What do you think?
Rate this book
Not That Kind of Hero
When Orla enrols on a prestigious drama course, she is thrown into the spotlight for the very first time. A heart-stopping romance from critically-acclaimed author of SING IF YOU CAN'T DANCE.
Orla has always been the sidekick, never the hero . . .
Until, that is, she secures a funded place at an elite drama course and puts her own dreams first for once in her life. Suddenly, Orla is centre-stage and loving it! But the drama crowd are experienced performers and their parents have shelled out a fortune for them to be on the course. Orla can't help but feel left out - she has to earn her pocket money and her responsibilities at home can't just be ignored.
Then again, doesn't she deserve to want things for herself? Especially when beautiful and funny drama boy, Cass, starts flirting with her . . .
With life-changing auditions around the corner Orla finds herself torn in two by an impossible choice. Should she protect her chosen family, or herself?
Orla has always been the sidekick, never the hero . . .
Until, that is, she secures a funded place at an elite drama course and puts her own dreams first for once in her life. Suddenly, Orla is centre-stage and loving it! But the drama crowd are experienced performers and their parents have shelled out a fortune for them to be on the course. Orla can't help but feel left out - she has to earn her pocket money and her responsibilities at home can't just be ignored.
Then again, doesn't she deserve to want things for herself? Especially when beautiful and funny drama boy, Cass, starts flirting with her . . .
With life-changing auditions around the corner Orla finds herself torn in two by an impossible choice. Should she protect her chosen family, or herself?
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
368 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Alexia Casale
12 books176 followersShortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. Longlisted for The Branford Boase Award. A Book of the Year 2013 for the Financial Times and Independent.
A British-American citizen of Italian heritage, Alexia is an author, editor and writing consultant. She also teaches English Literature and Writing.
After an MA in Social & Political Sciences (Psychology major) then MPhil in Educational Psychology & Technology, both at Cambridge University, she took a break from academia and moved to New York. There she worked on a Tony-award-winning Broadway show before returning to England to complete a PhD and teaching qualification. In between, she worked as a West End script-critic, box-office manager for a music festival and executive editor of a human rights journal.
She’s not sure which side of the family her dyslexia comes from, but is resigned to the fact that madness runs in both. She loves cats, collects glass animals and interesting knives, and has always wanted a dragon.
Alexia is represented by Claire Wilson of Rogers, Coleridge & White.
Her debut novel, The Bone Dragon, is published in English by Faber & Faber, and in German by Carlsen.
A British-American citizen of Italian heritage, Alexia is an author, editor and writing consultant. She also teaches English Literature and Writing.
After an MA in Social & Political Sciences (Psychology major) then MPhil in Educational Psychology & Technology, both at Cambridge University, she took a break from academia and moved to New York. There she worked on a Tony-award-winning Broadway show before returning to England to complete a PhD and teaching qualification. In between, she worked as a West End script-critic, box-office manager for a music festival and executive editor of a human rights journal.
She’s not sure which side of the family her dyslexia comes from, but is resigned to the fact that madness runs in both. She loves cats, collects glass animals and interesting knives, and has always wanted a dragon.
Alexia is represented by Claire Wilson of Rogers, Coleridge & White.
Her debut novel, The Bone Dragon, is published in English by Faber & Faber, and in German by Carlsen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 4, 2025
A hero is someone who can be admired for their courage or achievements, possibly has superhuman qualities and maybe goes from zero to hero.
As we all know, heroes don’t all wear capes or snazzy outfits, rescue people from burning buildings or otherwise save the day. Some work quietly and diligently in the background for the good of their blended family where money is always tight. That’s Orla. However, Roks her ‘semi-sib’, has plans for her and persuades her to apply for a funded place at the Sienna Leighton Theatrical Intensive. Nobody is more surprised than Orla to be offered a place especially as her application tells of a typical day in their chaotic, crowded household. Will Orla find a cape or will she be a different kind of hero?
I’m a long way from the target audience of this YA novel, but I think it will appeal to someone of late teen years. You get two stories for the price of one with Orla’s family situation which though it is a lively household which is colourfully described, it’s not dysfunctional as Roks and Orla pull together to help their respective mums and there’s a good message there. Then there are Orla’s internal struggles, her lack of trust and confidence which some teens will probably relate to.
There are a lot of characters and inevitably some are not especially well fleshed out as they’re snapshots, but there’s just enough to picture them. Some I feel are stereotypes especially at the drama school but equally these types of girls are everywhere. I do like Ola although I think the author overdoes her disasters and clumsiness. Now, I’m clumsy but even I don’t fall over with the regularity of Orla. Her new friend in Cassian with his twinkly aquamarine eyes is a lovely person. He has charm, he is kind and learns from his mistakes.
The scenes at the theatre are enjoyable with interesting dynamics, a different take on a Shakespeare character and there’s even a ghostly element. However, it’s also repetitive and becomes a bit much. I like the ending which is heartwarming with a positive message of finding your way through life and it’s challenges.
Overall, it’s entertaining in an exaggerated kind of way which should appeal to the readers it’s designed for. The cover art is very good.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber well for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
As we all know, heroes don’t all wear capes or snazzy outfits, rescue people from burning buildings or otherwise save the day. Some work quietly and diligently in the background for the good of their blended family where money is always tight. That’s Orla. However, Roks her ‘semi-sib’, has plans for her and persuades her to apply for a funded place at the Sienna Leighton Theatrical Intensive. Nobody is more surprised than Orla to be offered a place especially as her application tells of a typical day in their chaotic, crowded household. Will Orla find a cape or will she be a different kind of hero?
I’m a long way from the target audience of this YA novel, but I think it will appeal to someone of late teen years. You get two stories for the price of one with Orla’s family situation which though it is a lively household which is colourfully described, it’s not dysfunctional as Roks and Orla pull together to help their respective mums and there’s a good message there. Then there are Orla’s internal struggles, her lack of trust and confidence which some teens will probably relate to.
There are a lot of characters and inevitably some are not especially well fleshed out as they’re snapshots, but there’s just enough to picture them. Some I feel are stereotypes especially at the drama school but equally these types of girls are everywhere. I do like Ola although I think the author overdoes her disasters and clumsiness. Now, I’m clumsy but even I don’t fall over with the regularity of Orla. Her new friend in Cassian with his twinkly aquamarine eyes is a lovely person. He has charm, he is kind and learns from his mistakes.
The scenes at the theatre are enjoyable with interesting dynamics, a different take on a Shakespeare character and there’s even a ghostly element. However, it’s also repetitive and becomes a bit much. I like the ending which is heartwarming with a positive message of finding your way through life and it’s challenges.
