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.

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.

3 stars.

The premise and title were the main reasons this book caught my attention. While the plot was solid, I think I would have been completely enamored with it if I were younger.

If you’re still a fan of YA and highschool stories, this one is definitely worth checking out.

As a fellow theatre kid, i was so excited for this story, but I could sadly not get into it.

Orla was a complex main character, but I could not connect with her whatsoever. She was all over the place and the constant complaining and moaning really got on my last nerve.
The writing was also all over the place, felt clumsy at times and I would have loved to see some of the characters more fleshed out than they were.

I did enjoy the two seperate storylines and also the discussion of family issues, growing up and the different challenges we all faced at one point as a young adult.
The romance aspect of the book was also heartfelt and cute!

I do believe this book would be a great fit for passionate YA readers, maybe newer readers with a soft spot for theatre and drama clubs, that look for an easy quick read.

Thank you to Faber for my copy. In this heartfelt book, we journey alongside Orla, a resilient young woman who has navigated significant challenges during her childhood, including living with a violent father and a mother who has endured much. Their courageous escape to a domestic abuse shelter opens the door to a nurturing environment, allowing them to find stability with another mother-daughter duo. Throughout her story, Orla demonstrates a deep commitment to her family, often prioritizing their needs.

When Orla is presented with the exciting opportunity to join an intensive drama course, she experiences a compelling internal struggle between pursuing her passion and supporting her loved ones. Surrounded by talented performers, she not only shines by sharing new perspectives and offers assistance to others. This internal conflict adds depth to the narrative and encourages readers to reflect on the balance between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities.

Orla's journey is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices many make for family, highlighting the strength found in love and loyalty. While I occasionally found some aspects of the plot a bit challenging to navigate and struggled to connect with certain characters, the overall themes of the story are thought-provoking and inspiring. This exploration of personal sacrifice and the complexities of familial relationships offers valuable insights worth contemplating.

#BookJourney #Resilience #FamilySacrifice #DramaCourse #HeartfeltNarrative #LoveAndLoyalty #InspiringStory #DomesticAbuseSurvival #PersonalAspirations #ThoughtProvokingThemes

The rating I gave this book seems a bit harsh, even in my own mind, but it was a pretty ordinary book; not terrible or unreadable, certainly not amazing or earth shattering.
I think my problem is that there were two different stories, one about Orla and her family and the other about Orla and the Drama Workshop. The only thing connecting them was Orla and that just wasn’t enough. Honestly either one of the stories on its own with the other part included simply as a plot point would have been more enjoyable. In this book they were both included as equally important and, for me at least, it didn’t work. I felt like I was reading two separate books. They even felt as if they were written differently.

I enjoyed the story of Orla and her family more than the Drama Class bit. The characters in the family part were more alive and interesting. There was enough material (The Before, the two blended families, Orla’s interest in studying drama) to make it a complete book. The Drama Workshop part had flat characters that could have come out of any recent middle grade book. It didn’t help that I could never see what Orla saw in Cass that so completely consumed her. He seemed boring and self-obsessed. The ‘mean girl’ of this part, Pandora, wasn’t even all that mean. With a lot of work this part though, could also have been a complete book.

So, for me, it was an ordinary book. Not one I would go out of my way to read.

Alexia Casale delivers a beautifully crafted romance novel that perfectly captures the essence of young adult fiction. The story, filled with relatable characters and a compelling plot, draws readers into a world where love and personal growth intertwine seamlessly.

Orla has experience of living with a violent Father and her Mother has suffered. Thankfully the first time violence was shown towards one of the children she ensured they all left swiftly, seeking sanctuary in a domestic abuse shelter. There they met another Mother and daughter and they all set up home together. Life had been a struggle at first, but soon stability was restored. This had relied upon the 2 elder daughters helping a lot around the house and with the younger siblings whilst their mothers worked multiple jobs.
So Orla was accustomed to putting the needs of others before her own. When she is given the chance of an intensive drama course to pursue her interest in drama she is in two minds because of the interruption to her normal mode of offering help.
But despite her fellow performers being very experienced it is Orla who picks up on new angles to plays and who sees how others can improve, so she ends up helping others yet again.
This new taste of life is in stark contrast to her home life and creates some tension in both, but does Orla deserve to want things for herself? Orla finds herself torn in two by an impossible choice. Should she make life easier for her family, or herself?
This will possibly be an eye opener for many readers who surely contribute far less to the home situation than Orla is doing, but the dilemmas she faces are expertly conveyed in this well-written novel.