Sword Art Online, Vol. 17: Alicization Awakening

Sword Art Online #17

by Reki Kawahara

The final stress test bleeds into its second day. Driven to desperation by the Integrity Knights' coordinated assault, the Dark Army reveals the ace up their sleeve! Critter, who has been observing the battle from the Ocean Turtle, has successfully created a gateway into the Underworld and masked it as an invitation to "an open beta test for a new, unannounced VRMMO." This digital invite bolsters the ranks of the Dark Army by the tens of thousands! Having already been pushed to her limits, the thought of taking on a fresh wave of bloodthirsty enemies fills Asuna with dread. But just when it seems like all is lost, two new deities of the Underworld appear to take up the fight: the Sun Goddess, Solus, and Terraria, the Earth Goddess. And the ones in possession of these super-accounts are none other than Sinon and Leafa!

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

248 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2016

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God!!!!!!! Who ends a book like this?! This is totally the best SAO volume ever!!! There's just so much emotion on this book, the characters that you've learnt to love since Alicization started are more alive than ever, and even the Dark Territory characters break your heart. It's incredible. I haven't haven't suffered this much for characters in a long while. I had to put the book down because I was nearly in tears around halfway through it. I didn't want to keep reading, it was so brutal and hard and... Geez.
Bercouli, Sheyta, Ishkan, Lilpilin, they all mix together in a way to provide such a real and mind blowing story. And the fact that Kirito has been gone for a while actually has helped all these other characters shine. I'm so glad we've had a break from him, because now I know we can have an amazing story without our main character hanging around. Now I'm ready for whenever he comes back (because come on, we all know he will, just not when).
And this ending. Oh Lord. I'm fearing for everyone now, I don't know who'll make it, these Americans are going insane, there's characters that I never expected having around that I'm terrified of, I've learnt so many secrets and things about the Underworld and why it ended the way it did that my mind feels like it's going to explode. I need the next book now!!!

[kerrycat · Rating 5 out of 5]

page 110 and on - this was hard to read, from an emotional standpoint. this whole volume is just crazy, with so much going on and so many characters either brought into the battle or mentioned (with some surprises, cue the tears) and then this ending (seriously, these cliffhangers . . . but as far as Alicization goes, this is probably the one that is the most difficult and confusing).

the fighting was just brutal, and remember, in the Underworld, the pain is real. even if the real people don't die IRL, they suffer, and the lengths everyone goes to in order to save the world Kirito loves is a true testament to their friendship.

as much as some people whine about Kirito's 'harem,' I was happy to see a female character I really like who isn't up front all the time sort of end up with her own RH, in a weird but funny way at the end. she's just been straight up classy all through Alicization, and I can't help but admire her. she doesn't even get that the men are lined up (or were) for her. it was a relief for moment to smile before that cliffhanger hit.

[Ridho Febriansa · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a big fans of Sword Art Online animation adaptation, I dragged to read this novel because I can't let my emotion get lost without knowing what actually happened after that.

at first, I thought I couldn't read a novel because I easily get lost on my mind. but when jumping right to the 17th volume, I was wrong. I can't stop reading it, because every part were so intense and giving a lot of emotion (sadness, desperation, hatred, even felt so empty).

I think putting action anime that contains strategical and war stuff into splitting each part into story telling of different location is interesting. I mean it feels like things happened on the same time, so the author is trying to keep things happened there so compact with small amount of time. I felt like watching a squad playing Dynasty Warrior (video game) splitting up trying to kill boss of each prefectures.

can't wait to read the next volume, it was fun trip.

[Grendaycita Segovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno de los volumenes que me ha gustado mas de SAO.
Con escenas trepidantes y los sutiles dramas

[Angela Auten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh!!!! I can't wait to read more of this light novel series!

[Yan M Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡DIOSES!
Esta cosa es drama de principio a fin. Drama y muerte.
¡Cómo lo he sufrido! Ha sido un constante vaivén de sangre y lágrimas mezclándose. La guerra en Underworld está en su clímax, reaparece un líder del mayor gremio de asesinos del Juego de la Muerte para cobrar venganza, la Agencia de Seguridad de Estados Unidos parece tener la ventaja en la captura de la inteligencia artificial Alice, y Asuna lucha desesperadamente para traer el alma de su amado Kirito-kun de regreso.
Ahora que quiero escribir mi opinión sobre este libro se me han casi que agotado las palabras. Es que han pasado muchas cosas en tan poquitas páginas. Terminan involucrados jugadores de VRMMORPG de diferentes países y la guerra de Underworld ha dejado de ser un conflicto interno entre el Mundo Humano y el Territorio Oscuro para convertirse en una nueva lucha de poderes teniendo a Japón y a Estados Unidos como sus protagonistas. Ya se ven asuntos militares y políticos de este mundo más detallados y la forma en la que se exponen hace creer que podrían pasar en realidad porque el desarrollo de tecnología superior podría provocar cosas como las que ocurren aquí. Este señor puede estar haciendo una premonición del futuro sin darse cuenta de ello.
Este es el libro que más pesimismo me ha provocado porque parece que todo está perdido a pesar de los esfuerzos de los protagonistas. Kirito sigue en su silla de ruedas lamentándose (sin poder decirlo) por la muerte de Eugeo, Alice es capturada por el dios oscuro Vector, y luego de una gran pérdida (una pérdida que yo no veía venir) trata de llegar al World End Altar por sí misma para salir al mundo exterior y ponerse a salvo de las garras de los estadounidenses, Asuna se pone al frente del ejército de Underworld, se descubre quién era la persona del mundo real con la que Administrator estaba aliada e implantó el sello del ojo derecho a los habitantes de Underworld; y si sigo, hago más spoilers de los que tengo pensado hacer.
En las últimas páginas se ve un rayo de esperanza, pero no creo que el final de la saga me deje tan contento porque ya han muerto muchos personajes a quienes yo les auguraba un final feliz. Gracias, Reki-san.

De las cosas buenas que quiero rescatar es la reaparición de Sortiliena, que era de mis personajes favoritos en esta saga. Aquí hace cosas que provocaron que mi amor por ella crezca y confieso que me habría gustado poder leerla más en otros libros.
En medio de la guerra los sentimientos son más profundos, y el amor tiene un papel muy importante en esta entrega. Bercoulli y Fanatio siguen siendo mi OTP favorito de todo el arco Alicization; y no, no supero lo que pasó con él.
También se forma una pareja por ahí entre ciertx Integrity Knight con unx de los Lords del Ejército Oscuro y este es otro de mis ships favoritos. Hay personajes nuevos que ingresan a Underworld y también forman lazos románticos con habitantes de Underworld y creo que esas parejas no son para nada forzadas y comparten sentimientos reales. Yo: fan.
Este libro retoma elementos de todos los 16 libros previos, así que tenemos cosas de SAO, como de ALO y de GGO saliendo a flote, y pequeños detalles de ahí que resultaron ser grandes plot-twist en ese libro. Creo que ha valido la pena haber invertido tanto tiempo en estos libros porque de verdad valen la pena, dejemos de verlos como el origen del anime sobrevalorado Sword Art Online y centrémonos en la calidad que tienen como obras literarias por las descripciones maravillosas, los personajes redondos, el mundo tan bien construido creado por este señor, y por la tensión y el miedo que se siente al leer las escenas de pelea. Estoy a un solo libro que acabar este arco, y de verdad espero que ya no hayan más muertes. Nunca había leído tanta muerte en un solo libro. Real.

[Brian Wilkerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sword Art Online volume 17- Alicization Awakening

Gotta say that I have mixed feelings about this one. There are several reasons for this but I’ll only list the main one here, plus a single secondary one. There are more but this review was already taking too long.

I think the author has too many balls in the air this time. Too many plotlines with too many characters in too many places: it’s not confusing, it’s annoying. I can keep track of it all just fine, but the pacing is far too slow. Each plotline moves at a rate of one event per appearance, and much of that appearance is about re-establishing what is going on and has been going since the previous appearance. Any one of these would have been great to focus on:
* Gabriel as Vecta abducting Alice and being pursued by Bercouli.
* Leafa as Terraria befriending, Lilpillin the leader of the orcs who, as a result, possibly becomes the first darkworlder to break the Seal of the Right Eye.
*Asuna’s struggle against the legions of mass-produced players brought in by Critter.
*The budding battlefield romance of Sheyta and Ishkahn.
*The continuing effort to restore Kazuto’s fluctlight.
*Sinon’s re-match against Subtilizer (and the implications of him being the same as Vecta and Gabriel)
*The viewpoints of converted accounts and mass-produced accounts encountering the reality of the Underworld.

Look at all that. I’m not even sure I listed all of them. Over 200 pages for all of that. On their own, they are all interesting, well-written, and deserving of further exploration. Stuffing them all together like this, they feel rushed, underdeveloped and a waste of potential. It’s gets boring, at times. Though, I am glad that I read it.

The anime doesn’t cover everything, because there is a lot. One of the most interesting of the above, in my opinion, is this short interlude of a random Alfheim online player, who converts to Underworld in a state of apathy, is overwhelmed by the intensity of the combat, but finds new resolve after a brief conversation with this Underworld girl who gives him battlefield healing. It’s a classic Call to Adventure. I wanted to see more of this kid, and how this experienced impacted him.

Also,
Sinon as Solus is basically wasted potential. I know hindsight is 20/20, and the decisions made by her and her allies make sense at the time they are made, but still, it rankles. If Sinon had gone literally anywhere else, she would have made a bigger impact on the plot, and didn’t really buy any time for Alice, since she was going to the same place that Vecta wanted to take her too. And what’s up with the Subtilizer account being able to generate some flying creature immediately after conversion? I was hoping the light novel would have some kind of explanation for that.

Trickster Eric Novels gives Sword Art Online volume 17- Alicization Awakening a B

[Tuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakening was probably Kawahara's most challenging volume yet as it was filled with numerous point of view changes, battles, as well as differing international cultures and motivations. I'd say he did a good job handling it and potentially stopping before it got to overwhelming though it was not without some rocky moments. These rocky moments were more in terms of opportunities where I felt like just skimming to get to the good stuff instead of dealing with small bit characters who were probably not going to be around after the invasion. Moonphase for example is one such character where, yes, he does play some role at humanizing some of the invaders and displaying some skepticism over Vassago's plans, serves no other role. No connection is made with any of the main cast and potentially Moonphase will be gone before any of that happens. Could such a role been exhibited by someone else, or could we have just ignored it all and cut the the actual "awakening" that this volume is called...I think it could have worked better without causing any harm to the plot.

That said, the volume was intense, and ended at the perfect point. Three volumes without Kirito point of view was starting to get a bit tiring considering he's the face of the series, and worst yet, in this volume Alice too is out of commission so the ones that we grew closest too in Alicization were out of commissions. Some of the Underworld allies point of views and perspectives were interesting, though it just goes back to my original criticism for the war of the underworld...outside contact from Kirito's friends should have been prevented and the inhabitants of the underworld should have been the ones to find ways to survive. Calling up Stacia, Solus, and Terraria should have awakened an Artificial Fluclight to do what our heroes did...the melded will and prayers of those under attack could have achieved the same thing Asuna and co did and in a way that would have allowed for the Underworld inhabitants to try to same themselves.

Again. I liked what we got but it could have been better if Kawahara or his editor, Miki, spent time trying to devise a way that the underworld inhabitants could have saved the day.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope like me you didn't have to wait between volumes 17 and 18. Oh what a torture that would have been. That being said, 17 stands on its own just fine. Maaaaaybe a tad slow in the beginning, but just a tad. It delivers on the promise at the end of the last volume and the battle for Underworld hits in a very large, very hard way. EPIC battles and some massive showdowns. Old friends, new friends, some new-new friends....

Look, if you've been following the Alicization arc then you're going to want to read this. If you got tired of the arc, especially Kirito being a coma, keep going.

Verdict: Light at the end of the MMO, some fasntastic moments, cliffhanger ending. BRING IT ON!

[Vivianne Junco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esto fue una montaña rusa de principio a fin! A pesar de que siento de que han pasado un montón de cosas, sé que en termino de tiempo, no ha pasado absolutamente nada y es desesperante.

Varios comentarios para este tomo:
1. Que perro vassago al aprovecharse de la rivalidad entre los jugadores de países vecinos.
2. Kiritooooo, ¿por qué no te despiertas ya? Todos necesitan ayuda urgentemente (sobretodo Klein).
3. La super cuenta de Asuna es terrible, es la cuenta de una diosa pero usarla con su poder especial tiene demasiado costo!
4. Era super obvio que el tipo que se fue con Higa-San era el traidor jajaja.

[GeniBloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

No cabe duda que cuando Reki se pone las pilas, escribe excelentes historias, y esta es de lo mejor que he leído de SAO, el nombre de War of Underworld le queda como anillo al dedo, porque es lo que es, una guerra en la que los personajes (tanto del mundo real como los habitantes de Underworld) entienden el verdadero significado de lo que es una guerra y todo el dolor y las perdidas que eso implica. Hoy se estrena la siguiente parte de la adaptación al anime, y espero con ansias ver todo esto animado.

[Jorge Rosas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! The events in this book continue with the tide of the last battle and multiplies it, Asuna is amazing in this book! She’s such a Badass and I was glad that she finally got to shine, we’re approaching what could be the ending of this arc with the things set in motion and the revelations do give the feel that the resolution is near. Painful sacrifices, horrendous realities, heinous acts and old hostilities come to play and this heart breaking book.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. This story continues the battle of the Underworld and it is full of action. So many more characters make their way to the Underworld to join in the massive battle. Many of the support characters from older stories show up. The battles are bloody and emotional. I was sucked into the story. Kirito is still out of commission. I really want him to wake up and kick some ass. I am so glad the next story is released next month. I can't wait.

[Dominic Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still failing to disappoint!

Just when I was beginning to grow tired of the A.L.I.C.E. arc, he pulls me right back in. While Progressive is doing a great job fleshing out and reimagining the original series, this continuation of the mainline of SAO continues to hit new highs and explore the unexplored. Great read for any SAO fan.

[Braulio Mago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le voy a dar 4 estrellas en lugar de 3, porque quiero destacar que es la primera vez que Kirito no es quien resuelve todo. Más bien, todo su equipo que se la rifó. Sin embargo, no me gustó que aún no cierren este arco que a mi parecer, se alarga demasiado en las novelas. ¡Cada día de estar más cerca con el anime y Japón!

[anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luego de una "sorpresiva" aparición de todos los personajes de la saga..a lo avengers..... se dio a una batalla de tamaño irreal... donde nuestros personajes dieron lo mejor de si.. un rayo de luz.. confuso.... al final del túnel detendrá esta guerra ?

[Riri Kazami · Rating 5 out of 5]

As for SAO fan, yes. This ARC SO GOOD.
how can Reki sensei make us suffering like this? and Kirito - Harem so damn powerful (ofc our Megami Asuna the best)
Now while I do this review, the animation still ongoing. I can't imagine how the fighting scene will be. I'M READY TO CRY

[Maxina Storibrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

I have been reading the SAO series since I was introduced to it a few years ago. It is still by far one of my favorites. Definitely a great series to have in your library. 👍🏻

[Chris Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the same, but in a good way. Again, the expanded narrative and details greatly fills in the gaps left by the anime adaptation. The frantic character changes add to the chaos of it all. It definitely does a good job as the penultimate book in the arc to build to the finale coming next.

[Nishes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Volume

Battle were impressive and thoroughly detailed. Hopefully Kirito will hear Asuna plea and wake up to end this ongoing barbarism and atrocity upon Underworld and Japanese.

[Yorman Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

No se puede negar que este arco supera con creces a todo lo que ocurrió en el castillo Aincrad. Es prácticamente una verdadera lucha para salvar un mundo.

[Eldon Siemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid volume, good battles, some character growth, but looking forward to the conclusion of this arc

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never felt this hopeless/heartbroken for characters like I have in the novel. Thank goodness the wait time for the next volume is not that long!

[Ricardo Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okish, way too predictable. No wow factor at all

[Holly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things are starting to get interesting but ultimately the build up is too slow and the villains aren’t engaging.

[JoanTheSiren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo dynamiczne zmiany pomiędzy POV, przez co dobrze mi się czytało ten tom

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story, tons of action, consequence, and especially its use of characters. All of the history from the 17 novels is coming into play here.

Can't help but be excited. :)

[Shayan Kh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one. Although I think it was a bit short, the great battles sure made up the limited story progression.

PoH from laughing coffin is in this book too. And the surprise of him bringing Chinese and Korean players was one of my favorite shocks in this series.
The Mole in Rat was visible from a mile away. But I didn't expect him to shoot.

The battles were depicted beautifully like the rest of Alicization arc. I think Kawahara has come a long way since he started this series. And he used the suspense of unknown very good too.
I'm eagerly waiting for the rest of this arc.

[VSP · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Este libro me tuvo en tensión constante! Terminaban escenas en partes climaticas para seguir el curso de otra parte de la historia, era tan bueno que no sabías cual era la línea que querías seguir. ¡Excelente!

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I reread this light novel. Now I read the official translation of this novel. Well, at last... but the story in this alicization theme already dragged too long