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Start your review of Sword Art Online: Progressive, Vol. ane (Sword Art Online: Progressive Calorie-free Novel, #1)

Jun 04, 2016 Jaime rated it it was astonishing

Sword Art Online Progressive 001, by Reki Kawahara

The first time I heard nigh Sword Fine art Online was from a buddy I play MMOs with. He recommended SAO and the residuum is history. I love Sword Art Online – I call up the animation is beautiful, I thought the idea was clever, just, especially after reading the original brusk story, I idea it was defective in the narrative part. Progressive 001 fixes this. This first book covers floors 1 and 2 – the bossfight with the Kobold Lord and Taurus King (a boss

Sword Art Online Progressive 001, by Reki Kawahara

The first time I heard well-nigh Sword Art Online was from a buddy I play MMOs with. He recommended SAO and the remainder is history. I beloved Sword Art Online – I recall the animation is beautiful, I thought the idea was clever, only, especially after reading the original brusque story, I thought it was lacking in the narrative part. Progressive 001 fixes this. This first book covers floors ane and two – the bossfight with the Kobold Lord and Taurus Rex (a boss fight non seen in the original serial or the anime).

Mechanically this book has a few bug, but most of these can be chocked upwards to the translation, something that tin can never exist done perfectly. Get-go, in that location are times where the translation is awkward as if the words are out of place. For a translation, this is something that ofttimes can't exist avoided and thus must be forgiven considering I can't read Japanese. Secondly, and this is merely a pet peeve of mine. POV is inverse from Kirito's 1st person to Asuna'due south 3rd person. I have never liked that kind of transition; I perceive it equally sloppy and amateurish. That doesn't hateful that in that location aren't great stories out there that are written this fashion that I don't enjoy, because I do. In this case, it bothers me, merely non enough to take away any enjoyment.

Progressive expands the game of SAO. Kawahara gives us a ameliorate motion-picture show of what the game is similar. The earth building is solid and visible in a fashion it wasn't in Aincrad 1&ii or the anime. Some of the game mechanics are explained without diving and then deeply into them that I go bored. Here, we also become the chance to see how existence a beta tester effects Kirito. In the evidence there are two-three episodes where beingness a "beater" is mentioned, but it quickly becomes and unimportant factor as we get to the higher floors that even the beta testers haven't seen. In this way, Kawahara is doing a improve job of writing a fantasy/sci-fi than any American author I've read in the past ii years.

Now, let me brand this very clear: the Kirito in the show is non as good as the character in the books. In the books, Kirito is a snarky dork. I love this Kirito. This character seems like a closer approximation to what Kawahara originally intended; a gangly teenage nerd whose dominate emotion is sarcasm. While I'm not a gangly Japanese teenager, I am a nerd whose dominate emotion is sarcasm and then I identify with him. Kirito's observations are funny and I found myself smile and chuckling every few pages. He's an interesting character trapped in a state of affairs where his simply option is to brand the best of it. The dynamic betwixt Kirito and Asuna are a joy to read: there is cipher better than two snarky characters being snarky together. As in the anime and the original series, they piece of work well together.

I honestly can't remember the last time I had this much fun with a book. At the finish of the day SAO wins a lot of its indicate on just how enjoyable it is. However, make no mistake, SAO is a night story, it'south but hidden behind bright colors and snark. I look forward to the next books. I promise to see some of that darkness come to the forefront. GG, Kawahara. GG.

PS. Kirito makes some of the best center-rolling, stupid smile worthy puns and they warrant mentioning.

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Sep 09, 2015 Elspeth rated information technology liked it

I really enjoyed this one. Information technology'southward fleshing out a bunch of the first fourth dimension skip from the get-go novel.
I hope book two gets delivered today and then I can see what's going to happen on the tertiary floor.
I really enjoyed this 1. It's fleshing out a agglomeration of the starting time time skip from the first novel.
I hope book two gets delivered today so I can see what'south going to happen on the third flooring.
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"The epitome of Asuna racing, hair rippling in the wind, was similar a shooting star in the midst of the dungeon.... ...she could have one day led an enormous guild and been a leader to the player population. Like a falling star, endlessly lighting upwardly the sky of this dark, hopeless game of expiry."

I first got into SAO at my hubby'south proffer. He explained the premise: the players of a virtual reality game get imprisoned inside the game. Their lives are tied to their avatars. If they die in the gam

"The epitome of Asuna racing, hair rippling in the wind, was like a shooting star in the midst of the dungeon.... ...she could have one mean solar day led an enormous guild and been a leader to the player population. Like a meteor, endlessly lighting up the sky of this night, hopeless game of decease."

I first got into SAO at my husband's suggestion. He explained the premise: the players of a virtual reality game get imprisoned inside the game. Their lives are tied to their avatars. If they dice in the game, they truly die. The but road to freedom, is to complete the game; 100 floors of a world sized dungeon.

I was instantly intrigued. I watched the anime serial for the story of a VR expiry game, and I was riveted by the love story.

