Sword Art Online Progressive 5 (light novel) (Volume 5) Paperback – Illustrated, November 13, 2018

I'm an unironic SAO fan, for all that the series in its various incarnations has flaws worth talking about. "Progressive" occasionally dips into annoying harem-light-novel-trope shenanigans (the only time that ever got a chuckle out of me was when it turned out Asuna's inventory was full of panties because she was leveling her Tailoring skill on the side—genuinely funny gamer humor, that) but is otherwise fun and does a lot with the untapped aspects of the original Aincrad concept from the mainline Volume 1 one-shot and associated short stories.It helps that Reki Kawahara had more experience as a light-novelist by the time he started writing these. Genuinely good series so far, although it updates at a glacial pace with Kawahara's attention divided between it, the mainline series, and the other stuff he works on. Still: worth a read. This is where Sword Art Online's potential is, very slowly, being realized.

The theme of the new floor is puzzles, frustratingly enough, and it causes a bit of a slow start as the author dedicates to spending more time with description than action. But it fleshed the story out better and I enjoyed it. Plus, we see more of the PKers, who snatched me right to edge of my seat in this book. Running off to get the next book now!

Each book captivates my attention. This volume is no different and i can wait to pick up the next! Here's to tomorrow.

The moment we have all looked forward to with both anticipation and dread is fast approaching; when our two protagonists either acknowledge thier feelings for each other or walk away. I hope some compromise can indeed be reached. That aside, the story is terrific. Just when I think I know whats happening next I get another shock and twist. More more more!

Another good installment.I'm not worried yet Kawahara-san you still have time before the seperation needs to happen. Right now the tension fits with what we saw in the original manga and anime.I imagine their parting is going to be painful, it's the only way to make since of the slight rough attitude Asuna had originally. But regardless I love the progressive series. It really is wonderful. I for one am injoying this floor by floor adventure!Can't wait for the next one.

My favorite part about these books is learning more about Aincrad and SAO in general. My biggest complaint is about the reading level. That being said I hope that Kawahara keeps making new volumes in this series. I like this series more than the main arc.

Great story only problem is that at the rate we are going I don’t think we will get a chance to finish the new story

This is the first book in the series I found just ok. The fact the entire floor is puzzle based leads the storyline down a very boringly descriptive path. While it still delivers some very exciting moments, overall I have to say it’s just ok. My bigger concern is part 2 of the 6th floor is an even larger book 😬