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Dungeon Crawler Carl #6
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride
A pantheon of forgotten gods. An old grudge between a talk show host, an heiress, and the man they shattered along the way. A rapidly deteriorating AI system. An inconvenient tiara upon the head of a friend.
It is bedlam on the eighth floor.
As management reels from the unexpected conclusion of the seventh level, the surviving crawlers stumble onto the eighth and find themselves scattered. It’s a map based on Earth’s final days before the collapse, where ethereal, intangible ghosts of humanity go about their lives, oblivious of the impending doom. Living amongst these ghosts are monsters based in Earth lore. “Legendary” creatures tied to the geographical location they inhabit.
Each team of crawlers is given a task: find and capture six of these beasts. The captured monsters will be turned into cards. Cards that can be summoned into battle again and again. The stronger, the deadlier, the better.
At the end of the floor, the bad guys will also have decks, and they will have some of the most powerful cards available. So it’s crucial to assemble the toughest squad possible.
But, like always, there is a catch. There’s always a catch.
As Carl and Donut know all too well, just because someone is captured, it doesn’t mean they have been tamed.
Her name is Shi Maria. She’s easily the most powerful monster in their area. If they want to survive, they must capture her. But she is no ordinary beast. She’s intelligent. She was once married to a god, a god who is now missing. Her special attack is known to drive one insane. They call her the Bedlam Bride.
“Beware, beware. Beware the Eye of the Bedlam Bride”
It is bedlam on the eighth floor.
As management reels from the unexpected conclusion of the seventh level, the surviving crawlers stumble onto the eighth and find themselves scattered. It’s a map based on Earth’s final days before the collapse, where ethereal, intangible ghosts of humanity go about their lives, oblivious of the impending doom. Living amongst these ghosts are monsters based in Earth lore. “Legendary” creatures tied to the geographical location they inhabit.
Each team of crawlers is given a task: find and capture six of these beasts. The captured monsters will be turned into cards. Cards that can be summoned into battle again and again. The stronger, the deadlier, the better.
At the end of the floor, the bad guys will also have decks, and they will have some of the most powerful cards available. So it’s crucial to assemble the toughest squad possible.
But, like always, there is a catch. There’s always a catch.
As Carl and Donut know all too well, just because someone is captured, it doesn’t mean they have been tamed.
Her name is Shi Maria. She’s easily the most powerful monster in their area. If they want to survive, they must capture her. But she is no ordinary beast. She’s intelligent. She was once married to a god, a god who is now missing. Her special attack is known to drive one insane. They call her the Bedlam Bride.
“Beware, beware. Beware the Eye of the Bedlam Bride”
832 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2023
7641 people are currently reading
20094 people want to read
About the author
Matt Dinniman
30 books9,835 followersMatt Dinniman is the best-selling writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the published author of dozens of short stories and a gaggle of books. In addition, his art publications—from greeting cards to stationery kits to calendars—can be found in boutique and stationery shops around the world. Also, he strongly feels like a pretentious twat when he writes about himself in third person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,030 reviews
July 14, 2023
NEW ACHIEVEMENT!!!
You found another installment in one of the best book series out there! Reward? The book is the reward. That and Carl's sensual feet
You found another installment in one of the best book series out there! Reward? The book is the reward. That and Carl's sensual feet
June 22, 2023
When I try to describe these books, the best description I can come up with is…imagine a disaster that forces almost everyone on earth underground to endure 18 floors that each act like a different arena in the Hunger Games. Everyone and everything is trying to kill you, and so the population of the planet plummets floor by floor. It’s televised so there’s all the drama that comes with having to “perform” while surviving, including getting sponsors, meeting TV hosts, etc.
But as this is on display to the GALAXY, in addition to the crazy cruelty of this game, there are intergalactic politics between alien species, and over time we learn about them through the pov of the main human character.
Speaking of the main character and if we stay with the Hunger Games comparison, Carl is Katniss on steroids. He not only wants to survive but to fuck. things. up. Speaking of fucks, there are a lot of them because these are adult books with adult humor. Oh, and also a talking cat...with a pet dinosaur.
The stakes are HIGH, the drama in INSANE, the humor is BOMBASTIC, and every book keeps getting crazier and crazier without losing the thread. Each one expands on the lore in a mystery box way that’s highly interesting, hilarious, and engrossing.
And THIS ONE is the best one yet.
But as this is on display to the GALAXY, in addition to the crazy cruelty of this game, there are intergalactic politics between alien species, and over time we learn about them through the pov of the main human character.
Speaking of the main character and if we stay with the Hunger Games comparison, Carl is Katniss on steroids. He not only wants to survive but to fuck. things. up. Speaking of fucks, there are a lot of them because these are adult books with adult humor. Oh, and also a talking cat...with a pet dinosaur.
The stakes are HIGH, the drama in INSANE, the humor is BOMBASTIC, and every book keeps getting crazier and crazier without losing the thread. Each one expands on the lore in a mystery box way that’s highly interesting, hilarious, and engrossing.
And THIS ONE is the best one yet.
November 13, 2024
5 stars
This installment was by far the best yet! The humor was spot-on, and the chaos was next level. The totems were wild, every single one brought its own ridiculous twist, and I was either laughing or shaking my head the whole time. Between demons, slugs, and strippers, the story just kept upping the craziness. And, of course, Carl and his chaotic team, Donut and Samantha, delivered non-stop.
But what set this one apart was the added depth. The series has always been funny, from book 1 to book 5, but this time, there were moments that hit a bit deeper, and I even found myself a little emotional. Then, before I knew it, I was laughing again.
There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. Absolute chef’s kiss. And I couldn’t ask for better timing, because book 7 just dropped! I’m diving straight in. Cannot wait!
