Light novels' lengths can vary greatly. Some series might seem long because they have a rich plot and extensive character development over many volumes and years of publication.
One of the longest - running light novels is 'The Slayers'. It has been around for a long time and has a huge following. It's filled with magic, adventure, and interesting characters.
You could also ask fans of Stephen King. They are likely to know which of his novels are the longest based on their reading experiences. For instance, many fans would quickly tell you that 'Under the Dome' is quite a long read among his works.
The reason One Piece is the longest running manga is complex. It has a unique world-building, continuous character development, and an ever-expanding plot that keeps readers hooked for years. Also, the author's creativity and consistency have been key.
You could start by looking at literary databases. They often have information about the length of books. Another way is to ask librarians or people who are well - read in the field of literature. They might be able to point you to some extremely long works of fiction.