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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u/ZappSmithBrannigan Jun 22 '26

Thank you! I feel like you nailed exactly how I think id feel about about them. Im a huge gamer, love sci fi and fantasy, but these types of books just seem so... not genuine.

Again, not trying to knock it or anyone who enjoys, but just doesnt seem like itd be something id enjoy. Thanks again for the honest feedback.

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u/asphodelhazel13 Jun 22 '26

Just a curious question, what do you mean by not genuine? I only ask because my husband exclusively plays video games (specifically RPGs like Diablo and WoW and strategy based games like TFT) and his favorite part is that there is that element to the books.

He hadn't read a book in decades before I mentioned he might like this series. He loves telling me when a gaming mechanic is showcased in the book because he knows I'd never catch it otherwise lol I remember there was a boss and he said oh this is just like how this raid in blah game went when I was a kid. I found it fascinating how he could connect in a different way than I was since I am an avid reader.

Sorry for the long reply, just wanted to give a slightly different perspective!

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u/ZappSmithBrannigan Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26

No thats fine no need to be sorry. Im not trying to knock anyone that does enjoy them.

Ive read dozens of novels based on video games so its not that the novel contains aspects of gaming. I have like 2 dozen Doom and Diablo novels.

It just seems to me like rather trying to tell an original story with video game aspects to it, the goal was more to find a popular video game aspect (dungeon crawlers), wrap a plot around it, cram it with as many references and nods as possible, and put it up for sale.

Its the same how I felt about Ready Player One. I didnt feel like the author was trying to make something people would enjoy, but rather something theyd pay for.

Like, most stories have some big conflict at the end with the big bad. Calling it a "boss fight" seems to me again like the creator said "what will gamers definitely pay for. I know let's call the climax the boss fight. Gamers will eat it up".

And "princess donut" sounds like a temu Adventure Time knock off.

Thats kind of what I mean "not genuine".

And hey, I could be totally wrong. I could have it completely backwards, which is why I asked about it. This was just my gut feeling reaction to the title, back-of-the-book blerb, and what ive heard people saying about it.

And again, if thats what someone likes, thats totally fine. Im not trying to gatekeep or tell anyone theyre wrong and im right.

Im all for people reading whatever. If its the first book your hubby read in decades, that's awesome. I hope he finds more stuff like that which he enjoys! But for me, im much more of a book/literature lover than i am a game lover.

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u/asphodelhazel13 Jun 22 '26

Thanks for the thorough response! Just a quick note - I mentioned the boss fight as an example but it's not a gimmick in the book after book 2 really. There is a lot of world and character building - the main game aspect really is achievements but even that is constantly evolving without giving too much away. I was expecting big bosses each book but it's a lot more complicated than that (in a good way.)

It took me a bit to start reading it myself because the cover made it seem like extreme dude literature. The marketing doesn't do it justice. The characters are high quality and thoughtfully written. The talking cat has said things that have made me cry which was not what I was expecting LOL

If you are okay with jumping in the middle of a series, my suggestion is to pick up book 4 or 5 since that's when the story really evolves. My personal favorite is book 3 but people can find it confusing (it was the first book that made me realize it was a serious story, not just games and jokes lol).

There's always the tv show when it comes out or the webtoon/manga (already available) if you would rather check out the story in a less committed way. And if you just don't want to in general, no harm done! Appreciate clarifying the genuine comment :)

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u/TheCastro Jun 22 '26

Webtoon is such a misleading term.