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The False Hero #3

The False Hero, Volume 3

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Lutz and his companions have finally arrived at the eastern edge of the Orakian kingdom, just a few short days away from the elven lands. But he's not the only one who's made the trek east. Princess Lumina has deduced his destination and is hot on his trail.

However, there are other forces at play in the far east, and Lutz finds himself dragged into the center of a storm that's secretly raging on Orakio's eastern border--one that could spell doom for the four races if left unchecked.

Soldiers, nobles, and even Princess Lumina herself have their eyes set on Lutz. Yet, there's another group whose actions threaten to undo all of their carefully laid plans--a fearsome clan who has invaded human lands to fulfill their own nefarious desires.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

230 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Michael Plymel

37 books55 followers
For updates and extra content, join me at www.reddit.com/r/TheFalseHero

Corporate worker by day, author by night.

It's not easy to find time to write with a 9-5, but I've wanted to get The False Hero out of my head and onto paper for a long time. My goal isn't anything lofty, like quitting my job to become a full-time author. No, I'll be happy to break even on my investment (full color illustrations are not cheap!). Even if nobody reads my books, I'll keep writing. Why, you may be asking? Well, simple--because I want to read them!

I hope those of you who've been enjoying the series will stick with me as I continue down this fun and adventurous journey.

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5 stars
577 (58%)
4 stars
270 (27%)
3 stars
112 (11%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,311 reviews2,151 followers
December 16, 2022
This is third in an ongoing series that you really want to read in order.

You know what you're getting. I liked that Princess Lumina caught up with Lutz in this one and I liked their interactions (his pain/animosity, her need for something to believe in). I wasn't so much a fan of how much of this story has the party split up.

So let's say four stars. It had all the regular goodness, but my favorite is how they all fit together and having them split up bothered me.

A note about Chaste: I'm coming to really enjoy the non-sexual harem dynamic here. They're way too young for that kind of hijink so I'm enjoying where it stands. Which makes this very chaste with a complete lack of anything "of that nature".
996 reviews13 followers
January 4, 2022
More excellence keep them coming

Really can't say enough about this book but at the same time there's not a lot to say.I love this series and this book is no exception.There is a bit of progression in abilities and power however more importantly more information concerning the false heroes status in the kingdom and more plots drop. I guess this is a sort of progression as well. Obviously our hero Lutz os going to habe to get with the bigger game at some point. He has been progressively getting stronger and training those under him with his unique training abilities.This training is obviously at some point going to have to be put into use With the bigger plotline. Chaos. His interaction between himself and the girls and others is 1 of the best parts of the series. It is fun and unique. At some point He might have to get a girlfriend but until then the Awkward hero worship is amusing. Now that the author has gone pro so to speak I look forward to even more volumes and goodness on an accelerated timetable. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Nate.
29 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2022
This series is too good, Way too good. Here's how we're gonna review this it's gonna be 1st book through 3rd book then the conclusion.

1st book. this one has to be the best of them all. The build up to the second. The way the false hero is built it was like he was embracing the false hero of course he was going to from the very start but it was nice to see it build up. The 1st book also had the most character progression out of all the books, the 1st book was like him really being isekaied into a new world and gaining strength at a really fast rate, that's why it's safe to say this book is fast paced. I couldn't say the the Mc had depth in this first book tho, especially with the amateur narrator doing this book, The narrator wasn't really good at all the thing I did like about him tho is the emotions he puts into his words. What I mean by him being amateur or bad is he can't change his voice most of his voices sound very alike and it's hard to tell them apart unless your listening very hard or you have them recognized to the Tee.

2nd Book. This one has to be the 2nd best out of all three. in this book he expanded his power and got more people into his group while also making them stronger. Really this book just is filler for him to get stronger essentially filling out what book 1 couldn't do. The narrator did get better in this one but not so much. But this book even tho I think it was filler from the actual goal was really good.

3rd book. This one has to be the worst out of all of the 3 books. Especially the end. The start and middle of this book are actually really good but the end is lacking. This 3rd book seemed really rushed with him getting separated from his group and helping the princess. But that all said this book has to have the most world building.

Pros. I really like this series. The fighting is unique and the way he uses his knowledge from the other world to beat his opponents is awesome. he's overpowered compared to most of his enemy's which is kinda of a double edged sword. The "harem" he has is also kinda nice, the characters are likable and the Mc actually have a backbone. he doesn't just let people walk all over him.

Cons. I don't like how he tells the princess all his secrets for no reason whatsoever. it usually happens in most series the Mc tells the side character all of his secrets and the side character is still a mystery so the Mc doesn't ask because he's "scared" to make her mad. it just doesn't make sense to me. The lack of strength in the last 2 books are a problem as well. he barely gains any levels in these last 2 books. Also what i said about the double edged sword. it's about how weak everyone is the Mc doesn't really face any hardship throughout the series. some parts are also kinda corny with the narrator but you laugh at them.

Conclusion. This series is kinda of a must buy. it reminds me of the shield hero and virgils pact. With how the Mc is are transported to another world and the other heroes don't like him. So yea if you like Isekais you wanna get this, and we audible fans know it's hard to come buy light novels.
Profile Image for Akshay.
805 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2024
Title: The False Hero, Volume 3 by Michael Plymel

Rating: ⭐ (1/5)

Review:

  Plot:

  
The False Hero, Volume 3 continues its spectacular nosedive into the depths of banality. Plymel's idea of a plot is a feeble attempt at stringing together tired cliches and recycled tropes. Each predictable twist is a painful reminder that originality remains an elusive concept in this lackluster series.


    Character De-evolution:
  

The characters, if they can still be called that, undergo a process of de-evolution, regressing into mere caricatures of themselves. Plymel's notion of character development is a shallow puddle, leaving readers with protagonists who lack depth, growth, or any semblance of relatability. The false hero is more like a false promise in this narrative wasteland.


    Prose and Style:
  

Plymel's prose reads like a misguided attempt at literary sophistication. The dialogue is a cringe-worthy collection of forced witticisms and insipid exchanges. Any notion of eloquence is swiftly obliterated by the author's penchant for trite expressions and unimaginative phrasing. The writing style serves as a constant reminder of the narrative mediocrity on display.


    World-building:
  

The so-called world Plymel attempts to construct is a hodgepodge of incongruent elements. Any potential for a unique setting is squandered in favor of regurgitated fantasy tropes. The world of The False Hero remains as false as the promises of a captivating narrative, leaving readers stranded in a realm devoid of intrigue or imagination.


    Conclusion:
  

The False Hero, Volume 3 by Michael Plymel is a testament to the perils of trudging through uninspired storytelling. With a plot that feels more like a checklist of tired conventions and characters as compelling as stale breadcrumbs, this installment contributes nothing but tedium to an already lackluster series. Plymel's narrative missteps serve as a stark reminder that some heroes, even false ones, are better left unread.
116 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2022
Congratulations on becoming a full time author!

Interested
to see how things work out for the characters and also intrigued to find out what Duke Bradley thinks he knows to justify his behavior and what the neck is going on with this supposed goddess?
I do admit to frustration when the characters start gabbing about irrelevant things IN THE MIDDLE OF A BATTLE though. I hope they stop doing that.
In any case I'm still on board for the next volume!
Oh, and I found a few typos. They annoy me, but I guess most folks don't mind. I report content errors, but does anybody actually resolve those?
374 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2022
Nicely done

A good third installment to the series. The mc is enjoyable and the support cast got some further development. I look forward to seeing how his experience is in the elven lands.
127 reviews
January 2, 2022
The adventure continues

The story continues in book 3 as we focus on the tension between our hero and some of our main players. I’ve enjoyed this latest addition just as much as the last 2. A great read if you have enjoyed the series so far.
Profile Image for J.C. esq.
Author 4 books2 followers
January 4, 2022
keeps getting better

Thus far each installment has been better than the last. Great characters, great story and one of the best writing styles I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I generally dislike long series, but this one is pure gold.
41 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2022
series improves with every book

I’m liking this series so much that I am now supporting the author via Patreon. He’s got a lot if content there for contributors that make it well worth the entry fee .
2,524 reviews71 followers
January 1, 2022
This has found its stride.

The character motivations are well aligned with their decisions. The choices feel natural and not narrative driven. The overall story is shaping up. This feels like a cap to an arc, and a very good set up for the next installment.
86 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2022
Enjoyable as always

I’m a big fan of isekai/revenge fantasy. This story definitely ranks pretty high on my list. Can’t wait for the next volume to come out and hopefully many more after that.
146 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2022
Another great book

Really enjoy this series and this book definitely threw some curve balls. Enjoyable read and look forward to reading the next book.
559 reviews
January 12, 2022
Good Book

A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
Profile Image for Michael Burnett.
1,258 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2022
Great book

Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Profile Image for Steve.
1,612 reviews60 followers
March 24, 2023
Good for what it is as a (effectively if not officially) YA isekai book. I have no idea why someone would be isekai'd into a 15 year-old, (Japanese consent laws aside) but it sets the tone as a light novel, especially when much of the book has the MC with a 12 y/o girl. I can't quite figure if this is a traveling orphanage or a non-sexual harem, but dark and adult this is not. Although darker stuff is hinted at...

I'll continue to read these as long as the story moves forward, so if you read the first two books this one shouldn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Pablo García.
855 reviews22 followers
July 12, 2022
In this third volume of the fantasy-isekai (summoned to another world) novel series, the author continues his use of contradictions in the plot and with the main characters. Main character, Lutz, is trying to save the "Princess" of the Orakian Kingdom, Lumina de Eldridge in charge of the "Summoning" of the 4 heroes, including Lutz. Apparently the corrupt and depraved nobles of this world, are interested in abducting Lumina.
Thanks to the Summoning that Lumina made, Lutz was tried, jailed and tortured for an indefinite period of time. Thanks to the Summoning, Lutz is stuck in this other world and yet, the only person that is trying to protect and save Lumina y Lutz and his all female-retinue-harem. Would you be able to save the person that originated the Summoning of so much physical and emotional tortures? Would you let the corrupt and depraved nobles destroy each other instead?
So what is the author thinking? The author writes that because Lutz confesses that he did not have any martial arts training or magical abilities when he was summoned, the corrupt nobles called Lutz, the "False Hero" (a possible agent of Chaos) seeking to deceive the Gods and this is the reason why they jail him and torture him indefinitely. So now Lutz, the "False Hero" is protecting and saving? Why the contradictions? Is it because of "free will"? Is it a lack of constancy by the author? By the main character Lutz?
So Lutz's retinue-harem grows in this third volume. The power and abilities of Lutz and his retinue also improve. Lutz isn't trying to return home, and is not really looking for all of the people that jailed and tortured him, or seeking to hurt them, like Lumina, the princess that summoned the heroes. Will Lumina be saved? Will she form part of the retinue-harem? Is the author delusional?
Some of these questions will be answered in this third volume, some possibly on the fourth and some only the Gods will know...
This third volume has 200+ pages, with 17 chapters. The readers do not know where this story is going. Hopefully most of the contradictions will be explained.
Profile Image for Link.
25 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2023
A very good installation in the series.
However, I noticed several misspellings, and/or use of incorrect homonyms.
I should say that for a "harem" novel I appreciate the author not stooping to the inclusion of sex to draw in more immature readers. As a whole the series has taken the primary protagonist through some very dark places, and though in many ways we (the readers) don't see his internal struggles with this side of himself, this series does VERY MUCH embrace the "hero's journey" trope... that is whereas he is seen as training various other members of his party, (both permanent and temporary members), through these interactions we can see that he too is experiencing personal growth.
What questions do I have?
Since I am only just finishing book 3, I wonder:
Will Alisha grow past her own blood-lust?
What ARE the other "hero's" planning?
What is the Goddess' plan?

I have more questions, but for now,
Excelsior!
Profile Image for Jon Svenson.
Author 8 books112 followers
July 25, 2022
Book 3 picks up the pace as Lutz (now Rune sometimes) steps into his own. With two new companions, the group takes on twice as many monsters in book 2. Because he can help others learn magic, the team is stronger than others would be.

I know these are young adult books, but other than book 1 and parts of book two I rarely noticed. Yes, it's lightweight fantasy but the books don't overstay their welcome. Good editing and some light LitRPG elements add up to an easy and fun time.

5/5*
Profile Image for Russell Gray.
672 reviews134 followers
September 17, 2022
Ok, this series is not only fun, but good. It reminds me a bit of how much I enjoy Michael Sisa's Legend of the Arch Magus series and it's similar in how it delivers exactly what it promises. It's also nice to read a story that has a lot of D&D influence, but that doesn't devolve into the clownery that D&D stories seem to fall into during battles.

This is just a very entertaining series and I'm excited about the next volume.
225 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2022
Nicely involved story

Looking forward to the next iteration. I m glad this story is much better than the description suggests. Although the MC is still the boring character alot of writers use as a template, the circumstances surrounding him make things interesting and compelling to read.
929 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2022
This one is entertaining.

I enjoyed reading this book. I blew through it faster than intended, but once I started reading I could not stop. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I look forward to seeing more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,170 reviews79 followers
March 21, 2022
book three

Mistakes: Well written and edited with no mistakes found.

Plot: Just adventuring while heading towards Elvish lands.
I do find it a little odd that children are killing monsters that full grown adults run away from.

Characters: Some of the conversations are a little odd as well as some reactions.

6/10
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
April 19, 2022
Great Book, Great Series

Lutz finely meets the Princess again, however, it is not what either of them expected. Luz's party continues to get stronger, as he teaches them magically.. Along the way, they do side quests to help people. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and magical system. I look forward to the next book.
689 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2022
The False Hero becoming a True Hero

Sir Lutz,aka The False Hero, is becoming stronger in both magic and skills. He is followed by 3 slaves, but they are not slaves to him. He saves a princess and teaches her magic and how to protect herself and others.
He is becoming a True Hero while the Hero's become False.

Great cover to cover and I need more!

Read in 1 day
136 reviews
September 26, 2022
the plot thickens, more friends are found

A great third entry. More allies are found, everyone gets stronger, and the bad guys protect the three false heroes? I’m already 99% sure what their special title says, something like (blessing of chaos) like how we know Locke is likely the only one with the goddess blessing. Can’t wait to see it written.
584 reviews
January 2, 2023
Still going strong

The series seems to have settled in nicely with the author really starting to find the right groove in pacing between the MC powering up, slice of life between the characters and building the storyline up to the next level in intrigue and potential danger. Will be reading book 4.
47 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2024
Solid entry

---Spoilers---

I enjoyed the book but honestly I found the meeting between the MC and Princess a little lacking. She quite literally was part of the party that condemned him to die and he pretty much just lets her off without much struggle or anything. I wasn't expecting rage or this or that but more than what was written.
Profile Image for Jim.
228 reviews
March 1, 2022
demon and vampires and princesses oh my

Getting into the meat of the story with this tale. The way the newer characters are woven inks very nice and I wonder when we’ll be treated to the true statuses of the other heroes.
Profile Image for Eric Allen.
Author 3 books820 followers
March 9, 2022
Yep. I'm done with this series. It's just devolving into really lame harem garbage that's trying very, very hard to cash in on the success of Shield Hero, without really understanding what made Shield Hero both good, and popular.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
2,999 reviews37 followers
December 15, 2022
Another enjoyable read, although after a while the constant stream of battles with a variety of different monsters becomes a bit tedious, especially as there isn’t always a great deal of consistency in the way the different abilities and spells behave.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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