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A review by cayenne503
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Overall: 4.5/5
Possibly because I’ve read the first three books in less than 2 weeks and the novelty is wearing off, but this one was ever so slightly not as good as the first 2. Still very good, still very much looking forward to the next installment. 

Characters: 5/5
For a while I was worried that the side characters were looking one dimensional but I think the last couple chapters reopened the door. Carl’s personality continues to shine through despite his earlier protests about not liking drama. Donut is, of course, the best character ever created in literature. 

Setting/Worldbuilding: 4.5/5
I found the gimmick of this floor confusing and didn’t really understand it. I suppose one could argue that’s intentional both in-world and at the meta level. Especially given the note from the author at the beginning. 

Plot: 4/5
Related to the floor gimmick, the plot wasn’t as gripping this book as the first two. It really seemed like the characters were just being, ahem, railroaded to the climactic battle and then it didn’t turn out to be as exciting as
earlier boss fights
. Granted, again, that was likely necessary from a plot standpoint
as Carl surely would have died. It was great to see the unlikely group of friends all rallying to rescue him. I was disappointed that the eponymous book didn’t really play a part in the story
. Maybe it becomes more important later. 

Writing: 4.5/5
The major fault of the actual writing for me continues to be the repetitiveness. Take a shot every time Carl thinks his real catchphrase and you’ll die of alcohol poisoning.