After watching the first episode of the anime, I decided to give the translated novels a try since it looked promising. So far, I've only read novels 1, 3, and 4, and I just want to put in some of my comments on it that I just want to get off my chest.
Spoiler for reaction:
First of all, I was quite impressed. It's not often that I encounter a romance that actually manages to engage me on an emotional level. It probably has much to do with the main couple being down-to-earth and generally likable, as well as the fact that it's rather straightforward in its progression. Though I guess it also helps that we have a female lead that is capable but at the same time does not overshadow the male lead. Seeing a nearly even relationship is actually quite refreshing.
Of course, my praise is mostly for the initial arc. On the other hand, the Fairy Dance arc struck me as unnecessary. While I read it dutifully for some long overdue closure in Kazuto and Asuna's relationship, I didn't enjoy it quite as much. For one thing, the entire arc reduces Asuna into a mere prize for Kazuto to struggle for, as opposed to her her more proactive role in the previous arc.
Next, the entire thing just felt like an unnecessary obstruction in the way of resolving the previous arc with Asuna's fiance just conveniently being the big bad of the arc. On a more personal level, the looming threat of NTR over the entire arc felt so very wrong to me. Why does the villain have to be so utterly unlikable?
I guess the entire arc was meant to focus on Suguha's feelings toward Kazuto, but it really did feel somewhat intrusive given the forced conflict that the Fairy Dance arc imposed upon me all of a sudden, especially with the hanging conflict involving Asuna.
In short, I'm not a fan of the Fairy Dance arc.
In any case, does anyone know if the anime will move past the first two novels?
Also, do any of the following novels live up to the standard left by the first arc, or have I already seen the best of this series?