I'm Not the Hero

I'm Not the Hero #1

by Tommy Kerper

In addition to strength, steel, and courage, a hero discovers he’s in need of a friend, in the first installment of a daring and dangerous fantasy adventure.

When it comes to action and adventure, every hero needs a good sidekick. Holmes has Watson, Batman has Robin, and Daniel has . . . Orrin. More like brothers than friends, they always have each other’s backs. And as Daniel is the big, strong, handsome type, Orrin is more than happy to remain in his shadow at school, at parties, pretty much everywhere.

Then things take a turn for the truly weird when a terrible accident catapults the pair into a world totally unlike their own, in which the rules of a role-playing game hold sway. Naturally, Daniel is classified as a “hero,” while Orrin is—also naturally—relegated to the fantasy equivalent of “bleh.” Nothing new there.

But in this realm populated with lethal foes both inhuman and inescapable, sticking together matters more than ever, and soon Daniel and Orrin will discover more about themselves—and each other—than either one thought possible. In fact, Orrin just might find the confidence and strength to become something other than your average sidekick . . .

The first volume of the hit LitRPG fantasy series—with more than 600,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Role Playing Games, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction, Epic

644 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2023

Reviews

[Akshay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm Not the Hero? More like I'm Not So Special, Just Another Bland Grind in Isekai Land. This LitRPG wannabe promises a twist on the tired hero trope, but instead delivers a flavorless rehash of the same old overpowered-kid-in-a-fantasy-world shtick.

Plot? What plot? We've got Daniel, the bland MC, and Orrin, the even blander sidekick, transported to a generic RPG setting. Predictable quests, recycled monsters, and enough level-up notifications to drown a goblin in boredom. Yawn.

Characters? Cardboard cutouts, at best. Daniel's personality is about as spicy as tofu, and Orrin's "hidden potential" is about as hidden as a neon sign in a blackout. The rest of the cast? Bland Bard, Generic Goblin Girl, Grumpy Dwarf… need I go on?

The writing? Functional, I guess. No purple prose, no lyrical flourishes, just enough to string the scenes together without tripping over adverbs. But hey, at least it's grammatically correct. A low bar, I know, but hey, gotta celebrate the little things in life, right?

Rating: ⭐ ⚝ ⚝ ⚝ ⚝

Verdict: Skip this isekai dumpster fire and find something that actually sparks your imagination. Unless you enjoy watching paint dry, that is. In which case, by all means, dive in. You'll be right at home.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars. For the masochists and completists only.

P.S. Don't even get me started on the "loopholes" and "gaming the system" stuff. It's like the author read one Wikipedia article on game design and thought he was a genius. Spoiler alert: he's not.

[Roberto Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me awhile to rate.

For me, this is a one star book. The writing is fine and the characters act within their described motives. It loses a star for lacking a definitive direction. I did not like it for two reasons. The main characters are children and act as such for the entirety of the book. If this will about you, just be aware. The last issue is the toxic level of codependency down from the main character. These two things killed the book for me, but just be aware and judge for yourself.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the premise has promise. Dragged into an Isekai story along with the Hero, Orrin has to make the best of things. But what if he's even more of a catalyst for change than the Hero?

I found the actual game mechanics to be the weakest element in this book. Young men, who've barely started their progression are going toe-to-toe with powerhouses. It didn't feel earned. And then there was Orrin's skill "Mind Bastion." I couldn't tell when it was active based on his behaviour. He was supposed to turn into some robotic logic engine... he just seemed sensible to me.

While the city politics were interesting, the grand final battle felt a little contrived. Convince the bad-guy to monolog his evil plans? Okay.

I plan to get back to book two in time as I can sense something good just around the corner.

[Rebecka · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked: Subverted some common tropes in (YA) fantasy. For example early on introducing a "princess", that wasn't white and blonde and not just a romance subplot. Things like that.

