September 10, 2025sarahylockwood

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

Rate: 5/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers): 

This series has me absolutely breaking all my rules. I never (and I mean NEVER) read a series back to back as a golden rule. The purpose of this rule is two-fold, as it allows the series to last longer and each individual segment is able to shine on its own. After finishing Carl’s Doomsday Scenario, I’m already well into book three, and already blending this fanatic read with the next. 

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario is set on the third floor of the dungeon. While the first two levels were more focused on Carl’s training, this floor introduces quests and expands the politics outside of the dungeon. The pacing doesn’t feel as frantic as on the previous two floors, as the story slows to get the new classes and the new rules established. That said, I enjoyed the detail layering and having a moment to catch our breath from the boss driven Dungeon Crawler Carl. 

Moricardai takes on a much more active role in Carl’s Doomsday Scenario. I loved his insights, though I now have so many more questions. See my additional insights below for some of these questions. His role makes developing the dungeon lore and rules so much easier because it gives Dinniman a device to explain without awkwardly reciting rules at the reader.

This story is split into two different parts with very distinct quests that make up Carl’s Doomsday Scenario. The first quest has Carl and Donut stumbling into a story that they can’t seem to extract themselves from. The danger in this story is palpable, with their escape being highly improbable. The second half of the story has Carl and Donut adding a new crawler, Katia, to their party at the bequest of the famous warrior Helka. I would find myself so nervous in Katia’s scenes, wondering where her loyalties really lie. The second quest is interesting, but significantly changes the pace from the first half of the book. This new quest has more of a detective, murder-mystery feel. The change in pacing was welcome, as one can only keep up a sprint for so long.

The outside universe becomes very real for Carl and Donut as they continue their TV show rounds. Each time the duo are pulled for one of these shows chaos ensues. Their time on the Danger Zone with Ripper Wonton is no exception. The consequences of this chaos prove deadly to say the least. 

Overall, Dungeon Crawler Carl is easily my top read so far of 2025, which means Carl’s Doomsday Scenario had a lot to live up to for a sequel. Dinniman hit the mark as this sequel is a delightful continuation that easily keeps the reader engaged and exponentially expands this fascinatingly deadly literary world. 

Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):

  • What is the history behind Odette and Moricardai? There has to be more there than just his old manager. Why was Moricardai so upset about getting picked as a manager? What happened to his brother? How does he know so much? What happened to his crawlers in the past?
  • Aren’t Carl and Donut supposed to be given gifts for going on the shows.
  • Will Mongo’s out of control excitement backfire?
  • I was amused by Donut picking a Former Child Actor. The pop culture references I so adored in Dungeon Crawler Carl continued in Carl’s Doomday Scenario. Cults, and Beanie Babies. 
  • What will class will Donut pick on the next floor.
  • Poor Mansa! What will this mean for the exhibiting alliances? Who are the off screen players who are pulling strings?
  • What is the history of the Primal?
  • Will Carl run into Signet again?
  • How will the Doomsday Scenario come into play?
  • Ending the book with Carl going into the fourth floor and his interview naked was the perfect levity to end the story on. 
  • Are all famous crawlers designed for terrible roles in the dungeon if they leave after the 10th floor?
  • How else will the lottery ticket come in to play?
  • Can we really trust Helka?

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