For me, 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' stands out. The world-building and plot development are really engaging. Also, the characters have a lot of depth.
I'd recommend checking out online manga libraries such as Comixology or Crunchyroll Manga. They often have a good selection of isekai titles. Also, some local libraries might have physical or digital copies you can access.
One of the great ones is 'Sword Art Online'. It has an isekai - like concept where the characters are trapped in a virtual world. Another is 'Overlord'. It's about a powerful wizard who gets transported to a different world. And 'Konosuba: God's Blessing on this Wonderful World!' is also very popular for its comical take on the isekai genre.
For must-read isekai manga, 'Sword Art Online' is a great choice. It combines action, adventure, and a touch of romance. The virtual world it creates is both exciting and immersive.
One great isekai light novel is 'Overlord'. It follows the story of a powerful gamer who gets trapped in the game world he once controlled. The world - building is elaborate and the characters are diverse and interesting.
Well, it's a bit hard to pinpoint exactly which was the very first one. But some early examples could include 'El-Hazard: The Magnificent World', which had elements of the isekai genre.
Another option is to join online reading communities. Members might be willing to share their own copies or know of legal ways to access the novel for free. For example, on Goodreads, there are groups dedicated to different genres of books, and someone there might be able to help.
Isekai Quartet indeed has a manga. It offers a different perspective and sometimes delves deeper into the story compared to the anime. The manga can be a great companion to the animated version for fans wanting more of the Isekai Quartet world.
Another good one is 'Ascendance of a Bookworm'. While it's more focused on the main character's struggle to create books in a new world, there is a slow - burning and very heartwarming romance that develops. The story is detailed and immersive, making the relationship between the characters feel very real.
One of the best isekai novels is 'Sword Art Online'. It combines elements of virtual reality and isekai, where the protagonist is trapped in a deadly online game world. The story has great character development and intense action scenes.