This series is the gift that keeps on giving. In this book, beginner levels are over and the dungeon is teeming with new quests, characters, and crazy experience for Carl and Princess Donut. Level 3 of the dungeon feels right out of a DnD campaign with the creation of their "character build" and I loved it. The introduction to more drama with the companies involved grows too. Level 4 is next and I can't wait to dive into Book 3 to see what happens to our fave duo.

Just like book 1, Dungeon Crawler Carl, I ate this ish up. I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I did think it was a tad slower paced, despite it being a smaller page count than book 1. If this were a real video game there would have been quite a few of those scenes you can’t skip forward from and are stuck watching the storyline play out like a video.

I liked the addition of quests into the game and getting more NPCs involved like an epic spanning video game. Having towns/cities on Level 3 was a nice change from the dungeon settings of levels 1 and 2. Also I agree with Carl, clowns are the worst! Seeing how tv shows in the universe play within the dungeon was really fun and I’m looking forward to seeing the next “season” down on level 6. (This series is 8 books long so I don’t think it’s outlandish to assume Carl and Princess Donut are going to make it to level 6).

The influence of the crawlers is definitely growing, we saw that with Carl and the Skull Empire. The financial and political relationships from these alien governments is interesting and gives a bit of a break from the sometimes over the top gameplay.

I enjoy Heklas’s character and hope she isn’t untrustworthy in the end. Lucia Mar is batshit crazy but I’m looking forward to the AI eventually bringing her and her dogs in contact with Carl and Donut. I’m also going to need Mrs. McGibbons to meet us again, I’m curious what happened to all the biddies!

So that's two Dungeon Crawler Carl books read in two days which gives you an idea of how much I'm enjoying them! This one had some truly epic quests and emotional moments, and just as some of the mysteries in and beyond the dungeon start to become clearer, more and more questions arise! I'm just about to go straight on to book 3...

Will this man ever get any pants!? Not if he wants to stay popular with the viewers of this messed up alien vs human apocalyptic game. The adventures continue with Carl and Princess Donut. They face new challenges, interviews and meet some other players along the way as they level up!

Book 2 of this series, in which Carl and Donut and their allies continue to fight, this time in a medieval-style town. Not only do they need to survive the level, they've also now got quests to undertake and have level up in race and class. As with the first book, it's amusing, particularly if you know the tropes that are being used and occasionally skewered. Dino fans will like Donut's new pet, and we get more info on guide Mordecai and the politics behind the game and its creatures. Also, Carl continues to blow stuff up.

I picked up Carl's Doomsday Scenario on the recommendation of a bookseller I trust, and I’m so glad I did—this series is an unexpected gem. I devoured book one and had to resist immediately diving into book two only because of other reading obligations. That restraint didn’t last long. Book two picks up right where the first left off and may even surpass it, especially with the richer development of the supporting cast. Fast-paced, smart, and surprisingly funny, this series is perfect for making the hours of a long flight disappear. Highly recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic adventure with heart and humor.

The second book in Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series did not disappoint. Carl's Doomsday Scenario keeps the stakes high and the pages turning as well as keeps its readers invested in the series. Carl and Donut remain an unforgettable duo in this chaotic, dystopian game show from hell. I appreciated the absurd humor, brutal trials, and surprisingly emotional moments and look forward to the third book!

Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman is not as long as some of the later books. It's a manageable 384 pages.

"Now on the third floor of the dungeon, Carl and his talking cat, Princess Donut, along with their dinosaur friend, Mongo, try to navigate their way through Over City, where monsters and undead circus performers roam the streets."

The story is still absurd and dark and looks at themes of trauma, neglect and power. It continues to make observations about the notion of 'reality tv'

Looking forward to more of Carl's adventures

There is just something irresistible about this series. Yes, it has humor, and friendship, tragedy, and if you read this series, be sure to block off a large amount of time and get all the books in the series because as soon as you finish this one, you will be craving the next book stat! I absolutely love Donut and Carl (and Mongo is adorable in a scary cute feathered raptor kind of way) and even the other characters feel real and grow on you. I shall keep rooting for Carl and Donut to get through this dungeon and kick the butts of the aliens who are in charge!

I’d do some real shady stuff for Carl and Donut. Book 2 picks up where book 1 ends and though it was a bit more on the ridiculous side I can see where Dinniman is going with it and I’ll definitely be starting book 3 asap. Carls speech on their last interview really hit home in the light of current events.

I'm really glad I decided to finally read this series! It's crazy and funny, but also touches on some dark and heavy themes that are really well interwoven with the humor.
I love how the world-building deepens with each level we reach and every new bit of lore we uncover. One of my favorite things is how every character feels unique, each with their own quirks and personality. Honestly, it seems like there’s no limit to what Matt Dinniman can do with the world of Dungeon Crawler Carl - it’s nonstop action and chaos, and you genuinely never know what’s coming next!
I want to send Princess Donut a huge Celestial box, and Carl is really growing on me too. I'm loving their character development and how they keep fighting no matter what. With Mordecai and Mongo joining the crew and the Royal Court of Princess Donut expanding, it’s so fun following them through the dungeon.
I honestly can’t wait to start book 3 - I'm dangerously close to binge-reading the whole series!
～Thank you to Berkley (Ace) and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book picked up where the first book left off, now with even more levels for Carl and Donut to get through. I have to say, I think the pacing struggled a little with this one. It was still a lot of fun, but the sections devoted to leveling up were a little repetitive at times (frankly, just like they are in games, so perhaps that was purposeful!). The comedy continued, the banter continued, and the absolutely hilarious achievements continued.

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Sci-Fi Fantasy
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 24, 2024
📖 384 pages

🔪 RPG but Reality
✨️ Dungeons & Dragons Vibes
🎮 Multilevel, Video Game
🐈 Pet Velociraptor + Talking Cat
‼️ Lots of Side Quests

Review: Missles, killer clowns, and Succubi! Oh my! This was a great sequel! I liked the ancient village/ruins, the rotting circus and interesting guild options for this set of dungeons! Both books had great world building but I enjoyed the deeper lore! I was also super excited that we get more from Mordecai this book!

Thank you so much Berkeley Publishing, Ace, and NetGalley for the digital review copy!

M ⚠️: language, use of g**d****, gore/violence, emetophobia,

This is an amazing continuation of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and it does not disappoint! I did not even know lit-RPG was a genre but I AM HERE FOR IT. Team Princess Donut forever!! Long may she reign!!

I was hooked from the beginning!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Thank you Berkeley Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Entertaining but Overstuffed

The second installment of Dungeon Crawler Carl continues the wild ride with even higher stakes, weirder monsters, and more dark humor. Carl and Princess Donut are as chaotic and oddly endearing as ever, diving deeper into the dungeon while facing increasingly bizarre challenges—from undead circuses to murder-mystery rainstorms.

The worldbuilding is impressive, and the creativity on display is nonstop. The Over City setting adds a fresh layer of intrigue, and the introduction of quests brings more structure to the madness. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and fans of book one will likely enjoy this next level of absurdity.

That said, the book feels a bit overstuffed. The nonstop action and constant weirdness can become overwhelming, making it harder to connect with the characters or stay invested in the storyline. The pacing occasionally drags under the weight of side quests and detours, and some of the humor misses the mark.

Overall, it’s a fun and imaginative sequel, but it tries to do a little too much. A solid read for fans of the first book, but not quite as sharp or engaging as the debut.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Still a rollicking good time and hilarious fun.

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario expands on the Dungeon Crawler Carl universe and offers some extremely funny moments! I am constantly impressed with Matt Dinniman’s unique storytelling and ideas. Even as the plot gains layers with additional tv shows and politics the story always feels effortless to read. I have never been so constantly entertained with a series in my life. I could not stop reading!! Thank you again for publishing the most absolute gem of a series.

I'm in this adventure till the very end.

This part is even crazier! We've got nightclubs, undead circuses, zombies, tons of quests and upgrades!

There’s no room for a boring plot when you’re literally speeding through in a minecart!

Once again, I saw the whole show playing out in my head, vivid, atmospheric!

Oh, how I missed this duo! Their dynamic is everything, the banter, the support, the chaos. Truly the best found family in hell, a man, a cat, and now... a raptor. Carl is a bit more grounded now (well, as grounded as you can be when everything’s exploding), and Donut keeps growing as a character, not just a fluffy ball of rage, but a fiercely loyal and surprisingly complex queen.
And Mordecai? My favorite side character. At least when he’s sober, lol.

But it’s not just laughs, there are deeper moments too, and I especially liked Carl’s childhood memory scene. It added such a human layer to all the madness.

So glad there’s more to come!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC!

This was a great read! I have been hearing a lot of great reviews about this series and I look forward to reading more books from Matt Dinniman.