Overall, it’s entertaining in an exaggerated kind of way which should appeal to the readers it’s designed for. The cover art is very good.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber well for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2024
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
2.75 stars.
The premise and title were the main reasons this book caught my attention. While the plot was solid, I think I would have been completely enamored with it if I were younger.
If you’re still a fan of YA and highschool stories, this one is definitely worth checking out.
2.75 stars.
The premise and title were the main reasons this book caught my attention. While the plot was solid, I think I would have been completely enamored with it if I were younger.
If you’re still a fan of YA and highschool stories, this one is definitely worth checking out.
ꨄ-dnf
March 28, 2025dnf @ 20%
January 26, 2025
It was cute, but I’m just not the target audience; this is very much a children’s book.
Orla has a very difficult family situation and she is a self-appointed Cinderella. To give her a break, her “semi-sister” finds a funded spot in a drama course for her, and Orla reluctantly agrees.
It was a story about a brave, hardworking and very talented girl, who succeeded despite her difficult circumstances. There was some usual teenage drama and a bit of a PG rated romance (you know it’s a kids’ book when the hero is referred to as a boy instead of a man), but also real trauma that Orla needed to process. Her family situation and the way she was dealing with it was one of the most interesting parts of the book. What I also appreciated was the message that spotlight is not for everyone and it’s okay.
My twelve year old self would have probably loved this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thanks Faber and Faber Ltd and NetGalley for the arc! 💙
Orla has a very difficult family situation and she is a self-appointed Cinderella. To give her a break, her “semi-sister” finds a funded spot in a drama course for her, and Orla reluctantly agrees.
It was a story about a brave, hardworking and very talented girl, who succeeded despite her difficult circumstances. There was some usual teenage drama and a bit of a PG rated romance (you know it’s a kids’ book when the hero is referred to as a boy instead of a man), but also real trauma that Orla needed to process. Her family situation and the way she was dealing with it was one of the most interesting parts of the book. What I also appreciated was the message that spotlight is not for everyone and it’s okay.
My twelve year old self would have probably loved this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thanks Faber and Faber Ltd and NetGalley for the arc! 💙
April 7, 2025
Not That Kind Of Hero is not a groundbreaking YA novel. It seems to be primarily aimed at younger teens, and it may be a good read for kids that have experienced some kind of trauma, especially in relation to domestic violence.
There is not a lot of substance to the plot. Orla keeps secrets and must learn to prioritize her own wants and needs. There is of course the theatre aspect, which was fun, though not as interesting as I hoped. I think the parentification of Orla and her best friend/sister was glossed over too much.
The cast of characters is very big, which makes for a confusing first few chapters. I had trouble getting all the characters straight. There is a big focus on found family, which is nice. Orla herself is a fine protagonist for this kind of story, I just found her a little whiny and a little “woe-is-me”. The love interest, Cass, is very sweet. Most of the other characters didn’t feel very fleshed out.
I must also mention the multiple Harry Potter references. It's 2025, JK Rowling has shown her true face more than once. She actively hurts Trans people. Including a reference to her or her work will always make me question an authors intentions and stance on these issues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
There is not a lot of substance to the plot. Orla keeps secrets and must learn to prioritize her own wants and needs. There is of course the theatre aspect, which was fun, though not as interesting as I hoped. I think the parentification of Orla and her best friend/sister was glossed over too much.
The cast of characters is very big, which makes for a confusing first few chapters. I had trouble getting all the characters straight. There is a big focus on found family, which is nice. Orla herself is a fine protagonist for this kind of story, I just found her a little whiny and a little “woe-is-me”. The love interest, Cass, is very sweet. Most of the other characters didn’t feel very fleshed out.
I must also mention the multiple Harry Potter references. It's 2025, JK Rowling has shown her true face more than once. She actively hurts Trans people. Including a reference to her or her work will always make me question an authors intentions and stance on these issues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
February 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was afraid to come and look at the reviews of Not That Kind Of Hero and find a bunch of higher ratings, as mine isn't the best. When I applied to read this book, the first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful cover and the description made me curious to find out more about these characters, especially Orla.
However, as soon as I started reading it, I realised that this book wasn't going to make into the list of ‘memorable reads in 2025’. I was immediately confused, with too many characters being thrown in there, or rather their names, without a proper explanation of who they were. I supposed who was who, but not having that confirmation right from the start was difficult.
As the story progressed, I found myself getting annoyed with the main character for thinking and saying things out loud that were then repeated, in the same order of words, with the same words in a different order or with similar words. I felt like we weren't moving forward, even though we were.
I didn't connect with any of the main characters and their own stories, the writing wasn't my favourite as I felt like it was all over the place, which made my reading experience even more difficult. All in all, it wasn't an enjoyable read.
I was afraid to come and look at the reviews of Not That Kind Of Hero and find a bunch of higher ratings, as mine isn't the best. When I applied to read this book, the first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful cover and the description made me curious to find out more about these characters, especially Orla.
However, as soon as I started reading it, I realised that this book wasn't going to make into the list of ‘memorable reads in 2025’. I was immediately confused, with too many characters being thrown in there, or rather their names, without a proper explanation of who they were. I supposed who was who, but not having that confirmation right from the start was difficult.
As the story progressed, I found myself getting annoyed with the main character for thinking and saying things out loud that were then repeated, in the same order of words, with the same words in a different order or with similar words. I felt like we weren't moving forward, even though we were.
I didn't connect with any of the main characters and their own stories, the writing wasn't my favourite as I felt like it was all over the place, which made my reading experience even more difficult. All in all, it wasn't an enjoyable read.
December 14, 2024
The rating I gave this book seems a bit harsh, even in my own mind, but it was a pretty ordinary book; not terrible or unreadable, certainly not amazing or earth shattering.
I think my problem is that there were two different stories, one about Orla and her family and the other about Orla and the Drama Workshop. The only thing connecting them was Orla and that just wasn’t enough. Honestly either one of the stories on its own with the other part included simply as a plot point would have been more enjoyable. In this book they were both included as equally important and, for me at least, it didn’t work. I felt like I was reading two separate books. They even felt as if they were written differently.
I enjoyed the story of Orla and her family more than the Drama Class bit. The characters in the family part were more alive and interesting. There was enough material (The Before, the two blended families, Orla’s interest in studying drama) to make it a complete book. The Drama Workshop part had flat characters that could have come out of any recent middle grade book. It didn’t help that I could never see what Orla saw in Cass that so completely consumed her. He seemed boring and self-obsessed. The ‘mean girl’ of this part, Pandora, wasn’t even all that mean. With a lot of work this part though, could also have been a complete book.
So, for me, it was an ordinary book. Not one I would go out of my way to read.
I think my problem is that there were two different stories, one about Orla and her family and the other about Orla and the Drama Workshop. The only thing connecting them was Orla and that just wasn’t enough. Honestly either one of the stories on its own with the other part included simply as a plot point would have been more enjoyable. In this book they were both included as equally important and, for me at least, it didn’t work. I felt like I was reading two separate books. They even felt as if they were written differently.
I enjoyed the story of Orla and her family more than the Drama Class bit. The characters in the family part were more alive and interesting. There was enough material (The Before, the two blended families, Orla’s interest in studying drama) to make it a complete book. The Drama Workshop part had flat characters that could have come out of any recent middle grade book. It didn’t help that I could never see what Orla saw in Cass that so completely consumed her. He seemed boring and self-obsessed. The ‘mean girl’ of this part, Pandora, wasn’t even all that mean. With a lot of work this part though, could also have been a complete book.
So, for me, it was an ordinary book. Not one I would go out of my way to read.
March 18, 2025
The premise of this book sounded really cute. A young girl winning a scholarship to a prestigious acting intensive, where she is thrown into a world of students who have been acting their whole lives and the privilege they have. We see her struggle with her past and upbringing and how that can affect a young person put into these types of situations.
However, with all of this there felt like there were too many subplots happening. At the beginning we are learn that she lives with her mom and siblings as well as another family. We are not told much about what happened until half way through the story. It is just referred to as before and after. There was also a lot of characters introduced right at the beginning which was very overwhelming and confusing to try and place who was who.
The one dynamic that was kind of cute to watch was Orla and Cassian’s relationship. Though it felt a bit rushed and a lot happened in the span of a two week intensive, it also felt very on brand for an acting intensive with teenagers. Seeing these two connect was adorable and seeing them be vulnerable and open up to each was very cute.
I did also struggle with the focus on the “hero” and “sidekick” dynamic throughout. There was a huge focus on this and Orla constantly stating she wasn’t a “hero” while very much being a “hero” felt a little weird.
Then there was the subplot of the haunted theatre which kind of felt a little forced and took another turn in the story. The idea of the haunted theatre is very cool but felt like throwing another plot line into an already very dense and could have been developed more plot.
Overall the idea was really interesting but it felt a little confusing and overwhelming with the variety of plot lines running.
However, with all of this there felt like there were too many subplots happening. At the beginning we are learn that she lives with her mom and siblings as well as another family. We are not told much about what happened until half way through the story. It is just referred to as before and after. There was also a lot of characters introduced right at the beginning which was very overwhelming and confusing to try and place who was who.
The one dynamic that was kind of cute to watch was Orla and Cassian’s relationship. Though it felt a bit rushed and a lot happened in the span of a two week intensive, it also felt very on brand for an acting intensive with teenagers. Seeing these two connect was adorable and seeing them be vulnerable and open up to each was very cute.
I did also struggle with the focus on the “hero” and “sidekick” dynamic throughout. There was a huge focus on this and Orla constantly stating she wasn’t a “hero” while very much being a “hero” felt a little weird.
Then there was the subplot of the haunted theatre which kind of felt a little forced and took another turn in the story. The idea of the haunted theatre is very cool but felt like throwing another plot line into an already very dense and could have been developed more plot.
Overall the idea was really interesting but it felt a little confusing and overwhelming with the variety of plot lines running.
April 26, 2025
I'm not a YA fan, but sometimes for some seemingly unexplainable reason these stories slap, and this one slapped all the way. I cannot explain, what a seasoned middle-age woman, aka me, has in common with a 17-year-old heroine on the cusp of adulthood, just beginning her path in life, but I found this story so relatable. The daily struggles living with a big family, the scarcity, huge responsibilities weighing your shoulders, and being a theater kid - the lightness, the joy, the frustration, the excitement of being on the stage, of bearing your soul to others. How I miss those days sometimes. Add a splash of first love and I'm sold. So, yeah, I loved this sidekick turned hero.
"The easy answer is that you can be a hero, sidekick or even villain, but when it comes to your own life the one thing that’s certain is that you’re the main character."
"The easy answer is that you can be a hero, sidekick or even villain, but when it comes to your own life the one thing that’s certain is that you’re the main character."
February 22, 2025
this book surprised me in more ways than just one. it wasn't as romance-y as i thought it'd be, but i still fell completely in love with orla, cass, the brood and others.
orla was a great main character, selfless, smart and so so caring. seeing her finally finding time for herself and allowing her wishes and desires to matter was a beautiful sight. sometimes letting go of the past and moving forward are hard things to do, but this book and its characters showed me that everything is possible if you have good people beside you and believe in yourself.
thank you netgalley and faber and faber ltd for this arc.
orla was a great main character, selfless, smart and so so caring. seeing her finally finding time for herself and allowing her wishes and desires to matter was a beautiful sight. sometimes letting go of the past and moving forward are hard things to do, but this book and its characters showed me that everything is possible if you have good people beside you and believe in yourself.
thank you netgalley and faber and faber ltd for this arc.
December 22, 2025
interesting but frustrating
dnf
May 31, 2025Thank you to Alexia Casale, Faber and Faber Ltd, and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
I wanted to like this book, I truly did. However I think I was doomed from the start to not be fully onboard with it. I was drawn in by the book cover and /did/ read the description. But I guess I expected more from a book called “Not That Kind of Hero.” I was expecting actual heroes and sidekicks and something closer to a novelized version of Disney’s Sky High… not a large collection of step siblings that I couldn’t keep track of and a main character who said the words “hero” and “sidekick” every other paragraph for the simple sake of it being her entire personality that she doesn’t have main character energy despite being the main character.
I read 43 pages, the entirety of Act 1. There wasn’t anything new or fresh with this and so I decided in the interest of my time I would not be finishing it.
DNF
I wanted to like this book, I truly did. However I think I was doomed from the start to not be fully onboard with it. I was drawn in by the book cover and /did/ read the description. But I guess I expected more from a book called “Not That Kind of Hero.” I was expecting actual heroes and sidekicks and something closer to a novelized version of Disney’s Sky High… not a large collection of step siblings that I couldn’t keep track of and a main character who said the words “hero” and “sidekick” every other paragraph for the simple sake of it being her entire personality that she doesn’t have main character energy despite being the main character.
