I found this one to be a bit of a slog if I'm honest. Part of this is because the subject matter itself is less interesting to me, the younger members of this story naturally don't provide much depth in the way of their emotions and stories.
From a writing perspective, I found the pacing was a bit off (it took a long time to get going, even knowing what was going to occur) and I found the dialogue in the story in particular was both much more prevalent and much lower quality than normal. The author has shown he completely excels at laying down complex worldbuilding and discussing nuanced ideas between adult characters, but the dialogue between the younger members feels much more fake and idealistic, and tends to spin in circles and meander without adding anything.
This volume is mostly about Log Horizon's (and friend) younger characters. If you don't remember who they are: Touya, Minori, Isuzu, Serara & Rundelhaus (Rudy). There were a few slow spots for me, but I did enjoy my time with the above mentioned characters and seeing what they were getting up to. Not just being left in the shadows of their much more experienced friends and guildmates. I was glad to see Rudy and Isuzu get some time.
It wasn't my favorite LH novel, but I did enjoy it and can't mark it down just because I have liked others more.
Verdict: If you like LH it's a solid entry, especially if you want to see what some of the secondary characters get up to.
This book centers on the young characters, Touya, Minori, Isuzu, Serara & Rudy. Unfortunately, they are the most boring characters in the series. It was about a group of sweet young kids trying their very hardest. Blech. The only interesting character was Roe2.
Really enjoyed this book as it contained stuff I didn't remember well from the anime. Am hoping that the book series continues further than the anime, or we won't have more than another book or two...
having focused on primary characters for the past two volumes, it was nice to step back and follow the B-team and work on their character growth. additionally, the background story with Nureha was appreciated and makes me long for further information regarding that part of this world
This book does great things for Rudy and Isuzu as characters - you really understand Rudy's place in the story, and if that's your 'ship, you're in luck.
This isn't my favorite story arc but the book made me like it more than the anime did. Also? I LOVE Rudy. And Touya. And Nyanta. And I need more details about what is going on with Roe2.