Dungeon Crawler Carl

By Matt Dinniman

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition.

You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what’s worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That’s what.

Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game–like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.

Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Survival is optional. Keeping the viewers entertained is not.


Includes part one of the exclusive bonus story “Backstage at the Pineapple Cabaret.”

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Published Aug 27, 2024

480 pages

Average rating: 8.41

1,183 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Dungeon Crawler Carl* is a fast-paced, darkly humorous LitRPG blending action, witty banter, and strong world-building, with Princess Don...

Mellific
Jul 09, 2026
8/10 stars
This was quite an audio experience. I cannot believe there is only one narrator. I found this book imaginative and creative, however, I also felt that it went on for too long. Also, at times, I felt like I was listening to a book that was designed for boys to read.
Erancal
Jun 07, 2026
10/10 stars
Oh boy! Didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I loved every page! LitRPG is legit when in the right hands. This is one of those book reading experiences you never forget!
Annie.S
Apr 14, 2026
9/10 stars
This book as an audiobook is phenomenal! So entertaining and out of my comfort zone, but so worth the read. The characters are funny and interesting and the fast paced story kept me hooked!
Dirkmekk
Feb 05, 2026
7/10 stars
Entertaining but did Shake My world
GhoulishGina
Jul 29, 2025
7/10 stars
6.5 Rounded Up

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