Kirito is a lone wolf and a gamer. He avoids personal connections. Nonetheless he has a very innocent sense of humour and tries to exist a gentleman. He is determined to brand himself strong enough to survive this game of expiry, even if that means leaving all others backside him. Asuna has never been defeated, past either school or life. Here in SAO, she is out of her element and she feels like all her scholarly knowledge is useless to her. She fights because she wants to control how she dies. When they encounter, Asuna begins sympathise that her life does have meaning and there are ideas worth fighting for, while Kirito learns that there are people to fight for and protect.

This novel (every bit admitted by the author) is slightly different from the anime and manga. The progressive novels are her opportunity to write the story she wanted from the beginning.

Kirito is more adorable and honorable than he is shown to be in the anime, and Asuna with all her sorrow is ane of the strongest feminine heroes I've read about in a long time.

Kirito and Asuna are becoming my favorite anime romance... and at this rate, with the novels, they volition be my favorite literary romance as well.

I definitely advise this story. Especially to those that love the romance plots in RPGs. Gamers of all sorts: console, PC, table top: volition all appreciate this story. I strongly suggest this book to teen readers and anyone else that honey stories of inspiration and the forcefulness of the human spirit.

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Jun 18, 2021 Jen rated information technology it was amazing

If you lot are looking at this book, chances are you have already read or watched SAO. If you haven't, you volition want to read through the first light novels before venturing here. Otherwise you won't know what is going on! The first Progressive novel starts after the showtime month in the game (the original series starts at the very commencement and and then explains the situation, which is why you should read it first). The first book goes through the get-go and second floors.

If you have seen the anime, the

If you lot are looking at this book, chances are you take already read or watched SAO. If y'all haven't, you volition want to read through the start light novels before venturing here. Otherwise yous won't know what is going on! The first Progressive novel starts later on the first month in the game (the original series starts at the very commencement and and so explains the situation, which is why you should read it showtime). The get-go volume goes through the first and second floors.

If you have seen the anime, the first part of the volume will exist no great daze. Events unfold almost exactly every bit the anime with simply small-scale differences. The second role deals with the second floor, and was all new to me!

The characters are the same with some new additions thrown in and we get a piddling flake more story with some of the side characters we already know. Equally the author mentions in his afterword, at that place will exist some obvious deviations from the main starting time novels because of the way the outset novels were originally written. The biggest of which is Asuna and Kirito are around each other much more earlier in the game. I wouldn't accept this any other way equally Asuna is a great character and needs to exist there!

SAO continues to be one of my favorite light novels to read, and I take many more to dive into.

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I think this is 1 of the worst books I have ever read. This is for thirteen year olds and has a nude moving picture of Asuna in the bath?! That is utterly disgusting. How can anyone enjoy reading about a character who admits to being sexist towards women? I hateful he actually admits this! The prose is absolutely awful and the dialogue is fifty-fifty worse. If a character doesn't say something you don't need to have "...." every single time. Every fourth dimension a grapheme screams yous don't have to write "aaahhhhhh!" every t I think this is one of the worst books I have always read. This is for 13 year olds and has a nude picture of Asuna in the bathroom?! That is utterly icky. How can anyone savour reading about a character who admits to being sexist towards women? I mean he actually admits this! The prose is absolutely awful and the dialogue is even worse. If a graphic symbol doesn't say something you don't need to accept "...." every single fourth dimension. Every time a character screams you don't take to write "aaahhhhhh!" every time. The way the dialogue is written comes across as extremely cartoonist and immature. Information technology'south just and then stupid and the pacing is god awful, forth with how side characters are treated. The mystery with Kirito's sword was over and done with before it even really began. If it's going to be so brusk and easy to solve why feature it in the first place? It didn't even effect the plot. You could argue the blue haired knights decease was caused by information technology but it really wasn't. That dude died due to his greed and that would have killed him anyhow. Why does Asuna have to be described as and then amazingly hot all the damn time? Holy crap but stop! I want to read nigh the story not about how Asuna is simply a goddess in human being form. The earth building is also utter garbage. Permit me inquire you something how have the but people that have died, died because of the game? What about the people with no family to discover their status? What almost people with families who decided to take loved ones off of life back up out of the conventionalities that the game would never be browbeaten and that they'd never wake up?
Finally, speed in a MMORPG is non the end all be all of skills. Speed does not decide victory. Did the author do the bones amount of research virtually video games before writing an entire novel centered on them? ...more

The Progressive series goes back to the commencement. This is the first flooring of Aincrad, and nosotros see the details of Kirito'south life there, how he met Asuna and the outset of the march through the floating castle. This is SAO the style it was meant to be.

The original book had to end with the game being cleared due to existent life context i.e. a competition's deadline. So Reki Kawahara didn't have space or fourth dimension for really digging into the mechanics of the game or the relationships of the players. This volume d

The Progressive series goes back to the beginning. This is the first floor of Aincrad, and we see the details of Kirito's life there, how he met Asuna and the commencement of the march through the floating castle. This is SAO the way it was meant to exist.

