Sword Art Online 27: Unital Ring VI

Sword Art Online #27

by Reki Kawahara, Stephen Paul (Translator), abec (Illustrator)

After two hundred long years apart, Kirito has finally been reunited with Ronie and Tiese, as well as Alice’s younger sister, Selka! But Kirito’s face is not the one they’re most shocked to see... Commander Eolyne Herlentz of the Integrity Pilothood bears a striking resemblance to Eugeo, a likeness that deals a heavy blow to the hearts of the reawakened women. But before they can process their emotions, the call to arms sounds once more. Protectors new and old of the Underworld will have to fight side by side to repel this fresh threat! And not to be outdone, the party back in Unital Ring reaches the second tier and launches into their next major encounter!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga, Young Adult, Science Fiction

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[slugbiscuit · Rating 3 out of 5]

So we continue our concurrent story lines in the Underworld and Unital Ring this volume. Kirito has to rush between them in order to be a viable participant. Honestly, I am a lot more interested in the Underworld plot, as it feels more significant and it has yet to be shown that they tie together. Sadly we leave off on a cliffhanger in the end. Not sure how many books are planned for this arc and my understanding is that it’s the last, so I guess the author is trying to make Progressive relevant while he can. It was fine; I just wish we weren’t bounced back and forth.

[Tuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

With major battles in both worlds, Kirito finds himself tugged between the underworld and the world of unital ring. I find both worlds vastly compelling which makes it difficult to try to choose a favorite. Though, probably, the happenings in the underworld are a bit more intriguing considering the potential implications with some otherworldly invader pulling the strings and the mystery of Eolyne. On the other hand, the world of Unital Ring gets the videogamer inside of me excited to see what the potential endgame is and the mystery at the center of the world. It is interesting seeing how Kawahara balances the town building simulation aspects to the adventuring and trailblazing aspects.

Overall this was a fantastic volume that leaves me begging for more. The final pages had Kirito doing as Kirito does but to his friend and partner Eolyne reminding me of the best parts of SAO Alicization and I loved it a lot. Really cool.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, things are kinda getting back on track, after a couple of less enjoyable volumes! We had an interesting mystery hinted at: will a certain NPC from the progressive novels be making an appearance? That’s about the most exciting part of the novel tbf 😩

[Eldon Siemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book, but too many active threads competing for the reader's time and attention

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
I need more Underworld action.

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very excited/anxious to see how everything turns out. I can confirm there will be a book 28.