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Sword Art Online: Progressive Light Novels #5
Sword Art Online: Progressive, Vol. 5
After successfully untangling themselves from a dangerous encounter with the Black Poncho Man and clearing the fifth floor of Aincrad, Kirito and Asuna head to the next challenge, an area filled with...puzzles? What's more, because of the precarious balance of power between two large guilds aiming for the same item, "The Flag of Valor", there's also a murderous PK group to be wary of.
As the problems seem to pile up, Kirito and Asuna face the sixth floor of Aincrad completely unaware of the malicious trap awaiting them!!
As the problems seem to pile up, Kirito and Asuna face the sixth floor of Aincrad completely unaware of the malicious trap awaiting them!!
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2018
64 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Reki Kawahara
284 books913 followersKawahara 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.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 12, 2021
This one is a bit difficult to rate. A lot had happened in a short amount of time, but also it felt a bit dragged out, and I wish it was a bit less descriptive. Overall, it was quite enjoyable and I can't wait to see how it all plays out in the second part of the story arc.
November 15, 2018
You all know what this is. This is book 5, the story's already got its hooks in you, otherwise you probably wouldn't be here. Despite mostly setting the table for part-two of the story, this book still gives some tense scenes. It also gives the reader another helping of the ever-growing rapport between Kirito and Asuna which is always fun. I'm not just talking the standard getting embarrassed at innuendos either. There are lots of fun barbs traded and mental same-page moments that you tend to see as people spend more time together. A lot of books have groups of characters and you'd be surprised how often these low key elements are overlooked.
The translation is also great. I just read the first Goblin Slayer book recently and, not trying to throw shade, but it really makes you appreciate how smooth the translation to English is for this series. Not only does the prose avoid clunkiness, but the wit also comes through when a character can talk about an NPC elf's level of expressed humanity (elfanity?) and it doesn't fall through the cracks.
I was a little disappointed that the book only weighed in at 186 pages. I know that supposedly the story grew to a length that they felt the need to make two books out of it, but I really hope to see the next book come in at the usual 250ish pages. Because if the next one is also sub-200, then I don't know if the two-part thing can be justified. Book one was a solid 350 pages, so it has been hefty before.
Either way, as mentioned before this is the 5th book of the series, so I'm not going to be deterred so easily. But just know I've got my eye on you.
While the length of the book was a little under par, nothing else was. This was a great and enjoyable book and I can't wait for the next one. A lot of people really sleep on this series and have made disparaging comments about it (other litrpg authors included). Honestly you can tell when a person has only watched the show and not read the books. I think this series is a great addition to and a front-runner of the litrpg genre.
The translation is also great. I just read the first Goblin Slayer book recently and, not trying to throw shade, but it really makes you appreciate how smooth the translation to English is for this series. Not only does the prose avoid clunkiness, but the wit also comes through when a character can talk about an NPC elf's level of expressed humanity (elfanity?) and it doesn't fall through the cracks.
I was a little disappointed that the book only weighed in at 186 pages. I know that supposedly the story grew to a length that they felt the need to make two books out of it, but I really hope to see the next book come in at the usual 250ish pages. Because if the next one is also sub-200, then I don't know if the two-part thing can be justified. Book one was a solid 350 pages, so it has been hefty before.
Either way, as mentioned before this is the 5th book of the series, so I'm not going to be deterred so easily. But just know I've got my eye on you.
While the length of the book was a little under par, nothing else was. This was a great and enjoyable book and I can't wait for the next one. A lot of people really sleep on this series and have made disparaging comments about it (other litrpg authors included). Honestly you can tell when a person has only watched the show and not read the books. I think this series is a great addition to and a front-runner of the litrpg genre.
December 30, 2018
On a slippery slope to becoming sexually inappropriate
Reki Kawahara may have lost his touch if he thinks he can't make a book exciting without adding naked girls.
Reki Kawahara may have lost his touch if he thinks he can't make a book exciting without adding naked girls.
October 3, 2021
I really struggled to finish this one, despite having devoured all the previous entries. There's something about the slow pace, or the uninteresting setting of the floor (puzzles), or how Kirito ends up narrating the whole questline to Asuna as they go along... There was a distinctive lack of thrills as well (PKers attack notwithstanding), which I'm assuming is because the author decided to stretch this floor into 2 volumes instead of covering it all in a single volume as he was doing so far. I'll reserve my final judgment until reading the next volume and see how this floor wraps up, but right now I'm thinking this one could've really used an editor to trim some of its pages and ensure a better pace all around.
August 5, 2019
"Nothing was more important than Asuna's life."
this slow ride is so damn satisfying.
this slow ride is so damn satisfying.
May 21, 2024
SAO Progressive 5 is a good follow-up to Volume 4. The volume begins with a calm and slow-paced narrative. For example Asuna and Kirito dawdle a bit while they take care of weapon upgrades, allowing us to learn more about Kirito's preferences and weapon playstyle. Additionally a new side quest is explored more intensively to give the floor more depth. The events from the previous volume also play an important role in the story, making it more exciting as a result. Meanwhile the floors theme itself serves only as a stage this time and doesn't really shape the story like in the previous two volumes, but that's not a problem.
