Dungeon Crawler Carl meets Dragon Age in the bestselling LitRPG humorous fantasy adventure series AN UNEXPECTED HERO - in print and as a Light Novel for the very first time with AN UNEXPECTED HERO (Light Novel) Vol. 1 from Aethon & Vault!

Come for the adventure. Stay for the laughs.

Some men are born heroes. Others have heroism thrust upon them…

Sorry... Really? Thrust? Anyway, Danny Kendrick was a down-on-his luck performer who always struggled to find his place. He certainly never wanted to be a hero. He just hoped to earn a living doing what he loved.

That all changes when he pisses off the wrong guy and gets sucked into a fantasy realm straight out of a Renaissance Fair.

Getting used to a new world is tough. It’s even tougher when you’re surrounded by axe-wielding barbarians, super hot elf assassins, strange magic, and a System AI that seems as interested in causing trouble as helping... or maybe just wasn't interested in being assigned yet another companion in the first place.

Danny must adapt fast, turn on the charm, and learn to embrace his given Class if he hopes to master it and survive this dangerous new place.

But he has a knack for finding trouble. Gifted what seems like an innocent ancient lute after making a questionable deal with a Hag, Danny becomes the target of mysterious factions who seek to claim its power.

It's up to him, Screenie, and his new barbaric friend, Curr, to uncover the truth and become the heroes nobody knew they needed. And maybe, just maybe, Danny will finally find a place where he belongs. Perhaps, even where he'll thrive.

Jump into this fantasy isekai LitRPG Adventure Light Novel filled with unforgettable characters, loveable companions, unlikely heroes, slice-of-life elements, and plenty of laughs. Perfect for fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl, Off to be the Wizard, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves, and Kings of the Wyld!

An Unexpected Hero (Light Novel) Vol. 1-3 narrative corresponds to the bestselling An Unexpected Hero, Book 1 eBook from Aethon Books.

Praise for An Unexpected Hero (the eBook bestseller and 2024 BIBA® LitRPG Winner):

• "Is it funny? No. It's absolutely hilarious!"—Matt Dinniman, author of Dungeon Crawler Carl
• "A fun and musical take on isekai LitRPG. I'm loving it!"—J.M. Clarke, author of Mark of the Fool
• "Brimming with bardic wit, barbarian charm, and bloody good times!" —Sebastien de Castell, award-winning author of The Greatcoats.
• "A rollicking good time, and now I know where my ulna is."—Eric Ugland, author of The Good Guys
• "The story begins when the MC is isekai'd for playing a Diana Ross song. Respect. This is my jam!" —Honour Rae, author of All the Skills
• "This has a ton of heart! It reads like best friends playing DnD all weekend long."— Shami Stovall, author of Knightmare Arcanist
• "I read it. I enjoyed it. Intricate and detailed, I can't wait to see where it goes next!"—Selkie Myth, author of Beneath the Dragoneye Moons
• "A hilarious read fueled by a lovable crew of misfits. Reluctant heroes rule!"—Ryan Rimmel, author of Noobtown
• "I have a cameo in this book. I did not ask for one. Nor was I asked about this quote."—Zogarth, author of The Primal Hunter
• "Fun, Adventurous, and heartwarming."—Valerios, author of Road to Mastery
• "I read for fun and enjoyment, and this story hits the spot in a big way! There's a hefty dose of humor, mild mayhem, and enjoyable interplay between the two main characters."—The Walrus King, author of Tunnel Rat
• "Bruno and Castle deliver plenty of action, lots of laughs, and a bard and barbarian bromance for the ages." —James Osiris Baldwin, author of Dragon Seed

About Light Novels from Aethon & Vault:

All Aethon & Vault Light Novels are based on mega-bestselling LitRPG and Progression Fantasy eBooks published by trailblazing digital Science Fiction and Fantasy publisher, Aethon Books.

If you’ve read and enjoyed the Aethon eBooks, Aethon & Vault light novels have kept everything you love about those eBooks – and upped the game. By dividing each original Aethon eBook into two to four Light Novel volumes, Aethon & Vault endeavors to enhance the reading experience by providing an easily-digestible print edition with illustrations and design details. Every Aethon & Vault light novel volume is produced in conjunction with and approved by the author/creator of the bestselling eBook.

Each Aethon & Vault light novel volume contains seven original, exclusive illustrations – in both full color and black and white - from some of the most talented manga artists and illustrators from around the world, while every page of the book is meticulously designed and embellished with never-before-seen elements taken directly from the narrative heart of the story.

If you’re already an existing fan and you’ve devoured the eBook, now is the time to grab the light novels in print format and widely distributed for the very first time! And if you’ve never read any of the bestselling eBooks, this is your opportunity to dive into the intersecting world of Light Novels, LitRPG, Progression Fantasy, Isekai, and Manga!

LIGHT NOVELS FROM AETHON & VAULT:

2024

The Primal Hunter (Light Novel) Vol. 1
My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror (Light Novel) Vol. 1

2025

Mark of the Fool (Light Novel) Vol. 1
Path of Ascension (Light Novel) Vol. 1
Road to Mastery (Light Novel) Vol. 1
Hell Difficulty Tutorial (Light Novel) Vol. 1
Reborn as a Demonic Tree (Light Novel) Vol. 1
The Primal Hunter (Light Novel) Vol. 2, Vol. 3
My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror (Light Novel) Vol. 2, Vol. 3

An Unexpected Hero (Light Novel) Vol. 1

Salvos (Light Novel) Vol. 1

Mark of the Fool (Light Novel) Vol. 2, Vol. 3

The Path of Ascension (Light Novel) Vol. 2, Vol. 3