All the Skills 3: A Deck-Building LitRPG Audiobook – All the Skills, Book 3

On a gray, drizzly Saturday morning in Portland, with the soft patter of rain on my window and a mug of tea warming my hands, I slipped on my headphones and was swept away into the intricate world of “All the Skills 3: A Deck-Building LitRPG.” There’s something deeply comforting—and exhilarating—about being whisked into a universe where magical cards define your destiny and alliances with dragons shape your future. For me, as someone who spent childhood afternoons shuffling through decks of fantasy cards with friends, this audiobook felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

The story opens at a critical turning point for Arthur, now more than just a survivor—he’s become a Legendary card wielder bound to Brixaby, an irrepressible young dragon whose very presence injects equal parts humor and unpredictability into every scene. Their dynamic is as heartwarming as it is unpredictable; Brixaby is described by some readers as amusingly sociopathic (a characterization that made me laugh out loud at times), which keeps things lively even when danger looms.

What really drew me in this time around was the shift from personal survival to collective responsibility. When Arthur and Brixaby are transported to the Free Hive—a sanctuary untouched by blight but threatened from within—I found myself reflecting on what it means to guard not only oneself but also an entire community. That sense of duty resonated deeply; I’ve always been drawn to stories where characters must grow beyond their own concerns for the greater good. Watching Arthur wrestle with these responsibilities mirrored moments in my own life when stepping up for others changed me more than any solitary triumph ever could.

Honour Rae’s world-building continues to impress—the rules governing deck-building magic are not just clever game mechanics but metaphors for potential: each new skill or card acquired isn’t just about power, but growth and adaptability. As someone who loves both strategic games and character-driven tales, I relished how each encounter forced Arthur (and his listeners) to think several moves ahead.

Luke Daniels’ narration deserves special mention; his energetic yet nuanced delivery brings distinct voices to every character. He captures Brixaby’s impish wit without ever making him cartoonish, while giving Arthur an earnestness that grounds even the most fantastical moments. It’s one thing for a narrator to read; it’s another altogether when you feel like you’re living alongside these characters—the difference here is palpable.

If there was anything I missed in this installment, perhaps it was some quieter moments of reflection between action sequences—there were stretches where tension ran so high that I craved just a breath or two more space for emotional recovery before diving back in again. But honestly? This pacing mirrors real-life challenges: sometimes growth doesn’t wait until we feel ready.

“All the Skills 3” stands out not only for its inventive premise but also its deep sense of hope—that small beginnings (whether dragons or people) can lead to world-changing strength when nurtured well. The journey ends with plenty left unresolved (as any good series should!), leaving me eager—and impatient—for whatever comes next.

For fellow fans of progression fantasy who crave intricate systems alongside rich relationships, this book hits all the sweet spots—and then some.