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The False Hero #2

The False Hero, Volume 2

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After their escape from the city of Silvia, Lutz and Laya evade their pursuers by fleeing into the nearby forest. Now that he has a reliable companion, Lutz's future in his new world finally looks promising as they continue to level up and pick apart the underlying mechanics that only they are able to see, thanks to Lutz's unique Status Screen.

They enter the city of Reim in order to resupply for the long journey ahead but quickly realize that this new city isn't any better off than Silvia. If anything, it's worse. Surrounded by desperate citizens in a city on the brink of disaster, what will Lutz choose to do?

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2021

224 people are currently reading
53 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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Community Reviews

5 stars
706 (57%)
4 stars
321 (26%)
3 stars
149 (12%)
2 stars
30 (2%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,321 reviews2,167 followers
December 14, 2022
This is second in a fantasy/isekai series that picks up where the first left off. I recommend reading in order.

You know what you're getting with this second story. Lutz comes to a distressed city and gets pulled into the cause of its distress. He fights bad guys. He picks up two new party members, including the obligatory cat girl. Yes, she really is as young as the cover depicts, though adorably fierce as the party tank. And yes, that actually works through the function of the story because Lutz is a power-levelling, min-maxing machine. While still having a kind heart and taking care of those he calls his own.

I'm going to give this story the same five stars as the first. It treads some of the same ground as the first, but in a completely new way so it didn't feel like a retread in the least. Plus, I stayed up way too late to finish it and that's always a good sign.

A note about Chaste: This is still chaste, though technically qualifying as a harem story. I'm glad nothing sexual has manifest and would be happy if that stays the case. There are some strong feelings developing, but so far they're mostly about loyalty and shared kindnesses. And the nightly hair-brushing routine is just sweet.
127 reviews
September 5, 2021
The Fight Continues

A great follow up that picks up as the last chapter closed. There is less grinding/growing and more application of abilities here as we enter an arc that sees our mc’s party vs. a mysteriously depleted city embroiled in politics and rebellion, but certainly more action, a little adventure and some new faces (also some cool illustrations again in book 2 to help reiterate some of the important story beats). All in all I really enjoyed this one and look forward to seeing how this evolves in the future.
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.
1,003 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2021
Awesome second book

Thoroughly enjoy this series this book is no exception. Certainly feels the light novel a genre and Bill's the anti-hero hero Mold quite well. The real hero summoned in the first book is out of again. Collecting Misfits and improving them and saving those who don't know how to save himself. All the while taking the heat as the anti-hero. Quite enjoyable this series I look forward to more hopefully soon.
Profile Image for Adam Shook.
155 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2021
A great isekai

I love this series it feels a bit like a more grown up version of shield hero. The political scene in this story feels more realistic than in the show but that is generally the difference between a piece of animation and a piece of literature.
147 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2021
Good sequel

Overall good job. A few more characters and a look at the MC changing a bit. Looking forward to the next book.
86 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2021
A Good Read

I like the writing in this series. It has a nice flow to it and I am interested in seeing where the story goes. Can't wait for book 3.
36 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2021
Full of action

Love the new connections the hero makes. Can’t wait to see what else is to come and new people they meet.
38 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2021
A fun read!

If you enjoy gamelit and isekai, then this fun series is a great way to great way to spend an afternoon savoring both!
38 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2021
Great series so far

It's a great series. Only similar to shield hero in general and moves away from it quickly. Great read for lit rpg and isekai.
266 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2021
Great book.

Light on stats but overall a fun read. Plot is a fun one in this series as the false hero makes his way around being the bad guy (but not a bad guy) the enchanting porting was cool to read about so I hope he delves into that more. Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Sean.
136 reviews
September 3, 2021
Fun light novel

The plot isn’t anything new but the execution is excellent. I enjoy all the characters and their thought processes. It’s a great story
586 reviews
January 1, 2023
building nicely

The story is progressing and the team gets larger. The characters are improving as the author gets more comfortable writing this story which is often not case with new authors or new series. Enjoying the storyline so far as the highly conflicted MC continues to to fight for goodish reasons. I think Arnie would be happy with the body count.
1 review
September 2, 2021
As good as the first volume

Another great book by this author, follows right behind the first volume, I can't wait for the next volume to come out
Profile Image for Michael Burnett.
1,265 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2021
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 Anthony Milton.
198 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2021
Entertaining

I’ve really enjoyed watching Lutz grow as a character and mags over the course of the series.I can’t wait for his and Laya’s confrontation with the other Heroes.
375 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2021
solid book

This was a good read. The story progressed and the MC did grow a little. There are some new characters that join the team. I look forward to the dungeon dive.
559 reviews
September 8, 2021
Good

A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
298 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2021
Loved it

I am.very happy with this book. I hope v3 doesn't change the tone and style too much. It is an amazing western light novel.
36 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2022
A satisfying Sequel

With better pacing, more fights, new characters, and an ever-expanding plot scope, this volume truly helps the series grow from its Shield Hero comparisons in the first volume.

It's been a fun read, and I eagerly await the next.
4 reviews
March 28, 2022
Great

Loved this book, great read, can't wait till more are released, smiles all over while reading. Would definitely recommend this to others.
52 reviews
December 19, 2021
Building up the World.

Much better than the first book, and the first book was pretty good. His time around he tries to flesh out the world while emphasizing character development. Also he added a cat girl to the Loli harem, let's go!
Profile Image for Caleb.
92 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2022
The author did an amazing job at taking his time to describe the moments of life that are normally forgotten or not appreciated.

He was able to flush out the relaxation and emotional connection music can bring to one's life. I loved how he could bring out the beauty in everyday tasks like the rhythm of string a warm stew.

He also did a great job at progressing the MC's team and important connections for life in their unforgiving world.
5 reviews
January 19, 2022
This is such an amazing experience. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait until the third one
131 reviews
December 29, 2022
great read

Really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to read the next. Please keep the different perspectives short. I just worry you will start changing them too often.
Profile Image for Pablo García.
858 reviews22 followers
July 8, 2022
This author seems to use contradictions as a literary device. I do not know if he is unaware of his contradictions, or is irrational and nonsensical on purpose. This author uses George Orwell's "Double-Speak", "Double-Think" and contradictions to confuse and convolute the main characters of this story with the antagonists (evil, corrupt and depraved "bad heroes and nobles").
Lutz, the main character, is a 30+ year old businessman that was teleported (isekai-ed) to this other world. When summoned by the Kingdom people, Lutz confesses and contradicts the nature of his summon, tells everybody that he has no martial arts training, no cultivation or magic abilities or skills, so the people in charge of the Summon, think that Lutz might be evil or a bad summon, and thus they start calling him the “False Hero”. Lutz is arrested and then continually tortured for an indefinite period of time. The nobles in the kingdom, the leading officers are mostly corrupt and depraved. The other three heroes summoned are not mistreated, but the author writes that these 3 other heroes are “evil” and they kill, torture and act like evildoers. Nobody understands why the Gods “choose people that do not act heroically”. During an attack in the Kingdom, Lutz is able to escape. From the moment he escapes, he tries to protect the poor and weak villagers, and finally learns to use and improve his magical powers, skills and abilities. He finds an Elf Girl, named Laya, being auctioned as a slave and then buys her (because he detects magical potential in her). So, an “incredibly candid” (and honest) (and was physically and emotionally tortured), Lutz, buys a slave, because “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”...It seems Lutz didn’t mind to keep by force another person (slave) and completely forgot what it felt like to be treated like a possession (while being captured and tortured).
So the author writes that the 3 other heroes are really villains and that Lutz “The False Hero” acts noble (protecting villagers, buying slaves, and killing off the people that mistreated him).
In this second volume, Lutz steals 2 more slaves (doesn’t ever free any of his slaves) named Alisha (Cat-girl) and Belle (human girl), because Lutz does not consider enslavement of other beings as something bad (because the author wrote it that way). Contradictions here, contradictions there, contradictions everywhere…
So the 3 other heroes are not really acting “heroically”. But neither is Lutz when buying and stealing slaves. So then everybody is bad? Everybody is rotten in this light novel series?
Lutz, is seeking revenge and to become powerful in this other world isekai-fantasy series (as main plot arcs). So Laya tells Lutz that in this other world there are “Dungeons” for Dungeon Delving. To become more powerful, delving is the quickest way to “level-up” even though the author has written several times that this is not a game-world.
So Lutz has a harem-retinue of little girl slaves. He is 30+ years old, so having underage girls under duress of slavery is not something that creates ethical conflicts for the author or main character? Lutz apparently does not statutory rape any of his slaves (yet) but he does force them against their will (to do things they do not want to do) (thanks to the slave rune placed on their necks). His three slaves willingly call him “Master” probably because of some kind of Stockholm syndrome variant, and a clear lack of ethical values by the author.
The usage of colored illustrations of high quality, include map updates of this other world. The only observation is that the style of the illustrations (of the characters in this novel series) is not constant, they do not have a central theme, so there are dark illustrations, kawai illustrations (as cute babies), as vector drawings and then as painted illustrations…Because of all the spectrum of illustrations, some of the characters look different (and not really themselves, especially in their “dark variants”).
Profile Image for Akshay.
846 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2024

The False Hero, Volume 2: A Sequel That Stumbles Under the Weight of Its Ambitions



Michael Plymel's The False Hero continues in Volume 2, promising epic battles, dark revelations, and escalating stakes. While it delivers moments of excitement, it ultimately falters under pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and predictable plot twists.



High Points:




Action-Packed Sequences: The book excels in its fight scenes, delivering vivid descriptions and dynamic choreography.
Intriguing Worldbuilding: The author expands upon the unique magic system and fantastical creatures, offering glimpses of a rich world.


Disappointments:




Uneven Pacing: The narrative drags in stretches, with repetitive dialogue and lengthy exposition.
Shallow Character Development: Characters remain largely one-dimensional, lacking emotional depth and meaningful growth.
Predictable Plot: Major twists and turns can be seen from a distance, leaving little room for surprise or suspense.


Overall: The False Hero, Volume 2 falls short of its potential. While it offers moments of action and intrigue, it's weighed down by a meandering plot and underdeveloped characters. Readers seeking a truly immersive and transformative fantasy experience might find themselves unfulfilled.


RISE OF THE FALSE HERO - The Slave Girl Raphtalia - Page 4 - Wattpad

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

2,557 reviews72 followers
September 1, 2021
Okay, this one takes some explaining.

The content feels fine, the overall writing is good. The flow, the dialogue, all that is fine. The breaks going from one perspective to another are well balanced and move the story along quite well. Here's the problem. A heroic character broken through betrayal is a tough thing to write. You are trying to get the right things done, but the motivation is difficult to produce. This is where it failed. The entire second city felt forced and predictable. The MC's reactions were like watching a tsundere in an anime. No one believes it. The "right" path is far to obvious and his actions do not feel legitimate. Character motivation is a delicate balance, and in this book, it felt off.
49 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2024
Good growth

---Spoilers---


Good growth in both the story and writing. I don't have much to say, besides it's good, except why did everyone seem to think he'll just hop to it and fight the "Chaos;" like do they think he will just forget he was tortured for months in that kingdom? Why would go along with the princess's plans to save the kingdom? I know most of the characters don't know what fully happened to him but I'm guaranteeing that the king and most of his advisors knew and the princess learned so are they just expecting it to just be "water under the bridge?"
I know he'll eventually save them, because it's already that type of story but the revenge part of the story seemed to fizzle out very quickly and pretty hard.
117 reviews
August 4, 2025
The author seemingly forgot his anti-hero has x5 XP bonus, no penalty for low level mobs and levels twice as fast on top of that, as his elven slave has almost caught up with him in levels. And as it's only been a couple days grinding and she's reached level 19, making her one of the more powerful heroes in the world, it's overall pretty silly.

Anyway, more slave garbage, lousy combats, mustache-twirling villains, really really dumb conversations, and everyone hating a guy who saved their village from monsters because somehow wanted posters from the king they hate made it to their town at the speed of light. It's all painfully stupid, but at least it doesn't spam you with BS random numbers like most LitRPG.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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