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Haruhi Suzumiya #10-11
The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya (light novel) (The Haruhi Suzumiya Series, 10)
Where Haruhi goes, trouble follows!The two storylines from The Disassociation of Haruhi Suzumiyacontinue, introducing a new inductee into the S.O.S. brigade who may be more than just the eager freshman she appears to be. As the two realities converge, the SOS Brigade learns that the new member may have the ability to bring the two story 'timelines' together... and save the world in the process. This book was originally published as two separate volumes in Japan, but the U.S. version will feature both volumes for the price of one.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
32 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Nagaru Tanigawa
152 books278 followersNagaru Tanigawa ( 谷川 流 Tanigawa Nagaru)
Nagaru Tanigawa is a graduate of the Kwansei Gakuin University School of Law. In 2003, he won Kadokawa's Grand Prize for Literary World for his work on the Haruhi Suzumiya series.
Nagaru Tanigawa is a graduate of the Kwansei Gakuin University School of Law. In 2003, he won Kadokawa's Grand Prize for Literary World for his work on the Haruhi Suzumiya series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 1, 2017
Captain's log:
31st of March, year 2017, 23 hours and 26 minutes
6 years
Still no sign of new content for the Suzumiya Haruhi series.
Hope has not been lost, re-reading procedure has been completed.
TV series also has been successfully re-watched, motion picture included.
Sanity levels decreasing, tests show that the subject was induced to watch every episode of the "Endless Eight" arc, [...]the subject enjoyed the experience.
Upon reading the afterword the subject felt bad for the author, 'keep it up buddy, you can do it' - she stated.
There are still a few short stories that can be of help, once that is over abstinence is unavoidable.
Haruhi have mercy on us all,
over and out.
All jokes aside, I love this series with every fiber of my body and I am hoping 2017 is the year that Nagaru Tanigawa rises from the ashes like a phoenix and releases a new novel... fingers crossed
please
31st of March, year 2017, 23 hours and 26 minutes
6 years
Still no sign of new content for the Suzumiya Haruhi series.
Hope has not been lost, re-reading procedure has been completed.
TV series also has been successfully re-watched, motion picture included.
Sanity levels decreasing, tests show that the subject was induced to watch every episode of the "Endless Eight" arc, [...]the subject enjoyed the experience.
Upon reading the afterword the subject felt bad for the author, 'keep it up buddy, you can do it' - she stated.
There are still a few short stories that can be of help, once that is over abstinence is unavoidable.
Haruhi have mercy on us all,
over and out.
All jokes aside, I love this series with every fiber of my body and I am hoping 2017 is the year that Nagaru Tanigawa rises from the ashes like a phoenix and releases a new novel... fingers crossed
August 25, 2014
5 stars out of 5!
Contrary to widespread belief, I do not think The Surprise is the last Haruhi Suzumiya novel. In The Observation, which is a fan book of Haruhi Suzumiya full of Noizi Ito's colorful illustrations, Tanigawa states that he plans on continuing the series after this book. So Haruhi fans, rejoice!
Anyway, onto the review. This is probably my favorite of the Haruhi Suzumiya novels so far. Aside from being humorous thanks to Kyon's deadpan snarking narrative, it is also very interesting and even suspenseful, providing lots of insight into Haruhi's powers and the future Asahina the Elder comes from (and her time traveling overall). It moreover reveals a lot of info about Yuki's powers and the entity she hails from. It even introduces the intriguing character named Yasumi, whose identity I shall not spoil.
It might be confusing since a great portion of the novel is split into two different timelines. Timeline a deals with Yasumi, while timeline b deals with Yuki's "fever" and Sasaki's mysterious powers (it is the more eventful time plane). It is all resolved by the end of this novel though, so don't worry.
The illustrations by Noizi Ito are as gorgeous as ever. Her art style has progressed a lot.
Overall, this is another great addition to the Haruhi Suzumiya canon, and it does not disappoint. If you love this series, then this book is required to be read at least once!
Contrary to widespread belief, I do not think The Surprise is the last Haruhi Suzumiya novel. In The Observation, which is a fan book of Haruhi Suzumiya full of Noizi Ito's colorful illustrations, Tanigawa states that he plans on continuing the series after this book. So Haruhi fans, rejoice!
Anyway, onto the review. This is probably my favorite of the Haruhi Suzumiya novels so far. Aside from being humorous thanks to Kyon's deadpan snarking narrative, it is also very interesting and even suspenseful, providing lots of insight into Haruhi's powers and the future Asahina the Elder comes from (and her time traveling overall). It moreover reveals a lot of info about Yuki's powers and the entity she hails from. It even introduces the intriguing character named Yasumi, whose identity I shall not spoil.
It might be confusing since a great portion of the novel is split into two different timelines. Timeline a deals with Yasumi, while timeline b deals with Yuki's "fever" and Sasaki's mysterious powers (it is the more eventful time plane). It is all resolved by the end of this novel though, so don't worry.
The illustrations by Noizi Ito are as gorgeous as ever. Her art style has progressed a lot.
Overall, this is another great addition to the Haruhi Suzumiya canon, and it does not disappoint. If you love this series, then this book is required to be read at least once!
April 7, 2024
The gargantuan conclusion to this massive story arc comes to a close and once again the title is extremely well named
I have to say I was surprised by this book. Usually big end of series story arcs tend to follow a similar pattern but this has got to be the most unique direction for a series I have ever read. Essentially Surprise continues right off of Dissociation. In fact the chapters literally start off from where Dissociation left off. I've come to understand Surprise is comprised of two novels in one to accommodate for this massive story arc when in reality Dissociation and surprise really should have been compiled into one big novel but I guess that's just a publishing issue. Haruhi Suzumiya has always played around with unique supernatural concepts in each of its stories and here the big catch is a split timeline and for the most part it's done in a really intriguing way. It's less about the concepts of probability and altering paths and more about how we each live our lives without important knowledge, information of experiences and that there's another reality where we know what the other half is like but in return don't get to experience what we already know. We are cursed to forever live half a life knowing that if fused we could make more informed choices. It's kinda the crux Kyon is at.
First off the opening chapter with the return of Asakura and the battle with Kuyoh was frickin awesome. With the heavenly canopy dominion looming over him in the Beta world and threatening Nagato he has to seriously consider a reality where Sasaki may be God and what that would entail. It's really bold of Taniga Nagaru to write a more pensive introspective story for his major story arc rather than an action packed one. We get these really amazing exchanges of dialogue between Kyon and Sasaki, these two ex kindred spirits who would constantly think and ponder on the outer self, asking the bigger questions and pondering on topics that go beyond the existential. In a way this entire story arc started due to a chance reunion between Kyon and Sasaki. Kyon must choose between his old kindred spirit and his new one. My major complaint here is that Surprise volume 1 or the first half is maybe just a bit too slow. Although intriguing it really does drag and maybe is a tad too indulgent in its pages long of monologues and existential philosophy. The messaging tends to get to complex for it's own good that It slowly started to lose itself to the stagnation. However volume 2 or the second half really saved the entire thing and was in fact very very good.
The second half is where it really gets going and where everything starts to click. More specifically because of the alpha timeline. This timeline has very little to do with Sasaki and the heavenly canopy dominion and instead feels like a traditional Haruhi Novel where she holds a bunch of useless exams to find a new recruit for the brigade from the freshmen. We also get some really great slice of life antics where Haruhi tutors Kyon. I really love how Nagaru knows exactly how to approach the awkward reserved nature of a high school boy and girl dynamic, it's not clichéd or romanticised but more subtle and relatable. I think we all felt like Kyon being very perceptive and well read despite utterly struggling in academics. Haruhi very obviously masking the fact that she deeply cares for her friends and Kyon especially and does not want him to get kicked out due to academics instead using the excuse of maintaining sos brigade etiquette is very Haruhi esque of her. I quite liked the more lax back to form nature of the alpha timeline which is exactly what the story wants you to feel, it's integral to have a storyline focused on Haruhi and Kyons relationship going in tangent with a storyline about Kyons relationship with Sasaki. What's most intriguing about the alpha timeline is the mysterious new recruit Yasumi Watahashi. And I must say everything about this character, from the foreshadowing, the introduction, the characterisation, the intrigue, the mystery, the design and especially the concept in relation to the split timeline is nothing short of brilliant. Like genuinely I am in awe of how well executed this was. Introducing a new character into any established group is a tough order but the way Nagaru prioritised the themes first with the story and the purpose of this character is why it works. The twist is so effective and no one will ever guess it on first reading.
This all converges into the conclusion which might I say was really awesome. It just about rivals disappearance in terms of an explosive final act. Eventually the timelines have to converge. My only complaint here is the Fujiwara revelation it felt tacked on and a last ditch effort to give this character a villain motivation and backstory. It didn't work for me but even the story acknowledges that it's unimportant in the grand scheme. Kyon once again putting it all on the line to save Haruhi is so well done, it's not a cheesy hero moments but the genuine instinct of a 15 year old boy who cares too much to even his own surprise. Kyon doesn't realise it but in the choice of Haruhi or Sasaki he chose himself to be the protagonist and I think that's the perfect way to go about this story. Even with the usual time travel shenanigans this story doesn't fail to make me holler, Kyon landing in Haruhi bedroom and having to con his way into not sounding like a creep is just the Kyon hijinks I've been wanting. The epilogue does a really interesting thing where many character revelations appear. Sasaki and Suzumiya were acquainted in elementary school and Haruhis presence was a big influence on Sasaki growing up, it reaffirms Sasaki being the second half to Kyons subconscious manifestations. Where Haruhi is his need for excitement, Sasaki is the introspective observer. In the end the story spells it out for us. Sasaki and Kyon are alike and opposite at the same time like this Haruhi he is the one and only person that payed attention to her and actually understood her. Where Sasaki is his past the story makes it clear Haruhi is going to be where his future stands. Kunikdas reverence for Tsurya is meant to reaffirm how we can't recognise the unknown. The entire crux of Haruhi Suzumiya and her situation as God.
I have to say I was surprised by this book. Usually big end of series story arcs tend to follow a similar pattern but this has got to be the most unique direction for a series I have ever read. Essentially Surprise continues right off of Dissociation. In fact the chapters literally start off from where Dissociation left off. I've come to understand Surprise is comprised of two novels in one to accommodate for this massive story arc when in reality Dissociation and surprise really should have been compiled into one big novel but I guess that's just a publishing issue. Haruhi Suzumiya has always played around with unique supernatural concepts in each of its stories and here the big catch is a split timeline and for the most part it's done in a really intriguing way. It's less about the concepts of probability and altering paths and more about how we each live our lives without important knowledge, information of experiences and that there's another reality where we know what the other half is like but in return don't get to experience what we already know. We are cursed to forever live half a life knowing that if fused we could make more informed choices. It's kinda the crux Kyon is at.
First off the opening chapter with the return of Asakura and the battle with Kuyoh was frickin awesome. With the heavenly canopy dominion looming over him in the Beta world and threatening Nagato he has to seriously consider a reality where Sasaki may be God and what that would entail. It's really bold of Taniga Nagaru to write a more pensive introspective story for his major story arc rather than an action packed one. We get these really amazing exchanges of dialogue between Kyon and Sasaki, these two ex kindred spirits who would constantly think and ponder on the outer self, asking the bigger questions and pondering on topics that go beyond the existential. In a way this entire story arc started due to a chance reunion between Kyon and Sasaki. Kyon must choose between his old kindred spirit and his new one. My major complaint here is that Surprise volume 1 or the first half is maybe just a bit too slow. Although intriguing it really does drag and maybe is a tad too indulgent in its pages long of monologues and existential philosophy. The messaging tends to get to complex for it's own good that It slowly started to lose itself to the stagnation. However volume 2 or the second half really saved the entire thing and was in fact very very good.
The second half is where it really gets going and where everything starts to click. More specifically because of the alpha timeline. This timeline has very little to do with Sasaki and the heavenly canopy dominion and instead feels like a traditional Haruhi Novel where she holds a bunch of useless exams to find a new recruit for the brigade from the freshmen. We also get some really great slice of life antics where Haruhi tutors Kyon. I really love how Nagaru knows exactly how to approach the awkward reserved nature of a high school boy and girl dynamic, it's not clichéd or romanticised but more subtle and relatable. I think we all felt like Kyon being very perceptive and well read despite utterly struggling in academics. Haruhi very obviously masking the fact that she deeply cares for her friends and Kyon especially and does not want him to get kicked out due to academics instead using the excuse of maintaining sos brigade etiquette is very Haruhi esque of her. I quite liked the more lax back to form nature of the alpha timeline which is exactly what the story wants you to feel, it's integral to have a storyline focused on Haruhi and Kyons relationship going in tangent with a storyline about Kyons relationship with Sasaki. What's most intriguing about the alpha timeline is the mysterious new recruit Yasumi Watahashi. And I must say everything about this character, from the foreshadowing, the introduction, the characterisation, the intrigue, the mystery, the design and especially the concept in relation to the split timeline is nothing short of brilliant. Like genuinely I am in awe of how well executed this was. Introducing a new character into any established group is a tough order but the way Nagaru prioritised the themes first with the story and the purpose of this character is why it works. The twist is so effective and no one will ever guess it on first reading.
This all converges into the conclusion which might I say was really awesome. It just about rivals disappearance in terms of an explosive final act. Eventually the timelines have to converge. My only complaint here is the Fujiwara revelation it felt tacked on and a last ditch effort to give this character a villain motivation and backstory. It didn't work for me but even the story acknowledges that it's unimportant in the grand scheme. Kyon once again putting it all on the line to save Haruhi is so well done, it's not a cheesy hero moments but the genuine instinct of a 15 year old boy who cares too much to even his own surprise. Kyon doesn't realise it but in the choice of Haruhi or Sasaki he chose himself to be the protagonist and I think that's the perfect way to go about this story. Even with the usual time travel shenanigans this story doesn't fail to make me holler, Kyon landing in Haruhi bedroom and having to con his way into not sounding like a creep is just the Kyon hijinks I've been wanting. The epilogue does a really interesting thing where many character revelations appear. Sasaki and Suzumiya were acquainted in elementary school and Haruhis presence was a big influence on Sasaki growing up, it reaffirms Sasaki being the second half to Kyons subconscious manifestations. Where Haruhi is his need for excitement, Sasaki is the introspective observer. In the end the story spells it out for us. Sasaki and Kyon are alike and opposite at the same time like this Haruhi he is the one and only person that payed attention to her and actually understood her. Where Sasaki is his past the story makes it clear Haruhi is going to be where his future stands. Kunikdas reverence for Tsurya is meant to reaffirm how we can't recognise the unknown. The entire crux of Haruhi Suzumiya and her situation as God.
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October 11, 2025Lo que, hasta hace relativamente poco, fue el final de las aventuras de la Brigada SOS. Una historia que, sin duda, se gana el título del mejor arco de Haruhi Suzumiya.
Empezando justo tras el final de La Disociación, La Sorpresa es, justo como su nombre indica, una sorpresa tras otra. Tiene un balance excelente entre momentos serios y momentos ligeros, algo que consigue con su narración tan particular. Los villanos van a por todas y la tensión se palpa en el ambiente en todo momento. La de momentazos que tiene es increíble.
No te lo explica todo, no hay un final cerrado, pero... funciona perfectamente como el fin de las novelas. No hace falta que te explique más; parte de la gracia de Haruhi es el misterio que evoca. Y el tramo final del libro plasma a la perfección el espíritu de Haruhi, así como el desarrollo de todos los personajes. Villanos carismáticos, momentazos tanto divertidos, como serios, como entrañables... ¿Qué más puedes pedir?
Ahora, si me permitís, voy a copiarme de Ame.
No puedo evitar sentir cierta Melancolía y Suspirar al saber que solo queda una novela de Haruhi con la que poder matar el Aburrimiento. Sin embargo, no es como si fueran a Desaparecer de mi vida; eso ya sería un Descontrol algo Inquietante. Dejando Conspiraciones de lado, es verdad que me Indigna no tener más novelas en el horizonte, pero intentaré no Disociar mucho por eso. ¡Quién sabe! Igual algún día Haruhi vuelve a Sorprendernos. Pero bueno, eso es solo mi Intuición.
Empezando justo tras el final de La Disociación, La Sorpresa es, justo como su nombre indica, una sorpresa tras otra. Tiene un balance excelente entre momentos serios y momentos ligeros, algo que consigue con su narración tan particular. Los villanos van a por todas y la tensión se palpa en el ambiente en todo momento. La de momentazos que tiene es increíble.
No te lo explica todo, no hay un final cerrado, pero... funciona perfectamente como el fin de las novelas. No hace falta que te explique más; parte de la gracia de Haruhi es el misterio que evoca. Y el tramo final del libro plasma a la perfección el espíritu de Haruhi, así como el desarrollo de todos los personajes. Villanos carismáticos, momentazos tanto divertidos, como serios, como entrañables... ¿Qué más puedes pedir?
Ahora, si me permitís, voy a copiarme de Ame.
