The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook was a bit of a mixed read for me. I still really enjoy following Carl and Donut as they try to survive this insane Dungeon and there is that same wild, over the top energy that makes this series so addictive. The character moments are great as always and I especially liked the glimpses into what other Crawlers are facing. Those little side encounters really make the world feel bigger and the intergalactic stuff happening outside the Dungeon is still such a fun, imaginative touch.
Where it lost me a bit was the main setting for this level, a sprawling, tangled subway and train system. Normally I am all for complicated worldbuilding, but here I just found it hard to visualise where they were or how it all connected. Portals, stations, endless train lines… it started feeling more confusing than clever. Because this setting takes up such a huge chunk of the plot, that confusion kept pulling me out of the story. Which is a shame, because when the focus shifted back to the characters and smaller moments, I was completely on board.
Even with those issues, I am still hooked on the series. There is a darker edge simmering under all the chaos that I would love to see explored more and Carl and Donut’s dynamic is just too good to walk away from. The worldbuilding, humour and wild situations keep pulling me back in, so I will definitely be there for Level Five, hopefully with a map I can actually follow.
⭐️3/5 stars Confusing at times, but I’m still hooked and ready for more.
Amy Leigh Reads 