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The False Hero #4
The False Hero, Volume 4
At long last, Lutz and his party have reached the far eastern edge of the Orakian Kingdom, just a day's walk from the elven border. However, during a quest to save a town, they find themselves close to one of the ancient labyrinths--a dungeon.
Monsters, traps, and treasure aren't the only things waiting for Lutz inside, and outside the dungeon, forces are beginning to gather. The Forsaken are appearing all over the region, and the local High Priest is determined to hunt them down. But not all is as it seems, both inside the dungeon and out.
Monsters, traps, and treasure aren't the only things waiting for Lutz inside, and outside the dungeon, forces are beginning to gather. The Forsaken are appearing all over the region, and the local High Priest is determined to hunt them down. But not all is as it seems, both inside the dungeon and out.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
About the author
Michael Plymel
22 books56 followersFor 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 17, 2022
This is fourth in a series that builds over time. I definitely recommend reading in order.
You definitely know what you're getting. I'm happy to say that Plymel handled a dungeon delve well. As in, the plot didn't screech to a halt and he skipped the right unimportant details.
Two things keep this from being five stars. One, I felt the addition of the vampire girl was a bit awkward. She doesn't quite fit into the team dynamic (at first, she does grow some interesting relationships with the other party members over time).
Second, I'm more than tired of Alisha's handicap. There was no movement on her curse in this story and it's starting to get intrusive all the measures they have to take to keep her viable in a battle. Plymel is right to highlight the effect on the power curve (because system architecture is part of the draw of LitRPG), but it needs to go. Or, at least, there needs to be some movement on figuring it out.
So yeah, four stars. Still enjoyable and definitely moving on to the next.
A note about Chaste: The harem aspect is more of a running joke, now, with Belle highlighting it as a tease. And Alisha underscoring with her enthusiastic energy. At least two of the party know they're in love, but are also aware of how they're way too young to make it a thing. No kissing, or even much yearning. So still very chaste.
You definitely know what you're getting. I'm happy to say that Plymel handled a dungeon delve well. As in, the plot didn't screech to a halt and he skipped the right unimportant details.
Two things keep this from being five stars. One, I felt the addition of the vampire girl was a bit awkward. She doesn't quite fit into the team dynamic (at first, she does grow some interesting relationships with the other party members over time).
Second, I'm more than tired of Alisha's handicap. There was no movement on her curse in this story and it's starting to get intrusive all the measures they have to take to keep her viable in a battle. Plymel is right to highlight the effect on the power curve (because system architecture is part of the draw of LitRPG), but it needs to go. Or, at least, there needs to be some movement on figuring it out.
So yeah, four stars. Still enjoyable and definitely moving on to the next.
A note about Chaste: The harem aspect is more of a running joke, now, with Belle highlighting it as a tease. And Alisha underscoring with her enthusiastic energy. At least two of the party know they're in love, but are also aware of how they're way too young to make it a thing. No kissing, or even much yearning. So still very chaste.
January 21, 2024
The False Hero, Volume 4 by Michael Plymel
Rating: ⭐ (1/5)
Review:
Rating: ⭐ (1/5)
Review:
Plot:
The False Hero, Volume 4 plunges further into the abyss of predictability and narrative despair. Plymel's attempt at crafting a compelling plot is akin to a stumble through a well-trodden path, where every twist is telegraphed, and every revelation lands with a thud of disappointment.
Character Devolution:
The characters, if they can be called that, continue their descent into caricature. Plymel's lackluster attempt at character development leaves the reader with protagonists devoid of any semblance of depth. The false hero remains as unconvincing as ever, a mere puppet in a narrative puppet show lacking nuance or authenticity.
Prose and Style:
Plymel's prose is a cacophony of cliches and uninspired phrasing. Dialogue reads like a collection of poorly written fortune cookies, delivering banal wisdom with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Any attempt at eloquence is drowned in the sea of mediocrity that permeates the narrative.
World-building:
The so-called world Plymel attempts to construct is a patchwork quilt of tired tropes and uninspired landscapes. Any potential for a unique setting is suffocated by the author's reluctance to venture beyond the boundaries of fantasy convention. The world of The False Hero remains as false as its titular character.
Conclusion:
The False Hero, Volume 4 by Michael Plymel is a testament to the perils of uninspired storytelling. With a plot as predictable as the rising sun and characters as compelling as cardboard cutouts, this installment adds nothing but disappointment to an already lackluster series. Plymel's narrative missteps serve as a stark reminder that some heroes, even false ones, are better left unsung.
April 2, 2022
Pure fun reading
I ran out of works trying to express my enjoyment and reading this series. This book is just as good As it's predecessors even with the slave change in tone. As the author stated the less pressure atmosphere allowed Lutz to grind, relax And grow a bit. Of course nothing is so simple in the world of the false hero. This of course translates to trouble finding him Or perhaps the truth of him not allowing misdeeds to happen around him. Lutz, as usual goes to any length to improve the lives of the people around him even at the cost of his own reputation. He has taken the ability to throw oneself "under the bus" to a divine level skill. In his adventures and misadventures in this episode Lutz acquires yet another lady. This one is even more interesting and carries even more stigma than the others. His battle group/harem Is now completely rounded with all the representatives of the four races that follow the goddess. He is indeed a collector Not just of Races but unique skills. I look forward to the next book with considerable glee and enthusiasm.
I ran out of works trying to express my enjoyment and reading this series. This book is just as good As it's predecessors even with the slave change in tone. As the author stated the less pressure atmosphere allowed Lutz to grind, relax And grow a bit. Of course nothing is so simple in the world of the false hero. This of course translates to trouble finding him Or perhaps the truth of him not allowing misdeeds to happen around him. Lutz, as usual goes to any length to improve the lives of the people around him even at the cost of his own reputation. He has taken the ability to throw oneself "under the bus" to a divine level skill. In his adventures and misadventures in this episode Lutz acquires yet another lady. This one is even more interesting and carries even more stigma than the others. His battle group/harem Is now completely rounded with all the representatives of the four races that follow the goddess. He is indeed a collector Not just of Races but unique skills. I look forward to the next book with considerable glee and enthusiasm.
April 23, 2022
Ohhh what a fun world of magic and fantasy !!
If you are anything like me a fifty something person who has loved manga, anime, and light novels for more than 25 years you will truly enjoying being teleported to this world of magic 🪄 and fantasy. The underdog hero works hard to help the “good” people of his new world. I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 day vacation while devouring the first four book in this series. I’m now anxiously awaiting and have bookmarked my calendar for the fifth edition in the series.
If you are anything like me a fifty something person who has loved manga, anime, and light novels for more than 25 years you will truly enjoying being teleported to this world of magic 🪄 and fantasy. The underdog hero works hard to help the “good” people of his new world. I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 day vacation while devouring the first four book in this series. I’m now anxiously awaiting and have bookmarked my calendar for the fifth edition in the series.
April 1, 2022
At this point you can see that the author has a good handle on the material.
The pace of the story and the character's individual narrative has really smoothed out and developed it's own feel. Add in the art, very cute by the way, and this has a very Anime vibe. I think this next arc will have definite over-story reveals, just you want and see.
The pace of the story and the character's individual narrative has really smoothed out and developed it's own feel. Add in the art, very cute by the way, and this has a very Anime vibe. I think this next arc will have definite over-story reveals, just you want and see.
April 3, 2022
Another great addition to the series
Another great addition to the series! I like the characters development and traveling in this one. Definitely worth reading, and excited for book 5!!!
Another great addition to the series! I like the characters development and traveling in this one. Definitely worth reading, and excited for book 5!!!
April 21, 2022
Entertaining Read
Lutz and his posse find a dungeon and grind out levels and points thus getting stronger. He finds out that the high priest is cursing ordinary people and then executing them as heretics. He will not allow this to stand. Power up, anger, and teamwork ensue as the group battles to put a stop to this. He also picks up a Vampire girl for the group. Thus, all four races are now involved in the crew. I like the action, humor, and banter. I look forward to the next book.
Lutz and his posse find a dungeon and grind out levels and points thus getting stronger. He finds out that the high priest is cursing ordinary people and then executing them as heretics. He will not allow this to stand. Power up, anger, and teamwork ensue as the group battles to put a stop to this. He also picks up a Vampire girl for the group. Thus, all four races are now involved in the crew. I like the action, humor, and banter. I look forward to the next book.
April 4, 2022
Awesome
Another great book love the story and the nice solid flow of it and the characters and thier progression along with some of the new faces
Another great book love the story and the nice solid flow of it and the characters and thier progression along with some of the new faces
April 8, 2022
Love the series
It is good to find a MC who can change his persona to achieve different goals. Can't wait for more.
It is good to find a MC who can change his persona to achieve different goals. Can't wait for more.
August 7, 2022
It's fine but my interest is waning. It wouldn't surprise me to see ten more books in this series, like the episodes of a TV show.
April 19, 2022
Another Great Entry!
It continues the story of Lutz and crew and provides some good answers to questions I had regarding some enemies that appeared in the previous volume, I won't say which to prevent spoilers, but I am very much enjoying the worldvuilding and the hints to a much larger plot and reasoning for the Goddess' absence and presence.
It continues the story of Lutz and crew and provides some good answers to questions I had regarding some enemies that appeared in the previous volume, I won't say which to prevent spoilers, but I am very much enjoying the worldvuilding and the hints to a much larger plot and reasoning for the Goddess' absence and presence.
March 1, 2023
Balanced
This is the 4th book in the series, but my 1st review of them.
NO SPOLIERS
This is both a typical isekai style story with a more western vibe to it I find it to be more enjoyable then some of the others in this genre there is a balance to the way that it is written that is captivating and makes you not want to put it down.
I will point out that unlike alot of light novels/ manga the pictures are all in colour something that I only noticed is this volume as i read some on my phone I have an older paperwhite kindle so didn't notice this before it adds another dimension to the book and the art work is very good.
I would put the age range at maybe 13+ due to some aspects of the storyline (that's for the series in general, not this book) I gave this books and the 3 before it 4* and I look forward to reading the next
It would also I believe make an amazing anime hats off to the writer and a big thank you to
This is the 4th book in the series, but my 1st review of them.
NO SPOLIERS
This is both a typical isekai style story with a more western vibe to it I find it to be more enjoyable then some of the others in this genre there is a balance to the way that it is written that is captivating and makes you not want to put it down.
I will point out that unlike alot of light novels/ manga the pictures are all in colour something that I only noticed is this volume as i read some on my phone I have an older paperwhite kindle so didn't notice this before it adds another dimension to the book and the art work is very good.
I would put the age range at maybe 13+ due to some aspects of the storyline (that's for the series in general, not this book) I gave this books and the 3 before it 4* and I look forward to reading the next
It would also I believe make an amazing anime hats off to the writer and a big thank you to
July 7, 2023
Good book
I can not wait till I read the next book. I know its going to be great thank you for the book
I can not wait till I read the next book. I know its going to be great thank you for the book
October 20, 2022
oooopf this one was rough
I have been struggling with this series, as it has most of the problems of the incel isekai escapist fantasies. The main character hanging out with _young_ girls who all have feelings for him, with one looking to be ten But She’s 19! (Because they bring it up a bunch)
It hasn’t crossed a line but the former slave girl now loves the main character trope is in play.
Then for this volume we spend half of it in the most boring, poorly thought out dungeon out of the video games imaginable. Where the grinding Starts. And if you find grinding in video games dull, just imagine reading pages upon pages of the best strategy to grind this dungeon. This boring, illogical, embracing all the tropes of a bad video game (levers have to pulled in the right order a couple of times, Because Magic!)
I read it as part of kindle unlimited and it’s not a long or hard read. I wouldn’t Buy an issue and I am so close to just bailing on the whole series if some new ideas don’t get introduced soon. The characters are all powerful, so nothing threatens them unless it’s Supee all Powerful and then they need some Deus Ex or a battle in another issue.
I have been struggling with this series, as it has most of the problems of the incel isekai escapist fantasies. The main character hanging out with _young_ girls who all have feelings for him, with one looking to be ten But She’s 19! (Because they bring it up a bunch)
It hasn’t crossed a line but the former slave girl now loves the main character trope is in play.
Then for this volume we spend half of it in the most boring, poorly thought out dungeon out of the video games imaginable. Where the grinding Starts. And if you find grinding in video games dull, just imagine reading pages upon pages of the best strategy to grind this dungeon. This boring, illogical, embracing all the tropes of a bad video game (levers have to pulled in the right order a couple of times, Because Magic!)
I read it as part of kindle unlimited and it’s not a long or hard read. I wouldn’t Buy an issue and I am so close to just bailing on the whole series if some new ideas don’t get introduced soon. The characters are all powerful, so nothing threatens them unless it’s Supee all Powerful and then they need some Deus Ex or a battle in another issue.
September 11, 2023
The adventure continues
The machinations continue. Few things are as they seem with the false hero and his crew (they arent a harem because they are all OP children and no sex is involved). They right wrongs while taking the blame for things that were not their fault to protect the innocent.
Spoiler alert:
Lumina's father, the human king appears to be a pretty pathetic ruler since he went off half cocked and had Lutz put to the question with little actual investigation of the truth. It was more like a Monty Python & the holy grail witch trial, based on a sketchy interpretation of a prophecy. The 3 other summoned heros turned out to be villains, if not outright agents of chaos. He's losing power to a rival who has enrolled the 3 villianous anti-heros in his coup attempt. Meanwhile his competent children are restricted from learning how to make the best use of assets, while is youngest son is being seduced by his opponent. He's in way over his head and going down for the third time.
The machinations continue. Few things are as they seem with the false hero and his crew (they arent a harem because they are all OP children and no sex is involved). They right wrongs while taking the blame for things that were not their fault to protect the innocent.
Spoiler alert:
Lumina's father, the human king appears to be a pretty pathetic ruler since he went off half cocked and had Lutz put to the question with little actual investigation of the truth. It was more like a Monty Python & the holy grail witch trial, based on a sketchy interpretation of a prophecy. The 3 other summoned heros turned out to be villains, if not outright agents of chaos. He's losing power to a rival who has enrolled the 3 villianous anti-heros in his coup attempt. Meanwhile his competent children are restricted from learning how to make the best use of assets, while is youngest son is being seduced by his opponent. He's in way over his head and going down for the third time.
May 23, 2022
Not bad
This is not bad for the next book in the series but the series is beginning to drag. It is taken 3 1/2 books just to get to the elven lands. At this rate it’ll be another 10 to 20 books before anything of major significance happens in this world. Unfortunately this is one of the major drawbacks that happens when you base the title of your story on a fact that eventually it’s going to have to be overturned. So if you want to keep calling this the false hero then you have to manipulate the story in such a way that the fact would never come out that he was not the false hero. With that in mind you have to keep pushing off certain facts in the story so as not to let it come to a conclusion. Unfortunately that just makes the story becomes stale after a while and people lose interest in it. For now I’ll continue to read the novels as they come out but I’m already beginning to see the inevitable decline of the storyline just from this book
This is not bad for the next book in the series but the series is beginning to drag. It is taken 3 1/2 books just to get to the elven lands. At this rate it’ll be another 10 to 20 books before anything of major significance happens in this world. Unfortunately this is one of the major drawbacks that happens when you base the title of your story on a fact that eventually it’s going to have to be overturned. So if you want to keep calling this the false hero then you have to manipulate the story in such a way that the fact would never come out that he was not the false hero. With that in mind you have to keep pushing off certain facts in the story so as not to let it come to a conclusion. Unfortunately that just makes the story becomes stale after a while and people lose interest in it. For now I’ll continue to read the novels as they come out but I’m already beginning to see the inevitable decline of the storyline just from this book
July 28, 2022
In book 4 the team takes on a dungeon, going as high as they can. After that the team decide to go on vacation, heading to the small town of Renta which is well known for the hot springs there.
Things don't go to plan, and the book concludes with a big battle. I won't spoil who it is, but other than the dungeon it's the only piece of action in the entire book. Then they leave for Elven lands.
I'm still enjoying the series, but book 4 was too slow for me. The editing is fine, and Lutz and the girls are becoming better friends. So much so that the pictures are starting to creep me out, as they portray preteen girls instead of teens who might have an interest in 15 year old Lutz (or Rune, or John Locke).
4/5*
Things don't go to plan, and the book concludes with a big battle. I won't spoil who it is, but other than the dungeon it's the only piece of action in the entire book. Then they leave for Elven lands.
I'm still enjoying the series, but book 4 was too slow for me. The editing is fine, and Lutz and the girls are becoming better friends. So much so that the pictures are starting to creep me out, as they portray preteen girls instead of teens who might have an interest in 15 year old Lutz (or Rune, or John Locke).
4/5*
September 20, 2022
I am enjoying this overall, though with the caveat that not all people will be ok with how there seems to be a harem developing that's full of preteen and young teen girls. Previous books have joked about it, but it is a mild concern if it starts angling that way with any sense of seriousness. I mean, at the end of the day, our MC is a 33-year-old man even if he was reborn into the body of a 15-year-old.
I have a bit more tolerance for this sort of thing considering how much anime/manga I've consumed over the years. That and the books are pretty well-written with a solid structure. So those two things are keeping everything kosher for me at the moment.
I have a bit more tolerance for this sort of thing considering how much anime/manga I've consumed over the years. That and the books are pretty well-written with a solid structure. So those two things are keeping everything kosher for me at the moment.
January 5, 2023
The story is very Japanese light novel style
With the inclusion in the book of the obligatory swimsuit and hot springs like episodes often included in Japanese anime, the story really felt more like a Japanese translation than an original western style story, the non-sexual harem building also gives it that Japanese feel as the MC clumsily ignores the growing feelings the girls occasionally display. You can understand as the main characters are mid-teens that any romantic relations are delayed until they are considered adults to negate any potential reader backlash. Still enjoying the story as the threat level continues to increase.
With the inclusion in the book of the obligatory swimsuit and hot springs like episodes often included in Japanese anime, the story really felt more like a Japanese translation than an original western style story, the non-sexual harem building also gives it that Japanese feel as the MC clumsily ignores the growing feelings the girls occasionally display. You can understand as the main characters are mid-teens that any romantic relations are delayed until they are considered adults to negate any potential reader backlash. Still enjoying the story as the threat level continues to increase.
December 16, 2022
This book takes a break from the main story to explore a dungeon, I’m afraid I found this became boring quite quickly. I was beginning to get a bit concerned the author was just padding out the story just to produce more books.
One of the problems I have with fantasy series, especially those based on RPGs is the authors just keep adding more and more levels, spells, artefacts etc until everything just becomes ridiculously powerful. This causes more problems trying to maintain any sort of consistency in how they are all applied.
One of the problems I have with fantasy series, especially those based on RPGs is the authors just keep adding more and more levels, spells, artefacts etc until everything just becomes ridiculously powerful. This causes more problems trying to maintain any sort of consistency in how they are all applied.
July 2, 2022
False Hero, the Actual Truth
Lutz gains a new member to his party ans she is a real Blood- Sucker, evil spirit too.
As a team and before they take a vacation break, decide to beat a dungeon that even a lot of true adventurers die every year.
While on vacation at a hot-spring spa, that Lutz creates, they take on a Church to the Blessed Goddess, but run by a demon.
Great read! Can't believe only 1 book left in the series.
Read in 2 days
Lutz gains a new member to his party ans she is a real Blood- Sucker, evil spirit too.
As a team and before they take a vacation break, decide to beat a dungeon that even a lot of true adventurers die every year.
While on vacation at a hot-spring spa, that Lutz creates, they take on a Church to the Blessed Goddess, but run by a demon.
Great read! Can't believe only 1 book left in the series.
Read in 2 days
April 12, 2022
If you've read this far you know what you're getting here. I found my attention wandering during some of the fighting bits, as they seemed drawn out. It ends on quite a cliff-hanger, but we'll see if I remain sufficiently invested to read the next one.
It is a bit too YA and anime trope-ish for me, but I am probably (significantly) older than the target demographic so YMMV.
It is a bit too YA and anime trope-ish for me, but I am probably (significantly) older than the target demographic so YMMV.
April 22, 2024
Predictable but fun!
Delivers a fairly typical Isekai story, but the characters are well developed and fun to read. As confusing as it was in previous books, I'm beginning to enjoy the changing points of view, as the characters are becoming much more varied in personality, making the tone of the different chapters more unique.
Delivers a fairly typical Isekai story, but the characters are well developed and fun to read. As confusing as it was in previous books, I'm beginning to enjoy the changing points of view, as the characters are becoming much more varied in personality, making the tone of the different chapters more unique.
July 25, 2022
Just keeps getting better!
Quite frankly, this is an enthralling tale. It is NOT a typical harem story, yet once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. Truly a novel well worth reading.
Quite frankly, this is an enthralling tale. It is NOT a typical harem story, yet once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. Truly a novel well worth reading.
September 29, 2022
More questions and no answers, BUT THATS A GOOD THING
This book set up more questions in such a fun way. Giving more things to chew on. This was a super fun read. They encounter their first strong for they cannot defeat even after leveling up. Well balanced and super fun
This book set up more questions in such a fun way. Giving more things to chew on. This was a super fun read. They encounter their first strong for they cannot defeat even after leveling up. Well balanced and super fun
September 29, 2024
continuing a great series….
I’ve really come to enjoy this series and the adventures of Lutz and his ever growing harem. It is a joy and pleasure to read! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I’ve really come to enjoy this series and the adventures of Lutz and his ever growing harem. It is a joy and pleasure to read! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
April 5, 2022
Not good
The story seems flat with no emotion or pep!! The MC is not to my liking at all,not very real even for this type of book
The story seems flat with no emotion or pep!! The MC is not to my liking at all,not very real even for this type of book
April 9, 2022
The harem grows
This part of the story focuses on two parts, the first dungeon crawl and rebuilding the town of Resta. The second half in town was my preferred storyline but ymmv.
This part of the story focuses on two parts, the first dungeon crawl and rebuilding the town of Resta. The second half in town was my preferred storyline but ymmv.
May 8, 2022
Always a satisfying read
A nice homespun alternative to Rising Of The Shield Hero. Love the revenge fantasy genre. Can’t wait for volume 5!
A nice homespun alternative to Rising Of The Shield Hero. Love the revenge fantasy genre. Can’t wait for volume 5!
May 20, 2022
Continued to deliver
When I started this series I expected a slightly tropey power fantasy, I'm self-aware enough to know what I like. This is that and as expected I like it.
When I started this series I expected a slightly tropey power fantasy, I'm self-aware enough to know what I like. This is that and as expected I like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews