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Dungeon Crawler Carl #6
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride
A pantheon of forgotten gods. An old grudge between a talk show host, an heiress, and the man they shattered along the way. A rapidly deteriorating AI system. An inconvenient tiara upon the head of a friend. As management reels from the unexpected conclusion of the seventh level, the surviving crawlers stumble onto the eighth and find themselves scattered. It’s a map based on Earth’s final days before the collapse, where ethereal, intangible ghosts of humanity go about their lives, oblivious of the impending doom. Living amongst these ghosts are monsters based in Earth lore. “Legendary” creatures tied to the geographical location they inhabit. Each team of crawlers is given a find and capture six of these beasts. The captured monsters will be turned into cards. Cards that can be summoned into battle again and again. The stronger, the deadlier, the better. At the end of the floor, the bad guys will also have decks, and they will have some of the most powerful cards available. So it’s crucial to assemble the toughest squad possible. But, like always, there is a catch. There’s always a catch. As Carl and Donut know all too well, just because someone is captured, it doesn’t mean they have been tamed. Her name is Shi Maria . She’s easily the most powerful monster in their area. If they want to survive, they must capture her. But she is no ordinary beast. She’s intelligent. She was once married to a god, a god who is now missing. Her special attack is known to drive one insane. They call her the Bedlam Bride. “Beware, beware. Beware the Eye of the Bedlam Bride”
692 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2023
About the author
Matt Dinniman
58 books25.3k followersMatt Dinniman is the best-selling writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the published author of dozens of short stories and a gaggle of books. In addition, his art publications—from greeting cards to stationery kits to calendars—can be found in boutique and stationery shops around the world. Also, he strongly feels like a pretentious twat when he writes about himself in third person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,289 reviews
July 14, 2023
NEW ACHIEVEMENT!!!
You found another installment in one of the best book series out there! Reward? The book is the reward. That and Carl's sensual feet
You found another installment in one of the best book series out there! Reward? The book is the reward. That and Carl's sensual feet
June 22, 2023
When I try to describe these books, the best description I can come up with is…imagine a disaster that forces almost everyone on earth underground to endure 18 floors that each act like a different arena in the Hunger Games. Everyone and everything is trying to kill you, and so the population of the planet plummets floor by floor. It’s televised so there’s all the drama that comes with having to “perform” while surviving, including getting sponsors, meeting TV hosts, etc.
But as this is on display to the GALAXY, in addition to the crazy cruelty of this game, there are intergalactic politics between alien species, and over time we learn about them through the pov of the main human character.
Speaking of the main character and if we stay with the Hunger Games comparison, Carl is Katniss on steroids. He not only wants to survive but to fuck. things. up. Speaking of fucks, there are a lot of them because these are adult books with adult humor. Oh, and also a talking cat...with a pet dinosaur.
The stakes are HIGH, the drama in INSANE, the humor is BOMBASTIC, and every book keeps getting crazier and crazier without losing the thread. Each one expands on the lore in a mystery box way that’s highly interesting, hilarious, and engrossing.
And THIS ONE is the best one yet.
But as this is on display to the GALAXY, in addition to the crazy cruelty of this game, there are intergalactic politics between alien species, and over time we learn about them through the pov of the main human character.
Speaking of the main character and if we stay with the Hunger Games comparison, Carl is Katniss on steroids. He not only wants to survive but to fuck. things. up. Speaking of fucks, there are a lot of them because these are adult books with adult humor. Oh, and also a talking cat...with a pet dinosaur.
The stakes are HIGH, the drama in INSANE, the humor is BOMBASTIC, and every book keeps getting crazier and crazier without losing the thread. Each one expands on the lore in a mystery box way that’s highly interesting, hilarious, and engrossing.
And THIS ONE is the best one yet.
November 13, 2024
5 stars
This installment was by far the best yet! The humor was spot-on, and the chaos was next level. The totems were wild, every single one brought its own ridiculous twist, and I was either laughing or shaking my head the whole time. Between demons, slugs, and strippers, the story just kept upping the craziness. And, of course, Carl and his chaotic team, Donut and Samantha, delivered non-stop.
But what set this one apart was the added depth. The series has always been funny, from book 1 to book 5, but this time, there were moments that hit a bit deeper, and I even found myself a little emotional. Then, before I knew it, I was laughing again.
There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. Absolute chef’s kiss. And I couldn’t ask for better timing, because book 7 just dropped! I’m diving straight in. Cannot wait!
This installment was by far the best yet! The humor was spot-on, and the chaos was next level. The totems were wild, every single one brought its own ridiculous twist, and I was either laughing or shaking my head the whole time. Between demons, slugs, and strippers, the story just kept upping the craziness. And, of course, Carl and his chaotic team, Donut and Samantha, delivered non-stop.
But what set this one apart was the added depth. The series has always been funny, from book 1 to book 5, but this time, there were moments that hit a bit deeper, and I even found myself a little emotional. Then, before I knew it, I was laughing again.
There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. Absolute chef’s kiss. And I couldn’t ask for better timing, because book 7 just dropped! I’m diving straight in. Cannot wait!
March 21, 2026
This series is absolute perfection. It has everything, and it is done so well.
I'll start book 7 tomorrow.
2026 reread: I love it sooooo much!!!
I'll start book 7 tomorrow.
2026 reread: I love it sooooo much!!!
August 4, 2024
I just retroactively upgraded all my previous DCC ratings to 5 stars. My book ratings are not serious, more based on how much I enjoyed the reading experience. Why the upgrade? Matt Dinniman captured and distilled the essence of Fun so effectively, I must give him the kudos he deserves.
I now count DCC as one of the few works which so generously offered that elusive quality - The Magic of Books. Every reader has an internal list of those books. The books which pull you in effortlessly and carry you into the flow state. They forever etch an imaginary pantheon, the golden narratives which the human brain instinctually craves. Thanks, Matt. Your books make me feel like I'm in the school library again reading as much as I can until that bell rings.
I now count DCC as one of the few works which so generously offered that elusive quality - The Magic of Books. Every reader has an internal list of those books. The books which pull you in effortlessly and carry you into the flow state. They forever etch an imaginary pantheon, the golden narratives which the human brain instinctually craves. Thanks, Matt. Your books make me feel like I'm in the school library again reading as much as I can until that bell rings.
October 4, 2025
“Why was the union broken so easily? Because they were out in the open. They were playing by the rules. How can you win a deliberately unfair game when the rules are written by your opponent? The answer is, you can't. You will never win. Not as long as you follow their arbitrary guidelines.”
one truly shattering touch from prepotente later, and here we are on level eight, with thirty-eight-thousand other crawlers. this floor of the dungeon is a replicated version of earth itself, and carl and donut find themselves starting the christmas season being spawned in at the capitol of cuba. i am a big magic the gathering fan, and this book is all about killing bosses, getting the cards that they drop (that represent said boss), and creating a deck that they can ultimately win your party a key that will allow you to pass through this floor.
we also learn so much history about so many different crawlers in this sixth book. we get to see carl heal some from the immense trauma he experienced while growing up with an abusive father prior to these games. but we also got to learn about so many others, including understanding the weight of the grief that mordecai has been carrying, because of odette. so many things are beginning to happen, and carl is becoming a symbol of hope for the resistance, both inside the dungeon and out all across the universe.
this installment is hard for me to rate, because there is so much i loved, but also so much that did feel a little bit on the boring side at times. i love these characters so much, and im so invested in them and what they are creating, but this one really could have been edited down. i think extra, after how epic and perfect The butcher's masquerade felt. but i am so, beyond words, excited for faction wars. especially after that epilogue and knowing that crawlers from the outside are really about to do something very big inside the dungeon.
trigger + content warnings: slavery, mass killing and death, colonization, gore, violence, vomit, blood, battle, murder, explosions / bombings, fires, abandonment in past, talk of domestic abuse in past, child abuse in past / shitty parent in past, abandonment, drug use, talk of addiction, talk of withdrawal, drinking, smoking, ptsd, talk of loss of family, loss of a loved one / friend, grief, gun violence, insects / spiders, animal death (turkeys), talk of abandon animal (dog), talk of suicide, self sacrifice suicide
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1.) Dungeon Crawler Carl ★★★★★
2.) Carl's Doomsday Scenario ★★★★
3.) The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook ★★★
4.) The Gate of the Feral Gods ★★★★
5.) The Butcher's Masquerade ★★★★★
February 19, 2026
The Dungeon Crawler Carl books take off from the culture of role-playing games popularized by Dungeons and Dragons. The premise of different dungeon ‘levels’ means Dinniman can play around with sub-genres, and in this book, he uses card games as the basis for conflict. In fact, he specifically calls out Pokéman, explaining how this dungeon level isn’t at all similar (look, ma; no copyright infringement here!).
"I refused to believe it’d really taken that much work to design this ridiculous card system. It felt more like a half-assed YuGiOh! ripoff duct-taped together by someone on an Adderall bender."
The premise didn’t grab me as much as straight-up dungeon crawling, but as usual, the book is about so much more than the dungeon conflict, despite what Carl would prefer. I both read and listened to this edition, and I am landing on a preference for audio for this series. This is probably in line with Dinniman’s own preference, as he notes “I write everything with audio in mind.” Like Aaronovitch, he seems to enjoy throwing different accents at his reader–in this case, the very talented Jeff Hays.
Character development continues to be a major feature of this series. Carl’s desire to have clear-cut boundaries leads him into conflict with compassion and understanding, particularly for himself. Having moved past the Beatrice drama of the prior book, in this one, Carl is forced to confront his father. Beatrice drama returns as he discovers more ways she sought to control his life. It’s an interesting choice, because one of the aspects I appreciated about it all was the emotional subtlety, but Carl recognizes this. The lens of compassion in this one turns instead to Katia, who has found a way to resolve the conflict of the crown that will eventually put her and Donut at odds on the next floor. Katia is still struggling with her own past demons, however, and it finally comes to light in this book. Donut continues to bring a touch of humor, particularly with her cat-like behavior.
“If I knocked something off the counter, then it was placed too close to the edge. All the best cooks know not to place things next to the edge when there are cats in the home. That’s cooking 101, Carl.”
And Samantha. Oh, man, Samantha. The humor gets a little gross here.
"Samantha: THAT WAS A GOOD THROW! I’M ACROSS THE STREET! I QUEEFED OUT THE SPIDERS!"
But as the show says, you take the good with the bad, and the good is the meta commentary on power. In this book, it develops as the game AI appears to have 'gone rogue,' or 'gone elemental,' a fear mentioned in prior books. The inter- and intra-government conflicts play less of a role than the AI's own development. Again, interesting, because it seems as if Carl continues to be positioned as a pawn by yet another entity's bid to control the dungeon.
"They almost always remain firmly stomped. But sometimes, the weak gather in secret. They make plans. They work outside the system to effect change. Like the Mollies, they usually end up just as stomped as everyone else. But that’s just life. At least they fucking tried."
Dinniman claims he is a ‘pants’ writer, who even takes suggestions for plot twists from his Patreon. I confess I have my doubts, because I see how well threads for each book’s conflicts and secondary conflicts had roots in the prior stories. However, that could just reflect on how multifaceted the characterization is, that he can take unpredictable plot directions and make the experiences believable–much like real life.
A solid edition to the series. Rounding up for the audio version, which at 28 hours, is quite a commitment.
Side note: for the devout Christians, this might be challenging. Two words: Uzi Jesus.
Self note: Name refers to an alternate name for a demi-goddess that appears in the book.
"I refused to believe it’d really taken that much work to design this ridiculous card system. It felt more like a half-assed YuGiOh! ripoff duct-taped together by someone on an Adderall bender."
The premise didn’t grab me as much as straight-up dungeon crawling, but as usual, the book is about so much more than the dungeon conflict, despite what Carl would prefer. I both read and listened to this edition, and I am landing on a preference for audio for this series. This is probably in line with Dinniman’s own preference, as he notes “I write everything with audio in mind.” Like Aaronovitch, he seems to enjoy throwing different accents at his reader–in this case, the very talented Jeff Hays.
