New Sword Art Online Audiobook Covers Events Never Shown in the Anime
Looking for your next Sword Art Online fix?
Why not try the latest SAO Audiobook adaptation of Volume 22 of the light novel series, Kiss and Fly?
Diehard Sword Art Online fans will love this collection of short stories for the intimate look into core characters the stories afford.
This collection of short stories may be part of the mainline light novel series for Sword Art Online, but it isn’t part of the main timeline. Instead, it includes several key stories from different points in time of the main series that we’ve never seen before – neither in the anime nor in the books.
The Day Before
The first has to do with Kirito and Asuna’s first few days together as a married couple.
This is actually a pretty fun short story as it is a direct allusion to the Wizard of Oz, and the two have to go on a hunt for their famous log cabin together with the help of their friend, Argo.
The Day After
Second, we have a story about Asuna adapting to her new avatar in ALO.
While taking place shortly after the events of the Fairy Dance arc, this story isn’t just about recovering from trauma: there are also deeper themes of loss, and the ties of the bond between Asuna and Kirito. Additionally, a beloved character from the Aincrad days makes a surprise return.
Rainbow Bridge
Third, fans of the Sword Art Online Extra Edition special from the anime will enjoy yet another side quest through ALO that we’ve never seen before entitled, “The Rainbow Bridge.”
This story acts as a sequel to the quest we see Kirito and friends try to tackle during the Extra Edition. It’s yet another fun adventure from one of the less trying times for the core group of friends.
Sister’s Prayer
While the Kirito/Asuna stories are a major draw to most, yet another equally meaningful story is included in Kiss and Fly, and it has to do with one of Sword Art Online’s best characters, Yuuki Konno.
Not only do we get an inside look at how Yuuki became the Absolute Sword in the first place – we also get to see her interacting with her beloved older sister. Of all the stories in Kiss and Fly, “Sister’s Prayer” is the deepest and most impactful.
Today, on August 4, 2026, the audiobook for Kiss and Fly makes its debut. Narrated by the voice actors of Kirito and Asuna from the English dub, this is a great entry point into the source material for Sword Art Online. Not only does it give you a look behind the anime at where the story originated from, it’s also an excellent way to get an expanded view of the series with stories that have yet to be adapted into the anime.
