What do you think?
Rate this book
I'm Not the Hero #1
I'm Not the Hero: An Isekai LitRPG: I'm Not the Hero, Book 1
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!
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!
Audible Audio
Published December 19, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
January 18, 2024
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.
January 10, 2024
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.
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.
March 14, 2025
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.
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.
January 7, 2024
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.
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.
November 26, 2025
2 stars because this was a struggle to listen to and I will not continue the series. Would consider another series by the author
I don’t know how he wrote it in the book version, but cutting in a **RECORDED** word in the middle of a sentence was insanely annoying and pulled me out of the story a lot. It made sense when they were referring to something in the system, but every freaking time someone says the word **HERO** or **MAP** etc was awful.
I don’t know how he wrote it in the book version, but cutting in a **RECORDED** word in the middle of a sentence was insanely annoying and pulled me out of the story a lot. It made sense when they were referring to something in the system, but every freaking time someone says the word **HERO** or **MAP** etc was awful.
September 8, 2024
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.
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.
September 14, 2025
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.
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.
January 6, 2024
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.
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.
December 26, 2023
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.
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.
April 27, 2024
A pretty decent gamelit, there were a few annoying sections in the story but overall a fun journey. Would read the sequel
December 14, 2025
I’m Not the Hero starts with a familiar LitRPG/isekai setup and then quietly turns it on its head. Instead of following the obvious power fantasy, Tommy Kerper focuses on the character who isn’t supposed to matter as much — and that choice makes the story stand out immediately.
Orrin is such a refreshing protagonist. He isn’t flashy, loud, or desperate to prove himself. His growth is subtle, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying, especially as you begin to realize that his support abilities may be far more important than raw damage or heroic titles. Watching the “sidekick” slowly become the emotional and strategic backbone of the group is incredibly rewarding.
The friendship between Orrin and Daniel adds real depth to the story. It feels genuine, strained at times, and realistic under pressure — not a shallow “hero and helper” dynamic. The worldbuilding and system mechanics are easy to follow without being boring, and the progression never feels cheap or unearned.
What I loved most is how the book explores power without equating it to violence. The tension comes from choices, responsibility, and restraint rather than constant combat, which makes the story feel smarter and more character-driven than many books in the genre.
If you enjoy LitRPG or isekai stories but are craving something that plays with expectations instead of following them, I’m Not the Hero is absolutely worth your time. I flew through it and immediately wanted to continue the series.
Orrin is such a refreshing protagonist. He isn’t flashy, loud, or desperate to prove himself. His growth is subtle, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying, especially as you begin to realize that his support abilities may be far more important than raw damage or heroic titles. Watching the “sidekick” slowly become the emotional and strategic backbone of the group is incredibly rewarding.
The friendship between Orrin and Daniel adds real depth to the story. It feels genuine, strained at times, and realistic under pressure — not a shallow “hero and helper” dynamic. The worldbuilding and system mechanics are easy to follow without being boring, and the progression never feels cheap or unearned.
What I loved most is how the book explores power without equating it to violence. The tension comes from choices, responsibility, and restraint rather than constant combat, which makes the story feel smarter and more character-driven than many books in the genre.
If you enjoy LitRPG or isekai stories but are craving something that plays with expectations instead of following them, I’m Not the Hero is absolutely worth your time. I flew through it and immediately wanted to continue the series.
May 5, 2024
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.
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.
April 10, 2026
This would bus a 4 except for two things. 1) I’m tired of authors spending zero time building up to the Isekai moment. The beginning felt rushed, cliche, and clumsy. Spend a few chapters letting us get to know the characters in their home world, and then spend a little more time giving the reader a BELIEVABLE reaction to suddenly being born again in another. Also the narration of the audiobook was good, but the choice to make every game element of the story sound like a robotic notification was BAD. It was very disruptive and annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I’m hooked and i need to keep listening/reading, but these are big issues with my experience so far. I know it will get better
December 19, 2025
A boy is sent to a magical land to be their fabled hero. This story is about the kid who accidentally went with him.
Read for: A story for anyone who’s ever been second-best
Avoid if: You don’t like platonic relationship drama
Read for: A story for anyone who’s ever been second-best
Avoid if: You don’t like platonic relationship drama
February 8, 2026
Kuunneltu. Varmaan 3 ja puoli on parempi. Kirja ei ole huono mutta ei siinä varsinaisesti ollut mitään erityistä. En osaa sanoa tykkäsinkö siitä että päähenkilöllä oli meta tason tietoa kuinka järjestelmää pystyy huijaamaan, mutta toisaalta loogista
March 15, 2024
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.
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.
August 22, 2024
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.
August 1, 2024
🐾 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.
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.
February 25, 2024
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?
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?
April 2, 2024
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. 🤣
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. 🤣
April 27, 2026
The first volume was kinda fun. The royal-road litrpg dna shines through everywhere but it had some at least somewhat less perfect characters to offer.
I enjoyed the central friendship of the two very different personalities which you usually find in a bully-victim dynamic instead of a friendship.
There are a lot of the typical weaknesses of this class of stories here. Like the MC figuring out new ways of doing things and questioning assumptions to find exploits and make discoveries which all are so unbelievably simple that its very hard to believe that nobody in this world has figured any of this out yet.
Or the mechanics starting out vague and incomplete and the rules subtly shifting as the author fleshes out the underlying rules. This also serves the whims of the author sometimes too, but not in a major way.
The story also has a noticeable reluctance to hold uncomfortable tension for too long and tends to try and resolve it fairly quickly which is very typical for this corner of storytelling.
The author hasn't really figured out the scale of the pieces of his world building either. Sometimes the place where they are can not possibly be bigger than a small town, at other times the narrative claims this is a major city. The numbers of how many people are involved in things is a bit all over the place.
The impact of political happenings are similarly fuzzy and ill defined.
The characters, while not the mariana trench, were decently complex and recognizable as people instead of the cardboard cutouts you typically find.
It is very clear that the author doesn't really have a clear picture of what any part of his story really is yet either. Characterization, while not purely trope-driven is unusually inconsistent.
The leader of one of the houses for example is described as utilitarian and ruthless in the extreme, but on the other hand the narrative seems to continually directly try to convince us that hes fundamentally a good person.
I had a hard time judging characters based on the information I got because occasionally the narration is not filtered by any particular characters' perspective and takes on an almost omniscient style but still clearly tells us about who people are in a very opinionated way. But I am fairly sure this is just bad writing technique without a thorough copy editor and not some intentional unreliable narration.
But none of these things were really that major. To me at least this didn't hurt the core story loop of a litrpg too much.
The pieces work together well enough and the author gets the important pieces right or at least close enough to still make for an enjoyable story.
But the further I read the more I noticed a shift in tone. It very much feels like most of what ended up in this first volume was written without a huge amount of online attention or feedback. But the further we get into the story the more it reads like the author is trying to please the online mob. It reads like things are added purely because authors risk getting cancelled for not doing them.
We need lgbt representation so we get a gay character added to the party. He is not a pure representation addon but he is noticeably more flat than all the other major characters so far. And the MC is just as stumped with how to deal with this as the author seems to be. He also just kind of vanishes again relatively soon.
There also seems to be a shift in the roles the female protagonists play which felt very out of place because suddenly the MC who has been presented as the tactical and strategic mastermind that everyone follows because they realize he is making excellent decisions is replaced by women taking on a girlboss role.
None of these things are bad in isolation. I don't care at all about a woman being the tactical decision maker. The part that I take issue with is how out of the blue this tonal shift comes and how it contradicts directly with what we have learned about these characters so far. There is no growth event. The group dynamics just suddenly change. It feels forced and out of place. It feels like pleasing critics.
I also want to mention that this entire thing is more or less a phase. In book 3 and later the dynamics shift back almost entirely to how they were before.
And the next piece on the list of generic royal-road litrpg develops at the same time which is the virtue ratcheting.
It's not that bad in this series but I still find it very frustrating. The hyper-articulate emotional etiquette that makes dialogue sound like an HR-approved model conversation and not like normal people talking.
The dialogue becomes a staged demonstration of the most socially correct possible response, rather than a believable interaction between imperfect people.
This feels like it is either the result of social pressure on these platforms to make their characters "better" in a very particular way, or some sort of virtue performance competition of who can write the most perfect interpersonal utopia, or maybe both.
Or maybe it is more like a purity spiral, where if you want to stay part of the in-group you have to conform to more and more narrow and arbitrary standards of legitimacy.
I don't know what the reasons are, but I see it happening everywhere but particularly on platforms like royal road with litrpg stories.
And while this book is by far not the worst version of this, not even close, it still shows these same signs of this spiral of increasingly ridiculous hyperrefinement of impeccable and hypercompetent social interaction.
With a lot of the royal-road stuff the dialogue is basically like this from the very start, but with this one the author initially demonstrates that he is very much able to write more natural, nuanced, imperfect characters having rough social interactions, which is a real shame. I would have loved for the series to retain that.
Anyway, the story seems to trend from an interesting and entertaining starting point that feels familiar but fresh towards the royal-road litrpg average over time.
As always I make it sound like this is all around terrible. It's not. I had fun and I kept reading through all 4 available volumes. The things I criticize are what made this go from 4 to 3 stars for me. And 3 stars are decent for my way of rating things.
I enjoyed the central friendship of the two very different personalities which you usually find in a bully-victim dynamic instead of a friendship.
There are a lot of the typical weaknesses of this class of stories here. Like the MC figuring out new ways of doing things and questioning assumptions to find exploits and make discoveries which all are so unbelievably simple that its very hard to believe that nobody in this world has figured any of this out yet.
Or the mechanics starting out vague and incomplete and the rules subtly shifting as the author fleshes out the underlying rules. This also serves the whims of the author sometimes too, but not in a major way.
The story also has a noticeable reluctance to hold uncomfortable tension for too long and tends to try and resolve it fairly quickly which is very typical for this corner of storytelling.
The author hasn't really figured out the scale of the pieces of his world building either. Sometimes the place where they are can not possibly be bigger than a small town, at other times the narrative claims this is a major city. The numbers of how many people are involved in things is a bit all over the place.
The impact of political happenings are similarly fuzzy and ill defined.
The characters, while not the mariana trench, were decently complex and recognizable as people instead of the cardboard cutouts you typically find.
It is very clear that the author doesn't really have a clear picture of what any part of his story really is yet either. Characterization, while not purely trope-driven is unusually inconsistent.
The leader of one of the houses for example is described as utilitarian and ruthless in the extreme, but on the other hand the narrative seems to continually directly try to convince us that hes fundamentally a good person.
I had a hard time judging characters based on the information I got because occasionally the narration is not filtered by any particular characters' perspective and takes on an almost omniscient style but still clearly tells us about who people are in a very opinionated way. But I am fairly sure this is just bad writing technique without a thorough copy editor and not some intentional unreliable narration.
But none of these things were really that major. To me at least this didn't hurt the core story loop of a litrpg too much.
The pieces work together well enough and the author gets the important pieces right or at least close enough to still make for an enjoyable story.
But the further I read the more I noticed a shift in tone. It very much feels like most of what ended up in this first volume was written without a huge amount of online attention or feedback. But the further we get into the story the more it reads like the author is trying to please the online mob. It reads like things are added purely because authors risk getting cancelled for not doing them.
We need lgbt representation so we get a gay character added to the party. He is not a pure representation addon but he is noticeably more flat than all the other major characters so far. And the MC is just as stumped with how to deal with this as the author seems to be. He also just kind of vanishes again relatively soon.
There also seems to be a shift in the roles the female protagonists play which felt very out of place because suddenly the MC who has been presented as the tactical and strategic mastermind that everyone follows because they realize he is making excellent decisions is replaced by women taking on a girlboss role.
None of these things are bad in isolation. I don't care at all about a woman being the tactical decision maker. The part that I take issue with is how out of the blue this tonal shift comes and how it contradicts directly with what we have learned about these characters so far. There is no growth event. The group dynamics just suddenly change. It feels forced and out of place. It feels like pleasing critics.
I also want to mention that this entire thing is more or less a phase. In book 3 and later the dynamics shift back almost entirely to how they were before.
And the next piece on the list of generic royal-road litrpg develops at the same time which is the virtue ratcheting.
It's not that bad in this series but I still find it very frustrating. The hyper-articulate emotional etiquette that makes dialogue sound like an HR-approved model conversation and not like normal people talking.