The original volume had to cease with the game being cleared due to existent life context i.e. a contest's deadline. And then Reki Kawahara didn't take space or time for really digging into the mechanics of the game or the relationships of the players. This volume does both.

For case, there is the distinction between prophylactic zones in a dungeon and inns within the boondocks limits. While both are clear of monsters and allow players to residuum, the former is still an area within a dungeon. It is dimly light, the surfaces are stone-hard and the monsters tin can still be heard prowling and growling. So while a thespian can technically residuum they won't be truly rested. This tidbit is used to develop the character of our leading couple.

Kirito, the VR nerd, fully buys into the reality of Aincrad. He considers it to exist reality as far every bit solar day-to-twenty-four hours living and surviving go, and so he is surprised when Asuna tells him that she is camping ground out in the dungeon. As the academic achiever who has never touched a game before using her blood brother'southward copy of SAO on a whim, she fully rejects the reality of Aincrad. She considers everything to exist false except for sleeping, which she isn't doing much of anyway because of the camping-in-a-dungeon thing.

Thus the stage is prepare for the first of their relationship. Despite being from vastly dissimilar backgrounds, Reki Kawahara speedily draws a parallel between them. Whether information technology is competitive gamers or aggressive students, both want to reach the highest score and neither wants to fall backside their peers. There is besides mutual adoration of each other's skills. Kirito immediately compares Asuna'south agility and grace to that of a shooting star while Asuna is amazed by the finesse and efficiency of Kirito'south combat maneuvers.

Only this book is not solely about Kirito and Asuna. Reki Kawahara has other nicely adult characters to interact with them and button the plot forward.

Diavel is a set up as a analogue to Kirito, a beta-tester who is focused on surviving and scoring L.A. bonuses simply there is a cardinal difference. Diavel presents as a knight, a archetype knight in shining armor, while Kirito is totally into his solo selfish swordsman identity. Past his confidence and charisma, Diavel pulls together and leads the first flooring-boss raiding party. In dissimilarity, Kirito totally freezes upward in whatever social situation that is non pure game based (the first thing he says to Asuna is nearly monster-overkill).

Then, of course, there is Argo, the information broker with a teasing sense of sense of humor. Also a beta-tester, she contrasts the 2 boys with her dissimilar approach to the game, sneaking and spying instead of slaying monsters. She contrasts the aloof-and-proper Asuna in a like way in their interactions with others.

Back to the game mechanics now, simply one of which is the focus of the 3rd "arc" of this volume. It is the weapon upgrading system. I didn't know anyone could make reading near 2 people grinding for monster drops exciting, nor create so much suspense rooted in manipulation of a player's menu window.

Trickster Eric Novels gives "Sword Fine art Online Progressive book 1" an A+

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Jun 11, 2018 Russell Gray rated it it was amazing

I'm a big fan of Sword Art Online. While the anime was very scattered and rather speedily shifted gears into areas I was less interested in, I couldn't help but fall in love with the Aincrad arc. Despite how over one-half of the 15 or then episodes in the arc were side stories, the initial couple episodes did such a dandy task setting the hooks in me that I couldn't aid but still enjoy things.

That being said, the SAO: Progressive light novels to me stand for the story as it was meant to be told. Starti

I'm a big fan of Sword Art Online. While the anime was very scattered and rather quickly shifted gears into areas I was less interested in, I couldn't help merely autumn in dearest with the Aincrad arc. Despite how over half of the 15 or so episodes in the arc were side stories, the initial couple episodes did such a great task setting the hooks in me that I couldn't help but still enjoy things.

That being said, the SAO: Progressive low-cal novels to me stand for the story as it was meant to exist told. Starting at the beginning, working its manner through the Aincrad arc, and putting more than focus on the mechanics of the game, the characters, and the daily tribulations.

Finer points of characterization and prose aside, I remember this series represents the pinnacle of the litrpg genre for me in that the game itself takes center phase and there is rarely a decision or a plot point that isn't directly impacted by game mechanics that are described to the reader. All of the things that nearly every other litrpg doesn't do are washed here. What level is the graphic symbol and what are his skills? These things are mentioned but not detracting from the story past bloating the volume with tables and character sheets constantly. How much health does the grapheme or enemy have at various points during the battle? This is mentioned by way of a simple green, yellow, or cherry-red health bar. Nothing overly complicated, but to me kinda vital information so when the opponent dies from a item blow you lot are expecting information technology versus writer shenanigans happening.

Very few of my litrpg gripes are nowadays and virtually everything I want is present. What more tin can I ask for?

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Mar thirteen, 2020 Khari rated information technology it was amazing

I feel like an idiot.

Ha.

I was wondering why there was so much happening in this novel that I didn't remember. Considering this is a spinoff of the main series!!!

Well, not quite a spinoff, more like a properties. Side stories. Embellishments. Hard to believe a 300+ folio volume is just the embellishments of the first two episodes of the main series.

You know what the worst part is? I don't call up my library has the primary series!!! GAH! Must go do some research.

But yeah. Crawly book. Neat for fans and non f

I experience like an idiot.

Ha.

I was wondering why there was and so much happening in this novel that I didn't think. Because this is a spinoff of the chief serial!!!

Well, not quite a spinoff, more like a properties. Side stories. Embellishments. Hard to believe a 300+ page book is only the embellishments of the offset ii episodes of the main series.

Y'all know what the worst role is? I don't call back my library has the main series!!! GAH! Must go do some inquiry.

But yeah. Awesome volume. Great for fans and non fans akin.

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October 22, 2020 Zoe marked information technology every bit gave-up-on

I couldn't afterwards 3 chapters.
This is the re-edited version and information technology feels like information technology'due south still in the drafting process. Sentences just have also many adjectives, like bro, why are you giving me fuckin square meter measurements of the world. You want me to describe a map? I couldn't after iii chapters.
This is the re-edited version and information technology feels like it'due south nevertheless in the drafting process. Sentences just have too many adjectives, similar bro, why are you giving me fuckin foursquare meter measurements of the globe. You lot want me to draw a map? ...more

Jun 17, 2021 Emily Stewart rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view information technology, click here. Read this because it'due south my brother's favourite volume but it just isn't for me. Terrible writing, and pages wasted for minor scenes that do nothing for the plot. I don't see why asunas bath scene should have taken upwardly iii pages merely to tell u.s.a. that Kirito has a blooper. Pathetic Read this considering it's my brother'due south favourite book merely it just isn't for me. Terrible writing, and pages wasted for minor scenes that do nothing for the plot. I don't see why asunas bath scene should have taken upward 3 pages merely to tell u.s.a. that Kirito has a blooper. Pathetic ...more

May 27, 2021 youna rated information technology actually liked it

i want to give it 4 star arf...
just enjoy it for fun :)

Jul 27, 2015 Becca rated information technology it was astonishing

Second Read-through: March 2019
THIS WAS Withal SUPER DUPER AWESOME! xP

I actually practise honey all of the little details and game mechanics nosotros make it this lite novel serial, compared to the original. The new characters are super interesting equally well. Also - the food! I don't know why simply it really stood out to me this time around. I want to endeavour all of information technology! *grabby hands*

First Read-through: July 2015
THIS WAS AWESOME! :D

I loved this even more than than the original series! (Though that may very well be because o

2d Read-through: March 2019
THIS WAS However SUPER DUPER Awesome! xP

I actually do love all of the little details and game mechanics nosotros get in this light novel series, compared to the original. The new characters are super interesting as well. Also - the nutrient! I don't know why but it really stood out to me this fourth dimension around. I want to try all of it! *grabby easily*

Beginning Read-through: July 2015
THIS WAS Crawly! :D

I loved this even more the original series! (Though that may very well be because of how many times I've experienced the chief storyline now... Which is about v or half-dozen.) Information technology was crawly getting to see Kirito and Asuna from pretty much the very beginning of the game (in this series, Asuna reeeeeally reminds me of Taiga from the manga/anime Toradora... >>), and I really honey how much detail Reki puts into his calorie-free novels. I'm a pretty big video game lover, so I eat all the "gamer talk" and descriptions of the SAO mechanics right upward. And you get SO much more than of them in this series! ;P

I didn't realize that Reki was actually planning/hoping to write a story for every floor when I first started reading this though... I only thought there was going to be three or four volumes for some reason?! But I volition read and love ALL of those volumes, if he actually decides to practise all 70+ floors. *__*

Information technology's going to suck having to wait for all of them though... Luckily the second volume'due south out already! ;P

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Sep 30, 2015 John The Mage rated it it was amazing

I think this is a really crawly book. This book sends me into that world where the story takes identify. This book'southward is genre is probably Sci-Fi, Romance and Adventure. The book is about a 16 yr old (about) teenager chosen "Kirito"who was trapped in a game called "Sword Art Online" eith other x,000 players. He has to survive, clear the game up to the 100th floor and if a player dies in the game, well no respawn for you in game and yous dice in real life.

The story takes identify in the earth of Aincr

I think this is a really crawly book. This volume sends me into that world where the story takes identify. This volume'due south is genre is probably Sci-Fi, Romance and Run a risk. The volume is nigh a 16 year one-time (well-nigh) teenager called "Kirito"who was trapped in a game called "Sword Art Online" eith other 10,000 players. He has to survive, clear the game up to the 100th floor and if a player dies in the game, well no respawn for yous in game and you die in real life.

