Review: #511
Title: Accel World 1: Kuroyukihime's Return
Series: Accel World - 1st volume
Author: Reki Kawahara
Read Before: no
Comments: Accel World is about a short fat high school student who is bullied. Set in 2046, everyone now has a “Neuro-Linker” which is something that attaches to your neck and is pretty much an augmented reality computer that displays directly to your brain. Kuroyukihime seeks him out and introduces him to Brain Burst, a fighting one with a twist; it comes with the ability to speed up your thoughts to 1000 times the normal rate. This brings up heaps of opportunities and what keeps this first volume interesting is how the author explains the functions of this program. The characters are likeable and there is a subplot here in which Haru (the main character) starts to heal the rift with his childhood best friends. The volume also ends on a high note with an excellent showdown and a strong standoff. The negatives though is the self-depreciating thoughts of Haru, the way he refers to himself as a servant and tool is very cringe-worthy, to the point of being quite lame. If you have watched the anime, then this light novel will expand the how and why that the anime glossed over. A solid translation and interesting content makes Kuroyukihime’s Return an addicting read.
Rating: 7/10