Cool fun fact: Matt’s patreon members actually vote on Carls fan boxes. So the fan boxes he gets in the books are literally chosen by fans of the series.
These audiobooks took over my life for 3 months straight. I think I listened to the series 3 times before I could go on to something else. One thing this series does well that a lot of fantasy frustrates me with is inter-character drama. One of the most common irritations I have with fantasy books is character drama taking too long and overwhelming the plot and/or action. Jordan, Sanderson, and many of my other favorite authors really love to stretch the drama over entire books or more but Dinniman does quite the opposite and often has the characters talk it out in a grown up way and then move on with the insanity of the dungeon. A perfect example you brought up is Donut treating Carl like a servant. That could have taken the entire book to resolve but instead they barely make it out of the safe room before Carl has enough and calls her out for it. The resolution is honest and touching and doesnt suffer at all for happening so quickly and then moving on. It's a pattern that repeats throughout the series and I think its a big part of why these books feel light hearted while dealing with a truly horrific setting and really keeps the tempo of the story up.
This is a thought I have been trying to get out multiple times in multiple forums. This right here is exactly why I appreciate this series sooooooo much.
I absolutely love DCC. The audible for DCC is the best that I have ever listened to. Jeff Hays brings Carls character to life it’s so crazy how good he is. I can’t wait for book 7.
TV Recommendation - Blood Drive. For fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl, it's a 'Murder Game Show' set up & while being quite different, the comedy and meta humour hit in a very similar way.
I think people who aren’t “audiobook people” should definitely read them first. Then watch some of Jeff Hays’ live reads. The audio adds so much to the characters. If after hearing some of the audio, if you’re not hooked then, well enjoy it how you want. Amazing either way!
Can’t wait to see you get through the whole series. Everything, especially character development, just ramps up higher and higher as you go. It’s phenomenal
I am on book 5 and my partner on book 4. We are OBSESSED. Such a great, fun series. It handles tone shifting really well. I am constantly amazed by how they handle the "will they, won't they" but with Carl and Donuts friendship. It's excellent. I love it.
Bought the audiobook because of the first 4 minutes of this episode! LOVING it so far. The first book I’ve actually laughed out loud at (not just blowing air out of nose)
Im not usually am audiobook fan, but its definitely the best way to enjoy this series. Jeff Hayes with the Soundbooth theater addition is the best audiobook expwrience I've had.
Finished this series in a month. Shouldn’t be as good as it is, but Dinniman f’ing kills it. So good. So fun. But legitimately filled with heart. Can’t wait to see how you review the rest of the series
Definitely true what they said that the audiobook is mandatory! The narrator, Jeff Hays, is amazing. My jaw hit the floor when I learned after listening to book 1 that he does ALL the voices. Stunned!
I loved this one, tried it on a whim on audible and I have to agree that the audio version is a must, and the bond that forms between donut and Carl is simultaneously adorable and hilarious 😅. Its also very clear to me as an ex wow player that the author has experience with some sort of mmo game a la wow or ffviv etc as there are so many Easter eggs and nods sprinkled throughout. Had a smile on my face from start to finish, would (and have) recommend 😊
I love that you guys think there's no social commentary and that DCC is all fun and games 👀👀👀 Let me tell ya, the complexities only get better from here on in!
Really curious to hear you're guys' take post book 5. I've read everything from The Belgariad to the Recluse Series to all 20whatever books of Malazan (which I absolutely consider to be the peak of grand fantasy) and DCC is somehow right up there with the best stuff I've ever read or listened to. It's amazing that a series with such a stupid cover and name could hit so hard. Book 5 alone may be one of the best books I've read... like ever.
The opening of this episode was actually exactly what I did. I read the first book physically, then read the rest on Kindle Unlimited. I'm reading Bedlam Bride right now.
Just wait till later books. Your characters category will easily be a 5 star and so will emotional impact. The future books have a huge cast and get really deep/sad in moments
Read this about half a year ago. The LiTRPG genre hasn't clicked with me, whenever I've tried it, but this book is the big exception. Loved this book, the worldbuilding, Carl and Donut have a great dynamic and the humour clicked with me too. I bought all the books in the series on word of mouth alone; so glad I don't have buyer's remorse lol.
I wasn't sure I would like Lit RPG, but everyone has been talking about this book, so I started it last week... Love it! First 2 books on audio down and I don't want it to end. This had me dying of laughter
Been looking for a good book review podcast. I’m not a fast reader and understand I’m not gonna be able to read everything and this was perfect for me to get a good idea what the book is about and understand it more. Love this.
Ah, finally you guys have touched on a book from my favorite genre. The genre is Progression Fantasy with a sub-genre of LitPRG. I would love to see you guys cover some of the giants of the genre like the Cradle series by will wight which starts with unsouled (about 238 pages)
I havent quite finished the video, but I couldnt help but make connections between Darrow and Carl. Its not a perfect mirror at all, but their situation, their genius when it comes to planning, and ability to bend but never break. I just got same vibe from Carl that I got from Darrow, at least in the first 3 red rising books, as Darrow is kind of a different character in the next few books. Loved the book though. And am so excited for you to continue your DCC journey!
I wish you played the achievement he gets after killing the boss in the room with the bomb that you talked about early on. That had me dying and is honestly what set off the marathon of going through all of the audiobooks straight. No other books existed until I finished all of the DCC books.
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: OBSESSED. You've watched every available RU-vid review about Dungeon Crawler Carl. Don't you have a job? REWARD: Unbreakable Jar of Enchanted Grass. Because you are never going to go outside to touch any, so now you can bring with you everywhere you go. Congrats.
I'm halfway through the sixth book right now and feel that the books are getting better with each one. I had some gripes with book 1. I mostly felt that the satire was a bit too heavy-handed and that it ended just before the "thing" it was building up for. But both things cease to be issues in all of the other books. Satire is still quite present, but it doesn't feel so overt anymore. It's more natural. Likewise each book became more self-contained with less incompleteness. Even though cliffhangers do still occur.
I’ve been running around for days annoying my kids yelling “Goddamnit, Donut!” And was hoping you would mention the Audiobook. It elevates the material to a completely new level. Found myself pausing just reading at points until I could get back to immersive. I know spoiler but the scene, 2 simple paragraphs of making the resistance shake. It’s all I need to share to get my reading pals on board. Puzzling out each fight is fantastic and seeing the ingenuity is satisfying as hell Pure unadulterated (well adulterated) fun.
I listened to the audiobook for DCC and the production was amazing. Unfortunately it just wasn't my cup of tea, but I definitely enjoyed Princess Donut and the humor. I totally understand how people are obsessed with this series.
@@2ToRamble just saw y’all had a video on book 2. Watching it now. This is a series I’m super passionate about (and am partially responsible for badgering Daniel Greene into reading it along with many others). Glad you guys are loving it and especially the audiobooks. Looks like book 7 is schedule for October!
You need to focus on Between Two Fires! It's one of my favorite books. The tropes aren't original by any means, but theyre so well executed and the story is perfect.
I don't disagree at all with your prose scores for this book, but the juxtaposition of giving this a prose score of 3.25/5 and then giving Red Rising a 9.6/10 is just...Mongo is appalled.
Oh the name thing definitely, I’m going super out of my way to avoid guys called Loren and any Eriks are on thin ice 😂😂 It sucks that I’m in a completely different country so the affiliate links probably won’t work for me but I already pay you money every month anyway 😂 I haven’t read these yet so I’m gonna stop before spoilers (of course) and get back to Morning Star but I definitely want to get in to DCC soonish
Truly the audiobook is a must. It elevates the material. If you’ve ever played an MMO RPG so much will hit home but it isn’t necessary. A pure joy to read
Too many good books to read, but this is coming after finishing Golden Son for sure. Just from the pitch, this gives me Solo Leveling Vibes and who doesnt love that piece of art.
I just finished book 4 of DCC and to be honest i am ending it there. The first one was great cause it was something "newish" but book after book is kinda the same thing.
I heartily recommend you listen to book 5. It's considered by most people to be the best book in the series and really brings the series up out of the Dungeon - or I guess a better way to put it would be it brings the outside world in. Though in the interest of transparency, I think your take is completely bonkers and doesn't compute for me to begin with :D But hey, books are subjective and your take is just as valid as mine. Happy reading!
I bought dungeon crawler Carl after listening to this podcast last week and all I can say is that wow, this story is terrible. The name of the wind is amazing. Dungeon Crawler Carl reads like someone relaying the highlights of their video game career connected with the most cliched story beats. Half of this story feels like it’s ripping off Ratchet: Gladiator which is far superior. Almost makes me feel as though the book tube community has been paid to promote this nonsense. The Name of The Wind is a story of actual substance.
DCC was my firt LitRPG. Unfortunately I have to say that this book is a giant exception in this genre, anything I have come across afterwards was a huge pile of garbage