The story takes place in the world of Aincrad (The name of the world of Sword fine art online) where all the x,000 players were trapped when the game was released. Kirito was besides trapped and as he was a beta tester he knew most of the game merely he hasn't cleared it. He is a solo-player pregnant he plays alone with no friends any. Soon, he meets a girl similar him called "Asuna". She also is a solo-player and merely cared about clearing the ame. They make a party and go on their quest to clear all 100 floors. Volition they make it? Or not? Well, read the series and find out! This a must-read for people who like Romance and Action genres. There'due south also an anime series which is slightly unlike merely most of it is the same. And then you could go picket that also!

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May xxx, 2015 Paige rated it it was astonishing

Although the relationship betwixt Kirito and Asuna is developed a bit more than speedily than it is in the original SAO novel, I really dearest that Kawahara is retelling the story of SAO floor by floor. I felt like both in the novel and in the anime it was a chip rushed, that there was more than to this story then what we were reading/seeing. I mean to be trapped for two years in a virtual earth I couldn't help but feel similar there were more moments that could have been revealed to us to actually requite u.s.a. a large Although the relationship between Kirito and Asuna is adult a fleck more speedily than it is in the original SAO novel, I actually love that Kawahara is retelling the story of SAO floor past floor. I felt like both in the novel and in the anime it was a flake rushed, that in that location was more than to this story and then what we were reading/seeing. I mean to be trapped for 2 years in a virtual world I couldn't help but feel like at that place were more moments that could have been revealed to u.s. to really give u.s.a. a larger perspective on what it was like in there. Fighting every day to endeavour and clear each level but besides eating, sleeping and simply practically starting a new life in another globe. We don't have the nerve gear that they apply just I still tried to imagine what it would be like if I had found myself in their position and I'd like to say that I'd feel a bit like Asuna but who knows. I can't wait to buy the next volume and proceed reading most each level of Aincrad. ...more

Sep 14, 2016 Obvi_itscece rated information technology information technology was amazing

Omgs what can I say about this manga , I absolutely adore it , the way Kirito and Asuna are portrayed equally characters is actually empowering, and they just make the perfect team. They really are a piece in a pot I love the sarcasm in this manga, I for i am fluent in sarcasm lol , I accept cerise and lookout man the series, and yeah manga is style improve than the series. 1 difference I have to point out between the two is the way kirito is in the series and on the manga , in the series he'due south more of a badass, t Omgs what tin can I say about this manga , I absolutely admire information technology , the mode Kirito and Asuna are portrayed as characters is really empowering, and they just make the perfect team. They really are a piece in a pot I dear the sarcasm in this manga, I for one am fluent in sarcasm lol , I have red and spotter the series, and yes manga is manner better than the series. One difference I have to indicate out betwixt the ii is the style kirito is in the series and on the manga , in the series he's more of a badass, and so in the manga but that'southward ok because the one affair I love about kirito most as a graphic symbol is still shown in both , and that is the fact that Kirito is ane of the best if not the all-time SAO histrion in the game but he doesn't try to show off he is apprehensive most it and is merely try to help everyone to get out of this horrible nightmare of being stuck in SAO. I dear the story line this is Definitely one of my favorite manga. And of course the love story in it is bang-up. Also really love Yui. ...more

Jul 03, 2018 emily_oriley rated information technology actually liked it

So this goes into more details of the early floors that were skipped in the original story line - namely the first 2 floors. It gives a piddling more characterization for Kirito and Asuna which the first book desperately needed though it does lose a few points for retconning their relationship. We weren't told specifically how the two met in the original SAO but it was clear their relationship was way more casual than Progressive makes it announced to be. I get why the writer chose to practice it that wa So this goes into more details of the early on floors that were skipped in the original story line - namely the get-go two floors. It gives a little more characterization for Kirito and Asuna which the first book desperately needed though information technology does lose a few points for retconning their relationship. Nosotros weren't told specifically how the two met in the original SAO but it was articulate their relationship was way more coincidental than Progressive makes information technology announced to exist. I become why the author chose to do it that way (I'd have probably done the same) but it's still a retcon that cant exist explained away past saying Bilbo lied to Gandalf.

The beginning of part two is very slow so be ready for that. Otherwise, I liked the twist for the second floor dominate. Oh man, if that nonsense actually happened in an RPG I was playing, my controller would be embedded in the wall.

Bottom line, if you like SAO, you're gonna similar this.

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May xiv, 2017 Ricardo Matos rated it really liked it

This book is divided into three parts:
1st floor - 5*
Origin of the Rat - 2*
2nd floor - 3.five*

At first I considered skipping these books every bit I have read the original SAO books, but to be honest, SAOP adds a lot of earth edifice. Kirito isn't OP at this betoken, and information technology'southward interesting to see what the other players were doing and how they impacted Kirito's progress.
Also, we get some more chapters from Asuna'due south point of view which is also fresh.

And then, is it the All-time SOA book? No
Should you skip them if you read SAO

This volume is divided into 3 parts:
1st floor - 5*
Origin of the Rat - 2*
2nd floor - 3.5*

At first I considered skipping these books every bit I have read the original SAO books, only to be honest, SAOP adds a lot of world edifice. Kirito isn't OP at this point, and it's interesting to meet what the other players were doing and how they impacted Kirito'southward progress.
Likewise, nosotros get some more chapters from Asuna's signal of view which is besides fresh.

