elderkinhv's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
caribbeanprncss's review against another edition
5.0
We're finally into the post-anime arcs, and I have to admit this arc has been my favorite after the original SAO arc. I can't wait to find out more about the new characters and just what is truly going on in Gun Gale Online.
rekastormborn's review against another edition
5.0
As a fan of the anime I'm greatly enjoying experiencing the story all over again in a new format. I think this was a great addition to the series. I especially love the characterization of Sinon and the various (and varied) interactions between her and Kirito in this volume. Heading right into volume 7 to see the end of the arc playing out.
midnightjinx's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mary_rose's review against another edition
4.0
I'm quite a fan of the SAO novels, and I just like the others (though Fairy Dance is questionable as always) I really enjoyed this one. It wasn't perfect, but perfection is hard to find haha. I always enjoy learning more things about the characters and situations that are not shown in the anime, and I really love the gun setting and our overly feminine Kirito.
Overall, I liked it just like I knew I would!
Overall, I liked it just like I knew I would!
rick1508's review against another edition
4.0
SAO volume 5 covers the first part of the Phantom Bullet arc. What makes SAO strong in my opinion is the tension you feel where death in the game means death in real life. Phantom Bullet brings this tension back in a spectacular way when a new player in the VRMMO Gun Gale Online manages to kill two people. Kirito is send on an investigation which turns out to be closely connected with his time in Aincrad. Sinon is a wonderful new protagonist and volume 5 manages to show a new side of Kirito. Reki Kawahara's writing style is as good as always. Definitely a great start to a new story arc!
jolovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very short novel, compared to the rest. It spans a long meeting, a date with Asuna, a few snatches of Shino IRL and then the first rounds of BoB. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the gun scenes. I already knew I'd love Shino's storyline from the anime, but I was pleasantly surprised with the gunning.
What I didn't like:
How little we get to see Asuna. I'm hoping by the size of the next book we get to see more of her. I understand Kirito's reasons for not wanting her in the game, but I still missed her. It was nice to see a scene between them at the beginning of the novel to remind readers of their relationship, and I guess due to the time span of the novel there wasn't anywhere else she could slot in. The story is definitely "to be continued..." in Phantom Bullet 006.
What I liked:
Sinon doesn't go bananas for Kirito. I really liked that she was super open to helping Kirito because she thought he was a girl. It wasn't because she was in love with him like Leafa or Lizbeth. In a series where there are a million female characters introduced to one male, it was amazing to have Sinon thrown into the mix. She already has a boyfriend lined up for when she gets over her personal issues, and it's not Kirito. Kirito as usual gets into her personal space, but that's just his personality, and it was great to see a girl not respond to it with romance.
Shino's backstory. I LOVED it. It's super unique and pulls on my heartstrings.
Overall:
I don't have much else to say. This book felt super short and not much happened overall (especially when you think about Aincrad 001 and how much that spanned). It was an enjoyable read. Nothing particularly wow about it, but I wasn't bored at all. I'm quite looking forward to the next installment - and of course hoping to see more of Asuna! :)
What I didn't like:
How little we get to see Asuna. I'm hoping by the size of the next book we get to see more of her. I understand Kirito's reasons for not wanting her in the game, but I still missed her. It was nice to see a scene between them at the beginning of the novel to remind readers of their relationship, and I guess due to the time span of the novel there wasn't anywhere else she could slot in. The story is definitely "to be continued..." in Phantom Bullet 006.
What I liked:
Sinon doesn't go bananas for Kirito. I really liked that she was super open to helping Kirito because she thought he was a girl. It wasn't because she was in love with him like Leafa or Lizbeth. In a series where there are a million female characters introduced to one male, it was amazing to have Sinon thrown into the mix. She already has a boyfriend lined up for when she gets over her personal issues, and it's not Kirito. Kirito as usual gets into her personal space, but that's just his personality, and it was great to see a girl not respond to it with romance.
Shino's backstory. I LOVED it. It's super unique and pulls on my heartstrings.
Overall:
I don't have much else to say. This book felt super short and not much happened overall (especially when you think about Aincrad 001 and how much that spanned). It was an enjoyable read. Nothing particularly wow about it, but I wasn't bored at all. I'm quite looking forward to the next installment - and of course hoping to see more of Asuna! :)