The dialogue becomes a staged demonstration of the most socially correct possible response, rather than a believable interaction between imperfect people.
This feels like it is either the result of social pressure on these platforms to make their characters "better" in a very particular way, or some sort of virtue performance competition of who can write the most perfect interpersonal utopia, or maybe both.
Or maybe it is more like a purity spiral, where if you want to stay part of the in-group you have to conform to more and more narrow and arbitrary standards of legitimacy.
I don't know what the reasons are, but I see it happening everywhere but particularly on platforms like royal road with litrpg stories.
And while this book is by far not the worst version of this, not even close, it still shows these same signs of this spiral of increasingly ridiculous hyperrefinement of impeccable and hypercompetent social interaction.
With a lot of the royal-road stuff the dialogue is basically like this from the very start, but with this one the author initially demonstrates that he is very much able to write more natural, nuanced, imperfect characters having rough social interactions, which is a real shame. I would have loved for the series to retain that.
Anyway, the story seems to trend from an interesting and entertaining starting point that feels familiar but fresh towards the royal-road litrpg average over time.
As always I make it sound like this is all around terrible. It's not. I had fun and I kept reading through all 4 available volumes. The things I criticize are what made this go from 4 to 3 stars for me. And 3 stars are decent for my way of rating things.
March 28, 2025
only thing i hated was the narrator must have seen words bolded like HERO in dialogue or when special abilities are mentioned & was giving it a weird semi-shout emphasis... this happens way too often.
Otherwise dropped it 1/2 way cuz was just about 2 uninteresting guys doing same old chit i saw in many other isekai stories. IE nothing unique here & too many mundane/predictable things over drawn out.
Otherwise dropped it 1/2 way cuz was just about 2 uninteresting guys doing same old chit i saw in many other isekai stories. IE nothing unique here & too many mundane/predictable things over drawn out.
March 22, 2026
I enjoyed the beginning, but now it keeps going downhill.
The main idea of having a duo of friends caught up in the isekai, is good. Haven't seen that before. But soon things get all weird and annoying with their blowup fight, and the skills that can no longer be used because they cause some sort of mental damage.
The characters are not well put together. They don't feel real to me.
Stat points and what they do are way out of whack. MC is debuffing and buffing gigantic numbers, and the effect is sometimes almost nothing, and sometimes gigantic. It makes no sense.
Not much makes sense. Why are the Count's people so weak? He supposedly has a whole army to draw from. Brandt and DeGuis are both weak. The hero easily outperforms them, while lvl 8. The Count talks about people in the lvl 40s, so why are they with some lvl 15 scrubs?
Some skill stuff is just really Really stupid.
A big deal is made about training up the skill Side Steps. And it makes no sense. You are telling me nobody has ever tried to train this skill, without lethal strikes? Like WTF? Also, the idea that this skill is now going to be used by everyone is also stupid. It takes a SHIT-TON of time to train. It took the MC many days just to get to to lvl2, and it will keep getting harder.
By lvl 10 where you trained the Side Steps skill for years, it will give you a max 10% dodge chance. LOL. 10% dodge? So when an enemy is about to kill you, you have a 10% chance of surviving, wOw AmAzInG. And you spent years of training the skill for just that. This is not a world where you fight an enemy for hours, and 10% miss chance saves you 10% HP, this is a world where 1-2 hits will kill you... (Multiple people died in the fight vs 2 goblins, they died FAST)
Where is the plot? I've gone through half the book, and basically nothing has happened.
Why is he not running experiments with Mind Bastion. He knows the danger now. He could still be cycling mana at a very reduced rate, and see if he can build his tolerance to the skill. The mind mage literally told him this was possible.
So much yapping, holy shit, this author even makes a dungeon boring.
"we should just run through" "we should fight" "we should bypass" "i want exp" "this is too hard for us" "oh i am a cheat code" "i still think we should bypass"
STFU. Why are you morons even in the dungeon??? Get some people in the party that actually want to help the Hero level. Brant has to be the most annoying loser character ever. The others are also annoying, but at least they want to do something.
The MC can cripple enemies instantly, and then kill them with a sword. Why does he keep crying about "not being able to fight". He can fight perfectly fine. Also, why not just laser everything for 1HP. He should be getting more exp than everyone, since he can perfectly tag every mob.
The amount of constant whining from the characters is killing me.
Jude is the doublecrosser? None of this garbage makes sense. Jude knows exactly how powerful they are. He knows exactly how powerful ORRIN is. He would make sure that they both get kidnapped. He would know to target Orrin, who is more overpowered than his "Hero" friend.
Why does Daniel hit Samara with the flat of his blade? Why not just cut through her? Oh right, to keep this stupid fight going.
Main character whining more about not being "able to do anything". He has sooo many options. He just buffed his friend. Why not debuff the "super boss lady". Why not throw up a damage shield. Why not debuff. Why not buy 1 fucking attack spell? The only reason he doesn't do it, is because then he would finally not just be a buffer boy. And he needs to be a buffer boy, so that he is "not the hero".
At this point I feel like I'm just reading this book to laugh at all of the stupidity. This is like watching a B movie that you know blows, just to see the terrible acting.
The Hero hit Samara with 3 full unblocked strikes with his mythril greatsword, and she isn't even hurt. LOL. This was while the Hero was fully buffed to 100 Strength, the supposed maximum. WTF am i reading here? Then she loses 10 Constitution, and suddenly she is freaking out.... Why did the MC never buy a Constitution debuff skill BTW? That skill would drop her way more than 10 points.
How would a 55 point debuff of STR and Dex not affect Samara? None of this stat stuff makes any sense. 55 point debuff does nothing but -20 points constitution kills her. If you don't know how numbers work, why would you write LitRPG?
The main idea of having a duo of friends caught up in the isekai, is good. Haven't seen that before. But soon things get all weird and annoying with their blowup fight, and the skills that can no longer be used because they cause some sort of mental damage.
The characters are not well put together. They don't feel real to me.
Stat points and what they do are way out of whack. MC is debuffing and buffing gigantic numbers, and the effect is sometimes almost nothing, and sometimes gigantic. It makes no sense.
Not much makes sense. Why are the Count's people so weak? He supposedly has a whole army to draw from. Brandt and DeGuis are both weak. The hero easily outperforms them, while lvl 8. The Count talks about people in the lvl 40s, so why are they with some lvl 15 scrubs?
Some skill stuff is just really Really stupid.
A big deal is made about training up the skill Side Steps. And it makes no sense. You are telling me nobody has ever tried to train this skill, without lethal strikes? Like WTF? Also, the idea that this skill is now going to be used by everyone is also stupid. It takes a SHIT-TON of time to train. It took the MC many days just to get to to lvl2, and it will keep getting harder.
By lvl 10 where you trained the Side Steps skill for years, it will give you a max 10% dodge chance. LOL. 10% dodge? So when an enemy is about to kill you, you have a 10% chance of surviving, wOw AmAzInG. And you spent years of training the skill for just that. This is not a world where you fight an enemy for hours, and 10% miss chance saves you 10% HP, this is a world where 1-2 hits will kill you... (Multiple people died in the fight vs 2 goblins, they died FAST)
Where is the plot? I've gone through half the book, and basically nothing has happened.
Why is he not running experiments with Mind Bastion. He knows the danger now. He could still be cycling mana at a very reduced rate, and see if he can build his tolerance to the skill. The mind mage literally told him this was possible.
So much yapping, holy shit, this author even makes a dungeon boring.
"we should just run through" "we should fight" "we should bypass" "i want exp" "this is too hard for us" "oh i am a cheat code" "i still think we should bypass"
STFU. Why are you morons even in the dungeon??? Get some people in the party that actually want to help the Hero level. Brant has to be the most annoying loser character ever. The others are also annoying, but at least they want to do something.
The MC can cripple enemies instantly, and then kill them with a sword. Why does he keep crying about "not being able to fight". He can fight perfectly fine. Also, why not just laser everything for 1HP. He should be getting more exp than everyone, since he can perfectly tag every mob.
The amount of constant whining from the characters is killing me.
Jude is the doublecrosser? None of this garbage makes sense. Jude knows exactly how powerful they are. He knows exactly how powerful ORRIN is. He would make sure that they both get kidnapped. He would know to target Orrin, who is more overpowered than his "Hero" friend.
Why does Daniel hit Samara with the flat of his blade? Why not just cut through her? Oh right, to keep this stupid fight going.
Main character whining more about not being "able to do anything". He has sooo many options. He just buffed his friend. Why not debuff the "super boss lady". Why not throw up a damage shield. Why not debuff. Why not buy 1 fucking attack spell? The only reason he doesn't do it, is because then he would finally not just be a buffer boy. And he needs to be a buffer boy, so that he is "not the hero".
At this point I feel like I'm just reading this book to laugh at all of the stupidity. This is like watching a B movie that you know blows, just to see the terrible acting.
The Hero hit Samara with 3 full unblocked strikes with his mythril greatsword, and she isn't even hurt. LOL. This was while the Hero was fully buffed to 100 Strength, the supposed maximum. WTF am i reading here? Then she loses 10 Constitution, and suddenly she is freaking out.... Why did the MC never buy a Constitution debuff skill BTW? That skill would drop her way more than 10 points.
How would a 55 point debuff of STR and Dex not affect Samara? None of this stat stuff makes any sense. 55 point debuff does nothing but -20 points constitution kills her. If you don't know how numbers work, why would you write LitRPG?
September 17, 2024
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
!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
January 19, 2026
This was better than I expected in some areas and weaker in others. The premise of this story is an Isekai adventure, where our main protagonists get whisked away to a magical world. The title and the blurb on the book explains that our main focal point, Orrin, is NOT the Hero. Daniel is the Hero. Let's shout it louder!! I AM NOT THE HERO!! I am reminded of Shakespeare... "the lady doth protest too much ..." I am all for a story where we see through the eyes of a sidekick or otherwise non-central character to a story. This isn't it.
Much like virtually all stories in this genre, Orrin and Daniel find themselves in a pickle and have to struggle to survive. There were moments where I found Kerper's take on the genre interesting. I almost always enjoy it when there is some realism within these stories. Two high school kids getting thrust into a life or death situation isn't something that I expect most of them to survive. And if they do, there should be scars and emotional trauma. I was glad when some of that was discussed and became a central theme.
Otherwise, this is fairly vanilla Isekai. It almost becomes a joke about itself in some ways. But I will say that I found a lot of the characters interesting and honestly, warts and all, I kind of enjoyed this book. The only thing that keeps my eyes rolling is Orrin's family dilemma. We learn that despite having a dad that appears to be all-in, never giving up on Orrin, and completely in love with his family, he suddenly disappeared without a note. Does that sound familiar to anyone else? While nothing more is discussed in this book, I find it painfully obvious that that will become an issue in the later books. And despite it being so painfully foreshadowed, I find myself interested to learn how Kerper will play the angle.
I think I will give the second book a go as well at some point. If you are someone who found this book meh - and for the reviews I saw on the book's goodreads page who similarly just thought this was meh - I totally get it. The book is a little meh. I think I plan to continue because there was juuuuuuust enough to keep me interested in the long game. But I don't have any strong urge to queue up the next immediately.
Much like virtually all stories in this genre, Orrin and Daniel find themselves in a pickle and have to struggle to survive. There were moments where I found Kerper's take on the genre interesting. I almost always enjoy it when there is some realism within these stories. Two high school kids getting thrust into a life or death situation isn't something that I expect most of them to survive. And if they do, there should be scars and emotional trauma. I was glad when some of that was discussed and became a central theme.
Otherwise, this is fairly vanilla Isekai. It almost becomes a joke about itself in some ways. But I will say that I found a lot of the characters interesting and honestly, warts and all, I kind of enjoyed this book. The only thing that keeps my eyes rolling is Orrin's family dilemma. We learn that despite having a dad that appears to be all-in, never giving up on Orrin, and completely in love with his family, he suddenly disappeared without a note. Does that sound familiar to anyone else? While nothing more is discussed in this book, I find it painfully obvious that that will become an issue in the later books. And despite it being so painfully foreshadowed, I find myself interested to learn how Kerper will play the angle.
I think I will give the second book a go as well at some point. If you are someone who found this book meh - and for the reviews I saw on the book's goodreads page who similarly just thought this was meh - I totally get it. The book is a little meh. I think I plan to continue because there was juuuuuuust enough to keep me interested in the long game. But I don't have any strong urge to queue up the next immediately.
November 16, 2025
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.
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.
December 30, 2025
An interesting read but definitely has its faults. There are a lot of mysteries and plots going around but it never really lets them build too much. The plot is there it gets explained and then it's done. This opens up the world a little bit but you really don't see much of it, just one city in the world. There is a decent amount of math for those who like that. There are also a lot of stats but the formatting for them is terrible and makes them hard to read.
Speaking of math the main character is introduced as a student with average grades. While I don't think the math is overly complicated it seems excessive. Why would someone who is average at school go and solve the math for how much mana he gets for the skills? I feel like most people would test it out first maybe see how much everything is and just remember. I basically just updated him to super smart instead of average because the main character seems to just come up with all the plans.
Looking at the characters there really isn't much there. I thought I would be getting a perspective of the other character Daniel but you never see his perspective at all. This makes Daniel seem useless and most of the book he is just a dumb hothead getting into trouble to move the plot along. The other characters have little soul to them as well and mostly feel like they are just there.
The book still holds my interest though because the main character is a buff specialist. He isn't running around chopping things or being an assassin, he buffs the team then sometimes has to swing a sword.
Speaking of math the main character is introduced as a student with average grades. While I don't think the math is overly complicated it seems excessive. Why would someone who is average at school go and solve the math for how much mana he gets for the skills? I feel like most people would test it out first maybe see how much everything is and just remember. I basically just updated him to super smart instead of average because the main character seems to just come up with all the plans.
Looking at the characters there really isn't much there. I thought I would be getting a perspective of the other character Daniel but you never see his perspective at all. This makes Daniel seem useless and most of the book he is just a dumb hothead getting into trouble to move the plot along. The other characters have little soul to them as well and mostly feel like they are just there.
The book still holds my interest though because the main character is a buff specialist. He isn't running around chopping things or being an assassin, he buffs the team then sometimes has to swing a sword.
September 13, 2024
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.
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.
April 30, 2026
Good: This is a good story. Not solid, but good enough. It wasn't the best at political intrigue I've read, but it gets the story going. Action scenes are good and pacing is okay. The emotional highs and lows of the story keep you reading and interested.
Bad: I don't really like the two main characters. Very cookie-cutter and YA-appealing. There weren't any tags as YA, so I considered the book adult. But now that I think about it, it really is around YA level or aimed at the twenties demographic. Oren seems to be a self-proclaimed smart character, but he does a lot of stupid and illogical things right from the start—sometimes it feels like plot armor. Among the supporting characters, none of them were appealing. If they all died, I wouldn't really have cared. The only good, authentic-feeling character was Tony. The system is confusing, as far as systems go. Sure, it's very level-up focused. But also because of the introduction of Oren's abilities, it doesn't seem logical. It feels very rushed and unthought-through when the book blames errors. No real twists or fresh take on it.
Overall: It's a good read to pass the time. But am I hooked enough to buy the second book? Maybe not. What I'll give this kudos for is that Book 1 actually ended properly. There are a lot of plots that actually closed, with a few left open for the next book. LitRPG doesn't do well on these things. You'd be hard-pressed to find a proper LitRPG book that does justice to its first book.
Bad: I don't really like the two main characters. Very cookie-cutter and YA-appealing. There weren't any tags as YA, so I considered the book adult. But now that I think about it, it really is around YA level or aimed at the twenties demographic. Oren seems to be a self-proclaimed smart character, but he does a lot of stupid and illogical things right from the start—sometimes it feels like plot armor. Among the supporting characters, none of them were appealing. If they all died, I wouldn't really have cared. The only good, authentic-feeling character was Tony. The system is confusing, as far as systems go. Sure, it's very level-up focused. But also because of the introduction of Oren's abilities, it doesn't seem logical. It feels very rushed and unthought-through when the book blames errors. No real twists or fresh take on it.
Overall: It's a good read to pass the time. But am I hooked enough to buy the second book? Maybe not. What I'll give this kudos for is that Book 1 actually ended properly. There are a lot of plots that actually closed, with a few left open for the next book. LitRPG doesn't do well on these things. You'd be hard-pressed to find a proper LitRPG book that does justice to its first book.
September 25, 2024
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews