This book surprised me in more ways than just one. It wasn't as romance-y as I thought it'd be, but I still fell completely in love with Orla, Cass, The Brood and others.

Orla was a great main character, selfless, smart and so so caring. Seeing her finally finding time for herself and allowing her wishes and desires to matter was a beautiful sight. Sometimes letting go of the past and moving forward are hard things to do, but this book and its characters showed me that everything is possible if you have good people beside you and believe in yourself.

Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for this ARC.

Orla is content. She literally doesn’t want for more - at least not for herself.
This is odd, isn’t it, for a teenager in her final year of school? So the minute this is out in the book, you know something is off. Which teenager wants life to stay as it is?well, Orla. She’s got all the people she loves safely around her. What an odd thing to think - indeed.
There’s more than a few odd things in the opening chapter and they all drew me in. Staying far away from spoilers, part of what fascinated me is the backstory of Orla: she, her five siblings and their mother met their current housemates “semi-sibs” in a shelter. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book dealing with shelters, and lots of implications I’ve in my privileged life never considered, without it being meant to be a sad story.
This book is far from a sad story. Orla, let me repeat, is content. Yes, they’re on benefits, yes both mums work two jobs, yes siblings/ children will fight (particularly, or so I imagine, if there’s not a quiet or private space in the house) but we’re shown a loving, functional family where everyone who can, is helping to make it work.

So this is the setting, and I’m loving Orla for it. Her semi-sib and best friend Roks is looking forward to going to university after school, and/ but she tries to persuade Orla to also consider options. Roks finds Orla a 2 week course acting, and lo and behold, Orla gets chosen for this.

Marketed as a romance (YA), during these acting classes the scene is set (did you see what I did there?). There’s a stunning boy, there’s a bitchy girl, there might even be a ghost in this old theatre.
Equally fascinating -and important- though, is how Orla is navigating the privilege gap. Orla has never been to the theatre. Has not been to the cinema even. She has never taken acting classes and has been accepted for talent, not as a result of years of training. After class she needs to dash for her bus back, and either way, spending money on a meal in a pub isn’t a given either.

Quickly her worth is seen by others, too and of course Orla needs to decide what it is she really wants to do with her own life.

Impressed how the author managed to balance it all, and the title is so well chosen.

Thank you NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the eARC in return for my honest review

This was on the one hand a really sweet romance and I loved all the theater stuff, but dealt won the other hand with lots of serious topics as well such as domestic violence. For three quarters of the book I was really confused by all the names and characters introduced, Sadly even in the end I still couldn't keep all of them straight.

This book was pretty cute. It definitely made me want to check out the other book by this author set in this universe. I like how the author portrays different disabilities. Overall it was pretty good.

Orla has always been the sidekick, never the star. But when she lands a spot in an elite drama program, suddenly she’s center stage—literally. The only problem? The world she’s stepped into is nothing like the one she’s used to. Surrounded by wealthy, experienced peers, juggling responsibilities at home, and facing the pressure of life-changing auditions, Orla is forced to question where she truly belongs.

Her journey is raw, emotional, and deeply relatable. The tension between wanting to chase her dreams and feeling obligated to protect her chosen family is something many will understand. Cass, the effortlessly charming drama boy, adds another layer of complexity—his flirtation offers excitement, but Orla’s path isn’t just about romance. It’s about learning to claim space, to demand more, and to believe she’s worthy of it.

What makes this novel shine is how authentically it captures ambition, self-doubt, and the difficult choices that come with growing up. The writing is sharp, the emotions feel real, and Orla’s struggles will stay with you long after the final page. This is a story not just about love, but about learning to value yourself, and it’s one that absolutely deserves a standing ovation.

This was a quick a read.
I first requested this ARC due to the synopsis and the cover of the book (I guess sometimes you can judge a book by its cover).

I'm giving it 4 stars because although it wasn't my favorite book I think that it's a sweet and light read for its intended audience/age group, which sadly was not me.
It was pretty hard for me to get into the book's main character, Orla, and her inner "monologues" but I did enjoy the family dynamics! If anything I would've loved to read a book fully on her coming-of-age and her blended family, focused on the "Before" and "After."

Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was afraid to come and look at the reviews of Not That Kind Of Hero and find a bunch of higher ratings, as mine isn't the best. When I applied to read this book, the first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful cover and the description made me curious to find out more about these characters, especially Orla.

However, as soon as I started reading it, I realised that this book wasn't going to make into the list of ‘memorable reads in 2025’. I was immediately confused, with too many characters being thrown in there, or rather their names, without a proper explanation of who they were. I supposed who was who, but not having that confirmation right from the start was difficult.

As the story progressed, I found myself getting annoyed with the main character for thinking and saying things out loud that were then repeated, in the same order of words, with the same words in a different order or with similar words. I felt like we weren't moving forward, even though we were.

I didn't connect with any of the main characters and their own stories, the writing wasn't my favourite as I felt like it was all over the place, which made my reading experience even more difficult. All in all, it wasn't an enjoyable read.

This was cute, but I’m just not the target audience. The cover art is gorgeous, though — definitely eye-catching.

The story follows Orla, who’s dealing with a tough family situation and has pretty much appointed herself as a Cinderella figure. When her sister lands her a spot in a drama course, Orla reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for her journey.

I really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t click for me. Orla is a complex protagonist, but I found it hard to connect with her. She was all over the place, and the constant complaining wore me down after a while.

That said, it has an exaggerated, over-the-top charm that I think will appeal to its intended readers. It just wasn't for me.

Dnf (10%)

Unfortunately Not That kind of Hero isn’t a book for me, and i knew it at the end of the first page..

Even if really liked the idea of the sidekick who takes control back on their live, but i couldn’t relate to the character of Orla, for the little i’ve read, she always tzlk down about herself.

But it was the writing for me that didn’t make me continue my reading. I found it to descriptive for me, which make it clumsy and not really structured.

Orla's Journey is a charming YA novel that combines two distinct storylines—Orla’s challenging family life and her experience at a drama school. The family aspect of the story is where the book truly shines, offering a heartfelt portrayal of Orla’s close-knit, albeit chaotic, household. Her relationship with her “semi-sister” Roks and their efforts to support their families is both heartwarming and relatable, resonating with themes of trust, family support, and self-discovery.

However, the drama school plotline doesn’t quite match the depth of the family dynamics. The characters at the workshop, including Orla’s love interest Cassian, come across as stereotypes, and the drama class scenes can feel repetitive. Orla’s clumsiness, while intended to be humorous, sometimes feels overdone, taking away from the more grounded and emotionally rich family moments.

Overall, Orla’s Journey offers a sweet and lighthearted read for its target audience, particularly younger readers, with a positive message about finding one’s path in life. The book shines in its portrayal of family and the internal struggles Orla faces but could have benefited from a more cohesive blend of both storylines. For readers who enjoy a mix of family drama and self-discovery, this book will be a delightful escape, though it may not resonate as strongly with those looking for a more mature or nuanced read.

It was cute, but I’m just not the target audience; this is very much a children’s book.

Orla has a very difficult family situation and she is a self-appointed Cinderella. To give her a break, her “semi-sister” finds a funded spot in a drama course for her, and Orla reluctantly agrees.

It was a story about a brave, hardworking and very talented girl, who succeeded despite her difficult circumstances. There was some usual teenage drama and a bit of a PG rated romance, but also real trauma that Orla needed to process. Her family situation and the way she was dealing with it was one of the most interesting parts of the book. What I also appreciated was the message that spotlight is not for everyone and it’s okay.

My twelve year old self would have probably loved this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is fun and punchy from the first page. And it feels incredibly young. Definitely the energy and vibe for the younger end of the YA spectrum. This is exactly the kind of book I'd have obsessed over when I was 15.

Well written, easy to read and to follow with what wasn't being said. A great read.

Not That Kind of Hero by Alexia Casale is a captivating and refreshing take on the superhero genre, offering readers a unique twist on the typical narratives of power and heroism. Casale’s novel centers around Max, a young protagonist who struggles with self-identity while navigating the complexities of being thrust into a world where expectations of heroism clash with personal vulnerability.

The novel’s strength lies in its portrayal of Max as a multifaceted character. He’s not the stereotypical hero—he’s flawed, uncertain, and deeply human, which makes his journey of self-discovery all the more compelling. Casale does an excellent job of exploring themes of mental health, personal growth, and the pressure to fit societal ideals, all while still maintaining an exciting and fast-paced plot.

The story challenges traditional notions of heroism, asking important questions about what it truly means to be a hero. Max’s experiences reflect a nuanced understanding of strength—one that’s rooted not in physical power or grand gestures, but in resilience, empathy, and the courage to confront one’s own limitations. This exploration adds emotional depth to what could otherwise be a typical superhero tale.

While the pacing is generally brisk and engaging, some readers might find the book’s handling of certain themes to be a bit predictable. Nonetheless, Not That Kind of Hero is a heartfelt and thought-provoking story that speaks to anyone who has ever struggled with the pressure of being something they’re not.

Overall, Alexia Casale’s novel is a heartwarming and introspective journey that is both fun and meaningful. It’s a refreshing take on the superhero genre that resonates deeply with readers, particularly those who appreciate stories that emphasize the importance of personal growth over grandiosity.

Ugh I wish I loved this more, but sadly it fell flat for me. There were two step my stories here, but sadly they couldn’t connect together without the MC being the only reason they were intwined. The family dynamic and story was really the part I enjoyed and connected with the most, but the Drama Class piece was not relevant enough to truly add much to the story.

As a lover of contemporary romance and I can see this being a big hit. The hero aspects are fun and the drama is so over the top

A hero is someone who can be admired for their courage or achievements, possibly has superhuman qualities and maybe goes from zero to hero.

