If you are looking for the absolute best RPG storyline on the market, look no further. I’ve listened to a lot of GameLit and LitRPG, but Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl (Books 1 and 2) exists in a league of its own.
Why This Series Rules:
The Ultimate Duo: The chemistry between Carl and Princess Donut is the heart of the story. Watching a guy in boxers and a high-maintenance prize-winning Persian cat navigate a deadly planetary dungeon is as hilarious as it is surprisingly emotional.
World Building: The “World Dungeon” concept is brilliant. It’s brutal, imaginative, and avoids the usual tropes of the genre by adding a dark, satirical “intergalactic reality TV” twist.
Top-Tier Narration: You cannot talk about these books without mentioning Jeff Hays. His performance is legendary—giving every character (especially Donut) a distinct, unforgettable voice. It feels more like a full-cast audio drama than a single-person narration.