For fans of the LitRPG genre, Matt Dinniman is a household name. As the creative force behind the wildly successful Dungeon Crawler Carl series, he has captivated millions with his unique blend of high-stakes intergalactic reality television, dark humor, and the unlikely partnership between a man named Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut. But every great storyteller is, first and foremost, a voracious reader. When you look at the chaotic, imaginative, and deeply human world Dinniman has built, it is natural to wonder: what kind of literature fuels such a singular imagination?
Dinniman recently opened up about the books that have left an indelible mark on his creative journey. According to the author, he has read thousands of books throughout his life, but the ones that truly stick are those defined by a profound sense of awe, unique character development, and immersive world-building. Here is a look at the six titles that shaped the mind behind the crawler.
The Foundations of a Storyteller
Dinniman’s reading history is a roadmap of his evolution as a writer. He credits specific books with teaching him different facets of the craft, from the sheer beauty of prose to the mechanics of a compelling narrative. His list is eclectic, spanning from childhood classics to mature fantasy epics, proving that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.
1. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
For Dinniman, Tigana is the gold standard of fantasy literature. He credits this novel with sparking his love for the art of the written word. While he humbly notes that his own writing style is quite different, he views Kay’s work as a masterpiece of beauty and emotional resonance. It remains the book he returns to whenever the conversation turns to the potential of the fantasy genre.
2. Boy’s Life by Robert R. McCammon
If Tigana taught him about the beauty of language, Boy’s Life taught him the art of storytelling. Dinniman read this book at the age of 17—a timing he describes as perfect—and it was the catalyst that made him want to become a writer himself. It is a coming-of-age story that captures the magic and mystery of youth, serving as a cornerstone for his own creative ambitions.
3. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Every writer has a starting point, and for Dinniman, it was this YA classic. Harriet the Spy introduced him to the joy of reading. The story of a young girl who observes the world through her journal resonated with him deeply. It is a testament to the fact that even the most complex adult fiction often finds its roots in the formative stories we encounter as children.
Expanding the Horizon: More Influential Reads
Dinniman’s influences aren’t limited to the classics of his youth. He continues to draw inspiration from modern voices that push the boundaries of genre and structure. His appreciation for unique settings and characters is evident in the following selections, which round out his list of essential reading.
- The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett: A brilliant blend of fantasy and mystery that showcases the kind of world-building Dinniman admires.
- The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins: A dark, bizarre, and utterly unique novel that aligns with Dinniman’s penchant for stories that defy conventional categorization.
- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: A sprawling, character-driven epic that proves even in a completely different genre, the strength of the characters is what keeps a reader hooked for hundreds of pages.
Why These Books Matter to the Dungeon Crawler Carl Universe
It is easy to see the threads of these influences woven into the fabric of Dungeon Crawler Carl. The series, which recently saw the release of its eighth installment, A Parade of Horribles, thrives on the same “sense of awe” Dinniman seeks in his own reading. Whether it is the intricate, game-like mechanics of the dungeon or the deeply personal, often tragic backstories of the characters, Dinniman’s work reflects a lifetime of absorbing the best that fiction has to offer.
By blending the character-driven depth of Lonesome Dove with the imaginative, reality-bending settings found in modern fantasy, Dinniman has created a series that feels both fresh and timeless. He proves that the best stories are those that don’t just entertain, but challenge the reader to see the world—or in Carl’s case, the galaxy—in a completely new light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series?
The eighth book in the series is titled A Parade of Horribles.
What genre does Matt Dinniman write in?
Dinniman is best known for his work in the LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) genre, which incorporates video game mechanics into a narrative setting.
Why does Matt Dinniman recommend reading widely?
Dinniman believes that reading across different genres—from YA classics to epic fantasy—helps a writer develop a broader understanding of character, setting, and the art of storytelling.
Where can I find these books?
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