Maybe you've heard the name LitRPG floating around, or you've seen the growing popularity of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Either way, I bet you're starting to wonder, "What is a LitRPG?" or "How is this different than fantasy and science fiction?".
LitRPG is the abbreviation for literature role-playing games. They're part of a hybrid genre that fuses elements of video games with other genres, most commonly fantasy and science fiction. Characters in these books will go on video game-esque quests using all your favorite game mechanics. They'll level up with experience, use different stats, open loot boxes, gain new powers, and even fight bosses.
If you're ready to level up and take on the adventure of a LitRPG these five titles are a great place to start!
Dungeon Crawler Carl
Matt Dinniman
You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what’s worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That’s what.
Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game–like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.
Chrysalis : The Antventure Begins
RinoZ
Anthony has been reborn!
Placed into the remarkable game-like world of Pangera.
But something seems a little off... What's with these skills? Bite? Dig?
Wait....
He's been reborn as a WHAT?!
Follow Anthony as he attempts to adjust to his new life as an ant in his new Dungeon home. He'll have to learn how to survive, level-up, and grow both himself and his bite-sized colony into a force to be reckoned with.
He Who Fights with Monsters
Shirtaloon
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil.
He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
The Primal Hunter
Zogarth
It was a day like any other when suddenly the world changed. The universe reached a threshold humanity didn’t even know existed, and it was time to finally be integrated into the vast multiverse. A place where power is the only thing anyone can truly rely on.
Jake, a seemingly average office worker, finds himself thrust into this new world. Into a tutorial filled with dangers and opportunities.
His new reality should breed fear and concern. His fellow coworkers falter at every turn. Jake, however, finds himself thriving.
Perhaps... This is the world Jake was meant to be born in.
The Land: Founding
Aleron Kong
Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction.
Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm?
About the Author
Jacqueline is a Circulation Clerk in the Adult Library who started in 2024. She enjoys reading epic fantasy books and cozy rom-coms; and believes the best way to read is with the physical book and the audiobook together. When she’s not reading she also loves going to the movies.
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