As we all know, heroes don’t all wear capes or snazzy outfits, rescue people from burning buildings or otherwise save the day. Some work quietly and diligently in the background for the good of their blended family where money is always tight. That’s Orla. However, Roks her ‘semi-sib’, has plans for her and persuades her to apply for a funded place at the Sienna Leighton Theatrical Intensive. Nobody is more surprised than Orla to be offered a place especially as her application tells of a typical day in their chaotic, crowded household. Will Orla find a cape or will she be a different kind of hero?

I’m a long way from the target audience of this YA novel, but I think it will appeal to someone of late teen years. You get two stories for the price of one with Orla’s family situation which though it’s a lively household which is colourfully described, it’s not dysfunctional as Roks and Orla pull together to help their respective mums and there’s a good message there. Then there are Orla’s internal struggles, her lack of trust and confidence which some teens will probably relate to.

There are a lot of characters and inevitably some are not especially well fleshed out as they’re snapshots, but there’s just enough to picture them. Some I feel are stereotypes especially at the drama school but equally these types of girls are everywhere. I do like Ola although I think the author overdoes her disasters and clumsiness. Now, I’m clumsy but even I don’t fall over with the regularity of Orla. Her new friend in Cassian with his twinkly aquamarine eyes is a lovely person. He has charm, he is kind and learns from his mistakes.

The scenes at the theatre are enjoyable with interesting dynamics, a different take on a Shakespeare character and there’s even a ghostly element. However, it’s also repetitive and becomes a bit much. I like the ending which is heartwarming with a positive message of finding your way through life and it’s challenges.

Overall, it’s entertaining in an exaggerated kind of way which should appeal to the readers it’s designed for. The cover art is very good.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber well for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Orla has a warm but chaotic home life consisting of both family and found family. She has become accustomed to putting her own ambitions aside until she is awarded a funded place on a two week intensive theatre course over the Christmas break. The others on the course have a lot more acting experience than her and a lot fewer responsibilities at home so initially she feels like an outsider and struggles to see how she fits in with the group. Can Cass really be flirting with her or does he act that way around everyone?

Not That Kind of Hero is a sweet YA romance; a story about learning to trust and finding your role in life. This book will appeal to younger teens.

Alexia Casale’s Not That Kind of Hero is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, ambition, and the delicate balance between familial duty and personal dreams. Centred around Orla, an underdog protagonist with a relatable blend of determination and insecurity, the story captures the challenges of stepping out of the shadows and embracing the spotlight.

Orla’s journey begins with her acceptance into an elite drama course—a rare opportunity that offers a chance to prioritise her own aspirations. However, her working-class background and family responsibilities set her apart from her wealthy, seasoned peers, creating a tension that is both poignant and authentic. Casale portrays Orla’s struggle to fit in with grace, showing the grit it takes to navigate an environment where she’s constantly reminded of her differences.

The romance with Cass, a charming and humorous fellow student, adds warmth to the narrative without overshadowing Orla’s personal growth. Their interactions are engaging and heartfelt, providing moments of lightness and connection amid the pressures Orla faces.

What stands out most is the novel’s emotional core. The dilemma Orla faces—whether to prioritise her chosen family or herself—is handled with nuance, making her journey deeply resonant. The drama world backdrop is richly detailed, and the stakes of the life-changing auditions feel palpably high, adding layers of tension to the story.

Casale’s writing style is smooth and engaging, perfectly suited to the YA romance genre. The pacing is well-judged, allowing the characters and their relationships to develop organically. Orla’s growth from a sidelined sidekick to someone who claims her own narrative is both inspiring and satisfying.

For readers looking for a blend of romance, personal growth, and authentic emotional stakes, Not That Kind of Hero delivers beautifully. It’s a touching reminder that stepping into the spotlight requires courage—and that being a hero sometimes means putting yourself first.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

The story starts off really promisingly. I could not help feeling related to Orla at first as I too am never the hero type. But then it all gets all too much. I wish someone would tell her that not just heroes get happy endings and that there is joy to be discovered on the way too.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.

Honestly, I wanted to love this book, but I got major self-pitying vibes from Orla. Things are good-bad with Orla's family; Orla views herself as the sidekick and never the hero. Orla wants to be there for all her siblings, including the ones that are not related to her by blood, and her mom.

And then Roks found an "intensive-drama" program that she thinks Orla will love; Orla claims she doesn't want Roks butting into her life and should leave her alone; next thing we know, Orla accepts going to the intensive and suddenly falls in love with the program.

There was a distinction between Orla with her family and Orla with the drama people; there was nothing connecting these two stories; it was as if the author was talking about two different people, and let's not even talk about the love story in this. 😩

I actually tried really hard to read this book to the end because I was hoping for a better ending, but I was disappointed. How I so desperately wished Orla and Cass didn't happen. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Thank you for the e-ARC.