Books Between Friends Podcast

Donut and Carl have a Fandom | Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman | Chapters 25-36

The dungeon may be chaos, but outside of it? Things are somehow even stranger. In this episode of Books Between Friends, we cover Chapters 25–36 of Dungeon Crawler Carl and finally start pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening beyond the dungeon walls. From the introduction of fan-favorite chaos agents Zev and Odette to the horrifying realization that this whole thing is basically entertainment for the galaxy, Carl and Donut’s world keeps getting bigger—and weirder. We discuss: * The introduction of Zev and Odette * The growing “game show” aspect of the dungeon * How the outside world changes the tone of the story * Carl slowly realizing the scope of what’s happening * Donut continuing to be the absolute star of the show Plus, we react to the biggest moments, discuss what our own crawler personas would do, and hand out new achievements and loot boxes along the way.

You Can’t Trust Anyone in the Dungeon | Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman | Chapters 13–24

The dungeon gets deadlier in Chapters 13–24 of Dungeon Crawler Carl, and the choices only get messier from here. Carl and Donut are learning quickly that survival isn’t just about fighting monsters—it’s about knowing who to trust, when to run, and when to blow something up and hope for the best. This week, we dive into some of the wildest moments so far, including new crawler encounters, escalating chaos, suspicious alliances, and the increasingly unhinged energy of the dungeon itself. We also continue making decisions for our own crawler personas, leveling up along the way with new achievements, loot boxes, and probably several terrible life choices. Join Ethan, Jen, and Stef as we recap the story, debate pivotal decisions, and try our best not to earn skulls next to our names.

Welcome, Crawlers. The Dungeon Is Open. | Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman | Chapters 1-12

The dungeon is officially OPEN. This week on Books Between Friends, we’re diving into the absolute chaos that is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman — and honestly? Nothing could have prepared us for this experience. From exploding goblins and killer stairwells to achievement pop-ups and the icon herself Princess Donut, we’re breaking down Chapters 1–12 of one of the wildest fantasy/sci-fi books we’ve ever read. In this episode, we discuss: * Carl and Donut’s entrance into the dungeon * The bizarre game mechanics and crawler system * Early boss battles and achievements * Our crawler personas and what choices we would make in the dungeon * Why this book somehow feels like The Hunger Games, a video game, AND a reality TV show all at once Whether you’re already obsessed with the series or considering your first trip into the dungeon, come hang out with us for theories, laughter, and complete emotional damage. 🎧 New episodes every week from your favorite chaotic book club.

The Truth Bleeds Out… and Nothing Is the Same | On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn | Chapters 46-60

We’ve reached the end of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, and… yeah, we’re not okay. In this finale episode covering chapters 46–60, everything comes to a head—secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the stakes hit an all-time high. The tension? Relentless. The reveals? Painful. The emotional damage? Significant. We break down the biggest moments from the final stretch, dive into the character arcs that left us reeling (and questioning everything), and talk through how it all lands—what worked, what shocked us, and what we’re still trying to process. And of course, we wrap it all up with our final ratings and reviews. Did this book stick the landing? Did it completely wreck us? You already know we have thoughts. Grab your drink, get cozy, and come spiral with us one last time.

Lines Are Blurring… and So Are Feelings 👀 | On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn | Chapters 31-45

In this episode of Books Between Friends, we’re diving into Chapters 31–45 of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn—and let’s just say… the tension is tensioning. As alliances begin to shift and secrets creep closer to the surface, Medra continues to prove she’s not someone to underestimate. But it’s not just the external stakes rising—there’s a certain dynamic that’s getting harder and harder to ignore 👀 We break down: * The moments that had us side-eyeing everyone * Character choices that feel… loaded * The subtle (and not-so-subtle) emotional shifts happening beneath the surface Plus, we’re asking the big question: who can you actually trust right now?