The Fence series feels like it really hits its stride with this installment. I loved the art style and seeing the character arcs move forward in Fence: Rise, especially with a new hint about Seiji's backstory with Jesse. I wish the book was just a little longer, if only because now I'll have to wait impatiently for the next release.

This next installment of this graphic novel series was fun to read. As always, it's more of a slow burn and very character-based than action-oriented, but I enjoyed delving back into the many relationships portrayed in it.

I am not sure if I will contiune in this series. I think I just like Pacat's other works so I thought this would be a fun series to read. But honestly Fencing is so boring to me and this series is so focused on the inner working of the sport that the actual plot seems lacking to me. I do like the friendships and relationship growth of the characters but not enough to keep me coming back to this series in the future.

Continuing to enjoy this series. I just want more, its the slowest of the slow burns but love all the character development. Loved the competition element and the addition of new characters. Nicholas really has to fight for every skill that he gets and I really appreciate that. Even if he has some clear natural ability, it isn't enough compared to people who have trained all their lives. But he is catching up!

I’ve found this entire series utterly addictive and this one was no exception. Friendships continue to develop (possibly into the slowest burn romance of all time), new challenges arise and who would have thought there was so much to learn about Fencing?! Aside from one character who I just can’t work out why they’re even there because they are supposed to be cute but actually they’re just annoying, and the fact that teenaged boys just don’t talk to each other like this, this was an entertaining flight of fancy and I’ll definitely read the next one.

This fifth part of the Fence series is a steady continuation to the story and brings our boys to the Halverton Training Camp. We get to meet other fencers and get to see more of fencing too, which is great. Nicholas keeps losing, since the other teams are quite good, but there must be a reason why their team is at the camp, right? This part is quite simple and doesn't move the plot that much, but we get to see more of sports this time and seeing fencing in comic form is surely interesting. I always enjoy sports stories and comics for some reason, since it's hard to put movement on paper (so when it's good, it really is). I'm just slightly annoyed that all the other fencers seem like douchebags and the competitiveness is over the top. I wished some realism to this or perhaps more friendship and understanding.

The art seems to get a little simpler over the course of time and the backgrounds seem a bit empty. Otherwise the art is quite basic and works, even though it's not spectacular. I wish more sports comics were offered to us readers, something else aside from dancing. There are sports manga, but now that many others. Thus I like to keep reading this!

This time the team goes to a fencing camp and learn about their competition, and how far they need to go to truly compete in high level fencing.

I enjoy the story and the art style, but one drawback with reading a serialized story like this means you get short bursts of new story, but you may not get very far in the overall plot. If you’re reading for the romance aspect, it’s the slowest of burns. Downright glacial. Stuff is hinted at, but not outright said.

It’s still entertaining, and I never thought I’d say that about a sport-oriented graphic novel.

I love this series so much! These characters, the story, the tension? I never would have guessed I'd be eagerly awaiting to read more about teens fencing?? I hate sports! But god this story is just so well written and it mixes angst with humor perfectly. I would watch the shit out of this as a teen drama, but truly as a graphic novel it is 10/10

I love this series so much and I can't wait for more. Every issue I love the characters more and am rooting for everyone involved. I can't wait to see more of the dynamic between Seiji and Nicholas as their relationship progresses.

This was such a great volume. In this one we follow the team as they go to fencing camp! They're all sharing a room and it is just hilarious. It's like a giant sleepover. The more serious part of camp is them facing off against other schools during the training part of the camp. I don't want to spoil anything but this was a really great volume. We got to see the guys having fun but also learning a lot at the training camp. Can't wait for the next volume!

I’m so glad to see this series still going. Pacat does a wonderful job keeping the ongoing character development going throughout the series while still making this volume satisfying on its own. (Although I’m eager to see more, as always.) Johanna’s art marvelously blends the action, the comedy (with exaggerated reactions), and the emotion among the wide variety of cast members. In a story with a bunch of guys who all dress alike, it takes skill to differentiate them quickly and so well.

This reminds me, in all the best ways, of a sports manga, blending competition and friendship and all these various characters living together at school, learning about themselves and growing up.

Sometimes, when it comes to reviewing graphic novels, I feel as though I spend more time on the review than I spend reading the book. It's hard to mind, however, when the return of these characters is so wonderful.

Between Fence, Vol 4: Rivals and this one, I read the duology written by Sarah Rees Brennon and staring Aiden and Harvard. Maybe it was because of Disarmed that I was surprised that these boys were at yet another camp. This one, however, was the Halverton Training Camp within America, as opposed to in France, so we can safely assume it does not happen at the same time as Disarmed.

Once at the camp, the once growing cocky Nicholas comes face to face with the fact that he's going to need to learn how to be a lot more able to think things through without overthinking. He's never had a problem fencing when he's just going on instincts. But the new rules that are given in the competition for the main part of this collection leads Nicholas floundering.

The friendship growing between Nicholas and Seiji continues to grow. Seiji doesn't even mind it when Nicholas comes after him when Seiji supposedly wants to be alone.

Once again, not a lot happens in this collection, but it's an enjoyable read all the same.

The team is back and off to training camp! I loved reconnecting with the characters and seeing how they fare in a new setting with a full cast of new characters. It really feels like things are coming together for them, even as Nicholas struggles with the new training drills. There are some personal revelations, team bonding, and all the good feels I've come to associate with the series (and even more Bobby content!). As always, the art and storytelling flow together and make a truly engaging graphic novel.

I am hooked on this series! I never knew I would be someone who was anxiously awaiting for a series on fencing but here we are. It's great to see the characters developing and growing as a team. Also the slowburn is killing me but I can't wait to see what happens!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

Gosh I love these characters and this story. I’m just sad we have to wait and hope for more. The art is so fun too.

Lord have mercy I was so happy to be back in this world with these characters. 10/10 I need waaaayyyy more content. Please Pacat, GIVE US MORE.

Thank you, BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, for allowing me to read Fence: Rise early!

C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad. The writing style mixed with the brilliant illustrations created another incredible entry in this fencing-focused series. I loved seeing all those new characters.

This was a great entry in the Fence series where the team is taken to a high-intensity camp for fencing with the best schools in the area. It's a good start to that arc; my main problem with this series is that there's just so much time between releases that it's difficult for me to remember the more minor plot points and characters. So...sorry but...hurry up lol

I’ve already binged the first four volumes of the Fence Series earlier this month, so I was super excited when I received the fifth volume (this one) as an eARC. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The artwork is just as stunning and vibrant as it was in the previous volumes. The snappy dialogue is on point and the jokes definitely land. This volume also provides more of an insight into our favourite characters, we also get more from coach & plenty of new characters, since the team is invited to a fencing camp at another school. The “to be continued” at the end hit me hard, because things were just getting really good. Definitely can’t wait for the next volume!
It’s a four star read because it’s a little too short for me and while I can tell that it’s still building up some story lines, I’m getting a little impatient because at this point I just need a little more. Like certain familial relations or other not so familial potential relationships, if you know what I mean.

Thank you very much to NetGalley, BOOM! Studios, and C. S. Pacat for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I love the Fence series, so I was excited that the next volume finally came out. This volume sees the team taking part in an elite training program with some of the top teams in the country. In coming face to face with some of the top competitors, Nicholas gets disheartened as he struggles while Seiji is disappointed that none of the other fencers pose any sort of challenge for him. The art style is fantastic as always, I love how expressive and bright the art is. I also like that we saw a different side to Nicholas and Seiji's friendship/rivalry than what we have been getting in previous volumes. While it didn't really leave on a cliffhanger, with the changing relationships going on, I'm eager for the next volume to come out.