Reluctant Heroes Trope
Find Reluctant Heroes Books
All Systems Red
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 1)
Written by Martha Wells
All Systems Red by Martha Wells introduces Murderbot, a security robot who hacked its governor module and just wants to watch shows. This Hugo-winning novella launches the beloved series with planetary survey danger, found family beginnings, and anxious robot charm.
Artificial Condition
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 2)
Written by Martha Wells
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells follows Murderbot investigating its mysterious past with help from a spaceship AI it calls "ART." This Hugo-winning sequel explores identity, trauma, and what happened during the incident that gave Murderbot its name.
Ashes of Man
The Sun Eater (Book 5)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Ashes of Man by Christopher Ruocchio escalates the Sun Eater saga as Hadrian Marlowe faces galaxy-shaking war, impossible choices, and the devastating cost of destiny.
Catching Fire
Hunger Games (Book 2)
Written by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins raises the stakes of The Hunger Games as rebellion ignites, propaganda tightens its grip, and survival becomes political warfare.
Demon in White
The Sun Eater (Book 3)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Demon in White by Christopher Ruocchio deepens the Sun Eater saga as Hadrian Marlowe embraces legend, warfare, and the terrifying cost of becoming humanity’s saviour.
Disquiet Gods
The Sun Eater (Book 6)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Disquiet Gods by Christopher Ruocchio deepens the Sun Eater saga as gods, empires, and ideals collide, forcing Hadrian Marlowe to face the ultimate cost of survival.
Empire of Silence
The Sun Eater (Book 1)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio introduces the Sun Eater saga, following Hadrian Marlowe as exile, ambition, and destiny ignite a tragic galactic legend.
Exit Strategy
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 4)
Written by Martha Wells
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells concludes the initial Murderbot Diaries arc as Murderbot faces decisions about its future and relationships. This Hugo-winning novella delivers action, emotional payoff, and exploration of what home means to an anxious rogue SecUnit.
Fireblood
The Frostblood Saga (Book 2)
Written by Elly Blake
Ruby destroyed the Frost King's throne and freed a kingdom. But the Minax she unleashed is tearing the world apart - and the answers lie in the land of the Firebloods she has never seen. Fireblood takes the saga to scorching new heights.
Frostblood
The Frostblood Saga (Book 1)
Written by Elly Blake
Ruby is a Fireblood in a kingdom ruled by frost - and her existence is a crime. When her mother is killed and rebel Frostbloods offer her a chance at revenge, she takes it. Frostblood is a fierce, fast-paced debut that burns bright.
Fugitive Telemetry
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 6)
Written by Martha Wells
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells follows Murderbot investigating a murder on Preservation Station. This standalone mystery shows Murderbot navigating station security, detective work, and the awkwardness of working with humans who want to be colleagues.
Howling Dark
The Sun Eater (Book 2)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Howling Dark by Christopher Ruocchio expands the Sun Eater saga as Hadrian Marlowe ventures beyond the Empire, facing alien war, isolation, and moral reckoning.
Kingdoms of Death
The Sun Eater (Book 4)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Kingdoms of Death by Christopher Ruocchio darkens the Sun Eater saga as Hadrian Marlowe endures horror, captivity, and the brutal reshaping of his destiny.
Mockingjay
Hunger Games (Book 3)
Written by Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins concludes The Hunger Games with a stark look at war, propaganda, and trauma - where survival gives way to moral reckoning.
Network Effect
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 5)
Written by Martha Wells
Network Effect by Martha Wells is the first full-length Murderbot novel, reuniting it with beloved characters while facing new threats. This Hugo-winning book expands scope with alien technology, deeper relationships, and Murderbot navigating what family means.
Nightblood
The Frostblood Saga (Book 3)
Written by Elly Blake
Ruby has survived tyrants and trials, fire and ice. But nothing has prepared her for what she truly is. Nightblood is the heart-pounding finale of Elly Blake's Frostblood Saga - where the price of saving the world may be Ruby's very soul.
