Great. That is a good word to describe this story. I've barely read one volume and have gotten addicted to it.
In the many novels that incorporate MMORPG elements, this is one of those that deviate from the normal formula and also incorporates more of a realistic take.
A group of twelve wake up in a the darkness without memories except for their names. The need to survive is right there, after all, food and necessities must be bougth, right?
You are given a chance: become one of the many that fights monsters or find another way to live. But experience plays a role and for people without memories, what experience is for them? The only option to survive is to risk your life.
But not everyone can adapt easily and not everyone can be ready for these challenges. One think I like in this novel is how it portrays such a thing. Teenagers learning to fight and without memories will obviously struggle. Battles must be made and some won't be won. In others, fleeing will be the best option, but nothing stops anyone from dying.
And even if someone dies, the fighting will have to continue.
I really like the characters. The protagonists aren't overpowered and have to make use of their intelligence and skills. At the same time, they aren't a genius in so to say and that has an impact; only when they stop to look aroung and analyze the situation, they can understand how to succeed. Why does my teammate act like that? Why can't I get better? Why is the enemy so strong?
Is it really the others' fault? Is there really nothing that I can do?
In the first volume, I really liked the novel and how the story progresses and characters develop, so I am giving this series a 9.
I really enjoyed the novel, but somehow I realized it lacked something, a long-therm objective as pointed out by Haruhiro in one point in it. As such, as the next volumes progress, this rating may change.