There are plenty of greatdystopian books to read if you loveThe Hunger Games, but there’s onesci-finovel that makes a shockingly good replacement — and it’s seen a recent spike in popularity. It’s no secret that many YA titles published afterThe Hunger Gamesbooksaspired to recapture Suzanne Collins' impact.
This is especially true of books falling into the dystopian genre, withnovels like 2025’sFable for the End of the Worldactively paying homage to the earlier story. But while other YA dystopian books feeling reminiscent ofThe Hunger Gamesisn’t surprising,there’s an adult sci-fi book that also makes a great follow-up.
And that sleeper hit is making the rounds after being republished in 2024, boasting a premise that has a lot in common with Collins' narrative. It may be very different, tonally, butDungeon Crawler Carlby Matt Dinniman features concepts thatHunger Gamesfans are sure to appreciate.
Dungeon Crawler Carl Features A Deadly Competition On Par With The Hunger Games
The Sci-Fi Book’s Tournament Will Appeal To Fans Of The YA Books
Initially self-published in 2020,Dungeon Crawler Carlis benefiting from its new release and look, with many readers discovering the novel after Penguin Random House imprint Ace Books acquired it. Set in a version of our world,Dungeon Crawler Carlopens with its main character being thrown into a deadly competition.
This happens after an alien organization dubbed the Syndicate destroys a significant portion of the Earth and its population — something it regularly does to entire planets. The surviving humans are thrust into an 18-level dungeon, where they’re forced to face everything from monsters to each other.
The Syndicate televises this event for the galaxy’s entertainment, and this is where Carl’s predicament starts to feel reminiscent of the Hunger Games.
The Syndicate televises this event for the galaxy’s entertainment, and this is where Carl’s predicament starts to feel reminiscent ofThe Hunger Games. Although there’s a major difference between the two stories,their “tournaments” function in similar ways.
Not only is the game inDungeon Crawler Carlpart of a live broadcast, but those participating in it must make themselves appealing to donors. The popular players can receive loot boxes, which increase their chances of survival. They can also collect allies, though that comes with risks.
The Hit Sci-Fi Book Is Different From The Hunger Games In One Huge Way
Dungeon Crawler Carl Leans More Into Absurdity & Humor
Dungeon Crawler Carlis perfect for readers who enjoy the tournament aspect ofThe Hunger Games,and the novel certainly has dystopian elements. After all, its villains see little value in the planets and lives they destroy, prioritizing resources and power above all else.
Dungeon Crawler Carltakes a much different approach to these themes than Collins' books.
Even so,Dungeon Crawler Carltakes a much different approach to these themes than Collins' books. WhileThe Hunger Gamesis known for being heavy and gut-wrenching,Dungeon Crawler Carlleans into humor to get its points across. It’s an action-packed adventure story that isn’t afraid to get absurd.
This doesn’t prevent thesci-fibook from raising discussions about our own world, though, and one could argue the humor helps lighten those blows. It’s no wonderDungeon Crawler Carlis getting such positive responses in 2024 and 2025 — and its six sequels also give readers plenty to look forward to.
