Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl
by Matt Dinniman
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman: A Bold, Raw, and Twisted Journey into a Dark Fantasy World
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman has been getting a lot of attention, especially on the Facebook LitRPG Books group, where it's often recommended as a must-read series. I added it to my to-read list some time ago, but only recently had the chance to dive in. At this point, the series is ongoing, with five books published, but I’d say it’s well worth a look for those who enjoy dark, gritty, and boundary-pushing fantasy.
Let me start by saying that I did enjoy these five books, but I also feel the need to mention that this series isn’t for everyone. There are elements that may be difficult or off-putting to some readers, particularly in terms of language, violence, and uncomfortable themes.
A World That Challenges Expectations
Book one kicks off with a familiar premise,a world assimilation, a genre staple, but Dinniman puts his own unique spin on it. The dungeon world is the central focus here, and we barely glimpse anything on Earth or other planets. The bulk of the story takes place in a planet-wide dungeon where 13 million people enter voluntarily, and things get intense quickly. What follows is a brutal, high-stakes game show, with the dungeon serving as entertainment for a race of sadistic aliens. Think The Hunger Games meets dark fantasy and horror, but cranked up a notch.
Carl, our protagonist, enters this twisted world with his ex-girlfriend's cat, Donut, and together they quickly become key players in the dungeon's sadistic game. The blend of grotesque monsters, uncomfortable bosses, and constant violence keeps the pace fast and the stakes high.
A Rollercoaster of Experiences
As I made my way through the series, I found that the books hit me in different ways. Book three, for instance, was a tough one. The Iron Tangle didn’t quite work for me, and I found myself struggling with some of the excessive language and elements that pulled me out of the narrative. I almost put the series down, but I’m glad I didn’t, because book four picked up the pace and drew me back in. By the time I reached book five, I was fully immersed again, with the same excitement I felt in books one and two.
Unconventional Themes and Dark Humor
If you’re expecting a standard dungeon crawl, this series will likely not be for you. Dungeon Crawler Carl is unapologetically unconventional. The author doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries, whether it’s the use of uncomfortable or controversial topics, bizarre characters, or perverse (perverted) AI interactions. The content sometimes ventures into very twisted territory, from disturbing fetishes to unusual interpretations of what counts as "weaponry."
For example, there’s a scene involving stomping gerbils to death as part of a bizarre survival tactic, and the dungeon’s landscape often features strange, and sometimes unsettling, creatures and situations. While I’m not averse to edgy content, these moments might catch some readers off guard. It’s not an easy series to digest, and some may find certain aspects (like mentions of sexually transmitted infections used as weapons) jarring. But for those who are open-minded and ready for something different, there’s a rawness and depth that adds an extra layer to the story.
A Series for the Bold
Despite its controversial aspects, Dungeon Crawler Carl is a compelling, bold, and fearless series. Dinniman isn’t afraid to explore uncomfortable territory, and that fearlessness results in a refreshingly unpredictable narrative. The story is both gritty and brilliant, and while it might not be for everyone, there’s no denying that Matt Dinniman has created something that stands out in the genre.
If you’re looking for a more traditional, tame fantasy series, this is probably not the right fit. But if you’re open to an unflinching exploration of a brutal, dark world with a mix of humour, horror, and unpredictability, then this series is definitely worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Dungeon Crawler Carl is a series that sticks with you. It’s raw, it’s dark, and it’s full of twisted ideas. If you don’t like the book, don’t feel the need to drag it down with a one-star rating. Matt Dinniman isn’t afraid to call out his critics in his books, and that’s part of the charm. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s clear that Dinniman isn’t here to play it safe,and for some, that’s exactly what makes this series worth reading.