A Hero's Choice: An Isekai LitRPG

I'm Not the Hero #4

by Tommy Kerper, SourpatchHero

When quiet Orrin and his extroverted best friend, Daniel, were transported to a strange RPG-based world, not much changed between them. Daniel became a hero of legend, while Orrin remained his unobtrusive shadow. Since then, they’ve toppled villains, saved cities, foiled devious plots, and fought their way through hordes of lethal foes, each encounter forcing Orrin to step out of his comfort zone and display his true worth―with powers he didn’t know he had. Of course, Daniel gets all the glory, but Orrin doesn’t mind. He’s just happy they’re both still alive.

But in the fourth volume of this hit LitRPG fantasy series, the adventurous duo may soon find everything they know called into question. The Demon Lord is at the gates, his dark horde ready to attack. Orrin and Daniel are prepared to defend the people of Asmea, but civil unrest brews in the heart of Dey, where talk of rebellion grows daily. Meanwhile, Orrin has stumbled on to a mystery that could have far-reaching implications with each unraveling thread.

Genres: Fantasy

460 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Gate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series perfectly scratches my isekai/progression fantasy itch.

[Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was hard to read. It felt like it is everything wrong with the series all mashed into one thing.

Orrin gets angry constantly and it's just a horrible experience to read when most people tend to read books to relax or enjoy themselves. The boys also continue to believe they are invincible and control the world while constantly being reminded that isn't the case. They are obviously the man characters so this would never happen but it wouldn't surprise me if someone just stabbed them for being annoying.

If you expect this book to be a giant battle or defense then you are wrong. It consisted of mostly waiting and doing random side quests in between. The book also seems to gloss over the fact that people rarely went into the pass and came back alive. There are now massive walls there and monsters being culled with ease. If it was this easy why not just say people don't go through the pass because it was a little dangerous and no one ever came back?

The ending is actually good and satisfying but you have to read most of the book to get there. I'd argue even the ending isn't worth it. Hopefully the next book focuses on the skills and learning about magic because that is where this series shines in my opinion.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun

Overpowered teen heroes fight to defeat the Demon Lord. The nation is now under seize by the horde of demons. The hero and party are racing to level and locate the demon lord before the horde gets through their defenses. They confront the Hospital and strong arm them into doing what the hero thinks is right. The council with the military leaders and plan multiple forays into demon lands. They learn that the demons don’t want the demon lord, and a number are past the level cap. They work with a high level adventurer party and confront and defeat the demon lord. But not the hero has taken the first step towards becoming the next demon lord. Book ends.

It’s a good continuation of the series. The pacing holds steady. The narrator is absolutely a delight. As this is a young adult series the young hero and party are the social focus in all situations: taking charge in warfare planning, moral high ground, et cetera. It is as if the hero and party are a group that sees the world in black and white, while everyone else sees shades of gray. Please enjoy

[R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely scattered and uncohesive from a plot perspective. It's almost like this is being influenced or partially affected by strange AI assistant tools, but I don't really have any evidence to support that claim. Regardless, the quality of this book has dropped significantly from the previous books.

At a high-level, the characters feel extremely strongly about a topic, then seemingly forget or "let go" of the topic for seemingly no reason. The "siege" is conveniently timed to allow for the MC's to always be present for important activities... Instead of feeling like a constant pressure where things could go wrong or happen at any time.

At best, this is just a series of missed narrative opportunities, at worst the series is loosing focus and becoming needlessly tedious to read/enjoy.

[Holwanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars is generous but I loved the first and third episodes to the hilt and admire the author's creativity and skill. There were far too many fights in this one, which did not engage me. The narrator is superb, but not as convincing as a female voice, and June grated me on as a result. However, my interest in the book perked up when Orrin addressed the healer crisis and the June-created plot points. I look forward to the next and hope it is less focused on ongoing fights and emotional overkill. The author sets it up in the ending to become more like book three (I hope!).

[Krunal Sheth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really liked the starting of the premise, but have honestly realised the MC is just an idiot. From things that happen, it very much suggests that the "Demons" that Orin is fighting aren't evil and may actually have a reason for doing what they're doing. instead of finding out what, what do they do... they just continue on massacring them and getting their side massacred in return.

He was already an idiot with how he behaved in previous book, but this book just reinforces that stupidity.

[Nikos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dragged on and on for no reason. Worse one so far. By far.

I have become a big fan of this series and am rather disappointed by how, well, half assed this book was. It felt like the author fed his previous books to ChatGPT and asked it to puke another book with those characters where NOTHING OF IMPORTANCE HAPPENS.
Ive given 5 stars to every one of the previous books i think but this barely deserves 2.

Nothing happens.

[Rich McMillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the series

The story keeps building and getting better. Daniel and Orrin keep adding to their skill sets and powers along with the rest of their party but aren't the most OP characters in the storyline. They continue to face evolving challenges, which is to say the plot pulls you in so you have to turn to the next page. Five stars!

[Joie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent, but I would have liked to see Orrin advance Way of the Water beyond 45/100. I also get tired of Daniel, because we don’t get his perspective. I know Orrin thinks Daniel’s the main character, but he really isn’t. I prefer Orrin when he was on his own in the magic school.

[Rachel Neider · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read (or listen) full of your classic fantasy adventures. Slaying demons, leveling up, sword play and magic. The perfect read for escaping reality and immersing yourself in a party of different personalities expertly woven into characters.

[Christopher Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book series I've read in the past 10 years

Extremely well written book, fits well in the young adult section, keeps your mind engaged as you read and does not let you get bored.

[Wesley Ashenbramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book loved it

I loved this book read the first 3 back to back and had to wait for this one to come out. Like that is a buddy comedy litrpg book need more to read

[Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆

[Tony Hinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yep, it's okay. There's something weird going on with the war but since neither side wants to talk I guess they'll have to kill each other.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet