Labyrinth to Tartarus: A LitRPG Saga Audiobook – The Eternal Journey, Book 3

There’s something uniquely comforting about plugging in my headphones and wandering through another world while I tidy up the house on a drizzly Portland afternoon. “Labyrinth to Tartarus: A LitRPG Saga” by C.J. Carella whisked me away from rain-slicked sidewalks to a labyrinth pulsing with danger, mystery, and a gamer’s thrill for adventure. As someone who has always loved stories that combine strategic thinking with high-stakes fantasy—think afternoons spent around sprawling board games or cozy nights immersed in RPGs—the LitRPG genre feels like home turf, but Carella’s take breathes new energy into familiar ground.

From the opening moments, I was struck by how deftly the story blends classic fantasy questing with crunchy gaming mechanics—not in an overly technical way, but more as a sturdy foundation for character growth and plot twists. The band of adventurers at the heart of this journey feels lived-in; their camaraderie and banter ring true whether they’re solving puzzles or facing down creatures that seem born from both myth and code. What really stuck with me was the sense of earned progress: each hard-won victory inside Tartarus comes with consequences that ripple through their relationships as well as their stats.

What sets “Labyrinth to Tartarus” apart isn’t just its clever use of role-playing tropes (though those are deeply satisfying). It’s the emotional stakes threaded through every challenge. Listening to these characters face uncertainty—with humor one minute, vulnerability the next—I found myself reflecting on my own love of collaboration during tough times. There were echoes of group projects back in college where only teamwork got us past academic ‘boss fights,’ as well as more recent memories supporting friends when life felt like its own unending dungeon crawl.

The narration deserves special praise—even if I wish I could credit them by name! Each character is imbued with distinct personality; you can hear pride crackling in one voice, skepticism lacing another. During especially tense scenes, such as navigating shadowy corridors or squaring off against monstrous guardians, there’s an edge-of-your-seat intensity that kept me scrubbing dishes long after dinner was done just so I could hear what happened next. Action scenes have weight; quieter moments breathe.

If I had any quibbles—and it’s more a matter of taste than real criticism—it would be some stretches where game mechanics peek too overtly into dialogue or description. For non-gamers (or even casual ones), these might momentarily distract from immersion. But honestly? As someone who enjoys peeking behind the curtain at systems driving imaginary worlds, it only added flavor for me.

I finished this audiobook feeling invigorated—not just eager for whatever peril awaits in future Eternal Journey installments, but also reminded why audiobooks have become such steady companions: they bring people together across time and space (and sometimes dimensions) to share epic stories side by side. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia for tabletop sessions gone by or simply want an exciting escape woven with heart and humor, “Labyrinth to Tartarus” is a fantastic pick.