Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online (ソードアート・オンライン Sōdo Āto Onrain) is a 2009 light novel series written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by Abec. The series takes place in the near future and focuses on various virtual reality MMORPG worlds. The light novels began publication on Dengeki Bunko imprint from April 10, 2009, with a spin-off series launching in October 2012.

Story
The players of a virtual reality MMORPG, Sword Art Online, are trapped and fighting for their very lives. After it is announced that the only way to leave the game is by beating it, Kirito—a very powerful swordsman—and his friends take on a quest to free all the minds trapped in Aincrad.

Characters

 * Kazuto Kirigaya (桐ヶ谷 和人 Kirigaya Kazuto), Kirito (キリトKirito)


 * Suguha Kirigaya (桐ヶ谷 直葉 Kirigaya Suguha), Leafa (リーファ Rīfa)


 * Asuna Yuuki (結城 明日奈 Yūki Asuna)


 * Yui (ユイ Yui)


 * Rika Shinozaki (篠崎 里香 Shinozaki Rika), Lisbeth (リズベット Rizubetto)


 * Keiko Ayano (綾野 珪子 Ayano Keiko), Silica (シリカ Shirika)


 * Andrew Gilbert Mills (アンドリュー・ギルバート・ミルズ Andoryū Girubāto Miruzu), Agil (エギル Egiru)


 * Ryōtarō Tsuboi (壷井 遼太郎 Tsuboi Ryōtarō), Klein (クライン Kurainn)


 * Shino Asada (朝田 詩乃 Asada Shino), Sinon (シノン 'Shinon)

Volume List
SAO 1.png|Sword Art Online 1: Aincrad. Released on April 10, 2009. SAO 2.jpg|Sword Art Online 2: Aincrad. Released on August 10, 2009. SAO 3.jpg|Sword Art Online 3: Fairy Dance. Released on December 10, 2009. SAO 4.jpg|Sword Art Online 4: Fairy Dance. Released on April 10, 2010. SAO 5.jpg|Sword Art Online 5: Phantom Bullet. Released on August 10, 2010.