Character development continues to be a major feature of this series. Carl’s desire to have clear-cut boundaries leads him into conflict with compassion and understanding, particularly for himself. Having moved past the Beatrice drama of the prior book, in this one, Carl is forced to confront his father. Beatrice drama returns as he discovers more ways she sought to control his life. It’s an interesting choice, because one of the aspects I appreciated about it all was the emotional subtlety, but Carl recognizes this. The lens of compassion in this one turns instead to Katia, who has found a way to resolve the conflict of the crown that will eventually put her and Donut at odds on the next floor. Katia is still struggling with her own past demons, however, and it finally comes to light in this book. Donut continues to bring a touch of humor, particularly with her cat-like behavior.
“If I knocked something off the counter, then it was placed too close to the edge. All the best cooks know not to place things next to the edge when there are cats in the home. That’s cooking 101, Carl.”
And Samantha. Oh, man, Samantha. The humor gets a little gross here.
"Samantha: THAT WAS A GOOD THROW! I’M ACROSS THE STREET! I QUEEFED OUT THE SPIDERS!"
But as the show says, you take the good with the bad, and the good is the meta commentary on power. In this book, it develops as the game AI appears to have 'gone rogue,' or 'gone elemental,' a fear mentioned in prior books. The inter- and intra-government conflicts play less of a role than the AI's own development. Again, interesting, because it seems as if Carl continues to be positioned as a pawn by yet another entity's bid to control the dungeon.
"They almost always remain firmly stomped. But sometimes, the weak gather in secret. They make plans. They work outside the system to effect change. Like the Mollies, they usually end up just as stomped as everyone else. But that’s just life. At least they fucking tried."
Dinniman claims he is a ‘pants’ writer, who even takes suggestions for plot twists from his Patreon. I confess I have my doubts, because I see how well threads for each book’s conflicts and secondary conflicts had roots in the prior stories. However, that could just reflect on how multifaceted the characterization is, that he can take unpredictable plot directions and make the experiences believable–much like real life.
A solid edition to the series. Rounding up for the audio version, which at 28 hours, is quite a commitment.
Side note: for the devout Christians, this might be challenging. Two words: Uzi Jesus.
Self note: Name refers to an alternate name for a demi-goddess that appears in the book.
April 25, 2026
I feel utterly exhausted after finishing this book. My emotional support system is definitely going to need to hold me up. It’s a full on read and there’s so much happening, yet it’s surprisingly easy to keep track of everything.
But with so many of my favorite characters constantly in peril (and the list just keeps growing), I can’t help wondering when Matt is going to start completely ripping my heart out. Carl stays true to form, always trying to save everyone, while Princess Donut, despite her mightier than thou attitude, still shows those soft spots for the characters we’ve come to love.
These books keep bringing out every emotion I’ve ever felt while reading, and that alone proves to me just how amazing they are.
But with so many of my favorite characters constantly in peril (and the list just keeps growing), I can’t help wondering when Matt is going to start completely ripping my heart out. Carl stays true to form, always trying to save everyone, while Princess Donut, despite her mightier than thou attitude, still shows those soft spots for the characters we’ve come to love.
These books keep bringing out every emotion I’ve ever felt while reading, and that alone proves to me just how amazing they are.
April 28, 2026
“Did... did you just rip your dick off and throw it at me?”
I mean if that line doesn't sell this book, I don't know what will😅
This was absolute PURE INSANITY!!!! Matt Dinniman is a mad genius. I have no conceivable way of even attempting to explain what happened in this book but oh boy was it a fun time!! Not only was this hysterical as usual, but the underlying plot and politics??? My brain hurts actually ... how does he even come up with this stuff?????
The found family here is just magic; Carl, Princess Donut, Samantha the sex doll head, Katia, Emani the fairy, Mongo the dragon like thing?? I haven't even scratched the surface guys.
Princess Donut's comebacks though??? Take notes quick!!!!
“Donut: PREPOTENTE DON’T BE MEAN TO KATIA. Rezan: Why does that cat always type in all caps? Donut: WHY DIDN’T YOUR MOTHER DRIBBLE YOU BACK OUT ONTO THE TRUCK STOP BATHROOM FLOOR, REZAN?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣
“YAY! I CAN TALK ABOUT GOSSIP GIRL AND RIVERDALE AND THE VAMPIRE DIARIES.”
donut is me i am donut.
The highlights here are definitely Samantha who wants to kill everybody's mother and the Raul the Crab who jerks off in the ocean because his sperm turns into soldiers. I wish I were making this up but even crazier things that that have happened in this book😅
The emotional gut punch in this series is no joke though, like some scenes actually made me cry?? A book with an AI that has a foot fetish has no business making me cry but I am what I am🤚 and that's a crybaby🤚
I love these characters so much MATT DINNIMAN DON'T YOU DARE KILL ANYONE OFF ESPECIALLY SAMANTHA!!!!
Some quotes!!
“I mean, really. I can’t be held accountable for everything I’ve ever said to a stripper.”
“Don’t gaslight me, Jesus.”
"The sincerest form of flattery is when people cry when they meet you.”
“Right now, I needed to get this damn crab to jerk off into the ocean.”
“Oh, yes,” Samantha purred. “I got a coin pouch in my nussy. You make that drink right, and I’ll let you use those sexy claws of yours to... dig it out.” “In your what?”
“I wasn’t. We’ve gone over this like a million times. I was in the Coast Guard.” “And they let you have guns? Why? Did the coast ever shoot at you?”
There are so many more but this review would be miles long😅
pre-read
I'M FINALLY BACK CARL I MISSED YOUUUU 💋
I mean if that line doesn't sell this book, I don't know what will😅
This was absolute PURE INSANITY!!!! Matt Dinniman is a mad genius. I have no conceivable way of even attempting to explain what happened in this book but oh boy was it a fun time!! Not only was this hysterical as usual, but the underlying plot and politics??? My brain hurts actually ... how does he even come up with this stuff?????
The found family here is just magic; Carl, Princess Donut, Samantha the sex doll head, Katia, Emani the fairy, Mongo the dragon like thing?? I haven't even scratched the surface guys.
Princess Donut's comebacks though??? Take notes quick!!!!
“Donut: PREPOTENTE DON’T BE MEAN TO KATIA. Rezan: Why does that cat always type in all caps? Donut: WHY DIDN’T YOUR MOTHER DRIBBLE YOU BACK OUT ONTO THE TRUCK STOP BATHROOM FLOOR, REZAN?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣
“YAY! I CAN TALK ABOUT GOSSIP GIRL AND RIVERDALE AND THE VAMPIRE DIARIES.”
donut is me i am donut.
The highlights here are definitely Samantha who wants to kill everybody's mother and the Raul the Crab who jerks off in the ocean because his sperm turns into soldiers. I wish I were making this up but even crazier things that that have happened in this book😅
The emotional gut punch in this series is no joke though, like some scenes actually made me cry?? A book with an AI that has a foot fetish has no business making me cry but I am what I am🤚 and that's a crybaby🤚
I love these characters so much MATT DINNIMAN DON'T YOU DARE KILL ANYONE OFF ESPECIALLY SAMANTHA!!!!
Some quotes!!
“I mean, really. I can’t be held accountable for everything I’ve ever said to a stripper.”
“Don’t gaslight me, Jesus.”
"The sincerest form of flattery is when people cry when they meet you.”
“Right now, I needed to get this damn crab to jerk off into the ocean.”
“Oh, yes,” Samantha purred. “I got a coin pouch in my nussy. You make that drink right, and I’ll let you use those sexy claws of yours to... dig it out.” “In your what?”
“I wasn’t. We’ve gone over this like a million times. I was in the Coast Guard.” “And they let you have guns? Why? Did the coast ever shoot at you?”
There are so many more but this review would be miles long😅
pre-read
I'M FINALLY BACK CARL I MISSED YOUUUU 💋
February 28, 2026
WELCOME CRAWLERS TO TODAYS EPISODE OF:
“if I had to hear it and suffer, so did youuuuu”
I’m your host, and if Matt Dinniman kills off my fave characters in book 7-8, I will kill his mother.
(For all purposes, this is a joke and would make sense to you if you read this series, calm down, I’m not that violent 🤭)
Anyway!
2 fabulous combination of words that I wish I could forget instantly and bleach from my brain that this book gave to me, and I’ll give them to you 100% CONTEXT FREE 🎉
- “crab bukkake”
- “sentient sperm”
Two terms I never wanna hear again. Ty.
The fact the computer system told the whole universe that Carl jerked off a crab was a real highlight.
Every book has 700 things going on, the author is a literal genius, these characters feel like family, I will fucking cry if anyone dies.
Goodnight xoxo
“if I had to hear it and suffer, so did youuuuu”
I’m your host, and if Matt Dinniman kills off my fave characters in book 7-8, I will kill his mother.
(For all purposes, this is a joke and would make sense to you if you read this series, calm down, I’m not that violent 🤭)
Anyway!
2 fabulous combination of words that I wish I could forget instantly and bleach from my brain that this book gave to me, and I’ll give them to you 100% CONTEXT FREE 🎉
- “crab bukkake”
- “sentient sperm”
Two terms I never wanna hear again. Ty.
The fact the computer system told the whole universe that Carl jerked off a crab was a real highlight.
Every book has 700 things going on, the author is a literal genius, these characters feel like family, I will fucking cry if anyone dies.
Goodnight xoxo
May 29, 2026
A scene involving Samantha queefing spiders had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down. Somehow, this is not the strangest thing that happens in Dungeon Crawler Carl, nor is it the reason I gave this book five stars.
Six books in, Dungeon Crawler Carl is somehow still getting better.
Most long-running series eventually start showing cracks. The world gets too big, the cast becomes unmanageable, or the author starts relying on the same tricks. Instead, Matt Dinniman keeps expanding the scope while making me care more with every book.
This instalment had everything I love about the series: outrageous humour, loot boxes I was embarrassingly excited to open, brilliant character moments, shocking reveals, and a final stretch that had me trying not to jump up and cheer. There was a point near the end where I was grinning so hard my face hurt.
What continues to impress me is how effortlessly this series balances absurdity with genuine emotional investment. One moment, I'm laughing at something completely ridiculous, and the next, I'm deeply invested in friendships, alliances, betrayals, and the fate of characters I've spent six books getting attached to.
Coming back to familiar faces felt like reuniting with old friends. Every reunion, revelation, victory, and setback landed exactly where it needed to. Somehow, despite the ever-expanding scale of the story, the characters remain the heart of it all.
I had every intention of taking a break after this one and reading something else. I even had other books lined up. Instead, I finished this book and immediately opened the next.
I'm trying to pace myself because there are only two books left. Unfortunately, I appear to be failing spectacularly.
Five stars. Obviously.
RIP Mr James E Dinniman 🙏
Six books in, Dungeon Crawler Carl is somehow still getting better.
Most long-running series eventually start showing cracks. The world gets too big, the cast becomes unmanageable, or the author starts relying on the same tricks. Instead, Matt Dinniman keeps expanding the scope while making me care more with every book.
This instalment had everything I love about the series: outrageous humour, loot boxes I was embarrassingly excited to open, brilliant character moments, shocking reveals, and a final stretch that had me trying not to jump up and cheer. There was a point near the end where I was grinning so hard my face hurt.
What continues to impress me is how effortlessly this series balances absurdity with genuine emotional investment. One moment, I'm laughing at something completely ridiculous, and the next, I'm deeply invested in friendships, alliances, betrayals, and the fate of characters I've spent six books getting attached to.
Coming back to familiar faces felt like reuniting with old friends. Every reunion, revelation, victory, and setback landed exactly where it needed to. Somehow, despite the ever-expanding scale of the story, the characters remain the heart of it all.
I had every intention of taking a break after this one and reading something else. I even had other books lined up. Instead, I finished this book and immediately opened the next.
I'm trying to pace myself because there are only two books left. Unfortunately, I appear to be failing spectacularly.
Five stars. Obviously.
RIP Mr James E Dinniman 🙏
June 29, 2025
✨Book Review in 10 words or less✨
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: Reading ruined.
Will be chasing this masterpiece forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: Reading ruined.
Will be chasing this masterpiece forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉ Note : This review is short and to the point, no spoilers aside from some fun quotes from the book!
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride is book six in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and yet another incredible addition to one of the best, most addictive series I have read. It is a bit mind-blowing I've pumped through these books so quickly; I just can't get enough. It's like I'm a child who won the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and I'm high on the sugar-rush.
All that to say - please read this series!
: ̗̀➛ My Review Rants
All I'm going to say here is: Jesus with guns, crabs jerking themselves off, demons spawning and taking the bodies of zombie seals, and Princess Donut finally encounters her first ever catgirl (spoiler alert: she is not happy about it!). Suffice to say, this book is, from front to back, absolute chaos. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the very folklore beasts, the very ones you've grown up being warned about that are native in your country, were suddenly summonable via a card game (think Pokémon or MTG) where they would fight for you - well, sometimes - and wreak absolute chaos everywhere you went?! Wonder no longer! This book will show you just how ridiculous of an idea that is! And you will cry, laugh, and rage!! But a book is best enjoyed when it's got you feeling all of that, right?
: ̗̀➛ Series Reviews
Check out my reviews for the other books in this series:
Dungeon Crawler Carl : Book 1
Carl's Doomsday Scenario : Book 2
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook : Book 3
The Gate of the Feral Gods : Book 4
The Butcher's Masquerade : Book 5
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride : Book 6
This Inevitable Ruin : Book 7
“Never stare into the blinding eye of the Bedlam Bride. What it means is don’t become obsessed with something, lest you’re blinded to everything else.”
✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉ Note : This review is short and to the point, no spoilers aside from some fun quotes from the book!
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride is book six in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and yet another incredible addition to one of the best, most addictive series I have read. It is a bit mind-blowing I've pumped through these books so quickly; I just can't get enough. It's like I'm a child who won the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and I'm high on the sugar-rush.
All that to say - please read this series!
: ̗̀➛ My Review Rants
“I mean, really. I can’t be held accountable for everything I’ve ever said to a stripper.”
All I'm going to say here is: Jesus with guns, crabs jerking themselves off, demons spawning and taking the bodies of zombie seals, and Princess Donut finally encounters her first ever catgirl (spoiler alert: she is not happy about it!). Suffice to say, this book is, from front to back, absolute chaos. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the very folklore beasts, the very ones you've grown up being warned about that are native in your country, were suddenly summonable via a card game (think Pokémon or MTG) where they would fight for you - well, sometimes - and wreak absolute chaos everywhere you went?! Wonder no longer! This book will show you just how ridiculous of an idea that is! And you will cry, laugh, and rage!! But a book is best enjoyed when it's got you feeling all of that, right?
“I didn’t realize you’d actually get that thing to work. Are you planning on growing a mullet as well? Are there any Waffle Houses between here and there? Maybe we can stop and get into a brawl, but only after you bounce a few child support payment checks first.”
“I remembered Mordecai’s advice when it came to mages. They can’t cast their spells when you’re punching them in the face.”
“You are more than just a person, if we lose you we lose everything. You are a symbol. You're the embodiment of our hope. You and that annoying f**king cat!.”
“I love that guy! Strippers are supposed to have names like that. There’s Anaconda. Damascus Steel. Dong Quixote.”
“Don’t gaslight me, Jesus.”
“Did... did you just rip your dick off and throw it at me?” “I’m going to do it again if you don’t let me in.”
“There’s this scent one associates with their parents. You don’t even think about it until you’ve been away for so long, and it returns, towing unwelcome memories with it, shoving them at you all at once.”
“Donut: PREPOTENTE DON’T BE MEAN TO KATIA. Rezan: Why does that cat always type in all caps? Donut: WHY DIDN’T YOUR MOTHER DRIBBLE YOU BACK OUT ONTO THE TRUCK STOP BATHROOM FLOOR, REZAN?”
: ̗̀➛ Series Reviews
Check out my reviews for the other books in this series:
Dungeon Crawler Carl : Book 1
Carl's Doomsday Scenario : Book 2
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook : Book 3
The Gate of the Feral Gods : Book 4
The Butcher's Masquerade : Book 5
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride : Book 6
This Inevitable Ruin : Book 7
February 11, 2025
This is sixth in a long-running LitRPG series that you definitely want to read in order.
You know what you're going to get by now. The system/AI/worldbuilding is still complete and utter madness with a twist of satire*. I was pleasantly impressed with the character developments of this story. Yes, bad things happen, including to Carl and Donut. But they also persevere and continue to wreck all the complacency of the show runners while they're at it.
And I particularly like how they handled the fallout for the reveal that Katia and Donut are going to be at odds for surviving the ninth floor. They already have one plan in play to circumvent the dire development, but the author has never yet let the default transpire and I'd love to see Carl pull some contrivance out of his boxers to blow this one up, too.
I think I'll leave this here, except to note that this continues the impressive five-star streak (only one so far didn't reach that level of entertainment). I perceive a bit of a publishing slow-down by the author, but I hope that picks up again and this was an outlier. The hardest part of reading this book was the big gap now that I'd caught up to publication. Relearning all the intertwined relationships once again took a bit and wasn't comfortable.
A note about Chaste: There's technically time/space for moments of intimacy, but this isn't that kind of story. Carl has some great relationships, including some that could turn romantic if the author chose to go there. So far, that doesn't seem to be on the menu. Oh! And at least some of this story happens in, um, a male dance review (strippers. They're strippers) and there's plenty of sex-based "humor". I don't consider that unchaste, so gauge/adjust accordingly.
* There's a lot of satire here, and I mean in the classical sense of the author tearing apart modern ideas, memes, and popular culture. It's practically a modern-day Gulliver's Travels, only without the political axe(s) to grind.
You know what you're going to get by now. The system/AI/worldbuilding is still complete and utter madness with a twist of satire*. I was pleasantly impressed with the character developments of this story. Yes, bad things happen, including to Carl and Donut. But they also persevere and continue to wreck all the complacency of the show runners while they're at it.
And I particularly like how they handled the fallout for the reveal that Katia and Donut are going to be at odds for surviving the ninth floor. They already have one plan in play to circumvent the dire development, but the author has never yet let the default transpire and I'd love to see Carl pull some contrivance out of his boxers to blow this one up, too.
I think I'll leave this here, except to note that this continues the impressive five-star streak (only one so far didn't reach that level of entertainment). I perceive a bit of a publishing slow-down by the author, but I hope that picks up again and this was an outlier. The hardest part of reading this book was the big gap now that I'd caught up to publication. Relearning all the intertwined relationships once again took a bit and wasn't comfortable.
A note about Chaste: There's technically time/space for moments of intimacy, but this isn't that kind of story. Carl has some great relationships, including some that could turn romantic if the author chose to go there. So far, that doesn't seem to be on the menu. Oh! And at least some of this story happens in, um, a male dance review (strippers. They're strippers) and there's plenty of sex-based "humor". I don't consider that unchaste, so gauge/adjust accordingly.
* There's a lot of satire here, and I mean in the classical sense of the author tearing apart modern ideas, memes, and popular culture. It's practically a modern-day Gulliver's Travels, only without the political axe(s) to grind.
July 15, 2023
Game mechanics get in the way of the story
It wasn't bad. I fact, it was decent. But at this point, the story should not be taking a back seat to introducing new game mechanics. Far too much time was spent introducing, explaining and interacting with the new Collectable Card Game rules added in for the floor.
Also, I am tired of Donut's antics. This series dark, disturbing and depressing and the comic relief just doesn't work anymore.
It wasn't bad. I fact, it was decent. But at this point, the story should not be taking a back seat to introducing new game mechanics. Far too much time was spent introducing, explaining and interacting with the new Collectable Card Game rules added in for the floor.
Also, I am tired of Donut's antics. This series dark, disturbing and depressing and the comic relief just doesn't work anymore.
April 18, 2026
Dinniman has fully found his rhythm here. After The Butcher’s Masquerade, I wasn’t sure what came next, but he more than delivered.
Even with a length that feels cumbersome at times, this book delivers some of the best action and most emotional moments in the series so far. This is Dinniman’s best character work and worldbuilding so far. Where earlier entries sometimes undercut the stakes by having everything neatly fall into place, here he finds the right balance between danger and the reality of plot armor.
I had it at 4.5 stars, then the final moments and epilogue came in and pushed it to five. What Dinniman is doing with this series is incredibly impressive, and I get why people love it so hard.
Even with a length that feels cumbersome at times, this book delivers some of the best action and most emotional moments in the series so far. This is Dinniman’s best character work and worldbuilding so far. Where earlier entries sometimes undercut the stakes by having everything neatly fall into place, here he finds the right balance between danger and the reality of plot armor.
I had it at 4.5 stars, then the final moments and epilogue came in and pushed it to five. What Dinniman is doing with this series is incredibly impressive, and I get why people love it so hard.
May 19, 2026
May 2026: ::dons Che Guevara's beret after stealing it from Donut's stash:: ¡Viva la revolución!
January 2025: "People have bones for a reason, Carl."
January 2025: "People have bones for a reason, Carl."
June 12, 2026
Best one yet, I love all of the ancillary
Characters. One question though when
Is someone going to make a series of
These books
Characters. One question though when
Is someone going to make a series of
These books
May 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was another fun installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Filled with humorous moments and plenty of action, I found this one easy to fly through, despite the length
I found this novel very consistent with the previous books. My ratings have stayed consistent throughout the series. I find it fun but not necessarily the five star experience other reviewers report. This is a great series for beating reading slumps. I respect that not every series is meant to be memorable. Sometimes we all need some escapist fun.
I would recommend this volume to fans of the series. If you enjoyed the previous books then you'll like this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was another fun installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Filled with humorous moments and plenty of action, I found this one easy to fly through, despite the length
I found this novel very consistent with the previous books. My ratings have stayed consistent throughout the series. I find it fun but not necessarily the five star experience other reviewers report. This is a great series for beating reading slumps. I respect that not every series is meant to be memorable. Sometimes we all need some escapist fun.
I would recommend this volume to fans of the series. If you enjoyed the previous books then you'll like this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 2, 2025
Reread update: easy 5 stars! I found this even more engaging the second time around, and it is just about as perfect a DCC book as I could imagine. There are three humongous set pieces toward the beginning, middle, and end, and each one is an emotional rollercoaster that kept me in utter suspense. Dinniman is one of the best fantasy writers at writing epic action scenes that are creative and exciting but which also provide impactful emotional moments for the characters involved. And while it was gritty and tense throughout, it was also hilarious and continuously hitting my funny bone in just the right place. Damn am I going to miss this particular mix as I await the next book. This has to have one of the most exciting mid-series endings I've ever read, setting up a huge epic next book that everything has been building toward for a long time -- I can't wait!!!!
Original Review:
4.5 stars -- why can't Goodreads give us a half star option my goodness that's annoying. On the book though, it was yet another impactful and wild ride with Carl and Donut. I love how the greater plot and worldbuilding is coming more and more into play, and this level design with its card game mechanics felt extremely fresh for the series. This one went to some very dark and emotional places, and that is truly where Dinniman is shining for me the most. The combo of clever and dumb humor sprinkled throughout adds so much to my enjoyment, but this is far far from a humor-focused book and series, and is one of the most drama-filled and gritty things I feel like I've ever read. The stakes are sky high from beginning to end, and Dinniman just doesn't let off the gas pedal.
While it had some incredible moments that are the reason I rounded up to 5, I did find myself wishing once again that things were just a bit less complicated so I could feel more invested in the strategies and tactics. The middle of the book lost my full engagement for just a bit as events felt a tad repetitive, so it wasn't one of those perfect reads but pretty dang close.
The climactic sequence in this one is one of the most batshit crazy things I've ever read, and it mixed in some masterful oh shit moments to set things up for the next book. And that next one looks like it's gonna be a doozy, and I can't wait!
Original Review:
4.5 stars -- why can't Goodreads give us a half star option my goodness that's annoying. On the book though, it was yet another impactful and wild ride with Carl and Donut. I love how the greater plot and worldbuilding is coming more and more into play, and this level design with its card game mechanics felt extremely fresh for the series. This one went to some very dark and emotional places, and that is truly where Dinniman is shining for me the most. The combo of clever and dumb humor sprinkled throughout adds so much to my enjoyment, but this is far far from a humor-focused book and series, and is one of the most drama-filled and gritty things I feel like I've ever read. The stakes are sky high from beginning to end, and Dinniman just doesn't let off the gas pedal.
While it had some incredible moments that are the reason I rounded up to 5, I did find myself wishing once again that things were just a bit less complicated so I could feel more invested in the strategies and tactics. The middle of the book lost my full engagement for just a bit as events felt a tad repetitive, so it wasn't one of those perfect reads but pretty dang close.
The climactic sequence in this one is one of the most batshit crazy things I've ever read, and it mixed in some masterful oh shit moments to set things up for the next book. And that next one looks like it's gonna be a doozy, and I can't wait!
March 17, 2026
Re-listened 3.10.26-3.17.26-I still fill the same way.
Total escapism with hilarity and surprising feels. I adore Donut and Carl, as well as Katya and especially Samantha. I KILL YOUR MOTHER!
These are the best on audio with the incredible Jeff Hays narrating.
Total escapism with hilarity and surprising feels. I adore Donut and Carl, as well as Katya and especially Samantha. I KILL YOUR MOTHER!
These are the best on audio with the incredible Jeff Hays narrating.
June 25, 2025
I want to preface this review by stating that I am a massive fan of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and I’ve truly appreciated watching this story grow from humble beginnings into something that has gained such worldwide acclaim. It’s been a pleasure to read and I've enjoyed it so much that I even own the first six books in hardback, proudly displayed on my bookshelf.
That said, I feel some criticism is now warranted, and 'The Bedlam Bride' is my jumping-off point. I’ve found the bloat of these later books increasingly unsustainable. I think the author hit a real sweet spot around books two and three, but since then, the page count, side characters, and literary tangents have ballooned to a point where they bury the overarching plot and meaningful character development.
This becomes even more problematic if you don’t particularly connect with the floor’s main theme or challenge. In that case, it can feel gruelling especially for readers who are already invested in the wider story.
At its heart, there’s still a really compelling story here that I want to read. But the ratio of filler chapters (or even paragraphs) to meaningful ones has tipped beyond what I personally find enjoyable. (I know many fans love the extra detail — and that’s great — but it’s no longer for me.)
I’m sure I’ll reassess once the series concludes, but right now, I worry that the signs of bloat show no sign of slowing.
That said, I feel some criticism is now warranted, and 'The Bedlam Bride' is my jumping-off point. I’ve found the bloat of these later books increasingly unsustainable. I think the author hit a real sweet spot around books two and three, but since then, the page count, side characters, and literary tangents have ballooned to a point where they bury the overarching plot and meaningful character development.
This becomes even more problematic if you don’t particularly connect with the floor’s main theme or challenge. In that case, it can feel gruelling especially for readers who are already invested in the wider story.
At its heart, there’s still a really compelling story here that I want to read. But the ratio of filler chapters (or even paragraphs) to meaningful ones has tipped beyond what I personally find enjoyable. (I know many fans love the extra detail — and that’s great — but it’s no longer for me.)
I’m sure I’ll reassess once the series concludes, but right now, I worry that the signs of bloat show no sign of slowing.
April 9, 2026
I can’t write reviews on these books. They’re just so out there… but I laugh, I cry… I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride.
Currently Reading
June 30, 2026✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: i’m so excited to get back into this series! but also these books keep getting bigger and bigger and i’m scared 😭 thank god for the audiobook 🙏
May 28, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
4.5 stars
You would think that Dinniman would run out of new ways to keep this insane dungeon crawling adventure exciting at some point, but ooooh no, instead The Eye of the Bedlam Bride might just be the best and most refreshing instalment in the series yet.
What can I say that I haven't already said before? This series just has absolutely zero business working as well as it does, and yet here we are. I think I accepted around book 3 that I honestly couldn't give a single flying fuck about the big action set-pieces and will never be able to wrap my head around the ridiculously complicated plans that Carl comes up with to cheat the system, but somehow Dinniman managed to get me so invested in the characters that I am along for the wild ride anyway.
And honestly, The Eye of the Bedlam Bride struck the perfect balance between the wild action, inventive world building and quiet character moments for me, which is exactly why this instalment just had me completely hooked the entire way through. For some reason, the combination of the simulated Earth setting (with the memory ghosts... brutal) in combination with the Yu-Gi-Oh style card game system worked surprisingly well for me, and I loved seeing what type of crazy new character types Dinniman came up with for this card game (Uzi Jezus is a hoot and a half!!). Oh and we got Xmas shenanigans and lots of Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries talk (bless Donut), which just had my heart leaping with joy despite all the utter chaos going on.
Now, while there's still plenty of zany, gory, goofy and charmingly cringy humour, I also think it's not fair to call this a 'fun escapist adventure' anymore at this point. The emotional weight and thematic depth of the events unfolding is beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I found myself insanely anxious and even choked up multiple times throughout this instalment. I especially enjoyed that we got to a peek into the backstories of Carl, Odette and Mordecai, which were all full of hard-hitting revelations.
Also, can we talk about the character development of the AI? Yes, you heard that right, the fucking AI absolutely stole the show here, and I loved seeing the absolute madness that unfolded as it started to take more and more control. And then the epilogue with the wider world implications... WICKED!! Everything is just going to utter shit and I am so here for the chaos; who knew that a LitRPG adventure could have such high stakes?!
If you have enjoyed the DCC series up to this point, I seriously can't see how you wouldn't adore The Eye of the Bedlam Bride as well. It's got everything that makes this series so spectacular, done to absolute perfection. I am so excited and so nervous to see what is to come on the next floor; Dinniman better have been working on his pull-ups, because the bar is set SO high. Bring. It. On.
4.5 stars
You would think that Dinniman would run out of new ways to keep this insane dungeon crawling adventure exciting at some point, but ooooh no, instead The Eye of the Bedlam Bride might just be the best and most refreshing instalment in the series yet.
What can I say that I haven't already said before? This series just has absolutely zero business working as well as it does, and yet here we are. I think I accepted around book 3 that I honestly couldn't give a single flying fuck about the big action set-pieces and will never be able to wrap my head around the ridiculously complicated plans that Carl comes up with to cheat the system, but somehow Dinniman managed to get me so invested in the characters that I am along for the wild ride anyway.
And honestly, The Eye of the Bedlam Bride struck the perfect balance between the wild action, inventive world building and quiet character moments for me, which is exactly why this instalment just had me completely hooked the entire way through. For some reason, the combination of the simulated Earth setting (with the memory ghosts... brutal) in combination with the Yu-Gi-Oh style card game system worked surprisingly well for me, and I loved seeing what type of crazy new character types Dinniman came up with for this card game (Uzi Jezus is a hoot and a half!!). Oh and we got Xmas shenanigans and lots of Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries talk (bless Donut), which just had my heart leaping with joy despite all the utter chaos going on.
Now, while there's still plenty of zany, gory, goofy and charmingly cringy humour, I also think it's not fair to call this a 'fun escapist adventure' anymore at this point. The emotional weight and thematic depth of the events unfolding is beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I found myself insanely anxious and even choked up multiple times throughout this instalment. I especially enjoyed that we got to a peek into the backstories of Carl, Odette and Mordecai, which were all full of hard-hitting revelations.
Also, can we talk about the character development of the AI? Yes, you heard that right, the fucking AI absolutely stole the show here, and I loved seeing the absolute madness that unfolded as it started to take more and more control. And then the epilogue with the wider world implications... WICKED!! Everything is just going to utter shit and I am so here for the chaos; who knew that a LitRPG adventure could have such high stakes?!
If you have enjoyed the DCC series up to this point, I seriously can't see how you wouldn't adore The Eye of the Bedlam Bride as well. It's got everything that makes this series so spectacular, done to absolute perfection. I am so excited and so nervous to see what is to come on the next floor; Dinniman better have been working on his pull-ups, because the bar is set SO high. Bring. It. On.
September 5, 2023
Another solid entry to the series. First half felt a bit slow, but the end was the usual satisfying chaotic insanity.
Don't expect any deep insights or unique prose from this book (or this series) -- it's pure silly entertainment.
Kudos to narrator Jeff Hays, who somehow makes all these unique voices on his own. It's almost disturbing. Check out this clip for some examples (very minor spoilers, and explicit humor).
Don't expect any deep insights or unique prose from this book (or this series) -- it's pure silly entertainment.
Kudos to narrator Jeff Hays, who somehow makes all these unique voices on his own. It's almost disturbing. Check out this clip for some examples (very minor spoilers, and explicit humor).
Read
February 24, 2026It feels weird to say, but at book 6, I can finally see a more interesting arc than the straight forward LitRPG - beat the boss.
The floor was more straightforward which actually allowed for more complex world-building in terms of the wider universe, players, and stakes. Carl, Donut, and posse face a floor based on Earth's final days populated by ghosts and, of course, legendary regional monsters.
Carl showed more emotion and internal depth in this instalment. We get more raw past backstory as well as some curious developments with the AI and certain sponsors.
“In other words, yes. All you crawlers in Cuba pulled it off. Especially Carl who literally pulled off a guy named Raul to make this happen. And in case you don’t get the metaphor: Carl jerked off a crab.”
“What the fuck?” I called up into the air. “That’s not true!”
As someone who doesn’t really get the hype for the serious, but loves the audiobook experience, I enjoyed it a lot more than books 3-5, but still wish I could jump on the bandwagon of addicted Donut-holes.
Physical book gifted by Michael Joseph Publisher (I listened to the audio narrated by Jeff Hayes).
Bookstagram
Tiktok
The floor was more straightforward which actually allowed for more complex world-building in terms of the wider universe, players, and stakes. Carl, Donut, and posse face a floor based on Earth's final days populated by ghosts and, of course, legendary regional monsters.
Carl showed more emotion and internal depth in this instalment. We get more raw past backstory as well as some curious developments with the AI and certain sponsors.
“In other words, yes. All you crawlers in Cuba pulled it off. Especially Carl who literally pulled off a guy named Raul to make this happen. And in case you don’t get the metaphor: Carl jerked off a crab.”
“What the fuck?” I called up into the air. “That’s not true!”
As someone who doesn’t really get the hype for the serious, but loves the audiobook experience, I enjoyed it a lot more than books 3-5, but still wish I could jump on the bandwagon of addicted Donut-holes.
Physical book gifted by Michael Joseph Publisher (I listened to the audio narrated by Jeff Hayes).
Bookstagram
Tiktok
January 30, 2024
4.75 stars.
Though I’ve never been a fan of card based games and dreaded how this level would be as soon as I read the premise, I gotta say, this wasn’t boring in the least.
Love how our characters are persevering and everything the dungeon is trying, to break them, is only bringing them closer.
Loving the intergalactic politics and the layered plot. That goddamned hook in the epilogue. So frigging excited for the next one and the impending revelations. Never had to wait for a book as I binge read the series, so I guess this is going to be a torture.
Though I’ve never been a fan of card based games and dreaded how this level would be as soon as I read the premise, I gotta say, this wasn’t boring in the least.
Love how our characters are persevering and everything the dungeon is trying, to break them, is only bringing them closer.
Loving the intergalactic politics and the layered plot. That goddamned hook in the epilogue. So frigging excited for the next one and the impending revelations. Never had to wait for a book as I binge read the series, so I guess this is going to be a torture.
April 20, 2026
Another great instalment, lots of fun, as usual it has its moments of heaviness. I laughed, I cried, I wish I saw more Prepotente
May 6, 2026
The emotional attachment I have to these characters is probably unhealthy.
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