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Bofuri Light Novel #1
Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Light Novels, Vol. 1
Light novel.
IS SHE THE GAME’S LAST BOSS?!
Though she doesn’t play many MMOs, Maple has either a natural talent or impossibly good luck, because by pouring every last stat point she has into Vitality, she’s created a character who can’t be hurt! Whether it’s physical attacks or magic or status effects, nothing poses a real threat. In no time at all, news spreads across the server about the adorable terror who can’t be defeated. While Maple may just be having fun, her broken build is sure to attract lots of unexpected attention...
IS SHE THE GAME’S LAST BOSS?!
Though she doesn’t play many MMOs, Maple has either a natural talent or impossibly good luck, because by pouring every last stat point she has into Vitality, she’s created a character who can’t be hurt! Whether it’s physical attacks or magic or status effects, nothing poses a real threat. In no time at all, news spreads across the server about the adorable terror who can’t be defeated. While Maple may just be having fun, her broken build is sure to attract lots of unexpected attention...
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2017
100 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 28, 2021
Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book.
This was my first time reading a light novel and I have mixed feelings about it. I loved the plot, the world, and the characters in this book. Maple and Sally were so cute and wholesome. I savored every moment with them and I admired how creative the world was. But... a light novel? I wasn't a huge fan of the way that it was written. The writing style was very bland and choppy. This story was screaming to be a manga, an anime, or a fully fleshed out novel with lots of descriptions. I believe that this series is a manga series and an anime, so I will give those a shot, but the light novel format was a major miss for me.
That being said, I liked how I was able to relate to Maple so much. Maple is literally me when it comes to video games. I tend to max up one stat and not focus on any others. Is this a flaw that makes me suck at video games? Yes but did it make me understand Maple and relate to her? Heck yes.
One last thing to bring up is that because this story is based around a video game, I got confused and bored by the statistics/skill points often. The story was very heavy on video game statistics/skill points and listing them all out. As someone who's not familiar with high intensity video games like the one that Bofuri revolves around, I found it a bit tough to get through the technical parts.
Overall this is a good story but I would recommend seeking out this story in a different format than the light novel format.
This was my first time reading a light novel and I have mixed feelings about it. I loved the plot, the world, and the characters in this book. Maple and Sally were so cute and wholesome. I savored every moment with them and I admired how creative the world was. But... a light novel? I wasn't a huge fan of the way that it was written. The writing style was very bland and choppy. This story was screaming to be a manga, an anime, or a fully fleshed out novel with lots of descriptions. I believe that this series is a manga series and an anime, so I will give those a shot, but the light novel format was a major miss for me.
That being said, I liked how I was able to relate to Maple so much. Maple is literally me when it comes to video games. I tend to max up one stat and not focus on any others. Is this a flaw that makes me suck at video games? Yes but did it make me understand Maple and relate to her? Heck yes.
One last thing to bring up is that because this story is based around a video game, I got confused and bored by the statistics/skill points often. The story was very heavy on video game statistics/skill points and listing them all out. As someone who's not familiar with high intensity video games like the one that Bofuri revolves around, I found it a bit tough to get through the technical parts.
Overall this is a good story but I would recommend seeking out this story in a different format than the light novel format.
May 4, 2021
I think I'm learning how to read light novels. If I give them as much slack as I do YA novels and I read them as a fun tour of a single concept, they can be pretty entertaining. There's not a lot of character development here, and the story is pretty much encapsulated in the title - what happens in a VR MMO game when a timid newbie decides to only defend and breaks the game's mechanics? The protagonist and her friends are sweet and fun to spend time with and it's fun to read about game-breaking rules loopholes. Enjoyable beach read for the manga and game design inclined.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
This was just too cute! I really enjoyed Maple, she was sweet and clueless, but not in a TSTL way. I am really starting to get into light novels and this was a good one for me. I like the world, the characters, the "game play" and even though Sally is a gaming FIEND, she is a good friend and helps Maple and doesn't try to get the better of her and doesn't make teamwork into a competition.
I really didn't like how the game creators nerfed Maple. NOT COOL! I like that she was able to basically destroy everything and anything while being defensive only and she didn't get hurt at all. I guess they HAD to nerf her, but she got there on her own and without cheating. Not cool punishing her.
Anywho, I really enjoyed this one and will be seeking out the rest, as well as recommending it to those who like gaming, manga, anime and fantasy. Age appropriate for middle reader on up I would say, as the violence is fantasy monsters and no adult content that I can recall.
4, this was adorable and I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press/Yen On for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I really didn't like how the game creators nerfed Maple. NOT COOL! I like that she was able to basically destroy everything and anything while being defensive only and she didn't get hurt at all. I guess they HAD to nerf her, but she got there on her own and without cheating. Not cool punishing her.
Anywho, I really enjoyed this one and will be seeking out the rest, as well as recommending it to those who like gaming, manga, anime and fantasy. Age appropriate for middle reader on up I would say, as the violence is fantasy monsters and no adult content that I can recall.
4, this was adorable and I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press/Yen On for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2020
BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense
Smieklīgs stāsts par meitenēm, kas izmēģina jaunu Virtual Reality spēli, izvēloties nestandarta spēlētāju tehnikas, kas ļauj viņām atklāt kaudzi krutu skilu un dabūt daudz krutu itemu, jo iepriekš neviens neko tādu vēl nav mēģinājis. Protams, spēlē esošie čaļi seko līdzi notikumiem atkārtiem žokļiem. Iesaku, ja patīk datorspēles, D&D vai Ready Player One/Spēle sākas.
Anime arī liekas forša, lai gan šobrīd ir tikai 1 sērija.
Smieklīgs stāsts par meitenēm, kas izmēģina jaunu Virtual Reality spēli, izvēloties nestandarta spēlētāju tehnikas, kas ļauj viņām atklāt kaudzi krutu skilu un dabūt daudz krutu itemu, jo iepriekš neviens neko tādu vēl nav mēģinājis. Protams, spēlē esošie čaļi seko līdzi notikumiem atkārtiem žokļiem. Iesaku, ja patīk datorspēles, D&D vai Ready Player One/Spēle sākas.
Anime arī liekas forša, lai gan šobrīd ir tikai 1 sērija.
March 14, 2021
**Thank you to Netgalley and Yen Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changed my rating**
This was a very cute light novel. There are some drawings that are very beautiful, but know going in this is more like a traditional narrative book than a graphic novel. There’s an anime series tied to this, which I didn’t know prior to reading, but have since checked out. It seems like this covers the events of the first couple of episodes, so if you’re a fan of the show, you’ll probably enjoy this.
The premise of the book is that Maple is new to a virtual reality game and puts all her stat points into defense. The title really tells you the plot. There were times the book started to read more like a script than a narrative. The descriptions of things often was where it felt that way. It kind of felt like stage directions.
Overall, this was cute. I definitely will finish the anime and would pick up the next volume of this when it’s released.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
This was a very cute light novel. There are some drawings that are very beautiful, but know going in this is more like a traditional narrative book than a graphic novel. There’s an anime series tied to this, which I didn’t know prior to reading, but have since checked out. It seems like this covers the events of the first couple of episodes, so if you’re a fan of the show, you’ll probably enjoy this.
The premise of the book is that Maple is new to a virtual reality game and puts all her stat points into defense. The title really tells you the plot. There were times the book started to read more like a script than a narrative. The descriptions of things often was where it felt that way. It kind of felt like stage directions.
Overall, this was cute. I definitely will finish the anime and would pick up the next volume of this when it’s released.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
August 17, 2021
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Action packed and hilarious, something any gamer can enjoy.
If you're a fan of RPG's and haphazordous hero's then this will be a book for you, I enjoyed the characters and their journey. The main character can be a little frustrating at times, but overall it is a very amusing story and full of gaming fun.
Action packed and hilarious, something any gamer can enjoy.
If you're a fan of RPG's and haphazordous hero's then this will be a book for you, I enjoyed the characters and their journey. The main character can be a little frustrating at times, but overall it is a very amusing story and full of gaming fun.
August 22, 2023
ჟანრის გათვალისწინებით თორე ისე 2-ზეც წავიდოდა :დ
March 5, 2021
Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just binged the anime a month ago and was clamoring for more! A really funny series focusing on a girl who starts a new character in a MMO...but she has no idea what she's doing. She just wants to, well, read the title of the book. She puts all of her points into Vitality/Defense and ignores everything else.
It's a really funny read and lighthearted, Maple is a bit ditzy but she's still really loveable and sweet! The writing is snarky, but not mean toward Maple. I really like seeing the discussion boards for the other characters that are slowly seeing Maple rise to stardom within the MMO, it was hilarious.
Sally's a really fun character as well, very cunning and wily.
I would really recommend this to those who already have played MMOs because there's some terms from these games that may not be easily understood by others. It's like a big inside joke. Also makes me feel like picking up another MMO, ha. Overall, an entertaining read and I can't wait to see more of Maple's wackiness!
I just binged the anime a month ago and was clamoring for more! A really funny series focusing on a girl who starts a new character in a MMO...but she has no idea what she's doing. She just wants to, well, read the title of the book. She puts all of her points into Vitality/Defense and ignores everything else.
It's a really funny read and lighthearted, Maple is a bit ditzy but she's still really loveable and sweet! The writing is snarky, but not mean toward Maple. I really like seeing the discussion boards for the other characters that are slowly seeing Maple rise to stardom within the MMO, it was hilarious.
Sally's a really fun character as well, very cunning and wily.
I would really recommend this to those who already have played MMOs because there's some terms from these games that may not be easily understood by others. It's like a big inside joke. Also makes me feel like picking up another MMO, ha. Overall, an entertaining read and I can't wait to see more of Maple's wackiness!
July 25, 2022
Bofuri is my all-time favourite anime, so I thought it was past time I picked up the light novels. I loved it!
This was actually my first time reading a light novel.
“Bofuri: Volume 1” was very fun, with a fair bit of extra content the show doesn’t cover - more forum inserts, some fun narrative commentary on Maple, Sally POV & bonus scenes.
Andrew Cunningham did a great job translating it! You couldn’t even tell it wasn’t originally published in English.
The illustrations by Koin were, as always, absolutely stunning.
Highly recommended :)
This was actually my first time reading a light novel.
“Bofuri: Volume 1” was very fun, with a fair bit of extra content the show doesn’t cover - more forum inserts, some fun narrative commentary on Maple, Sally POV & bonus scenes.
Andrew Cunningham did a great job translating it! You couldn’t even tell it wasn’t originally published in English.
The illustrations by Koin were, as always, absolutely stunning.
Highly recommended :)
May 19, 2022
One of my favorite anime, so I decided to read the LN. I knocked out the first 4 over a couple days and am reading Volume 5 right now
October 13, 2022
This was a cute novel and overall I had a good time. However, I think this is one of those things where the anime adaptation is perfect and probably makes for a better medium in which to tell this type of story. Especially when it comes to talking about a lot of different video game stats and abilities.
April 8, 2021
This is a fun light novel written at an upper middle grade level. I don’t know if it’s the translation or the original text that is written to that age group, but the sentences are short and simple. They make for very light reading.
If you have a young reader looking for a safe, non-etchi anime/light novel, this series is a good choice. The novel is vastly different in several scenes when compared to the anime, especially regarding Risa’s role initially, and it lacks the zany, outlandish punch of the anime, but it’s still hilarious and makes more sense. Kaede is the main character, but Risa eventually shows up and has chapters dedicated to her, too.
This is a good introduction to the LitRPG genre without the stats overload of other examples in the genre.
Sweet & funny. I look forward to the next book in the series.
If you have a young reader looking for a safe, non-etchi anime/light novel, this series is a good choice. The novel is vastly different in several scenes when compared to the anime, especially regarding Risa’s role initially, and it lacks the zany, outlandish punch of the anime, but it’s still hilarious and makes more sense. Kaede is the main character, but Risa eventually shows up and has chapters dedicated to her, too.
This is a good introduction to the LitRPG genre without the stats overload of other examples in the genre.
Sweet & funny. I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 17, 2021
This get's the crowning achievement of being bad without being grossly terrible like so many other lightnovels.
It's written terribly. (The author does admit to bad writing so plus points). Like getting past the writing it's like the author has never played an MMO. New World Online (NWO) apparently was never beta tested as Kaede/Maple is able to find an exploit that nobody has ever found before. She's able to get skills and armor that nobody has ever found before and they drop like candy. Where were the beta testers?? Skills never drop like candy. Also it's one of those that has lots of stat blocks and long lists of skills. SO most of the pages are just that.
Then there's the whole it's a VRMMO, and the characters are doing things like putting their rings under their gloves and TASTING FOOD IRL!? For the rings in a game you just put the ring in the ring slot. As for actually tasting the in game food? It's not explained how this happens. THe VR set just seems to be a standard one with a controller so taking off a glove would have to be an emote, as for directly jacking into your tastebuds... WTF?
It's like the author wanted to write a book about being in a fantasy world but thought describing everything like a game would be weird. (It is.) So made it a VRMMO. The time spent in the game is at 95% too.
The book ends with a long grinding segment where they get all the materials. My brain disengaged at this point because grinding in a real game is so dull that reading about it is even more so. Also, they said she gets a SECOND shield at the end but it's her third.
Overall it's a bland boring read about a game that was never beta tested so the main character and use exploits.
It's written terribly. (The author does admit to bad writing so plus points). Like getting past the writing it's like the author has never played an MMO. New World Online (NWO) apparently was never beta tested as Kaede/Maple is able to find an exploit that nobody has ever found before. She's able to get skills and armor that nobody has ever found before and they drop like candy. Where were the beta testers?? Skills never drop like candy. Also it's one of those that has lots of stat blocks and long lists of skills. SO most of the pages are just that.
Then there's the whole it's a VRMMO, and the characters are doing things like putting their rings under their gloves and TASTING FOOD IRL!? For the rings in a game you just put the ring in the ring slot. As for actually tasting the in game food? It's not explained how this happens. THe VR set just seems to be a standard one with a controller so taking off a glove would have to be an emote, as for directly jacking into your tastebuds... WTF?
It's like the author wanted to write a book about being in a fantasy world but thought describing everything like a game would be weird. (It is.) So made it a VRMMO. The time spent in the game is at 95% too.
The book ends with a long grinding segment where they get all the materials. My brain disengaged at this point because grinding in a real game is so dull that reading about it is even more so. Also, they said she gets a SECOND shield at the end but it's her third.
Overall it's a bland boring read about a game that was never beta tested so the main character and use exploits.
April 16, 2021
Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense., Vol. 1, by Jirou Oimoto and Koin is a young adult novel that was first published as a webnovel and has been translated and is now being oublished in a print format. Though she doesn’t play many MMOs, Maple has either a natural talent or impossibly good luck, because by pouring every last stat point she has into Vitality, she’s created a character who can’t be hurt! Whether it’s physical attacks or magic or status effects, nothing poses a real threat. In no time at all, news spreads across the server about the adorable terror who can’t be defeated. While Maple may just be having fun, her broken build is sure to attract lots of unexpected attention.
Bofuri is an entertaining story that fans of online gaming and anime or manga like Sword Art Online will particularly enjoy. I liked the personality of Maple, and how the other gamers view her. I was expecting a bit more gamer animosity- only because that is what I see more of in the real world. I liked the way playing an MMO was framed- and it brought me back to my college days of computer lab hours playing text based versions of games (MUDS) just like this. I had never seen the webnovel version of this story, so it was all new to me. I thought it was fun, and I really enjoyed it. I did think there was going to be more illustrations- based on the cover and subject matter- but that was my preconceived notion rather than unfulfilled promises. I think that middle grade and middle school readers would enjoy the read just as much, if not more, than young adult readers. I would happily continue reading, and I wonder how the next event will go for the players.
Bofuri is an entertaining story that fans of online gaming and anime or manga like Sword Art Online will particularly enjoy. I liked the personality of Maple, and how the other gamers view her. I was expecting a bit more gamer animosity- only because that is what I see more of in the real world. I liked the way playing an MMO was framed- and it brought me back to my college days of computer lab hours playing text based versions of games (MUDS) just like this. I had never seen the webnovel version of this story, so it was all new to me. I thought it was fun, and I really enjoyed it. I did think there was going to be more illustrations- based on the cover and subject matter- but that was my preconceived notion rather than unfulfilled promises. I think that middle grade and middle school readers would enjoy the read just as much, if not more, than young adult readers. I would happily continue reading, and I wonder how the next event will go for the players.
July 29, 2021
I really love this anime series, which is why I picked up the LN. It is a cute, wholesome and quite funny story of a young girl who isn't as familiar with gaming starts to play with her friend from school. This isn't an isekai or high-stakes series, it is only a game and at the end of their play they still get to go home and finish their homework :)
This series hook is that Maple, being unfamiliar with typical gaming strategies, plays in an unpredictable and unconventional way that leads her to stumble upon unusual level ups and power advantages - she start to gain notice and attention for become an unstoppable tank player. But to her, she is just playing normally and having fun :) Her friend Sally, is a true gamer and is also an awesome player and the two together quickly become a powerhouse team as they have fun exploring the game and fighting monsters together. Along the way they meet and make friends and since it is just a game, all the friendly competition is just that - friendly. There are no high stakes or villains, just a lot of fun people who like to spend time having fun playing the game.
** For those who have watched the anime, this basically covers the first few episodes where Maple starts the game, levels up and ends after Sally entering the game and right before the second event where they team up to find coins. The anime and the light novel cover pretty much the same ground. Perhaps the LN explains in a little more detail, but you aren't going to get a lot more content, at least in this first volume.
This series hook is that Maple, being unfamiliar with typical gaming strategies, plays in an unpredictable and unconventional way that leads her to stumble upon unusual level ups and power advantages - she start to gain notice and attention for become an unstoppable tank player. But to her, she is just playing normally and having fun :) Her friend Sally, is a true gamer and is also an awesome player and the two together quickly become a powerhouse team as they have fun exploring the game and fighting monsters together. Along the way they meet and make friends and since it is just a game, all the friendly competition is just that - friendly. There are no high stakes or villains, just a lot of fun people who like to spend time having fun playing the game.
** For those who have watched the anime, this basically covers the first few episodes where Maple starts the game, levels up and ends after Sally entering the game and right before the second event where they team up to find coins. The anime and the light novel cover pretty much the same ground. Perhaps the LN explains in a little more detail, but you aren't going to get a lot more content, at least in this first volume.
October 22, 2021
Alert!
If you're looking for drama, high stakes, and tension-filled fantasy action, you're in the wrong place. That is not what Bofuri is trying to do. This is a story about two friends having fun playing a virtual reality game. There is no death penalty for dying, and there is no driving motivation for them to take part. It's just low-stakes fun.
And it is really fun.
While it might seem weird to read a story about a girl playing a VMMORPG just to have fun, it is seriously fun. It is a peaceful, relaxing, sort of fun. It is the sort of thing you read when you don't want to get hurt, because Maple definitely doesn't want to get hurt.
It was interesting to see her thought process in creating this negate-all-damage-so-I-don't-feel-pain build. It's more than just allocating all her starting stat points to Vitality. The book includes a remark from another character who tried that and failed. It is a combination of Maple's unique thought-process, her creativity and how unprepared New World Online's admins were for both.
For instance, Maple's key skill is Absolute Defense, which increases her Vitality significantly in exchange for making it more difficult for her to level up some other stats. Its requirements are engaging a particular monster for one hour without taking or dealing any damage. One imagines that NWO's admins created this skill for a high-level player who prepared themselves to tank for their team against some dangerous creature. Instead, level 1 Maple earns it by allowing a trash mob to headbutt her for one hour - one full hour - while she encourages it. She does this because she thinks the trash mob is adorable, and cries when she accidentally kills it.
It's more than Achievements in Ignorance. Maple also learns quickly. After learning that skills can come from actions, she then seeks to obtain new skills for her maximum defense build. This is how she acquires Poison Immunity. Then there's her creativity. The admins definitely weren't expecting someone to fight a hydra like Maple does.
Even as she strives to max out her defense, Maple isn't a power-game or an optimizer. She has a build theme in mind, but that is not her goal. Her goal is to have fun. She is also a total sweetheart; friendly to great-shielders with different builds, and like a big sister mentor to younger players who maxed out strength instead of vitality. This makes her a charming protagonist.
What's more, everyone in NWO is pretty nice. There is no G.I.F.T. in NWO. When Maple asks a veteran player for advice, he gives her advice; sound, helpful, practical advice. When this veteran player tells some of his buddies about the cute novice he met earlier, they all decide to look out for her, because she's a novice in need of advice and also because she can do amazing things like sleep in a pile of monsters because the monsters literally can't hurt her.
One more thing - I read this after watching the anime. It was worth it. The book has more information than can be added to the anime, which was a nice bonus. Also, the narration is something of a Lemony Narrator. They are basically a Straight Man to Maple's activities, underscoring how unusual her thought process is, and how broken her build is becoming.
The appeal of this story is not high-drama stakes or high-tension fights. The appeal of this story is its charming protagonist having low-stakes fun with her best friend. If you want a thrilling fantasy adventure story, look somewhere else. This story offers a light and relaxing fantasy adventure story, and it is fun.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Bofuri: I don't want to get hurt so I'll max out my defense" an A+
If you're looking for drama, high stakes, and tension-filled fantasy action, you're in the wrong place. That is not what Bofuri is trying to do. This is a story about two friends having fun playing a virtual reality game. There is no death penalty for dying, and there is no driving motivation for them to take part. It's just low-stakes fun.
And it is really fun.
While it might seem weird to read a story about a girl playing a VMMORPG just to have fun, it is seriously fun. It is a peaceful, relaxing, sort of fun. It is the sort of thing you read when you don't want to get hurt, because Maple definitely doesn't want to get hurt.
It was interesting to see her thought process in creating this negate-all-damage-so-I-don't-feel-pain build. It's more than just allocating all her starting stat points to Vitality. The book includes a remark from another character who tried that and failed. It is a combination of Maple's unique thought-process, her creativity and how unprepared New World Online's admins were for both.
For instance, Maple's key skill is Absolute Defense, which increases her Vitality significantly in exchange for making it more difficult for her to level up some other stats. Its requirements are engaging a particular monster for one hour without taking or dealing any damage. One imagines that NWO's admins created this skill for a high-level player who prepared themselves to tank for their team against some dangerous creature. Instead, level 1 Maple earns it by allowing a trash mob to headbutt her for one hour - one full hour - while she encourages it. She does this because she thinks the trash mob is adorable, and cries when she accidentally kills it.
It's more than Achievements in Ignorance. Maple also learns quickly. After learning that skills can come from actions, she then seeks to obtain new skills for her maximum defense build. This is how she acquires Poison Immunity. Then there's her creativity. The admins definitely weren't expecting someone to fight a hydra like Maple does.
Even as she strives to max out her defense, Maple isn't a power-game or an optimizer. She has a build theme in mind, but that is not her goal. Her goal is to have fun. She is also a total sweetheart; friendly to great-shielders with different builds, and like a big sister mentor to younger players who maxed out strength instead of vitality. This makes her a charming protagonist.
What's more, everyone in NWO is pretty nice. There is no G.I.F.T. in NWO. When Maple asks a veteran player for advice, he gives her advice; sound, helpful, practical advice. When this veteran player tells some of his buddies about the cute novice he met earlier, they all decide to look out for her, because she's a novice in need of advice and also because she can do amazing things like sleep in a pile of monsters because the monsters literally can't hurt her.
One more thing - I read this after watching the anime. It was worth it. The book has more information than can be added to the anime, which was a nice bonus. Also, the narration is something of a Lemony Narrator. They are basically a Straight Man to Maple's activities, underscoring how unusual her thought process is, and how broken her build is becoming.
The appeal of this story is not high-drama stakes or high-tension fights. The appeal of this story is its charming protagonist having low-stakes fun with her best friend. If you want a thrilling fantasy adventure story, look somewhere else. This story offers a light and relaxing fantasy adventure story, and it is fun.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Bofuri: I don't want to get hurt so I'll max out my defense" an A+
November 19, 2024
I haven't read light novels in years so I wanted to check them out again, and this one looked cute so I tried it out. The characters and story are cute, but there really isn't much of a plot nor any overarching conflict. I finished the book in only a few hours and it ends really abruptly like "that's it?"
In brief, the story begins with Maple getting a head start in a VR MMORPG on recommendation from a friend and, through a series of bizarre circumstances, exploits a super tanky build. Then the rest of the story is her and her friend on short episodic quests to farm for gear, grind some skills, and then the story ends.
The writing style is also very simple, comparable to grade school books like The Bailey School Kids. The sentences are very short, there's not much description, words are very simple, it's a very fluffy and easy read.
Unfortunately, I don't really know/care enough about Maple nor the story world to continue reading the series because there isn't any intrigue past the initial premise.
I suppose if you're a fan of light novels and chew through them, you might enjoy this light-hearted series but otherwise there's better books out there with more "meat" on them.
In brief, the story begins with Maple getting a head start in a VR MMORPG on recommendation from a friend and, through a series of bizarre circumstances, exploits a super tanky build. Then the rest of the story is her and her friend on short episodic quests to farm for gear, grind some skills, and then the story ends.
The writing style is also very simple, comparable to grade school books like The Bailey School Kids. The sentences are very short, there's not much description, words are very simple, it's a very fluffy and easy read.
Unfortunately, I don't really know/care enough about Maple nor the story world to continue reading the series because there isn't any intrigue past the initial premise.
I suppose if you're a fan of light novels and chew through them, you might enjoy this light-hearted series but otherwise there's better books out there with more "meat" on them.
April 3, 2022
I've read the manga version and seen the anime version of Bofuri so I really appreciate the extra information on the story and characters that you can find in this medium. Many details in the anime have a lot more clarity now after reading it from a light novel perspective. With that said, if you haven't digested any prior version of Bofuri, this novel might be a little confusing as it delves straight into the game world without much further ado. It's still comprehensible for the most part but certain aspects of gaming like terminology, strategy, and forum behavior are generally regarded as common sense information which might befuddle beginner light novel readers.
With that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading the volume. Reading the full chat conversations of the players who've essentially become Maple's fan club was really entertaining. It shines a whole new light on some characters, especially the player Chrome who we meet really early on in all mediums. I didn't realize how much of a Maple fan he was until I read the novel. It was a delightful tidbit to learn.
With that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading the volume. Reading the full chat conversations of the players who've essentially become Maple's fan club was really entertaining. It shines a whole new light on some characters, especially the player Chrome who we meet really early on in all mediums. I didn't realize how much of a Maple fan he was until I read the novel. It was a delightful tidbit to learn.
June 20, 2023
[This is a serial and you should not expect "volumes" to always end conclusively. These comments refer as far as I have read, which is through volume 9.]
Cute progression-fantasy light novel set in a VRMMO. Our heroine is a noob player who thinks that since she doesn't want to get hurt she should create a character with all stat points thrown into defense, and so an invincible tank is (accidentally) born. As the story goes on she receives various monstrous powers, so much of the humour derives from the way she is simultaneously adorable and completely horrifying.
Later volumes introduce a number of other POV characters, with their own quirks, but not as yet anything you would call either a villain or character growth. The characters don't even have a long term goal other than explore each new area as it's added to the game, so there's nothing to propel the narrative.
I like slice of life stuff but this is seriously the reading equivalent of candyfloss. No peril, no character development, nothing but empty sweetness.
Cute progression-fantasy light novel set in a VRMMO. Our heroine is a noob player who thinks that since she doesn't want to get hurt she should create a character with all stat points thrown into defense, and so an invincible tank is (accidentally) born. As the story goes on she receives various monstrous powers, so much of the humour derives from the way she is simultaneously adorable and completely horrifying.
Later volumes introduce a number of other POV characters, with their own quirks, but not as yet anything you would call either a villain or character growth. The characters don't even have a long term goal other than explore each new area as it's added to the game, so there's nothing to propel the narrative.
I like slice of life stuff but this is seriously the reading equivalent of candyfloss. No peril, no character development, nothing but empty sweetness.
April 20, 2021
A fun and light-hearted light novel
Key words: light novel, isekai, fantasy, adventure, action, humour, light-hearted
At first, I thought it was a manga so when I saw it was in reality a light novel, I thought I wasn’t going to like it a lot. Well, that was very wrong. I loved it.
The story is very interesting and promising. The first half was a bit better than the second half because there was more action and the story was faster paced. It was a quick read and most important, it was very funny. I love Maple and how innocent she is. It is very cute. It is my first light novel so I can’t really compare it but the writing style was very easy to follow and hence, perfect for middle-schoolers and older. Can’t wait to read the next volume
Now I’m going to watch the anime because I think it will be very good. I recommend it.
4/4
Thank you Netgalley for this eArc in exchange of my honest opinion
Key words: light novel, isekai, fantasy, adventure, action, humour, light-hearted
At first, I thought it was a manga so when I saw it was in reality a light novel, I thought I wasn’t going to like it a lot. Well, that was very wrong. I loved it.
The story is very interesting and promising. The first half was a bit better than the second half because there was more action and the story was faster paced. It was a quick read and most important, it was very funny. I love Maple and how innocent she is. It is very cute. It is my first light novel so I can’t really compare it but the writing style was very easy to follow and hence, perfect for middle-schoolers and older. Can’t wait to read the next volume
Now I’m going to watch the anime because I think it will be very good. I recommend it.
4/4
Thank you Netgalley for this eArc in exchange of my honest opinion
April 27, 2021
Like many others, I too thought this was a manga and not a Light Novel. That being said, I’m pleasantly surprised, this is also my first Light novel by the way.
Straight away the store starts as your typical Isekai , my guilty pleasure. Our character Kaede (Maple) is relatable to me. I always mess my stats up in games if I don’t have someone to help, or feel like looking up recommendations.
This was one funny read, it’s like Maple can’t catch a break and neither can the monsters with her high defense stats lol. I will be honest and say I wish this was a manga instead of a Light Novel, I feel like it would be much more enjoyable.
I found the occasional art panel to be a breath of fresh air during the light novel, it was a great balance of both. When you need a manga break but don’t want to stray to far, perhaps giving a Light Novel like this a try will suffice.
Thank you to Publisher and Authors for allowing me to review this lovely Light Novel.
Straight away the store starts as your typical Isekai , my guilty pleasure. Our character Kaede (Maple) is relatable to me. I always mess my stats up in games if I don’t have someone to help, or feel like looking up recommendations.
This was one funny read, it’s like Maple can’t catch a break and neither can the monsters with her high defense stats lol. I will be honest and say I wish this was a manga instead of a Light Novel, I feel like it would be much more enjoyable.
I found the occasional art panel to be a breath of fresh air during the light novel, it was a great balance of both. When you need a manga break but don’t want to stray to far, perhaps giving a Light Novel like this a try will suffice.
Thank you to Publisher and Authors for allowing me to review this lovely Light Novel.
February 17, 2022
I am having such a hard time deciding who this book is for. The online game within is so poorly balanced that as a gamer it was horribly distracting. So maybe not for people that are overly familiar with gaming? But it also relies so heavily on gaming culture and seems to assume the reader knows A LOT already so not the best title to recommend to someone new to the genre?
It feels like a fantasy isekai a la "The Slime Diaries" or "So I'm a Spider, So What?" but it just couldn't commit to the fantasy elements so instead it tried to ground it in the real world with the video game aspects but they are so jarring. Entire pages are just video game information boxes that seriously slowed down the relatively short novel.
I will not be continuing the series as it's definitely not for me! I would recommend the above mentioned fantasy isekai series or even the "Sword Art Online" (if you want more drama than comedy) before this series.
It feels like a fantasy isekai a la "The Slime Diaries" or "So I'm a Spider, So What?" but it just couldn't commit to the fantasy elements so instead it tried to ground it in the real world with the video game aspects but they are so jarring. Entire pages are just video game information boxes that seriously slowed down the relatively short novel.
I will not be continuing the series as it's definitely not for me! I would recommend the above mentioned fantasy isekai series or even the "Sword Art Online" (if you want more drama than comedy) before this series.
August 7, 2023
Let's admit that maple is Naofumi and Raphtalia's daughter, right xD... Shiled Hero is a teenage female version, with the main character maple playing a NewWorld Online VRMMORPG game in a light novel called "Bofuri".
Since she doesn't like getting hurt, she puts every skill point she gets into improving her defenses, allowing her to acquire new skills and level up just by withstanding attacks; she manages to level up quickly just by letting the opponent attack for a long enough time, until she accidentally kills them.
Overall, the story is a very good adventurous style with a lighthearted story, not as grim as Shiled Hero. Cheerful with a lot of success and luck, it's worth following for all ages. In volumes one to three the novel has been adapted to Anime season one and volumes four to six have finished airing season two last month, wow I really like it.
Maybe in the next five years the VR game picture will be real like this, there is a big possibility.
*5/5
Since she doesn't like getting hurt, she puts every skill point she gets into improving her defenses, allowing her to acquire new skills and level up just by withstanding attacks; she manages to level up quickly just by letting the opponent attack for a long enough time, until she accidentally kills them.
Overall, the story is a very good adventurous style with a lighthearted story, not as grim as Shiled Hero. Cheerful with a lot of success and luck, it's worth following for all ages. In volumes one to three the novel has been adapted to Anime season one and volumes four to six have finished airing season two last month, wow I really like it.
Maybe in the next five years the VR game picture will be real like this, there is a big possibility.
*5/5
August 7, 2024
I got into the books because of the anime & wasn't disappointed. Maple is just as sweet, silly, and laid-back in this book as in the show. Reading the adventures instead of watching them also helped me understand the game mechanics better. Because Maple doesn't know much about MMOs, the terminology & world are more accessible to uninitiated readers as other characters explain things to her.
I love how the books also include things not in the show. Although imagine my surprise that the show character Kuromu is actually named Chrome!
There's no gore, no adult language, no world-destroying stakes, no heavy themes - I don't think anyone could object to this book, and I think it's the start of a fun series that readers of all ages can enjoy - just like the show. Personally, I think this is a great series for children making the transition to longer chapter books. I bought the next 4 on the strength of this 1.
I love how the books also include things not in the show. Although imagine my surprise that the show character Kuromu is actually named Chrome!
There's no gore, no adult language, no world-destroying stakes, no heavy themes - I don't think anyone could object to this book, and I think it's the start of a fun series that readers of all ages can enjoy - just like the show. Personally, I think this is a great series for children making the transition to longer chapter books. I bought the next 4 on the strength of this 1.
June 10, 2021
Bofuri is a bit of a flat litRPG romp. I do admit that I enjoyed the source material more than the anime based on it. Because of my familiarity with the adaptation, I know the author will eventually abandon the challenge of navigating a game world with a character who rigidly adheres to an extreme defensive build. Lots of game breaking skill appear out of the ether for Maple to exploit. That’s basically what this first volume amounts to—Maple exploiting a non-standard stat build and unlocking heretofore unknown skills to shield bash (or devour as the case may be) her way through content without risk. And, the author leaves us with not so much a cliffhanger as a poorly planned volume break. This series has the kids’ interest, so I’ll likely log in to NewWorld Online again...
October 25, 2021
Now this is a light novel. Like, really light.
The charm about Bofuri is in the characters having fun. It has action and events, but most of the time it’s undercut in service of the main theme which is to have fun playing on your own terms. Now, because of that, I don’t think the immense charm that you’ll find in the anime is as potent here. There are some scenes that I felt that warm fuzzy shine, but other times it felt like the prose was either having a hard a time conveying what they wanted, or was too simple to really show you what it wanted.
It’s a fine companion to the anime, but as a stand-alone story I’d have to give it an average score for its prose, of which wouldn’t have compelled me to pick up another volume.
The charm about Bofuri is in the characters having fun. It has action and events, but most of the time it’s undercut in service of the main theme which is to have fun playing on your own terms. Now, because of that, I don’t think the immense charm that you’ll find in the anime is as potent here. There are some scenes that I felt that warm fuzzy shine, but other times it felt like the prose was either having a hard a time conveying what they wanted, or was too simple to really show you what it wanted.
It’s a fine companion to the anime, but as a stand-alone story I’d have to give it an average score for its prose, of which wouldn’t have compelled me to pick up another volume.
July 25, 2021
I’m so grateful for being able to read this on NetGalley. Let me tell you, I absolutely love it. Maple and Sally are so wholesome, and their friendship is so much fun. I watched the anime a few months ago and loved it, so I was incredibly excited when I got approved on NetGalley. The writing is pretty basic, but I felt that it added to the story. It would’ve been more confusing and less entertaining if it had been more advanced. This Litrpg does a great job of explaining game mechanics in a fun and easy way. The world is beyond entertaining with tons of odd skills and an interesting cast. I can’t wait to read the upcoming volumes.
August 4, 2024
Read the first volume a bit ago, but I'm gonna be continuing / restarting the series soon.
It was alright. It was kind of a lot of smaller segmented episodes than one big journey. There's no major enemy to beat or goal to get afaik at this point, just a girl trying to not get hurt and accidentally becoming op. Lots of smaller boss fights too in this.
Yeah, just not really anything too memorable (the part when the two went to a hidden cafe and got universe in a bottle reward thing I vaguely recall was enjoyable; I'd like to see more Sally and Maple together in the future than them solo / separating).
It was alright. It was kind of a lot of smaller segmented episodes than one big journey. There's no major enemy to beat or goal to get afaik at this point, just a girl trying to not get hurt and accidentally becoming op. Lots of smaller boss fights too in this.
Yeah, just not really anything too memorable (the part when the two went to a hidden cafe and got universe in a bottle reward thing I vaguely recall was enjoyable; I'd like to see more Sally and Maple together in the future than them solo / separating).
July 6, 2021
Thank you to YenPress and NetGalley for a copy of the ARC. Please check out the full review and more at lucienwelsh.ca
This is honestly the most wholesome gaming-isekai light novel I've read in my entirely life and I can't wait to get my hands on more of it. If you’re looking to get into light novels but want a “beginner” series to start with, I high recommend picking up this one. I can’t wait to see what’s to come from the series and I look forward to Maple forming a proper guild party of her own and being a cool, happy-go-lucky gamer with all of her friends.
This is honestly the most wholesome gaming-isekai light novel I've read in my entirely life and I can't wait to get my hands on more of it. If you’re looking to get into light novels but want a “beginner” series to start with, I high recommend picking up this one. I can’t wait to see what’s to come from the series and I look forward to Maple forming a proper guild party of her own and being a cool, happy-go-lucky gamer with all of her friends.
July 16, 2021
I'd never read a light novel before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I genuinely enjoyed myself with this one! The language is very basic--albeit filled with gamer jargon--but Maple's adorably clueless shenanigans kept me reading with a smile on my face. This was a strong enough introduction to the character/series that I'm going to watch the anime too! Very cute and fun, recommended to fans of anime/manga/video games, especially those who like a dose of humor. (NetGalley provided me with a free ARC in return for an honest review.)
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