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Bofuri Light Novel #3
Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Light Novels, Vol. 3
Maple and Sally finished the treasure hunt event with stunning results, coming in first and second place, respectively. Now they’re off to their next adventure—establishing a new guild! Together with their friends, they’ll be pushing themselves to ever greater heights in Maple Tree! However…this will also birth the most terrifying guild in the game, the one players call the Demon World. It’s time for the invincible, stalwart, no-damage adventurer Maple to cast off her humanity and ascend to godhood!
212 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2018
38 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 10, 2021
Volume three which bridges the gap between the second and fourth events, and sees Maple transcend humanity. Three times. Now I have to wait for the fourth event and the big showdown. Which sucks. At least it's out this year. Volume 5 is out March next year!
So, I've been reading these in part because I am a big fan of the anime. It's been interesting comparing the original novel and the anime and spotting the differences, and there are differences.
The biggest difference is Maple Tree guild's home. In the anime, this is a big, hollow tree, and rather cute. In the book, there's actually a home on each level (or stratum) and it seems like they are all just fairly normal buildings. I think the change for the anime was a nice touch. More character.
In the book, we also get an explanation for where Maple's Counter skill comes from. I think the anime just left you to assume it was part of another power set. It kind of emerges in the fourth event without explanation. In the book, it was something she spent the third event, the cow/bull event, working toward. That third event gets a lot more detail in the book. Generally, there's more detail to be had here, which is not uncommon in a book-to-TV adaptation.
Oh, the anime added the beach scene, but not Sally's duel with Frederica. On the other hand, practically nothing has the same skill name between the book and the anime. I'm not sure whether this is different translators, or the scriptwriter for the anime deciding to use different names. Some of them are better, some of them are not.
Overall, this is kind of a bridge book between two major events, but it reads better than that sounds. One feature which has been downplayed in the anime is that Maple's guildmates are almost as 'scared' of what she'll do left to her own devices as the game developers. This makes for some amusement, such as when Maple picks up a certain randomly found gear after falling down a hill, and Kuromu/Chrome (the other great shielder; he's Chrome in the book translation, which is obvious now I look at it) gets a sudden chill, as though something bad has just happened or is about to. Similarly, the continued interplay of conversation among Maple's fans in the game room (which is readable in the book, unlike the anime) is amusing to read.
Mai and Yui, the two hammer-wielding destroyers make a whole bunch more sense in the book and are a welcome addition to the insanity of Maple Tree.
A lot happens and also a not much happens, but this is a good read. It suffers a little from over-explanation, which is a common issue with Japanese light novels. Some of the stuff cut from the anime (to shoehorn in more kawaii, I suspect) could have done with being kept in, so giving this a read was well worth it. Must admit, I may put the fourth volume on pre-order so I don't forget it.
So, I've been reading these in part because I am a big fan of the anime. It's been interesting comparing the original novel and the anime and spotting the differences, and there are differences.
The biggest difference is Maple Tree guild's home. In the anime, this is a big, hollow tree, and rather cute. In the book, there's actually a home on each level (or stratum) and it seems like they are all just fairly normal buildings. I think the change for the anime was a nice touch. More character.
In the book, we also get an explanation for where Maple's Counter skill comes from. I think the anime just left you to assume it was part of another power set. It kind of emerges in the fourth event without explanation. In the book, it was something she spent the third event, the cow/bull event, working toward. That third event gets a lot more detail in the book. Generally, there's more detail to be had here, which is not uncommon in a book-to-TV adaptation.
Oh, the anime added the beach scene, but not Sally's duel with Frederica. On the other hand, practically nothing has the same skill name between the book and the anime. I'm not sure whether this is different translators, or the scriptwriter for the anime deciding to use different names. Some of them are better, some of them are not.