What I didn't like: The story was a bit uneven, the pacing a bit off. Felt like those stories first written in a serial form, for example on Royal Road, and then later adapted and seperated into volumes. There's no clear story arc. Plots and people are introduced only to be forgotten.

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well rounded world

A broken power that breaks the user, consequences for actions, and friends that actually listen to each and fight like real friends? Love it, world building was well done, and the magic system was similar to others, but a neat enough twist.
Excited for more.

[Stanislas Sodonon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good for its subgenre.

The Good

This is the first LitRPG where the author tries to tackle the PTSD of moving into a world where killing is common.
The banter between the protagonists is quite well written.
Nick Podhel's narration is very competent.

The Less Good

It is LitRPG after all; extreme plot armour is unavoidable. Sight.
The game system got too obnoxious at times. While it's true that digging into it was important for the protagonists, it got tedious quite fast.
While characterisation is quite well done, I didn't really care for the positions of the protagonists. Call it a cultural difference.

The Bad

Nothing really belongs in this category I think.

The Conclusion

I won't go forward with the series. It's well-written and has less of the obvious self-insert stigma so pervasive in the subgenre. Unfortunately, it still rings mostly juvenile to me. But please, pick it up and make your own mind.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one

I wanted to give this book five stars. However the constant use of sneaked instead of snuck kept throwing me out of the story.
I know that technically both are acceptable, but sneaked, like grit, is a more archaic form of writing.

I think the two best friends getting sent to another world and the fact that they do their best to look out for each other is so much better than best friends that become enemies.
The author does a good job of not swamping you with details. This lets you use your imagination to fill in the imagery.

I will post the mistakes I have found on Goodreads.

8/10 I'm off to keep reading the story over on Royalroad.

[Rudhrein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty decent gamelit, there were a few annoying sections in the story but overall a fun journey. Would read the sequel

[Ngan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly really enjoyed this book. The main characters were likeable and the way they'd argue and joke around did a good job of portraying how long they've been friends. Not only that, but as people who came from a different world, we learn about everything as they do. The world building was great and them learning to trust the people of this world was well written.

I also love when books actually have their characters grow as people. At first, Orrin is constantly comparing himself to Daniel, the Hero, but eventually he finds his footing and realizes he contributes greatly in his own way. The way the story is written is perfect because the two characters balance each other out; one focuses on physical damage/attributes while the other on mental/buffs. While they can manage on their own for the most part (they're both really strong, but in this book they're constantly going against those about 2x their level so it's quite unfair on their side), they work a lot better as a team. I saw some reviews complaining about how they didn't like how the characters sometimes made poor decisions, but the story explains why stuff happens. Not only that, but the characters are still teenagers and they were thrown in a foreign world. You have to make mistakes to learn from them.

Also, at first, I could not stand Madi's character, but over time she grows on you due to her character development from being a sheltered, stuck-up noble to a reliable party member and friend. Descriptions in the story are really good as well. Each time there would be something that happens in the world that would be considered unrelatable or impossible to happen in our world, the author describes it in a way that we could picture it.

Note: For the audiobook, the System's voice is very jarring. Each time they mention a class or skill, there will be a voice that cuts in loudly to let readers know. HOWEVER, I heard this is fixed in the rest of the books.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I think LitRPG books are becoming favorites! I love the style of being put into a "video game dnd" style story. It brings together everything I love about free roam video games. Another huge plus for me is that the story is told from the perspective of the sidekick. Though, with Orrin's powers, I think he may become more powerful than Daniel.

Another thing this book did that other similar ones haven't is adding the PTSD aspect of getting summoned to another world. Freaking out about what happened, the mental toll of killing another person, and the life and death situations they are both put in. Other similar books I've read just gloss over that fact. There is a massive mental toll it takes to be ripped away from everything you know. Daniel and Orrin really show the cost.

I love their bond. They aren't perfect characters, but they aren't supposed to be. They are kids trying to figure out how to survive in this insane place. One is the Hero. The other shouldn't have been summoned. They fight and say things in anger. They stumble and make mistakes.

