The Hero Game: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure: Volume One: Tutorial

The Hero Game #1

by August Aird

Jack Jenkins is a normal college student living in a world filled with super powered beings. Until one fateful day in the library throws his whole life into chaos. An ancient and beguiling cosmic visitor bonds with him, granting him extraordinary abilities. The only he has to earn his powers like he was in a video game. And he has to learn on the fly.

Because right now a terrifying crime boss is moving in on Jack’s neighborhood. Jack has to do everything he can to stop him and protect his friends, family, and that cute girl from the library. He’ll have to level up as quickly as possible, because only his wits and fists stand between the Iron Count and total destruction.

But can he take down the Iron Count while balancing school, work, and some unconventional relationships? He’s sure going to try, as he steps into the Hero Game.

The Hero Game is a spicy LitRPG adventure for discerning adults.

Genres: Harem, Urban Fantasy, Superheroes, Fantasy, Romance

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hero Game: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure: Volume One: Tutorial

Author: August Aird

"A fresh take on the LitRPG genre, blending the excitement of superhero adventures with the depth of a game-like progression system."

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

Introduction

August Aird’s _The Hero Game: Volume One_ introduces readers to a world where superhero powers meet a complex LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) system. This first volume, aptly titled "Tutorial," serves as a perfect entry point into the saga, laying the groundwork for the hero journey of our protagonist while immersing readers in an intricate, game-like universe.

Plot Summary

The story follows Jack Morgan, a young man who unexpectedly finds himself in a virtual reality game designed to train and test superheroes. From the outset, the book uses classic RPG elements, from experience points and stat allocation to skill leveling and quest lines. Jack, now thrust into an unfamiliar world where failure could mean more than just losing a game, must navigate this dangerous terrain to emerge victorious—and alive.

What makes this adventure unique is its mix of superhero powers with the familiar mechanics of RPG gaming. Jack isn’t just fighting against the clock or rival players, but also discovering his own abilities, gradually transforming into something greater than he ever imagined. The “tutorial” section serves as both a character-building phase for Jack and an introduction to the rules of this new reality for readers.

Character Development

One of the most striking aspects of this book is the way it handles character growth. Jack’s development from an ordinary individual into a burgeoning superhero is handled with care and realism. The progression is slow, but that’s intentional—it mirrors the way RPGs work, where characters must grind through basic levels before unlocking their true potential.

Jack Morgan: Jack’s character is relatable, especially for readers familiar with both RPGs and superhero tropes. His initial vulnerability makes his gradual empowerment all the more satisfying. As he learns how to use his abilities, we feel his growth, which is deeply satisfying in the LitRPG context.
Supporting Cast: The book introduces several key side characters, many of whom feel like NPCs (non-playable characters) in a game. They serve their role, offering quests, challenges, and even companionship, but most remain in the background compared to Jack’s individual journey in this volume.


World-Building & Game Mechanics

The world-building in _The Hero Game_ is where Aird really shines. He doesn’t just throw the reader into a virtual game with superhero powers; he constructs a system where every power, skill, and stat has a tangible effect. The RPG mechanics are integral to the plot, not just a gimmick.

Game System: The book uses a familiar RPG framework: Jack must complete quests, earn experience points, and level up his skills. There’s a real sense of strategy involved in how Jack chooses to allocate points and train his abilities.
Superpowers: The combination of RPG elements with superpowers is unique. Jack’s powers develop alongside his progression in the game. The use of a power-leveling system adds depth, as readers get to experience his powers growing stronger and more complex with time.

This book’s world feels alive, with challenges, enemies, and allies that feel meaningful. However, some readers might find the tutorial-like pacing in the beginning a little slow, as the book focuses heavily on introducing rules and systems before the real action picks up.

Writing Style

Aird’s writing is clean and functional, fitting perfectly within the confines of the LitRPG genre. His descriptions of in-game mechanics—stats, abilities, and quests—are clear, allowing even readers unfamiliar with RPGs to follow along without confusion. His tone is conversational, with occasional humorous touches that make Jack's struggles relatable.

However, some parts of the book can feel too exposition-heavy, especially when introducing new game mechanics. This may slow down the narrative for some, but it’s also a common trope in LitRPGs. If you’re a fan of detailed explanations about game stats and abilities, you’ll enjoy these sections, but others may find them to drag slightly.

Strengths

Unique Premise: The combination of a superhero universe with RPG mechanics is fresh and exciting.
Character Growth: Jack’s evolution from a powerless young man to a rising hero is engaging and rewarding.
Detailed World-Building: The game system and rules of this universe are well thought out, offering a deep experience for readers who enjoy exploring every detail of a world.


