Miranda Levi

If you’re into hilarious, action-packed, and downright addictive sci-fi fantasy, the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman is a must-read. Seriously, drop everything and dive into this series—you won’t regret it. Here’s why each book is worth every second of your time:

Book 1: Dungeon Crawler Carl This is where it all begins. Carl, an ordinary guy, and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Donut, are thrust into a deadly alien game show where survival is the name of the game. Who would’ve guessed a talking cat could be so damn entertaining? Carl’s witty narration and the evolving bond with Donut make this an unforgettable start. I listened to the audiobooks, and they were hands down some of the best I’ve ever experienced. You’ll be laughing out loud while on the edge of your seat, rooting for Carl and Donut as they navigate this insane dungeon.

Book 2: Carl’s Doomsday Scenario Just when you think it couldn’t get crazier, it does. Carl and Donut face even more twisted challenges and mind-bending puzzles. The stakes are higher, the enemies are fiercer, and the plot twists are jaw-dropping. We delve deeper into the world and understand it as Carl does. I started to care about more than just Carl and Donut in this book. The character development is superb, making you truly invested in their survival.

Book 3: The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook This one cranks up the intensity to eleven. The creativity in the dungeon design and the sheer unpredictability of the challenges keep you hooked. Oh, things get real here. I don’t want to give anything away, but the best addition to the series is here. Like, wow. Carl and Donut’s growth, both as individual characters and as a team, is inspiring. Plus, the introduction of new allies and foes adds layers of depth to the story. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in their world, eagerly flipping pages to see what happens next.

Book 4: The Gate of the Feral Gods Things take a darker turn in this installment. The emotional stakes are through the roof, and you really feel the weight of Carl and Donut’s journey. With every subsequent book, I just get more and more blown away. How are they going to get through all of the obstacles? The world-building is phenomenal, and the new revelations about the dungeon’s true nature will blow your mind. And Donut is by far my favorite character. I’m trying to convince my husband to get a second cat, and she (yes, it must be a she) will be named GC, BWR, NW Princess Donut the Queen Anne Chonk. She will love Alexander Hamilton aka Hamsandwich, aka Hamalama Ding Dong, aka Hambony. The blend of heart-pounding action and heartfelt moments is masterful.

Book 5: The Butcher’s Masquerade The latest book takes everything you love about the series and dials it up. The plot twists are even more unpredictable, the challenges more daunting, and the character arcs more satisfying. The depth I feel for the characters by this book is unparalleled. Carl and Donut’s bond is stronger than ever, and their determination to survive and uncover the truth keeps you glued to the pages. This book had me ugly crying—it made that kind of emotional impact on me. The storytelling is top-notch, and the climactic moments are pure adrenaline.

The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with humor, action, and heart. Each book builds on the last, delivering a story that’s as unpredictable as it is engaging. Carl and Donut are characters you’ll fall in love with and root for every step of the way. If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. It’s one wild ride you won’t want to miss!

Happy reading, fellow adventurers!