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I Don't Want to Be the Hero #1
I Don't Want to Be the Hero Vol. 1
Life in The City was perfect. The Goddess raised us, sheltered us, and defended us from the Demon Lord and their horrifying minions that roamed the wasteland. The sacred aurora that surrounded The City was the ultimate sign of her benevolent protection, keeping us safe.
My name is Mal, and ever since I was a boy I've been treated as an outcast, a freak, and a malcontent because of my ability to see magic. For the other citizens, magic was the invisible manifestation of Goddess’s love, but to me, it was just a colorful spread of enchantments, cantrips, blessings, and hexes. And once I’ve seen a spell, I can understand it, and then I can break it apart.
When I graduated from school, I had expected to be given the job of a ditch-digger. Instead, I was shocked when I was dubbed the next hero.
Heroes are sent out in the wasteland, to slay monsters and to challenge the Demon Lord. It’s a suicide mission. But once I was shoved out of the aurora, I found out that the outside world was drastically different than what I had been told. The demons, dragons, and orcs might be my best shot for surviving the insanity I’ve been thrown into.
Warning: This novel contains descriptions of violence, graphic sex, unconventional relationships (M/FF+ harem), and limitless adventure.
My name is Mal, and ever since I was a boy I've been treated as an outcast, a freak, and a malcontent because of my ability to see magic. For the other citizens, magic was the invisible manifestation of Goddess’s love, but to me, it was just a colorful spread of enchantments, cantrips, blessings, and hexes. And once I’ve seen a spell, I can understand it, and then I can break it apart.
When I graduated from school, I had expected to be given the job of a ditch-digger. Instead, I was shocked when I was dubbed the next hero.
Heroes are sent out in the wasteland, to slay monsters and to challenge the Demon Lord. It’s a suicide mission. But once I was shoved out of the aurora, I found out that the outside world was drastically different than what I had been told. The demons, dragons, and orcs might be my best shot for surviving the insanity I’ve been thrown into.
Warning: This novel contains descriptions of violence, graphic sex, unconventional relationships (M/FF+ harem), and limitless adventure.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2021
280 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Thorne
58 books85 followersAn up-and-coming author writing sci-fi, fantasy, and exciting adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 30, 2023
wild (grown up) fun
I spent my Sunday reading this. It's a good story with fun, fairy world type characters. It was easy to get into this book, and I simply rolled along with it. It was a nice way to pass a cold, cloudy day with some hot tea.
I spent my Sunday reading this. It's a good story with fun, fairy world type characters. It was easy to get into this book, and I simply rolled along with it. It was a nice way to pass a cold, cloudy day with some hot tea.
July 31, 2021
Decent fantasy adventure ruined by pointless erotica
It's a decent adventure story in a unique fantasy world. Then come the random, unnecessary sex scenes. If you skip through them, it's a decent read.
It's a decent adventure story in a unique fantasy world. Then come the random, unnecessary sex scenes. If you skip through them, it's a decent read.
February 22, 2022
excellent book
In a market with half written books and junk this novel stands out. It is an original story that paces itself so well you don’t even notice how far in it you are til it’s 2am and you’re reading the last act. I enjoyed it a lot, much more than his/her other series
In a market with half written books and junk this novel stands out. It is an original story that paces itself so well you don’t even notice how far in it you are til it’s 2am and you’re reading the last act. I enjoyed it a lot, much more than his/her other series
May 8, 2022
Pretty good. Nice twist on the classic trope
Fantasy adventure with sex scenes. The sex was fine but didn't add much to the story.
What was amazing was the role reversal. Dwarves, Elves, & Humans are all pretty nasty wile the Goblins, Orcs, Wildlings, and dragons are the good, honest, & noble ones. Nice switch.
Pretty well written, good pacing, decent action, and great world building.
Two problems for me though.
One, I'm unimpressed with the cowardly bumbling comedy hero shtick. I get the unwilling hero trope, that makes sense. I guess this book would have been too dark with out the light comedy element so I can't complain too much.
Two, The repetitious use of the word bitch got old, then it got cringey, Then they used it 50 more times, and I was good & sick of it before the end.
Other than that, what a fun fantasy. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Fantasy adventure with sex scenes. The sex was fine but didn't add much to the story.
What was amazing was the role reversal. Dwarves, Elves, & Humans are all pretty nasty wile the Goblins, Orcs, Wildlings, and dragons are the good, honest, & noble ones. Nice switch.
Pretty well written, good pacing, decent action, and great world building.
Two problems for me though.
One, I'm unimpressed with the cowardly bumbling comedy hero shtick. I get the unwilling hero trope, that makes sense. I guess this book would have been too dark with out the light comedy element so I can't complain too much.
Two, The repetitious use of the word bitch got old, then it got cringey, Then they used it 50 more times, and I was good & sick of it before the end.
Other than that, what a fun fantasy. I'm looking forward to the next one.
November 29, 2021
that’s a lot more sex than expected
Kind of an inverse Tolkien.
The MC is male. I feel it’s important to point that out because the cover plus the first chapter may leave you confused.
There are a few logical flaws that are easy to ignore. They fight a running battle on more than one occasion, yet still are carrying around tents and a ‘pavilion’. Including a bed, of some sort.
Not entirely sure I will read the next book, but it was decently written.
Kind of an inverse Tolkien.
The MC is male. I feel it’s important to point that out because the cover plus the first chapter may leave you confused.
There are a few logical flaws that are easy to ignore. They fight a running battle on more than one occasion, yet still are carrying around tents and a ‘pavilion’. Including a bed, of some sort.
Not entirely sure I will read the next book, but it was decently written.
April 14, 2021
A fun read with a simple story.
The main character is very well done. It all follows the general idea out forth to a tee. The pace is fantastic and just pulls you along till the end. Overall story is simple and a tad obvious but very fun getting there.
The main character is very well done. It all follows the general idea out forth to a tee. The pace is fantastic and just pulls you along till the end. Overall story is simple and a tad obvious but very fun getting there.
April 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book.
The book was pretty good with a different type of set up from most books. I liked the MC and the secondary characters a lot. The world building was really interesting and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The book was pretty good with a different type of set up from most books. I liked the MC and the secondary characters a lot. The world building was really interesting and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 10, 2021
4.5. Exceeded expectations: no real complaints and it was a good read. Some initial concerns about the "lazy" MC, but he grows up quickly. Certainly room for sequels, but as it is this book could stand alone.
May 16, 2021
Outstanding
One of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down. Outstanding book and aheck of a ride. More please!
One of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down. Outstanding book and aheck of a ride. More please!
August 6, 2021
A tale we’ve sort of heard before but not really
I don’t know quite how to write the story if this is your thing then it’s your thing it’s not necessarily my cup of tea but I’ll give you a review. Keep in mind this is a basic story that you have probably heard before but not in this aspect or capacity. It doesn’t draw heavily from this genre and the troops were used to either so it is different but you’ve heard these concepts before they are just expressed in different ways now onto the review.
The story is good main character discovers who he is or isn’t and sits off on a journey meets other companions literally companions and an adventure in Sue’s. No don’t wanna give any story spoilers away some aspects of the story don’t quite make sense. They aren’t game breaking plot breaking ideas but they’re just small things that don’t add up. Simple question nights can marry other Squyres they have great OK so how do you Squyres become nights if they’re already married. Doesn’t quite add up the system the author developed. The idea of only nobles being able to become nights you traditionally see authors attempt to break that system or push against that idea I don’t think you see that here maybe you will in another book but whatever. Like I said overall it’s not a bad story nothing to really complain about.
One thing you do need to be aware of is there is sex in the story. I would argue it’s written from a male perspective. It’s not borderline pornographic but it doesn’t do a great job actually describing female sexual experiences. To add another comment it’s not over the top sex either. You do get that idea when you read the last six scene of the book but other than that you’re like this is just someone describing people having sex.
I don’t know quite how to write the story if this is your thing then it’s your thing it’s not necessarily my cup of tea but I’ll give you a review. Keep in mind this is a basic story that you have probably heard before but not in this aspect or capacity. It doesn’t draw heavily from this genre and the troops were used to either so it is different but you’ve heard these concepts before they are just expressed in different ways now onto the review.
The story is good main character discovers who he is or isn’t and sits off on a journey meets other companions literally companions and an adventure in Sue’s. No don’t wanna give any story spoilers away some aspects of the story don’t quite make sense. They aren’t game breaking plot breaking ideas but they’re just small things that don’t add up. Simple question nights can marry other Squyres they have great OK so how do you Squyres become nights if they’re already married. Doesn’t quite add up the system the author developed. The idea of only nobles being able to become nights you traditionally see authors attempt to break that system or push against that idea I don’t think you see that here maybe you will in another book but whatever. Like I said overall it’s not a bad story nothing to really complain about.
One thing you do need to be aware of is there is sex in the story. I would argue it’s written from a male perspective. It’s not borderline pornographic but it doesn’t do a great job actually describing female sexual experiences. To add another comment it’s not over the top sex either. You do get that idea when you read the last six scene of the book but other than that you’re like this is just someone describing people having sex.
May 22, 2023
Well Written But Unmotivated and Weaker MC Hurt Overall Enjoyment
The story is well written, with characters that are easily identifiable and unique. The plot itself seems interesting as well. My main problem was how lazy and unmotivated the main character was. He always went out of his way to do and learn as little as possible, so he could be as a lazy as possible. He had no redeeming qualities either. If he had been strong and been able to dominate in combat and make use of the two different magic systems that were mentioned it would have made his personality easier to deal with. However, he is physically weak, can't do magic, and is definitely the weakest and most harmless of the entire group. He is also largely inexperienced and awkward when it comes to sexual activities too, which may be a positive or negative depending on the reader. This novel was well written and I enjoyed the other characters; however, at least in this novel the MC comes across as a weak, lazy, doormat who spends all his time being bossed around by others and reacting to their orders, rather than being motivated and proactive - trying to actively shape and change his circumstances and life for the better. It puts me in the mood to go find an OP MC novel to read. I enjoyed the story enough to read book 2, hopefully the MC improves quickly and grows not only in maturity but strength/power as well.
The story is well written, with characters that are easily identifiable and unique. The plot itself seems interesting as well. My main problem was how lazy and unmotivated the main character was. He always went out of his way to do and learn as little as possible, so he could be as a lazy as possible. He had no redeeming qualities either. If he had been strong and been able to dominate in combat and make use of the two different magic systems that were mentioned it would have made his personality easier to deal with. However, he is physically weak, can't do magic, and is definitely the weakest and most harmless of the entire group. He is also largely inexperienced and awkward when it comes to sexual activities too, which may be a positive or negative depending on the reader. This novel was well written and I enjoyed the other characters; however, at least in this novel the MC comes across as a weak, lazy, doormat who spends all his time being bossed around by others and reacting to their orders, rather than being motivated and proactive - trying to actively shape and change his circumstances and life for the better. It puts me in the mood to go find an OP MC novel to read. I enjoyed the story enough to read book 2, hopefully the MC improves quickly and grows not only in maturity but strength/power as well.
October 10, 2022
As usual MC lacks agency
DNF @ 10% of Book 2
Can be an enjoyable read if you can look past these major flaws:
• The MC has no goals or ambitions of his own; he is lead by the nose from scene to scene with the threat of death hanging over him as punishment for his disobedience. So much so that I don't even know if even has any discernible character traits.
• The relationships are shallow; M.E. Thorne seems to think, like most harem authors, that sex is the same as romance. Let me break that bubble for you, it isn't. If your characters don't speak to one another (about anything other than their current mission) then they may as well be strangers.
• The more freely sex is given out by characters, the less value it has. It changes what should be an intimate moment to nothing more than routine physical exercise. i.e. Don't let your characters be horny adolescents that bed anything that moves. To illustrate my point:
• The MC goes from being an outcast in his village...to being an outcast in country that hates his entire race; coupled with the lack of any meaningful relationships and personal motivation, it paints a really bleak POV to see this world through
DNF @ 10% of Book 2
Can be an enjoyable read if you can look past these major flaws:
• The MC has no goals or ambitions of his own; he is lead by the nose from scene to scene with the threat of death hanging over him as punishment for his disobedience. So much so that I don't even know if even has any discernible character traits.
• The relationships are shallow; M.E. Thorne seems to think, like most harem authors, that sex is the same as romance. Let me break that bubble for you, it isn't. If your characters don't speak to one another (about anything other than their current mission) then they may as well be strangers.
• The more freely sex is given out by characters, the less value it has. It changes what should be an intimate moment to nothing more than routine physical exercise. i.e. Don't let your characters be horny adolescents that bed anything that moves. To illustrate my point:
• The MC goes from being an outcast in his village...to being an outcast in country that hates his entire race; coupled with the lack of any meaningful relationships and personal motivation, it paints a really bleak POV to see this world through
February 10, 2026
A fun book, a good book. Nice world building. Amazing characters - especially the love interest. Good humor. Not as in generally laughing out loud, but it made for a lighthearted adventure atmosphere, which somehow didn’t clash with the dark tone of the story.
Can’t give 5 stars because of the Mc, who seems unreasonably incompetent and insecure. While his survival and combat skills picked up in the second half I just don’t understand why he always seemed confused and uncertain. Example: He was under mind control for a small part of the story which he broke free from. Later he encounters someone else under similar circumstances and frees them as well, but when his comrades as him why that person behavior changes he reacts all clueless and uncertain.
Thats just one example. I hope the Mc will gain some confidence and competence in future book. Then it will be a five star series.
Can’t give 5 stars because of the Mc, who seems unreasonably incompetent and insecure. While his survival and combat skills picked up in the second half I just don’t understand why he always seemed confused and uncertain. Example: He was under mind control for a small part of the story which he broke free from. Later he encounters someone else under similar circumstances and frees them as well, but when his comrades as him why that person behavior changes he reacts all clueless and uncertain.
Thats just one example. I hope the Mc will gain some confidence and competence in future book. Then it will be a five star series.
September 26, 2023
I DON’T WANT TO BE THE HERO, volume 1, by M. E. Thorne is a sword and sorcery novel. Nothing unusual there. However, those who are used to the traditional groups of “good guys” and “bad guys” might be in for a bit of a surprise. It is a light, entertaining, tongue in cheek read. One word of warning. There are several graphic sex scenes. Surprisingly, they do not slow or interfere with the plot, and I saw nothing wrong with them. However, this is not a book for children. As I DON’T WANT TO BE THE HERO, volume 1 is the first book in a series (the fact it is volume 1 is good hint at that), not all the loose ends are tied up or all the problems solved by the end of Thorne’s book. I’ve already bought the second book in the series.
April 7, 2022
This was a fun book to read. It definitely takes what you think you know about good and evil--based on the things that we've learned about in our religion classes and church services, as well as the races of fantastical creatures that we've read, and turned them around 180 degrees. Orcs, goblins, demons, dragons, and others are the good guys, whereas the humans, dwarves, elves, and even angels perhaps not so much. Through in the humor throughout the book, as well as some good ole fashion male fantasies, and you've got a master piece.
December 25, 2022
I considered reading this months ago, but put it off because I was getting the wrong vibes from the blurb... But I enjoyed the author's delving for loot book, so I'm willing to give this a go.
I read some books like this before, where a "God" .
This turned out a "meh" to me. I don't think I will read the sequels as there isn't much that interests me.
Maybe the protagonist will change and do different in the future?
Who knows.
3/5 Stars
I read some books like this before, where a "God" .
This turned out a "meh" to me. I don't think I will read the sequels as there isn't much that interests me.
Maybe the protagonist will change and do different in the future?
Who knows.
3/5 Stars
July 14, 2021
Good book. A bit of anti-hero on the lose
Interesting story premise. The not-hero raised and brainwashed in"utopia-not" sent on a suicide mission. Good harem fun with the MC floundering out in the realworld and pressed into service by the opposition who are good demons. He is lazy and unmotivated but is learning. But like the many tasks before he failed he will fail at not being a hero. Looking forward to the next book.
Interesting story premise. The not-hero raised and brainwashed in"utopia-not" sent on a suicide mission. Good harem fun with the MC floundering out in the realworld and pressed into service by the opposition who are good demons. He is lazy and unmotivated but is learning. But like the many tasks before he failed he will fail at not being a hero. Looking forward to the next book.
July 27, 2021
Could have been better
The idea the story was great But there were a couple of points that were unnecessary and i feel detract from the story and then there were other points that was just... a chaotic mess? that's the best way I can think to describe some of the points I was reading, and finally there was the end of the story which again was a chaotic mess and just seemed rushed. The end of the book is what bothered me the most with this story.
The idea the story was great But there were a couple of points that were unnecessary and i feel detract from the story and then there were other points that was just... a chaotic mess? that's the best way I can think to describe some of the points I was reading, and finally there was the end of the story which again was a chaotic mess and just seemed rushed. The end of the book is what bothered me the most with this story.
August 5, 2022
Excellent Tale!
Mal, is a malcontent, not fitting into the city he was born in. A spellbreaker he can see magic and defeat spells. Sent on a suicide mission, he's able to break the compulsion placed on him, meets up with a Demon Knight and her squires. Action, adventures and spice ensue as they quest for a sleeping general. Excellent plot twist at the end read this story!
Mal, is a malcontent, not fitting into the city he was born in. A spellbreaker he can see magic and defeat spells. Sent on a suicide mission, he's able to break the compulsion placed on him, meets up with a Demon Knight and her squires. Action, adventures and spice ensue as they quest for a sleeping general. Excellent plot twist at the end read this story!
March 22, 2021
Interesting story
A neat twist to a fantasy story line. Humans, elves and dwarves are the villains and the other “darker” races are actually good. I liked the theme and the development.
A neat twist to a fantasy story line. Humans, elves and dwarves are the villains and the other “darker” races are actually good. I liked the theme and the development.
May 3, 2021
Different but good
Had not read any by this author before. My only complaint is the same one for all other harem books. Reality is not as described in the adult areas. But other wise enjoyable especially the knight with the wood impaired rectum
Had not read any by this author before. My only complaint is the same one for all other harem books. Reality is not as described in the adult areas. But other wise enjoyable especially the knight with the wood impaired rectum
July 16, 2021
Very good read
I think so anyway. Retribution and redemption, or maybe escaping would be a better description? Throw in monsters, good and bad, and adventures galore and you have a good story.
I think so anyway. Retribution and redemption, or maybe escaping would be a better description? Throw in monsters, good and bad, and adventures galore and you have a good story.
August 12, 2021
A great unique take on fantasy
This is a story where classic good and evil fantasy races are flipped and it’s wonderful. I don’t want to spoil anything so all I’ll say is I can’t stop grinning,
This is a story where classic good and evil fantasy races are flipped and it’s wonderful. I don’t want to spoil anything so all I’ll say is I can’t stop grinning,
December 10, 2021
This series has a lot of potential.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I look forward to seeing more of this, and the characters further adventures. This book is definitely worth the time and effort.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I look forward to seeing more of this, and the characters further adventures. This book is definitely worth the time and effort.
January 23, 2022
Good read
The world building is rather unique. I like how this isn't another transported to another world fantasy. The different creatures are all well done and I like the reversed evil trope. I can't wait to read more.
The world building is rather unique. I like how this isn't another transported to another world fantasy. The different creatures are all well done and I like the reversed evil trope. I can't wait to read more.
January 22, 2023
Had a really interesting premise but the erotica seemed too gratuitous and did not serve the story. It slowed the story down and I just couldn't finish this which is unfortunate because it had an interesting premise.
April 7, 2021
Loved this book
This was a wonderful start to a new series. It was, quite frankly, a lit of fun to read. Give it a shot.
This was a wonderful start to a new series. It was, quite frankly, a lit of fun to read. Give it a shot.
April 23, 2021
Not fond of slavery
But of spoiler, you're warned
Mc trades slave crown for slave manacle, makes that empress no better than that so called goddess, in my opinion,
But of spoiler, you're warned
Mc trades slave crown for slave manacle, makes that empress no better than that so called goddess, in my opinion,
April 27, 2021
Ok
To much for teenage boys, they can only dream of this stuff. But the action scenes are well done and the characters are done well.
To much for teenage boys, they can only dream of this stuff. But the action scenes are well done and the characters are done well.
May 5, 2021
I liked it
It was an interesting tale and a well done adventure. A newish magic system that had interesting implications with a commentary of humans treatment of the environment
It was an interesting tale and a well done adventure. A newish magic system that had interesting implications with a commentary of humans treatment of the environment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews