Dukes and Ladders: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure Audiobook – The Good Guys, Book 5

I’ll admit, I hit play on “Dukes and Ladders: A LitRPG/ Gamelit Adventure” one gray Saturday morning as I was reorganizing my art supplies—thinking it would be just the right background for a cozy, creative weekend. What actually happened? Well, by mid-morning I’d abandoned my paints entirely because Eric Ugland’s vibrant game-world of Vuldranni totally whisked me away.

There’s something deeply nostalgic yet fresh about getting lost in a world governed by RPG rules and mechanics—a feeling that took me back to those heady nights playing D&D with friends in college. But what makes this audiobook really sing is its main character, Montana. He’s not your classic fantasy hero; he’s sharp-tongued, wryly observant, and genuinely relatable (despite being stuck in a magical realm). His sarcasm and humor give every twist a little jolt of fun—even when the stakes are high.

As someone who loves audiobooks for their power to transform mundane chores into adventures, I found myself grinning at the kitchen sink or snorting at some sly joke while folding laundry. Ugland has this fantastic knack for balancing serious combat scenes with banter that never feels forced—it mirrors real friendships under pressure. There’s political intrigue layered throughout too: dukedom-building brings out subtle manipulations and clever plotting that kept me guessing which ladder Montana might climb—or slide down—next.

I especially appreciate how immersive Vuldranni feels. Every monster encounter and quest brims with detail without bogging down the story; instead, it propels you forward like rolling dice you can’t wait to pick up again. And if you’re an RPG nerd (no shame here!), all the stats tracking and skill upgrades will tickle your inner gamer brain.

The narration deserves its own applause—even though the narrator isn’t named anywhere official, their performance is stellar. They capture Montana’s wit perfectly but also shift seamlessly into urgency or gravitas when battles heat up or alliances are threatened. The supporting cast gets distinct voices too; never once did I feel confused about who was speaking during fast-paced dialogue exchanges (and there are many!).

What didn’t land quite as well for me? Occasionally some inside jokes about gaming culture felt repetitive—but perhaps that’s part of the genre’s charm for true devotees! For new listeners unfamiliar with LitRPG tropes, it may take an hour or two to adjust to constant stat callouts or system messages peppering the story flow.

But ultimately—and maybe this says more about my own hunger for stories where competence earns reward—I absolutely loved following Montana’s journey from mere survivor to budding duke facing both literal monsters and tricky court politics alike. It left me inspired in a small way: determined to “level up” my own skills today… even if just organizing those paints after all.

For anyone curious about what happens when humor collides with high fantasy adventure—and wants an audiobook companion so lively you’ll forget you were ever bored—“Dukes and Ladders” is simply irresistible.