Most lit-rpg is mediocre at best. Authors fail to create compelling characters because their characters are just vessels for mindless wish fulfillment. Other authors create the illusion of tension with one challenging scene and then immediately reward the main character such that he might never experience difficulty again. Dungeon Crawler Carl does neither of these things.

Carl is a well-developed character, full of proactive drive. The setting is equal parts fascinating and unsettling. Carl must juggle aspects of danger, trusting others, showmanship, and humanity.

Reasonably early on the book struggles to introduce an animal character, however just muscle through it. It pays off.

Also the narrator is absolutely on point.