In this book club episode of Literature on the Rocks, we’re heading back into the dungeon to talk Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman — no rules recap, just reactions, chaos, and hot takes.

We debate how long we’d actually survive if we were dropped into the dungeon, whether Carl’s mantra “you will not break me” hit a little too close to home, and how our own pets would stack up against the reigning queen, Princess Donut.

From resilience and survival to unexpected emotional beats and laugh-out-loud moments, this episode is all about why this story sticks with you long after the crawl ends.

Full spoilers, unhinged hypotheticals, and one cat we’re still not over. Grab the Royal Remedy cocktail and join us. 🥂👑

In this summary episode of Literature on the Rocks, we drop into the chaotic, darkly hilarious world of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.

When Earth is transformed into a deadly, game-like dungeon run by an alien entertainment system, Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, are forced to survive level by level — with monsters, absurd rules, and an audience watching their every move. We break down the story from start to finish, covering the brutal challenges, unexpected humor, and emotional beats that make this book way more than just another LitRPG.

We talk about why this book works even if you don’t usually read sci-fi or fantasy, how the humor balances the violence, and why Carl and Donut might be one of our favorite duos ever.

Full spoilers, big laughs, and a wild ride through the dungeon. Grab a Royal Remedy cocktail and let the crawl begin. 🥂👑

In this book club episode of Literature on the Rocks, we unpack Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders and dive into everything the ending left us arguing about.

We talk about the cracks in Joanne and Richard’s marriage, how Chloe’s presence amplifies existing tension, and whether being polite can sometimes be the most dangerous choice. From ignored red flags to unreliable truths, this story had us questioning who to believe right up to the final page.

We also get real about what it actually takes to make a marriage work — forgiveness, cooperation, and respect — especially when trust starts to slip.

Full spoilers, hot takes, and one ending we’re still debating. Grab the Blood Relative cocktail and join the conversation. 🥂