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Sword Art Online (Novel)  
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Description
The year is 2022. Mankind has finally perfected virtual reality. And within the VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) Sword Art Online, there was a player called Kirito. While he was enjoying the world of SAO, he and the other 10,000 logged-in players all received a frightening message from the Game Master—that the only way to escape from that world was to clear the game, and that a game over within the game would mean their death in the real world.

That was the frightening true story behind this game.

Kirito was one of the first players to accept this “truth”, and began his solo play, refusing to form a party, as he threw himself into the never ending battles that lay before him…

Type
Novel

Related Series
Sword Art Online - Aincrad (Spin-Off)
Sword Art Online - Fairy Dance (Spin-Off)
Sword Art Online. (Spin-Off)
Sword Art Online: Progressive (Novel) (Spin-Off)

Associated Names
Искусство меча онлайн (ранобэ)
ソードアート・オンライン
刀剑神域 (小说)
S.A.O.

Groups Scanlating
Baka-Tsuki
Unlimited Novel Failures

Latest Release(s)
v.11 c.Author's Notes by Baka-Tsuki (67d ago)
v.11 c.6 by Baka-Tsuki (70d ago)
v.11 c.Interlude III by Baka-Tsuki (88d ago)
Search for all releases of this series

Status in Country of Origin
12 Volumes (Ongoing)

Completely Scanlated?
No

Anime Start/End Chapter
Starts at Vol 1, Chap 2

User Reviews
N/A

Forum
4 topics, 32 posts
Click here to view the forum

User Rating
Average: 8.9 / 10.0 (381 votes)
Bayesian Average: 8.74 / 10.0
10
 61% (231 votes)
9+
 18% (69 votes)
8+
 7% (25 votes)
7+
 4% (16 votes)
6+
 3% (12 votes)
5+
 1% (2 votes)
4+
 1% (4 votes)
3+
 1% (5 votes)
2+
 0% (1 votes)
1+
 4% (16 votes)

Last Updated
May 11th 2013, 12:30am PST

Sponsored Links
Game advertisements by <a href="http://www.game-advertising-online.com" target="_blank">Game Advertising Online</a> require iframes.

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Genre
Action  Adventure  Drama  Fantasy  Mystery  Romance  Sci-fi  Shounen 
Search for series of same genre(s)

Categories

Category Recommendations (beta!)
Sword Art Online - Fairy Dance (weight: 230.43)
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (Novel) (weight: 218.28)
Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko (Novel) (weight: 207.12)
Sword Art Online - Aincrad (weight: 206.43)
1/2 Prince (weight: 204.05)

Recommendations

Author(s)
KAWAHARA Reki

Artist(s)
abec

Year
2009

Original Publisher
ASCII Media Works

Serialized In (magazine)
N/A

Licensed (in English)
No

English Publisher
N/A

Activity Stats (vs. other series)
Weekly Pos #598 increased(+54)
Monthly Pos #777 increased(+17)
3 Month Pos #480 decreased(-190)
6 Month Pos #346 decreased(-230)

List Stats
On 1553 reading lists
On 765 wish lists
On 25 unfinished lists
On 282 custom lists

Note: You must be logged in to update information on this page.

Forum Posts
want to start the novel, need answers to a few questions 78 days, 17 hours, 31 minutes ago
Question about Volume 3 206 days, 9 hours, 39 minutes ago
Do you think it's actually possible? 259 days, 1 hours, 29 minutes ago
The main story from volume 1 751 days, 10 hours, 59 minutes ago

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User Comments [ Order by time added ]
 

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avatar
 Disagreement and Warning   
Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
by Sorcha
March 14th, 2012, 12:54am
Like kiari7!!!, I've also read Yu Wo's novel and The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor, and think that Asuna is shallow compared to other character, especially when compared to Sinon (or maybe it just because I worship Kirito x Sinon pairing)

However, I can't agre with one thing. SAO is not, in any way, boring. It is true that SAO is not as funny as 1/2 prince (remembering that SAO, unlike 1/2 Prince, isn't a comedy genre), but you could actually relate to character in SAO. I wouldn't explain how good is SAO, because there's already tons of comment that explain how awesome SAO was in a better and easier to understand way than what I could ever type.

As for the reason why Kirito feel guilty about becoming beta tester, it was explained later in the story, and explained further in SAO: Aria.
Current fav arc: Aincrad (first volume) and Phantom Bullet (5th and 6th volume)

Warning: This novel could make the reader didn't move from the computer (even for final examination preparation, (or maybe it just me who's lazy)), addiction, and constant daydreaming about SAO.