Weaknesses

Pacing: The "tutorial" aspect, while necessary, can feel slow for some readers who want faster action.
Exposition: There are sections of heavy exposition that might feel cumbersome for readers who prefer a faster narrative flow.


Conclusion

The Hero Game: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure: Volume One: Tutorial_ by August Aird offers an enjoyable and immersive start to a promising series. Fans of both LitRPG and superhero stories will find much to love here, particularly in the way the game mechanics are intertwined with the superhero narrative. While the tutorial phase of the book may feel slow for some, it effectively sets the stage for what promises to be an action-packed and thrilling series.

For fans of LitRPG who enjoy seeing characters start from humble beginnings and grow into their power through strategic progression, this book is a must-read.

Overall, it’s a well-executed introduction to a world where superheroes level up like characters in a video game, and I’m eager to see what comes next for Jack Morgan.

[AndrewP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Superhero LitRPG book from a new independent author. After the initial introduction of the protagonist into the RPG world ( a bit cheesy, but then I think almost all LitRPG have some sort of hokey setup ), things turned into an entertaining, college kid becoming a superhero story. Some decent superhero fights with a bit of sex thrown in. This is a good start but that happens a lot with this type of book, I will be interested to how this scales up with increasing power (character) levels .

[Randy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

should be called The Player

Lots of women who don’t know about each other that he hopes between. Has a ready-made excuse in case they found out about each other. Definitely should have the super hero name “The Player”
That aside, it was an interesting story, but extremely predictable. Very much a cookie cutter storyline.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced superhero origin story with a LitRPG twist. Minimal world building, but the street level heroes introduced were cool for the most part. The author did a great job with the pacing and action description.

[GrumpyOldMan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was decent, but it has its moments where you can see the author figuring things out. As such, it has some immaturity to it's writing.

The MC is a guy without powers in a world that has a decent number of people with super powers. He's an orphan that tries to intervene in a super/villain fight in the college library, after rescuing a really cute redhead from getting smooshed. He's a virgin, and that plays out continuously in the story. He's of good moral character, almost puppy dog like in his eagerness at times.

There isn't a defined harem by the end of the book, but the rescued girl is clearly the first to be a member. There are several other women he's intimate with, but only one knows about him doing anything with another, something she wasn't happy about. And while I expect a lot more relationship growth in book two, it was stunted by events and behaviors in this book.

I do plan on reading book two, which I would have said I wasn't going to about half way through the book.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent bit of pulp, and for nominally smutty pulp it didn't have a lot of gratuitous sex. I like to see the MC getting some, but chapter-long sex accounts are annoying when you're looking for story and character development.

Since this book didn't do that, it rates the 4 stars I gave it for overall experience. MC really needs to get a handle on his relations with women, but it appears that's a character/story development element. I'm on to book 2 to see if this continues in an interesting direction.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was unexpectedly fun!

I very much enjoyed this book. While on the outside it’s ’another superhero HLit’, that’s not what this book was about. It was about a smart determined MC trying to just get through daily life and his recent changes. The story was fun, the side characters were all unique and likeable. Going to jump into book two right now.

[Devin Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start

Well written with hardly any typos. Plenty of action and personal development. The only thing that could be improved is character descriptions, don’t know what the MC looks like and the women are not described much better.

[Robert L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

This is a fine fantasy harem urban super hero novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the Pizza Girl. I anxiously await the sequel.

[James Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read

This was a fun read. It's pretty standard harem lit, but, more than anything, it's fun. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Highly recommended.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Awesome Book!

This was such a fun read! A little quick paced, but a great set up for future novels! I will definitely be reading more of this series as it comes out!

[Roberto Flores · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly weak with no solid base. Power system is the worst kind of plot armor.

[Phil X. Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author

This is the second series I'm reading from August Aird and it's every bit as good as the first.

Loving this genre!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent bit of Kindle Unlimited pulp. A fairly okay plot, some interesting characters, and a set up for later books.

[R. Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and enjoyable read

Superheros.
Leving up.
Sex.
What's not to love. The story is fair paced and does let up. Can't wait to read book 2.

[tester · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it supposed to be a joke that the mc's name is the boxer but most of his moves are kicks? The chemistry sucked, the mc is a child. The sex is cringe. I didn't finish it, couldn't stand the mc.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Interesting characters, world, and lore. The characters feel grounded and believable. The characters abilities are also interesting and varied. Overall a fun read.

[Dantegideon · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have to suspend your disbelief pretty hard, but it’s enjoyable once you do.

[Robert Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
Reading the second in the series now!

[Jonathan Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy reading super hero romp. Despite some first book jank the pacing flows well enough.

Props to the author for letting the hero suffer for being an uninformed novice.