I read 43 pages, the entirety of Act 1. There wasn’t anything new or fresh with this and so I decided in the interest of my time I would not be finishing it.
December 3, 2024
the main character’s best friend (or step-sister? i honestly don’t know. i did not get very far into the story and i don’t really care) is named Roks. i hate that name. that name pissed me off so bad that i gave up on the book. the cover is gorgeous though.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
March 14, 2025
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!
not gonna lie, i was drawn to this because of the cover. look at them!! Cass and Orla in the spotlight, papers strewn all around the floor. it's so pretty, and flower he holds out to her while she backfaces him but still turns to look... it was Giving!!
the other reason i requested this was what the story talked about, being a sidekick character over the hero of your own life. i have been told by my school lecturer once that i've "stopped trying", and that i'm "not in the driver's seat of (my) life". i was (and probably still am) a supporting character in my own life and i don't even know who is the mc!! more than one past boss has told me i lack passion that they see in others, and good god. i read this because i wanted to relate to Orla, someone whose life is put on hold because she puts everyone else's first.
i will say i like big family, with the many siblings (full- and semi-), especially Rok who proves to always be there for her when she needs it. i guess it's a late teenager thing to be self-destructive, but Orla gaslighting herself into thinking she's happy with her lot is painful to read, though i do understand where she's coming from. she's portrayed as someone who cares more about others than herself, yet i see that this trait is sorely lacking once she starts the drama intensive.
still, the trauma they went through and the delicate way it still bleeds into their life, the splitting of the Before and After, i did find that interesting.
i love that Orla has found something she wants to do in life at the end, but her being talented at it undermines a lot of what i thought was the meaning. at one point i related more to Pandora (resident bitch) than her, because i know what it feels like to put in the hours and effort only to lose to someone with talent just waltzing in. i wish they gave her more characterisation than that, but ultimately i enjoyed reading the friend group with Orla, Cass Jemina and Chardae.
i suppose i have to talk about the romance. it's cute, though nothing too special. i liked the build up of angst whenever Orla swerves a question about her family, and Cass' outburst is justified!! i love how even though he's pretty much a typical jock, he still has depth, like his insecurity with dyslexia (i love the disability rep in this, with Benjo's dyspraxia too!!) and the fact that he would drive 400 miles for her to post a financial thing or pick her up in the middle of nowhere. him blending so well with her chaotic family was sweet too.
" most of my friends' love lives are total drama. how'd you feel about just being sweet and lovely to each other instead? "
perhaps i'm just not in the target audience anymore. i will never not be sad to no longer be 'ya' but yes, it was still an entertaining read!! i loved the message of this story.
" life isn't about a 'happy ending'. it's about a whole life filled with as much happiness as you can get from now until the end. "
not gonna lie, i was drawn to this because of the cover. look at them!! Cass and Orla in the spotlight, papers strewn all around the floor. it's so pretty, and flower he holds out to her while she backfaces him but still turns to look... it was Giving!!
the other reason i requested this was what the story talked about, being a sidekick character over the hero of your own life. i have been told by my school lecturer once that i've "stopped trying", and that i'm "not in the driver's seat of (my) life". i was (and probably still am) a supporting character in my own life and i don't even know who is the mc!! more than one past boss has told me i lack passion that they see in others, and good god. i read this because i wanted to relate to Orla, someone whose life is put on hold because she puts everyone else's first.
i will say i like big family, with the many siblings (full- and semi-), especially Rok who proves to always be there for her when she needs it. i guess it's a late teenager thing to be self-destructive, but Orla gaslighting herself into thinking she's happy with her lot is painful to read, though i do understand where she's coming from. she's portrayed as someone who cares more about others than herself, yet i see that this trait is sorely lacking once she starts the drama intensive.
still, the trauma they went through and the delicate way it still bleeds into their life, the splitting of the Before and After, i did find that interesting.
i love that Orla has found something she wants to do in life at the end, but her being talented at it undermines a lot of what i thought was the meaning. at one point i related more to Pandora (resident bitch) than her, because i know what it feels like to put in the hours and effort only to lose to someone with talent just waltzing in. i wish they gave her more characterisation than that, but ultimately i enjoyed reading the friend group with Orla, Cass Jemina and Chardae.
i suppose i have to talk about the romance. it's cute, though nothing too special. i liked the build up of angst whenever Orla swerves a question about her family, and Cass' outburst is justified!! i love how even though he's pretty much a typical jock, he still has depth, like his insecurity with dyslexia (i love the disability rep in this, with Benjo's dyspraxia too!!) and the fact that he would drive 400 miles for her to post a financial thing or pick her up in the middle of nowhere. him blending so well with her chaotic family was sweet too.
" most of my friends' love lives are total drama. how'd you feel about just being sweet and lovely to each other instead? "
perhaps i'm just not in the target audience anymore. i will never not be sad to no longer be 'ya' but yes, it was still an entertaining read!! i loved the message of this story.
" life isn't about a 'happy ending'. it's about a whole life filled with as much happiness as you can get from now until the end. "
February 19, 2025
Orla is content. She literally doesn’t want for more - at least not for herself.
This is odd, isn’t it, for a teenager in her final year of school? So the minute this is out in the book, you know something is off. Which teenager wants life to stay as it is?well, Orla. She’s got all the people she loves safely around her. What an odd thing to think - indeed.
There’s more than a few odd things in the opening chapter and they all drew me in. Staying far away from spoilers, part of what fascinated me is the backstory of Orla: she, her five siblings and their mother met their current housemates “semi-sibs” in a shelter. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book dealing with shelters, and lots of implications I’ve in my privileged life never considered, without it being meant to be a sad story.
This book is far from a sad story. Orla, let me repeat, is content. Yes, they’re on benefits, yes both mums work two jobs, yes siblings/ children will fight (particularly, or so I imagine, if there’s not a quiet or private space in the house) but we’re shown a loving, functional family where everyone who can, is helping to make it work.
So this is the setting, and I’m loving Orla for it. Her semi-sib and best friend Roks is looking forward to going to university after school, and/ but she tries to persuade Orla to also consider options. Roks finds Orla a 2 week course acting, and lo and behold, Orla gets chosen for this.
Marketed as a romance (YA), during these acting classes the scene is set (did you see what I did there?). There’s a stunning boy, there’s a bitchy girl, there might even be a ghost in this old theatre.
Equally fascinating -and important- though, is how Orla is navigating the privilege gap. Orla has never been to the theatre. Has not been to the cinema even. She has never taken acting classes and has been accepted for talent, not as a result of years of training. After class she needs to dash for her bus back, and either way, spending money on a meal in a pub isn’t a given either.
