Does this series get better after volume 1?

Sword Art Online Progressive (light novel)

Jul 21, 2022 6:36 PM

Offline

Apr 2009

Apologies in advance to the fans of this series. Not trying to start an argument. Just want to know if it's worth my time to read further.

Background: I am reading the original SAO series, currently through 22 volumes. After watching the first SAO:P movie, which I enjoyed, I decided to start the books...

…and unfortunately, volume 1 was a massive disappointment for me. The lack of backstory for Asuna which I felt was the best part of the movie was a huge let down. This by comparison was incredibly dull to read. The second story (Rondo) was even worse. Probably one of the most uninteresting plots I have ever had to trudge through, and it felt like it would never end. The payoff at the boss fight was okay, but not even close to worth it. I forced myself to finish the volume so at least I could make a decision as to whether to read volume 2 if it got better, rather than simply have to drop it.

I guess the question is does the narrative get more interesting in subsequent volumes? Or does it just feel like the same old routine of Kirito and Asuna solving some problems, getting into a few awkward situations, and ultimately beating the floor boss? Because this formula I think got stale before it even finished its first cycle. Does Kawahara actually attempt any character development? Are there some good dialogue scenes? Are there any interesting scenarios that happen which aren't a slog to get through?

I understand this is all subjective, but hopefully someone can relate!

Aug 1, 2022 1:32 AM

kset280

Offline

May 2021

zeeroid said:
Apologies in advance to the fans of this series. Not trying to start an argument. Just want to know if it's worth my time to read further.

Background: I am reading the original SAO series, currently through 22 volumes. After watching the first SAO:P movie, which I enjoyed, I decided to start the books...

…and unfortunately, volume 1 was a massive disappointment for me. The lack of backstory for Asuna which I felt was the best part of the movie was a huge let down. This by comparison was incredibly dull to read. The second story (Rondo) was even worse. Probably one of the most uninteresting plots I have ever had to trudge through, and it felt like it would never end. The payoff at the boss fight was okay, but not even close to worth it. I forced myself to finish the volume so at least I could make a decision as to whether to read volume 2 if it got better, rather than simply have to drop it.

I guess the question is does the narrative get more interesting in subsequent volumes? Or does it just feel like the same old routine of Kirito and Asuna solving some problems, getting into a few awkward situations, and ultimately beating the floor boss? Because this formula I think got stale before it even finished its first cycle. Does Kawahara actually attempt any character development? Are there some good dialogue scenes? Are there any interesting scenarios that happen which aren't a slog to get through?

I understand this is all subjective, but hopefully someone can relate!

Volume 4, Scherzo of Deep Night (Floor 5) is the best Progressive. You should check it out.

Aug 3, 2022 10:47 PM

RioFS

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May 2021

60249

Yes, it does get better but I'm not sure if you will like it. At least read the first 6 volumes.

Sep 6, 2022 5:47 PM

paeanblotch

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Dec 2021

300

RioFS said:
Yes, it does get better but I'm not sure if you will like it. At least read the first 6 volumes.

are there more kirisuna stuff

Sep 6, 2022 5:55 PM

RioFS

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May 2021

60249

paeanblotch said:

RioFS said:
Yes, it does get better but I'm not sure if you will like it. At least read the first 6 volumes.

are there more kirisuna stuff

Lots of kirisuna stuff.

Sep 7, 2022 12:11 AM

paeanblotch

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Dec 2021

300

RioFS said:

paeanblotch said:

are there more kirisuna stuff

Lots of kirisuna stuff.

okay so I'm starting volume 1 right now 👍🏻
By the way who is the main lead here...kirito or asuna

Sep 7, 2022 3:48 AM

RioFS

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May 2021

60249

paeanblotch said:

RioFS said:

Lots of kirisuna stuff.

okay so I'm starting volume 1 right now 👍🏻
By the way who is the main lead here...kirito or asuna

I think Kirito was technically the main lead but after a certain point, they both are essentially the main leads.

Sep 7, 2022 4:04 AM

paeanblotch

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Dec 2021

300

RioFS said:

paeanblotch said:

okay so I'm starting volume 1 right now 👍🏻
By the way who is the main lead here...kirito or asuna

I think Kirito was technically the main lead but after a certain point, they both are essentially the main leads.

i guess our boy is OP as usual

Sep 7, 2022 12:31 PM

RioFS

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May 2021

60249

paeanblotch said:

RioFS said:

I think Kirito was technically the main lead but after a certain point, they both are essentially the main leads.

i guess our boy is OP as usual

Not as much as in the anime since he's a bit low-leveled but still pretty OP.

Sep 23, 2022 9:16 AM

#10

zeeroid

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Apr 2009

kset280 said:
Volume 4, Scherzo of Deep Night (Floor 5) is the best Progressive. You should check it out.

RioFS said:
Yes, it does get better but I'm not sure if you will like it. At least read the first 6 volumes.

Thanks for the replies! Forgot I posted this thread so only seeing them now. 😂

Oct 10, 2022 7:46 AM

#11

MistbornWind_Rx

Offline

Oct 2020

1925

Floor 3 (volume 2) will be totally new for you, a new story. The base of the Elf war arc,, but Floor 5 is my favourite till now I've read only 6volumes and yeah, it gets better with time. Keep reading bud. Just enjoy the story with a cup of tea.

And if you're reading vol 22 (Kiss & Fly) did u find the backstory of The Sleeping Knights satisfactory after knowing the story of Mother's Rosario?

And what r ur opinions on Unital Ring?

WISHED I COULD ALSO GET TRANSPORTED TO A WORLD FULL OF MAGIC And DUNGEONS, please take me there too if you could (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

Nov 1, 2022 11:06 AM

#12

DeMarcK

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Jul 2021

178

paeanblotch said:

RioFS said:

I think Kirito was technically the main lead but after a certain point, they both are essentially the main leads.

i guess our boy is OP as usual

I would say it’s because of skills that he were able to keep his performance high.

Also, in Progressive, you get to see he got thrown left, right and center so him being overpowered later doesn’t feel too cliche or something around that. It’s naturally a result from non-stop training and experience from the actual constant assault he had to deal with to save his life

Stonks

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Does this series get better after volume 1?

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