Finished the 24-episode Dragon Raja anime and wondering where the story goes next? You’ve likely hit a wall of confusing information about different book versions and timelines. It’s a common frustration for fans wanting to continue Luminous Lu’s journey.
The 24-episode Dragon Raja anime series comprehensively covers the first two light novels, concluding the “The Mourner’s Eyes” story arc. To continue the narrative immediately after the anime’s finale, readers should begin with the first chapter of Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide. This is the official and correct continuation point for the story.
Based on analysis of the official canon and publication history, this guide provides the definitive path forward. You will discover exactly how to navigate the complex world of the Dragon Raja novels, avoid the non-canon pitfalls, and seamlessly continue the story from where the donghua left off.
Key Facts
- Anime Coverage: The 24-episode Dragon Raja anime adapts the entirety of the first two light novels: Dragon Raja I: The Dawn of Fire and Dragon Raja II: The Mourner’s Eyes.
- Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime’s finale, you must start reading at the beginning of the third novel, Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide.
- Official Canon: The “Revised Editions” of the novels are the official central canon of the franchise; new readers should exclusively read these versions.
- Cancelled Continuity: The original serialization of the novels was officially cancelled in 2020 and its story is considered unfinished and non-canon.
- Manhua Adaptation: The Dragon Raja manhua (comic) is an unfaithful adaptation that alters the plot and should not be used for story continuity.
Where Does the Dragon Raja Anime End in the Light Novel?
The 24-episode Dragon Raja donghua (anime) series completely adapts the first two books of the light novel series. This means the anime finale corresponds to the conclusion of the second novel, Dragon Raja II: The Mourner’s Eyes. The animated version produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures is a faithful adaptation, so you can transition directly to the books without missing major plot points.
From years of guiding fans through complex media franchises, we’ve found that a clear, direct answer is the most helpful. The most critical point is knowing the exact volume to pick up to avoid spoilers or re-reading content. For Dragon Raja, the transition is straightforward once you have the correct information.
Start Reading Here:
The Dragon Raja anime adapts the first two novels in their entirety.
You should start reading at the beginning of Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide.
What Is the Difference Between the Original and Revised Dragon Raja Novels?
The primary difference is canonicity: the original Dragon Raja novel continuity was cancelled and is an unfinished, non-canon story, while the revised editions are the official central canon that will receive a proper ending. This is the most crucial piece of information for any new reader, as choosing the wrong version leads to a dead-end story. The author, Jiang Nan, made the decision to revise the series to alter plot points and align the narrative with his intended conclusion.
This canonical shift is a point of major confusion and what most guides fail to explain clearly. Understanding this distinction is key to properly investing your time in the franchise.
Here is a breakdown of the key differences:
- Original Novels:
- Canon Status: Non-canon and officially discontinued as of 2020.
- Story Completion: The storyline is unfinished and will not be concluded.
- Plot: Contains plot points and character arcs that have been retconned (retroactively changed) in the new version.
- Revised Editions:
- Canon Status: This is the official central canon of the Dragon Raja franchise.
- Story Completion: This is the ongoing version of the story that the author will complete.
- Plot: Features altered plot points and character development that align with the author’s true vision for the series’ ending.
Which Version of the Dragon Raja Novel Should You Read?
You should exclusively read the revised editions of the Dragon Raja novels. This is the only way to follow the official, canonical story that continues from the anime and is guaranteed to receive a proper conclusion from the author. Reading the original novels will only lead to a story that was abandoned partway through. For a complete and correct experience, the revised editions are the only choice.
How Does the Anime Compare to the Novel and Manhua?
The anime is a highly faithful adaptation, the light novel is the official canon, and the manhua is an unfaithful, non-canon comedic take on the story. For anyone looking to continue the narrative, the light novel is the only valid option. Real-world experience with the franchise shows that fans who try to use the manhua to bridge the gap become confused by the drastic changes in plot and characterization.
This comparison is vital for managing expectations. The anime, produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures, does an excellent job of setting the stage, but only the light novel provides the full, unabridged narrative depth.
| Feature | Anime (Donghua) | Light Novel (Revised) | Manhua (Comic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Status | Official (for its scope) | The Definitive Official Canon | Non-Canon / Unfaithful |
| Story Coverage | Novels 1 & 2 (Dawn of Fire, Mourner’s Eyes) | The complete story (Books 1-5+) | Incomplete and deviates significantly |
| Faithfulness | Highly faithful to plot and characters | The source material itself | Unfaithful; changes tone and plot |
| Recommendation | Excellent starting point | Required reading to continue the story | Read for fun, not for story continuity |
The takeaway is simple: use the anime as your gateway into the world, then switch to the revised light novels to experience the full, official story.
What Is the Official Reading Order for the Dragon Raja Light Novels?
The official reading order for the Dragon Raja light novel series follows the numerical publication of the revised editions. Starting with Book 1, each volume builds directly on the last. Following this sequence is essential for understanding the overarching plot and character development.