Quickly her worth is seen by others, too and of course Orla needs to decide what it is she really wants to do with her own life.
Impressed how the author managed to balance it all, and the title is so well chosen.
Thank you NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the eARC in return for my honest review
This is odd, isn’t it, for a teenager in her final year of school? So the minute this is out in the book, you know something is off. Which teenager wants life to stay as it is?well, Orla. She’s got all the people she loves safely around her. What an odd thing to think - indeed.
There’s more than a few odd things in the opening chapter and they all drew me in. Staying far away from spoilers, part of what fascinated me is the backstory of Orla: she, her five siblings and their mother met their current housemates “semi-sibs” in a shelter. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book dealing with shelters, and lots of implications I’ve in my privileged life never considered, without it being meant to be a sad story.
This book is far from a sad story. Orla, let me repeat, is content. Yes, they’re on benefits, yes both mums work two jobs, yes siblings/ children will fight (particularly, or so I imagine, if there’s not a quiet or private space in the house) but we’re shown a loving, functional family where everyone who can, is helping to make it work.
So this is the setting, and I’m loving Orla for it. Her semi-sib and best friend Roks is looking forward to going to university after school, and/ but she tries to persuade Orla to also consider options. Roks finds Orla a 2 week course acting, and lo and behold, Orla gets chosen for this.
Marketed as a romance (YA), during these acting classes the scene is set (did you see what I did there?). There’s a stunning boy, there’s a bitchy girl, there might even be a ghost in this old theatre.
Equally fascinating -and important- though, is how Orla is navigating the privilege gap. Orla has never been to the theatre. Has not been to the cinema even. She has never taken acting classes and has been accepted for talent, not as a result of years of training. After class she needs to dash for her bus back, and either way, spending money on a meal in a pub isn’t a given either.
Quickly her worth is seen by others, too and of course Orla needs to decide what it is she really wants to do with her own life.
Impressed how the author managed to balance it all, and the title is so well chosen.
Thank you NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the eARC in return for my honest review
July 29, 2025
Orla has always been the sidekick, never the hero. Until she secures a funded place at an elite drama course and puts her own dreams first for once in her life. Suddenly, Orla is centre-stage and loving it but the others at the course are experienced performers and their parents have spent a fortune for them to be on the course.
Orla can't help but feel left out - she has to earn her pocket money and her responsibilities at home can't just be ignored. With life-changing auditions around the corner Orla finds herself torn in two by an impossible choice. Should she protect her chosen family, or herself?
The cast of characters is very big, which makes for a confusing first few chapters. I had trouble getting all the characters straight. There is a big focus on found family, which is nice. The love interest, Cass, is very sweet. Most of the other characters didn’t feel very well described out.
I found the scenes at the theatre were enjoyable with interesting dynamics and there’s even a ghostly element. However, it’s also repetitive and becomes a bit much. I liked the ending which is very heartwarming with a positive message of finding your way through life and its challenges.
I think my biggest problem is that there were two different stories, one about Orla and her family and the other about Orla and the Drama Workshop. The only thing connecting them was Orla and that just wasn’t enough. Honestly either one of the stories on its own with the other part included simply as a plot point would have been more enjoyable. In this book they were both included as equally important and, for me at least, it didn’t work. I felt like I was reading two separate books. They even felt as if they were written differently.
I would give this book 3 stars because I felt the first half of the book was quite slow, but the second half was quite enjoyable. I would recommend this book to people thirteen plus because some of the scenes have a low amount of romance.
April 7, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
NOT THAT KIND OF HERO is a funny, heartfelt romance about working out what your dream is, even if it's not as big and showy as others'.
I really liked how this book explored goals and dreams and the importance society places on them through the archetypes of hero and sidekick. Orla's dreams are small - keep her family going and happy - so she sees herself as a sidekick. She likes to help others, finds reward in that, but society doesn't see that as something deserving of "hero status", so she has put herself in this sidekick role. Across the book, the story challenges whether the hero is really the hero or if that's the sidekick, as well as looking at why we think some dreams are more important than others.
It's played very humorously, using the chaos of her home life, her various accidents, and crush to great comedic effect. It takes her very stressful, intense life and doesn't play it as a "woe is our heroine" situation (that in that set up would require a romance to "rescue" her from), but instead shows why she'd fight for it and not a problem.
The book takes place over the Christmas break but it manages to sit in the ground between seasonal and not. There's no snow etc so it doesn't feel in your face wintry - hence reading it in the Spring didn't feel weird. But at the same time, there is enough Christmas in it that I imagine you could quite happily read it as a seasonal romance.
NOT THAT KIND OF HERO is set in the same "world" as SING IF YOU CAN'T DANCE, as Ven (the heroine of that book) is one Orla's friends. You don't need to have read that though and doesn't spoil anything (given that the genre demands HEAs so Ven and Ren being together is not a spoiler!)
NOT THAT KIND OF HERO is a funny, heartfelt romance about working out what your dream is, even if it's not as big and showy as others'.
I really liked how this book explored goals and dreams and the importance society places on them through the archetypes of hero and sidekick. Orla's dreams are small - keep her family going and happy - so she sees herself as a sidekick. She likes to help others, finds reward in that, but society doesn't see that as something deserving of "hero status", so she has put herself in this sidekick role. Across the book, the story challenges whether the hero is really the hero or if that's the sidekick, as well as looking at why we think some dreams are more important than others.
It's played very humorously, using the chaos of her home life, her various accidents, and crush to great comedic effect. It takes her very stressful, intense life and doesn't play it as a "woe is our heroine" situation (that in that set up would require a romance to "rescue" her from), but instead shows why she'd fight for it and not a problem.
The book takes place over the Christmas break but it manages to sit in the ground between seasonal and not. There's no snow etc so it doesn't feel in your face wintry - hence reading it in the Spring didn't feel weird. But at the same time, there is enough Christmas in it that I imagine you could quite happily read it as a seasonal romance.
NOT THAT KIND OF HERO is set in the same "world" as SING IF YOU CAN'T DANCE, as Ven (the heroine of that book) is one Orla's friends. You don't need to have read that though and doesn't spoil anything (given that the genre demands HEAs so Ven and Ren being together is not a spoiler!)
December 9, 2024
Thank you to Faber for my copy. In this heartfelt book, we journey alongside Orla, a resilient young woman who has navigated significant challenges during her childhood, including living with a violent father and a mother who has endured much. Their courageous escape to a domestic abuse shelter opens the door to a nurturing environment, allowing them to find stability with another mother-daughter duo. Throughout her story, Orla demonstrates a deep commitment to her family, often prioritizing their needs.
When Orla is presented with the exciting opportunity to join an intensive drama course, she experiences a compelling internal struggle between pursuing her passion and supporting her loved ones. Surrounded by talented performers, she not only shines by sharing new perspectives and offers assistance to others. This internal conflict adds depth to the narrative and encourages readers to reflect on the balance between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities.
Orla's journey is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices many make for family, highlighting the strength found in love and loyalty. While I occasionally found some aspects of the plot a bit challenging to navigate and struggled to connect with certain characters, the overall themes of the story are thought-provoking and inspiring. This exploration of personal sacrifice and the complexities of familial relationships offers valuable insights worth contemplating.
#BookJourney #Resilience #FamilySacrifice #DramaCourse #HeartfeltNarrative #LoveAndLoyalty #InspiringStory #DomesticAbuseSurvival #PersonalAspirations #ThoughtProvokingThemes
When Orla is presented with the exciting opportunity to join an intensive drama course, she experiences a compelling internal struggle between pursuing her passion and supporting her loved ones. Surrounded by talented performers, she not only shines by sharing new perspectives and offers assistance to others. This internal conflict adds depth to the narrative and encourages readers to reflect on the balance between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities.
Orla's journey is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices many make for family, highlighting the strength found in love and loyalty. While I occasionally found some aspects of the plot a bit challenging to navigate and struggled to connect with certain characters, the overall themes of the story are thought-provoking and inspiring. This exploration of personal sacrifice and the complexities of familial relationships offers valuable insights worth contemplating.
#BookJourney #Resilience #FamilySacrifice #DramaCourse #HeartfeltNarrative #LoveAndLoyalty #InspiringStory #DomesticAbuseSurvival #PersonalAspirations #ThoughtProvokingThemes
March 1, 2025
A young adult coming of age romance novel that follows the main “sidekick” - as she calls herself - Orla on her journey to discover her own wants and dreams learn to let loose a little.
As the eldest child of her patchwork family of 10 (I might’ve miscounted), Orla is used to taking on responsibilities and tasks daily that most 17-year-olds do once a year when they’re trying to appease their parents. Forced by her best friend and semi-sub Roks, she participates in a two-week theatre intensive in which she can finally start thinking about bigger and better things of what her future might look like if she would let herself dream a little. Trying to combine her new sparking passion for a dream, rusted and forgotten, her new budding friendships and romance and the joy of the course with her responsibilities and role at home proves more difficult than anticipated.
The story has a nice pacing and tender-hearted moments between family and friends. A ghostly sub-plot had its giggles and wisdom. Seeing a character find joy and purpose on teaching, was personally something very sweet to read. However, at times the characters felt flat and their personalities were too similar to distinguish the new friends from each other. Lastly, I could not for the life of me figure out the names/ages/blood-relation of The Brood. A family tree graphic would’ve been helpful.
P.S.: Naming twins Fred and George is one of the most millennial things you could do
[special thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for providing me with an arc]
As the eldest child of her patchwork family of 10 (I might’ve miscounted), Orla is used to taking on responsibilities and tasks daily that most 17-year-olds do once a year when they’re trying to appease their parents. Forced by her best friend and semi-sub Roks, she participates in a two-week theatre intensive in which she can finally start thinking about bigger and better things of what her future might look like if she would let herself dream a little. Trying to combine her new sparking passion for a dream, rusted and forgotten, her new budding friendships and romance and the joy of the course with her responsibilities and role at home proves more difficult than anticipated.
The story has a nice pacing and tender-hearted moments between family and friends. A ghostly sub-plot had its giggles and wisdom. Seeing a character find joy and purpose on teaching, was personally something very sweet to read. However, at times the characters felt flat and their personalities were too similar to distinguish the new friends from each other. Lastly, I could not for the life of me figure out the names/ages/blood-relation of The Brood. A family tree graphic would’ve been helpful.
P.S.: Naming twins Fred and George is one of the most millennial things you could do
[special thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for providing me with an arc]
November 30, 2024
Not That Kind of Hero is a charming and moving YA novel, perfect for anyone who has ever related more to the sidekick than the hero. The story follows Orla, a chronic people pleaser, as she navigates a two-week acting intensive and learns, for once, to prioritize her own needs and aspirations.
Honestly, while Orla was incredibly frustrating at times, I related to her on so many levels it was kind of shocking. I think, if I’d read this book at sixteen instead of twenty-six, I probably would’ve cried more than once.
The romance part didn’t disappoint either because Cass was, as expected, so charming and cute. However, the biggest strength of this book wasn’t the funny/adorable banter, it was the way this book handled heavier topics, like domestic violence, with care and nuance. While there are authors out there who would try to shock the audience with scenes of explicit violence, Casale manages to capture the exact emotions and fears very clearly without having to spell it out for us.
In the end, did I feel that Not That Kind of Hero might’ve been too ambitious, juggling so many characters and themes? Maybe. Did I thoroughly enjoy it? Absolutely. What can I say, I’m a sucker for heartwarming stories about (semi-)found families.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, while Orla was incredibly frustrating at times, I related to her on so many levels it was kind of shocking. I think, if I’d read this book at sixteen instead of twenty-six, I probably would’ve cried more than once.
The romance part didn’t disappoint either because Cass was, as expected, so charming and cute. However, the biggest strength of this book wasn’t the funny/adorable banter, it was the way this book handled heavier topics, like domestic violence, with care and nuance. While there are authors out there who would try to shock the audience with scenes of explicit violence, Casale manages to capture the exact emotions and fears very clearly without having to spell it out for us.
In the end, did I feel that Not That Kind of Hero might’ve been too ambitious, juggling so many characters and themes? Maybe. Did I thoroughly enjoy it? Absolutely. What can I say, I’m a sucker for heartwarming stories about (semi-)found families.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2025
In this fun and charming new YA romance novel, readers follow eternal sidekick Orla when she discovers that she has secured a funded position in an elite drama course that will allow her to put her own dreams first. However, being the novice among a group of wealthy and experienced performers, Orla feels left out and flounders for a place in the group when the unfairly attractive Cass starts flirting with her. With life-changing auditions and Christmas approaching, Orla is faced with an impossible choice -- protect her chosen family or protect her dreams. With a host of complex and funny characters, readers will love this group of characters and their evolving dynamic over the course of the novel. Orla is a compassionate and sympathetic protagonist, and her struggles and emotions are grounded in reality. Her dynamic with Cass is especially interesting and deeply relatable as it evolves with their choices and continued interactions in and out of the drama program. With its fun setting, great emotional storyline, and fantastically detailed characters, readers will really enjoy Orla and Cass’s time in the drama course and the evolution of their hopes, dreams, and friendship in this excellent and heartwarming new YA romance novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd. for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd. for the advance copy.
