I've read countless LitRPG novels, but ever since the first book, Dungeon Crawler Carl has been a strong contender for my all-time favorite new series. This fast-paced adventure delivers everything you could possibly want in a story. It's a continuous narrative following a man and his sharp-tongued cat as they descend into the insanity of an apocalyptic intergalactic game show. Author Matt Dinniman masterfully blends outrageous scenarios with gripping intrigue, creating a story that's nearly impossible to put down once you start.
If that sounds appealing, I’d suggest grabbing a copy and jumping right in. Amazon is currently running a buy one, get one 50% off promotion on books, which includes hardcover editions. Alternatively, the entire series is available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Dungeon Crawler Carl Hardcover Books are Buy One, Get One 50% Off at Amazon
Book OneDungeon Crawler Carl
$30.00 save 34%$19.77 at Amazon
Book TwoCarl's Doomsday Scenario
$30.00 save 32%$20.31 at Amazon
Book ThreeThe Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook
$30.00 save 32%$20.39 at Amazon
Book FourThe Gate of the Feral Gods
$30.00 save 24%$22.87 at Amazon
Book FiveThe Butcher's Masquerade
$35.00 save 43%$19.79 at Amazon
Book SixThe Eye of the Bedlam Bride
$39.00 save 34%$25.81 at AmazonThere are seven books in the series so far, but only six have been released in hardcover. You can read all of them digitally by purchasing the eBooks or through a Kindle Unlimited subscription. The latest book, Ruin's Release, is also slated for a hardcover edition, but it won't be available until September 2025. Therefore, it is not part of the current Amazon buy one, get one promotion.
I've listed all the books in their correct reading order in the carousel above, but here’s a quick chronological list as well. An eighth book in the series is anticipated later this year.
Dungeon Crawler Carl Series Reading Order
Dungeon Crawler Carl Carl's Doomsday Scenario The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook The Gate of the Feral Gods The Butcher's Masquerade The Eye of the Bedlam Bride The Inevitable Ruin Carl's Book of Boom (Expected November 2025)
Is LitRPG Worth Getting Into?
If you're new to the genre, LitRPG is essentially what the name implies. The term stands for "literary role-playing game," meaning the story incorporates RPG elements similar to those found in video games. Sometimes this involves the main character literally being transported into a video game and leveling up, but the genre is far more diverse than that.
The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is a perfect example of how LitRPG can seamlessly merge with fantasy and sci-fi. The protagonist begins as an ordinary man on Earth who is forced into a dungeon run by alien overlords. The LitRPG aspects are smoothly introduced through a deranged AI that grants the dungeon participants powers and levels. So, if you enjoy modern, fast-paced fantasy and sci-fi, you'll likely appreciate Dungeon Crawler Carl.
This series serves as an excellent entry point into the genre because it doesn't overwhelm you with complex stat sheets or intricate magic systems. It emphasizes fast-paced action and features incredible dialogue you're sure to love. The overarching plot and the dynamic between the galactic audience and the human survivors create a uniquely compelling concept that remains engaging throughout.
