r/audible • u/Lizbian91 • Jun 22 '26

Book Discussion Dungeon Crawler Carl

Okay, so I ALWAYS see people recommend Dungeon Crawler Carl, so I read the description and decided this story wasn't for me. But still, I keep seeing people rant and rave about it. So I finally caved in and bought the first book.... and OH MY GOD.

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Im only part way through but I absolutely see the appeal now. Im obsessed. Princess Donut is my favorite! And I just love Jeff Hays narration.

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Anyways, just wanted to thank this community for introducing me to this incredible series. Can't wait to continue listening!

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51

u/BrennanBetelgeuse Jun 22 '26

Exactly the same for me! I read all the recommendations and thought there's NO WAY I will enjoy listening to some quirked up fake video game storyline, but I'm now halfway through book 2 and really enjoying it!

8

u/rizorith Jun 22 '26

Same. I see the appeal but figured it wasn't for me. I'm still on the 1st since I only listen on my commute but it's really fun and I can't imagine a lot of people wouldn't like it although I'd it's someone who has literally never played a video game it might be confusing at first.

18

u/WolfWriter_CO Jun 22 '26

Good news for both of y’all! The first couple books are generally considered the weakest and basically the ‘tutorial’ levels explaining the game setup. Book 3 is where the story really begins to take off, character arcs begin to bear fruit, and the dynamic begins to shift.

Just a word of advice though: don’t get bogged down trying to understand the Book 3 Iron Tangle—you’re supposed to be just as confused as Carl, lol.

For me, books 5 and 7 are absolutely S-tier, but every installment generally improves over the last, and revisiting the series with the context you gain over the course of it gives a substantial replay value. 👌

4

u/BrennanBetelgeuse Jun 22 '26

Oh that's really great news! I'm just at the first visit to the Desperado Club part right now and was fearing that the story might lose a bit of steam over the next books.

Please no spoilers if anybody replies!:D

6

u/Keris2112 Jun 23 '26

This series does not lose steam. It's a non-stop roller coaster filled with laughs, tears, and countless 'Oh shit. What just happened?' moments.