No puedo evitar sentir cierta Melancolía y Suspirar al saber que solo queda una novela de Haruhi con la que poder matar el Aburrimiento. Sin embargo, no es como si fueran a Desaparecer de mi vida; eso ya sería un Descontrol algo Inquietante. Dejando Conspiraciones de lado, es verdad que me Indigna no tener más novelas en el horizonte, pero intentaré no Disociar mucho por eso. ¡Quién sabe! Igual algún día Haruhi vuelve a Sorprendernos. Pero bueno, eso es solo mi Intuición.
August 24, 2022
E finalmente chegámos ao último volume conhecido da saga! Que grande viagem!
Este livro continua directamente depois do anterior, em que temos duas coisas a acontecer ao mesmo tempo. De um lado, Haruhi encontra membros para o seu clube e todos se divertem. Do outro lado, um conjunto de pessoas tenta substituir a SOS Brigade. Qual é o verdadeiro?
Haruhi é um livro estranho, porque o nosso narrador - Kyon - não parece uma pessoa normal. Apesar de ele constantemente dizer que é normal, que é mediano, que não tem característica nenhuma, ele sabe uma série de trivia que não é fácil para um adolescente, e pelos vistos toda a SOS Brigade depende dele, como se fosse a massa que junta os membros bizarros.
Então, esta última aventura foi especialmente longa, mas penso que conclui de uma maneira simpática e até bonita. Gostaria que Kyon tivesse admitido os seus sentimentos de forma mais evidente, e que o resto das personagens tivesse tido um desenvolvimento para além das suas características básicas. Nota-se perfeitamente que Nagato Yuki é a preferida do autor, pois ela tem sempre muito mais tempo de antena que os outros.
Enfim, terminámos e eu gostava que não houvesse mais volumes, para por isto como completo no MAL. Mas foi bom enquanto durou.
Este livro continua directamente depois do anterior, em que temos duas coisas a acontecer ao mesmo tempo. De um lado, Haruhi encontra membros para o seu clube e todos se divertem. Do outro lado, um conjunto de pessoas tenta substituir a SOS Brigade. Qual é o verdadeiro?
Haruhi é um livro estranho, porque o nosso narrador - Kyon - não parece uma pessoa normal. Apesar de ele constantemente dizer que é normal, que é mediano, que não tem característica nenhuma, ele sabe uma série de trivia que não é fácil para um adolescente, e pelos vistos toda a SOS Brigade depende dele, como se fosse a massa que junta os membros bizarros.
Então, esta última aventura foi especialmente longa, mas penso que conclui de uma maneira simpática e até bonita. Gostaria que Kyon tivesse admitido os seus sentimentos de forma mais evidente, e que o resto das personagens tivesse tido um desenvolvimento para além das suas características básicas. Nota-se perfeitamente que Nagato Yuki é a preferida do autor, pois ela tem sempre muito mais tempo de antena que os outros.
Enfim, terminámos e eu gostava que não houvesse mais volumes, para por isto como completo no MAL. Mas foi bom enquanto durou.
April 17, 2023
Well, I've finally reached the last volume in the main series but there is another anthology after this so I'm not quite done yet. I've had some ups and downs with this series but I am glad that it's done. I'd started reading this series as a fan translation but I never got to complete it which is why I started buying the series in the first place. It took me quite a while to find the 9th volume (I had to wait for the reprint) and now that my collection was complete, I started reading the series from the beginning last year. I was supposed to go at the rate of one per week but the ups and downs happened so I ended up putting it aside until I was in the mood again.
May 19, 2022
And that's the end of the initial run! Kyon's We get some unanswered questions, but leaving them that way feels right, in a sense. I would have loved to see the rest of the material animated, and I feel like we never got that because of the approach the anime took with "Endless Eight." It's such a shame. The ending was strong!
The Epilogue reminds me a lot of Steins;Gate, where we see I honestly believe the ending is pretty much perfect for the series, so I'm interested to see what Intuition has in store. If the next book didn't exist, though, this would be a fine ending. I was gonna rate 4 stars because of some weak spots, but every novel has 'em, so what the hell! The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya gets 5 stars from me!
The Epilogue reminds me a lot of Steins;Gate, where we see I honestly believe the ending is pretty much perfect for the series, so I'm interested to see what Intuition has in store. If the next book didn't exist, though, this would be a fine ending. I was gonna rate 4 stars because of some weak spots, but every novel has 'em, so what the hell! The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya gets 5 stars from me!
August 3, 2019
I'm puzzled by the need the author feels to mention the name of every single character we have been introduced to in this series every two pages or so whether they are involved / relevant to the topic at hand. Ten books into the series, the readers should already know who they are, and what they can or cannot do in a given situation without having to be reminded every so often. It makes you doubt the fact that you actually liked and cared for these characters.. now they feel like they're kind of annoying.
That said, I am happy that the series has come to a conclusion and that they have started looking to the future rather than just thinking about what exploits they are going to be involved in tomorrow.
That said, I am happy that the series has come to a conclusion and that they have started looking to the future rather than just thinking about what exploits they are going to be involved in tomorrow.
October 14, 2022
What is there to say about Haruhi Suzumiya that hasn't already been said? This is an honest question, considering the sequel to this conclusion popped up only a couple years ago. While the plot of this series could continue forever in any genre, the emotional core of it all honestly wraps up right here. I am very glad I chose to reread this series over the past couple months. It really has opened my eyes to both how problematic it is and how invested I still am. While the quality is absolutely and wildly inconsistent, I have deeply enjoyed this series. The next logical step would be to read the newest book, but I think I'm going to spend some time with the spinoff mangas before I crack into it. Do I recommend these books? Not really. But I love them just the same.
June 1, 2019
Final book FINALLY!
Well its over. Having read this entire series I can say that these last two books were a complete and total waste of my time. The ending was so cliched and the author did nothing but repeat himself over and over. It seriously felt like the publisher said "we need 1000 pages, yesterday", when the author actually only had 20 pages written.
All and all it was a cute series, but not something that I will be revisiting anytime soon or that I would recommend to anyone. The whole thing did not seem very well thought out. And the way it was brought to an end with more half-baked ideas only further annoyed me. I was expecting so much more from this series.
Well its over. Having read this entire series I can say that these last two books were a complete and total waste of my time. The ending was so cliched and the author did nothing but repeat himself over and over. It seriously felt like the publisher said "we need 1000 pages, yesterday", when the author actually only had 20 pages written.
All and all it was a cute series, but not something that I will be revisiting anytime soon or that I would recommend to anyone. The whole thing did not seem very well thought out. And the way it was brought to an end with more half-baked ideas only further annoyed me. I was expecting so much more from this series.
July 13, 2019
The Surprise continues the story of The Dissociation of Haruhi Suzumiya. The world has forked into two separate timelines while Kyon was innocently taking a bath (he’d probably make a dry remark about Marat or Archimedes…) Unlike the latter, Haruhi doesn’t need a lever to move the entire universe, she just isn’t aware that she can! The final (or so it seems) instalment in the franchise, Kyon contends with an old school friend; a rival brigade comprising an alien, a time traveller and a esper; and the SOS club’s newest member, a mysterious and determined underclassman with a smiley-face barrette.
June 23, 2025
Such a satisfying ending to the branching timelines. I was so confident, cocky even, that I knew where it was going, but still got thrown for a loop. Probably the only time where deus ex machina (haruhi ex machina??) isn’t a cop out, it’s a compelling narrative choice. Now, Jess, be fair here, it’s not exactly deus ex machina if it’s been building for the last 2 (3 in original release) books before it pays off, but if god is sweeping in, as she tends to do, isn’t it just a teeeeeny bit?
Anyway, this feels like perfect end to the series! Though it’s technically not done. Pleased to have gotten through this after 15 years.
Anyway, this feels like perfect end to the series! Though it’s technically not done. Pleased to have gotten through this after 15 years.
March 19, 2014
3.75
I first read the Haruhi Suzumiya novels on a whim. Long long ago I tried reading the manga and I hated it, but after that I noticed Haruhi Suzumiya popping up everywhere. When I found out it was originally a novel series and it was available in english I decided to take a chance and read it. Then my obsessive need to read read read till the end happened so I bought vols 1-9 and read them as fast as possible. My compulsion would not let me stop, whether I liked the story or not mattered little, I had to read it right now.
But then this vol (thankfully vols 10 and 11 combined) wasn't out. I put it on hold, months passed and then finally I got it! Excited, okay no by then the compulsion to read this series was gone. It didn't help I couldn't remember who was who and frustrated I put the book down and started reading other things. Months passed, and then I couldn't stand seeing it in my currently reading shelf and started reading it again. No crazy compulsions, no expectations, I just wanted to say I'd finished it. But then something strange happened, I was no longer confused about who was who, I remembered vague references to previous novels, and I liked what I was reading. For the first time I realized I like this series, thank goodness Yenpress is the company that licensed it (I love them so).
My notes:
- One of my biggest problems was that there was no character glossary at the beginning of the book, just a page with some names and a sentence or two so I'd have some reference to who this person was in the previous novels. No big deal, eventually everything clicked, but it would've been nice to have. Especially when some of the names sound similar.
- There are two story lines. A and B (can't do the symbols). It was nice to have a break from the heaviness of B's storyline. I like to think of A as the reality where Kyon is close with the SOS Brigade, and B as the reality he distances himself from the Brigade. Both story lines where interesting and I really liked the idea, it just took some getting used to.
- Kyon is a very internal character. He's so internal it's not always obvious what he's thinking and what he's actually saying. See Kyon doesn't use "" when he talks, everyone else does, but not Kyon. Nope he thinks, a lot. And yet he's not always self reflective. He's pretty interesting and I like how much he's grown from the first book. He's still a child, gets angry at his helplessness, but he's more accepting of situations, and after everything that's happened he's become arrogant. It makes sense but sometimes I wanted someone to smack him, because his head may get too big someday.
- Sasaki, the weird girl that was Kyon's friend before Haruhi that was introduced in the previous book, she grew on me. Her character didn't take the road I expected (props to Nagaru Tanigawa for that) especially with all the hints about how much she's disappointed in the world. Of all the characters she's the most self-reflective. Her dialogue consists of her trying to explain or understand things/herself. I really liked learning from her.
- There are a lot of long winded explanations. Lots of reflection and philosophical monologues. It was fascinating.
- So grateful vol 10 and 11 were released as one book. The ending of vol 10 didn't feel like a novel end, just a chapter end so this was great.
- Despite this being a harem series, Kyon has male friends. Perhaps not as close to him as the girls are, but they exist and are given some more air time here. But now him and Koizumi seem to be getting closer. So much has happened to the SOS Brigade it was only a matter of time that Kyon and Koizumi start to become friends. I'm hopeful that there friendship will grow as the series continues.
- Not sure about the sci-fi aspects. I personally like reading sci-fi, but I have never once understood it. I just can't comprehend no matter how it's explained to me. So I have no idea if the sci-fi in this book makes sense or not, but I still enjoyed it despite that (though it did take away from the conclusion for me).
- How much of this series did the author plot out and how much did he just wing/let happen organically? Things revealed in earlier novels tend to matter in later ones, not to mention hints are given of what's to come next. I'm really curious on his writing process.
- This isn't the last book in the series, thankfully. It's just not complete yet, but there is no word on when the next book will come out (that I could find). I heard that he was writing the next book, but that was back in 2011 (the source) so who knows. I finally realized I like this series, I hope it gets the conclusion it deserves, but I wonder if the author isn't able to handle the success he's gotten because of this series?
- If this series follows the three years Kyon and Haruhi are in high school there is a long way to go. The first year consists of vols 1-8 and the beginning of year 2 consists of vols 9-11. The author has a long way to go if he follows the same format of year 1, but who knows what his plan is (as long as he doesn't rush it). Personally I want to read about their graduation. That will probably be the most poignant moment in the series, and just the idea of all the possibilities is awesome. But who knows how far into the future that will be, or if it will even happen.
I first read the Haruhi Suzumiya novels on a whim. Long long ago I tried reading the manga and I hated it, but after that I noticed Haruhi Suzumiya popping up everywhere. When I found out it was originally a novel series and it was available in english I decided to take a chance and read it. Then my obsessive need to read read read till the end happened so I bought vols 1-9 and read them as fast as possible. My compulsion would not let me stop, whether I liked the story or not mattered little, I had to read it right now.
But then this vol (thankfully vols 10 and 11 combined) wasn't out. I put it on hold, months passed and then finally I got it! Excited, okay no by then the compulsion to read this series was gone. It didn't help I couldn't remember who was who and frustrated I put the book down and started reading other things. Months passed, and then I couldn't stand seeing it in my currently reading shelf and started reading it again. No crazy compulsions, no expectations, I just wanted to say I'd finished it. But then something strange happened, I was no longer confused about who was who, I remembered vague references to previous novels, and I liked what I was reading. For the first time I realized I like this series, thank goodness Yenpress is the company that licensed it (I love them so).
My notes:
- One of my biggest problems was that there was no character glossary at the beginning of the book, just a page with some names and a sentence or two so I'd have some reference to who this person was in the previous novels. No big deal, eventually everything clicked, but it would've been nice to have. Especially when some of the names sound similar.
- There are two story lines. A and B (can't do the symbols). It was nice to have a break from the heaviness of B's storyline. I like to think of A as the reality where Kyon is close with the SOS Brigade, and B as the reality he distances himself from the Brigade. Both story lines where interesting and I really liked the idea, it just took some getting used to.
- Kyon is a very internal character. He's so internal it's not always obvious what he's thinking and what he's actually saying. See Kyon doesn't use "" when he talks, everyone else does, but not Kyon. Nope he thinks, a lot. And yet he's not always self reflective. He's pretty interesting and I like how much he's grown from the first book. He's still a child, gets angry at his helplessness, but he's more accepting of situations, and after everything that's happened he's become arrogant. It makes sense but sometimes I wanted someone to smack him, because his head may get too big someday.
- Sasaki, the weird girl that was Kyon's friend before Haruhi that was introduced in the previous book, she grew on me. Her character didn't take the road I expected (props to Nagaru Tanigawa for that) especially with all the hints about how much she's disappointed in the world. Of all the characters she's the most self-reflective. Her dialogue consists of her trying to explain or understand things/herself. I really liked learning from her.
- There are a lot of long winded explanations. Lots of reflection and philosophical monologues. It was fascinating.
- So grateful vol 10 and 11 were released as one book. The ending of vol 10 didn't feel like a novel end, just a chapter end so this was great.
- Despite this being a harem series, Kyon has male friends. Perhaps not as close to him as the girls are, but they exist and are given some more air time here. But now him and Koizumi seem to be getting closer. So much has happened to the SOS Brigade it was only a matter of time that Kyon and Koizumi start to become friends. I'm hopeful that there friendship will grow as the series continues.
- Not sure about the sci-fi aspects. I personally like reading sci-fi, but I have never once understood it. I just can't comprehend no matter how it's explained to me. So I have no idea if the sci-fi in this book makes sense or not, but I still enjoyed it despite that (though it did take away from the conclusion for me).
- How much of this series did the author plot out and how much did he just wing/let happen organically? Things revealed in earlier novels tend to matter in later ones, not to mention hints are given of what's to come next. I'm really curious on his writing process.
- This isn't the last book in the series, thankfully. It's just not complete yet, but there is no word on when the next book will come out (that I could find). I heard that he was writing the next book, but that was back in 2011 (the source) so who knows. I finally realized I like this series, I hope it gets the conclusion it deserves, but I wonder if the author isn't able to handle the success he's gotten because of this series?
- If this series follows the three years Kyon and Haruhi are in high school there is a long way to go. The first year consists of vols 1-8 and the beginning of year 2 consists of vols 9-11. The author has a long way to go if he follows the same format of year 1, but who knows what his plan is (as long as he doesn't rush it). Personally I want to read about their graduation. That will probably be the most poignant moment in the series, and just the idea of all the possibilities is awesome. But who knows how far into the future that will be, or if it will even happen.
July 25, 2018
Finally got around to finishing this series I began years ago. It meanders a bit too much, and it really didn’t need to be as long as it was, but I didn’t hate it. Overall a good conclusion to the series.
October 30, 2024
“The truth was, if Haruhi tainted people, then I’d been thoroughly contaminated for a long time, and even if I could dump paint over myself to cover it up, I had less than a Golgi body’s diameter’s worth of inclination to do so.”
December 25, 2025
2.5? I know Kyon is a bit of a rambler but I think in this book he rambled a bit too much. I got so bored that I really struggled to get through some parts. But when other people spoke more or things actually happened it was like watching new anime episodes
January 10, 2020
Good conclusion. The climax was good and promising but a little dull in writing. The explanations were not entirely satisfactory
Although there were some good surprising moments.
Although there were some good surprising moments.
February 23, 2020
What a way to end the series! Gets you all confused and then a revelation at the end...
February 11, 2023
Enough.
April 6, 2023
4 1/2 stars, I hate that the story was split between two books but I loved the story itself.
May 24, 2024
Universe A: 🌝
Universe B: 🌚
Universe B: 🌚
January 3, 2016
I have been waiting 8 years for next book to appear but no hope, so I just say f**k it and read it all, and I immediately find out why author never be able to finish it.
In this book gone the lovable protagonist(Kyon) his wittiness, sarcasm, and snark comment in this book is gone, not only that the protagonist keep saying same thing and not doing anything remarkable. In this book Kyon just whinny character that can't do anything it just keep finding excuse to stand there and do nothing, it make this entire book boring and a drag to read. I spent 2 month to finish this the reason is every time I pick it I can only read 10-20 pages before giving up.
Sure the author try to make it interesting, but let face it he's out of material, a boring protagonist that can't do anything is just a boring story. The idea is good but in the end I find no reason to make this book this long it basically just repetition and repetition and I swear it almost make me want to throw this book or just burn it. The end is quite good but doesn't justify my brain to suffer this much.
People give this book good rating but I think they just find it hard to hate what they used to love, this book start with such good character, idea, and story, yet the author failed to do something more and left this book in this state, his stubborn personality that prevent them to give significant role/power to Kyon led to this book demise.
Also why keep saying this is end of the series, it is not the end, even the author and the publishing company acknowledge that he is in hiatus, the end without any resolution or conclusion is not the ending.
In this book gone the lovable protagonist(Kyon) his wittiness, sarcasm, and snark comment in this book is gone, not only that the protagonist keep saying same thing and not doing anything remarkable. In this book Kyon just whinny character that can't do anything it just keep finding excuse to stand there and do nothing, it make this entire book boring and a drag to read. I spent 2 month to finish this the reason is every time I pick it I can only read 10-20 pages before giving up.
Sure the author try to make it interesting, but let face it he's out of material, a boring protagonist that can't do anything is just a boring story. The idea is good but in the end I find no reason to make this book this long it basically just repetition and repetition and I swear it almost make me want to throw this book or just burn it. The end is quite good but doesn't justify my brain to suffer this much.
People give this book good rating but I think they just find it hard to hate what they used to love, this book start with such good character, idea, and story, yet the author failed to do something more and left this book in this state, his stubborn personality that prevent them to give significant role/power to Kyon led to this book demise.
Also why keep saying this is end of the series, it is not the end, even the author and the publishing company acknowledge that he is in hiatus, the end without any resolution or conclusion is not the ending.
March 15, 2016
The final volume in the hit Haruhi Suzumiya series concludes the bifurcating timeline adventures that began in the preceding volume. The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya continues to split the story's action into two parts or timelines that eventually reunite in a somewhat confusing manner, though the paradoxes and confusion of time are common themes to Tanigawa's series.
The characters of the Anti-SOS Brigade and their motivations are explored more fully, and the reader gets a more detailed exploration of the world Kyon and the SOS Brigade inhabit - one where all manner of various factions, groups, and even aliens are all interested in the irascible Miss Suzumiya. Of particular enjoyment was the detailing of the relationships between the SOS Brigade's rivals and their own opinions on Haruhi. In both timelines in the novel, Haruhi is noticeably absent and thus the reader gets more time with Koizumi, Asahina, and Kyon (not to mention the Anti-SOS Brigade).
The characters are all prone to extensive monologues on their positions regarding Haruhi or their own philosophies - this is interesting but sometimes the narrative gets bogged down. Also, it is required that the reader is acquainted or has re-read recently the previous novel in the series - The Dissociation of Haruhi Suzumiya - otherwise events and characters are either unclear or unknown. This notwithstanding, the final volume is a fitting conclusion to the series even if it ends, as customary with Tanigawa, with the promise of many more adventures to come.
The characters of the Anti-SOS Brigade and their motivations are explored more fully, and the reader gets a more detailed exploration of the world Kyon and the SOS Brigade inhabit - one where all manner of various factions, groups, and even aliens are all interested in the irascible Miss Suzumiya. Of particular enjoyment was the detailing of the relationships between the SOS Brigade's rivals and their own opinions on Haruhi. In both timelines in the novel, Haruhi is noticeably absent and thus the reader gets more time with Koizumi, Asahina, and Kyon (not to mention the Anti-SOS Brigade).
The characters are all prone to extensive monologues on their positions regarding Haruhi or their own philosophies - this is interesting but sometimes the narrative gets bogged down. Also, it is required that the reader is acquainted or has re-read recently the previous novel in the series - The Dissociation of Haruhi Suzumiya - otherwise events and characters are either unclear or unknown. This notwithstanding, the final volume is a fitting conclusion to the series even if it ends, as customary with Tanigawa, with the promise of many more adventures to come.
June 13, 2014
The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya is structurally one of the odder novels I've read. The book is the second and third parts of a story begun in the previous novel, The Dissociation of Haruhi Suzumiya, and most of the story runs on two concurrent time line.
While one time line deals with the SOS Brigade searching for new recruits and largely comes off as a "life as usual" for the crew, the second follows the narrator Kyon dealing with rogue factions of the time travels, aliens and espers that have become foundations for the novel's story.
If you're familiar with the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise (either as novel or anime) I wouldn't say this particular book is world shattering, for while there are a few revelations of interest, it feels more like the wind up to a good first season than the foreseeable end of the franchise that it currently serves as. While Tanigawa technically isn't done writing the story, he hasn't done another full novel in a few years since this one was released in Japan, and "Surprise" took a few years longer than usual to come together as it is.
Still, the book is a fun romp and comes together nicely, but it is easily the longest read in the series (more so if the previous book is counted) owing to the divergent time lines which, thankfully, remain distinct and interesting enough until the events come to a head. The Haruhi novels have been nothing if not experimental in terms of what tropes to employ and when Tanigawa does (hopefully) get the series rolling again, I look forward to seeing where the SOS Brigade goes next.
While one time line deals with the SOS Brigade searching for new recruits and largely comes off as a "life as usual" for the crew, the second follows the narrator Kyon dealing with rogue factions of the time travels, aliens and espers that have become foundations for the novel's story.
If you're familiar with the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise (either as novel or anime) I wouldn't say this particular book is world shattering, for while there are a few revelations of interest, it feels more like the wind up to a good first season than the foreseeable end of the franchise that it currently serves as. While Tanigawa technically isn't done writing the story, he hasn't done another full novel in a few years since this one was released in Japan, and "Surprise" took a few years longer than usual to come together as it is.
Still, the book is a fun romp and comes together nicely, but it is easily the longest read in the series (more so if the previous book is counted) owing to the divergent time lines which, thankfully, remain distinct and interesting enough until the events come to a head. The Haruhi novels have been nothing if not experimental in terms of what tropes to employ and when Tanigawa does (hopefully) get the series rolling again, I look forward to seeing where the SOS Brigade goes next.
January 28, 2016
This is more of less my candid thoughts about the series of novels as a whole.
For the last book in a series with such a great legacy, The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya was merely "okay." Having to stretch out the final story between two (originally 3) books makes the pacing crawl at times, which makes the relatively simple and predictable plot all the more painful to endure. It didn't bring closure to the series, it simply seemed like any of the other books after Disappearance. Overall it seems as if Nagaru Tanigawa really ran out of ideas after Disappearance, which is why I'm almost glad that Kyoto Animation hasn't adapted the stories further. There were a few good short stories among the 6 post disappearance novels (Snowy Mountain Syndrome, Love at First Sight, the Melancholy of Mikuru Asahina), but most of the other stories are simply exercises in mediocrity that don't live up to the quality of the earlier works or produce anything memorable at all.
For the last book in a series with such a great legacy, The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya was merely "okay." Having to stretch out the final story between two (originally 3) books makes the pacing crawl at times, which makes the relatively simple and predictable plot all the more painful to endure. It didn't bring closure to the series, it simply seemed like any of the other books after Disappearance. Overall it seems as if Nagaru Tanigawa really ran out of ideas after Disappearance, which is why I'm almost glad that Kyoto Animation hasn't adapted the stories further. There were a few good short stories among the 6 post disappearance novels (Snowy Mountain Syndrome, Love at First Sight, the Melancholy of Mikuru Asahina), but most of the other stories are simply exercises in mediocrity that don't live up to the quality of the earlier works or produce anything memorable at all.
July 24, 2014
I can't believe it's over! This was a quite satisfactory ending, even if I had some continuing issues with the split timeline gimmick. (I liked the idea of it and was excited for the mental exercise of tracking it all! In practice it was actually kind of dull to track, because the two timelines weren't given equal weight in plotting. So much more could have gone wrong, and I wanted it to!) I read it awhile ago and don't remember much more than that.
Anyway, on the whole I really recommend the series, or watching the anime is fine too (although it doesn't go this far out in plot). This is a favorite series, and lots of fun.
Anyway, on the whole I really recommend the series, or watching the anime is fine too (although it doesn't go this far out in plot). This is a favorite series, and lots of fun.
August 28, 2016
This was much better than I initially anticipated it would be. The Dissociation was good but I felt it didn't really differentiate much between the alpha and beta timeline till the very end of the book. The Surprise continues the two concurrent storyline and eventually merges them together to create something truly fun and interesting. This is the Haruhi series at its best when its just being zany and fun. While I still think that the Disappearance is the best thing to come out of this series I would love to see Kyoto Animation do something with the rest of the light novels. Hopefully Tanigawa still has a few stories for us left in the future:)
January 5, 2017
First of all, you should read "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya" before this one, since it's a direct sequel. The later novel ended with a cliffhanger, and this one finishes the arc.
Again, the story is told from two different dimensions, and, now, we are never explicitly told which story we are reading, so you just need to pay attention and find out. That's quite an exercise, mainly in the last portion of the book.
Great novel. Can't say much without spoiling, but if you've liked the previous novels, probably you're going to like this one to. It's just a shame that Nagaru Tanigawa is in a hiatus.
Again, the story is told from two different dimensions, and, now, we are never explicitly told which story we are reading, so you just need to pay attention and find out. That's quite an exercise, mainly in the last portion of the book.
Great novel. Can't say much without spoiling, but if you've liked the previous novels, probably you're going to like this one to. It's just a shame that Nagaru Tanigawa is in a hiatus.
July 20, 2016
It has been five years since this journey began, which turned out to be the trigger for a much, much larger reality. In the years since, far greater worlds were discovered, far grander stories were told. But none of them would exist hadn't Haruhi gotten into my life. She was the beginning (at one point, everything), and her legacy will be ever with me.
If I had to explain how had I gotten to "the division point of every possible outcome" five years ago, I would guess it was because Haruhi Suzumiya chose me. And for that, I am extremely grateful.
If I had to explain how had I gotten to "the division point of every possible outcome" five years ago, I would guess it was because Haruhi Suzumiya chose me. And for that, I am extremely grateful.
April 4, 2014
This book conclusively wraps up the Haruhi series, and does so with a sense of satisfactory closure.
Throughout the story, gaps from the previous events that took place were filled, giving the reader a real sense of continuity and also significance to what might previously have been a minor event. The exposition delivered in the epilogue (by none other than Koizumi, of course) answered most of the questions that arose throughout the arc, and in the final climax. It almost seems signature of the author to give a vaguely comprehensible event, and then have Koizumi fully explain it later.
Throughout the story, gaps from the previous events that took place were filled, giving the reader a real sense of continuity and also significance to what might previously have been a minor event. The exposition delivered in the epilogue (by none other than Koizumi, of course) answered most of the questions that arose throughout the arc, and in the final climax. It almost seems signature of the author to give a vaguely comprehensible event, and then have Koizumi fully explain it later.
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