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Sword Art Online #18

Sword Art Online, Vol. 18: Alicization Lasting

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The second day of the final stress test rages on. Lisbeth, Silica, and Asuna push through the pain as they hold out against the Dark Army. But their efforts fall short as Kirito is captured by PoH, the former leader of Laughing Coffin! With PoH's twisted heart set on subjecting Kirito to the culmination of several years' vengeance, he prepares to end him once and for all. But when hope seems lost, a voice cries out in Kirito's heart. The voice of the person he lived with, laughed with, and fought with for years. The voice of his best friend...Grabbing hold of that light in the darkness, the Black Swordsman awakens...

282 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2016

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About the author

Reki Kawahara

284 books911 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Jorge Rosas.
525 reviews32 followers
February 7, 2020
Wow! That was amazing! Oh, the feelings! This does feel like an ending, but hopefully I arrived at a time when the next book has been published but not yet translated. A marvellous and satisfactory closure to this giant arc and the entire saga but it leave us with hope and expectation about what could come for the real world and how that could impact the entire human species, when I read the first book I wasn’t expecting the story to evolve into such high sci fi! I loved it!
Profile Image for Carol.
1,371 reviews
February 15, 2020
This is the best book in the whole series! What a beautiful way to close the arc, the longest of them all. I can't believe we've made it this far.
There's so much I'd love to talk about the book, but I'll risk so many spoilers so I'll try to keep it low.
****POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD, READ WITH CAUTION*****
The growth I've seen in Kirito is amazing. From being this careless boy in book one, we've come to someone that is now fully aware of the consecuences of his actions, a boy that knows all that can be lost and who is a bit more careful when battle arises. He really is slowly becoming a man, and that time he spent in a coma did him loads of good. Because truth be told, this was the first time something happened to him, up until SAO, he had been fighrin and winning, never losing anything. I do believe the fact he lost someone important now, was what changed him the most, and if it hadn't been for that, this book could have ended so differently.
I also love how much we've evolved regarding AIs and virtualization. We started the series with games, a game that had to be beaten, monsters to destroy. And along the way we've ended up with a virtual reality, a world that needs defending, much like in real life. This is not a game anymore, and there are not bosses to defeat, we're now facing a different kind of battle, between two types of human beings. I just love how Alice and Eugeo developed, and all the possibilities they're bringing to the future, all the implications and dangers this will bring to the real world. And with all that has happened, now more than ever, Kirito will need to be there. He is truly the only one that understands this world, and he's probably the only one who can fight for it if needed with all his heart on it. The guy spent so much time there, that he is truly a bridge, and I'm quite convinced he can be considered half AI seeing all his gone through in a virtual life.
I just love where this is taking us.
Profile Image for Ridho Febriansa.
90 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2020
I'd like to give it 4.5 and more but decided to give 5 out of 5.
This exact volume is the last volume of Alicization arc (because you won't find 'Alicization' on next volumes).
It gives out the same vibes as the last volume of Aincrad.
I cried a lot while reading this volume. I took a break for several minutes to wait til my tear stopped but once I continue reading, the tear began to fall again.

I love the beginning part (even tho I forgot what happened on previous volume, seems like the book doesn't give lot of details from previous part), the climax where I cried multiple times, and the ending part where the new journey began.
Can't wait to see where the journey is going to be.
Profile Image for Arief Abdurachman H..
7 reviews
January 1, 2019
Read the english translation.
It's amazingly mindblowing.
But yeah as always Kirito as MC has always protected by the MC-armor.
Sad thing is what happened to Eugeo, he's always be the most expressive protagonist IN THE WHOLE SERIES, I hate how Kirito is always be the one who stays cool.

The whole theory about underworld world connects to IRL requires the reader to have 200 IQ, while the love cliche makes us the reader like a 12 year old kid who watches Cinderella. lmao

Overall 9,6/10 . Definitely best arc among the series.
Profile Image for Gloria.
2 reviews
July 13, 2020
Alicization Lasting was one of my highly-anticipated books after watching the spectacular anime adaptions by A-1 Pictures. It concludes the Sword Art Online Alicization Arc, the fourth arc of the series. Unfortunately, it falls quite far off the mark with many serious issues.

Characters

Kawahara suffers from over-use of cliches, cringey self-monologues and why is there so much crying? The harem Kirito accumulates of the course of the series comes to its fullest glory - his girlfriend, pseudo-girlfriend, his sister and the rest of the cast. Kawahara's writing has improved a lot since the Aincrad days, but there is way too much use of 'praying' and 'tears' whether they are wet droplets or imaginary. I have to admit that Alice and Asuna's moments in this book are outstanding and what they truly deserve after the hardships they have gone through. Eugeo's appearances during his fight with PoH and Subtilizer and at the end of the book feel impactful. If the writing was a lot better it could elevate the books' impact over 10x.

World Building

There isn't much world building in Alicization Lasting since it is wrapping up the arc. However, the loose ends are tied up rather nicely from what I can recall. The world of Underworld is fascinating and like nothing I have experienced before. The conflicts between JSDF and Glowgen Defence Systems are engrossing and the tension can be really felt while reading.

Themes

The main themes of this novel that are apparent to me are the power of will and overcoming barriers in the face of overwhelming opposition.

The combat in Underworld is enhanced by the power of will or thought. If Kirito didn't think he could win against PoH or Subtilizer, he would have lost immediately. Although because he did, he was able to win against all odds and send them both to their eventual deaths. Asuna fights until she cannot suffer anymore wounds to protect Kirito and her friends. Suguha fights for the Underworld despite the seemingly unbearable pain that she experiences. The power of will can enhance abilities beyond the scope of normal damage taken or given.

Towards the end of the novel, the issue of the residents of the Underworld being introduced to the humans of the 'Real World' is briefly discussed upon. The questions that the reporters ask Alice in news conference symbolise the issues and intolerance that the general public have of these seemingly human masqueraders, even though the SAO cast have worked so hard to save them. But the issue isn't really answered properly by the end of the novel

Plot

The novel sets off at a good pace and kept me interested until about 3/4 in. The amount of crying and predictability slowed me down quite a bit. The cringey moments (trust me there are a lot of them) was a little offputting but if you just read it a light piece of entertainment it isn't too bad. The ending was unsatisfying and confusing. Who are Steeka and Laura'nei? What happened to Selka? Is Underworld saved? Why is it in space? The plot shouldn't be taken too seriously in my opinion.

Conclusion

Alicization Lasting, although it wraps up the Alicization Arc, isn't what I was expecting. Kawahara's writing is rather crude and childlike but this series is targeted towards teenagers so what can you expect. There are some heartwarming moments, but the majority of the book is cringey and unoriginal. If you want to experience Alicization, watch the anime adaptions. They're much more better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for GeniBloo.
84 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2019

El ultimo volumen del arco de Alicization y el mas largo hasta la fecha. En este ultimo volumen vemos el desenlace de la guerra de Underworld y de la problemática con el Ocean Turtle en el mundo real.

La cosas positivas en general con toda la saga, es que como bien decían todas las criticas, este es el mejor arco de todos los que ha tenido Sao hasta ahora, toda la guerra de Underworld se desarrolla de una manera increíble, ademas de que Kirito no se convierte en el protagonista en la mayor parte de la guerra, sino Alice, la inteligencia artificial. Se me hizo muy realista en el sentido de que realmente manejan el concepto de la guerra como lo que es, algo bastante malo y a lo que no están acostumbrados los personajes, tanto los humanos de Underworld, como los jugadores de Alo e incluso los habitantes del territorio oscuro. Tiene la dosis exacta de adrenalina sabiendo combinar la tension del mundo real y la guerra dentro del mundo virtual.

Las cosas que no me gustaron, fueron los inmensos infodumpings que hay en toda la saga, en general no me molestan, hay muchas que sirven para conocer un poquito mas a lo personajes o el entorno, pero las que había en Alicization eran kilométricas, se hacia un poco tedioso leerlas. Otra cosa que no me gusto fue que al final, las cosas se terminaron resolviendo sin ningún sentido, ademas de que el villano tenia unas habilidades muy raras y también sin sentido alguno. Es decir, Asuna, Sinon y Leafa entraron al Underworld con super cuentas de game master y les dieron la paliza de sus vidas, mientras Kirito simplemente con su imaginación y el típico poder de la amistad resuelve todo en un segundo.

En general, me gusto mucho el desarrollo de la historia y espero mucho verla animada, ademas quedaron algunas cosas por resolver que me dejaron muy intrigada. Es una pena lo que al final tuvo que pasar la gente de Underworld, pero quiero ver como continua la historia. El final fue muy satisfactorio.
Profile Image for Tuna.
288 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2023
And with this, we have reached the end of the Alicization arc (well, probably not the end since there are most likely side stories that Kawahara tells like he likes too, which isn't bad as Fairy Dance got my favorite side story in the whole series thus far). The conclusion of Alicization was well worth the the ride and because of it, this was one of the fastest reads in the series. Sure the volume is larger, but I got through it faster than some of the middle volumes. It was just that good.

The ending was predictable but worth while. Kirito awakening, fighting to save everyone, receiving such prayers, and putting both antagonists in their place was worth while. I loved every minute and wouldn't have changed a thing (well mostly). The real world content while this occurred was good as well and there was enough mystery with it that we are left waiting in anticipation of more. I can't wait.

The only thing I would ding the volume for is probably the over-reliance on Asuna and Kirito's relationship and putting that is his focus. Kirito was truly attached to the Underworld after having grown up there for more than two years (I think Kawahara kept forgetting this and just kept using the time from when Kirito was placed there as an emergency vs when he grew up as a little kid with Eugeo and Alice), that it was like his whole formative years and life. I think it was immensely telling when he only shared his deepest and most intimate feelings about Eugeo to Suguha when she came into his room...why didnt he share such feelings with Asuna...just doesnt make sense. Even more, Kirito still hears Eugeo and is reminded of him constantly. Hopefully, he is remembered in the series (fortunately the games give him and Kirito relationship justice).

The next arc seems compelling and I look forward to it. Like Accel World, which was my first book from Kawahara and his first published series, Sword Art Online remains incredibly good nearly 20 volumes in. Its a must read.
Profile Image for Vivianne Junco.
215 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2020
Excelente final de arco!!! Todo fue un sube y baja emocional, las super-cuentas sirvieron para tres cosas y todo se resolvió gracias a la imaginación; -me encantaría que en algún momento nos explicaran porqué el único que puede usar la imaginación de esa forma es Kirito-.

A resaltar, el papel de Leafa-san, ella quedó impresa en el corazón de todos los habitantes del Territorio Oscuro a los que defendió y de corazón espero que a través de la historia de underworld su reconocimiento como humanos de los orcos, pugilistas, etc ayude al desarrollo de la sociedad en ese mundo.

Por otro lado, me muero por saber cómo vivieron Asuna y Kirito dentro de Underworld por 200 años (ya vimos al final que con su influencia -o eso pienso yo- llevaron ese mundo al siguiente nivel) y cómo evitaron que sus fluctlights se quemaran al superar la "teórica" vida útil de las mismas y no quedaron como vegetales, que en serio nos preocupaba muchísimo a todos. Adicional, la forma en que manejaron las líneas de tiempo y nos dejaron en ascuas respecto a si ellos habían vuelto o no fue genial, literalmente, fueron los 20 minutos más largos de la historia!!

No veo como va a ser el siguiente arco, ¿nos contarán que hicieron AxK dentro de Underworld por 200 años? ¿o qué pasa en el nuevo Underworld cuando Asuna, Kirito y Alice regresaron en el espacio y a la vez qué pasa en "el Mundo Real" con los derechos de las IAs? Personalmente, no tengo cómo escoger porque lo lógico sería querer ver el mundo real, pero, por otro lado hay mucho tiempo sin contar en Underworld y amoooo esta pareja, lo que me quieran contar lo leeré.

Pd: Higa-san, ¿qué hiciste? a mi se me hace que ese pequeño secreto que tienes, va a traer problemas más adelante.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
15 reviews
August 3, 2021
Absolutely Phenomenal

I really love how this volume wrapped up with Kirisuna and Alice diving back again in the underworld emulating the further continuation of SAO with brand new arc. Coming back to the topic, We really got to see how badass was Asuna in this volume mopping the floor with VASAGO notwithstanding the grave injury she suffered, exhaustion she exerted. It was all to protect the world Kirito gave up everything. Kirito guilt and remorse of being unable to protect he loved and cared one and with the strong bound of his loved ones ensuing his reawakening to protect what he cares most about, it was amazingly presented. I also adore the Asuna and Kirito long waited interaction, their long waited emotional reunion depicting how much Asuna has missed Kirito thus rendering her strong feelings to him while flying in the sky. That long passionate kiss with Asuna getting bridal carried by Kirito was so touching and impactful. In fact, my major reason to read that volume is the all I mentioned above Kirisuna moment being the prime, most importantly the kissing scene which was disappointingly omitted in Anime. To be pretty honest I am onto SAO because of Kirito and Asuna and this volume had plenty of them and well it is the story of Kirito and Asuna after all. I am looking forward for more Kirito and Asuna story and Sensei does not let us down as I am certain of that.
Profile Image for Casey.
678 reviews12 followers
February 5, 2020
We finally come to the end of the Alicization arc. I say finally because if I am totally honest, it went on too long. Reading each book didn't always feel that way... except for the several volumes where Kirito was out of commission. And if you're reading this review and didn't know that then that's your own dang fault for skipping ahead too much!

While there are going to be naysayers and detractors for some of the ideas presented... for me it was a satisfying conclusion. Most especially because Kirito and Ausna are together again which for me has been why I have loved SAO from the beginning. Yes, yes, there are other things I enjoy about it, but if when Kirito and Asuna aren't together, it just isn't as good.

So anyhow -- hope you enjoy this final volume of Alicization.

Verdict: If you've read this far you can't end with the last one, gotta see it through.
Profile Image for Candy.
95 reviews11 followers
February 1, 2019
I already knew where this arc is headed; but still, I am not ready to the thought of it and thus, I find it absurd.

Profile Image for Ricardo Matos.
471 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2020
A bit underwhelming as a conclusion for the Alicization Arc. It was a smart way to end the story, BUT...
1) predictable
2) repeat of the same MC saves the day because he's beyond OP and knows everything, no reasons given
3) characters must have been on LSD, because the amount of times they hallucinated shadows of other characters or saw a robot cry... then Eugeo was gone for good... but keeps showing up... ok now he's gone... oh wait there's still some more...

I think there are great ideas here, but the delivery failed. Give me some SAO Progressive over this any day...
Profile Image for Kevin Yee.
347 reviews21 followers
January 7, 2020
Such a satisfying ending. The Alicization arc works with many new ideas and the story reaches endpoints for many of the characters. It was tough waiting for the volumes to be translated but the story lines up nicely with the anime adaptation schedule, really looking forward to watching many of the scenes to be animated. The way that events wrap up in the Underworld and then in the real world are super interesting.
Profile Image for Tori.
65 reviews
March 13, 2019
Well, it was a kind of a nice wrap-up for the ongoing Alicization Arc.
Like the other light novels of the series, it was a quick read with not that much of a heavy language (the unofficial English translation), at least for me, most of the questions were answered, and even more were spawned.
It wasn't extremely spectacular, but a decent read nonetheless.
Profile Image for Eldon Siemens.
189 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2020
Being the last volume in a 10 volume arc, there was a lot to wrap up! Some parts are more satisfying than others, and the OP Kirito lives on, but I'm glad to see it come to an end. I'm hesitant on the lead in to what's next (Prologue 3), thinking it should just end on a happy note and start fresh on the next volume, but I'm sure I'll continue to read whatever Kawahara writes
Profile Image for Yorman Andrade.
87 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2018
Me encantó este arco, lo mejor es que no todo se centró en Kirito; aparecieron muchos personajes interesantes y reaparecieron viejos aliados. Es increíble que a pesar de los años la sombra de S.A.O. sigue persiguiendo a Kirito y las culpas lo acompañan a donde quiera que va.
Profile Image for anderson.
14 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2019
El mejor libro del arco de alicization. Donde se deja la puerta abierta al futuro esperado durante toda la historia de sao. Pelea épica con desenlace esperado pero con secuelas no esperadas. Fin alicization.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jill.
98 reviews
March 1, 2020
First half of the book was pretty intense with a great final battle. The second half seemed to drag on...and the ending with them in space...no idea what that was about. Overall...the first half of this series was much more interesting then the second half.
Profile Image for Braulio Mago.
130 reviews
December 31, 2024
A mi parecer esta historia se alarga innecesariamente, pero está padre que en gran medida, Kirito no es el único héroe de la historia como en los otros arcos. Además, el preámbulo al siguiente arco le da un cierre fuerte al volumen.
Profile Image for Maxina Storibrook.
Author 10 books10 followers
August 15, 2020
SO AMAZING!!!

This is one of my most favorite series, and this finale to the Alicization arc was beautiful and great. I’m so excited to read what happens next!!!
Profile Image for Heather Wright.
Author 1 book11 followers
February 16, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Alicization sequence of light novels. I can't wait for the next adventure with the many amazing characters.
Profile Image for Holly Ann.
23 reviews
March 11, 2021
The payoff from the boredom you deal with in the previous volumes finally comes. An epic final battle. Was really solid very good.
Profile Image for Chris Flynn.
89 reviews16 followers
October 4, 2021
Fantastic ending and epilogue to what has been the best arc of this series. Alicization has a whole has been a great culmination of SAO to date. I'm excited to see where it goes from here.
Profile Image for JoanTheSiren.
464 reviews85 followers
August 15, 2022
strasznie się wymęczyłam na tym tomie, za dużo dramy, dopiero epilog (ostatnie 100 stron :)) mnie wciągnęły i przeczytałam je na raz.
Profile Image for Yan M Garcia.
63 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2018
No sé si pueda esperar el nuevo arco porque el final de este ha sido tan bonito que no creo que pueda estar separado de la historia mucho tiempo. Ahora muero por verlo animado 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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