It was funny to see how Asuna, as a non-gamer, reacted to the boring process of the sidequest, because you just have to run back and forth and talk to NPCs. Instead she misses the lack of fighting. I liked the sidequest because you learn more about the floor, and it merges with another plotline. This gives the story a great twist and pulls it out of the straightforward narrative. It also provided some nice character moments between Kirito and Asuna. Kirito is willing to sacrifice his life and that of the enemies to protect Asuna and he feels a lot of guilt afterward when the quest he recommended made them vulnerable to PKers. However, Asuna reacts very nice and does not blame him at all. Instead she wants to continue supporting him and focuses on finding a solution to the problem. Even though they sometimes annoy each other, in the end, they help each other unconditionally without hesitation. A great relationship between the two.
In general this light novel shows how much Asuna has already developed. She overcomes her fears of ghosts as well as about dueling other players. Additionally her knowledge of the game is constantly growing, allowing her to discuss mechanics more with Kirito and act more independently in the game.
The second half is somewhat more serious as the duo is now constantly nervous wondering if the PKers will attack again and if they are still among the frontline guilds. The ending raises many questions that will likely be answered or at least approached in the next novel. For the first half of the sixth floor, I definitely enjoyed it.
It was funny to see how Asuna, as a non-gamer, reacted to the boring process of the sidequest, because you just have to run back and forth and talk to NPCs. Instead she misses the lack of fighting. I liked the sidequest because you learn more about the floor, and it merges with another plotline. This gives the story a great twist and pulls it out of the straightforward narrative. It also provided some nice character moments between Kirito and Asuna. Kirito is willing to sacrifice his life and that of the enemies to protect Asuna and he feels a lot of guilt afterward when the quest he recommended made them vulnerable to PKers. However, Asuna reacts very nice and does not blame him at all. Instead she wants to continue supporting him and focuses on finding a solution to the problem. Even though they sometimes annoy each other, in the end, they help each other unconditionally without hesitation. A great relationship between the two.
In general this light novel shows how much Asuna has already developed. She overcomes her fears of ghosts as well as about dueling other players. Additionally her knowledge of the game is constantly growing, allowing her to discuss mechanics more with Kirito and act more independently in the game.
The second half is somewhat more serious as the duo is now constantly nervous wondering if the PKers will attack again and if they are still among the frontline guilds. The ending raises many questions that will likely be answered or at least approached in the next novel. For the first half of the sixth floor, I definitely enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2019
So I couldn't wait and rushed out after vol. 4 to grab this one. It did not disappoint. Alas, it is the first of two-volume arc that now leaves me in a quandary of rushing to get vol. 6 or reading the other dozen things I have checked out from the library!? I think I shall wait and let the tension build a bit.
I am really digging SAOP. I hope Kawahara doesn't try too hard to match it up with the original series too much. From vol. 1 Kirito and Ausna already had too much experience with each other to match up with the original. Keep them separate. I love 'em both.
I enjoyed the time they spent together and the obvious growth of feelings [to us] (albeit not necessarily romantic as of yet) in both of them. Their obliviousness, or unwillingness to admit it, can get old but I've enjoyed how Karahara has handled it.
We also see yet another interjection of the PKers. While they obviously are (or become) Laughing Coffin, it is interesting to see the development of the PK guild and once again, different from the original, why they may have had it out for Kirito and Ausna more than some others.
Verdict: A worthy addition. Be warned it is only the first of a two-volume arc, so if you hate waiting grab the next one at the same time.
I am really digging SAOP. I hope Kawahara doesn't try too hard to match it up with the original series too much. From vol. 1 Kirito and Ausna already had too much experience with each other to match up with the original. Keep them separate. I love 'em both.
I enjoyed the time they spent together and the obvious growth of feelings [to us] (albeit not necessarily romantic as of yet) in both of them. Their obliviousness, or unwillingness to admit it, can get old but I've enjoyed how Karahara has handled it.
We also see yet another interjection of the PKers. While they obviously are (or become) Laughing Coffin, it is interesting to see the development of the PK guild and once again, different from the original, why they may have had it out for Kirito and Ausna more than some others.
Verdict: A worthy addition. Be warned it is only the first of a two-volume arc, so if you hate waiting grab the next one at the same time.
November 26, 2018
The book was slow and had little action. It was mostly world building and character development. I enjoyed the new floor with the puzzles everywhere. Kirito and Asuna getting jumped while paralyzed was an awesome twist. The story ends with a to be continued. That kinda jarred me. I really enjoyed the story I can't wait to read the next one.
April 13, 2022
節奏開始慢，而且「益智遊戲」真的好嗎？桐人亦一如既往記得所有任務的解法，這種金手指開始變得無聊呢，而且又是浴室 / 迷你裙 / 被迫親密接觸等等的情節，夠了吧... 而且也不喜歡這些情節，可以將重心放在攻略 Aincrad 嗎？畢竟當初喜歡上 SAO 也是因為 Aincrad 作為死亡遊戲的設定。
是否在十級開始，失去了「攻略冊」和「封測記憶」的幫助，才會有那種搏命和努力攻克關卡的緊張感？明明很多設定都很有趣，對 AI 的探討亦是。和奇怪PK集團亦正式照面，可以是很好的一集，但例如基滋梅爾的角色又完全變成 fan-service + 金手指的作用。
考慮過2星，但最後還是3星了，真是 wasted potential。
是否在十級開始，失去了「攻略冊」和「封測記憶」的幫助，才會有那種搏命和努力攻克關卡的緊張感？明明很多設定都很有趣，對 AI 的探討亦是。和奇怪PK集團亦正式照面，可以是很好的一集，但例如基滋梅爾的角色又完全變成 fan-service + 金手指的作用。
考慮過2星，但最後還是3星了，真是 wasted potential。
October 19, 2022
Meus clichês e situações desagradáveis
Bom, gosto muito da obra e acabo ganhando alguns clichês engraçados e comuns em romances como o da mesma cama. Algo que me deixa meio desconfortável é a insinuação sexual (não tão explícita, mas o suficiente para nós entendermos) de outras personagens femininas para com o protagonista.
Bom, gosto muito da obra e acabo ganhando alguns clichês engraçados e comuns em romances como o da mesma cama. Algo que me deixa meio desconfortável é a insinuação sexual (não tão explícita, mas o suficiente para nós entendermos) de outras personagens femininas para com o protagonista.
March 6, 2020
I love SAO but man... this is so poorly written. It had the potential to be something really great but the amount of details, which seem to amount to nothing other than to show that Reki has thought of EVERYTHING, is boring and dreadful to read. I couldn’t finish it.
July 26, 2020
В этой части главный герой предстаёт совсем уж тряпкой, вовремя не убив Морти. Теперь в будущем он опять появится со своей примитивной идеей убийства ради веселья. Раздражает.
Последняя сцена в ванной забавная.
Последняя сцена в ванной забавная.
February 16, 2021
Impressive
Thoroughly enjoyed what the volume 5 of progressive entails and the development of Kirito and Asuna and their never ending bond with Kizmel. Looking forward for the volume 6 & what it constitutes of Kirito and Asuna.
Thoroughly enjoyed what the volume 5 of progressive entails and the development of Kirito and Asuna and their never ending bond with Kizmel. Looking forward for the volume 6 & what it constitutes of Kirito and Asuna.
February 17, 2023
Progressively better
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.
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.
March 10, 2019
yes!
November 20, 2018
Kind of wish the author didn't split it into two volumes, was really into it! Continued character growth and great story, can't wait for more
June 2, 2019
It really sucks you into the game world. Not literature, but super fun read. Strongly recommend this series
March 17, 2020
Each book in the series keeps getting better and better!
May 18, 2020
1.5 stars.
June 2, 2021
Reki does it again! Currently reading and loving #6!
September 21, 2021
I saw someone talking about how kirito´s knowledge turns kinda boring the experience, but i don´t feel that, i´m really in love with these novels
December 22, 2023
Kocham wracać do świata SAO! ❤️ Ta seria mi sie nigdy nie znudzi!
April 18, 2025
how can I read it? it doesn't have an option to view
March 4, 2019
Kirito and Asuna find themselves on a floor of puzzles, and at the same time they're being hunted by the group trying to sabotage the fragile alliance of guilds, who are furious at having been thwarted. Kirito knows he needs to teach Asuna how to duel or she could be in trouble. Really enjoyed this book.
November 28, 2020
A quest for the golden cube turned for the deadly.
At the puzzling 6th floor of Aincrad, Kirito and Asuna took part in a quest series based from the beta. But at things were about to get anxiously interesting for them, an unexpected ambush nearly costed their lives in the death game. Realizing the threat on hand, they sought for a companion who they can trust some sense of safety - Kizmel.
Picking up last volume's events, the PK narrative is fully used in the story. The PK subplot, being an essential element to SAO's premise, unfolded with no hesitation this time, making the story exciting.
Although short, this volume acts as a prelude for what's bound to happen in Floor 6 for our duo-in-denial.
At the puzzling 6th floor of Aincrad, Kirito and Asuna took part in a quest series based from the beta. But at things were about to get anxiously interesting for them, an unexpected ambush nearly costed their lives in the death game. Realizing the threat on hand, they sought for a companion who they can trust some sense of safety - Kizmel.
Picking up last volume's events, the PK narrative is fully used in the story. The PK subplot, being an essential element to SAO's premise, unfolded with no hesitation this time, making the story exciting.
Although short, this volume acts as a prelude for what's bound to happen in Floor 6 for our duo-in-denial.
Read
April 16, 2022The last few pages were so cute! So sweet. Curious about how he reconciles this with the main story line.
November 28, 2019
4.75 ⭐️
LA SCENA FINALE ❤️❤️❤️
LA SCENA FINALE ❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews