Listen, Dinniman. I know you read these. How dare you play with my emotions? (Epilogue. iykyk.)
Well, here we are. I wondered if my brain would keep up with another level or if it would finally start to feel repetitive. Spoiler: it did not. Mr. D (cool if I call you that?) somehow keeps upping the ante — building depth into our beloved chaos crew, giving us glimpses into the worlds beyond, layering in political intrigue, and sprinkling in just enough emotional damage to remind us he can. (rude)
The writing? Sharp as a dog fart after flea and tick meds. The pacing? A rollercoaster with no brakes and occasional explosions. The humor? Still thriving amid trauma, gore, and cosmic nonsense. The emotional damage? Chef’s kiss. Every time Carl tries to get a moment’s peace, the universe responds with a PowerPoint presentation titled “No.” Donut remains the only creature capable (questionably) of emotional regulation, and even she’s developing war crimes.
And honestly? I don’t just listen to Jeff Hays — I need him narrating my life at this point. The man’s voice is the auditory equivalent of an AI watching Carl buff his tootsies: unsettlingly intimate, weirdly motivating, and absolutely essential. Without him, these books lose a layer of magic (and menace).
I laughed. I sat in my car after arriving places just to listen to “just a little more.” I had to pause because choices were made. And yes, maybe I rolled my eyes once — but I also felt feelings. Again, Mr. D: how dare?!
Let’s be real, if you’re this far into the series you know the AI chaos goblin energy isn’t going anywhere and Carl’s going to blow something up. Somehow, it’s always in a new and exciting way.
In summary: another yes. Five stars, emotional devastation, no notes. (Except maybe do write that novella for smut club that you promised at DragonCon k thanks)