November 19, 2024
orla is someone who’s life feels fulfilled by being the side kick, and never the hero even in her own story. always willing to help her found family so they can be happy, she feels content being in the sidelines, not really having anything for her own enjoyment.
as someone who’s always felt a little bit like the sidekick even in her own story, this book cut deep.
the characters felt the perfect amount of messy and the perfect amount of relatable, because i, too, felt that way before i started university, i too felt insecure about doing the right thing or what made me happy.
orla finally realizing that she doesn’t have to force herself into playing a particular part in orden for her to still feel like the main character was just the perfect ending to a spectacularly well written story.
Thank you NG, the publisher Faber & Faber and Alexia Casale, the author, for giving me the opportunity of reading this arc.
as someone who’s always felt a little bit like the sidekick even in her own story, this book cut deep.
the characters felt the perfect amount of messy and the perfect amount of relatable, because i, too, felt that way before i started university, i too felt insecure about doing the right thing or what made me happy.
orla finally realizing that she doesn’t have to force herself into playing a particular part in orden for her to still feel like the main character was just the perfect ending to a spectacularly well written story.
Life isn't about a 'happy ending'. It's about a whole life filled with as much happiness as you can get from now until the end. So while I hope there's a long, long time to go before I'm done, when it comes to this chapter of my life I can truthfully say I have made myself a very, very happy ending indeed.
Thank you NG, the publisher Faber & Faber and Alexia Casale, the author, for giving me the opportunity of reading this arc.
December 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.
Honestly, I wanted to love this book, but I got major self-pitying vibes from Orla. Things are good-bad with Orla's family; Orla views herself as the sidekick and never the hero. Orla wants to be there for all her siblings, including the ones that are not related to her by blood, and her mom.
And then Roks found an "intensive-drama" program that she thinks Orla will love; Orla claims she doesn't want Roks butting into her life and should leave her alone; next thing we know, Orla accepts going to the intensive and suddenly falls in love with the program.
There was a distinction between Orla with her family and Orla with the drama people; there was nothing connecting these two stories; it was as if the author was talking about two different people, and let's not even talk about the love story in this. 😩
I actually tried really hard to read this book to the end because I was hoping for a better ending, but I was disappointed. How I so desperately wished Orla and Cass didn't happen. 🤦🏽♀️
Thank you for the e-ARC.
Honestly, I wanted to love this book, but I got major self-pitying vibes from Orla. Things are good-bad with Orla's family; Orla views herself as the sidekick and never the hero. Orla wants to be there for all her siblings, including the ones that are not related to her by blood, and her mom.
And then Roks found an "intensive-drama" program that she thinks Orla will love; Orla claims she doesn't want Roks butting into her life and should leave her alone; next thing we know, Orla accepts going to the intensive and suddenly falls in love with the program.
There was a distinction between Orla with her family and Orla with the drama people; there was nothing connecting these two stories; it was as if the author was talking about two different people, and let's not even talk about the love story in this. 😩
I actually tried really hard to read this book to the end because I was hoping for a better ending, but I was disappointed. How I so desperately wished Orla and Cass didn't happen. 🤦🏽♀️
Thank you for the e-ARC.
April 15, 2025
Not That Kind of Hero is a Romantic Drama, with a focus on the lasting effects of domestic violence on the children who witness it. Orla lives with her mum, her 5 full siblings, her 2 'semi-siblings' and their mother. The two families joined forces while in a refuge centre after both women experience ongoing domestic violence with their respective spouses. They are now one big and understandably chaotic family living in a small flat and just about making ends meet. Orla and semi-sibling Roks are coming to the end of their A Levels, but only Roks is planning to attend uni. Orla is very willingly forfeiting that experience so that she can stay at home and get a job that helps pay the bills. She doesn't think she wants anything else out of life and, as the eternal sidekick, she's happy with the way things are. Until Roks pushes her onto a 2 week theatre intensive where Orla realises she might have bigger dreams.
The premise of this story is strong, and Orla's family dynamic shows a unique and underrepresented experience which can only be a good thing for the empathy of young readers. The characters are likeable and I found myself rooting for Orla. I found some of the supporting characters to be a little bit of a caricature, with only surface level development. I also found that the scenes set during the theatre intensive were... intense. Which is not a criticism, but readers who are not into theatre may struggle a bit as I did. I think this story will appeal greatly to a very specific audience, particularly GCSE and A Level Drama students.
The premise of this story is strong, and Orla's family dynamic shows a unique and underrepresented experience which can only be a good thing for the empathy of young readers. The characters are likeable and I found myself rooting for Orla. I found some of the supporting characters to be a little bit of a caricature, with only surface level development. I also found that the scenes set during the theatre intensive were... intense. Which is not a criticism, but readers who are not into theatre may struggle a bit as I did. I think this story will appeal greatly to a very specific audience, particularly GCSE and A Level Drama students.
June 6, 2025
I’ve always wanted to read a book where the main character feels like a sidekick in someone else’s story, so the premise alone immediately drew me in. Unfortunately, the execution left me a little bummed. It wasn’t bad per se—just not what I’d hoped it would be.
Right from the beginning, we’re introduced to a large cast of characters all at once, without much explanation about who they were or their relationship with Orla. That made it hard for me to connect with any of them emotionally. I loved the idea of “full siblings” and “semi-siblings”—it’s such a cool concept—but I didn’t feel the emotional depth between Orla and Roks. Their dynamic actually came across as a bit one-sided. Roks pushing Orla into the drama course and then constantly complaining about it told me more about their relationship than anything else, and not in the best way.
The romance was okay—sweet in parts, but nothing particularly memorable. I did appreciate how the author handled the domestic violence storyline with sensitivity and care. That said, I really wish the children hadn’t been so heavily parentified, and it would’ve meant a lot to see the moms play a more active role by the end.
Right from the beginning, we’re introduced to a large cast of characters all at once, without much explanation about who they were or their relationship with Orla. That made it hard for me to connect with any of them emotionally. I loved the idea of “full siblings” and “semi-siblings”—it’s such a cool concept—but I didn’t feel the emotional depth between Orla and Roks. Their dynamic actually came across as a bit one-sided. Roks pushing Orla into the drama course and then constantly complaining about it told me more about their relationship than anything else, and not in the best way.
The romance was okay—sweet in parts, but nothing particularly memorable. I did appreciate how the author handled the domestic violence storyline with sensitivity and care. That said, I really wish the children hadn’t been so heavily parentified, and it would’ve meant a lot to see the moms play a more active role by the end.
April 4, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up and my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
This is my first book by Casale, and I don't know if I have it in me to try more.
Orla considers herself the sidekick, never the hero, of a story. She has an enormous brood of siblings and semi-siblings and a mom that works too many jobs to be home very much. When she's encouraged to apply for a prestigious acting course over the Christmas holiday, she struggles to be okay with abandoning her family when they need an extra pair of hands the most.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't find it in me to care about the characters. Maybe Roks, but even that's a stretch. Casale tended to have Orla repeat herself over and over again about her mixed feelings on her dad, what semi-siblings mean, and the feeling of being a sidekick. I was really hoping for some kind of personality from Orla or even Cass, but god they were just so boring.
All in all, I thought the story was A Way To Pass The Time, but not anything to write home about.
This is my first book by Casale, and I don't know if I have it in me to try more.
Orla considers herself the sidekick, never the hero, of a story. She has an enormous brood of siblings and semi-siblings and a mom that works too many jobs to be home very much. When she's encouraged to apply for a prestigious acting course over the Christmas holiday, she struggles to be okay with abandoning her family when they need an extra pair of hands the most.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't find it in me to care about the characters. Maybe Roks, but even that's a stretch. Casale tended to have Orla repeat herself over and over again about her mixed feelings on her dad, what semi-siblings mean, and the feeling of being a sidekick. I was really hoping for some kind of personality from Orla or even Cass, but god they were just so boring.
All in all, I thought the story was A Way To Pass The Time, but not anything to write home about.
April 22, 2025
Thanks to Faber for the ARC!
Reviewed by a student.
I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did—YA isn’t usually my go-to genre—but Not That Kind of Hero completely won me over. It touches on so many important themes like domestic abuse, homelessness, family dynamics, broken promises, dreams, and relationships, all without becoming overly heavy or tragic. The tone strikes a great balance: honest but still hopeful.
The last 150 pages flew by—I couldn’t put it down because I needed to see how Orla would come to terms with her past and her mistakes. Her journey is authentic and empowering.
What really stood out to me is how age-appropriate the book is, without sacrificing emotional depth. The romance between Orla and Cass is sweet and healthy—no drama, no graphic content, just two people supporting each other in a really genuine way. It’s the kind of relationship I’d love to see more of in fiction, and one I’d feel totally comfortable recommending to younger readers (including my own brothers!).
The book also does an excellent job highlighting the everyday fears women face—there’s a moment where Orla is walking alone at night, and the fear she feels is so real and relatable. It’s little moments like that which make the book feel grounded and resonant.
Once you get familiar with the many characters, the story really clicks. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a moving, meaningful read with a great mix of realism and heart.
Reviewed by a student.
I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did—YA isn’t usually my go-to genre—but Not That Kind of Hero completely won me over. It touches on so many important themes like domestic abuse, homelessness, family dynamics, broken promises, dreams, and relationships, all without becoming overly heavy or tragic. The tone strikes a great balance: honest but still hopeful.
The last 150 pages flew by—I couldn’t put it down because I needed to see how Orla would come to terms with her past and her mistakes. Her journey is authentic and empowering.
What really stood out to me is how age-appropriate the book is, without sacrificing emotional depth. The romance between Orla and Cass is sweet and healthy—no drama, no graphic content, just two people supporting each other in a really genuine way. It’s the kind of relationship I’d love to see more of in fiction, and one I’d feel totally comfortable recommending to younger readers (including my own brothers!).
The book also does an excellent job highlighting the everyday fears women face—there’s a moment where Orla is walking alone at night, and the fear she feels is so real and relatable. It’s little moments like that which make the book feel grounded and resonant.
Once you get familiar with the many characters, the story really clicks. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a moving, meaningful read with a great mix of realism and heart.
January 2, 2025
Orla has a warm but chaotic home life consisting of both family and found family. She has become accustomed to putting her own ambitions aside until she is awarded a funded place on a two week intensive theatre course over the Christmas break. The others on the course have a lot more acting experience than her and a lot fewer responsibilities at home so initially she feels like an outsider and struggles to see how she fits in with the group. Can Cass really be flirting with her or does he act that way around everyone?
Not That Kind of Hero is a sweet YA romance; a story about learning to trust and finding your role in life. This book will appeal to younger teens.
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber for the ARC
Not That Kind of Hero is a sweet YA romance; a story about learning to trust and finding your role in life. This book will appeal to younger teens.
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber for the ARC
January 30, 2025
This was cute, but I’m just not the target audience. The cover art is gorgeous, though — definitely eye-catching.
The story follows Orla, who’s dealing with a tough family situation and has pretty much appointed herself as a Cinderella figure. When her sister lands her a spot in a drama course, Orla reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for her journey.
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t click for me. Orla is a complex protagonist, but I found it hard to connect with her. She was all over the place, and the constant complaining wore me down after a while.
That said, it has an exaggerated, over-the-top charm that I think will appeal to its intended readers. It just wasn't for me.
The story follows Orla, who’s dealing with a tough family situation and has pretty much appointed herself as a Cinderella figure. When her sister lands her a spot in a drama course, Orla reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for her journey.
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t click for me. Orla is a complex protagonist, but I found it hard to connect with her. She was all over the place, and the constant complaining wore me down after a while.
That said, it has an exaggerated, over-the-top charm that I think will appeal to its intended readers. It just wasn't for me.
March 28, 2025
20/100 or 1.0 stars
I was hoping this would be a fun Teen/YA story based off the description, but everything that happens just did not work for me at all.
I love reading stories targeted at all age groups, so this being for a ya/teen audience has nothing to do with my negative options on this story whatsoever. The characters did not work, the dialogue was cringy most of the time, and it was hard to get into the story and care about what was happening. I can see how maybe some of the target audience would have fun with this, but it was a chore to get through, honestly. I know that is harsh, but I am trying to be honest.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was hoping this would be a fun Teen/YA story based off the description, but everything that happens just did not work for me at all.
I love reading stories targeted at all age groups, so this being for a ya/teen audience has nothing to do with my negative options on this story whatsoever. The characters did not work, the dialogue was cringy most of the time, and it was hard to get into the story and care about what was happening. I can see how maybe some of the target audience would have fun with this, but it was a chore to get through, honestly. I know that is harsh, but I am trying to be honest.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews