The Asterisk Wars are probably the lightest of light novels around. The overarching plot is interesting, but each individual volume's story is extremely simple. It the author had wanted to write these with a more serious tone, these books had the potential to be awesome. As it is, they are just quick reads that don't leave a lasting impression. And it's a shame because the concepts used are quite interesting.
With this volume, 21 of the 24 anime episodes will have been covered. I'm curious to see what volume 6 will bring and it will follow a more interesting tone like the last 3 episodes of the anime did.
So we finally come to the end of the Phoenix Fest with some twists and turns in the middle. Even more characters, plans within plans, and some decent action. I know I've said before I'd have liked longer books to get it all together, but it only really hurts if you don't have access to them all at the same time since I put down book 4 and started book 5 within the same minute that wasn't much of an issue for me.
Verdict: If you're already reading the series, you're going to get more of that. If not, take the advice of the Mad Hatter and "Start at the beginning. Yes, yes."
It’s been ages since I read the last volume and so it was a few chapters in before I fully remembered who everyone was. That said once I was back in I was back in! It was a very exciting and fun volume with a lot of solid action, plots and plans, closure of some stories and hints and stories yet to come. I know this series gets a bit of stock from some quarters but I find it a very entertaining, above average light novel series and I’m excited to catch up now!
I love the character development in this series. Another action filled volume. It's also nice how the main character is not too over powered. I'm looking forward to reading the next vol.