Yeah. I wouldn't say the anime is bad but it does water it down a whole lot. I guess it's how I feel about the Reincarnated as a Sword anime vs the LN since the LN is significantly better. Like, Ferdinand's behavior makes a LOT more sense in the book since you get to see more of his character and emotions. Likewise for Benno when Myne collapses and Mark has to remind Benno that she's not someone else (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers). It really drive the point home how much Myne is walking this fine line and every moment she's on the verge of absolute disaster but somehow making it through with help. Ferdinand's interpretation of the dream world was also significantly better in the book since he was more baffled, confused, and made incorrect assumptions. Just a lot more depth overall.

I really can't wait until I get through the Temple arc and start reading completely new material. I'm also glad I decided to start this series from Book 1 Part 1 rather than just try to pick up where the anime left off. Past experience has told me that the book is almost always better.