... Last updated on July 14th, 2012, 7:20am
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avatar
 [Holodeck Malfunction + Win To Exit] done right.   
Rating: 8.0 / 10.0
by Yousuke
June 14th, 2010, 8:00pm
VOLUME 1 "(8/10)":
I'm serious. I was quite surprised with the first volume.
The concept itself isn't new (see .hack//, Detective Conan Movie, Yu Gi Oh, Digimon just to name a few). But compared to those I'm very pleased with the scientific approach behind S.A.O.. It's way more probable than the likes of .hack and co. It's one of the best and more importantly BELIEVABLE 'stuck in a virtual reality' kind of stories I've read or seen so far. That alone is reason enough to give this a try.
Add a very interesting Virtual Reality MMORPG, a not so transparent plot, and a quite balanced cast. The result is known as Sword Art Online.

[Characters]
I have to disagree with Astral100 on this one.
IMHO Kirito is a great fit. He has alot of insecurities, etc etc. TRUE. But that also has a reason. While I'm usually not a fan of this type of protagonist in this case the plot depicted a very withdrawn and unsociable kind of teenager who finds refuge in gaming. That's what makes him a hardcore gamer, it's also ironically the source of his strength (being a hardcore gamer/betatester has allowed him to reach a very high level).
Another thing that makes him interesting is that he's one step ahead of the reader at all times. Mainly by withholding information from the reader, but also because the plot is driven by conclusions he draws. Making the plot less predictable.

[Plot]
I won't go into detail. A great read.
If there's one thing I didn't like it's the intermission. You'll know when you get there.
All the suspense was gone, and while you might argue this was a good break - literally 'the calm before the storm' - I would've preferred another approach.


VOLUME 2-4:
I haven't finished Volume 2 yet, but so far it was a bittersweet disapointment. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it plenty. But it's basically fanservice. Sidestories of Kirito meeting girls who end up falling for him. The characters were lovely, and I do realize that the events of volume 2 are important for the following arcs. However all things considered the events are superfluous and don't advance the story. It's merely there to satisfy the readers with fanservice and it lives out the glory created by the prequel. It's certainly nice in a way, but I have mixed feelings about it. "(5/10)"

ALfheimOnline (ALO) the successor of VMMORPG SAO and the second arc of the story (Vol 3-4). I'll give it to you straight. It's nowhere near as good or interesting as the first volume. At times it was somewhat irritating even. Damsel in Distress is bad enough as it is (I hate those..) now add a very unpleasant and boring villain and a protagonist who apparently turned into a moron. The previous calmness and intelligence he showed at times that made the plot less predictable is now replaced by impulsiveness. The story is no longer unpredictable. In the end this arc turned into a mediocre .hack// clone. "(5/10)"

VOLUME 5-6:
So far GunGaleOnline (GGO) has been the best arc since volume 1. I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's the thrill of anticipation you get from reading the beginning of a potentially interesting story. I can't wait to read more. (Currently @ v.5 ch.5) "(7/10)"

... Last updated on October 19th, 2011, 9:40am
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avatar
 really good   
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
by swiftstrike
January 16th, 2010, 4:30pm
A nice way to put MMORPG's into a more "real life" setting (lol but if that happened that would be sad)
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 Keep the SAO train rolling!   
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
by Meatbunz
May 16th, 2011, 9:45pm
Volume 1 is truly a masterpiece in my eyes.
Like many have said before, the idea of getting stuck in a video game is not new itself. However, KAWAHARA Reki refines the idea making it truly unique. The story is focused on "gaming" but really, the "video game" aspect is only a flavor into what SAO truly stands is, a story of human interaction.

The way the story unfolds actually makes you believe "Yes this can happen", as shmigelpuf says "the story has a perfect balance of action, adventure, and romance".

The main character main seem like an archtype to some typical protagonist, but as you read further, you get to know the protagonist, you get to understand his thought, his actions, his feelings, and brings the story much more alive.

Read this, give it a chance, you will not regret it.

Oh and as darn2k mentioned, Volume 3 and 4 are one story, one arc and only combined do they equal the length of Volume 1. You have to read both to get a good picture and idea of the overall story.

To help the confusion for new readers

Volume 1-Arc #1
Volume 2-Before/In Between Arc #1
Volume 3- Arc #2
Volume 4-Arc #2
And so on

... Last updated on May 16th, 2011, 9:50pm
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avatar
 really liked it   
Rating: N/A
by Ryougishikifan
January 16th, 2010, 10:49pm
Really does make me look MMORPG's a little different as i really like the fact that the game in this novel doesnt use the characteristic magic that are in almost every RPG and in EVERY MMORPG. Which would make partying incredibly less efficient at surviving than playing solo as Kirito does.

... Last updated on January 25th, 2010, 4:10pm
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 The first volume was amazing but the story should have ended there   
Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
by claudiofd
May 2nd, 2011, 10:51am
I read through the first volume pretty quickly and was amazed by how good everything was. The pace was good. Even when the main story was sort of "on hold" while going through the romantic scenes it was so good. Those scenes end up being very important because only by reading through them do you manage to understand and value their relationship.

Another thing I loved was the philosophic questions behind their situation. I clearly remember a scene where asuna and kirito are talking and she says something like: If we are here and our hearts are here and if we are living and feeling these emotions, isn't this reality in itself? Now that was beautiful and I totally agree. They were in the game for 2 years. They laughed, cried and suffered in game. Looking at that as just an imitation of reality based in lie is wrong. That was reality.

Then the amazing unpredictable end of the 1st volume left me with my heart beating faster than normal and all I could think was "What the hell? How will this endconfused". Then I skipped the 2nd volume right to volume 3 because I honestly couldn't wait to get some closure to that cliffhanger.

And volume 3 has been a big disappointment so far. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It's just that after that amazing 1st volume I was expecting something equally amazing. Spoilers ahead so be careful. The new world isn't working for me and so aren't the new characters. Also the fact that it seems like it's gonna take a while to see the girl again is pissing me off. Then the whole conspiracy in the real world sounds dumb. He is going to marry a girl who is in a coma? You can do that in Japan? And her dad is all for it. Damn...

Concluding. Read it. Read the first volume and continue only if you really love it. Especially if you like MMOs or even fantasy as a whole you'll have a blast.
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 Amazing   
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
by FrostLord
December 29th, 2010, 12:21am
I have always been a fan of VRMMORPG type manga/games/novels/etc, and when I read this I immediately enjoyed the plot and the main character. I'm especially liking the world it takes place in and the characters that surround him. More recently I'm loving volume 2 with the Scilica and Lizbeth chapters and hold high expectations for more releases. I also began looking into the manga that has been released recently and I think highly of how it will progress. Baka-Tsuki I thank your group for releasing this along with all your other projects. Keep up the good work and please continue to release more chapters of SAO.

... Last updated on December 29th, 2010, 12:23am
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 @_@ epic win!!! then meh. .   
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
by shmigelpuf
April 27th, 2010, 4:37am
This is really a good novel. . it surprised me when i first started reading it. . the way the author made it seem more realistic in a sense that they were really living in a different world that one can only see in one's dreams. . in just the first few chapters i was drawn in. no... i was captivated by it. . the story has a perfect balance of action, adventure, and romance. . though it was a bit ahm. . alarming when i read chapter 16.5.. of volume 1. all in all its a good novel even if I've only read the 1st volume i think the next volumes would still be as great!

(edit) um. . just read vol 1 and 2. . it should have just ended there. . other volumes are meh. . why meh you ask? its like it shifted from epic seinen to shounen. . and the fact when you die in sao you die in real life disappears in the later volumes for me makes it feel that its lost its unique feel and magic. . so yeah the other volumes are meh. . @_@

(Edit) It seems i misjudge the latter volumes. . The fact is i just didn't like the fairy dance arc. . it was just boring and very cliche shounenish. . the following arcs improved a bit and now. . i am loving the alicization arc. . hope it maintains this level of polish. .

... Last updated on March 20th, 2013, 3:56am
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 Torn   
Rating: N/A
by Grienson
August 31st, 2012, 6:25pm
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
I came upon this novel by a chance and fell in love right away, the main reason being that I'm a gamer and have wished for virtual reality games for a long time. The romance aspect of a single pairing with no interference of a harem was also very attractive to me.

With that said, I read through the first 2 volumes at an astonishing rate and absolutely loved it. I like loner characters like Kirito and when he later finally got together with Asuna I was delighted, the getting together part was a bit hurried I think, but overall it was an awesome novel.

After reading the first two volumes I was curious what happened to Asuna so I continued reading. I was shocked by how much the main character changed from the first arc, it's obvious he would change after his experiences in SAO, but not this much - an introverted, gloomy loner became a cheerful and carefree playboy.
Another disappointment came with the introduction of a new heroine madly in love with Kirito and the first hint of a possibility of a harem, but because of the situation Asuna found herself in he didn't pay any attention to it so it was still ok.

With a lot of skepticism, hoping it would improve, I moved on to GGO arc. How great was my disappointment when I found out Kirito not only further developed his horrible character from ALO (with the hint of a brat and a crybaby) but also became a womanizer with a "soft spot for beauties" as the author himself describes. After finishing half of this arc I decided to stop reading this novel for good.

As a final verdict I have to say that this novel should have ended with the first arc and it would absolutely deserve a rating higher than 9/10, the way it is now however I'm so disappointed with it that I won't even rate it.
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 Amazing   
Rating: 8.0 / 10.0
by caitnap
July 21st, 2012, 11:52pm
I am totally absorbed, I can re-read this book everyday and still enjoy it O.o
Guilty that I don't put this book down except doing daily need when I 1st started until i read all avaiable volumes.

It scored the highest rating I ever give, I never give 10 to anything, so 9.5 is the highest.
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