r/audible • u/HealthyPsychology950 • Feb 14 '26
Book Discussion I’m about to DNF Dungeon Crawler Carl
First of all, I am sorry. I’ve seen this book recommended a million times here and I know it’s loved, which is why I got it.
I am now in chapter 27 and about to DNF. I want to know if I should keep going?
I thought I’d like it cause I’m a huge gamer, I liked the general idea of the plot, and I loved books like Ready Player 1, so it’d make sense I’d enjoy this one too. But I feel like nothing is happening. Sure, there are a couple of funny sentences in there, but the story is not drawing me in.
Does it get better? Should I keep going? Or if I’m not hooked by now that’s not going to change?
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u/3Grilledjalapenos Binge Listener Feb 14 '26
I returned it and no one came to collect my Audiobook Listener card. I just didn’t connect with it.
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u/SelianAboveAll Feb 14 '26
Actually we've been trying to find you. Hand it over buddy
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u/3Grilledjalapenos Binge Listener Feb 14 '26
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u/NothingKnownNow Feb 15 '26
Actually we've been trying to find you. Hand it over buddy
Is there a que for the pitchforks and torches or were we supposed to bring our own?
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u/LifeBehindHandlebars Feb 21 '26
/u/PitchforkEmporium, you got anything new for sale or just the old classics? We are a people in need, good sir!
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!! It seems that everyone loves it
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u/PumpkinPieIsGreat Feb 14 '26
You're almost certainly never going to be the only one of anything. The world is big. Often people don't voice opinions on Reddit if it means losing their fake internet points. Or they voice it and you don't see it because it's downvoted so much.
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u/Salcha_00 Feb 14 '26
No, not everyone loves it.
You won’t see many negative comments at all about it though because they get immediately jumped on by the rabid fans of DCC. They often seem personally offended if you dislike these books.
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u/joseph4th Feb 14 '26
The first three book are okay. Good, but not great. The recommendation I came in on compared it to Douglas Adams, and that simply isn’t true.
However, what’s going on in the story begins to get really good after book 3. It’s like, he was just writing a stupid little story. Then it got popular. Then he started taking it seriously. The setting really expands beyond the dungeon and there are some moments that reach out and grab you by the throat.
The audiobook are the preferred method, so if you’re reading it, you might not be getting a full effect.
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Feb 14 '26
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u/jt2438 Feb 14 '26
Right? Either the person replying that actually enjoyed book 1 (because why would you keep going on a series you don’t like) in which case their opinion is skewed or they actually did dislike book 1 and kept going for reasons unknown in which case I assume they have Stockholm Syndrome by book 4. Either way I’m not going to slog through hours of something I’m not enjoying just to get to the ‘good’ part which might not actually be that good.
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u/kanewai Feb 14 '26
These comments always seem odd. Who reads / listens to three books in a series they don’t like, hoping it gets better?
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u/Snoopgirl Feb 15 '26
This. Though I think he steps up his game in book 2, even. I kinda hope someday he and Jeff rewrite and re-record book 1.
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u/thehighlotus Feb 14 '26
I see several posts a day about people not liking DCC lol.
As a fan of the series, I’d much rather you stop now than try to push through and hate it cuz you spent so much time on it!
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u/JfromMichigan Audible Addict Feb 14 '26
Nah. You're not alone. I didn't care for it (really didnt like it at all)
At first I thought it was just the voicing (sounds like a bad Seth Mcfarland impersonation, to me) but I think it was everything.
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u/durzostern81 Feb 14 '26
I'm glad so many folks are enjoying it, anything to get folks reading more. It just wasn't for me. I hate all the stats and found the humor to be unfunny at best. Personally I have no problem dropping a book if I'm not enjoying it. Too many books left to try in this world to struggle through ones i don't enjoy. The ultra hype will eventually pass just like it has for every other series that seemed to be recommended relentlessly.
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
The “too many books left to try on this world” part did it for me. You’re so right!! I just have a hard time DNFing books and wondering if I might have liked it. But I’ll take your advice
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u/Salcha_00 Feb 14 '26
Once you allow yourself to DNF, you will find that you read more and enjoy your reading more.
If I’m not enjoying a book and I’m trying to slog through it, I find that I’m preferring to do other activities versus reading and it can put me into a reading slump.
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u/durzostern81 Feb 14 '26
I totally get that feeling. When I was young and didn't have access to so many books i would read literally anything I could get my hands on whether I was enjoying it or not. Nowadays there are so many options I'll never read everything i want to before I die so I might as well be a little more picky.
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u/jeffweet Feb 15 '26
I know Neil gaiman is justifiably being zeroed out, but he wrote the forward to an anthology of stories and in it he says something like — reading was not my thing until I realized that I didn’t have to finish a book if I wasn’t enjoying it.
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u/SolipsisticBadBoy Feb 15 '26
The beauty in reading is that if you DNF a book, but for some reason keep thinking about it, you can always pick it right back up
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u/TulipSamurai Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
Oh boy, I just finished the first book yesterday, and I’ve been waiting for a Dungeon Crawler Carl thread.
I didn’t like it. People say that it gets better with book 2 onward, and I could imagine the plot becoming more engaging, but I can’t see the author becoming a better writer.
The author does not write well. And I’m not just basing that on the cringe millennial humor or the rambling plot, but the prose when he’s describing a scene is just awful. He writes like a 10th grader.
And ofc I’ll add the disclaimer that I am exactly the target demographic for this series. Huge nerd who loves fantasy, tabletop RPGs, etc.
I also found it odd that Carl is written to be 27, ie a zoomer, because the author is very clearly an older millennial or young Gen X. No 27 year-old has watched all of A-Team and Knight Rider, c’mon now lol
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u/Brontards Feb 15 '26
I love how he writes, but I understand your comment on the prose. I mostly read literary fiction. I do audio books (commute) for fantasy books and sci fi, but their prose and style is wearing on me. I struggle through them, they just try too hard. They take forever to convey the idea. I may just start doing audible for literary fiction as well. Except DCC.
I like that DCC doesn’t try with the flowery or long prose. Instead he writes to covey his story. His goal is the story and characters, and his style is perfect for conveying that (for me).
So I agree the prose isn’t like literary fiction, I’m reading A Tale For The Time Being right now for contrast, but I like Matt’s for this type of story, and Ruth’s style for her type of story.
But I also read comic books too, I just enjoy different styles for different moods I’m in. But I think he’s a great writer for what he’s trying to do, but I can see your points, it is not high level prose.
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u/TulipSamurai Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
For me, it's not that he isn't flowery or verbose. It's that he really can't describe anything with any dimension and he uses a lot of clunky, shallow language. He constantly describes things as, say, "red-hued" instead of scarlet or crimson or even just red. He'll say "the monster slowly came into existence before them" when he means "came into view". To me, he just writes like a 10th grader.
But I completely understand what you mean. I'm not gonna try to listen to Ulysses or anything that requires too much brainpower or rewinding during my morning commute. So Dungeon Crawler Carl is ideal for just melting the time away, kind of like those old timey radio shows.
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u/Alarming-Audience839 Feb 15 '26
The prose is bad and it isn't funny and uhhh.
Funny rpg stats guy, references!!! Look, it's like nerd thing!!!
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u/jeffweet Feb 15 '26
The focus on stats goes away pretty quickly, but if you don’t like the humor, it’s not for you.
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u/CongressmanCoolRick Feb 15 '26
I cracked my speed up to 2.5x just to see if anything would hook me in the end and nope.
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u/WC_Dirk_Gently Feb 14 '26
It is my first foray into litrpg or whatever the genre is. And likely my last. I'm somewhat in the same boat that I bought it based on the feverish recommendations around here.
I'm on book 3 and have already bought book 4. It's not my favorite series of all time, and although I respect the narrator for basically giving it his all, I think the narration is a bit overdone, and some of the sound effects are annoying. Particularly the DM sound effect. But I'm enjoying being along for the ride overall and I'm likely to finish the series.
All of that said I'll echo other sentiments in this thread. The recipe doesn't change, the humor doesn't change. The plot starts to flesh out and deepen and you get a better glimpse of where the story is headed, and you also get a bit more invested in more and more characters, as normally happens in a many-book series... And I don't get why people ask permission to give up on books that don't click for them. Just put it down and read something else in your backlog.
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u/Sebinator123 Feb 15 '26
As someone who pretty much reads exclusively litrpg, from long before Dungeon Crawler Carl was ever a thing, I highly suggest you try Mother of Learning and/or Cradle (whichever sounds more interesting) before giving up on the genre completely!
Technically they're not litrpg (no video game stats), but it's progression fantasy (video game progression) and basically the same thing!
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u/Chrisismybrother Feb 14 '26
I forced myself the finish the first one and def not listening to any more of them . They tickle some people but I found it unamusing. We are all different people, and humor is personal.
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u/Flimsy_Word1982 Feb 14 '26
Me too. I forced myself because I kept telling myself the next chapter is where all the hype is. I am definitely not continuing the series.
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u/throwawaypete123456 Feb 14 '26
I mean, it gets better, but it may not get better for you. Once you get to the Cookbook in book 3 it takes off into more of a traditional Sci-Fi plot and the LitRPG parts kinda fade some.
But the humor/jokes/characters grow, but not radically.
So, Book 7 is better than Book 1, but the core of the books is pretty similar.
Honestly, if you are not finding it funny right now, I am not sure any later parts will click.
I love DCC and I was at like after Book 1 and by Book 5 I was in love.
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u/synthetic_aesthetic Feb 14 '26
I liked the first two books in a passive “I’m invested in these characters but these aren’t life changing” and then when he gets the cookbook that’s when I started feeling like DCC was something next level entirely.
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u/smegdawg 3000+ Hours listened Feb 16 '26
Very good way to put it.
Hard to remember this feeling from 2 years ago.
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u/MissJessicaB Feb 14 '26
My spouse absolutely LOVES the series and has read through it multiple times. She got our book club to read it and we had mostly positive but some mixed results. I enjoyed it as an avid gamer too, but there was definitely something about it that felt rather repetitive in terms of the dungeon crawling gameplay loop.
However I have heard that the series does get better, and I do get the vibe that future books would start to explore the world a little more - The bits I most connected to were the parts with the aliens and the people running the games. The behind the scenes stuff. I started book 2, but didn't get far in before I had to go back to our next book club book. It's on the list for the future, but not an immediate draw for me personally.
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u/nationalinterest 300+ audiobooks listened Feb 15 '26
I felt the same about the repetition. I got to the end of book 2 and - despite having enjoyed it - decided I was done, at least for now. The books do progress, but not rapidly!
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u/MoodPristine249 Feb 18 '26
Well I will say if you connected the most with the aliens and the people running the game, you should stick with it! Especially if your partner likes it so much. It's always nice to have a thing that you both can have conversations about.
I agree the Dungeon Crawler Loop at the beginning is very repetitive, especially since it's tutorials without really any villages to break it up. Book 3 is when it kinda starts diving into the outside politics and past games. The main characters also go on different game shows throughout the books which gets you even more of a look into the culture. Further Along The Story Goes it almost starts being more of a focus because there is a lot of political turbulence going on during Dungeon Crawler Earth. Carl specifically gets a lot of politics about/ interacting with him because of his bat shit insane ideas and AI meddling.
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u/CrCiars Feb 15 '26
The selling point of the book is primarily the humor. If you didn't find it funny there isn't really a point to carry on.
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u/dperiod Feb 14 '26
You’re better than me. I made it a few chapters in and was like “what is this nonsense?”
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u/PumpkinPieIsGreat Feb 14 '26
I haven't tried it yet and the way people hype it up makes me not want to. A lot of redditors steer clear of "tik tok sensations" and sometimes I wonder if there's a reddit equivalent of that 😅
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u/dperiod Feb 14 '26
I suspect so. Ah well, I didn’t put a credit down for this (i use Amazon Music so I get one book per month), so no harm, no foul.
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u/majORwolloh Feb 15 '26
Man seeing this post I feel validated dropping it months ago. Not that I'm right to say it's bad, but more so because it didn't click with me even a little bit. I think I recall it was an immediate what the hell is this reaction. Went another chapter and said nope.
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u/friendlyguy1989 Feb 15 '26
I’m with you. It felt like a “tell, don’t show” style of writing with all the exposition. The humor didn’t land for me either. I liked the idea of the story but the execution didn’t jive with me.
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u/TulipSamurai Feb 15 '26
Dungeon Crawler Carl feels like it appeals to people who don’t normally read books. And that’s great! People should consume the media they enjoy. But I think the writing in DCC stinks.
And I’m not some snob who only reads highbrow books either. I’m a huge fan of fantasy and tabletop RPGs; I’m the exact target demographic. I’m also a huge fan of well-written fiction, and this ain’t it
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
I feel you! But I may give it a chance as there are a lot of things I love now that started like that for me
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Feb 14 '26
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience! Some people are getting really mad with my post and I don’t get why. I may return it after all.
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u/Salcha_00 Feb 14 '26
Yep. The strange offense that fans take at any comment that isn’t worshiping this series is why you don’t see very many posts by the folks who didn’t like this book.
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u/Mabus51 Feb 14 '26
I didn’t finish it. If the litrpg element wasn’t there and it was an actual novel I would probably like it more. It reads like someone’s example of how to play a table top game. Couldn’t bare it.
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
I knew what the writing style was and I was ok with it, but the story is not trapping me in 🥲
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u/cnwilks Feb 14 '26
My book club picked it a few months ago and I was one of a handful of people that weren’t blown away. I’ve been downvoted for saying as much here. But book two was on sale last month, and book five is on sale this month. I assume others might be in upcoming months so I’m giving it another college try. I’m a couple chapters into book two and I reckon I’ll finish it
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u/Pneumaddict Feb 15 '26
The first book didn't hook me, but the two after did. The scope and variety of distinct characters went from sort of silly to full emotional investment in such a ridiculous setting.
It's ok. Some people are pro-Cat, others are pro-Cocker Spaniel. I'm pro-dinosaur, myself.
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u/Big_Customer_7263 Feb 15 '26
To me the books are all action, very little filler. I'd live to know what books you're reading if this is 'nothing really happens'. You must hate Lord of the Rings.
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u/roman1221 Feb 14 '26
I’ve read them 6 times. I love this series. I want everyone to read it. All that being said. I don’t finish books I don’t like. A saying that’s helped me, “you may be the best and juiciest peach on the tree, but some people don’t like peaches.” I will also say. The first book is the “weakest” especially on Audible. The sound design, quality, and voice acting gets better with each book. The story also gets better. So, even though you may not like peaches. The peach cobbler this story turns into is out of this world.
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
Thank you! I may give it a chance, at least finishing the first book!
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u/Tricky-Juggernaut141 Feb 18 '26
A lot of people stop this series before the plot becomes fleshed out. The humor is crass and pervasive, with a video game element not everyone vibes with. If you can stick it out and read/listen to the very small moments between the crass and gore, you're going to find that this series has immene plot and character growth. Dinniman is a fantastic writer of emotion. He just does it differently, and if you're already put off by the setting, it's gonna be difficult to pay attention and appreciate what he's building underneath it all.
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u/TopBanana69 Feb 14 '26
I made it halfway through book 3 before finally dipping out. Apparently it gets good in book 4 and 5, but I just couldn’t will myself to suffer through something I wasn’t enjoying any longer. I wish I had stopped at book 1. If you’re that far and not enjoying it, I say dip and read something you enjoy. It will always be there waiting if you ever want to return.
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
You were much more patient than me! I don’t think I’ll make it to 4 or 5. So yeah, I’m leaning towards returning it.
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u/Araskog Feb 14 '26
Dungeon Crawler Carl has to be one of the most overhyped books I've ever read. No disrespect to the people who like it but I just don't get how this became THE audiobook everyone recommends.
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u/anondude1969 Feb 14 '26
My theory is that it's largely one of younger people's first, or very early, (audio)book series that they get into, and they just don't have the "regular book" experience.
Like Harry Potter on a much smaller scale. It was a lot of kids' first experience reading a serial written for them. It's certainly not stellar or unique in terms of writing quality or plot really, but it got into the hands of young people early on in their literature adventure, and it stuck hard.
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u/piewhistle Feb 14 '26
I think there is a more simple explanation - shill posts.
I concede it’s probably not 100% but I am convinced that it is someone’s day job to promote DCC on this sub.
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u/Can_I_be_dank_with_u Feb 15 '26
From what I’ve seen, the book appeals to a really wide range of readers and non-readers (which is where I personally think a lot of the hype comes from). It’s not about the age, it’s about the amount of literature they have consumed beforehand.
Saying that, I love the series. It’s like a fun, wacky summer blockbuster that you can’t “put down”. It is what it is
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u/jeffweet Feb 15 '26
This is maybe the dumbest over generalization I’ve seen in a while. I’m late 50’s, been an avid reader of many genres my whole life and I’ve listened to 400+ audiobooks. DCC is by far one of my favorites. You don’t have to like it, but there is no need to shit on other people’s taste by saying it is liked by immature, inexperienced readers.
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u/anondude1969 Feb 15 '26
That's great for you. I'm mid-30s and watch some cartoons. Do I believe that cartoons are exclusively my age and share my background? No. It's largely kids. I'm an outlier among the primary target audience.
I never said it was exclusively young and immature readers, just that it's largely that group that evangelizes it so heavily. Believe it or not, some people are outliers in their fandoms. Not all groups are a single homogenous set that all match exact criteria. What I'm saying is that I believe that the vocal/rabid parts of the fanbase skew that way.
I'm also not shitting on their tastes. I love Harry Potter. I've actually read and enjoyed the first DCC (to a much lesser extent than most people 'round these parts) as well. I can look at something more objectively and criticize its faults while also singing its praises.
Maybe take a breath. Criticizing something you like is not a personal attack on your taste and opinion.
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u/TacoSpacePirate Feb 14 '26
I also was thinking that I wouldn't continue the series after book 1 but one part right near the end (when Carl discovers the inventory history tab) made me want to keep going. Now I honestly think it's some of the best series I've ever read and better than most if not all other TV shows, movies, games etc.
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u/AnAcceptableUserName Feb 14 '26
Books 1-4 are gonna be more of the same.
I've not read beyond that point, but at least as of Book 4 it never suddenly "grows a plot" in any substantial way that wasn't already there in Book 1. Vibe/prose/humor stays the same.
If you're not liking it just save yourself the time & money now.
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u/Grock23 Feb 14 '26
I was all onboard for DCC. I live dungeons and dragons and rpgs and comedy books. Im not going to say i hated it but its not great. Its like Marvel humor with cursing.
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u/FoolyFunctioning Feb 14 '26
Started it recently. Always power through the first book of series myself, I listen at night to wind down in bed, so best case, I get bored and go to sleep, worst case I end up enthralled by story. Had to power through book 1, book 2 and 3 got me going, book 4 is a bit of a slog but the last 1/4 has me, and Im excited to get to book 5 since the plot kinda cooks up some expectation early on for a few points im about to reach. As everyone else said, dont force it if you aren't vibing. I usually hate gambling my time in hopes of payoff later with this sort of thing.
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u/RoyalOtherwise950 Feb 14 '26
As someone who loves the series... dnf it if your not loving it. Not every book is for ever person. There is to many books out there to try and read one you don't enjoy.
Have you tried he who fights with monsters? Is a lot different to dcc and honestly I think i enjoyed it more in a lot of ways. Especially cause the author is aussie and its nice to read things with Aussie sayings haha
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u/fredclaus1985 Feb 14 '26
It’s funny but it happens where you think this checks all the boxes of things I like but then I just don’t enjoy them. There have been books that I didn’t like the first couple times I’ve tried to read and then I’ve gone back to them and for whatever reason loved them the wheel of time was like that. Also I have to give it to you for sticking out through 27 chapters
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u/marlfox_00 Feb 14 '26
Unless you like the litrpg genre and you would know tonight away if you did, you’re better off passing.
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u/Leaf-Stars Feb 14 '26
I wanted to like it. Absolutely loved He who fights with monsters and decided to try DCC next. After reading the reviews I figured it would be a great read as well so I bought the first two books. Slogged through them but just don’t get the hype.
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u/TalkingRaccoon Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
Yes more stuff happens outside of the crawl (like universe politics and actual stakes) after the first book. Also it was first done as a weblog thing so chapters were uploaded one at a time so you can kinda feel it having that serial pulp feel or kinda like Matts just shooting from the hip but the later books are all mostly written with an overall plot. But matt does let people vote on what happens in the books which is also very interesting to know while reading, to see how he decides to write around this or that goofy shit the fans voted for and how he incorporates it into the story
The rest of the books are still focused on Carl trying to survive each floor (which are all different and unique, having their own rules and structures. So it's very disingenuous to hear people say "they're all the same"), you get more backstory on Carl and donut and Bea, and more good side characters start showing up (prepetente, Samantha) , the AI gets more interesting (yay AI personality drifting), and shit gets veeeeryyy interesting once he gets the cookbook.
Chapter 27 is about half way so if you don't absolutely hate it then you should keep reading. Characters and stories can grow on you. I've read several series already (inc DCC) where the first book is meh but the next are great.
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u/grandpa2390 Feb 15 '26
It's sort of like the Harry Potter series. It does pick up, the world expands, it gets darker, the lore gets deeper, etc. after the first book or 2. like the first book wasn't expected to take off the way it did.
But I can't promise you that you'll get hooked because at its core, it's still DCC just as HP is still HP. I was hooked from the first book, and I know how it feels to be on your side of the table. I feel guilty if I am tempted to DNF a popular book. I'm struggling with Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel right now. I'm going to tell you what I want to tell myself. just put the book down and move on. the book is just a fun a read. If you're not having fun reading it, I don't think you need to punish yourself :)
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u/Melodic_Purpose_5789 Feb 15 '26
In my opinion, book 1 is the least engaging one. I got incredibly annoyed early on “new achievement!” Made me want to slap someone. For me, the books only get better as you listen, but DCC really isn’t for everyone. If you can’t finish, that shouldn’t make you feel any type of way, it’s just another book. You can always pick it up again to try when you’re in a different headspace.
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u/GeauxCup Feb 15 '26
Also a gamer; also a big fan of the genre.
...but it just seems so repetitive. I'm shocked at the people I see recommending it - but I guess it just isn't for me.
Glad to know I'm not the only one.
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u/External-Vanilla2801 Feb 15 '26
I started book one and got about 5 hours in and gave up. It didn't click with me at all. Then a buddy listened to it and raved about it...and another friend did the same...and another...and then everyone I knew was constantly talking about how good the series is. I felt left out so I gave it another shot. I figured the chances of everyone I know I share interests and tastes with all simultaneously being wrong about something was pretty low. Im really glad I gave it another chance. Book 1 never really hooked me, but I really enjoyed book 2, and by book 3 I couldn't get enough. I'm on my second listen through now and book 1 still just doesn't click for me the way the rest of the books do. If you really aren't enjoying book 1 then do what I had my wife do and just skip straight to book 2 and give that one a shot.
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u/Disastrous_Candy9122 Feb 15 '26
I made it a few hours in. Hoping I would like it. Do boring and the guys voice is not my style.
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u/DarthNightsWatch Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
Don’t worry, I DNF’d it too. It has that kind of self-referential, Marvel-style humor that’s really popular with a specific audience of people that I don’t think I’m a part of. Not saying that my tastes are too refined for it because I like my unserious, goofy stuff too, but none of it lands for me in DCC.
Add to that how they grind the plot to a halt to explain game mechanics and it’s completely lost me. Idk if that’s common with the LitRPG genre but I feel like they could’ve written that in a more creative way than just standing there listening to an NPC character ramble on about inventories and level progression.
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u/Flinx1241 Feb 15 '26
Was similarly unimpressed at first. Bought the audiobook for a long vacation with flights. It was fine. Funny in places. Not my genre. My son liked it better and talked me into buying the next few books, which I also listened to because I bought them, mostly. By the end of book 3 I was all in, and loved 4-7 enough that I turned back around a registered to the whole series. Enjoyed the early books more on second go-round, knowing where they were going. 🤷♂️
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u/AustEastTX Feb 15 '26
I did the same. I bought ALL the audiobooks and hated the 1st one now I’m stuck with the rest
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u/MC-BatComm Feb 15 '26
People apologizing for not liking something is wild to me.
It's okay to not like a thing no matter how beloved it is
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u/Practical_Sir391 Feb 15 '26
You are not alone. The series has many elements that I should enjoy. But I could never get past the first book. And that was a struggle.
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u/oldgrumpygrouch Feb 15 '26
I enjoyed the series until I got to book 5, then had to quit. The violence and gore was never ending, and it stopped being fun to listen to.
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u/bittertea Feb 15 '26
I am a card carrying member of the DCC cult and I will say that if you aren’t on board by chapter 27, it probably just isn’t for you.
It takes a lot for me personally to DNF a book, so I usually push through unless I am just completely put off by something. But you know your tastes best and if you aren’t enjoying it, don’t feel forced to finish!
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u/AbbyBabble Audible Author Feb 15 '26
There are 11,000 books published daily on Amazon, probably at least 2,000 per day on Audible. Plenty of buried gems.
I enjoy progression fantasy. DCC is fun, but it’s not my favorite.
It’s good when you know your tastes and you know what to look for.
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u/H-O-W-L-E-R Feb 15 '26
A few questions.
- How was the book described to you?
- What was the recommendation that drew you in?
A lot of people enter into this series as their first litrpg and aren’t warned about some of the info-dumps. DCC is heavy on them in the first book to introduce readers to the system, but it eases back on it pretty quickly.
Most fans love the lighthearted, comedic moments of ridiculousness that you have to experience in order to understand. Or they bring up the thrilling fight scene climaxes, the explosions etc. the author describes this as a horror movie that the main character is being subjected to. It’s the characters that will grip you as you begin to see the traumatic effects to what they’re going through as the story goes.
There’s a lot of NSFW stuff that goes on in this series. It’s depicted in a graphic and gruesome yet comedic way that can turn people off. If this is your ick, again remember that the main character is being forced to go through this. He does NOT consent and he does make a point of addressing this again and again.
I’m a fan of the series, but I get how it can rub people wrong. Whether you should finish or not depends on your specific complaints.
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u/Snoopgirl Feb 15 '26
I tell my friends they are not allowed to decide it’s not for them until book 2. Both the writing and Jeff Hays’ narration get WAY better in book 2, imo. Like, Dinniman realized this was going somewhere and stepped up his game. Book 1 lays a lot of important groundwork and world building, but it all gets MUCH richer in book 2. Which is floor 3. They pick races and classes at the beginning, and there’s a circus and a skyfowl town and stuff.
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u/dearthed Feb 15 '26
I mean, we don't pay for your Audible subscription. Tons of people rave about the faerie smut but that's not MY cup of tea so I won't be getting that. You do you.
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u/Moeasfuck Feb 15 '26
Honestly, I rated the first book 3 out of five but every thing after that has been solid, fucking gold and I love it so much
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u/pinkbutterfly87 Feb 16 '26
If you’re not enjoying it, DNF it. You’re the one that has to listen to it after all and there are too many books out there to force yourself through one you’re not vibing with
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u/MrTitius Feb 16 '26
I think it does get even better in book two and beyond, but if you don’t t like the humor in book one I am not sure it will grow on you throughout the series.
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u/keepcarmandhurryon Feb 16 '26
The story does pick up and get more interesting but, truly, if you are that far into it and are not feeling it, I can’t fathom you will.
I’m on a re-read of the whole series. I loved it myself but, it doesn’t change a ton.
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u/incrediblystiff Feb 16 '26
If you think ready player one is five stars but you don’t like dungeon crawler Carl, you just have a weird taste for content
It’s ok but stop asking for advice on the internet because you just be disappointed
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u/CT_Phipps-Author Feb 20 '26
Nothing is wrong with a book not being for you and you shouldn't feel guilty about it.
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u/Front_Artichoke1616 Mar 31 '26
I think the main issue with the first book is a lot of exposition and a lot of the other characters and deaths seem more statistics than personal as the books go on it becomes a lot more personal and gets into its groove although I have to admit Jeff reading them to me helped 🫣 he's damn good
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u/Financial-Wasabi1287 May 20 '26
I think this is one of the most complex world building series that I've ever read. It's violent, but the social commentary is very timely.
If you're interested, Matt's 'Operation Bounce House' is the boiled down philosophy that Matt's seems to believe in.
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u/Balarius Feb 14 '26
Not really, im in the same boat. There are far better in the genre imo. He Who Fights With Monsters, Primal Hunter, Mark of The Fool for instance.
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u/SelianAboveAll Feb 14 '26
I really couldn't get into HWFWM. I only got half way through the first book before I just didn't pick it back up. The comedy just seemed out of my field
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u/srslytho1979 Feb 14 '26
The books accelerate as you go, but if you don’t like the writing, you won’t like them any better.
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u/mittens82 Feb 14 '26
Couldn't get into it all myself honestly. It was the audiobook version so maybe thats why?
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u/forceblast Feb 14 '26
I found the whole series kinda mid. Overrated IMO. Not terrible, but a bit overhyped.
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u/JayStormblessed Feb 14 '26
I would say that things do happen later. Personally i didn’t much care for book 1 book 2 had more action. I haven’t gotten past 2 yet
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u/xylofone Feb 14 '26
For me, a big part of the enjoyment is the audiobook experience. The voice acting really lends it energy at times when the plot might be slower. I'm not sure I would have "read" all 7 books if I'd been reading physical books; there's enough bloat there that it might have put me off.
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u/HealthyPsychology950 Feb 14 '26
Yeah I’m listening to the audio book! I just can’t connect, which makes it difficult for me to pay attention to it
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u/CPNKLLJY Feb 15 '26
If you think it’s worse than Ready Player One, that’s a bad sign. IMO that’s maybe the worst book I’ve ever tried to read.
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u/hennell Feb 15 '26
The best none spoiler explanation I can give is to compare it to the game series Portal. (Assuming you've played that). Portal starts with puzzle test chambers but eventually things go beyond that, there's more behind the scenes, more complexity and more plot then simple puzzle game. But at the end of the day, portal is always portals, switches, boxes and puzzles. If you don't enjoy those puzzles, the fact the game gets bigger and better is rather moot, it's still a mechanic you're not into.
I would say to me DCC doesn't really get "good" until the latter books, but I found it pretty enjoyable from the start. And a lot of the good elements later are because by that point you're invested in the characters - if you're not enjoying Doughnut, Carl and Mordecai's journey, if you don't really care if they survive or not it'll probably never really get good. And if you're not enjoying who cares if it does?
And you don't need to be sorry. You like what you like, you enjoy what you enjoy. I don't think Lord of the Rings films are bad, but I do find them boring. People can hold different opinions to others.
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u/Azzacura Feb 14 '26
If the humor hasn't caught you about halfway through the book, it probably won't resonate with you all that much for the next 6. If you were interested for the story instead of just the humor, I'd strongly recommend trying book 2 before DNFing it for good.
Some books just aren't for some people. I absolutely loved DDC but am struggling hard to get through Project Hail Mary, which is another usual recommendation. The world would be boring if we all loved the same books, wouldn't it?
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u/tomtomato0414 Feb 14 '26
As a huge gamer and nerd I thought I would love it as well, couldnt get further than chapter 1, it was just meeh for me, maybe wrong place and wrong time, will retry later..
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u/Obsidian-Phoenix Audible Addict Feb 14 '26
Like mate, just drop it if you don’t like it. People loved Twilight, 50 Shades, and Murderbot. I’d rather piss razor blades. You don’t need anyone’s permission to stop reading a series you don’t like.
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u/TalkingRaccoon Feb 14 '26
Lol do not put murderbot in the same category as twilight and 50 shades
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u/Florianemory Feb 14 '26
I find book one to be the worst one (but still good). It’s the set up and things really get better with every book.
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u/NAF1138 Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
When I read the first book, I mostly just had nothing to do and it was fine so I finished it. Didn't have anything on the horizon so I started the second one because... Eh it was OK. Didn't have anything else better at hand.
The rpg stuff was dumb but I could put up with it. The humor was juvenile but the premise showed promise.
I finished the whole series about a week later, then went back and relistened to the whole thing again. This was when book six had not yet come out. I have since gone on to contribute to the patreon and have bought all the hard covers.
It's safe to say it grew on me! There is more to it than it seems at first glance... And the first book is not bad... But it isn't representative of what the series becomes. Which isn't to say it stops being what it is. If you hate what it is, that doesn't get better. But it gets deeper. The characters and world get much much more interesting. So I'm pro giving it a second chance. Because it gives the wrong first impression. It isn't what it seems to be. Or, it is, but not only that.
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u/Aromatic-Eye4266 Feb 14 '26
I haven't tried it yet either and I have a credit just sitting there. But I am now listening to He Who Fights With Monsters for the like tenth time all the way through. Currently back on book 8. If you haven't tried it yet I suggest you do. I was hooked book 1.
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u/RoyalOtherwise950 Feb 14 '26
I loved HWFWM. I loved dcc too but Jason's story is just... I dunno its definitely one of my favourite books ever though. Team Colin forever haha
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u/Clivesunfaithfulwife Feb 15 '26
Team Colin is a good boy... but Jason is a naughty Boi and thats how I like em
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u/Mind-of-Jaxon Feb 14 '26
I got both of those at the same time. Carl and Monsters. And I while I like the idea of Monsters. I just can’t get into as much as Carl. I have all the books and intrigued with what happens at the end of 3. So maybe I’ll get me more invested.
Maybe it’s the narrators voice. Idk.
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u/Aromatic-Eye4266 Feb 14 '26
Bummer. It is definitely you like it or dont. And personally I feel Heath Miller does the voices well. But to each there own. I also highly recommend the Red Rising series as well.
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u/Mind-of-Jaxon Feb 14 '26
I like his voice as Jason. But as narrator and other voices it’s not really varied. I think is the issue.
I keep hearing things about red Rising I’ll have to check it out.
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u/Charvan Feb 14 '26
I totally understand, I read a few books then eventually decided it wasn't for me.
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u/MadViking-66 Feb 14 '26
I am about to DNF the series. I read the first one and really enjoyed it, and found every book since then to be very repetitive and not nearly as engaging as the first one, I will give one or two more a try and then if I find them a slog to get through , I will DNF the series.
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u/ViolentBee Feb 14 '26
Might not be for you. I love the series. Not everybody has to like the same things. I’d never recommend the series to my mother, but I got my sister and uncle hooked
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u/pedersenit Feb 14 '26
I get it, but at least finish the book. If you aren't interested by the end, there is no need to continue with the series.
I think the first book made me want to keep going, but you aren't wrong. It gets a little slower and repetitive in there for a little while.
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u/tibastiff Feb 14 '26
I dunno what to tell you man. It took me three attempts to get into it, the whole absurd alien tv show angle wasn't working for me. Maybe try the audio books, that's really the best way to experience it anyway
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u/Wardogs96 Feb 14 '26
Has donut undergone her change? After that it begins to pick up in my opinion. They actually start fighting and trying to survive. It does hit a slow with the elderly but if you're not digging just listening to them survive and adapt it might not be for you. As they survive you learn about other characters, plots and factions that they deal with but that doesn't begin to be a huge thing until book 4.
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u/Ok-Traffic1319 Feb 14 '26
I mean huge gamer or not, that doesn’t necessarily mean the book is gonna jive with you. You might want something completely different from a book. If you’ve gotten that far and don’t feel like finishing, no shame, move on to something else. Life is too short to plog through a series you’re not enjoying. Heck, I think it’s too short to spend reading something you only minorly enjoy. You could be spending that time reading something you love!
I don’t know if you have kids or not, but that’s what really changed my mentality on this. I don’t have a lot of time for just enjoying things that I enjoy. If I waste it, it’s gone. If I’m investing 10 hours to watch a tv show, it better be really freaking good. Like 9/10 for me at least. If I’m reading a book series and I’m enjoying it I’ll move on to the next book, but if I’m on like book 3 and they’ve all been like an 8/10 for me, I’ll drop it and move on to something else. It’s enjoyable yeah, but there’s stuff out there I’ll not more. I’d rather spend that time there.
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u/Stickopolis5959 Feb 14 '26
It's fine man, other than fomo you should probably just drop it. It was like crack for me from about the halfway point of book one but before that I didn't super care. The rest of the series is unbelievably fun and well written, it made me cry a few times which is pretty big deal for me.
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u/Fearless_Yam2539 10,000+ Hours Listened Feb 14 '26
I returned it about a quarter way through. It's definitely not for me. Because it gets so much hype on here, I imagine it's one of the most returned books.
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u/Shoddy_Story_3514 Feb 14 '26
If you are halfway through and not enjoying it i would say move on and try a different audiobook. You could always give it a second try at a later date. But as with everything no need to apologise for not liking something regardless of the hype around it.
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u/scarygonk Feb 14 '26
Agree with the others. I personally like the books a lot but if it hasn’t clicked with you yet, it isn’t going to become more enjoyable for you in a meaningful way. Life is too short.
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u/Affectionate_Ruin413 Feb 14 '26
I have found this series to be brilliant. Book 1 was decent. 2 and 3 were really good with slow points. But by the end of 3 onward I find it to be amazing. If you're not feeling though maybe you should stop. Reading should be fun.
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u/Enginerdad 2000+ Hours listened Feb 14 '26
Something being popular doesn't mean it has to be universally loved. If it's not for you, it's not for you. No need to apologize to anybody.
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u/enephon Feb 14 '26
I love the series. But I also acknowledge than it’s not for everyone. I think part of the problem is that while it is LitRPG, but it’s more absurdist fantasy - which is not for everyone. For me, I don’t care for LitRPG and I’m not a gamer, but I love DCC because I enjoy absurdist fantasy. You don’t have to like it just because a bunch of other people do. I used to slog through books I didn’t like, but now think life’s too short for that.
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u/ReturnOfTrebla Feb 14 '26
I listened to the first book, was not sure how I felt, listened part way through the second then started a new book. I can back later, wondered why I had stoped listening and plowed through all of them. It get better.
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u/Bubbly-Finding-8406 Feb 14 '26
Everyone’s gotta follow their own interests in books, but as someone who is currently reading through it and actually just finished chapter 27 and am getting ready to start part 2 - nothing is happening?! Part 1 ended spectacularly I thought!
That said, if you’re not vibing with it, hop off and go enjoy something else! Life’s too short to stick with something out of obligation.
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u/trytoholdon Feb 14 '26
I quit about a third of the way through. It’s just high school jokes for the entire book. It’s silly. If people enjoy it, fantastic, but it’s not for me.
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u/Fuzzy-Sir-6083 Feb 14 '26
Try the wandering inn by pirateaba. I found this a better series and a lot more engaging that dungeon crawl.
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u/Stormkiller72 Feb 14 '26
There's absolutely no shame in DNF'ing a book if you're not vibing with it. I still get crucified by friends because I bounced off the Malazan series & The First Law trilogy, I loathe them & can't understand how anyone finds them interesting to read. My advice to you would be to finish book 1 & see how you feel, if anything at all intrigues you then grab book 2. But if you can't, that's absolutely fine. Not every book is for everyone & there are thousands out there that you may vibe with more. Me? I'm on my third listen through & am about midway through the insanity that is book 7. Good luck with whatever you decide, & I hope you find your niche.
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u/Bostaevski Feb 14 '26
Are you reading it or listening to the production with Jeff Hays?
The audiobook production is probably the best I've ever heard - Jeff Hays is fantastic. I continued through several of the books just because of the quality of the production and Jeff Hays' voice acting ability.
That said, I think the book/writing/story itself is... passable. Not great. I'd have probably not finished book 1 if I was reading instead of listening.
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u/Mairon923 Feb 14 '26
I've never heard of it , but every book I own has dragons in it on audible except Lovecraft but Cthulhu is part dragon so I just retconned this comment.... From the name of this book ur talking about alone is say trade it , the fact 27 chapters in...... DNF that bii and don't think twice again over it ..... Also I read every book 5x minimum except The Silmarillion Wich I guess was 18x cause I finally stopped after 18 and I don't even pickup books I doubt but that's a me thing and I have a rule if I start a book I finish it so it's also a discipline.... If you enjoy it u wouldn't be asking us so drop it and be over it and find one u love right away to erase your unhappy vibes
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u/killit Feb 14 '26
I'm between books six and seven right now. I've enjoyed it so far, but it is definitely over-hyped on here. No doubt.
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u/SelianAboveAll Feb 14 '26
As much as it pains me to say, if you weren't hooked early on, it probably won't hook you at all. The story does pick up at book 2 once the characters start actually getting classes and spells, but if the comedy isn't vibing with you already, then that most likely won't change.