Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure by Matt Dinniman
When I stumbled upon Dungeon Crawler Carl, the quirky premise immediately sparked my interest: an apocalypse turned into a galactic game show? I had to know more. With its blend of humor, action, and sheer absurdity, Matt Dinniman’s novel promised an adventure ripe with nostalgia for anyone who has ever rolled dice in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign or even just sat on the couch for some video game action. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a rollercoaster ride that was as heartfelt as it was hilarious.
In a world reshaped by an otherworldly force, Carl—a Coast Guard veteran—finds himself thrown into the eponymous dungeon, along with his ex-girlfriend’s sassy cat, Princess Donut. The backdrop? An 18-level labyrinth where survival depends not just on physical prowess, but on showmanship and audience clout. It’s a brilliant backdrop for exploring themes of companionship, survival, and the absurdity of fame, all while wielding a sword and facing off against goblins.
Dinniman’s writing style is refreshingly engaging, with sharp, witty dialogue that leaps off the page. The banter between Carl and Donut is particularly memorable; their dynamic feels authentic and endearing. I couldn’t help but chuckle at moments like when Carl, clad only in boxer shorts and a leather jacket, ventures out to rescue his cat, setting off the cataclysmic events that turn his world upside down. The notion that survival is a performance rather than merely a struggle adds a layer of social commentary that is both clever and thought-provoking.
One of my favorite scenes involved the duo navigating through a level filled with monstrous creatures, each encounter punctuated by hilarious “live-action” commentary from the cosmic audience. Dinniman masterfully uses game mechanics—like stats screens and inventory management—to create not just tension but also moments of dark humor. It’s a wild juxtaposition of life and death mixed with slapstick hilarity, which left me eagerly flipping pages to see what awaited around each corner.
What resonated with me most was the heart beneath the chaos. Amidst the traps and monsters, the story explores deeper themes of loyalty and resilience. I found myself rooting for Carl and Donut; their growth as they navigate the whims of a malevolent A.I. made me feel invested in their fate. Dinniman’s touch of absurdity—like introducing a trust-fund dragon or a foot-fetishizing AI—keeps everything light, making heavier moments feel all the more impactful.
If you’re a fan of LitRPG, fantasy, or just enjoy a good laugh wrapped in an adventurous narrative, Dungeon Crawler Carl should be on your must-read list. It’s an exhilarating ride that defies genre boundaries, perfect for anyone looking to escape into a world where the stakes are high and hilarity is just around the corner—or perhaps lurking behind a particularly sneaky goblin.
In the end, Dinniman’s debut is not just a book about surviving an outrageous game; it’s a celebration of camaraderie, absurdity, and the outrageous twists life throws at us. I found myself reflecting on what it means to truly live—and maybe to perform a little, too. I can’t wait to see where Carl and Donut’s adventure leads next!
You can find Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure here >>