This Inevitable Ruin
They call it Faction Wars.
The ninth floor.
Nine armies, each led by rich and powerful aliens from across the galaxy. Each team has one objective: to capture and hold the castle at the very center of the battlefield. Strategy, alliances, pitched battles, and, of course, betrayal... It all makes for great fun and even greater television.
After all, none of these powerful aliens really die when they’re playing war.
Except this time. This time, winner takes all. Those who fall, stay in the ground.
As the AI continues its rapid decline, Carl and company take advantage of the chaos. For the first time ever, the crawlers are fighting back. They are now one of the nine teams. And this season, there’s a tenth army on the playing field. The NPCs, who are normally used as nothing but cannon fodder, have become fully self-aware and formed a team of their own.
For Donut and Katia, the stakes are even higher. Only one of them will be allowed to leave this level.
If they all want to survive, they’re going to need a little help from a veteran or two.
This is it.
This is what they’ve been fighting toward.
This is war.
This inevitable ruin.
Matt Dinniman
Matt Dinniman is an author who has made a significant impact in the world of speculative fiction with his unique approach to storytelling. Known for his immersive world-building and darkly imaginative plots, Dinniman has captivated readers with his gripping tales that often explore the boundaries of reality, survival, and moral dilemmas. His works blend elements of fantasy, horror, and thriller, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of complex narratives and multi-layered characters.
Dungeon Crawler Carl
When the world as we know it is obliterated overnight, survival becomes a game—literally. Dungeon Crawler Carl is an electrifying LitRPG saga that thrusts readers into a brutal, high-stakes reality show where humanity’s last survivors must battle their way through a deadly, ever-changing dungeon. Packed with action, dark humor, and relentless suspense, this bestselling series redefines the game-inspired fantasy genre with its gripping storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Dungeon Crawler Carl consists of seven books — series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.