And so, is it the BEST SOA volume? No
Should you skip them if y'all read SAO? No
Is it a fun read? Totally! :D

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Hard to go a translation of these ATM, glad I read them on baka tsuki when they where there!

Dec 12, 2019 Lauren A rated it actually liked it

People effectually the world are playing the highly virtual reality game, Sword Fine art Online. The story starts off with Kirito just roaming effectually the digital fantasy lands, while in reality his body is laying on his bed. All all of a sudden, the game primary calls for anybody's attention in the game. He announces that your actions in the game count in real life. You dice in the game, you dice in real life. Taking the head fix off would be the nearly logical solution, merely unfortunately the removal of these hea People around the world are playing the highly virtual reality game, Sword Art Online. The story starts off with Kirito just roaming around the digital fantasy lands, while in reality his body is laying on his bed. All of a sudden, the game master calls for everyone's attention in the game. He announces that your actions in the game count in real life. You die in the game, you lot die in real life. Taking the caput fix off would exist the most logical solution, merely unfortunately the removal of these headsets results in instant death by electro shock. The but style to escape is if you beat the game, which was nearly impossible. Kirito plans on getting out of here by setting up raids to defeat all the bosses in the game. On the way, he meets his get-go love interest, Asuna. Throughout the story, they count on each other for survival. Who knows if pixelated worlds are the last affair they'll e'er run into.

I definitely adopt the manga to the anime considering it showed the perspective of Asuna more than it did in the anime. Information technology also included more scenes at that place weren't shown in the anime. It really showed more of Asuna's habitation life, which is a pretty big factor every bit to why she's in the game. The fight scenes were ballsy and the art was nix less than excellent. The chemistry between the 2 characters, Kirito and Asuna, was cute and made me wanna follow them along in their relationship. If you're a big video game nerd yourself, you'll definitely appreciate this manga.

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Some xvi months ago, I gave Sword Art Online Book 1 an unforgiving 2-star rating. Not an inch of regret there, information technology had a rushed story that even the author knew it - because its history. Merely I gave the series a gamble because its premise that I found interesting.

This detail serial opened in a slower step, tackling the game'due south elements little by trivial. A tertiary of the novel contained events that occurred on the starting time floor, followed by a short interlude featuring the grapheme Argo, the

Some sixteen months ago, I gave Sword Art Online Volume ane an unforgiving two-star rating. Non an inch of regret there, it had a rushed story that even the author knew it - considering its history. But I gave the series a chance because its premise that I institute interesting.

This particular serial opened in a slower pace, tackling the game's elements little past little. A tertiary of the novel independent events that occurred on the commencement floor, followed by a curt interlude featuring the grapheme Argo, then come the remaining 2-thirds - the second floor.

The second floor story tried its all-time to rest explaining the expiry game'south mechanics, while driving the plot. I accept to applaud for making farther employ of the interlude's plot within the for the latter story. A new topic opened in the story is the the dilemma of indirectly beingness the crusade of one's death, the concept of PK (role player killing) is brought up early every bit volume ane,

even foreshadowing a prominent grapheme later to be revealed.

Despite being an expansion of the first SAO story, the Progressive series a new series of its ain, equally it committed retcon. The author himself willfully also that path. Other than that, information technology made a start step of redemption for the Aincrad arc.

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Mar 10, 2021 H rated it really liked it

This review has been subconscious because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Actually enjoyed despite disliking anime series. I similar the slow pace and things explained nigh the mmo world, and the dangers and rationalization were explained better and more believable in this. Enjoyed Kirito and Asuna getting to know each other as well as defeating the outset two floors. The blacksmith Nezha's redemption and his lodge friends covering for him and choosing him over their own power/prestige/position were actually neat besides. Mysterious figure inciting PK murders was intriguing too Actually enjoyed despite disliking anime series. I like the slow step and things explained about the mmo world, and the dangers and rationalization were explained amend and more conceivable in this. Enjoyed Kirito and Asuna getting to know each other as well every bit defeating the first two floors. The blacksmith Nezha'southward redemption and his guild friends covering for him and choosing him over their own ability/prestige/position were really not bad too. Mysterious figure inciting PK murders was intriguing also and a good antagonist setup.

I do call up the players are a bit impaired, like not maximizing gear or levels more before entering the bosses when their lives are at risk (It only took Asuna and Kirito a day or two to get the Wasp items they needed to upgrade Asuna'due south weapon, so it wouldn't accept as well much longer for a full political party to slowly work through maxing out all of their gear if this holds true). Aforementioned with not maxing out all the quests in their area before rushing to the boss, but eh, I could see it possible as players being a bit dumb.

Ane hope I take is the series not getting stale/samey. The effect with beta testers and but dungeon->boondocks->boss could go samey. Simply I'll see. Still enjoyable.

