I'm Not the Hero: An Isekai LitRPG

I'm Not the Hero, Book 1

By: Tommy Kerper, SourpatchHero

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

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 in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Tropes include: zero to hero, role reversal, unlikely hero, revenge of the nerds, and fog of war.

©2023 Podium Audio (P)2023 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

“A colorful, sweeping LitRPG about two best friends in a new world. One of my all-time favorites.” —Matt Dinniman, New York Times–bestselling author of Dungeon Crawler Carl

“One of the truest depictions of what it means to be best friends I’ve ever read.” —Erin Ampersand, author of Apocalypse Parenting

“Explores a duo of protagonists, creating a rather unique experience for the genre . . . [Their] dynamic is what makes I'm Not the Hero stand out . . . The fish-out-of-water trope that dominates LitRPG is still on full display here, but there’s a history with these two characters that provides an extra pull for audiences. Their relationship stretches far beyond their current circumstances, making all of their decisions feel even heavier and more important.” — Collider

Great story and Characters

I only have one problem with this book. I'm a few hours in and for some reason everytime Nick has to say a skill,mention a spell or anything related to the game they make it sounds like a robot system message. Even in the middle of a conversation. I've never had an issue with his narration on any other book and I'm assuming this isn't his doing, but this has to stop for the next book. it's so off putting and distracting.

Narrator - yes please

All these other reviews critiquing Nick are just sad. He's one of the absolute best narrators I've ever heard and I've listened to 600+ audiobooks. The narrator trifecta of litrpg is Nick, Jeff Hays and Andrea Parsneau. That all being said, the class and skill names are square bracketed in the book. It's clear to hear that when they are said. If that bothers you, you probably haven't listened or read to many litrpg. This is one of the better isekai litrpg out there. Listen to it if you enjoy this genre. You won't be disappointed.

Loved the book ,hated...

Like.most reviewers, I really really enjoyed the book and Nick Podeil is one of my favorite voice actors but the prerecorded "Hero" ECT just kept taking me out of the story which ugh I hated that bc the story is Great!!!
When the girl was talking and she said "Hero" in a male voice, then right back, its jarring.
I personally wish they wouldn't do this. I will listen to the next book when it comes out bc I'm enjoying the story but I truly dislike how this one was done.

Robot voice

My only issue with the auto

qWhy did the author accent every time system powers were spoken. super annoying? otherwise I liked the friends interaction.

Don’t Be Dissuaded From The Negative Narration

I was hesitant to listen to this book at first cause of the reviews about the narration, however once I started the book it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Don’t let it be the reason that stops you, as this book was pretty good. The plot and the character development were extremely well done, and the action kept me engaged throughout the listen. It is a good start to a new LitRPG story. My only minor gripe was that I personally feel there were some inconsistencies when it came to stats and stat increases which didn’t make sense or seem to pan out in my mind as I was listening. As in, it felt like the characters should be way stronger than they were with the stats they had at the time. Other than that, the system was clearly explained and made sense. Nick Podehl did a great job with the narration as always. I am looking forward to the second installment and continuing the story.

Overall, with how much LitRPG is coming out these days, this stands out above the crowd, and I think it’s worth your credit.