This book has an issue with pacing, but I still greatly enjoyed the story. I definitely will start book 2 once it's released! There's so much more adventure and craziness waiting for Daniel and Orrin. And I want to see Orrin become more powerful than he already is.

[Lavita Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a good read

The named Hero is nervewreçking at times, however the his bestie helps smooth his edges making this story great. I will be waiting for the next installment of this story. It's a good read.

[Lamar Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally don't like feelings. They are ... difficult. I was already listening to the second book as I started this review. The hardest parts of this book for me to read were about feelings. This book makes me uncomfortable. But I also really enjoyed it.

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐾 Title: I'm Not the Hero
Author: SourpatchHero
Genre: LitRPG, Isekai, Fantasy
Publication Date: December 19, 2023
Publisher: Podium Publishing

🐾 Introduction:
Alright, pups and fluffballs, listen up! We’re diving deep into the realms of I'm Not the Hero, the first howl-worthy installment in a LitRPG series by SourpatchHero. This isn’t just another stroll through the pixelated forest; it’s a fang-baring romp where your typical hero trope gets tossed into the grinder, then cooked up into a savory stew of action, humor, and some surprisingly deep feels. This one dropped in December 2023, and with over 600,000 views on Royal Road, it’s already marking its territory in the fantasy landscape. So grab your gear, summon that inner nerd, and let's break this bad boy down—Kiba-style.

🐾 Plot Summary:
So, here’s the sitch: Daniel and Orrin, two high school bros, get yoinked from their regular lives and spat out into a world that’s basically a living, breathing RPG. You got your heroes, your quests, your monsters—straight-up geek paradise, right? But here’s the kicker: Daniel’s the hotshot hero with the abs of steel, while Orrin’s stuck in his shadow, branded with a class that screams “meh.” This world runs on game mechanics, so leveling up and unlocking powers is the name of the game. But unlike most cookie-cutter isekai, this one ditches the typical OP protagonist route and gives the sidekick a real shot at the spotlight. The stakes? They’re high. The dangers? Real as the scars on an old wolf’s muzzle. But the bromance? Stronger than a winter blizzard.

🐾 The Author:
SourpatchHero might be a new pup in the litter, but they’re already flexing some serious alpha energy in the LitRPG pack. With only three books out, they’re already carving out a niche with a style that balances between biting sarcasm and heartfelt storytelling. I'm Not the Hero fits snugly into their emerging oeuvre, tackling the overdone isekai formula and injecting it with fresh blood. They’ve yet to snag any major awards, but with this kind of storytelling, it’s only a matter of time before they’re leading the pack.

🐾 Characters:
Alright, here’s where the fangs come out. The characters in this book? They’ve got bite. Daniel, our “hero,” is your textbook strong-jawed protagonist, but it’s Orrin who’s the real scene-stealer. Orrin’s journey from shadow-dwelling sidekick to someone who might just eclipse the hero is the heart of this tale. You’ve got your standard RPG tropes—grumpy dwarves, mysterious elves—but they’re given enough personality to avoid feeling like mere background NPCs. And let’s not forget the dynamic between Daniel and Orrin. Their bond is the stuff pack loyalties are made of—deep, complicated, and occasionally a bit messy, just like real friendships.

🐾 Structure:
This bad boy’s got 644 pages of content, and while it’s a bit of a beast, it’s a well-organized one. The pacing? It’s a bit uneven, like a wolf chasing its tail before settling in for the kill. Early chapters set up the world and characters, but the real action kicks in once the duo are thrown into life-or-death scenarios. The serial nature of its origin on Royal Road is apparent, with some plot threads feeling like they’ve been dropped in the snow, never to be seen again. But the structure still holds up, keeping you invested from chapter to chapter, even when the pacing stumbles.

🐾 Themes & Analysis:
Beneath the game mechanics and monster battles, I'm Not the Hero digs into some deep snowdrifts. Themes of friendship, identity, and the burden of expectations run through the narrative like a scent on the wind. Orrin’s struggle to define himself outside of Daniel’s shadow taps into the age-old story of the sidekick’s plight, but it’s handled with a raw honesty that’s refreshing. There’s also a surprisingly nuanced take on PTSD—yeah, you heard that right. This book doesn’t shy away from the psychological toll of being thrust into a kill-or-be-killed world. It’s not just about leveling up physically but mentally surviving the grind.

🐾 World-Building:
Now, let’s talk world-building—this is where the book sharpens its claws. The RPG world SourpatchHero crafts is rich and immersive, with just the right amount of detail to make you feel like you’ve strapped on your own gear and stepped into the game. The game mechanics are woven into the narrative seamlessly, but they never overshadow the story. You can almost hear the clinking of coins, the rustle of dungeon maps, and the ominous growls of monsters lurking just beyond the firelight. It’s a world that feels alive, dynamic, and ready to pounce on any unsuspecting adventurer.

🐾 Praise & Critique:
I'm Not the Hero does a lot of things right—strong character development, immersive world-building, and a plot that keeps you on your toes. But like any wolf, it’s got a few flaws. The pacing issues are the biggest hurdle, with some sections dragging like a leaden paw through deep snow. The game system, while intriguing, can sometimes bog down the narrative with too much focus on mechanics rather than story progression. And while the main duo shines, some of the side characters fade into the background like shadows at dusk. But for all its rough patches, this book delivers a solid bite of entertainment.

🐾 Comparison:
Compared to other works in the same genre, I'm Not the Hero stands out by flipping the script on the hero-sidekick dynamic. Where other LitRPGs might focus on OP protagonists steamrolling through challenges, this one takes a more measured approach, showing the grind, the setbacks, and the emotional toll. It’s not as polished as some of the top-tier LitRPGs out there, but it’s got heart, and that’s what sets it apart. Within SourpatchHero’s growing repertoire, this one feels like the alpha—leading the pack with a fresh perspective and a story that howls at the moon with potential.

🐾 Personal Evaluation:
As an old ice wolf who’s seen his share of fantasy worlds, I gotta say, this one hit different. There’s something about the underdog story that resonates—maybe it’s the way Orrin claws his way out of the shadows, maybe it’s the raw, unfiltered bond between the two leads. Whatever it is, I'm Not the Hero hooked its claws into me and didn’t let go. It’s not without its flaws, but if you’re into LitRPGs and you’re looking for something that mixes the familiar with a fresh twist, this one’s worth your time. It’s a ride that’s both thrilling and unexpectedly touching, with enough grit to keep you engaged till the last page.

🐾 Conclusion:
In the end, I'm Not the Hero is a solid entry into the LitRPG genre. It might not be the flashiest or the most groundbreaking, but it’s got a core of sincerity and character that’s hard to ignore. Orrin’s journey from sidekick to potential hero is one that a lot of readers—especially those who’ve ever felt overshadowed—will relate to. It’s a book that doesn’t just entertain; it leaves a mark, like a well-earned scar from a battle well fought. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be ready for a few bumps along the way.

Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾 (4 out of 5 Paw Prints)

Why? Because this book shows that sometimes the sidekick’s story is the one worth telling, and it does so with a mix of heart, humor, and a bit of grit.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Invisible Murderbot Stars

I'm Not The Hero is the first book in the Isekai LitRPG series by SourpatchHero.

I've really enjoyed this take on the common "Hero summoned to another world" trope. While you still experience the absolute cheat that the Hero class is, even from the beginning. To also have something of a sidekick and comic relief character type joining the main cast from Earth is a treat. Especially with how his class and capabilities really add a delectable twist and ups the ante fairly immediately.

Daniel and Orrin share such a precious friendship that they've practically been raised as siblings. While the differences in their personalities and builds have laid a superb foundation with which the story continues to build. I can already see Madi becoming a pivotal third to their Hero team, being built.

As well, the politics of the nation, combined with the non-human races, the looming and recurring Demon Lord threat, and the approaching war of nations on the horizon paints a vivid and varied landscape.

I'm excited to witness how this world expands with the coming developments. Most importantly, I'm impatient to learn more of the intricacies and mysteries behind Orrin's class and abilities. Will he be targeted next?

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

04/01/2024 Notes:

And done! 🤣
Kindle has 'achievements' for reading on Kindle app. I decided to use it as an excuse to read something on KU. A small way to make sure I'm using the service I pay for and get a weekly pat on the back award. 📚 I've been switching between manga/manhwa and ebooks. Comix volumes I tend to spree, but read between 1-5 chapters a day for this book.

Overall, a fun LitRPG. Predictable plot and side characters. There's little mystery to story progression. Best elements were the game mechanics and dungeon dive. Details and reader engagement in those parts were solid. I plan to get the audio for 1 + 2 when the next book comes out.


02/12/2024 Notes:

😆🤭🥸 Waiting for book 2 audiobook to release. That's in August or so.

This will be the slowest reading in history (for me) cause I'm reading a page or two to chapter a day. 🤣

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

DR
!The series is originally a web novel and it can be found online for better price and more chapters!
Modern classic of the genre and a star of fantasy writing by himself, Truck-kun makes a cameo appearance and helps deliver the hero to a fantasy world of sword and magic. But, oh no, his best friend had tried to save the hero and got bumped as well. As an unexpected variable in the world-transfer friend has caused the transfer spell and fantasy worlds magic system an error, akin to technology/computer error. Granting him nigh omnipotence - the administrator access. Follow along our aloof due of the hero and not the hero as they try to survive while also not breakin the equivalent of the matrix in this literary fantasy world.

The motives of the protagonists are sound and reasonable, standing up to scrutiny - to survive and blend into obscurity and evade the hero’s death flag they have been burdened with as much as possible. At times the duo seem to be overpowered but the hero’s quest generating mechanic explains this nicely. As well as the backlashes from the many errors in the magic’s system caused by the not hero are starting to pile up. The narrational choice to enunciate spells and skill, classes etc. - terminology related to magic - is a continuous narrational gimmick that has made me giggle on several occasions. The (supposedly intentional) unserious approach and doing things(the typical litrpg thropes) backwards by the author reminds me of ‘Noobtown’ Series by Ryan Rimmel.

Thus far the story has been quite childish, driven by the self-obsession of the protagonists or drama in their mutual friendship/relationship (that’s so typical to young adults going through puberty and starting to form identity). Hopefully these are just growing pains of ‘I’m not the Hero’ and sequels will have the protagonists defining their goals and individual motives on a more strategic, mid- to long-term timeframe. The mysterious scheming that’s taking place in the background of the immediate action arcs of the character cast dealing with the incidents caused by the hero’s short sightedness, malinformation offer a great tease to the reader for the future action and the greater scope of political machination of the world. Here’s to hoping the author lasts and delivers.

Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible bought for 1 credit. Narrated by: Nick Podehl. Good narration of a fantasy web novel, with a male young adult protagonists duo that were transported from the modern world to the world of sword and magic. Plot is comedic, concluding book 1 protagonists are just about to leave the beginner town. Terrible value for the length of the book - 2.84 $/hour ( 49.90 $ / 17 hrs 34 mins ).

Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour

[Delphine Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a fun LitRPG romp, but I wasn’t prepared for how emotionally invested I’d become in Daniel and Orrin’s journey. This book delivers all the action, danger, and game-system excitement you want from the genre, but what really makes it stand out is the friendship at the heart of the story.

Daniel and Orrin feel like a true duo messy, loyal, a little dysfunctional, and completely believable. Daniel fits the classic “hero” mold: tall, confident, instantly chosen by the world’s rules as the one meant for greatness. Orrin, meanwhile, is used to being overlooked always the sidekick, always the shadow to Daniel’s sun. The author does an incredible job capturing the insecurity and quiet strength beneath Orrin’s self-doubt, and watching him grow is honestly one of the best parts of the book.

When the boys are thrown into a strange, dangerous world where RPG mechanics dictate survival, the story really takes off. The world-building is sharp and immersive without ever becoming overwhelming. The gameplay elements feel natural and add real tension, especially when every choice can mean life or death. The monsters are genuinely frightening, the quests are unpredictable, and the stakes keep climbing.

But even with all the action, the book never loses sight of its emotional core. The bond between Daniel and Orrin is pushed, tested, and deepened in ways I didn’t expect. There’s humor, fear, vulnerability and moments that genuinely hit hard. Seeing Orrin slowly realize he might be more than just a background character is incredibly satisfying.

By the time I finished, I wasn’t just entertained, I was rooting for them both like they were real people.

If you love fantasy adventures with heart, LitRPG elements that enhance rather than overwhelm, and character growth that feels earned, this is absolutely worth picking up. It’s fast-paced, heartfelt, and unexpectedly inspiring.

I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

[Dale Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started so well. The story of a young man (Orrin), who's best friend is wonderboy (Daniel). We all know a wonderboy - he's the one who always gets all the girls, he's on every high school team - usually as the captain, and he usually gets everything he wants. But at the same time, he's a good friend.
So, the excitement of watching the hero grow through the eyes of his sidekick, was dashed fairly quickly.
Turns out Orrin is pretty much an asshat. Being transferred to another world, with monsters, a more medieval mentality, and people who have worked their entire lives to be good at their jobs, doesn't mean anything to Orrin. His modern viewpoint, is the only thing that matters. No, I know that you've only been doing this for the last 30 years of your life, but I know a better way!
Oh goody, everyone listens to him - there might be a few consequences to his bad choices, but they are overcome pretty quickly - after all, he's Orrin. Let's go manhandle one of the lords of the city, in front of his guards, just because you're pissed off - no problem (oh, did I mention that the Lord was in a wheelchair?)!
If you like stories of overpowered, self-righteous, teen-agers who are going to save the universe, then this may be for you. It's possible that Orrin will have to actually deal with an issue that's backfired on him in one of the future books - but, in reality - I don't see it coming.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished but will not continue the series.

I thought (and still think) that this one has an interesting twist to the typical isekai theme by following the "sidekick." However, the story is just too inconsistent with the world dynamics, power scale, meaning, and methods, and it does not build any real attachment to the characters to keep the reader hooked.

There are too many glaring inconsistencies, like how no one realizes Orrin isn't an outworlder. No one develops a Daniel/Orrin friendship overnight to explain away as a "he's the first friend I met in this world." And too much focus on a half-built magic/point system that leads to highlighting the flaws. Writing about 10 points in a stat is considered absurd gain, but the output effect is very inconsistent. Max strength stats can lead to being Superman (unless the author decides otherwise); meanwhile, max int/wis only means more extra whining about being unable to cast more spells.

Overall, the focus was too much on the wrong aspects of the story, leaving the reader ready to focus on the problems instead of growing interested in what happens next.

[Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like.
This book, but I would rather hear about Orin's story. He's more interesting than Daniel plus it was op. For a second but then something went wrong with the mind Magic and now he's just back to being regular, which sucks and now it's back to being all about Daniel. But that's pretty good hopefully it will pick back up for orin because I like him better and I don't think he that pressed to go home were his life is basically lame and following Daniel around like a puppy and being a wallflower with no life. He can be and do stuff now. Daniel has opportunities on earth 🌎 but orin not so much he only wants to because Daniel wants to. I am so mad at Daniel orin hit level 10 and got to ask for a reward and let his friend talk him into getting a reward to help them and does nothing for him. Orin is weak can hardly keep up with the team 🙄 everyone is using him for his buffs and skills and he is so stupid he let's them Daniel told him he is a buffer/healer a background character and to stay that way I wanted to kick him in the balls not cool because orin can hack the system and become OP. But I feel like something bad is going to happen to orin though 🤔 I hope not though

[Gimmedanger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be a frustrating read! There were some things I liked about it, but a lot of things that i didn't. It could be a matter of taste, i guess. I don't usually mind YA stories (love them in fact), but i found these characters and their YA issues annoying. At the same time, i did like the premise (so much potential), and i liked how the author portrayed the friendship between these 2 kids (lol they kind of hate each other).

The synopsis makes it seem like this is going to be a story where the sidekick finally grows out of being the sidekick, but while the mc Orrin, has an OP ability (he immediately gains "administrative access" upon being isekaied), it sure didn't seem like this kid would ever grow out of being a sidekick.

I found Orrin frustrating. He constantly whines about being useless and not having any offensive capabilities. A lack of offensive abilities in this world btw, means one cannot advance. You can only gain levels and abilities by gaining experience and you can only gain experience by killing things. What's annoying is that Orrin DOES have offensive abilities along with the ability to gain better ones, he just never uses them. That's a CHOICE.

Instead, Orrin constantly chooses to upgrade the ability to buff and empower everyone else (he can buff himself but almost never does). Everyone loves to take advantage of his abilities, but no one actually seems to value him (even his best friend is always taking advantage of him). The only way Orrin can advance is if his party gives him the chance to throw out little darts of light that do almost no damage, that way he can leech from the experience that the others are earning by doing all the killing (once they're all fully buffed by Orrin, of course).

Since Orrin isn't the "hero," no one really seems to consider his progress or safety much of a priority. And apparently, since Orrin is suuuuuuuch a nice guy, even he doesn't seem to consider it that big of a priority (his priority is always helping others). He would constantly whine about not progressing and not being able to fight offensively etc, then always invest all his points towards making others stronger rather. And of course all his "friends" would encourage it.

I have to admit, I became so annoyed and frustrated by this dynamic that i ended up reading the reviews for the rest of this series, and apparently this does seem to be a pattern that continues throughout the series (if we go by the complaints from the more negative reviewers). I gave up on this book after seeing that.

[Patrick Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

LitRPG is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and this checks all the boxes that I'm looking for. I like the twist that the main character is actually the sidekick, although I am worried that he's getting too powerful too quickly. There are a few pacing issues in my opinion, but nothing too bad. My major gripe is with the audiobook. Nick Podehl is one of my favorite narrators, but it was really annoying how he used a different voice any time a spell, skill, or class was mentioned. Even if someone was simply saying the line "Dan is the hero." you would get "Dan is the" in the characters voice and then "HERO" in the system's voice. The system should definitely have its own voice, but that should be reserved for when actually interacting with the system. Fortunately, I'm currently a couple chapters into book 2 and it seems the audiobook approach changed to be in line with what I was looking for.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty solid LitRPG story and I appreciated that the math and numbers behind the stats, abilities, spells, and combat were robust and well thought out. Book 1 ends at a reasonably good stopping point and if I continue reading this I will do so via my Kindle. The audiobook was fine, but the reading of stats and such bogged down the narrative as an audio story. Being able to skim and focus on stats that are particularly interesting would be a welcome improvement. It was a welcome surprise that some of the typical stereotypes of hero and friend becoming enemies was avoided and explained by the over use and consumption of mana. That being said, since this is an Isekai story, I wanted to see more overt overpowered. Granted, everyone in the story comments that the two MCs are unusually powerful but there are real limits to even that level of power in the story. I do suppose that helps set up and enforce conflict through consequences, but I wanted to see more OP stuff happen.

[Kevin Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm Not the Hero" is a fun and engaging Isekai LitRPG with a solid main character and great world-building. I really enjoyed the MC’s perspective—he’s entertaining and keeps the story moving at a good pace. The action scenes are well done, and the setting feels fleshed out and immersive.

That said, the audiobook presentation of skills, classes, and magic could have been handled better, as it sometimes felt clunky or hard to follow. Daniel, the MC’s friend, has his annoying moments but ultimately plays a strong supporting role. One thing I wish the book included was experience points for buffing—it would have made the progression system feel more rewarding.

Overall, this is a great read for LitRPG fans who enjoy a well-thought-out world, solid action, and a fun protagonist. Just be prepared for a few system quirks in the audiobook format!

[Tayvin Bayless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer:

Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.

Negative reviews are not something I typically write.

I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.

Review

Many the tropes that you know and love from the genre, with fresh and fun packaging, interesting skills, and lots of room to grow. I’ve read the sequels and can say that the story maintains and probably even improves in quality as it goes on. Nick Podehl is one of the GOATS, so my recommendation is definitely to check out the audiobooks.

[Horia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pair of teenagers best friends are magically teleported into a fantasy land taking the role of "Hero" and "Sidekick" literally, while engaging with all the tropes that the fantasy Isekai genre can offer. save the town, level up, exploit system loopholes, defeat the demon lord, kiss the girl. Mnnnnnooope!!!

Very basic, very meh, very forgettable.
Dull, Dumb and Inconsistent.

The book doesn't take itself seriously (not even for an Isekai story), yet it's neither funny nor interesting. It's just filler material written for kids (not even early teens). Even so, I wouldn't recommend it, as there is some swearing and a bit of gore which is not in line with the whole kids thing.

I want my money back.

[Doug Sundseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good: 4.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads.

An interesting protagonist and his ... HERO sidekick are dropped into a fantasy game world. The HERO is fairly typical, being an overpowered chosen one, but the protagonist is more interesting: a buffer/healer with some significantly overpowered abilities balance, at least somewhat, by some fairly horrific side effects.

The plot is well handled, with the main characters interacting with natives who have ulterior motives that are neither entirely benign nor entirely obvious.

The supporting cast is interesting and varied, with their own motivations and quirks.

And the game world rules, while presented a bit obtrusively, are reasonable (by the standards of LitRPGs).

Recommended for fans of fantasy LitRPGs.

[Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Isekai

Not what I expected. It's your typical Isekai, down to Truck-kun, and the bandits and carriage bit. That's where it kinda ends on the familiar tropes. The MC is the Spock to the Hero's Kirk. He's not brooding like the initial opening scene alludes to, but a lot more outgoing and interesting than his best friend the hero. The story still suffers a bit from the issue that all isekai suffer, a stranger in a strange land. This leads to a lot of not so subtle lore dumps. Otherwise, it's a good read. All the characters feel like people. Funnily enough, it's the MC who stands out the most as a bit of a caricature of the standard isekai protagonist. I'd still recommend this

[Tom Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed bag

While I lived the story the characters were frequently insufferable. True the author had a reason for them to suddenly go off, but they were happy to put themselves into a position that they would do something stupid. As 17 year old boys I can except that they would be impetuous, but they seem to alternate between rushing in stupidly when they need to be cautious and hesitating when they need to act. Pro tip: if the bad guy is casting a long, drawn out spell you make your attack before they finish.
Now, despite the lack of love I'm giving this book I enjoyed the story, the system, and sometimes the characters. I will be getting the next one. Tom out

[Lonni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the effort to make the sidekick the real hero. He’s an interesting character and I want to see what other cheats he unlocks. But, I cannot continue on with the series. The “hero” ruins it for me because he lacks any consistency of character and seems to be only a plot mechanism to create issues for the sidekick. At some point, he’s just too frustrating to listen to. So book one is quits for me. If he actually acted consistently and wasn’t there just to be constant foil rather than best friend- I’d probably still be reading. But it’s just not believable as a BF and downright annoying.