Super Short Summary

The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa is set in the Leoncio Prado Military Academy in Lima, Peru, where a group of cadets known as “The Circle” attempts to steal an exam. When the thief is revealed by Ricardo, he is killed during a training exercise. An investigation into the academy uncovers corruption, but the cadets face repercussions for exposing these issues, and ultimately, justice is not served. The book includes themes of violence, systemic corruption, and betrayal.