This installment was by far the best yet! The humor was spot-on, and the chaos was next level. The totems were wild, every single one brought its own ridiculous twist, and I was either laughing or shaking my head the whole time. Between demons, slugs, and strippers, the story just kept upping the craziness. And, of course, Carl and his chaotic team, Donut and Samantha, delivered non-stop.
But what set this one apart was the added depth. The series has always been funny, from book 1 to book 5, but this time, there were moments that hit a bit deeper, and I even found myself a little emotional. Then, before I knew it, I was laughing again.
There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. Absolute chef’s kiss. And I couldn’t ask for better timing, because book 7 just dropped! I’m diving straight in. Cannot wait!
April 13, 2025
This series is absolute perfection. It has everything, and it is done so well.
I'll start book 7 tomorrow.
I'll start book 7 tomorrow.
August 19, 2025
The Dungeon Crawler Carl books take off from the culture of role-playing games popularized by Dungeons and Dragons. The premise of different dungeon ‘levels’ means Dinniman can play around with sub-genres, and in this book, he uses card games as the basis for conflict. In fact, he specifically calls out Pokéman, explaining how this dungeon level isn’t at all similar (look, ma; no copyright infringement here!).
"I refused to believe it’d really taken that much work to design this ridiculous card system. It felt more like a half-assed YuGiOh! ripoff duct-taped together by someone on an Adderall bender."
The premise didn’t grab me as much as straight-up dungeon crawling, but as usual, the book is about so much more than the dungeon conflict, despite what Carl would prefer. I both read and listened to this edition, and I think I am starting to land on a preference for audio for this series. This is probably in line with Dinniman’s own preference, as he notes “I write everything with audio in mind.” Like Aaronovitch, he seems to enjoy throwing different accents at his reader–in this case, the very talented Jeff Hays.
Character development continues to be a major feature of this series. Carl’s desire to have clear-cut boundaries leads him into conflict with compassion and understanding, particularly for himself. Having moved past the Beatrice drama of the prior book, in this one, Carl is forced to confront his father. Beatrice drama returns as he discovers more ways she sought to control his life. It’s an interesting choice, because one of the aspects I appreciated about it all was the emotional subtlety, but Carl recognizes this. The lens of compassion in this one turns instead to Katia, who has found a way to resolve the conflict of the crown that will eventually put her and Donut at odds on the next floor. Katia is still struggling with her own past demons, however, and it finally comes to light in this book. Donut continues to bring a touch of humor, particularly with her cat-like behavior.
“If I knocked something off the counter, then it was placed too close to the edge. All the best cooks know not to place things next to the edge when there are cats in the home. That’s cooking 101, Carl.”
And Samantha. Oh, man, Samantha. The humor gets a little gross here.
"Samantha: THAT WAS A GOOD THROW! I’M ACROSS THE STREET! I QUEEFED OUT THE SPIDERS!"
But as the show says, you take the good with the bad, and the good is the meta commentary on power. In this book, it develops as the game AI appears to have 'gone rogue,' or 'gone elemental,' a fear mentioned in prior books. The inter- and intra-government conflicts play less of a role than the AI's own development. Again, interesting, because it seems as if Carl continues to be positioned as a pawn by yet another entity's bid to control the dungeon.
"They almost always remain firmly stomped. But sometimes, the weak gather in secret. They make plans. They work outside the system to effect change. Like the Mollies, they usually end up just as stomped as everyone else. But that’s just life. At least they fucking tried."
Dinniman claims he is a ‘pants’ writer, who even takes suggestions for plot twists from his Patreon. I confess I have my doubts, because I see how well threads for each book’s conflicts and secondary conflicts had roots in the prior stories. However, that could just reflect on how multifaceted the characterization is, that he can take unpredictable plot directions and make the experiences believable–much like real life.
A solid edition to the series. Rounding up for the audio version, which at 28 hours, is quite a commitment.
Note for self: Name refers to an alternate name for a demi-goddess that appears in the book.
"I refused to believe it’d really taken that much work to design this ridiculous card system. It felt more like a half-assed YuGiOh! ripoff duct-taped together by someone on an Adderall bender."
The premise didn’t grab me as much as straight-up dungeon crawling, but as usual, the book is about so much more than the dungeon conflict, despite what Carl would prefer. I both read and listened to this edition, and I think I am starting to land on a preference for audio for this series. This is probably in line with Dinniman’s own preference, as he notes “I write everything with audio in mind.” Like Aaronovitch, he seems to enjoy throwing different accents at his reader–in this case, the very talented Jeff Hays.
Character development continues to be a major feature of this series. Carl’s desire to have clear-cut boundaries leads him into conflict with compassion and understanding, particularly for himself. Having moved past the Beatrice drama of the prior book, in this one, Carl is forced to confront his father. Beatrice drama returns as he discovers more ways she sought to control his life. It’s an interesting choice, because one of the aspects I appreciated about it all was the emotional subtlety, but Carl recognizes this. The lens of compassion in this one turns instead to Katia, who has found a way to resolve the conflict of the crown that will eventually put her and Donut at odds on the next floor. Katia is still struggling with her own past demons, however, and it finally comes to light in this book. Donut continues to bring a touch of humor, particularly with her cat-like behavior.
“If I knocked something off the counter, then it was placed too close to the edge. All the best cooks know not to place things next to the edge when there are cats in the home. That’s cooking 101, Carl.”
And Samantha. Oh, man, Samantha. The humor gets a little gross here.
"Samantha: THAT WAS A GOOD THROW! I’M ACROSS THE STREET! I QUEEFED OUT THE SPIDERS!"
But as the show says, you take the good with the bad, and the good is the meta commentary on power. In this book, it develops as the game AI appears to have 'gone rogue,' or 'gone elemental,' a fear mentioned in prior books. The inter- and intra-government conflicts play less of a role than the AI's own development. Again, interesting, because it seems as if Carl continues to be positioned as a pawn by yet another entity's bid to control the dungeon.
"They almost always remain firmly stomped. But sometimes, the weak gather in secret. They make plans. They work outside the system to effect change. Like the Mollies, they usually end up just as stomped as everyone else. But that’s just life. At least they fucking tried."
Dinniman claims he is a ‘pants’ writer, who even takes suggestions for plot twists from his Patreon. I confess I have my doubts, because I see how well threads for each book’s conflicts and secondary conflicts had roots in the prior stories. However, that could just reflect on how multifaceted the characterization is, that he can take unpredictable plot directions and make the experiences believable–much like real life.
A solid edition to the series. Rounding up for the audio version, which at 28 hours, is quite a commitment.
Note for self: Name refers to an alternate name for a demi-goddess that appears in the book.
August 4, 2024
I just retroactively upgraded all my previous DCC ratings to 5 stars. My book ratings are not serious, more based on how much I enjoyed the reading experience. Why the upgrade? Matt Dinniman captured and distilled the essence of Fun so effectively, I must give him the kudos he deserves.
I now count DCC as one of the few works which so generously offered that elusive quality - The Magic of Books. Every reader has an internal list of those books. The books which pull you in effortlessly and carry you into the flow state. They forever etch an imaginary pantheon, the golden narratives which the human brain instinctually craves. Thanks, Matt. Your books make me feel like I'm in the school library again reading as much as I can until that bell rings.
I now count DCC as one of the few works which so generously offered that elusive quality - The Magic of Books. Every reader has an internal list of those books. The books which pull you in effortlessly and carry you into the flow state. They forever etch an imaginary pantheon, the golden narratives which the human brain instinctually craves. Thanks, Matt. Your books make me feel like I'm in the school library again reading as much as I can until that bell rings.
March 23, 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉ Note : This review is short and to the point, no spoilers aside from some fun quotes from the book!
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride is book six in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and yet another incredible addition to one of the best, most addictive series I have read. It is a bit mind-blowing I've pumped through these books so quickly; I just can't get enough. It's like I'm a child who won the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and I'm high on the sugar-rush.
All that to say - please read this series!
: ̗̀➛ My Review Rants
All I'm going to say here is: Jesus with guns, crabs jerking themselves off, demons spawning and taking the bodies of zombie seals, and Princess Donut finally encounters her first ever catgirl (spoiler alert: she is not happy about it!). Suffice to say, this book is, from front to back, absolute chaos. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the very folklore beasts, the very ones you've grown up being warned about that are native in your country, were suddenly summonable via a card game (think Pokémon or MTG) where they would fight for you - well, sometimes - and wreak absolute chaos everywhere you went?! Wonder no longer! This book will show you just how ridiculous of an idea that is! And you will cry, laugh, and rage!! But a book is best enjoyed when it's got you feeling all of that, right?
: ̗̀➛ Series Reviews
Check out my reviews for the other books in this series:
Dungeon Crawler Carl : Book 1
Carl's Doomsday Scenario : Book 2
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook : Book 3
The Gate of the Feral Gods : Book 4
The Butcher's Masquerade : Book 5
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride : Book 6
This Inevitable Ruin : Book 7
“Never stare into the blinding eye of the Bedlam Bride. What it means is don’t become obsessed with something, lest you’re blinded to everything else.”
✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉ Note : This review is short and to the point, no spoilers aside from some fun quotes from the book!
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride is book six in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and yet another incredible addition to one of the best, most addictive series I have read. It is a bit mind-blowing I've pumped through these books so quickly; I just can't get enough. It's like I'm a child who won the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and I'm high on the sugar-rush.
All that to say - please read this series!
: ̗̀➛ My Review Rants
“I mean, really. I can’t be held accountable for everything I’ve ever said to a stripper.”
All I'm going to say here is: Jesus with guns, crabs jerking themselves off, demons spawning and taking the bodies of zombie seals, and Princess Donut finally encounters her first ever catgirl (spoiler alert: she is not happy about it!). Suffice to say, this book is, from front to back, absolute chaos. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the very folklore beasts, the very ones you've grown up being warned about that are native in your country, were suddenly summonable via a card game (think Pokémon or MTG) where they would fight for you - well, sometimes - and wreak absolute chaos everywhere you went?! Wonder no longer! This book will show you just how ridiculous of an idea that is! And you will cry, laugh, and rage!! But a book is best enjoyed when it's got you feeling all of that, right?
“I didn’t realize you’d actually get that thing to work. Are you planning on growing a mullet as well? Are there any Waffle Houses between here and there? Maybe we can stop and get into a brawl, but only after you bounce a few child support payment checks first.”
“I remembered Mordecai’s advice when it came to mages. They can’t cast their spells when you’re punching them in the face.”
“You are more than just a person, if we lose you we lose everything. You are a symbol. You're the embodiment of our hope. You and that annoying f**king cat!.”
“I love that guy! Strippers are supposed to have names like that. There’s Anaconda. Damascus Steel. Dong Quixote.”
“Don’t gaslight me, Jesus.”
“Did... did you just rip your dick off and throw it at me?” “I’m going to do it again if you don’t let me in.”
“There’s this scent one associates with their parents. You don’t even think about it until you’ve been away for so long, and it returns, towing unwelcome memories with it, shoving them at you all at once.”
“Donut: PREPOTENTE DON’T BE MEAN TO KATIA. Rezan: Why does that cat always type in all caps? Donut: WHY DIDN’T YOUR MOTHER DRIBBLE YOU BACK OUT ONTO THE TRUCK STOP BATHROOM FLOOR, REZAN?”
: ̗̀➛ Series Reviews
Check out my reviews for the other books in this series:
Dungeon Crawler Carl : Book 1
Carl's Doomsday Scenario : Book 2
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook : Book 3
The Gate of the Feral Gods : Book 4
The Butcher's Masquerade : Book 5
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride : Book 6
This Inevitable Ruin : Book 7
February 11, 2025
This is sixth in a long-running LitRPG series that you definitely want to read in order.
You know what you're going to get by now. The system/AI/worldbuilding is still complete and utter madness with a twist of satire*. I was pleasantly impressed with the character developments of this story. Yes, bad things happen, including to Carl and Donut. But they also persevere and continue to wreck all the complacency of the show runners while they're at it.
And I particularly like how they handled the fallout for the reveal that Katia and Donut are going to be at odds for surviving the ninth floor. They already have one plan in play to circumvent the dire development, but the author has never yet let the default transpire and I'd love to see Carl pull some contrivance out of his boxers to blow this one up, too.
I think I'll leave this here, except to note that this continues the impressive five-star streak (only one so far didn't reach that level of entertainment). I perceive a bit of a publishing slow-down by the author, but I hope that picks up again and this was an outlier. The hardest part of reading this book was the big gap now that I'd caught up to publication. Relearning all the intertwined relationships once again took a bit and wasn't comfortable.
A note about Chaste: There's technically time/space for moments of intimacy, but this isn't that kind of story. Carl has some great relationships, including some that could turn romantic if the author chose to go there. So far, that doesn't seem to be on the menu. Oh! And at least some of this story happens in, um, a male dance review (strippers. They're strippers) and there's plenty of sex-based "humor". I don't consider that unchaste, so gauge/adjust accordingly.
* There's a lot of satire here, and I mean in the classical sense of the author tearing apart modern ideas, memes, and popular culture. It's practically a modern-day Gulliver's Travels, only without the political axe(s) to grind.
You know what you're going to get by now. The system/AI/worldbuilding is still complete and utter madness with a twist of satire*. I was pleasantly impressed with the character developments of this story. Yes, bad things happen, including to Carl and Donut. But they also persevere and continue to wreck all the complacency of the show runners while they're at it.
And I particularly like how they handled the fallout for the reveal that Katia and Donut are going to be at odds for surviving the ninth floor. They already have one plan in play to circumvent the dire development, but the author has never yet let the default transpire and I'd love to see Carl pull some contrivance out of his boxers to blow this one up, too.
I think I'll leave this here, except to note that this continues the impressive five-star streak (only one so far didn't reach that level of entertainment). I perceive a bit of a publishing slow-down by the author, but I hope that picks up again and this was an outlier. The hardest part of reading this book was the big gap now that I'd caught up to publication. Relearning all the intertwined relationships once again took a bit and wasn't comfortable.
A note about Chaste: There's technically time/space for moments of intimacy, but this isn't that kind of story. Carl has some great relationships, including some that could turn romantic if the author chose to go there. So far, that doesn't seem to be on the menu. Oh! And at least some of this story happens in, um, a male dance review (strippers. They're strippers) and there's plenty of sex-based "humor". I don't consider that unchaste, so gauge/adjust accordingly.
* There's a lot of satire here, and I mean in the classical sense of the author tearing apart modern ideas, memes, and popular culture. It's practically a modern-day Gulliver's Travels, only without the political axe(s) to grind.
April 30, 2025
WELCOME CRAWLERS TO TODAYS EPISODE OF:
“if I had to hear it and suffer, so did youuuuu”
I’m your host, and if Matt Dinniman kills off my fave characters in book 7-8, I will kill his mother. (For all purposes, this is a joke and would make sense to you if you read this series, calm down, I’m not that violent 🤭)
Anyway!
2 fabulous combination of words that I wish I could forget instantly and bleach from my brain that this book gave to me, and I’ll give them to you 100% CONTEXT FREE 🎉
- “crab bukkake”
- “sentient sperm”
Two terms I never wanna hear again. Ty.
The fact the computer system told the whole universe that Carl jerked off a crab was a real highlight.
Every book has 700 things going on, the author is a literal genius, these characters feel like family, I will fucking cry if anyone dies.
Goodnight xoxo
“if I had to hear it and suffer, so did youuuuu”
I’m your host, and if Matt Dinniman kills off my fave characters in book 7-8, I will kill his mother. (For all purposes, this is a joke and would make sense to you if you read this series, calm down, I’m not that violent 🤭)
Anyway!
2 fabulous combination of words that I wish I could forget instantly and bleach from my brain that this book gave to me, and I’ll give them to you 100% CONTEXT FREE 🎉
- “crab bukkake”
- “sentient sperm”
Two terms I never wanna hear again. Ty.
The fact the computer system told the whole universe that Carl jerked off a crab was a real highlight.
Every book has 700 things going on, the author is a literal genius, these characters feel like family, I will fucking cry if anyone dies.
Goodnight xoxo
June 29, 2025
✨Book Review in 10 words or less✨
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: Reading ruined.
Will be chasing this masterpiece forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: Reading ruined.
Will be chasing this masterpiece forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was another fun installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Filled with humorous moments and plenty of action, I found this one easy to fly through, despite the length
I found this novel very consistent with the previous books. My ratings have stayed consistent throughout the series. I find it fun but not necessarily the five star experience other reviewers report. This is a great series for beating reading slumps. I respect that not every series is meant to be memorable. Sometimes we all need some escapist fun.
I would recommend this volume to fans of the series. If you enjoyed the previous books then you'll like this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was another fun installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Filled with humorous moments and plenty of action, I found this one easy to fly through, despite the length
I found this novel very consistent with the previous books. My ratings have stayed consistent throughout the series. I find it fun but not necessarily the five star experience other reviewers report. This is a great series for beating reading slumps. I respect that not every series is meant to be memorable. Sometimes we all need some escapist fun.
I would recommend this volume to fans of the series. If you enjoyed the previous books then you'll like this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 2, 2025
Reread update: easy 5 stars! I found this even more engaging the second time around, and it is just about as perfect a DCC book as I could imagine. There are three humongous set pieces toward the beginning, middle, and end, and each one is an emotional rollercoaster that kept me in utter suspense. Dinniman is one of the best fantasy writers at writing epic action scenes that are creative and exciting but which also provide impactful emotional moments for the characters involved. And while it was gritty and tense throughout, it was also hilarious and continuously hitting my funny bone in just the right place. Damn am I going to miss this particular mix as I await the next book. This has to have one of the most exciting mid-series endings I've ever read, setting up a huge epic next book that everything has been building toward for a long time -- I can't wait!!!!
Original Review:
4.5 stars -- why can't Goodreads give us a half star option my goodness that's annoying. On the book though, it was yet another impactful and wild ride with Carl and Donut. I love how the greater plot and worldbuilding is coming more and more into play, and this level design with its card game mechanics felt extremely fresh for the series. This one went to some very dark and emotional places, and that is truly where Dinniman is shining for me the most. The combo of clever and dumb humor sprinkled throughout adds so much to my enjoyment, but this is far far from a humor-focused book and series, and is one of the most drama-filled and gritty things I feel like I've ever read. The stakes are sky high from beginning to end, and Dinniman just doesn't let off the gas pedal.
While it had some incredible moments that are the reason I rounded up to 5, I did find myself wishing once again that things were just a bit less complicated so I could feel more invested in the strategies and tactics. The middle of the book lost my full engagement for just a bit as events felt a tad repetitive, so it wasn't one of those perfect reads but pretty dang close.
The climactic sequence in this one is one of the most batshit crazy things I've ever read, and it mixed in some masterful oh shit moments to set things up for the next book. And that next one looks like it's gonna be a doozy, and I can't wait!
Original Review:
4.5 stars -- why can't Goodreads give us a half star option my goodness that's annoying. On the book though, it was yet another impactful and wild ride with Carl and Donut. I love how the greater plot and worldbuilding is coming more and more into play, and this level design with its card game mechanics felt extremely fresh for the series. This one went to some very dark and emotional places, and that is truly where Dinniman is shining for me the most. The combo of clever and dumb humor sprinkled throughout adds so much to my enjoyment, but this is far far from a humor-focused book and series, and is one of the most drama-filled and gritty things I feel like I've ever read. The stakes are sky high from beginning to end, and Dinniman just doesn't let off the gas pedal.
While it had some incredible moments that are the reason I rounded up to 5, I did find myself wishing once again that things were just a bit less complicated so I could feel more invested in the strategies and tactics. The middle of the book lost my full engagement for just a bit as events felt a tad repetitive, so it wasn't one of those perfect reads but pretty dang close.
The climactic sequence in this one is one of the most batshit crazy things I've ever read, and it mixed in some masterful oh shit moments to set things up for the next book. And that next one looks like it's gonna be a doozy, and I can't wait!
January 30, 2024
4.75 stars.
Though I’ve never been a fan of card based games and dreaded how this level would be as soon as I read the premise, I gotta say, this wasn’t boring in the least.
Love how our characters are persevering and everything the dungeon is trying, to break them, is only bringing them closer.
Loving the intergalactic politics and the layered plot. That goddamned hook in the epilogue. So frigging excited for the next one and the impending revelations. Never had to wait for a book as I binge read the series, so I guess this is going to be a torture.
Though I’ve never been a fan of card based games and dreaded how this level would be as soon as I read the premise, I gotta say, this wasn’t boring in the least.
Love how our characters are persevering and everything the dungeon is trying, to break them, is only bringing them closer.
Loving the intergalactic politics and the layered plot. That goddamned hook in the epilogue. So frigging excited for the next one and the impending revelations. Never had to wait for a book as I binge read the series, so I guess this is going to be a torture.
May 28, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
4.5 stars
You would think that Dinniman would run out of new ways to keep this insane dungeon crawling adventure exciting at some point, but ooooh no, instead The Eye of the Bedlam Bride might just be the best and most refreshing instalment in the series yet.
What can I say that I haven't already said before? This series just has absolutely zero business working as well as it does, and yet here we are. I think I accepted around book 3 that I honestly couldn't give a single flying fuck about the big action set-pieces and will never be able to wrap my head around the ridiculously complicated plans that Carl comes up with to cheat the system, but somehow Dinniman managed to get me so invested in the characters that I am along for the wild ride anyway.
And honestly, The Eye of the Bedlam Bride struck the perfect balance between the wild action, inventive world building and quiet character moments for me, which is exactly why this instalment just had me completely hooked the entire way through. For some reason, the combination of the simulated Earth setting (with the memory ghosts... brutal) in combination with the Yu-Gi-Oh style card game system worked surprisingly well for me, and I loved seeing what type of crazy new character types Dinniman came up with for this card game (Uzi Jezus is a hoot and a half!!). Oh and we got Xmas shenanigans and lots of Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries talk (bless Donut), which just had my heart leaping with joy despite all the utter chaos going on.
Now, while there's still plenty of zany, gory, goofy and charmingly cringy humour, I also think it's not fair to call this a 'fun escapist adventure' anymore at this point. The emotional weight and thematic depth of the events unfolding is beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I found myself insanely anxious and even choked up multiple times throughout this instalment. I especially enjoyed that we got to a peek into the backstories of Carl, Odette and Mordecai, which were all full of hard-hitting revelations.
Also, can we talk about the character development of the AI? Yes, you heard that right, the fucking AI absolutely stole the show here, and I loved seeing the absolute madness that unfolded as it started to take more and more control. And then the epilogue with the wider world implications... WICKED!! Everything is just going to utter shit and I am so here for the chaos; who knew that a LitRPG adventure could have such high stakes?!
If you have enjoyed the DCC series up to this point, I seriously can't see how you wouldn't adore The Eye of the Bedlam Bride as well. It's got everything that makes this series so spectacular, done to absolute perfection. I am so excited and so nervous to see what is to come on the next floor; Dinniman better have been working on his pull-ups, because the bar is set SO high. Bring. It. On.
4.5 stars
You would think that Dinniman would run out of new ways to keep this insane dungeon crawling adventure exciting at some point, but ooooh no, instead The Eye of the Bedlam Bride might just be the best and most refreshing instalment in the series yet.
What can I say that I haven't already said before? This series just has absolutely zero business working as well as it does, and yet here we are. I think I accepted around book 3 that I honestly couldn't give a single flying fuck about the big action set-pieces and will never be able to wrap my head around the ridiculously complicated plans that Carl comes up with to cheat the system, but somehow Dinniman managed to get me so invested in the characters that I am along for the wild ride anyway.
And honestly, The Eye of the Bedlam Bride struck the perfect balance between the wild action, inventive world building and quiet character moments for me, which is exactly why this instalment just had me completely hooked the entire way through. For some reason, the combination of the simulated Earth setting (with the memory ghosts... brutal) in combination with the Yu-Gi-Oh style card game system worked surprisingly well for me, and I loved seeing what type of crazy new character types Dinniman came up with for this card game (Uzi Jezus is a hoot and a half!!). Oh and we got Xmas shenanigans and lots of Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries talk (bless Donut), which just had my heart leaping with joy despite all the utter chaos going on.
Now, while there's still plenty of zany, gory, goofy and charmingly cringy humour, I also think it's not fair to call this a 'fun escapist adventure' anymore at this point. The emotional weight and thematic depth of the events unfolding is beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I found myself insanely anxious and even choked up multiple times throughout this instalment. I especially enjoyed that we got to a peek into the backstories of Carl, Odette and Mordecai, which were all full of hard-hitting revelations.
Also, can we talk about the character development of the AI? Yes, you heard that right, the fucking AI absolutely stole the show here, and I loved seeing the absolute madness that unfolded as it started to take more and more control. And then the epilogue with the wider world implications... WICKED!! Everything is just going to utter shit and I am so here for the chaos; who knew that a LitRPG adventure could have such high stakes?!
If you have enjoyed the DCC series up to this point, I seriously can't see how you wouldn't adore The Eye of the Bedlam Bride as well. It's got everything that makes this series so spectacular, done to absolute perfection. I am so excited and so nervous to see what is to come on the next floor; Dinniman better have been working on his pull-ups, because the bar is set SO high. Bring. It. On.
September 5, 2023
Another solid entry to the series. First half felt a bit slow, but the end was the usual satisfying chaotic insanity.
Don't expect any deep insights or unique prose from this book (or this series) -- it's pure silly entertainment.
Kudos to narrator Jeff Hays, who somehow makes all these unique voices on his own. It's almost disturbing. Check out this clip for some examples (very minor spoilers, and explicit humor).
Don't expect any deep insights or unique prose from this book (or this series) -- it's pure silly entertainment.
Kudos to narrator Jeff Hays, who somehow makes all these unique voices on his own. It's almost disturbing. Check out this clip for some examples (very minor spoilers, and explicit humor).
March 21, 2024
Pure chaotic fun with an underlying darkness that threatens to sweep everything away.
August 12, 2025
Total escapism with hilarity and surprising feels. I adore Donut and Carl, as well as Katya and especially Samantha. I KILL YOUR MOTHER!
These are best on audio with the incredible Jeff Hays narrating.
These are best on audio with the incredible Jeff Hays narrating.
January 17, 2025
"People have bones for a reason, Carl."
July 15, 2023
Game mechanics get in the way of the story
It wasn't bad. I fact, it was decent. But at this point, the story should not be taking a back seat to introducing new game mechanics. Far too much time was spent introducing, explaining and interacting with the new Collectable Card Game rules added in for the floor.
Also, I am tired of Donut's antics. This series dark, disturbing and depressing and the comic relief just doesn't work anymore.
It wasn't bad. I fact, it was decent. But at this point, the story should not be taking a back seat to introducing new game mechanics. Far too much time was spent introducing, explaining and interacting with the new Collectable Card Game rules added in for the floor.
Also, I am tired of Donut's antics. This series dark, disturbing and depressing and the comic relief just doesn't work anymore.
February 5, 2025
The emotional attachment I have to these characters is probably unhealthy.
July 25, 2024
July 2024 Re-Read
3 ⭐️
it was definitely better on a re-listen though my complaints are mostly the same as my initial review. i forgot how hype the last chunk of this book was
October 2023 First Read
2.5 ⭐️
i'm so sad this book didn't work for meeeeeeeeeee :((((( this is the first book in this series where there's more i dislike than i did like...
the level design was a bit dull compared to the previous entries. i like the pokemon/card game aspect of the level. i just don't like the world ghosts and everyone being separated into sections. i don't like him, but quan ch was easily the best card player, wish we had seen him fuck up other people more. this level's climax also didn't feel as smart as what i was expecting (maybe the previous books set the bar too high iunno).
i didn't like or see any purpose to adding the sections on carl's past: his step brother and dad. it didn't do anything for me? felt like filler.
i've hated the "river" ever since it was introduced. cuz honestly lmao what. is it some analogy for dark emo carl? but like, you can just show it through action, why is it always mentioned? this is a nitpick but it really annoys me...
another nitpick! the book felt the need to remind me like 20 times every time a minor character was brought up. every single time tran was mentioned, the book exposited that he was "the crawler who lost two legs last level". i understand wanting to remind the reader who is who since there are so many characters, but the writing could have been "they were slower than usually cuz tran had a hard time getting used to being on a wheelchair" instead of "remember he is the one who lost his legs last level??"
i could forgive all that but the characters actually really disappointed me this book:
and then him being a pussy saying he wasn't going to use garret cuz donut wouldn't like it? brah stop being the cat's lil bitch. you're wasting a resource? also garret is fucking cute.
speaking of donut... i have always been a cat person but she was a huge bitch this book. is it on purpose? her playing up her snotty annoying persona? her hostility towards sister ines and tserendolgor/garret was insanely irritating.
i'm so sad that the characters i used to love have become like this :|
samantha is hilarious but annoying and this book she lays it on too thick. i did enjoy the mordecai and odette reveal. and the epilogue is pretty hype.
despite my distaste for this book, i am excited and looking forward to the next entry. hopefully the faction war will live up to the build up~
3 ⭐️
it was definitely better on a re-listen though my complaints are mostly the same as my initial review. i forgot how hype the last chunk of this book was
October 2023 First Read
2.5 ⭐️
i'm so sad this book didn't work for meeeeeeeeeee :((((( this is the first book in this series where there's more i dislike than i did like...
the level design was a bit dull compared to the previous entries. i like the pokemon/card game aspect of the level. i just don't like the world ghosts and everyone being separated into sections. i don't like him, but quan ch was easily the best card player, wish we had seen him fuck up other people more. this level's climax also didn't feel as smart as what i was expecting (maybe the previous books set the bar too high iunno).
i didn't like or see any purpose to adding the sections on carl's past: his step brother and dad. it didn't do anything for me? felt like filler.
i've hated the "river" ever since it was introduced. cuz honestly lmao what. is it some analogy for dark emo carl? but like, you can just show it through action, why is it always mentioned? this is a nitpick but it really annoys me...
another nitpick! the book felt the need to remind me like 20 times every time a minor character was brought up. every single time tran was mentioned, the book exposited that he was "the crawler who lost two legs last level". i understand wanting to remind the reader who is who since there are so many characters, but the writing could have been "they were slower than usually cuz tran had a hard time getting used to being on a wheelchair" instead of "remember he is the one who lost his legs last level??"
i could forgive all that but the characters actually really disappointed me this book:
and then him being a pussy saying he wasn't going to use garret cuz donut wouldn't like it? brah stop being the cat's lil bitch. you're wasting a resource? also garret is fucking cute.
speaking of donut... i have always been a cat person but she was a huge bitch this book. is it on purpose? her playing up her snotty annoying persona? her hostility towards sister ines and tserendolgor/garret was insanely irritating.
i'm so sad that the characters i used to love have become like this :|
samantha is hilarious but annoying and this book she lays it on too thick. i did enjoy the mordecai and odette reveal. and the epilogue is pretty hype.
despite my distaste for this book, i am excited and looking forward to the next entry. hopefully the faction war will live up to the build up~
July 5, 2023
3,5/5 stars - Spoiler free review
This is a great book, but with a few asterisk. Let's start with the good things.
Matt is still one of my favorite character writers. I didn't re-read any of the previous books for this one, but even if I did forget some things I still remembered clearly every character that appears or was mentioned in this books. Carl and Donnut still are an amazing duo, and I feel like the addition to Samantha makes everything just a little better; I miss Katia as part of the main dinamic, but I gotta admit that she kinda always felt a bit of an outsider from the main two, which is something Samantha doesn't suffer from.
Apart from that, the main story is still great, and the build up is superb. I'm still impressed with how random itens or storylines from two books ago continues to make a difference in the story, and that saying a lot, considering the sheer number of content these books have.
Matt also has a great talent for using humor as a tool to not only slow down the story when it's needed and lighten up the tone, but also to criticize real life stuff in a fun and absurd way. I'm always impressed with how he can write some of the most offensive shit I have read without sounding like he's a douche himself (part of that, I think, is by allowing his characters to recognize how offensive that stuff is). One particular scene, at the end of the book involving a crab and a evil version of Carl made me laugh in a way that made me worried for my soul.
Two things made me go down a few points, though. The first one is that the gimmick of this floor is, honestly, kinda boring. The action scenes weren't really dinamic and, as much as they say that the card game they played isn't turn based like the ones we have in the real world, it did kinda feel sometimes like characters were waiting to take turns.
The other thing is that the books kinda feels too much like a build up for the next book. Many plot points from previous books are mentioned only to be discarded right away in favor of waiting for the faction wars (like it wanted us to remember they were still a thing but didn't want to develop it more), while quite a few new ones were introduced in preparation for the next book. One particulary "side story" felt like it was only there to prepare the story for the next part, and didn't really had any meaningful impact for this book.
All of this is kinda understandable, as the next floor has been built up as the biggest next story event, but I felt like this book suffered a littler bit for it.
Overall, tho, great book, and I delayed quite a bit of work to read it as much as I could. Now to try and do everything before the boss realize I'm behind on my tasks.
This is a great book, but with a few asterisk. Let's start with the good things.
Matt is still one of my favorite character writers. I didn't re-read any of the previous books for this one, but even if I did forget some things I still remembered clearly every character that appears or was mentioned in this books. Carl and Donnut still are an amazing duo, and I feel like the addition to Samantha makes everything just a little better; I miss Katia as part of the main dinamic, but I gotta admit that she kinda always felt a bit of an outsider from the main two, which is something Samantha doesn't suffer from.
Apart from that, the main story is still great, and the build up is superb. I'm still impressed with how random itens or storylines from two books ago continues to make a difference in the story, and that saying a lot, considering the sheer number of content these books have.
Matt also has a great talent for using humor as a tool to not only slow down the story when it's needed and lighten up the tone, but also to criticize real life stuff in a fun and absurd way. I'm always impressed with how he can write some of the most offensive shit I have read without sounding like he's a douche himself (part of that, I think, is by allowing his characters to recognize how offensive that stuff is). One particular scene, at the end of the book involving a crab and a evil version of Carl made me laugh in a way that made me worried for my soul.
Two things made me go down a few points, though. The first one is that the gimmick of this floor is, honestly, kinda boring. The action scenes weren't really dinamic and, as much as they say that the card game they played isn't turn based like the ones we have in the real world, it did kinda feel sometimes like characters were waiting to take turns.
The other thing is that the books kinda feels too much like a build up for the next book. Many plot points from previous books are mentioned only to be discarded right away in favor of waiting for the faction wars (like it wanted us to remember they were still a thing but didn't want to develop it more), while quite a few new ones were introduced in preparation for the next book. One particulary "side story" felt like it was only there to prepare the story for the next part, and didn't really had any meaningful impact for this book.
All of this is kinda understandable, as the next floor has been built up as the biggest next story event, but I felt like this book suffered a littler bit for it.
Overall, tho, great book, and I delayed quite a bit of work to read it as much as I could. Now to try and do everything before the boss realize I'm behind on my tasks.
May 5, 2025
Donut and Carl are on the tenth level. They can collect cards sort of like Pokémon. And then they can use the creature of the card when they need it most. We have some beloved characters back in the dungeon and new flair to the game. All the dark humor and snarkiness and wordplay.
The best thing about this book is chapter 45, we see some insight into Carl’s family, his father and who he became of a man. And Carl and Donut come to my home state of Iowa!
Just when you think everything has been done there is something more obscure and absurd in this game. The body doubt isn’t as high but there is just as much utter chaos.
I think by now we can all agree we don’t completely understand what’s happening but we Are enjoying this wild ride. Come on board to see donut fly, and the iconic line “don’t gaslight me, Jesus.”
I will begrudgingly agree that these books are too long and Matt Dinniman needs an editor. But oh, aren’t they glorious?
Can’t wait for book 7.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ace Publishing for the ARC. Book to be released May 13, 2025.
The best thing about this book is chapter 45, we see some insight into Carl’s family, his father and who he became of a man. And Carl and Donut come to my home state of Iowa!
Just when you think everything has been done there is something more obscure and absurd in this game. The body doubt isn’t as high but there is just as much utter chaos.
I think by now we can all agree we don’t completely understand what’s happening but we Are enjoying this wild ride. Come on board to see donut fly, and the iconic line “don’t gaslight me, Jesus.”
I will begrudgingly agree that these books are too long and Matt Dinniman needs an editor. But oh, aren’t they glorious?
Can’t wait for book 7.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ace Publishing for the ARC. Book to be released May 13, 2025.
June 9, 2024
*** 4 ***
This was... something! I love this series, but I am always left a bit bewildered when I finish each book... There is too much action at times and I wish we had more of the contemplative moments between our main characters... Actually, we got more than usual in this book, and that pleased my desire for the more personal touch, so I am satisfied. Still, as much as I adore Samantha and Donut and love every moment they are spotlighted, I wish we had more about some of the other members of our gang... I am guessing the author isn't really going into them, because all will probably die sooner rather than later, and I get that, but I think the payoff would be a stronger connection for the reader and thus a bigger emotional response once the inevitable happens... Still, I am having a blast listening to these and can't wait for the author to catch up with our demands for more!!! 😃👍😎
This was... something! I love this series, but I am always left a bit bewildered when I finish each book... There is too much action at times and I wish we had more of the contemplative moments between our main characters... Actually, we got more than usual in this book, and that pleased my desire for the more personal touch, so I am satisfied. Still, as much as I adore Samantha and Donut and love every moment they are spotlighted, I wish we had more about some of the other members of our gang... I am guessing the author isn't really going into them, because all will probably die sooner rather than later, and I get that, but I think the payoff would be a stronger connection for the reader and thus a bigger emotional response once the inevitable happens... Still, I am having a blast listening to these and can't wait for the author to catch up with our demands for more!!! 😃👍😎
August 15, 2025
Almost 27h of listening time at 1x, only on walks, when it's 30°C after dark took me almost 2 months 😂
RTC (if I can remember the last 2 months of my life well enough).
Also, I know, I know, "RTC" are piling up. Hopefully tomorrow I'll sort out a few 😅
Pre-Read
If there is anything that can help keep up my resolution to go walk with 30+°C and humid at 10pm, it's this book!
RTC (if I can remember the last 2 months of my life well enough).
Also, I know, I know, "RTC" are piling up. Hopefully tomorrow I'll sort out a few 😅
Pre-Read
If there is anything that can help keep up my resolution to go walk with 30+°C and humid at 10pm, it's this book!
February 26, 2025
This series is so damn good. The absolute choke-hold the epilogues put you through. MORE MORE MORE!!!!
June 11, 2024
HOLY SHIT! THAT ENDING?!
Also, Matt Dinniman, when is the next book coming out? I'm very upset 😡 I'd like the next book as soon as possible, thanks. No dillies, no dallies.
Also, Matt Dinniman, when is the next book coming out? I'm very upset 😡 I'd like the next book as soon as possible, thanks. No dillies, no dallies.
September 7, 2023
Madcap! Crazy! Bombastic! CHAOS!!!!!!!! Exactly what I have come to expect from this series.
While having a slower first half the second half of the story will blow your socks off. You may think you are ready...you are not. I can't wait for more. The only downside is I feel like Travis Baldree and Patrick Warburton are almost wasted in the audio production.
While having a slower first half the second half of the story will blow your socks off. You may think you are ready...you are not. I can't wait for more. The only downside is I feel like Travis Baldree and Patrick Warburton are almost wasted in the audio production.
![Profile Image for Ruxandra Grrr [in a slump :(((((].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1520583842i%2F4259436._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 25, 2025
At this point, Matt Dinniman is only competing with himself to bring more and more plotlines, more ridiculous things that end up being extremely important and poignant, more complications and more COMMENTARY. That last act was amazing and I made embarassing noises and got teary-eyed at the last few pages of the epilogue. Somehow I got over the fact that this level was a TCG.
Look, I'm moving this weekend, which is stressing me tf out, so my enthusiastic many many updates are my review for now. I love these books.
Look, I'm moving this weekend, which is stressing me tf out, so my enthusiastic many many updates are my review for now. I love these books.
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