Audiobook Listen: Jeff Hays’ narration is phenomenal. He brings every character, especially Donut, to life in a way that makes the story even more captivating. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook version as well!
The story plunges you into the chaos: an ordinary guy named Carl and his diva cat, Princess Donut, are unexpectedly thrust into a deadly, alien-produced dungeon crawl reality show after the apocalypse strikes. It’s a hilarious, action-packed, and at times darkly comedic adventure that’s ridiculously creative. The LitRPG elements, such as stats, achievements, and loot boxes, are seamlessly integrated into the narrative without overwhelming the reader. Carl, a relatable and sarcastic everyman, is a standout character, while Princess Donut steals every scene—she’s instantly become one of my favorite characters ever.
What truly amazed me was how enjoyable and bingeable it is. The humor is perfectly executed, the action is relentless, and there’s an unexpected blend of heart and absurdity. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud multiple times and genuinely invested in their survival.
IIf this genre is your cup of tea, I highly recommend it! It’s incredibly funny, fast-paced, and swiftly covers explanations, making me anticipate that the next book will be even more enjoyable. By halfway through, I found myself pondering the fate of Carl and Donut throughout the series, their evolving goals, and the potential outcomes for certain characters they encountered. This already sets the stage for suspense and intrigue.