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나 혼자만 레벨업 [Na Honjaman Level Up] (8 Volumes Novel) #5
Solo Leveling, Vol. 5
Jinwoo’s received some amazing gifts from the system, but the latest one might prove to be the greatest one yet-a key to the double dungeon where it all started. Perhaps a second visit might provide him with answers for once. He’s got some time to kill until he can use the item though, but before he can tackle another gate, unexpected movement from the shadow soldiers guarding Jinah sets his alarm bells ringing...
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Published October 18, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 9, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
A good continuation of the series. The MC just keeps getting more powerful. We get a little bit about what is going on with the system (not much) but more than what we had before. Relationships are developing. Overall, a good addition to the series.
A good continuation of the series. The MC just keeps getting more powerful. We get a little bit about what is going on with the system (not much) but more than what we had before. Relationships are developing. Overall, a good addition to the series.
April 26, 2023
Full disclosure, I read books 3-5 in the same day and so my thoughts on specific story beats may be a little muddled.
Its nice having a LN being willing to jump right into an action beat with some expectation that it doesnt have to explain everything. Again. Immediately. Just so latecomers can get up to speed. This hits the ground running and then cruises on from there. We get some extra lore that really lays the groundwork for things to come and emphasizes how much we dont know, but without making it seem like the author is pulling a sherlock and holding most of the information out of reach while chiding us for not being smarter. Its rare in these overarching plot threads that the mystery of the world can be delivered this consistently without contempt towards the reader, but its refreshing when it happens.
Bonus points. 5 Books in and no hint of a harem. I know I read too many JLNs when thats a plus, but damn is it refreshing that at worst we have a very quiet drawn out singular crush that neither character has the time to meaningful address.
Similarly, normally in any translation the quality drops off significantly after book 2 if it even makes it that long. Thats not the case here and even the humour is still landing. Someone put a terrifying amount of work into that and it absolutely needs to be called out just how consistently good whoever did this much work really is.
Its nice having a LN being willing to jump right into an action beat with some expectation that it doesnt have to explain everything. Again. Immediately. Just so latecomers can get up to speed. This hits the ground running and then cruises on from there. We get some extra lore that really lays the groundwork for things to come and emphasizes how much we dont know, but without making it seem like the author is pulling a sherlock and holding most of the information out of reach while chiding us for not being smarter. Its rare in these overarching plot threads that the mystery of the world can be delivered this consistently without contempt towards the reader, but its refreshing when it happens.
Bonus points. 5 Books in and no hint of a harem. I know I read too many JLNs when thats a plus, but damn is it refreshing that at worst we have a very quiet drawn out singular crush that neither character has the time to meaningful address.
Similarly, normally in any translation the quality drops off significantly after book 2 if it even makes it that long. Thats not the case here and even the humour is still landing. Someone put a terrifying amount of work into that and it absolutely needs to be called out just how consistently good whoever did this much work really is.
August 13, 2022
another entertaining read
The dialogue is terrible as is typical for this type of book. Not much plot progression. But it’s still a fun read.
The dialogue is terrible as is typical for this type of book. Not much plot progression. But it’s still a fun read.
May 26, 2025
A hero you can really like!
I've mentioned before how wonderfully written these are and how much they are worth your time if you enjoy the anime and/or manga. So rather than discuss how well written an amazing the story is I want to talk about the main character. To me the main character is the most important connection and audience has to the story itself. It is to me the most important element in storytelling. In this story, you have a likable underdog. He is transformed but does not lose his humanity despite everything he encounters along the way. He's a character that doesn't deny his needs, understanding that to function in our society you need money and power to some degree. Even so, he is able to put aside his own selfishness and still step up and be a hero. Even with an intelligent so advanced that emotion has become uninvolved for the most part with decision making he still holds tight to the ideals that make humans truly amazing. He still knows loyalty and compassion, he still is capable of loving people that matter. He still cares about the weak and the innocent. With all of his developments along the way it is quite impressive how much of his core character still shapes the way he functions. He is a good example of great power comes with great responsibility. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow.
I highly recommend this completely binge-worthy series. I can see myself rereading it often.
I've mentioned before how wonderfully written these are and how much they are worth your time if you enjoy the anime and/or manga. So rather than discuss how well written an amazing the story is I want to talk about the main character. To me the main character is the most important connection and audience has to the story itself. It is to me the most important element in storytelling. In this story, you have a likable underdog. He is transformed but does not lose his humanity despite everything he encounters along the way. He's a character that doesn't deny his needs, understanding that to function in our society you need money and power to some degree. Even so, he is able to put aside his own selfishness and still step up and be a hero. Even with an intelligent so advanced that emotion has become uninvolved for the most part with decision making he still holds tight to the ideals that make humans truly amazing. He still knows loyalty and compassion, he still is capable of loving people that matter. He still cares about the weak and the innocent. With all of his developments along the way it is quite impressive how much of his core character still shapes the way he functions. He is a good example of great power comes with great responsibility. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow.
I highly recommend this completely binge-worthy series. I can see myself rereading it often.
February 25, 2023
Anfangs zog sich der Band noch etwas in die Länge, doch gegen Ende hin wurde er so richtig spannend.
January 14, 2024
So, the Shadow Monarch...
We finally have more information.
Will the father and son finally meet ? Can we expect them to fight side by side ? Or will they be on opposite sides ?
We finally have more information.
Will the father and son finally meet ? Can we expect them to fight side by side ? Or will they be on opposite sides ?
April 3, 2025
Ok, it's getting interesting.
My comment:
Usually I don't really care about fighting scene but the one where seong jin woo was fighting the designer/angel statue or whatever it called was kindda good.
I also like the funny bit when all the hunters just gather around and start smoking on the side and watch the fight. Good comic release. Can't wait to see this scene on anime/live action.
Still hoping to have the romance peaked up. I watch too many kdrama and hoping something like that. The romance felt like kindda forced, no sparks.
My comment:
Usually I don't really care about fighting scene but the one where seong jin woo was fighting the designer/angel statue or whatever it called was kindda good.
I also like the funny bit when all the hunters just gather around and start smoking on the side and watch the fight. Good comic release. Can't wait to see this scene on anime/live action.
Still hoping to have the romance peaked up. I watch too many kdrama and hoping something like that. The romance felt like kindda forced, no sparks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
It just HAD to end there, didn't it 😂
October 26, 2025
Muy emocionante el regreso de Jinwoo al calabozo doble. Se cumplieron grandes expectativas.
August 4, 2024
it's alright. The thing I've noticed with this book or these books is that there will be a part where it dips and it gets a little bit slow and then it picks right back up again. and I know this was a web novel so it's interesting that maybe from week to week you had to see a different feel or pace of the story. It still feels like it's lacking something. there was a cliffhanger at the end of this book so that makes me want to read the next one.
August 30, 2023
I actually don't have any expectation since the Jeju Island Arc. The reason why I love this novel is the plot twist in each volume. The previous volume are still my favorite. But this volume, it can give me another excitement. It's still my page turner book.
October 20, 2022
Meh. It passed an afternoon.
January 7, 2023
My only complaint is that the books have gotten shorter!
May 29, 2023
4,5 Sterne
October 28, 2024
Fucking hell!!! This is the BEST volume of the series. So many things happened, so many deaths. We learned some things about the system. And that ending!!! The next volume is going to be incredible.
March 12, 2025
Okay, I was REALLY into this story as the anime and when I started reading the novel. I was excited because the anime clearly skipped over a lot of stuff and the novel filled in a lot of gaps. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Sung Jinwoo go from E Rank Hunter to best Hunter in the world. And the hints of the larger mystery is intriguing.
However.
The further I get into the story, the more apparent how… underdeveloped as a character Sung Jinwoo is. He doesn’t care about much more than getting stronger. Initially his motivations was for providing for his mother and sister, then healing his mother, then protecting himself. And it was an added bonus that he liked fighting and felt thrilled. Now he comes off as an addict, which would be cool if I suspected the story was going to do something about it.
Like, he didn’t even really care that Japan was being destroyed and millions were dying. The severity of his sadness for that was equivalent of hearing that they ran out of milk on your way to the grocery store. Sad, but not something you’d think twice on as you just move on to another store. And his motivation to help them was more because he wanted to level up and get more soldiers.
And him being morally grey would be an interesting take I’d love to read, but with how self-insert-y the story seems to be driving towards now, it seems like it’s nothing more than a self insert power fantasy.
Which is fine. I will never shit on people who like or write those. But to my tastes, self insert characters can get boring fast because they have no personality. And Jinwoo is becoming more and more cardboard like as the series continues. Which is frustrating because there are no fleshed out side characters with personalities outside of being awed at Jinwoo or antagonistic towards Jinwoo before becoming awed as they are defeated. Which makes it very hard to latch onto or relate to any side characters since the series is so Jinwoo focused (Heh, it really is SoloPlay, the series).
However.
The further I get into the story, the more apparent how… underdeveloped as a character Sung Jinwoo is. He doesn’t care about much more than getting stronger. Initially his motivations was for providing for his mother and sister, then healing his mother, then protecting himself. And it was an added bonus that he liked fighting and felt thrilled. Now he comes off as an addict, which would be cool if I suspected the story was going to do something about it.
Like, he didn’t even really care that Japan was being destroyed and millions were dying. The severity of his sadness for that was equivalent of hearing that they ran out of milk on your way to the grocery store. Sad, but not something you’d think twice on as you just move on to another store. And his motivation to help them was more because he wanted to level up and get more soldiers.
And him being morally grey would be an interesting take I’d love to read, but with how self-insert-y the story seems to be driving towards now, it seems like it’s nothing more than a self insert power fantasy.
Which is fine. I will never shit on people who like or write those. But to my tastes, self insert characters can get boring fast because they have no personality. And Jinwoo is becoming more and more cardboard like as the series continues. Which is frustrating because there are no fleshed out side characters with personalities outside of being awed at Jinwoo or antagonistic towards Jinwoo before becoming awed as they are defeated. Which makes it very hard to latch onto or relate to any side characters since the series is so Jinwoo focused (Heh, it really is SoloPlay, the series).
May 14, 2025
5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Why did you come here?”
“To save Hunter Sung.”
Solo Leveling Volume 5 is the fifth instalment in the portal fantasy series by the same name. Written in third person POV, we continue to follow Jinwoo Sung after the events of Jeju Island. While he continues to grow his power there are still questions about the system and the world he needs answers from and when he is offered a chance to return to the beginning the idea is quite tempting...but while he waits things across the world are changing...something has started and does not appear to be stopping.
So I read this book last month after buying all eight volumes over the course of three days. As a result my review may not be super focused as things blend a little. I am also reading the manhwas now because I loved the light novel so much. Here are some general non-spoilery thoughts:
1. I loved returning back to the place that haunts my dreams.
2. We got some interesting lore here about the system and beyond but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
3. I liked learning more about hunters around the globe and the building up to a greater conflict.
4. I want more Hae-In Cha. I feel like she's been sidelined a bit but she did get a pretty kickbutt scene. I just want the romance XD
Overall, I love this series. It draws me in and I felt reading these novels allowed me to get a better idea of the world and the lore because it is FASCINATING.
“Why did you come here?”
“To save Hunter Sung.”
Solo Leveling Volume 5 is the fifth instalment in the portal fantasy series by the same name. Written in third person POV, we continue to follow Jinwoo Sung after the events of Jeju Island. While he continues to grow his power there are still questions about the system and the world he needs answers from and when he is offered a chance to return to the beginning the idea is quite tempting...but while he waits things across the world are changing...something has started and does not appear to be stopping.
So I read this book last month after buying all eight volumes over the course of three days. As a result my review may not be super focused as things blend a little. I am also reading the manhwas now because I loved the light novel so much. Here are some general non-spoilery thoughts:
1. I loved returning back to the place that haunts my dreams.
2. We got some interesting lore here about the system and beyond but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
3. I liked learning more about hunters around the globe and the building up to a greater conflict.
4. I want more Hae-In Cha. I feel like she's been sidelined a bit but she did get a pretty kickbutt scene. I just want the romance XD
Overall, I love this series. It draws me in and I felt reading these novels allowed me to get a better idea of the world and the lore because it is FASCINATING.
August 28, 2025
28/08/2025
4 ⭐
I've officially surpassed what I've read in the manhwa, but I've had no problem following along, so I think I'll continue reading all the light novels that my library has and then binge-read all of the remaining manhwa volumes when the last one comes out! As always, I really enjoyed this one, and I'm eager to see where this goes and how much darker Jinwoo gets.
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4 ⭐
I've officially surpassed what I've read in the manhwa, but I've had no problem following along, so I think I'll continue reading all the light novels that my library has and then binge-read all of the remaining manhwa volumes when the last one comes out! As always, I really enjoyed this one, and I'm eager to see where this goes and how much darker Jinwoo gets.
My Blog | Letterboxd | Instagram | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Hoemance Book Club | Graphicsathon | Scoobathon | Wishlist
January 17, 2025
So we start with jinwoo rescuing his sister. Then we have the new law. We have a major upgrade at level 100. We return to the double dungeon. Chairman finally asks for The cure. And. Jinwoo announces his trip to Japan.
Lots of good stuff. It's a great ride. We're still going through it. I started watching the anime and it's hilarious to go all the way back to the beginning of this story. One thing I noticed is that in the anime jinwoo comes off as mean sometimes in a way that isn't present in the book. And I feel like it's not just because we're inside of his head. That said that meanness would have been useful in the book because we have warnings from Dead hunters telling jinboo to be careful. We have the architect expecting him to fall to his power but when we look at general we see nothing that really suggests he would be that sort of person. Even his hunger for power doesn't really seem malicious. So much as it is. Preparatory
Lots of good stuff. It's a great ride. We're still going through it. I started watching the anime and it's hilarious to go all the way back to the beginning of this story. One thing I noticed is that in the anime jinwoo comes off as mean sometimes in a way that isn't present in the book. And I feel like it's not just because we're inside of his head. That said that meanness would have been useful in the book because we have warnings from Dead hunters telling jinboo to be careful. We have the architect expecting him to fall to his power but when we look at general we see nothing that really suggests he would be that sort of person. Even his hunger for power doesn't really seem malicious. So much as it is. Preparatory
January 31, 2025
I repeat to myself: I will finish, I will finish, I will finish even though I'm challenged.
Here is the thing. Maybe this story is more real in a character study than I like. I mean generally speaking, people suck. Evolution wise humans have small monkey spheres, only do things that benefit themselves, and are distrustful of others.
The MC sucks. His monkey sphere is minuscule. He is only interested in his own power with the exception of a few people outside of his sphere. Even then he treats those closest to him quite poorly with zero communication. In a word, he is human, too human. Sure he saves people but it is basically secondary.
The outside looking in and misjudgement based on preconceptions is basically annoying at this point in the story. The guilds make no sense. The parent and angel arc is pretty meh...no hope for a big reveal.
I will finish, I will finish...
Here is the thing. Maybe this story is more real in a character study than I like. I mean generally speaking, people suck. Evolution wise humans have small monkey spheres, only do things that benefit themselves, and are distrustful of others.
The MC sucks. His monkey sphere is minuscule. He is only interested in his own power with the exception of a few people outside of his sphere. Even then he treats those closest to him quite poorly with zero communication. In a word, he is human, too human. Sure he saves people but it is basically secondary.
The outside looking in and misjudgement based on preconceptions is basically annoying at this point in the story. The guilds make no sense. The parent and angel arc is pretty meh...no hope for a big reveal.
I will finish, I will finish...
June 21, 2025
enjoyed this one a lot more than the last couple. It might just be a power fantasy aimed at teenage boys, but I dig it.
Having said that, I dont dig the positive way the author looks at people in power, particularly business people. I get that it's probably a Korean thing, but worshipping a CEO and thinking they deserve respect by default because of their position (or any high position for that matter) is a f***ed up way of looking at life. I get that the characters in the book automatically show a lot of respect to these figures, but I hate how we look into the minds of said characters and it all is "wide eyed respect" on the inside too, without question. Respect should be earned from actions, not a default because of a job description. any way, that's my unsocitated opinion. F billionaires. They can only get that rich from exploiting others.
Having said that, I dont dig the positive way the author looks at people in power, particularly business people. I get that it's probably a Korean thing, but worshipping a CEO and thinking they deserve respect by default because of their position (or any high position for that matter) is a f***ed up way of looking at life. I get that the characters in the book automatically show a lot of respect to these figures, but I hate how we look into the minds of said characters and it all is "wide eyed respect" on the inside too, without question. Respect should be earned from actions, not a default because of a job description. any way, that's my unsocitated opinion. F billionaires. They can only get that rich from exploiting others.
July 15, 2025
As usual I enjoy the happy moments but I really dislike the constant injuries and deaths of the side characters because of the increasing danger of the dungeons.
The worst is that when they describe the destruction of Japan from the dungeon burst, all I can think about is the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank caused by the illegal settler state of Israel, and the fact that most of the western governments are complicit in it. Same with what’s happening in the Congo, Sudan and many other places around the world today. Makes me wish for a Jinwoo Sung that could wipe out all those bad guys. Basically the world is on fire right now and while these dungeon stories were probably pretty enjoyable even ten years ago, right now it feels too close to reality.
The worst is that when they describe the destruction of Japan from the dungeon burst, all I can think about is the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank caused by the illegal settler state of Israel, and the fact that most of the western governments are complicit in it. Same with what’s happening in the Congo, Sudan and many other places around the world today. Makes me wish for a Jinwoo Sung that could wipe out all those bad guys. Basically the world is on fire right now and while these dungeon stories were probably pretty enjoyable even ten years ago, right now it feels too close to reality.
January 12, 2026
My first finished book of 2026. Yay 🎉
Honestly, this was pretty much just okay until basically the end when he has a certain boss battle that reveals some new things about the system and raises more questions.
The fight and the S gate were cool and all but the chapters regarding Myunghan Yoo really stuck with me for some reason. Logically I understand where Jinwoo is coming from, his thought process/the rarity of what was needed. Emotionally though, really Jinwoo? He's your best friend's dad you're an a*shole for not considering it more or getting Jinho involved in the decision.
I'm sure this comes up again and is resolved later, it's too glaring a plot point not too, but still. That's for future me, present me is kinda mad at Jinwoo for being a d*ck.
Honestly, this was pretty much just okay until basically the end when he has a certain boss battle that reveals some new things about the system and raises more questions.
The fight and the S gate were cool and all but the chapters regarding Myunghan Yoo really stuck with me for some reason. Logically I understand where Jinwoo is coming from, his thought process/the rarity of what was needed. Emotionally though, really Jinwoo? He's your best friend's dad you're an a*shole for not considering it more or getting Jinho involved in the decision.
I'm sure this comes up again and is resolved later, it's too glaring a plot point not too, but still. That's for future me, present me is kinda mad at Jinwoo for being a d*ck.
July 1, 2025
After getting hooked on the anime, I wanted to see how the story progressed and after finding out the light novels had more details than the manhwa, I opted to listen to the audiobook since I couldn't find an English translated written version.
At first I wasn't sure how I'd like it, but honestly I got sucked into the story pretty quickly. It helped already having seen the anime so that names were familiar and I could more easily picture what was happening and I like that more of the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place - even if they're small pieces!
Recommend checking this out if you, like me, want to continue the story while waiting for Season 3 to be confirmed and released!
At first I wasn't sure how I'd like it, but honestly I got sucked into the story pretty quickly. It helped already having seen the anime so that names were familiar and I could more easily picture what was happening and I like that more of the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place - even if they're small pieces!
