An abbreviation of 'light novel' (ライトノベル): a colloquial term for young-adult novels often containing manga-style illustrations.
最近のラノベはストーリーがしっかりしている作品が増えた。
Recently, more light novels have been written with solid storylines.
あのラノベ作家の新作が発売された。
That light-novel author's new work has been released.
イベントでラノベ作家のサイン会が行われた。
A signing event by a light-novel author took place at the event.