Lot of fun and intend to read volume ii as well.

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Yay!

I'grand super belatedly to realizing this retrograde serial was a thing, but I'one thousand really stoked. Honestly, I think I enjoyed this more than SAO-original, simply because we finally go a more than in-depth expect at the individual floors of Aincrade. Kaiyaba was a bright, if insane, man pioneering VRMMORPG'south in the world of SAO, and so information technology's somewhat fascinating to run across more than of this world he was so fixated on creating. I also actually enjoy edgy Asuna. I hateful, is information technology merely me or does she seem a piffling more dark and

Yay!

I'chiliad super tardily to realizing this retrograde series was a thing, but I'm really stoked. Honestly, I think I enjoyed this more than SAO-original, merely because we finally get a more in-depth look at the individual floors of Aincrade. Kaiyaba was a brilliant, if insane, man pioneering VRMMORPG'south in the world of SAO, so information technology'due south somewhat fascinating to see more of this earth he was and then fixated on creating. I also really savor edgy Asuna. I mean, is information technology but me or does she seem a footling more nighttime and tortured this early on in the game than when Kirito comes upon her as the vice captain of the KotBO two years after the fact? I'm totally fine with the lilliputian inconsistencies that the original series and this i take if it ways Kirito and Asuna become to know each other earlier. Kawahara explained all this in his afterward and I think information technology's vey fair to say he knows his audience well. Anyhow! I'm off to purchase book 2! If you lot like SAO, the anime, the pic, yous'll probably like this a bunch too. You should also check out the SAO-Progressive manga, which seems to focus more on Asuna's POV.

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Sep 15, 2021 Sebastian H rated it really liked it

Reading this one was like booting up a remastered version of an old game you lot actually enjoyed in your babyhood, but now with improved graphics (better translation), qol changes (additional globe-building) and improved character building (more KiriSuna!).

The original SAO light novel, peculiarly its first book, is my favorite LN of all fourth dimension: having read that relatively slim volume half a dozen times already, this i is a refreshing take on events either untold or relatively glossed over in th

Reading this one was similar booting up a remastered version of an erstwhile game y'all really enjoyed in your babyhood, but at present with improved graphics (better translation), qol changes (additional earth-building) and improved graphic symbol edifice (more KiriSuna!).

The original SAO light novel, especially its first volume, is my favorite LN of all time: having read that relatively slim volume one-half a dozen times already, this one is a refreshing take on events either untold or relatively glossed over in the by.

The but worrying thing is that the author claims he wants to write i volume for each cleared floor of Aincrad. While that would mean at least 100 volumes to cover the whole tower (significantly retconning the events on floor 75), that ambition is kind of unfeasible at a rate of one or two volumes per yr. Even if he were to magically release i volume per month, it would mean years and years of delving in the tower... And to be frank, I'd really like him to skip ahead a few floors and meet what he has planned for floor 75 and higher up.

Merely that'south a personal nitpick every bit a fan of the series, and for now I'm glad there's more original-flavord SAO to enjoy.

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April 22, 2019 Casey rated it actually liked it

What can I say, I dear SAO (Gun Gale not as much). Whatever issues some people have with information technology... I love Kirito and Ausna and so I'thousand happy when they're together.

Progressive takes a slight twist on the original with them meeting a chip *coughing* earlier than in the original, but once more that's okay with me. This volume ends with clearing flooring 2! Because the original was floor 75 I can only imagine nosotros're in for a very long ride to retell the whole story. Only as I thoroughly enjoyed it and did not wan

What can I say, I dear SAO (Gun Gale not every bit much). Whatever issues some people have with it... I honey Kirito and Ausna and so I'm happy when they're together.

Progressive takes a slight twist on the original with them meeting a chip *coughing* earlier than in the original, but over again that's okay with me. This book ends with clearing floor ii! Considering the original was flooring 75 I can only imagine we're in for a very long ride to retell the whole story. But every bit I thoroughly enjoyed it and did not want to put it downward I'm okay with that.

Equally I'm only 7 volumes into the chief-line and then far I know juggling the ii will exist interesting. But if you are a fan of SAO and want to know more about the world and the characters then Progressive should be right up your aisle. As I didn't start with information technology my view is skewed, simply I'd say read/sentinel the original first. But I'd be curious to encounter how someone who hasn't would react.

Anyhow -- if you lot a fan -- Definite. If not, it'due south even so a fun read but I'd start with the original.

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Jun 05, 2019 Ren rated it actually liked it

An entertaining retelling of the Aincrad arc from the original light novel series. Sometimes it goes into over-explaining certain plot elements, that the protagonist simply happened to know. Reki Kawahara matured quite much equally a author ever since his start take on the SAO franchise, in web novel form which reflects in the massive deviation of storytelling. The only grapheme who is a little different from the original (I just cannot remember if she was really like this in the core series) is the ma An entertaining retelling of the Aincrad arc from the original light novel series. Sometimes it goes into over-explaining certain plot elements, that the protagonist just happened to know. Reki Kawahara matured quite much as a author ever since his first accept on the SAO franchise, in web novel form which reflects in the massive departure of storytelling. The only character who is a little dissimilar from the original (I but cannot remember if she was really like this in the core series) is the main heroine/honey interest Asuna. She is more of a tsundere in this series, a character archetype I cannot fathom.
If you lot plant the arc interesting, and you lot had a lingering wish that Reki wouldn't take rushed through it, then yous are gonna enjoy it. However, information technology has to be noted that it is still Sword Art Online. ...more

January 12, 2021 fall rated information technology it was astonishing

I genuinely don't intendance virtually your feelings on the anime, because I dear it. I read the first SAO light novel and enjoyed myself about as much as I did watching the anime. I just honey Kirito and Asuna. The thing about this novel is, it adds so much more to the story and deepens my love for the world and characters. I'thou glad that the author decided to write the story how he wanted to write it despite conflicting with the original story.

I really enjoyed the fourth dimension I spent reading this book and tin'

I genuinely don't care virtually your feelings on the anime, considering I love it. I read the first SAO calorie-free novel and enjoyed myself near as much equally I did watching the anime. I merely love Kirito and Asuna. The affair about this novel is, it adds and so much more to the story and deepens my love for the world and characters. I'm glad that the author decided to write the story how he wanted to write it despite alien with the original story.

I really enjoyed the time I spent reading this volume and can't wait to delve into the next book. Getting to know the characters that are present in the anime more than deeply and knowing the day-to-mean solar day that goes on in each private floor is more than I could inquire for as a fan of the anime. Cheers for writing this book and series!! I can't wait for the movie to come out!

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Aug 29, 2020 Laura Adler rated it it was amazing

This review has been subconscious because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What can I say, equally a fan of the anime and the light novel, I didn't realize that not merely did I want to the read the Progressive novels but that I needed to. Reading the first ane of them has awaken feelings that were sleeping since reading the first SAO novel of them all.

Although knowing until some point what the end upshot is, it is really entertaining to read virtually the frst days of Asuna and Kirito, despite of changing some things from the original source, just as the writer states, he had to

What can I say, as a fan of the anime and the light novel, I didn't realize that non only did I want to the read the Progressive novels just that I needed to. Reading the first one of them has awaken feelings that were sleeping since reading the start SAO novel of them all.

Although knowing until some point what the terminate result is, it is really entertaining to read about the frst days of Asuna and Kirito, despite of changing some things from the original source, but equally the author states, he had to do it, and honestlt I don't care. Moreover, this is the way how it should be. It is really hearwarming coming back to Aincraf and feel once more what these characters are siffering being trapped inside the game and how they met each other, and how they evolve personally. Honestly, since Fairydance I was missing this Asuna, who is no longer a damisel in distress only who is growing up and who will become the 2nd in comand of The Claret Knights at some point in the story.

At present I am just hopping that we will manage to achieve the 75th flooring in the Progressive novels.

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Aug 07, 2020 Chris rated it it was ok

I similar the artwork, story is not to bad besides. I like the new characters, boss fights, quests and flooring outline. It's the constant man-bashing Kirito and making Asuna a mary sue I deceit stand up. Kirito is treated like her servant or her lesser and for no reason at all Kirito worships the ground that Asuna walks on. Asuna Constanly belittles, threats and attacks Kirito through out this novel. They have alter the dynamics of the ii main character style to much. Makes reading this serial not so enjo I like the artwork, story is not to bad as well. I like the new characters, boss fights, quests and flooring outline. Information technology's the constant homo-bashing Kirito and making Asuna a mary sue I cant stand. Kirito is treated similar her servant or her lesser and for no reason at all Kirito worships the ground that Asuna walks on. Asuna Constanly belittles, threats and attacks Kirito through out this novel. They accept modify the dynamics of the two master grapheme mode to much. Makes reading this series non and so enjoyable. ...more

May 28, 2018 H. rated it really liked it

This is like reading a volume with my xiv-twelvemonth-old self. It'due south juvenile in parts, merely that makes it fun, too. Sure Kirito'due south deed gets wearisome and Kawahara would've been better served continuing the third-person perspective from the first role.

This is for anyone who read through the Wikipedia plot of a video game rather than play information technology. It's for anybody who enjoys the rules created in world building.

It was and then fun driving back into a world from my babyhood. Experiencing it again only in an entirely different formant with slightly unlike story.

I like how there was a big focus on the virtual reality/game side, actually delving deep at that place.

Kirito is such a nerdy 14 year quondam, what a dork. Also totally in love with Asuna but is utterly oblivious. While Asuna can see through his dumb aura, & completely loves him back, in her ain special way.

Kawahara Reki (川原 礫) is the writer of Sword Art Online and Accel World. He also uses the pen name Kunori Fumio. His hobby is cycling.

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