Here is the correct reading order to guide your journey:
- Dragon Raja I: The Dawn of Fire
- Status: Fully adapted by the first half of the 24-episode anime series.
- Dragon Raja II: The Mourner’s Eyes
- Status: Fully adapted by the second half of the 24-episode anime series.
- Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide
- Status: ✅ This is your starting point after watching the anime.
- Dragon Raja IV: The Odin’s Abyss
- Status: The fourth book in the series, continuing the main plot.
- Dragon Raja V: The Day of Ragnarok
- Status: The most recent installment in the ongoing series.
FAQs About where does the dragon raja anime end in the light novel
Is the Dragon Raja light novel finished?
No, the Dragon Raja light novel series is not finished. The original continuity was cancelled in 2020, but the author, Jiang Nan, is continuing the story through the official revised editions. Book 5 is the most recent installment, but the overall story has not yet concluded.
Where can I read the Dragon Raja novel in English?
Official English translations are limited, so most readers rely on high-quality fan translations. You can find these on web novel platforms and dedicated fan community sites. Search for “Dragon Raja novel english translation” and look for groups known for their accuracy and consistency to ensure the best reading experience.
Is the Dragon Raja mobile game story canon?
The Dragon Raja mobile game’s story is considered a separate continuity. While it uses the same characters, world, and concepts from the novels, it tells its own story and significantly deviates from the novel’s plot. It is not a substitute for reading the books to understand the official narrative.
Will there be a Dragon Raja anime Season 2?
There has been no official announcement for a second season of the Dragon Raja anime as of 2026. The first season was titled Dragon Raja -The Blazing Dawn-, but promotion for the anime has also used the title of the second book, The Mourner’s Eyes. Fans are hopeful, but viewers should read the novels to continue the story.
What book is ‘The Mourner’s Eyes’ anime based on?
The story arc “The Mourner’s Eyes” is the title of the second novel, Dragon Raja II. The 24-episode anime series adapts both Dragon Raja I: The Dawn of Fire and Dragon Raja II: The Mourner’s Eyes, with the second half of the season focusing heavily on the “Mourner’s Eyes” plotline.
Is Dragon Raja a Chinese or Japanese anime?
Dragon Raja is a Chinese animated series, known as a “donghua.” It was produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures, a Chinese company. While it was streamed internationally on platforms like Crunchyroll and features music by Japanese composer Shiro Sagisu, its origin and production are Chinese.
Why is the Dragon Raja manhua considered unfaithful?
The manhua (Chinese comic) is considered unfaithful because it significantly alters the tone and plot of the novels. It leans heavily into comedy, changes key character interactions, and cuts or modifies major story arcs. While some fans enjoy it as a separate work, it does not follow the official canon.
How many books are in the Dragon Raja series?
There are currently five main books published in the Dragon Raja series. However, the story is ongoing. The series consists of Dragon Raja I through Dragon Raja V, with the potential for more volumes to be released in the future to conclude the story.
Who is the author of Dragon Raja?
The author of the Dragon Raja novel series is Jiang Nan (江南). He is a popular and acclaimed Chinese fantasy author who created the world, characters, and intricate plot of the franchise and is responsible for the decision to create the revised, official canon editions.
What is ‘The Dark Moon Tide’?
Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide is the third book in the novel series. This is the book readers should start with after finishing the anime, as it picks up immediately after the conclusion of “The Mourner’s Eyes” arc and introduces the next major phase of the story.
Key Takeaways: Dragon Raja Anime to Novel Guide
- Start After the Anime: The 24-episode anime adapts Novels 1 and 2. To continue the story, start reading at the beginning of Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide.
- Read the Revised Editions: The original novel series was cancelled and is unfinished. Always seek out the revised editions, as they are the official central canon and will receive a proper ending.
- Anime is a Faithful Adaptation: The donghua (anime) is a very accurate adaptation of the first two novels. You are not missing major plot points by starting with Book 3.
- Avoid the Manhua for Story: The manhua (comic) is an unfaithful adaptation that prioritizes comedy. It should not be used to follow the main story’s continuity.
- The Game is a Separate Universe: The popular Dragon Raja mobile game has its own story. It shares characters and a setting but is not part of the novel’s official canon.
- The Story is Not Finished: The light novel series by Jiang Nan is still ongoing. Be prepared for an epic-length story that has not yet reached its final conclusion.
- English Versions are Fan-Translated: Official English publications are scarce. The vast majority of English-speaking fans rely on high-quality fan translations found on web novel sites.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Dragon Raja Saga
Transitioning from the Dragon Raja anime to the light novels is a rewarding journey that opens up a much deeper and more complex world. The key is to confidently move forward with the correct information: start with the revised edition of Dragon Raja III: The Dark Moon Tide. By doing so, you sidestep the confusion of the cancelled original series and the non-canon manhua, ensuring your time is invested in the one true story.
You now have a clear roadmap to continue exploring the rich lore and compelling character arcs that author Jiang Nan has crafted. Enjoy the dive into the next chapter of the saga.
