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Dungeon Crawler Carl #3
El libro de cocina del anarquista de la mazmorra
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26¿Con ganas de más?
¡Perfecto! El tercer volumen de la saga de Carl te volará la cabeza.
Carl y Donut han logrado sobrevivir hasta ahora, pero este nivel es algo que jamás podrían haber imaginado.
La Maraña de Hierro: un sistema de metro absurdamente complejo, hecho un nudo de trenes de todo tipo, desde locomotoras de vapor hasta vagones ultramodernos. Arriba es abajo. Abajo es arriba. Lo cercano está lejos. Los vagones están llenos de monstruos, las estaciones no siempre son lo que parecen y la salida está siempre a unas pocas paradas… pero nunca llega.
¡Perfecto! El tercer volumen de la saga de Carl te volará la cabeza.
Carl y Donut han logrado sobrevivir hasta ahora, pero este nivel es algo que jamás podrían haber imaginado.
La Maraña de Hierro: un sistema de metro absurdamente complejo, hecho un nudo de trenes de todo tipo, desde locomotoras de vapor hasta vagones ultramodernos. Arriba es abajo. Abajo es arriba. Lo cercano está lejos. Los vagones están llenos de monstruos, las estaciones no siempre son lo que parecen y la salida está siempre a unas pocas paradas… pero nunca llega.
544 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2021
13384 people are currently reading
22121 people want to read
About the author
Matt Dinniman
37 books14.1k 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 9,166 reviews
April 4, 2021
Still very well written and I like the characters, but this one didn't really work for me. The book gave me the feeling of running on a treadmill and never really getting anywhere. I understand the intent, but I found it tedious to read about all of the trains, lines, stations which detracted from my enjoyment.
The author goes so far as to say that you don't need to understand the floor, trains, etc. but if so, why bother to put so much effort into them? Hopefully the next one will work better as a reading experience.
The author goes so far as to say that you don't need to understand the floor, trains, etc. but if so, why bother to put so much effort into them? Hopefully the next one will work better as a reading experience.
December 28, 2025
Listened May 2025. Audio is about as addictive as reading, perhaps even more so. Jeff Hays is a fantastically talented narrator. On re-listen, I notice his Donut has become a little less British princess over time, and normalized slightly. Carl is a little less John Wayne, but still give those vibes. His voicing of Katia is fantastic, and really gives her that tentative and shy feel.
I noticed on second listen that at the end of the section describing the room upgrades, Carl states, "that's enough exposition for now." I appreciated that humor and nod... but I do wish he had followed through with his self-awareness on that one, specifically with some of the Tangle mechanics and they upgrade mechanics. On the other side, I feel like Dinniman has definitely laid out the framework for a real-life linked in video game. I wonder how long before someone takes up that challenge?
********************
From my paper copy review:
This series is way too much like playing a video game: you think you'll just do one or two quests, maybe a half hour, and then all of a sudden, I've missed lunch and my watch it telling me it is time to move. Dinniman is so very good at leveling his reader up. In the first two books, we have a fairly straight-forward, LitRPG format. In book 3, he changes it up with an unusual tunnel dungeon revolving around trains and stations (I didn't have a great game reference, so my mental imaging filled in with the NYC subway system). Like other books in the series, it has intense emotional moments diluted with a little too much detail about the mechanics. To be fair, I feel the same way when some real-life guilds insist members prepare for playing by going into deep fight mechanics as well. That said, this is fun, video-game popcorn.
Worth noting is that I think there's a lot of hand-wavy stuff, but that's also appropriate for video game. In fact, characters both knowledgeable and not will tell him, 'it doesn't have to make sense,' which probably re-grounds the reader as well. This installment has a deep game that's clever, in a one-trick pony kind of way.
Though a dungeon crawler, Dinniman does his best to bring reflection and shared humanity (for lack of a better word) into the experience for the crew. It's actually a very applicable message for our times.
"But it struck me how someone so different, so alien, could still be so similar to me. Some things were just universal, I guessed."
Some aspects of the emotional plotting don't stick quite as well; It helps when Dinneman reminds us that Donut the cat is at a child-emotion level, which helps rectify some of the inconsistencies between being very smart and very naive.
"I GOT THE MASCOT SKILL! BUT I DIDN’T GET GROUP CHANT OR MOVING RIOT."
The sub-classes of characters continue to be hilarious, obviously. The lewdness of the AI is turned down in this one, but Dinneman's own--cough, um--stereotypical male view shows up in other ways.
"It takes a lot to break the cherry, so to say, and obtain level 1."
The dialogue language is pretty basic, but it's real strength is that Carl talks like people. Like real people. Like me when I'm really tired, or like people you are sharing a beer with, or parents at their wits' end. Depending on your tolerance, this may be a bug or a feature (haha):
“Mongo, stay with Donut,” I yelled as I rushed past. “And stop eating gross shit. You’re going to make yourself sick again.”
But I like that Dinneman keeps grounding Carl in his emotions.
"That was it, wasn’t it? Sleep was my sanctuary. No matter how fucked-up the world now was, I could still get away for part of the day. Now, that luxury was being eroded. Sure, our bodies would no longer be tired. But what about our brains? We were already well past burnout. What was going to happen now?"
Too true, Carl. Too true. We still wake up every day.
Three and a half achievements, rounding down for the parts I scanned.
Listened May 2025. Audio is about as addictive as reading, perhaps even more so.
I noticed on second listen that at the end of the section describing the room upgrades, Carl states, "that's enough exposition for now." I appreciated that humor and nod... but I do wish he had followed through with his self-awareness on that one, specifically with some of the Tangle mechanics and they upgrade mechanics. On the other side, I feel like Dinniman has definitely laid out the framework for a real-life linked in video game. I wonder how long before someone takes up that challenge?
********************
From my paper copy review:
This series is way too much like playing a video game: you think you'll just do one or two quests, maybe a half hour, and then all of a sudden, I've missed lunch and my watch it telling me it is time to move. Dinniman is so very good at leveling his reader up. In the first two books, we have a fairly straight-forward, LitRPG format. In book 3, he changes it up with an unusual tunnel dungeon revolving around trains and stations (I didn't have a great game reference, so my mental imaging filled in with the NYC subway system). Like other books in the series, it has intense emotional moments diluted with a little too much detail about the mechanics. To be fair, I feel the same way when some real-life guilds insist members prepare for playing by going into deep fight mechanics as well. That said, this is fun, video-game popcorn.
Worth noting is that I think there's a lot of hand-wavy stuff, but that's also appropriate for video game. In fact, characters both knowledgeable and not will tell him, 'it doesn't have to make sense,' which probably re-grounds the reader as well. This installment has a deep game that's clever, in a one-trick pony kind of way.
Though a dungeon crawler, Dinniman does his best to bring reflection and shared humanity (for lack of a better word) into the experience for the crew. It's actually a very applicable message for our times.
"But it struck me how someone so different, so alien, could still be so similar to me. Some things were just universal, I guessed."
Some aspects of the emotional plotting don't stick quite as well; It helps when Dinneman reminds us that Donut the cat is at a child-emotion level, which helps rectify some of the inconsistencies between being very smart and very naive.
"I GOT THE MASCOT SKILL! BUT I DIDN’T GET GROUP CHANT OR MOVING RIOT."
The sub-classes of characters continue to be hilarious, obviously. The lewdness of the AI is turned down in this one, but Dinneman's own--cough, um--stereotypical male view shows up in other ways.
"It takes a lot to break the cherry, so to say, and obtain level 1."
The dialogue language is pretty basic, but it's real strength is that Carl talks like people. Like real people. Like me when I'm really tired, or like people you are sharing a beer with, or parents at their wits' end. Depending on your tolerance, this may be a bug or a feature (haha):
“Mongo, stay with Donut,” I yelled as I rushed past. “And stop eating gross shit. You’re going to make yourself sick again.”
But I like that Dinneman keeps grounding Carl in his emotions.
"That was it, wasn’t it? Sleep was my sanctuary. No matter how fucked-up the world now was, I could still get away for part of the day. Now, that luxury was being eroded. Sure, our bodies would no longer be tired. But what about our brains? We were already well past burnout. What was going to happen now?"
Too true, Carl. Too true. We still wake up every day.
Three and a half achievements, rounding down for the parts I scanned.
Listened May 2025. Audio is about as addictive as reading, perhaps even more so.
October 20, 2023
Watch my video review by clicking here.
By far my favorite book from this series. Fixed all my little problems from the first book, and took the story in a wonderful direction.
By far my favorite book from this series. Fixed all my little problems from the first book, and took the story in a wonderful direction.
October 2, 2024
The third book in a series that keeps getting better and better.
I found all the great elements of the two previous books, the humour, the action, the fantastic narration and adds higher stakes and more heart.
I'm more attached than ever to the main characters, and was pleasantly surprised by the development of the side characters and even their depth. Even the NPC have a unique voice.
Il be starting the next book soon!
I found all the great elements of the two previous books, the humour, the action, the fantastic narration and adds higher stakes and more heart.
I'm more attached than ever to the main characters, and was pleasantly surprised by the development of the side characters and even their depth. Even the NPC have a unique voice.
Il be starting the next book soon!
January 24, 2025
NEW ACHIEVEMENT! YOU'RE ON A TRAIN! CHU CHU MOTHERFUCKER!
4.5 stars!
As usual, this was unhinged, funny and so entertaining! I'm loving how the story is progressing and how their relationships are growing.
As always, some unhinged quotes:
“I don’t understand a word of what the fuck you just said.” The robot sighed. “I apologize, Carl. Let me translate it to earth monkey speak.”
“Miss Beatrice once used scissors to get poop off my butt,” Donut said. “Uh huh,” I said. “Once?” “We’re having a moment here, Carl. Don’t ruin it.”
“I think my fans should have a name, wouldn’t that be great? Like the Princess Patrol or something.” I grunted. “How about the Donut Holes?” “Don’t be crude, Carl.”
“There are some pretty weird ones, though. There’s a guy here who is a mushroom. Why would you turn yourself into a mushroom? He looks like a penis.”
"NEW ACHIEVEMENT: They love me, they really love me! You have gained a trillion new followers! People sure do love a good train-wreck! wink."
"NEW ACHIEVEMENT: Cock-Aquaman! You got fucked by a fish!"
“The moment I pulled his head through the hole, Donut snapped off the spell. I let go, and the severed head dropped to the ground, mouth still open wide. “What was that, bitch? I didn’t quite get that last part,” I said.”
_______________________________________________
pre-read
Peep my man Carl's fabulous toe ring 👀
4.5 stars!
As usual, this was unhinged, funny and so entertaining! I'm loving how the story is progressing and how their relationships are growing.
As always, some unhinged quotes:
“I don’t understand a word of what the fuck you just said.” The robot sighed. “I apologize, Carl. Let me translate it to earth monkey speak.”
“Miss Beatrice once used scissors to get poop off my butt,” Donut said. “Uh huh,” I said. “Once?” “We’re having a moment here, Carl. Don’t ruin it.”
“I think my fans should have a name, wouldn’t that be great? Like the Princess Patrol or something.” I grunted. “How about the Donut Holes?” “Don’t be crude, Carl.”
“There are some pretty weird ones, though. There’s a guy here who is a mushroom. Why would you turn yourself into a mushroom? He looks like a penis.”
"NEW ACHIEVEMENT: They love me, they really love me! You have gained a trillion new followers! People sure do love a good train-wreck! wink."
"NEW ACHIEVEMENT: Cock-Aquaman! You got fucked by a fish!"
“The moment I pulled his head through the hole, Donut snapped off the spell. I let go, and the severed head dropped to the ground, mouth still open wide. “What was that, bitch? I didn’t quite get that last part,” I said.”
_______________________________________________
pre-read
Peep my man Carl's fabulous toe ring 👀
December 18, 2025
4⭐️
These books just keep getting better and better!! While my ratings are still generally the same, my actual feelings about the books just have me more and more invested and I swear, I will never be the same after each of these books. IT'S JUST SOO GOOD!!
I have so many amazing things to say about this series, but in this book especially the characters were pretty damn incredible. Carl and Princess Donut's character development just keeps growing and their care for all the others in the dungeon never ceases to amaze me. The bigger presence of Katia was really enjoyable, and I liked how the book went out without the big show of Mordecai. It showed the adaptability and crazy actions between all the main characters! It just made it that more unpredictable and insane.
The plot itself of this book focused on a subway system for the floor and I have to admit, it was extremely confusing. The author did his best to explain it but most of the time you're just kind of there for the journey even if it's not that easy to understand. The betrayal and deaths in this book were so unexpected and had me audibly gasping at several points; if I had one word to describe this series, it'd be completely unpredictable...and I love it. The gore, the humor, the action, it comes together and addictive and wild and I will eat it up every single time.
Overall, I had a bit more fun with this book audio wise compared the the previous ones. There were a lot more unique events and battles that just made the book impossible to put down. Obviously, it's a bit harder to review since it's the third book in the series and I don't wanna spoil anything. But let me just say that if you're looking for a fun, addictive RPG action series? THIS is the one to start. I can promise you that there is nothing else like this. The appealing writing? The crazy characters? The intense action? It's got it all, and I can't wait to start the 4th book!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 👾💣
After a much needed break, I'm so excited to get back into these audiobooks 😈
These books just keep getting better and better!! While my ratings are still generally the same, my actual feelings about the books just have me more and more invested and I swear, I will never be the same after each of these books. IT'S JUST SOO GOOD!!
I have so many amazing things to say about this series, but in this book especially the characters were pretty damn incredible. Carl and Princess Donut's character development just keeps growing and their care for all the others in the dungeon never ceases to amaze me. The bigger presence of Katia was really enjoyable, and I liked how the book went out without the big show of Mordecai. It showed the adaptability and crazy actions between all the main characters! It just made it that more unpredictable and insane.
The plot itself of this book focused on a subway system for the floor and I have to admit, it was extremely confusing. The author did his best to explain it but most of the time you're just kind of there for the journey even if it's not that easy to understand. The betrayal and deaths in this book were so unexpected and had me audibly gasping at several points; if I had one word to describe this series, it'd be completely unpredictable...and I love it. The gore, the humor, the action, it comes together and addictive and wild and I will eat it up every single time.
Overall, I had a bit more fun with this book audio wise compared the the previous ones. There were a lot more unique events and battles that just made the book impossible to put down. Obviously, it's a bit harder to review since it's the third book in the series and I don't wanna spoil anything. But let me just say that if you're looking for a fun, addictive RPG action series? THIS is the one to start. I can promise you that there is nothing else like this. The appealing writing? The crazy characters? The intense action? It's got it all, and I can't wait to start the 4th book!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 👾💣
After a much needed break, I'm so excited to get back into these audiobooks 😈
August 29, 2025
only three hundred eighty-nine thousand are entering the massive subway station that is level four of the dungeon! we soon get to see carl and crew make a customizable base, filled with work stations and crafting tables. we also get to see enchantments, attaching gems (and other things) to items, the new ability to link things in chat, oh, and deities that certain classes are able to worship! and on this floor, we also get to learn about bounties - which are amounts that you are worth if other crawlers choose to kill you!
and, as the title of this third book would suggest, carl finds himself in possession of the anarchist’s cookbook, which is a book that many crawlers before carl have written their stories in. it is filled with crafting recipes, but also just advice ranging from class and spec stuff to what to expect going deeper into the dungeon. i really loved this aspect of the story, and as i am writing this review, i am a few more books ahead, and i am still very in love with this mysterious tome.
sadly, i am just not a train loving girl. i truly just kept picturing myself, every time i am in chicago, trying to memorize all the different color lines. one of my favorite aspects of this series is getting to see a brand new world unfold at each and every level, but i just didn’t feel that same magic, because i don’t love trains! But the end of this really did have me gooped and gagged, i won’t lie. and i really am loving katia more and more. and donut will forever be my favorite, and her little misty step puddle jump is just so cute, too! carl, i still like, but i was about to teleport inside the dungeon myself and remove that ring lol.
trigger + content warnings: slavery, mass killing and death, colonization, gore, violence, blood, battle, murder, explosions, fires, talk of cheating in past (on the mc), abandonment in past, child abuse in past / shitty parent in past, drug use, talk of addiction, talk of withdrawal, drinking, inebriation, loss of friend, grief, anxiety, vomit, torture, a fatphobic comment, talk of suicide, self sacrifice, bullying, talk of childbirth, talk of loss of children, talk of a deepfake / ai fake sex video
blog | instagram | youtube | wishlist | spotify | amazon
1.) Dungeon Crawler Carl ★★★★★
2.) Carl's Doomsday Scenario ★★★★
and, as the title of this third book would suggest, carl finds himself in possession of the anarchist’s cookbook, which is a book that many crawlers before carl have written their stories in. it is filled with crafting recipes, but also just advice ranging from class and spec stuff to what to expect going deeper into the dungeon. i really loved this aspect of the story, and as i am writing this review, i am a few more books ahead, and i am still very in love with this mysterious tome.
sadly, i am just not a train loving girl. i truly just kept picturing myself, every time i am in chicago, trying to memorize all the different color lines. one of my favorite aspects of this series is getting to see a brand new world unfold at each and every level, but i just didn’t feel that same magic, because i don’t love trains! But the end of this really did have me gooped and gagged, i won’t lie. and i really am loving katia more and more. and donut will forever be my favorite, and her little misty step puddle jump is just so cute, too! carl, i still like, but i was about to teleport inside the dungeon myself and remove that ring lol.
trigger + content warnings: slavery, mass killing and death, colonization, gore, violence, blood, battle, murder, explosions, fires, talk of cheating in past (on the mc), abandonment in past, child abuse in past / shitty parent in past, drug use, talk of addiction, talk of withdrawal, drinking, inebriation, loss of friend, grief, anxiety, vomit, torture, a fatphobic comment, talk of suicide, self sacrifice, bullying, talk of childbirth, talk of loss of children, talk of a deepfake / ai fake sex video
blog | instagram | youtube | wishlist | spotify | amazon
1.) Dungeon Crawler Carl ★★★★★
2.) Carl's Doomsday Scenario ★★★★
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars.
The world building is the highlight of this series. This book was less humorous than the previous books and the plot was tedious to get through because of the whole railway system.
Making the series one floor per book was not a great move either. I just wanted the book to be over. Mordecai wasn’t there for a huge portion of the plot and the AI didn’t show up often enough which sucks because I loved the AI sections.
There’s a slow build up to the backstory. Interested to see how that plays out in the sequels.
The world building is the highlight of this series. This book was less humorous than the previous books and the plot was tedious to get through because of the whole railway system.
Making the series one floor per book was not a great move either. I just wanted the book to be over. Mordecai wasn’t there for a huge portion of the plot and the AI didn’t show up often enough which sucks because I loved the AI sections.
There’s a slow build up to the backstory. Interested to see how that plays out in the sequels.
March 12, 2025
Never have I ever swooned over a fictional straight man more than the way I do for Carl.
Admittedly, I spent a whole lot of this book confused as fuck with the in-depth workings of the train line system that this dungeon was created around.
But as per usual, the monsters were gross and the author has done a fab job at creating a story that creates VIVID AF head cinema for this made up, OTT world.
The NPC's were fucking awesome, Princess Donut absolutely crushed it and all the craziness sometimes gets pushed to the side for a few sincere cute moments that made me feel teary-eyed.
Carl realising he's found his lil family in a dungeon that's designed to kill him 😭😭😭
Admitting to himself how lonely he'd been all his life. omg. 😭😭😭
The achievement/reward system for killing monsters, and the AI that gives dungeon information is literally the best.
My fave monster warning of book 3:
"Literal fire ants: Level 1 - This is a trap monster.
Just like regular fire ants but with more enthusiasm. Plus, they hate you and want you to die.
They're pretty good at making that happen."
THE GOODREADS SHADE THIS BOOK THROWS IN THE BOOK'S OUTRO/ADVERTISEMENT OF THE AUDIOBOOK IS TOP TIER ALSO. 🤭🤭🤭
It's hard to give context to the outro's of these books, but the below is satire as it's technically part of a script that Carl had to read to make money during the book?
It's like the author is toying with the fourth wall or something, but it's so satisfying hahahaha.
"It really is ridiculous considering most authors spend hours toiling over their stories, painstakingly crafting each and every word, and what do they get? ALCOHOLISM. That's what they get. That and the joy of logging into Goodreads, only to find a new 1 star review where an anonymous dipshit with a winnie the pooh avatar calls your work "lazy writing" after you literally spent 3 years writing it."
🤭🤭🤭
Admittedly, I spent a whole lot of this book confused as fuck with the in-depth workings of the train line system that this dungeon was created around.
But as per usual, the monsters were gross and the author has done a fab job at creating a story that creates VIVID AF head cinema for this made up, OTT world.
The NPC's were fucking awesome, Princess Donut absolutely crushed it and all the craziness sometimes gets pushed to the side for a few sincere cute moments that made me feel teary-eyed.
Carl realising he's found his lil family in a dungeon that's designed to kill him 😭😭😭
Admitting to himself how lonely he'd been all his life. omg. 😭😭😭
The achievement/reward system for killing monsters, and the AI that gives dungeon information is literally the best.
My fave monster warning of book 3:
"Literal fire ants: Level 1 - This is a trap monster.
Just like regular fire ants but with more enthusiasm. Plus, they hate you and want you to die.
They're pretty good at making that happen."
THE GOODREADS SHADE THIS BOOK THROWS IN THE BOOK'S OUTRO/ADVERTISEMENT OF THE AUDIOBOOK IS TOP TIER ALSO. 🤭🤭🤭
It's hard to give context to the outro's of these books, but the below is satire as it's technically part of a script that Carl had to read to make money during the book?
It's like the author is toying with the fourth wall or something, but it's so satisfying hahahaha.
"It really is ridiculous considering most authors spend hours toiling over their stories, painstakingly crafting each and every word, and what do they get? ALCOHOLISM. That's what they get. That and the joy of logging into Goodreads, only to find a new 1 star review where an anonymous dipshit with a winnie the pooh avatar calls your work "lazy writing" after you literally spent 3 years writing it."
🤭🤭🤭
August 4, 2024
The railways were a bit tedious, but otherwise this candy is delicious and I'm on cruise control. Sometimes surprisingly emotional, especially the situations involving the NPCs like the demon mother living in the steam engine's firebox. I had a little extra water in my eyes.
July 28, 2025
ALL HAIL PRINCESS DONUT
October 25, 2024
As with the first two books, the story, pacing and overall plot is great. Really enjoyed the overall idea as well as the continued progress of Carl and Donut.
The three stars is because I felt the subway setting was just too complex to keep track of. The author did his best to explain it via words, but I never really understood the layout or how the various components fit together. I still enjoyed the book overall, but just couldn't wrap my head around that part of the story. (which is, unfortunately, the largest part of the overall plot)
Still plan to continue with the series and look forward to book 4.
The three stars is because I felt the subway setting was just too complex to keep track of. The author did his best to explain it via words, but I never really understood the layout or how the various components fit together. I still enjoyed the book overall, but just couldn't wrap my head around that part of the story. (which is, unfortunately, the largest part of the overall plot)
Still plan to continue with the series and look forward to book 4.
January 5, 2025
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Wow the pace ramped up with this one!
Dungeon Crawler Carl continues its chaos and carnage, but it expands in this third instalment. The twists and turns had far more weight than the previous instalment in my opinion, and I cared far more about a wider range of characters. Regarding the main cast, I felt a great deal more attachment to Carl, who finds himself entangled in even more webs, many that he cannot share with his wonderful furry friend, Princess Doughnut. There is a tension building that I feel is going to culminate wonderfully.
Whilst the end did slow down a bit, my investment continues to soar with each instalment in this series and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
4.25/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Wow the pace ramped up with this one!
Dungeon Crawler Carl continues its chaos and carnage, but it expands in this third instalment. The twists and turns had far more weight than the previous instalment in my opinion, and I cared far more about a wider range of characters. Regarding the main cast, I felt a great deal more attachment to Carl, who finds himself entangled in even more webs, many that he cannot share with his wonderful furry friend, Princess Doughnut. There is a tension building that I feel is going to culminate wonderfully.
Whilst the end did slow down a bit, my investment continues to soar with each instalment in this series and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
4.25/5 STARS
December 23, 2025
This was a wild ride. Pun intended.
I cannot say that I was always able to follow the complex game dynamics, but to quote Katia:
“Just pretend like you half understand.” as it didn't make it any less fun!
There is lots of character growth here, especially for Katia, and the book keeps going deeper on heavier and darker themes while maintaining the levity needed to digest it without it becoming preachy.
5 Things
1) My crush on Carl is worsening
2) The darkness hidden in the jokes OMG
3) This was Katia's time to shine! SLAY girl! (she did)
4) I keep laughing every time I think of Prepotente's screech/scream
5) This is now officially a favorite series
Link to IG quotes reel (with pics)
This AI's foot fetish is still horribly endearing
You'll never think about your grandma the same again
Of all the weird things in here...
I stand with Carl here
Having body parts cut off doesn't exactly help, Carl
This part hit hard.
More Zippy, you said?
I need a clip of Prepotente's scream to use against people irl
So satisfying.
Review also available on my new Bookstagram account ❤️
Pre-read
I thought this must be getting boring after a couple of books, but here I am, thinking we are still munching on the starters with no idea of what the main course will be.
I cannot say that I was always able to follow the complex game dynamics, but to quote Katia:
“Just pretend like you half understand.” as it didn't make it any less fun!
There is lots of character growth here, especially for Katia, and the book keeps going deeper on heavier and darker themes while maintaining the levity needed to digest it without it becoming preachy.
5 Things
1) My crush on Carl is worsening
2) The darkness hidden in the jokes OMG
3) This was Katia's time to shine! SLAY girl! (she did)
4) I keep laughing every time I think of Prepotente's screech/scream
5) This is now officially a favorite series
Link to IG quotes reel (with pics)
This AI's foot fetish is still horribly endearing
Birds have ugly feet. Disgusting feet, really. Still, there’s something sensual about
the sight of a hawk swooping down upon its prey, talons out, and slashing.
It’s so sudden, so unexpected, so explosively violent.
Such violence. Sweet, sweet violence.
You'll never think about your grandma the same again
“Look at how beautiful she is,” Donut whispered. “She’s like a vision of pure elegance.”
“Yo,” Elle cried at the bartender. “Whose d*ck do I gotta suck to get another drink? Christ.”
Of all the weird things in here...
Of all the ‘taurs out there, from Centaurs to Bisontaurs to Rhinotaurs, the ManTauR is one of the weirdest. Half human, and, uh, half human, the ManTauR has been genetically engineered for both strength and dexterity, making them perfect for the often-grueling and thankless job of Tangle Train Engineer.
I stand with Carl here
“I think my fans should have a name, wouldn’t that be great? Like the Princess Patrol or something.”
I grunted. “How about the Donut Holes?”
“Don’t be crude, Carl.”
Having body parts cut off doesn't exactly help, Carl
"You're still you. No matter how much they change, even if they carve everything else away, you're still you. You can't let them break you."
This part hit hard.
"She was beautiful you know, on the inside I mean. She didn't have that anger in her not like her mother... Or dad. When she ran away it wasn't because she was a bad kid, it was self defense.
Kids aren't always a product of their parents, but sometimes that doesn't matter.
Sometimes parents can cast a shadow so thick you can drown in it."
More Zippy, you said?
“What the hell color is chartreuse?”
“It’s between yellow and green. It’s named after a French liqueur. Actually, there’s some controversy on what the exact shade should be. It’s very interesting.”
“I’m sure it’s riveting,” I said.
Katia stuck her tongue out at me.
And then her tongue formed into a little hand with a tiny middle finger pointing up.
I need a clip of Prepotente's scream to use against people irl
"I will kill you tonight as you sleep!" Prepotente said to Miriam as he rubbed his head.
"No you won't, sweetie" she said. She reached over and kissed the goat on the top of the head where she whacked him.
"Do it again! It still hurts."
So satisfying.
Glurp, glurp motherfucker!!
Review also available on my new Bookstagram account ❤️
Pre-read
I thought this must be getting boring after a couple of books, but here I am, thinking we are still munching on the starters with no idea of what the main course will be.
March 23, 2025
★★★★★ 4.75/5
✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉ Note : This review will be short and quick as I don't want to ruin the beauty of this experience for anyone else!
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook is the third installment of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and follows the first two books in being such incredible journeys to follow some of the most fun characters. Our duo has turned into a party of four, and while it remains told through Carl's POV, we are joined in a party of Carl, Princess Donut, Mongo, and Katia. Their journey in this book was.... a trip indeed!!
: ̗̀➛ My Review Rants
I cannot put into words my love for Carl, Princess Donut, and Mongo. Yes, Katia has joined the party as well and I do love her, she reminds me so much of myself (the artsy, socially awkward introvert girl in the group of extroverts with enough charisma to charm even rocks), but I just haven't been able to fully mold her into the group yet because my love for the family of the first 3 is just so heightened. I have so much love for the cast of characters in this book.
The only thing that kept this book from being a solid 5/5 stars for me like the first two in this series is, like many others have said in their reviews as well, the railway mechanics were so confusing and extremely difficult to follow in this one. That was the point - our main cast didn't even understand it until the very end either, so I wasn't expected to understand it, and I know that, but I have aphantasia, which means that if I'm not given at least somewhat understandable or legible explanations of the scenery, I'm lost entirely. I cannot visualize anything properly if the characters themselves also do not fully understand what is happening. So for a majority of this book, I just kind of zoned out while they were explaining the mechanics of the railway system, and focusing more on the action, the plot, and the summaries of skills and the usual drama. But losing the visual sense of their surroundings in this book was disappointing for me.
That one gripe isn't enough to ruin this book lower than a 5 star though. Which is surprising because I usually rate books much lower for far less than my gripe here, but that goes to show just how impressive and addictive that this series is. I eat it up like it's my first meal in a decade even when it's leaving me confused and out of the loop.
The tension in this book, the growth, the plot, all of it was chef's kiss. I was hooked every bit of the way. The Hekla situation? The ending? The tension was definitely one hell of a listen, and the audiobook built all of it up so well.
: ̗̀➛ Final Thoughts
4.75/5 stars, a perfect rating for me. I'm so devastated that I am all out of audible credits and will have to wait nearly a month until I can continue this journey. I may end up just reading the actual books themselves instead of waiting for my audible membership to renew, but we shall see first. See how desperate I get before I miss my babies too much.
: ̗̀➛ 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
“There is no shame in wanting to be alone yet also wanting the comfort and the strength of your brethren.”
✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉ Note : This review will be short and quick as I don't want to ruin the beauty of this experience for anyone else!
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook is the third installment of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and follows the first two books in being such incredible journeys to follow some of the most fun characters. Our duo has turned into a party of four, and while it remains told through Carl's POV, we are joined in a party of Carl, Princess Donut, Mongo, and Katia. Their journey in this book was.... a trip indeed!!
: ̗̀➛ My Review Rants
“Anybody else want to try something?” Elle shouted. “You come for Donut or Carl, you come for all of us. I will freeze the blood in your veins and make your genitals shatter like glass!”
I cannot put into words my love for Carl, Princess Donut, and Mongo. Yes, Katia has joined the party as well and I do love her, she reminds me so much of myself (the artsy, socially awkward introvert girl in the group of extroverts with enough charisma to charm even rocks), but I just haven't been able to fully mold her into the group yet because my love for the family of the first 3 is just so heightened. I have so much love for the cast of characters in this book.
The only thing that kept this book from being a solid 5/5 stars for me like the first two in this series is, like many others have said in their reviews as well, the railway mechanics were so confusing and extremely difficult to follow in this one. That was the point - our main cast didn't even understand it until the very end either, so I wasn't expected to understand it, and I know that, but I have aphantasia, which means that if I'm not given at least somewhat understandable or legible explanations of the scenery, I'm lost entirely. I cannot visualize anything properly if the characters themselves also do not fully understand what is happening. So for a majority of this book, I just kind of zoned out while they were explaining the mechanics of the railway system, and focusing more on the action, the plot, and the summaries of skills and the usual drama. But losing the visual sense of their surroundings in this book was disappointing for me.
That one gripe isn't enough to ruin this book lower than a 5 star though. Which is surprising because I usually rate books much lower for far less than my gripe here, but that goes to show just how impressive and addictive that this series is. I eat it up like it's my first meal in a decade even when it's leaving me confused and out of the loop.
The tension in this book, the growth, the plot, all of it was chef's kiss. I was hooked every bit of the way. The Hekla situation? The ending? The tension was definitely one hell of a listen, and the audiobook built all of it up so well.
: ̗̀➛ Final Thoughts
4.75/5 stars, a perfect rating for me. I'm so devastated that I am all out of audible credits and will have to wait nearly a month until I can continue this journey. I may end up just reading the actual books themselves instead of waiting for my audible membership to renew, but we shall see first. See how desperate I get before I miss my babies too much.
“Kids aren’t always a product of their parents. But sometimes that doesn’t matter. Sometimes parents can cast a shadow so thick, you can drown in it.”
“The moment I pulled his head through the hole, Donut snapped off the spell. I let go, and the severed head dropped to the ground, mouth still open wide. “What was that, bitch? I didn’t quite get that last part,” I said.”
“Warning: You have a dick. “Thank you for the information,” I said to the ceiling as I examined the weapon’s properties.”
“But more importantly, there is no shame in wanting to protect those who are your hive, even if you never knew them. For they are yours, and they are being taken. It is us or it is them. There is consolation in dying in the pursuit of justice, no matter how small or big that death is.”
“I think my fans should have a name, wouldn��t that be great? Like the Princess Patrol or something.”
I grunted. “How about the Donut Holes?”
“Don’t be crude, Carl.”
: ̗̀➛ 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
July 31, 2025
3.5 ✨
Goodreads PLEASE let me give half stars PLEASE!
Anyway, this one is my lowest-rated DDC book solely because the subway, train, or noodle, whatever system was too complicated to understand, and I had to rewind my audiobook twice, thrice, and even four times to understand what was happening.
It literally made me question if it was my skill issue or if everyone thought it was not very easy 😭
Now, shit went down in this book too, and it's safe to say I DID NOT expect certain things to happen (Katia, I see you <3)
The series is taking a turn, the second book started it, and we continue it here. The players are fighting together, everything seems more than just a game, and our lovely Carl is here to burn everything down! Also, the shit he pulled in this book is literally gonna come bite him in his ass very soon...and I'm excited to read that lol
Goodreads PLEASE let me give half stars PLEASE!
Anyway, this one is my lowest-rated DDC book solely because the subway, train, or noodle, whatever system was too complicated to understand, and I had to rewind my audiobook twice, thrice, and even four times to understand what was happening.
It literally made me question if it was my skill issue or if everyone thought it was not very easy 😭
Now, shit went down in this book too, and it's safe to say I DID NOT expect certain things to happen (Katia, I see you <3)
The series is taking a turn, the second book started it, and we continue it here. The players are fighting together, everything seems more than just a game, and our lovely Carl is here to burn everything down! Also, the shit he pulled in this book is literally gonna come bite him in his ass very soon...and I'm excited to read that lol
April 28, 2025
This time around I thought it might start to get boring. I was wrong, because it did not.
The ideas are fun and fresh, the narrator is a revelation, and the politics of what is happening behind the scenes became a little more clear. And more dark. And Carl does not like it.
I will be taking a short break just to listen to a different narrator for a little while, then I shall continue on to the 4th book.
The ideas are fun and fresh, the narrator is a revelation, and the politics of what is happening behind the scenes became a little more clear. And more dark. And Carl does not like it.
I will be taking a short break just to listen to a different narrator for a little while, then I shall continue on to the 4th book.
February 20, 2025
I still really dug this one but the mechanism of the fourth floor is about 300% too complicated. I believe the author understands it but when you have to start your book with a disclaimer that reads “don’t bother trying to figure any of this out” that’s probably a sign the draft needed some more work
December 27, 2025
… And now our continuation of something different. Something really different and really out there. A completely different kind of reading experience than you have ever had before. The closest thing that I can even come closest to with this one is a combination of Douglas Adam’s “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and Monty Python’s comedy troupe. Only this time in an Americanized version…
Trust me. You have never read anything like the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” books and that is turning out to be a really good thing. Carl will never be mistaken for literature or serious reading, but if you want to enjoy some seriously sarcastic, imaginative, and downright laugh-out-loud funny, you’ve come to the right place. Carl may be listed as a science fiction and fantasy adventure in the rather new LitRPG (literature role-playing game) genre. But don’t worry. You need not be a gamer to enjoy the heck out of this unique blend of creative storytelling – an open mind and a willing imagination is all you need.
“Dungeon’s Anarchist Cookbook” is the third novel in a projected 10 book series that Matt Dinniman originally self-published, then were bought by Ace books in 2024, and now are being enjoyed on a largescale level of popularity and strong word of mouth.
Carl is a former member of the Coast Guard and a generally nice guy. He was living in an apartment in Seattle, Washington with his ex-girlfriend’s Persian show cat named Princess Donut when aliens arrive and attack earth, and all of the humans in any enclosed space is instantly killed when the aliens collapse all of the buildings and shelters (even tents) on the planet.
The remaining survivors, including Carl and Princess Donut are given the choice to try on and survive on the planet’s surface or to become contestants in a gladiatorial game show - Dungeon Crawler World – that is livestreamed to billions of planets throughout the galaxies. It is like participating in a real-life first-person shooter video where danger and death is absolutely real.
“The Dungeon’s Anarchist Cookbook” picks up immediately where the second book – “Carl’s Doomsday Scenario” – left off. Carl and Princess Donut have entered the fourth level (or more aptly floor) of Earth’s Dungeon. The first three floors were just a warmup compared to the challenges of the fourth, which is called the Iron Tangle - an immensely massive subterranean subway and railroad system that is incredibly complex and full of all kinds of monsters. They’re in the stations, they’re in the train cars, and they are way more formidable than the previous floors.
The fourth floor also beings on new elements. A top ten list of crawlers is unveiled, which includes both Carl and Princess Donut. The problem is their newfound popularity and recognition comes with a painful cost, that of a bounty that will provide serious attention of the other crawlers seeking to eliminate them and collect the reward that comes with it. Another game development is the kicking in of the crawler sponsorship program, in which competing corporations and rich aliens can provide benefits and rewards to the crawlers they wish to influence and support.
I think that’s enough sharing to effectively describe what kind of wacky and absurd adventure this series is turning out to be. Trust me, coming in cold and not knowing too much provides the best immersive way to experience this incredibly farfetched and sarcastic take on society, norms, beliefs, and the extreme lengths that we will go to in order to survive the apocalypse. Even at a full 534 pages in length, Carl’s third outing is an intensely fast-paced, enjoyable read that delivers an escapist treat as long as you don’t take its extreme Hungers Game world too seriously. Which reminds me that I should be sure to mention that this is an adult-oriented novel, including violence, swearing, and strategically placed sexual innuendos. Be forewarned, it thrives on shock humor that delivers outright chuckles and laughs from the readers than you can imagine.
For me, this third book in the series continues to expand on the worldbuilding introduced in the previous books, by creating a more focused and conceptual gaming floor that takes real worldly aspects that we all experience (and often find annoying and painful), and uses it to build an interconnected mystery with physical elements and complex floor clues laid out over the first two-thirds of the novel, challenging the reader to figure things out right along with Carl in an intriguing and challenging read. It is a confusing and dangerous environment for Carl, his team, and the reader.
At the same time, Dinniman uses those aspects to expand on his multiple plotlines and character development. I am in awe as to how Dinniman is able to use such bizarre settings and situations to challenge and grow each of his characters, both their personal strengths as well as their dependence and need for each other. For example, I personally found myself drawn to Katia Grim, and how she gets pulled into Carl and Princess Donut’s team. Their support and acceptance of her, hit me on a higher emotional level than I saw coming. That is just one of the ways that I see Dinniman elevating his characters strengths, weaknesses, relationships and more importantly, their need to trust each other and work together to survive. He’s hitting a full court press in delivering his vision, and its full speed ahead.
I am also amazed by how Dinniman makes this unique blend of comedic Science fiction and fantasy on many levels. It is full of richly imaginative worldbuilding that increases in complexity and storytelling, as well as incredibly funny satire and sarcastic reflections on human life. For me, the most surprisingly aspect has been the characters – Carl, Princess Donut, Mongo, Katia, and Mordecai - that quietly endear themselves to you in ways that you just don’t see coming.
As I stated in my review of the previous book, Dinniman’s creative and spastic worldbuilding is incredible and you see additional layers in this one that start to reveal how truly complex the political, governmental, and different aspects of the alien races are going to be in all of the various, interconnected storylines that he masterfully weaves together with crazy twists and turns along the way. In addition, he pulls off an incredible feat with laugh-out-loud humor and wit throughout. It so near impossible to deliver laughs in a book format, but my hat’s off to Dinniman who makes it look much easier than it should be.
As Dinniman unfolds their story, you are immersed right into their heads, their intimate thoughts and motivations. This felt so fresh and full of many twists along the way. It can be hard as a writer to have both strong characters and strong plotting in the same story. It is harder do than most people think. In this case, Dinniman has magically captured both and mixed them together in an unforgettable recipe of conflict and drama, through every twist, turn and challenge they face. By the end of this book I was forced to accept the reality that I am emotionally connected to these characters and their outcomes matter dearly to me.
Overall, just like the previous books, this third one is another guilty pleasure, a well-spent afternoon escape from reality, and wonderful new type of reading experience that lifts your spirit. It’s like witnessing the ultimate train wreck. You want to pull away, but you are just pulled in and the story demands your attention. My advice, get yourself something to drink and snack on, curl up on the couch, and simply enjoy the ride of reading what is an unexpected and delightful treat that will capture your heart… Come drink the Kool-Aid with us…
For me, this continued the ridiculous fun journey of our dungeon crawler survivors and I am giving it a worthy 4-star rating.
Up next is Book #4 – “The Gate of the Feral Gods”. What a crazy title… I am certainly intrigued…
Trust me. You have never read anything like the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” books and that is turning out to be a really good thing. Carl will never be mistaken for literature or serious reading, but if you want to enjoy some seriously sarcastic, imaginative, and downright laugh-out-loud funny, you’ve come to the right place. Carl may be listed as a science fiction and fantasy adventure in the rather new LitRPG (literature role-playing game) genre. But don’t worry. You need not be a gamer to enjoy the heck out of this unique blend of creative storytelling – an open mind and a willing imagination is all you need.
“Dungeon’s Anarchist Cookbook” is the third novel in a projected 10 book series that Matt Dinniman originally self-published, then were bought by Ace books in 2024, and now are being enjoyed on a largescale level of popularity and strong word of mouth.
Carl is a former member of the Coast Guard and a generally nice guy. He was living in an apartment in Seattle, Washington with his ex-girlfriend’s Persian show cat named Princess Donut when aliens arrive and attack earth, and all of the humans in any enclosed space is instantly killed when the aliens collapse all of the buildings and shelters (even tents) on the planet.
The remaining survivors, including Carl and Princess Donut are given the choice to try on and survive on the planet’s surface or to become contestants in a gladiatorial game show - Dungeon Crawler World – that is livestreamed to billions of planets throughout the galaxies. It is like participating in a real-life first-person shooter video where danger and death is absolutely real.
“The Dungeon’s Anarchist Cookbook” picks up immediately where the second book – “Carl’s Doomsday Scenario” – left off. Carl and Princess Donut have entered the fourth level (or more aptly floor) of Earth’s Dungeon. The first three floors were just a warmup compared to the challenges of the fourth, which is called the Iron Tangle - an immensely massive subterranean subway and railroad system that is incredibly complex and full of all kinds of monsters. They’re in the stations, they’re in the train cars, and they are way more formidable than the previous floors.
The fourth floor also beings on new elements. A top ten list of crawlers is unveiled, which includes both Carl and Princess Donut. The problem is their newfound popularity and recognition comes with a painful cost, that of a bounty that will provide serious attention of the other crawlers seeking to eliminate them and collect the reward that comes with it. Another game development is the kicking in of the crawler sponsorship program, in which competing corporations and rich aliens can provide benefits and rewards to the crawlers they wish to influence and support.
I think that’s enough sharing to effectively describe what kind of wacky and absurd adventure this series is turning out to be. Trust me, coming in cold and not knowing too much provides the best immersive way to experience this incredibly farfetched and sarcastic take on society, norms, beliefs, and the extreme lengths that we will go to in order to survive the apocalypse. Even at a full 534 pages in length, Carl’s third outing is an intensely fast-paced, enjoyable read that delivers an escapist treat as long as you don’t take its extreme Hungers Game world too seriously. Which reminds me that I should be sure to mention that this is an adult-oriented novel, including violence, swearing, and strategically placed sexual innuendos. Be forewarned, it thrives on shock humor that delivers outright chuckles and laughs from the readers than you can imagine.
For me, this third book in the series continues to expand on the worldbuilding introduced in the previous books, by creating a more focused and conceptual gaming floor that takes real worldly aspects that we all experience (and often find annoying and painful), and uses it to build an interconnected mystery with physical elements and complex floor clues laid out over the first two-thirds of the novel, challenging the reader to figure things out right along with Carl in an intriguing and challenging read. It is a confusing and dangerous environment for Carl, his team, and the reader.
At the same time, Dinniman uses those aspects to expand on his multiple plotlines and character development. I am in awe as to how Dinniman is able to use such bizarre settings and situations to challenge and grow each of his characters, both their personal strengths as well as their dependence and need for each other. For example, I personally found myself drawn to Katia Grim, and how she gets pulled into Carl and Princess Donut’s team. Their support and acceptance of her, hit me on a higher emotional level than I saw coming. That is just one of the ways that I see Dinniman elevating his characters strengths, weaknesses, relationships and more importantly, their need to trust each other and work together to survive. He’s hitting a full court press in delivering his vision, and its full speed ahead.
I am also amazed by how Dinniman makes this unique blend of comedic Science fiction and fantasy on many levels. It is full of richly imaginative worldbuilding that increases in complexity and storytelling, as well as incredibly funny satire and sarcastic reflections on human life. For me, the most surprisingly aspect has been the characters – Carl, Princess Donut, Mongo, Katia, and Mordecai - that quietly endear themselves to you in ways that you just don’t see coming.
As I stated in my review of the previous book, Dinniman’s creative and spastic worldbuilding is incredible and you see additional layers in this one that start to reveal how truly complex the political, governmental, and different aspects of the alien races are going to be in all of the various, interconnected storylines that he masterfully weaves together with crazy twists and turns along the way. In addition, he pulls off an incredible feat with laugh-out-loud humor and wit throughout. It so near impossible to deliver laughs in a book format, but my hat’s off to Dinniman who makes it look much easier than it should be.
As Dinniman unfolds their story, you are immersed right into their heads, their intimate thoughts and motivations. This felt so fresh and full of many twists along the way. It can be hard as a writer to have both strong characters and strong plotting in the same story. It is harder do than most people think. In this case, Dinniman has magically captured both and mixed them together in an unforgettable recipe of conflict and drama, through every twist, turn and challenge they face. By the end of this book I was forced to accept the reality that I am emotionally connected to these characters and their outcomes matter dearly to me.
Overall, just like the previous books, this third one is another guilty pleasure, a well-spent afternoon escape from reality, and wonderful new type of reading experience that lifts your spirit. It’s like witnessing the ultimate train wreck. You want to pull away, but you are just pulled in and the story demands your attention. My advice, get yourself something to drink and snack on, curl up on the couch, and simply enjoy the ride of reading what is an unexpected and delightful treat that will capture your heart… Come drink the Kool-Aid with us…
For me, this continued the ridiculous fun journey of our dungeon crawler survivors and I am giving it a worthy 4-star rating.
Up next is Book #4 – “The Gate of the Feral Gods”. What a crazy title… I am certainly intrigued…
October 19, 2024
More of the same from the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, with everything ramped up to 11. Still fun, still hilarious and downright crazy, still some powerful moments.
June 20, 2025
Thanks, Matt, I hated it.
Why, why, why do we have to read so much about this godforsaken train system, the Iron Tangle, if, according to the author, it doesn’t matter and you as the reader have no ability to figure it out for yourself? That’s just cruel and unusual.
This would have been a 1 star read but what saved it is getting to see Katia’s character growth, the stuff at the end with Hekla was bonkersssss, and I appreciate Donut’s character progression as well. Oh my god plus the mantaur(s) actually made me laugh until I cried, so hilarious, so horrifying. An actual funny bit that wasn’t weird dude humor and it was in the worst book of the series so far, go figure. I will be continuing on because I still really dig the story itself but this book was genuinely painful. Please, no more trains, no more hundreds of pages about a level you’re literally not supposed to understand. I genuinely hope this series inspires more mainstream LitRPGs though because this genre is so much fun!
God they’re going to downvote me straight to hell over on Barnes & Noble.
Why, why, why do we have to read so much about this godforsaken train system, the Iron Tangle, if, according to the author, it doesn’t matter and you as the reader have no ability to figure it out for yourself? That’s just cruel and unusual.
This would have been a 1 star read but what saved it is getting to see Katia’s character growth, the stuff at the end with Hekla was bonkersssss, and I appreciate Donut’s character progression as well. Oh my god plus the mantaur(s) actually made me laugh until I cried, so hilarious, so horrifying. An actual funny bit that wasn’t weird dude humor and it was in the worst book of the series so far, go figure. I will be continuing on because I still really dig the story itself but this book was genuinely painful. Please, no more trains, no more hundreds of pages about a level you’re literally not supposed to understand. I genuinely hope this series inspires more mainstream LitRPGs though because this genre is so much fun!
God they’re going to downvote me straight to hell over on Barnes & Noble.
January 5, 2026
Donut chatting in all caps is everything.
· Book 1: Dungeon Crawler Carl ★★★
· Book 2: Carl's Doomsday Scenario ★★★★
· Book 1: Dungeon Crawler Carl ★★★
· Book 2: Carl's Doomsday Scenario ★★★★
March 12, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Well, I think it is safe to say that The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook was an absolute trainwreck in the best way possible. Did I have any clue what the fuck was going on on this fourth floor? Maybe not, but I am strapped into my seat on the hype train at this point, so I just sat back and enjoyed the wild ride. CHOO CHOO, motherfuckers!!
For me, the DCC series has always been all about the characters, and I continue to be impressed by the continued character growth and level of emotional depth that Dinniman is able to deliver amidst all the chaos and mayhem. Carl is just the best broody bastard, and seeing him getting increasingly bolder and more rebellious as he learns more about the grand scheme of this sick ‘game’ is just inexplicably entertaining.
And do not get me started on the found family vibes that are only getting stronger and stronger. Of course Princess Donut is still just the absolute highlight of this entire shitshow (Princess Posse represent!), and I was also pleasantly surprised by Katia’s growing role in their party. I mean, joke’s on me for thinking she was just going to be a boring red shirt character… girlie kicks fucking ass!! I mean, I somehow didn’t even end up missing our trusty manager Mordecai in this instalment, because all the other side characters just stole the show.
Now, all that said, I do have to admit that The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook is probably my least favourite instalment so far, simply because of the fact that my last remaining brain cell was truly dying trying to wrap my head around this level. Okay that’s a lie, I didn’t even bother trying to comprehend how this clusterfuck of a noodle-knotted-subway system functioned. But hey, Carl eventually seemed to figure out how the logic was logicking, and in Carl we trust, so that’s all that matters.
At this point I honestly don’t know if I am more concerned or impressed by Dinniman’s unhinged imagination and twisted storytelling, but there's no denying that the man is cookingggg! What’s more, I love how this series is becoming more nuanced and deep with each instalment, all without ever losing its insanely high fun factor. The snark and cutting social commentary just bleed off the page in The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook, and I couldn’t stop myself from cackling at all the deranged dark humour; chef’s kiss.
So, even though this instalment was relatively speaking just a tiny step down for me personally, I still loved it way more than I ever thought possible. Safe to say that I am still suffering from a heavy case of DCC fever, and I am not even trying to look for a cure. Give me all the explosive chaos and wonderful weirdness. Level five, bring it on!
Well, I think it is safe to say that The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook was an absolute trainwreck in the best way possible. Did I have any clue what the fuck was going on on this fourth floor? Maybe not, but I am strapped into my seat on the hype train at this point, so I just sat back and enjoyed the wild ride. CHOO CHOO, motherfuckers!!
For me, the DCC series has always been all about the characters, and I continue to be impressed by the continued character growth and level of emotional depth that Dinniman is able to deliver amidst all the chaos and mayhem. Carl is just the best broody bastard, and seeing him getting increasingly bolder and more rebellious as he learns more about the grand scheme of this sick ‘game’ is just inexplicably entertaining.
And do not get me started on the found family vibes that are only getting stronger and stronger. Of course Princess Donut is still just the absolute highlight of this entire shitshow (Princess Posse represent!), and I was also pleasantly surprised by Katia’s growing role in their party. I mean, joke’s on me for thinking she was just going to be a boring red shirt character… girlie kicks fucking ass!! I mean, I somehow didn’t even end up missing our trusty manager Mordecai in this instalment, because all the other side characters just stole the show.
Now, all that said, I do have to admit that The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook is probably my least favourite instalment so far, simply because of the fact that my last remaining brain cell was truly dying trying to wrap my head around this level. Okay that’s a lie, I didn’t even bother trying to comprehend how this clusterfuck of a noodle-knotted-subway system functioned. But hey, Carl eventually seemed to figure out how the logic was logicking, and in Carl we trust, so that’s all that matters.
At this point I honestly don’t know if I am more concerned or impressed by Dinniman’s unhinged imagination and twisted storytelling, but there's no denying that the man is cookingggg! What’s more, I love how this series is becoming more nuanced and deep with each instalment, all without ever losing its insanely high fun factor. The snark and cutting social commentary just bleed off the page in The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook, and I couldn’t stop myself from cackling at all the deranged dark humour; chef’s kiss.
So, even though this instalment was relatively speaking just a tiny step down for me personally, I still loved it way more than I ever thought possible. Safe to say that I am still suffering from a heavy case of DCC fever, and I am not even trying to look for a cure. Give me all the explosive chaos and wonderful weirdness. Level five, bring it on!
January 10, 2023
Monsters – many kinds, many threats, many outcomes:
"In fact, I realized as I watched the constant stream of creatures, it was probably a good thing for everybody if they did survive the fall into the pit. These were living, non-undead creatures, which meant every time one of them died, a ghoul was generated at a nearby ghoul generator."
Tension:
There is now a bounty on Carl….and on Donut!
Intergalactic Humor:
"New achievement! Martha Stewart! You used a workbench to craft for the first time. The next thing you know you’ll be fashioning bottlecap earrings, drinking oat milk, and selling your ugly crap on Etsy while you wax poetic on Instagram about your “journey.”"
Dangerous Decisions:
"“You’re going to get us killed one way or the other, Carl. It might as well be for a good cause,” Donut said.
I grunted. “Well they do say I’m crazy.”"
The Galaxy is Watching:
"The last thing I wanted was to be a pawn in some intergalactic pissing match. I had enough to worry about already."
Same characters; same humor (which tickles me frequently) but the plot thickens.
"In fact, I realized as I watched the constant stream of creatures, it was probably a good thing for everybody if they did survive the fall into the pit. These were living, non-undead creatures, which meant every time one of them died, a ghoul was generated at a nearby ghoul generator."
Tension:
There is now a bounty on Carl….and on Donut!
Intergalactic Humor:
"New achievement! Martha Stewart! You used a workbench to craft for the first time. The next thing you know you’ll be fashioning bottlecap earrings, drinking oat milk, and selling your ugly crap on Etsy while you wax poetic on Instagram about your “journey.”"
Dangerous Decisions:
"“You’re going to get us killed one way or the other, Carl. It might as well be for a good cause,” Donut said.
I grunted. “Well they do say I’m crazy.”"
The Galaxy is Watching:
"The last thing I wanted was to be a pawn in some intergalactic pissing match. I had enough to worry about already."
Same characters; same humor (which tickles me frequently) but the plot thickens.
October 5, 2025
I don’t know if Matt can go wrong with these books! The audio version continues to deliver a stellar multi-cast performance which creates a highly entertaining listen.
Storyline and plot continues to thicken and build for this LITRPG. I honestly would never have thought I would enjoyed such a series…glad I listened to the masses on this one and gave it a shot.
Do yourself a favor and just give yourself a break from your normal stiff if this isn’t your normal vibe, it’s excellent!
Pro-tip - I couldn’t find this on Libby, and I don’t subscribe to Audible, so I borrowed it from KU to read and because I did, Audible discounted the audio 80% since I already “owned” the book. So now I own ea book for $5 bucks on audio and I couldn’t be happier. I love listening to this when I can’t sleep.
Storyline and plot continues to thicken and build for this LITRPG. I honestly would never have thought I would enjoyed such a series…glad I listened to the masses on this one and gave it a shot.
Do yourself a favor and just give yourself a break from your normal stiff if this isn’t your normal vibe, it’s excellent!
Pro-tip - I couldn’t find this on Libby, and I don’t subscribe to Audible, so I borrowed it from KU to read and because I did, Audible discounted the audio 80% since I already “owned” the book. So now I own ea book for $5 bucks on audio and I couldn’t be happier. I love listening to this when I can’t sleep.
September 19, 2025
Przyjemna porcja rozrywki z Carlem i Donut.
Choć nie powiem, trochę przeraża mnie fakt, że każdy tom jest coraz dłuższy. Zaczynam się gubić w ich skillach 🤣
Choć nie powiem, trochę przeraża mnie fakt, że każdy tom jest coraz dłuższy. Zaczynam się gubić w ich skillach 🤣
April 10, 2021
Exactly what I feared. The authors idea to make each book a long read about one floor of an 18 floor dungeon makes this an extremely tedious read. You can summarize the few hundred pages I read into 'Train system confusing, what do we do?!'.
The self sacrificing "I know this plan is fucking stupid but no other plan risks my life like this" increasingly idiotic and irrational protagonist somehow manages to makes this boring entry even worse.
The 5 star bots who write the exact same review for
every book they 'read' really showcases the author's integrity.
-Dropped Ch 17/35
The self sacrificing "I know this plan is fucking stupid but no other plan risks my life like this" increasingly idiotic and irrational protagonist somehow manages to makes this boring entry even worse.
The 5 star bots who write the exact same review for
every book they 'read' really showcases the author's integrity.
-Dropped Ch 17/35
September 9, 2025
September 2025: Yeah, five stars.
August 2024: I love this series more with every book, and this one really amped up the stakes emotionally. I'm excited to see where it all goes and also how much more weird shit I will get to read about. I will be buying Dungeon Crawler Carl fandom stuff as soon as it makes itself known to me. I shall become unbearable once I reach book five.
"STOP PRESSURING ME, CARL."
[4.5 stars, rounded down for now, anything could happen in the future]
August 2024: I love this series more with every book, and this one really amped up the stakes emotionally. I'm excited to see where it all goes and also how much more weird shit I will get to read about. I will be buying Dungeon Crawler Carl fandom stuff as soon as it makes itself known to me. I shall become unbearable once I reach book five.
"STOP PRESSURING ME, CARL."
[4.5 stars, rounded down for now, anything could happen in the future]
March 27, 2025
I think the best review I can give this book is that after finishing, I immediately purchased books 4,5, and 6.
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