If you loved Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, you're probably craving more stories that blend role-playing game mechanics with epic fantasy adventures. LitRPG is a growing subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that turns leveling up, skill trees, and loot drops into narrative gold. Here are four books that scratch that same itch.
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He Who Fights with Monsters by Shirtaloon – This series follows Jason Asano, a building inspector transported to a magical world where he gains a unique power set based on his worldly knowledge. It's packed with witty banter, clever tactics, and a detailed system of essences and abilities.
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The Wandering Inn by pirateaba – A sprawling, character-driven LitRPG where an innkeeper named Erin Solstice must survive in a world of monsters and adventurers. The series emphasizes community, growth, and the quiet heroism of hospitality.
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Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko – For fans of virtual reality MMO settings, this book follows a group of friends who enter a game full of dangers and mysteries. It balances action with serious stakes and character development.
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The Land: Founding by Aleron Kong – Often credited with popularizing the genre, this series follows Richter as he's transported to a new world with a game-like system. It's full of crafting, combat, and kingdom-building.
Whether you love crunchy systems or just the thrill of watching a character grow stronger, these books deliver similar energy to Dinniman's series.