Overall, this is kind of a bridge book between two major events, but it reads better than that sounds. One feature which has been downplayed in the anime is that Maple's guildmates are almost as 'scared' of what she'll do left to her own devices as the game developers. This makes for some amusement, such as when Maple picks up a certain randomly found gear after falling down a hill, and Kuromu/Chrome (the other great shielder; he's Chrome in the book translation, which is obvious now I look at it) gets a sudden chill, as though something bad has just happened or is about to. Similarly, the continued interplay of conversation among Maple's fans in the game room (which is readable in the book, unlike the anime) is amusing to read.
Mai and Yui, the two hammer-wielding destroyers make a whole bunch more sense in the book and are a welcome addition to the insanity of Maple Tree.
A lot happens and also a not much happens, but this is a good read. It suffers a little from over-explanation, which is a common issue with Japanese light novels. Some of the stuff cut from the anime (to shoehorn in more kawaii, I suspect) could have done with being kept in, so giving this a read was well worth it. Must admit, I may put the fourth volume on pre-order so I don't forget it.
March 5, 2023
Maple continues her gaming after some minor issues in RL with gaming reflexes. She starts her guild, recruits new members and acquires a few more impressive skills in unexpected ways. Like the previous two volumes, if you like light-hearted slice-of-life wholesome story with likeable oddball characters and a few gaming stats then the book is for you. If you prefer the MC to at least struggle somewhat and the game mechanics to be somewhat realistic* then you might be better off with other books, although I do wonder why you read till volume 3. Still, I really enjoyed it. A nice change of pace.
* In all fairness, the game itself appears to be reasonable. It is just that some of the players exploit stuff that no game developer would be surprised about or let happen. But that is what makes the story fun, so who cares?
* In all fairness, the game itself appears to be reasonable. It is just that some of the players exploit stuff that no game developer would be surprised about or let happen. But that is what makes the story fun, so who cares?
April 16, 2022
Enjoyed this much more than volume 2. Even though it still has Maple just wandering around and happening to find new skills that synergize well with her build. But it also includes other folks of her small but friendly little guild, Maple Tree. It was short, fast, incredibly easy to read and sets up the next one really well.
That being said -- I'm not gonna lie. Bofuri thus far is a one trick pony. Maple and Friends, (especially new ones) with few exceptions have crazy builds that all do something well. Somehow the dungeons they encounter fit their style and what they get always seems to benefit them. So far it's been fun and entertaining -- especially seeing how Yuumikan-sensei puts it together. But I could see after a few more books of it just hitting a wall.
So take that into consideration -- what is your tolerance for the same things over and over?
That being said -- I'm not gonna lie. Bofuri thus far is a one trick pony. Maple and Friends, (especially new ones) with few exceptions have crazy builds that all do something well. Somehow the dungeons they encounter fit their style and what they get always seems to benefit them. So far it's been fun and entertaining -- especially seeing how Yuumikan-sensei puts it together. But I could see after a few more books of it just hitting a wall.
So take that into consideration -- what is your tolerance for the same things over and over?
December 11, 2022
The Slice of Life defense build continues, as fun and charming as ever. This volumes focuses on the formation of Maple Tree, the guild that Maple and Sally start with friends they've made in the game. As such, there is a lot of focus on the various members of the guild. This series is not exclusively about Maple anymore.
We get to see Kanade solving another library puzzle and experimenting with his Akashic Records. We see Chrome stumble into a special dungeon and challenge it solo (technically he has Syrup to help). We see Iz tackle a crafter-only area in search of material. There is also a pair of new characters, Mai and Yui, who created extreme builds like Maple, and we see Maple Tree nurture them into the unstoppable force to compliment Maple's unmovable object.
These scenes flesh out the world of the story by showing other players and other play styles. The way Mai and Yui play is completely different from Maple, and so they need different skills and tactics. It is also super cute and heartwarming to see a gamer veteran like Sally take them under her wing, and Maple to take them on speed runs to level grind.
Of course, Maple herself isn't excluded. She has several solo adventures which see her gain three transformation skills. This provides more fodder for "she's the final boss" jokes. This also shows her development as a gamer, as she tries to keep them secret in anticipation for the Fourth Event.
Yes, the Fourth Event. Like volume 2, volume 4 is looking to be a volume-long event, a guild war styled like Capture the Flag. The "Plot" of volume 3 can be described as Maple Tree preparing for this event. Naturally, other guilds are making their own preparations, and Maple Tree is on their radar.
This is another fun and light-hearted adventure. If you liked the first two volumes, then you will like this one.
Trickster Eric Novels gives " BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense" an A+
We get to see Kanade solving another library puzzle and experimenting with his Akashic Records. We see Chrome stumble into a special dungeon and challenge it solo (technically he has Syrup to help). We see Iz tackle a crafter-only area in search of material. There is also a pair of new characters, Mai and Yui, who created extreme builds like Maple, and we see Maple Tree nurture them into the unstoppable force to compliment Maple's unmovable object.
These scenes flesh out the world of the story by showing other players and other play styles. The way Mai and Yui play is completely different from Maple, and so they need different skills and tactics. It is also super cute and heartwarming to see a gamer veteran like Sally take them under her wing, and Maple to take them on speed runs to level grind.
Of course, Maple herself isn't excluded. She has several solo adventures which see her gain three transformation skills. This provides more fodder for "she's the final boss" jokes. This also shows her development as a gamer, as she tries to keep them secret in anticipation for the Fourth Event.
Yes, the Fourth Event. Like volume 2, volume 4 is looking to be a volume-long event, a guild war styled like Capture the Flag. The "Plot" of volume 3 can be described as Maple Tree preparing for this event. Naturally, other guilds are making their own preparations, and Maple Tree is on their radar.
This is another fun and light-hearted adventure. If you liked the first two volumes, then you will like this one.
Trickster Eric Novels gives " BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense" an A+
October 23, 2021
Hajime Kamoshida, what happened?
This volume began with its usual quirky charm starring our favorite gaming rebel, Maple, then devolved into uninspired, awkward writing. I suspect now that it isn’t the fault of the translator. Andrew Cunningham also translates the Rascal Does Not Dream series, which features witty, creative, and intelligent writing.
This volume became bogged down on side stories that were heavy on LitRPG elements with redundant setting descriptions, but short on charm. One section followed Iz as she mined for minerals. I wondered why it existed because it was so dull. Here’s a sample where one sentence paragraphs and tautology abound:
❝Time turned to strength, and it wasn’t long before no one could match her in sheer crafting prowess.
But the flip side of that was that she’d barely leveled Throw—one of the few attack skills crafters had.
Throw was a skill that amplified damage done by literally throwing knives or other items.
Iz had focused so heavily on gathering items that her Throw skill had remained worryingly low.
“Ooh, there’s a fishing spot over here.”
Iz took out her rod and started fishing.”
I know there is worse writing out there, so I’m not ranting. I’m just a bit disappointed. Yen On charges $9 for these extremely thin volumes. Before, the writing was humorous and delightful so I didn’t mind the cost (much), but this volume was a tad tedious to get through. I’ve already preordered the next volume, but I won’t be preordering volume five unless there are big improvements in the next volume.
This volume began with its usual quirky charm starring our favorite gaming rebel, Maple, then devolved into uninspired, awkward writing. I suspect now that it isn’t the fault of the translator. Andrew Cunningham also translates the Rascal Does Not Dream series, which features witty, creative, and intelligent writing.
This volume became bogged down on side stories that were heavy on LitRPG elements with redundant setting descriptions, but short on charm. One section followed Iz as she mined for minerals. I wondered why it existed because it was so dull. Here’s a sample where one sentence paragraphs and tautology abound:
❝Time turned to strength, and it wasn’t long before no one could match her in sheer crafting prowess.
But the flip side of that was that she’d barely leveled Throw—one of the few attack skills crafters had.
Throw was a skill that amplified damage done by literally throwing knives or other items.
Iz had focused so heavily on gathering items that her Throw skill had remained worryingly low.
“Ooh, there’s a fishing spot over here.”
Iz took out her rod and started fishing.”
I know there is worse writing out there, so I’m not ranting. I’m just a bit disappointed. Yen On charges $9 for these extremely thin volumes. Before, the writing was humorous and delightful so I didn’t mind the cost (much), but this volume was a tad tedious to get through. I’ve already preordered the next volume, but I won’t be preordering volume five unless there are big improvements in the next volume.
September 19, 2022
I didn’t find this volume quite so irritating as the last. NewWorld Online and specifically Maple’s team really features a lot of solo play for our “heroes” despite the introduction of new guild and guild housing features to the game. Bofuri is still only barely tolerable, but since my kids are still reading it…
December 6, 2021
This volume wasn’t as engaging due to getting bogged down a bit in the details. I still enjoyed it, despite that.
February 28, 2022
Definite improvement over the first two volumes. Writing felt less mechanical and spreading out to multiple third person viewpoints helped the world feel a bit more alive beyond Maple and Sally.
July 26, 2022
I hate to say it, but by this point the series is getting kind of boring. There's no real drama or intense situation.
December 20, 2023
I enjoyed the descriptive language used in the light novels, it fills in a lot of the details missing from the anime.
August 20, 2025
This is really just the graphic novel of Vol. 2 and I really enjoyed the expanded text in Vol. 2. Still good, but if I would choose one to read, it would be Vol. 2.
January 27, 2025
Cut it OUT Maple! You are undefinable! Atrocity is just 5 to many monsters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
3.5/5
This volume is not as thick as the second, but thicker than the first. I’d rather these light novels be a little thicker, because they’re thinner than others I’m used to, but at the same time, it’s nice that they are short. Despite the thinness of the volumes, it always feels like a lot happens due to the shortness of the chapters and the fast paced story telling. They make quick, fun reads.
The book picks up after the second game event. The ability to purchase guild housing becomes available and Maple decides she wants to start her own guild. Everything takes off from there as the girls invite everyone they know, so far, to join.
Things are a little different compared to the first two volumes. Instead of just covering Maple and Sally’s adventures, the book covers all of the characters. For example, there are sections where Chrome, Iz, and Kanade all get their own individual adventures. It’s a pleasant change.
On the negative side, the story has a lot of grinding. Large sections specifically focus on gaining levels, getting a specific skill, gathering a specific item, or hoping to find good gear. Sometimes that’s interesting, but not always.
There is a game event in this volume, but it’s nothing big. It’s very short, and hardly touched on, because Maple can’t easily participate and there aren’t rewards that interest her. After that part of the story, the rest is their guild getting ready for the fourth event, which will be in the next volume.
Overall, a lot happens, but the story is a little too grindy. Regardless, there’s a lot to love. The characters are great, and Maple’s unique luck and way of playing the game seem contagious to those around her.
This volume is not as thick as the second, but thicker than the first. I’d rather these light novels be a little thicker, because they’re thinner than others I’m used to, but at the same time, it’s nice that they are short. Despite the thinness of the volumes, it always feels like a lot happens due to the shortness of the chapters and the fast paced story telling. They make quick, fun reads.
The book picks up after the second game event. The ability to purchase guild housing becomes available and Maple decides she wants to start her own guild. Everything takes off from there as the girls invite everyone they know, so far, to join.
Things are a little different compared to the first two volumes. Instead of just covering Maple and Sally’s adventures, the book covers all of the characters. For example, there are sections where Chrome, Iz, and Kanade all get their own individual adventures. It’s a pleasant change.
On the negative side, the story has a lot of grinding. Large sections specifically focus on gaining levels, getting a specific skill, gathering a specific item, or hoping to find good gear. Sometimes that’s interesting, but not always.
There is a game event in this volume, but it’s nothing big. It’s very short, and hardly touched on, because Maple can’t easily participate and there aren’t rewards that interest her. After that part of the story, the rest is their guild getting ready for the fourth event, which will be in the next volume.
Overall, a lot happens, but the story is a little too grindy. Regardless, there’s a lot to love. The characters are great, and Maple’s unique luck and way of playing the game seem contagious to those around her.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews