Holy crap. People weren’t lying about this first installment of Matt Dinniman’s series of books. It’s so great. Funny. Often irreverent. Ridiculous at times. Impossible to put down.
The book follows Carl and his cat, Donut, after he chases her outside on a frigid night when she escapes his apartment. Once he’s outside, every single building collapses at once. Even cars, parking ramps, caves, or anywhere else is flat killing everyone inside. Those left are informed that they can either enter the doors that just appeared and enter a dungeon, or perish at the end of the world. Carl takes Donut into the dungeon only to find himself living through a game much like the video games he played so often. He and Donut have to fight off monsters and find their way to the stairs to the next level or they will die. They receive gifts that enhance their powers and allow Donut to talk. It ends right before their descent to the third level.
As a gamer dabbler myself, I found this book to be one of the best reads I’ve read in years. I could feel Carl’s nerves as he was put into impossible situations against bosses that are equally gross and difficult to defeat. The learning curve Carl goes on against these monsters and against the AI put in place by the creators of the game he is trying to survive is exactly like playing a game in real life. He has to see the hints in front of him. Find the weaknesses of the game and exploit them.
What makes this even more interesting is that Carl and Donut have become popular characters within the game as the population of alien planets who watch this game unfold for pure enjoyment start following their adventure. They are assigned an agent who can schedule them on the interview circuit. They have to stay popular in order to get sponsors who will make their time in the dungeon easier. They have a mentor as well who can guide them on certain aspects as well, but only on certain things because big brother is watching.
The feeling of having nothing be within your control is something Carl has to contend with the entire book. His humor and sarcasm are what make is character so great, but it’s his ability to keep his wits about him in the most dire of circumstances that really makes him shine. Even when the game gives him boxer shorts with hearts on them instead of a pair of much needed pants, he takes it with a grain of salt and moves on.
Donut is absolutely one of the craziest, insane characters I have ever read. Absolute genius having this cat as the sidekick to Carl. They are so very different in personality but still care about each other deeply. Donut’s view of the world from a cats perspective is something that I wish I had through of because its amazingly hilarious to read.
5 out of 5 stars. Can’t wait to start the next book, though I’ve heard the audiobooks are stellar. I’ll let you know what I think. Stay tuned…
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
Holy crap. People weren’t lying about this first installment of Matt Dinniman’s series of books. It’s so great. Funny. Often irreverent. Ridiculous at times. Impossible to put down.
The book follows Carl and his cat, Donut, after he chases her outside on a frigid night when she escapes his apartment. Once he’s outside, every single building collapses at once. Even cars, parking ramps, caves, or anywhere else is flat killing everyone inside. Those left are informed that they can either enter the doors that just appeared and enter a dungeon, or perish at the end of the world. Carl takes Donut into the dungeon only to find himself living through a game much like the video games he played so often. He and Donut have to fight off monsters and find their way to the stairs to the next level or they will die. They receive gifts that enhance their powers and allow Donut to talk. It ends right before their descent to the third level.
As a gamer dabbler myself, I found this book to be one of the best reads I’ve read in years. I could feel Carl’s nerves as he was put into impossible situations against bosses that are equally gross and difficult to defeat. The learning curve Carl goes on against these monsters and against the AI put in place by the creators of the game he is trying to survive is exactly like playing a game in real life. He has to see the hints in front of him. Find the weaknesses of the game and exploit them.
What makes this even more interesting is that Carl and Donut have become popular characters within the game as the population of alien planets who watch this game unfold for pure enjoyment start following their adventure. They are assigned an agent who can schedule them on the interview circuit. They have to stay popular in order to get sponsors who will make their time in the dungeon easier. They have a mentor as well who can guide them on certain aspects as well, but only on certain things because big brother is watching.
The feeling of having nothing be within your control is something Carl has to contend with the entire book. His humor and sarcasm are what make is character so great, but it’s his ability to keep his wits about him in the most dire of circumstances that really makes him shine. Even when the game gives him boxer shorts with hearts on them instead of a pair of much needed pants, he takes it with a grain of salt and moves on.
Donut is absolutely one of the craziest, insane characters I have ever read. Absolute genius having this cat as the sidekick to Carl. They are so very different in personality but still care about each other deeply. Donut’s view of the world from a cats perspective is something that I wish I had through of because its amazingly hilarious to read.
5 out of 5 stars. Can’t wait to start the next book, though I’ve heard the audiobooks are stellar. I’ll let you know what I think. Stay tuned…
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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