Dungeon Crawler Carl
I'm not usually a fan of "video game in real life" books, or isekai-likes, but 140 pages in so far and I'm enjoying this a lot.
Although the premise of the book is absurd (an alien corporation sponsers an intergalactic gameshow about dungeon crawling for survival), it doesn't devolve into pure nonsense and goofy antics. There is a lot of fun to be had, but the book still has real meat to it.
Also, we all love Princess Donut. It sounds stupid. You don't think you will, but you will.
"Back of the Book" Overview
Your day couldn't possibly be worse than Carl’s — go on an intergalactic sci-fi adventure for the entire galaxy’s viewing pleasure in Dungeon Crawler Carl. Buckle in, it’ll be a bumpy ride.
You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what’s worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That’s what.
Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game–like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.
Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Survival is optional. Keeping the viewers entertained is not.