The hype and praise surrounding this book led me to believe I was in for a life-changing experience. Perhaps I was mistaken to expect both Carl and the entire storyline to have more depth and meaning in what is essentially an adventure book. Carl and Donut face a string of forgettable battles barely augmented from one to the next by slightly bigger enemies and a reward that may or may not be helpful. Dinnaman sets up an interesting premise but ultimately disappoints in the predictability of his plot and the lack of any real challenge for a man with the strength of 10 rhinos. Narrator Jeff Hays goes all in for his performance which is to be respected, and though it at times comes across as overly effortful, it suits the brand of this book.