Rogue Protocol
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 3)
Written by Martha Wells
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells follows Murderbot investigating corporate wrongdoing at an abandoned facility. This Hugo-winning novella delivers anxious robot charm, an unlikely bot companion, and continued exploration of autonomy, responsibility, and reluctant heroism.
Scythe
Arc of a Scythe (Book 1)
Written by Neal Shusterman
Scythe by Neal Shusterman is a dystopian YA novel where death is controlled by Scythes in a world without natural death. It follows Citra and Rowan as they navigate morality, power, and survival in a high-stakes, thought-provoking society.
Shadows Upon Time
The Sun Eater (Book 7)
Written by Christopher Ruocchio
Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio expands the Sun Eater universe with a reflective, time-spanning tale that deepens Hadrian Marlowe’s legend and legacy.
System Collapse
The Murderbot Diaries (Book 7)
Written by Martha Wells
System Collapse by Martha Wells continues Murderbot dealing with recent traumatic events while facing new threats. This 2023 novel explores processing trauma, malfunctioning under stress, and what happens when Murderbot's usual coping mechanisms fail.
The Hunger Games
Hunger Games (Book 1)
Written by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian survival novel where televised violence, propaganda, and power collide as one girl fights to stay alive.
The Toll
Arc of a Scythe (Book 3)
Written by Neal Shusterman
The Toll by Neal Shusterman concludes the Arc of a Scythe trilogy. Citra and Rowan face the ultimate moral and ethical choices as the Scythedom descends into chaos, exploring justice, sacrifice, rebellion, and the future of humanity under the all-seeing Thunderhead AI.
Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe (Book 2)
Written by Neal Shusterman
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman is the second book in the Arc of a Scythe series. Citra and Rowan face moral dilemmas and high-stakes conflicts in a world governed by the all-seeing Thunderhead AI, exploring power, justice, and human choice.
Unaffiliated Healer
Earthen Contenders (Book 4)
Written by Jonathan Brooks
Thaden is powerful - but no Guild wants him. The fourth book in Jonathan Brooks' Earthen Contenders series delivers dungeon-crawling LitRPG action with an overpowered solo healer forced to navigate a world of politics and raids.
Unbelievable Healer
Earthen Contenders (Book 6)
Written by Jonathan Brooks
The thrilling conclusion to Jonathan Brooks' Earthen Contenders series. Thaden faces his greatest challenge yet - saving an entire world - in this epic LitRPG isekai finale packed with progression, dungeons, and high stakes.
Undisguised Healer
Earthen Contenders (Book 3)
Written by Jonathan Brooks
Undisguised Healer by Jonathan Brooks continues Earthen Contenders as Thaden confronts the fallout of events at Forgestone, tackling SPECIAL Quests he never intended to trigger. This 2024 third installment delivers dungeon exploration, system changes, and escalating responsibility.
Unexpected Healer
Earthen Contenders (Book 1)
Written by Jonathan Brooks
Unexpected Healer by Jonathan Brooks follows Thaden, accidentally assigned a healer class with no offensive abilities after being transported to Tarth. This 2024 LitRPG isekai debut delivers unlimited mana, dungeon survival, overpowered support mechanics, and creative progression.
Unprepared Healer
Earthen Contenders (Book 2)
Written by Jonathan Brooks
Unprepared Healer by Jonathan Brooks continues Earthen Contenders as Thaden's identity is exposed, forcing him to flee Ashcleft whilst navigating a dangerous Contender ranking system. This 2024 sequel expands Tarth's world with new cities, system challenges, and escalating stakes.
Unrestrained Healer
Earthen Contenders (Book 5)
Written by Jonathan Brooks
Freed from Guild obligations, Thaden is finally unrestrained - but a growing threat to the world of Tarth may drag him back into the fight whether he likes it or not. Book 5 of Jonathan Brooks' Earthen Contenders LitRPG series.