Recommend checking this out if you, like me, want to continue the story while waiting for Season 3 to be confirmed and released!
December 5, 2024
School Problems, Japan Karma, and Returning to the Double Dungeon!
Few highlights I Enjoyed:
-Stressing while worrying if Jinwoo was going to make it in time to save his sister after a portal opened.
-Feeling bad that Japan suffered due to the actions of only a few men. Understandable but still sad.
-Getting to learn more about the systems and overarching plot endgame.
-Seeing Hae-In do her best to protect the hunters as the strongest S rank after Jinwoo.
-Jinwoo getting ready to head to Japan and continue to showcase he isn't really someone that holds grudges against innocent people.
Few highlights I Enjoyed:
-Stressing while worrying if Jinwoo was going to make it in time to save his sister after a portal opened.
-Feeling bad that Japan suffered due to the actions of only a few men. Understandable but still sad.
-Getting to learn more about the systems and overarching plot endgame.
-Seeing Hae-In do her best to protect the hunters as the strongest S rank after Jinwoo.
-Jinwoo getting ready to head to Japan and continue to showcase he isn't really someone that holds grudges against innocent people.
January 13, 2025
aaaah cada vez la historia va mejorando, me emociono al igual que cuando lei el manhwa XD, pero no se si continua con el vol. 6 por que aun no han sacado el 7 y se que querre leer el siguiente terminando el 6...tal vez me espere a que ya salga y para continuar con la historia, quedo en una parte buena pero no tan urgente como para leer de ya el 6 como paso con el 4 para leer el 5 XD.
Conclusión: quiero leer más, pero me esperaré a ya tener en físico mínimo el 7 también y si puedo soportar la tentación hasta el 8 y último
Conclusión: quiero leer más, pero me esperaré a ya tener en físico mínimo el 7 también y si puedo soportar la tentación hasta el 8 y último
June 17, 2025
I don’t typically enjoy romance in action/fantasy manhwas, but I am eating this up. Everything makes sense. The undertones are there but Jinwoo’s focus and goals are still the same. Also, Haein is amazing and one of my favorite strong female characters in a manhwa. She holds her own and their friendship possibly something more is just perfect.
Also love all the storyline and how we are starting to see the bigger picture. Including the hope of having more time with Beru. I just really love my ship sailing. :)
Also love all the storyline and how we are starting to see the bigger picture. Including the hope of having more time with Beru. I just really love my ship sailing. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
Favourite things in this volume - Jinwoo coming to save Jinah during the attack on her school; Jinchul getting a whole chapter about his point of view when he witnesses Jinwoo solo-raiding an A-rank gate; and so many revelations about the system and Jinwoo's powers.
It's interesting to see Jinwoo continue to be an anti-hero in the light novel. His motivations for doing anything are quite different from the way they're portrayed in the manhwa.
It's interesting to see Jinwoo continue to be an anti-hero in the light novel. His motivations for doing anything are quite different from the way they're portrayed in the manhwa.
March 31, 2025
From the light novels 1-4, the fights have been described pretty lackluster, in my opinion. This may be a failure from the translation to English or from the fact that this story originated from a Webtoon, which is obviously more visual. From what the anime has covered, the fights have been much more exciting. The big fight in this book, however, was AWESOME, and I can't wait to see it animated!
April 24, 2025
El poder de Jinwoo aumenta.
La parte de los titanes y lo de la hermana, me encantó.
Otra detalle que me agrada es la personalidad de Beru, es muy cómica y no me esperaba eso.
En cuanto a lo que no me gustó, sigue siendo lo mismo: las descripción de las batallas falta. Y el uso de las onomatopeyas me sigue sin gustas, pero al menos ya puedo tolerar un poco más.
La parte de los titanes y lo de la hermana, me encantó.
Otra detalle que me agrada es la personalidad de Beru, es muy cómica y no me esperaba eso.
En cuanto a lo que no me gustó, sigue siendo lo mismo: las descripción de las batallas falta. Y el uso de las onomatopeyas me sigue sin gustas, pero al menos ya puedo tolerar un poco más.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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