I stumbled upon “Dungeon Crawler Carl” by Matt Dinniman last block during a bookstore trip I made in a moment of procrastination. Hoping to inspire the urge to write my final paper, I was walking among the bookshelves with a friend when we came across a strangely titled book. Intrigued, I opened to a random page where the first words I read were about a Persian showcat speaking with a man named Carl and launching magic missiles. I was hooked. I needed to understand how on earth this talking cat managed to attain magic missiles. And I was not misled by my curiosity. “Dungeon Crawler Carl” was one of the most surprising and enjoyable reads for me this year.
The aliens invade Earth, turning it into a sterile wasteland. Survivors have only one option: try to survive on the decimated planet or take their chances in a deadly dungeon crawl that is broadcast to the entire universe for entertainment. Carl, barefoot and only in his boxers, chooses the dungeon and takes his ex-girlfriend’s showcat, Princess Dount, in with him. The dungeon follows a dungeon-crawl video game format, where players have to level up, build an inventory, and fight their way through 18 floors of enemies. Viewers and sponsors begin to fall in love with Carl and Princess Dount, and the two find themselves not only caught up in the battle to survive but also entangled in the complex web of dangerous politics that the corporations running the game have created.
This book is ridiculous in the best way. There are talking cats, magic, aliens and Carl spends the entire book looking for a pair of pants. However, amidst the absurd plot points and comedy (dark and frequently sexual), there are great character dynamics, profound questions and well-written action sequences. After Princess Dount gained the ability to talk, Carl and Princess Dount have a wonderful relationship where they banter constantly but also deeply care for one another. The novel doesn’t shy away from the reality that the world has ended and millions are being killed within the dungeon, but it still includes strong comedic moments that make the darkness of the plot bearable. I found that the mental consequences of experiencing the end of the world could have been explored more thoroughly in this book. A part of that is contributed to the fact that “Dungeon Crawler Carl” is the first of seven published books and many of the plots set up in this novel are explored later in the series.
I personally won’t be committing to the entire saga, but I found this first book a fine standalone read, entertaining and enjoyable. Overall, this book is great for a reader who is willing to engage with the odd and fantastical plot, dark humor and is looking for a fast-paced and exciting read.