The blog
November 4, 2026
Dungeon Crawler Carl Review: My Unexpected Audiobook Obsession
Jessica’s Bookshelf – Dungeon Crawler Carl Series Review
A man, a cat, and an intergalactic survival show. This wildly creative, laugh-out-loud series is hard to explain—and even harder to stop listening to.
Title: The Dungeon Crawler Carl Series
Author: Matt Dinniman
Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy / LitRPG
Format: Audiobook, narrated by Jeff Hays
This Dungeon Crawler Carl review comes with a confession: I almost passed on what became my unexpected audiobook obsession. The colorful covers caught my attention, but it took my brother’s enthusiastic recommendation to get me listening. Now I’ve finished book four, laughed out loud more times than I can count, and become the person telling everyone else, “You HAVE to listen.”
✍️ What Is Dungeon Crawler Carl About?
How do I explain this series? Apparently, that’s the challenge.
After an alien invasion destroys life as we know it, Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, find themselves navigating a deadly dungeon that doubles as an intergalactic reality show. There are monsters, levels, increasingly outrageous obstacles, and an audience watching it all unfold. It’s survival with a very twisted entertainment value. And somehow, it is ridiculously fun.
My Dungeon Crawler Carl Review: What I Loved
First, the covers. Colorful, fun, and just strange enough to make me pick one up.
When I asked a bookstore employee about the series, his answer was essentially, “I haven’t read it. I think it’s about gaming or something. People seem to like it.”
I was…not sold.
Then I asked my brother. His reviews were RAVING, but his ability to explain what the books were actually about? Also limited. His main instruction was clear: “You HAVE to listen to it.”
So I did. And I was HOOKED.
This series is wild, funny, witty, and so creative that I frequently find myself wondering how Matt Dinniman’s brain works. The characters and dialogue are fantastic, and Jeff Hays’s narration makes the whole experience even better. I laughed out loud. Often. I just had the BEST time.
I’ve now finished book four, so consider this a review of my experience with the series so far. Four books in, I’m still very happily along for the ride.
I also love having something this fun to get excited about with other people. When someone I know starts the series, I get almost embarrassingly enthusiastic. Suddenly, I completely understand my brother’s inability to explain it beyond, “Just LISTEN.”
What I Didn’t Like:
Trying to convince someone to read it without sounding like the least helpful person in the bookstore.
I get it now, bookstore guy. I get it.
Favorite Dungeon Crawler Carl Quotes
“Goddamnit, Donut!” – Carl
Two words that audiobook listeners can HEAR just by looking at them.
“Mongo is appalled!” – Princess Donut
The drama. The indignation. I feel like this has applications in everyday life.
“You will not break me.” – Carl
For all the outrageous humor, there’s also a fierce determination running through this story.
Is Dungeon Crawler Carl a Good Book Club Book?
Yes – especially if your group is ready to try something a little outside its usual reading list! I would start with book one rather than ask everyone to commit to the whole series.
Beyond the outrageous humor, there’s plenty to discuss: survival, friendship, exploitation, and what happens when someone else’s suffering becomes entertainment. Carl and Donut also give you plenty to talk about, from their unlikely partnership to the choices they make under pressure.
I would absolutely encourage the audiobook for this one. Comparing favorite scenes and characters would be half the fun. And if your book club enjoys a theme night? The possibilities are ridiculous!
Who Should Read Dungeon Crawler Carl?
If you love sharp dialogue, dark humor, memorable characters, and wildly imaginative adventures, give this series a try. And if you’re hesitating because someone described it as “about gaming,” please know that I had the same reaction – and now I’m four books in.
You don’t need gaming expertise to enjoy the ride. You do need a willingness to embrace a truly bizarre premise and see where it takes you.
Expect strong language, graphic violence, and crude humor. This is an adult adventure with a very dark sense of humor, so keep that in mind when choosing it for yourself or your group.
My strongest recommendation? Put on your headphones. Let Carl and Donut introduce themselves.
Final Verdict: Five Stars—and Try the Audiobook
5 out of 5 stars
Would I Recommend It?
YES. And I’m passing along my brother’s advice: try the audiobook.
If “gaming or something” doesn’t immediately sound like your next favorite read, I understand. That description didn’t win me over either. But the humor, characters, and sheer imagination absolutely did.
There’s also a television adaptation coming to Peacock, though a premiere date hasn’t been announced yet. And whenever it arrives, I already know what I’m doing: hosting a watch party.
Costumes and swag will be VERY encouraged. My enthusiasm requires an outlet.
I hope you’ll follow along as I share what’s on my bookshelf – from books that make me think to books that make me laugh out loud and plan a costume party.
🔗 Next on My Reading List:
✨ Eve by B.K. O’Connor
✨ See what else I’ve been reading on Jessica’s Bookshelf
If you’ve read or listened to Dungeon Crawler Carl , I’d love to hear your thoughts! How far into the series are you?
Sincerely,
Jessica
