The Prince Has No Pants Audiobook – Ben’s Damn Adventure, Book 1

I pressed play on “The Prince Has No Pants” while prepping dinner—figuring some comic fantasy would lighten my mood after a long day—and within minutes, I was both grinning and fully invested in Ben’s absolutely bonkers journey. There’s something magical about stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still manage to capture you with real stakes, clever world-building, and enough heart to keep the laughs from feeling hollow. Matthew Howry (a.k.a. Salty Waters) delivers exactly this blend: a LitRPG adventure that sparkles with wit, self-aware humor, and an imaginative setting where absolutely anything might happen.

What struck me right away is how relatable Ben is—he could be any of us who’s ever felt totally unprepared for life’s unexpected detours. I found myself instantly rooting for him as he tumbled into a realm bursting with monsters, magic loot drops, and labyrinthine rules dictated by The System. As someone who enjoys Dungeons & Dragons nights with friends or getting lost in sprawling video game quests, I adored the book’s tongue-in-cheek references to classic fantasy tropes—the “special item,” mysterious level-ups, sudden peril around every corner—but it never becomes cliché or predictable.

Perhaps my favorite aspect is Howry’s comedic timing. From slapstick encounters to deadpan one-liners during truly ridiculous situations (seriously: there are pantless jokes galore), there’s always another laugh waiting just ahead—but these moments never come at the expense of genuine tension or character development. That balance really shone through for me when Ben faced more daunting questions—not just about staying alive in a monster-infested world but also about purpose and identity far from home.

Throughout my listen, I appreciated how each new chapter was like stepping onto an unfamiliar stage—the scenery constantly shifting from absurdly dangerous dungeons to unexpectedly touching scenes among Ben’s growing circle of friends and oddball allies. Their camaraderie reminded me of times I’ve leaned on unlikely companions in my own unpredictable adventures; there’s something deeply comforting about knowing you’re not alone even when everything else feels topsy-turvy.

My only real disappointment? The narrator is unknown (or at least uncredited), which makes it hard to give them the shout-out they deserve! Whoever lent their voice brings infectious energy—leaning fully into wild accents for monsters one moment before dialing down into quiet introspection the next—which made every twist feel vivid and immediate in my headphones.

If you’re seeking pure escapism—something bright but not fluffy; smart but never pretentious; honest-to-goodness fun wrapped up in clever dialogue—you’ll love “The Prince Has No Pants.” It’s perfect company whether you need background cheerfulness while folding laundry or crave immersive distraction during a summer road trip. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself replaying favorite chapters just for the joy of being back alongside Ben again…and maybe giggling over yet another pants joke.