Story/New Reader Guide

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 * Ensemble Stars! is the first installment of the series, spanning from the start of the school year in spring until graduation, ending with EP:Link. It covers the cast's time in Yumenosaki Private Academy.
 * Ensemble Stars!! is the second installment of the series, which takes place after EP:Link. Many characters have moved up a year or graduated, and now continue their idol activities as members of Ensemble Square, an entertainment agency, and introduces additional units. All characters from Ensemble Stars! are still featured and no units have broken up.


 * The Ensemble Stars series has several writers. Akira is the head writer who determines the characters, plotlines, and character arcs. There are additional writers, the most prolific of which is Yuuki Yoshino, but some aspects of their stories and characterizations may be later retconned by Akira at later points.
 * The Ensemble Stars series has several story components; see below for an explanation of each:
 * It is helpful to read stories in chronological story order, including main story installments, which have several events/scouts between each installment.
 * If choosing to read stories chronologically, because the Ensemble Stars series has a large cast, it's recommended to start reading stories related to a character or unit you are interested in.
 * It is not necessary to read Ensemble Stars! stories before reading Ensemble Stars!! stories, as Ensemble Stars!! assumes many of its players are new and re-introduces its characters through their Idol Stories.