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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Likely considered the gold standard for video-game isekai light novels, Sword Art Online presents an interesting premise buried under heaps of cliché. At its core is a question of the meaning of human lives in virtual realities, and while it isn't anything that cyberpunk hasn't already tackled, the light novel makes a faithful attempt to inspect human emotion--and especially human needs for an emotional connection to friends and partners in life--through virtual reality.
The conclusion, for example, is one of the best representations of the virtual world bleeding into our consciousness about the real world, as the protagonist agonizes over the loss of his VR partner and goes to seek her out in the real world. Its depiction of his emaciated body, the neglect suffered through a sadistic trick central to the novel's plot, is also one I haven't seen in too many other similar novels. It hits some beats that manage to stick the emotional core of the book, and also delivers some interesting twists along the way in what would certainly make for a compelling plot-driven anime.
Unfortunately, the book is ultimately held back by its rather unfortunate sexual politics. Like most other light novels, it just can't help but fall into cliché regarding its one female character. It's not likely as egregious as Ernest Cline's unfortunate sexual politics, but it does grow tiresome that the one female character depicted in the story is often relegated to being the sole motivation of the male protagonist, or largely defined by her sexual appeal or her abilities in traditional homemaking.
Mileage will vary as to whether or not the sexist problems of the novel are a dealbreaker, and while I don't think the problems are nearly as bad as in other light novels I've read or encountered, I still resent that these stories can't be a bit more progressive in their sexual politics than they are. I know it is more an issue with the culture of Japan than anything else, but the clichés that continue to resonate throughout much of Japanese popular literature are still a distasteful burden that drag down what should otherwise be a lot more enjoyable.
The conclusion, for example, is one of the best representations of the virtual world bleeding into our consciousness about the real world, as the protagonist agonizes over the loss of his VR partner and goes to seek her out in the real world. Its depiction of his emaciated body, the neglect suffered through a sadistic trick central to the novel's plot, is also one I haven't seen in too many other similar novels. It hits some beats that manage to stick the emotional core of the book, and also delivers some interesting twists along the way in what would certainly make for a compelling plot-driven anime.
Unfortunately, the book is ultimately held back by its rather unfortunate sexual politics. Like most other light novels, it just can't help but fall into cliché regarding its one female character. It's not likely as egregious as Ernest Cline's unfortunate sexual politics, but it does grow tiresome that the one female character depicted in the story is often relegated to being the sole motivation of the male protagonist, or largely defined by her sexual appeal or her abilities in traditional homemaking.
Mileage will vary as to whether or not the sexist problems of the novel are a dealbreaker, and while I don't think the problems are nearly as bad as in other light novels I've read or encountered, I still resent that these stories can't be a bit more progressive in their sexual politics than they are. I know it is more an issue with the culture of Japan than anything else, but the clichés that continue to resonate throughout much of Japanese popular literature are still a distasteful burden that drag down what should otherwise be a lot more enjoyable.
If you liked the anime, you’ll like this. Has the same things I liked, some of the things I disliked, and a big thing I really disliked was gone. So I may pick up the next one, we will see. I was hoping it would have a little more depth, but maybe the later ones do!
This was the book that later began a now extremely popular anime of the same name.
I read this, specifically because I wanted to read a Japanese "Light" Novel, and thought this would be a good one to start with.
If you have seen Sword Art Online, this book adds very little to the story you already know. It follows the same exact story and progression as the anime, with much of the dialogue even the same.
The book does cut out many of the parts of the anime I despised, like the terribly annoying A.I. the Kirito and Asuna "adopt". It also gives very little information on the early part of the game, jumping right into the end game.
The writing style is quick, action packed, and filled with some interesting description. It was a fast and easy read, that was fun, but not particularly artful.
Much like the actual anime, Asuna and Kirito's relationship at times is VERY cheesy, but at least cute. The actions scenes are evocative and well described.
This would be a great way to be introduced to the series, as it cuts the garbage the anime adds. But if you have already scene the anime, unless you are looking the experience the anime in a different format it doesn't add much.
I read this, specifically because I wanted to read a Japanese "Light" Novel, and thought this would be a good one to start with.
If you have seen Sword Art Online, this book adds very little to the story you already know. It follows the same exact story and progression as the anime, with much of the dialogue even the same.
The book does cut out many of the parts of the anime I despised, like the terribly annoying A.I. the Kirito and Asuna "adopt". It also gives very little information on the early part of the game, jumping right into the end game.
The writing style is quick, action packed, and filled with some interesting description. It was a fast and easy read, that was fun, but not particularly artful.
Much like the actual anime, Asuna and Kirito's relationship at times is VERY cheesy, but at least cute. The actions scenes are evocative and well described.
This would be a great way to be introduced to the series, as it cuts the garbage the anime adds. But if you have already scene the anime, unless you are looking the experience the anime in a different format it doesn't add much.
I don't really know how I feel about this one.
There is almost zero character development, and the romance is fairytale-level instalove.
BUT, it was so. much. fun. Everyone is adorable, SAO the game sounds incredible and I really want to play it. The infrastructure and setup of the game are where the writing shines, immersing you in the world with the characters. There was quite a bit of humor as well. And despite the instalove, this hardened cynic found herself rooting for Kirito and Asuna to have their happy ending, which was impressive.
So, if I am being honest, it's 2 stars, but for sheer enjoyment, I'd say 4.5. Ultimately, I prefer the anime, but this was a fun vacation read, and quite charming.
There is almost zero character development, and the romance is fairytale-level instalove.
BUT, it was so. much. fun. Everyone is adorable, SAO the game sounds incredible and I really want to play it. The infrastructure and setup of the game are where the writing shines, immersing you in the world with the characters. There was quite a bit of humor as well. And despite the instalove, this hardened cynic found herself rooting for Kirito and Asuna to have their happy ending, which was impressive.
So, if I am being honest, it's 2 stars, but for sheer enjoyment, I'd say 4.5. Ultimately, I prefer the anime, but this was a fun vacation read, and quite charming.
I really enjoyed it having watched the anime first, I don't know what the experience would be like otherwise. It's nice having extra little details, and the story doesn't vary a lot from the anime.
The novel was what I expected. It was missing things, but they were all in book two. I was not disappointed in it. The anime was faithful.
The storylines seemed rushed, but once I read the authors note, I understood that it was written for a competition. That's why the author started writing the progressive series, which will be the detailed adventures floor by floor.
The storylines seemed rushed, but once I read the authors note, I understood that it was written for a competition. That's why the author started writing the progressive series, which will be the detailed adventures floor by floor.
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was really somewhere between 2 and 3 stars for me. But, I gave it three because I did enjoy the book, and I loved the concept. The characters tended to be a bit wooden, the whole story was rushed, it was a bit clumsy all around. Part of those problems are tied up in translation issues, I think, and the fact that the author is an avid gamer first and foremost(If you're looking for a writing genius, look elsewhere). Technical skill is not his forte, but he makes up for lack of that with loads of enthusiasm for his subject. Overall, it was a fun story that embraced every video game cliche and classic hero fantasy trope, but did it so cheerfully it wasn't annoying.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated