Overview
The novel was first published as a web novel. (Official webpage)。
The author however used his other name, Reki Kawahara for this novel since his another award winning work, Accel World.
The anime adaption will be on air this coming summer, 2012. It will be directed by Tomohiko Ito, and animated by A-1 Pictures.
Synopsis
"This is not a game, even if it's a game."
In 2022, Kirito, along with 10,000 players who had the luck-of-the-draw to play the beta version, are trapped inside an MMORPG called Sword Art Online (SAO). Unable to logout, the only way to live is to win. Death in-game means death in the real world, tampering or prolonged power outage with the Nerve Gear, the gear that simulates in-game character control by redirecting brain signals, also means death. To win means to defeat the final boss on the top floor, out of the original 10,000 players at the start, two years later 6000 remain and 26 floors left to clear.
Characters
Kirito
The main character of the story.Known as "The Black Swordsman". A player who prefers solo'ing instead of working together. One of the top class players in SAO(Sword Art Online).
Asuna
The main heroine. Known as "The Flash", Vice Leader of the "Knights of Blood".
Cline
A friendly player that meets Kirito at the start of the game and quickly befriends and learns from him. He and Kirito later separate because he has friends who were also new to the game, and since he was taught by Kirito who was an experienced player, he couldn't leave them. He uses a katana to fight and leads a party.
Scilica
A girl whose class is a Beast Tamer. Fights using familiars. She was rescued by Kirito when she was under attack by monsters.
Lizbet
Asuna's friend. Works as a blacksmith.
Lyfa
The main heroine in "Fairy Dance" arc. A slyph who first met Kirito in ALO (ALfhiem Online). She has feelings for Kirito.
Shinon
The main heroine in Phantom Barret arc. A sniper in GGO (Gun Gale Online).
Yuuki
The heroine in Mother's Rosario. Known as "Zekken" in ALO, She is strong enough to rival Kirito and Lyfa in terms of power.
Related Illustrations
