If you’re a fan of immersive LitRPG, gripping fantasy, or chilling horror, Matt Dinniman’s books are likely on your radar. Known for his wildly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Dinniman has carved out a unique space in speculative fiction with his blend of humor, action, and unforgettable characters like Carl and Princess Donut. This guide provides a complete list of Matt Dinniman’s books in publication order, along with insights into his series and standalone works to help you dive into his worlds. Whether you’re a new reader or a seasoned fan, here’s everything you need to know about Matt Dinniman’s books in order.
Who Is Matt Dinniman?
Matt Dinniman is a best-selling author and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington, celebrated for his genre-blending novels that span LitRPG, fantasy, and horror. Before becoming a full-time writer, Dinniman worked as an artist, creating cat-themed art for greeting cards and stationery. His writing career kicked off in 2005 with Trailer Park Fairy Tales, and he gained massive popularity with the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, a fan-favorite in the LitRPG community. With a knack for combining gritty narratives with sharp humor, Dinniman’s books are perfect for readers who love fast-paced, character-driven stories.
Why Read Matt Dinniman’s Books?
Dinniman’s works stand out for their:
- Unique Premises: From apocalyptic game worlds to demonic heavens, his stories push creative boundaries.
- Engaging Characters: Think Carl, a reluctant hero, and Princess Donut, his sassy cat companion.
- Humor and Heart: His books balance laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth.
- LitRPG Appeal: Perfect for fans of video game-inspired narratives with real stakes.
Ready to explore his bibliography? Below is the complete list of Matt Dinniman’s books in publication order, followed by series-specific reading orders.
Complete List of Matt Dinniman Books In Order of Release Date
Below is a comprehensive table listing all of Matt Dinniman’s books in order of their publication date, including series, standalone novels, and collections. This table is based on verified information from sources like BookNotification.com and FantasticFiction.com.
| Publication Year | Title | Series/Standalone |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Trailer Park Fairy Tales | Collection |
| 2009 | The Shivered Sky | Shivered Sky Series #1 |
| 2013 | The Grinding | Standalone Novel |
| 2017 | Dominion of Blades | Dominion of Blades Series #1 |
| 2017 | Dominion of Blades 2: The Blade Itself | Dominion of Blades Series #2 |
| 2020 | Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon | Standalone Novel |
| 2020 | Dungeon Crawler Carl | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #1 |
| 2021 | Carl’s Doomsday Scenario | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #2 |
| 2021 | The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #3 |
| 2022 | The Gate of the Feral Gods | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #4 |
| 2022 | The Butcher’s Masquerade | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #5 |
| 2023 | The Eye of the Bedlam Bride | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #6 |
| 2024 | This Inevitable Ruin | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #7 |
| 2026 (Upcoming) | Operation Bounce House | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #8 |
| 2026 (Upcoming) | Carl’s Book of Boom | Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #9 |
Notes:
- The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is Dinniman’s most popular work, with two upcoming releases scheduled for 2026.
- Publication dates for upcoming books are based on announcements from BookNotification.com and may be subject to change.
- For the most up-to-date information, visit BookNotification.com or Matt Dinniman’s official website.
Complete List of Matt Dinniman Books in Publication Order
Here’s every book Matt Dinniman has published, listed by release date. This includes his series, standalone novels, and collections, ensuring you can follow his work chronologically.
- Trailer Park Fairy Tales (2005)
A quirky collection of short stories blending fairy tale elements with modern twists. Perfect for readers who enjoy whimsical yet dark narratives. - The Shivered Sky (2009)
The first book in the Shivered Sky series, a dark fantasy set in a chaotic afterlife where humans fight demonic forces in a broken Heaven. Follow Indigo as she battles to restore hope. - The Grinding (2013)
A standalone horror novel set in Tucson, Arizona, where a monstrous entity called The Grinder consumes everything in its path. A gripping, visceral read. - Dominion of Blades (2017)
The first book in the Dominion of Blades series, a LitRPG adventure set in a virtual reality MMORPG world filled with danger and intrigue. - Dominion of Blades 2: The Blade Itself (2017)
The second book in the Dominion of Blades series, continuing the high-stakes journey in a richly detailed game world. - Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon (2020)
A standalone LitRPG horror novel where artist Duke navigates a brutal virtual reality game as a battlefield surgeon for towering kaiju. Dark, intense, and unforgettable. - Dungeon Crawler Carl (2020)
The first book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, introducing Carl and Princess Donut as they navigate a deadly alien-run dungeon game after Earth’s destruction. A LitRPG masterpiece. - Carl’s Doomsday Scenario (2021)
Book 2 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, where Carl and Donut face new challenges in the ever-evolving dungeon. - The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook (2021)
Book 3 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, packed with chaotic action and clever strategies. - The Gate of the Feral Gods (2022)
Book 4 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, raising the stakes with epic battles and deeper lore. - The Butcher’s Masquerade (2022)
Book 5 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, known for its intense plot twists and emotional depth. - The Eye of the Bedlam Bride (2023)
Book 6 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, a fan favorite for its high ratings and gripping narrative. - This Inevitable Ruin (2024)
Book 7 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, the latest release as of November 2024, continuing Carl and Donut’s saga. - Operation Bounce House (2026, Upcoming)
Book 8 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, set for release on February 10, 2026. - Carl’s Book of Boom (2026, Upcoming)
Book 9 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, expected on June 1, 2026.
Reading Order for Matt Dinniman’s Series
Dungeon Crawler Carl Series (LitRPG)
The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is Dinniman’s most popular work, blending LitRPG with humor and heart. Follow Carl and his cat, Princess Donut, in a post-apocalyptic dungeon crawl run by aliens. Read in this order:
- Dungeon Crawler Carl (2020)
- Carl’s Doomsday Scenario (2021)
- The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook (2021)
- The Gate of the Feral Gods (2022)
- The Butcher’s Masquerade (2022)
- The Eye of the Bedlam Bride (2023)
- This Inevitable Ruin (2024)
- Operation Bounce House (2026, Upcoming)
- Carl’s Book of Boom (2026, Upcoming)
Dominion of Blades Series (LitRPG)
A shorter LitRPG series set in a virtual MMORPG world. Read in this order:
- Dominion of Blades (2017)
- Dominion of Blades 2: The Blade Itself (2017)
Shivered Sky Series (Fantasy)
A dark fantasy series set in a shattered afterlife. Currently, only one book is published:
- The Shivered Sky (2009)
Standalone Novels and Collections
- Trailer Park Fairy Tales (2005) – Short story collection
- The Grinding (2013) – Horror novel
- Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon (2020) – LitRPG horror novel
Tips for Reading Matt Dinniman’s Books
- Start with Dungeon Crawler Carl: It’s his most accessible and popular series, perfect for LitRPG fans or newcomers.
- Explore Standalones for Variety: Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon is ideal for horror fans, while The Grinding offers a darker, non-LitRPG experience.
- Check for Bonus Content: The Penguin Random House editions of Dungeon Crawler Carl include exclusive novellas like Backstage at the Pineapple Cabaret.
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Where to Buy Matt Dinniman’s Books
You can find Matt Dinniman’s books on:
- Amazon: Check the Matt Dinniman Author Page for ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.
- BookNotification.com: Track new releases and get printable book lists.
- Your Local Bookstore: Many carry Dungeon Crawler Carl due to its popularity.
Stay Updated on New Releases
Matt Dinniman has two upcoming books in 2026: Operation Bounce House and Carl’s Book of Boom. Sign up for notifications at BookNotification.com or follow Matt on social media for the latest updates.
Final Thoughts
Matt Dinniman’s books offer something for everyone—whether you’re into LitRPG, fantasy, or horror. The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is a must-read for its blend of action, humor, and heart, while his standalone works like Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon showcase his versatility. Use this guide to read Matt Dinniman’s books in order and dive into his unforgettable worlds. Have a favorite Dinniman book? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion on the Dungeon Crawler Carl subreddit
Happy reading, and may you survive the dungeon!
