To Live and Die in Fantasyland

To Live #3

by Ben Peller

In this final installment of the bestselling fantastical “TO LIVE” trilogy, Shawn Michals morphs into a new guise, that of Rusty Loury, a former hero to millions who flees back to his home island from Los Angeles and tries to bury his past not only as his persona as Shawn Michals but as a name he has never known. Yet a mysterious woman, Bina, locates him and coaxes him into the present, and in doing so forces him to find revolution, evolution, and aspects of himself previously thought lost and buried. The unfolding events affect both Rusty Loury and also the island upon which he knows as home. He is called upon to lead, and must find within himself the will to launch a surge of action against not only the powers that are stifling freedoms of the island’s inhabitants, but also his own personal abandon to choose. What fantasy will this wanderer accept in the end? Either path leads to a way to dance about this fantasy we all may live. Open this book. It’s a risk worth taking. "Strong pacing... well timed." - Publishers Weekly "Rest assured, fantasyLAnds are very real. To quote STEPHEN KING, 'If you think I’m kidding, you missed the nightly news.'” - Rusty Loury

Genres: Fantasy, Inspirational

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Patricia Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful book that concludes Shawn Michals' journey from Los Angeles to a remote mysterious island where he is coaxed by a young woman to lead a revolution of sorts. Very topical, and very worth reading.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peller picks an intriguing way to bring his "To Live" trilogy to a close. Shawn Michals has migrated to an island, and is living out his life in solitude. This changes when Bina, a mystery semi-femme fatale, seeks him out. The island is in political and religious turmoil, and Bina, with the use of social media and outright seduction, basically thrusts Shawn into the role of a Presidential candidate. During the chaos of his campaign (guided by Bina and her political party known as "The Acceptance") he learns a lot about himself, encounters mysterious characters (particularly one who runs one of a chain of establishments known as "fantasyLAnds" where people come to explore fantasies within themselves they can't consciously reach. He also has to confront aspects of his past (being a part of a rigged sport known as "fazzball"). Eventually he is captured and tortured by the Island's ruling party, who want him to betray Bina and The Acceptance. In the admittedly thrilling climax Shawn is led to a place called the Blessed Rise (the edge of the volcano that erupted centuries ago and gave birth to the Island). There he gives an inspiring speech to the people of the Island, fully expecting he will be killed by the ruling party immediately after he is through speaking. Instead he is rescued, and elected President of the island. He is also gifted with a child at the end, courtesy of Bina. This book is a bit of a departure from the other two "To Live" books, and I'm certainly going to have to read it again to absorb it fully. But it made me think, and that's what counts.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peller has again woven his characteristic magic over this reader; “To Live and Die in FantasyLAnd” is a fantastical, trippy, moving ride! In this new and final installment of the "To Live" trilogy we follow a linear story set in an otherworldly and dark place, yet a place that is all too familiar.

FantasyLAnd is quite thought provoking on many levels and if you liked the author’s previous books, you won’t be disappointed here. As usual, we are induced to ponder and to laugh, this time though the theme of self-exploration is pushed to the brink.

The author known as Ben Peller finally presents in this book questions he often hints at. Here, he asks of his readers, what is real and what is contrived? As long as we are entertained, does it really matter? As a reader I felt challenged in the same manner the main character, Rusty Loury is challenged; to look in the mirror and check oneself. Likewise, Rusty’s challenge is to live life to the fullest AND to be a participant in the world around him. Essentially, Peller has fleshed out a tale in line with Gandhi’s motto to be the change you wish to see in the world. Aspiring to live life fully is the theme that makes this fantasy a really great read.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peller outdoes himself in this book, the final of his "To Live" trilogy. Shawn Michals is now on a remote island, and there's political chaos in the air, and inner turmoil within himself. Enter Bina, a seductress of the first order. (This is going to be one of my longer reviews, because this book really touched me). And yes, there are spoilers...
Shawn is coerced by Bina into running for President of the Island, representing a group of people known as "The Acceptance." Shawn is seduced by this woman and the thought of making social change in an island ravaged by political and religious infighting (sound familiar citizens of the world?) In the end he is captured by the ruling party tortured, threatened with death, and forced to head to make a speech after which a certain doom is promised. But The Acceptance rescues him, and the Island is granted with new leadership. A new era of growth. Fantasy? Let's hope not. With the way our world is going, we could use a fantasy such as this book and its fantasyLAnd promises.

[Jake W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been following Ben Peller's work for awhile, and it keeps getting better. This summer was a great season of books for me, and this one was no exception. In this tale Peller has Shawn Michals out of Los Angeles on an island, and he is seduced by Bina, a woman I would personally love to meet in real life. (Actually, she kind of reminds me of a friend of mine). She captures his heart and soul and from there they proceed to change the course of their island's political and religious chaos. There are many detours along the way, fantasyLAnds to be explored, and in the end the reader may wonder whether the whole story itself is a fantasy hatched by a drunken Shawn Michals still alone in a room in Los Angeles (see the previous "To Live" books). But no spoiler alerts here. Read this book and let the revolution begin!

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the great things about having a inter cold (even in L.A.) is that you can spend a day in bed with a great book. That was my experience yesterday when I finished TO LIVE AND DIE IN fantasyLAnd. It was a great read, and dealt with Shawn Michals/Rusty Loury/Ben Peller's final chapter in a journey that's been oftentimes hilarious as well as challenging. This book introduces Bina, a mysterious and powerful woman who holds a command over "Shawn" as he weaves in and out of fantasy on an island that demands political and social change. The book is sometimes as mysterious as its characters, and in the end it promises hope, evolution, and revolution. Who could ask for anything more? I'm going to reread this sucker over Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book floored me. I enjoyed the previous two "To Live" books. They're funny, quirky, ala David Sedaris. Enjoyable enough. But this third installment, I must admit, blew my socks off. Part mystery, part fantasy, part all too harsh reality... Shawn Michals gets a fitting curtain call. I'm through reading it almost a second time and am still finding myself surprised how this character and author have matured. Without giving too much away, let's just say Shawn Michals gets in way over his head with love, politics, and his past. He pays several prices, but in the end they turn out to be ones worth paying. P.S. Bina (an awesome female character who emerges in this installment) I love you!

[Winnie Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was part of my "fantasy summer" reading, and it rocked my world. The first "To Live" book was hilarious, the second was throbbing with humor and pain, and this one was amazing. Shawn Michals has left Los Angeles and finds himself on an island (a bit vague how he got there) that bears great resemblance to many countries in turmoil these days. He is seduced by a mystery woman and finds himself in the midst of a wild rebellion that forces him to confront himself, weaknesses and strengths be damned. Along the way, he encounters fantasies of both violence and peace. Overall, this is the best of the "To Live" series (though the others weren't bad either.)

[Lydia Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been on a "books that have been made into movies" kick lately (World War Z is next). I'm also a fan of Ben Peller's previous To Live books, and having read this book all I can say is: THIS BOOK DESERVES TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE. Shawn Michals, a reluctant hero, chosen by a mysterious woman to spearhead a political revolution that challenges oppression while at the same time awakening in him demons that have long been dormant. What could possibly go wrong? A lot, as it turns out. But a lot goes right, too. Great writing! Definitely worth reading. And no, I don't know Mr. Peller. But judging from his author photo on the back cover, I'd like to. :)

[Brenda Freed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the final book in Ben Peller's To Live trilogy, is the best yet. I enjoyed the past To Live books... they were funny and well-written. This one blew my socks off. I'm not usually a fantasy reader (although I did love Ender's Game); still I thoroughly enjoyed this book because not only does it put our old friend Shawn Michals in a new and foreign land (far from L.A.) but it also gives him a cool female character to guide him and a mission that mirrors a lot of what seems to be happening in this crazy world we are now living in. Enough said; no spoilers here. Except that this book is VERY worth reading.

[Randi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Peller's other "To Live" books, and this one was both very different and very challenging. I read a review comparing it to Hermann Hesse's work, and now that I read the book itself I have to agree. The intoxication, the dual personalities of the protagonist, strong female character that coaxes and seduces a man into becoming more than he thought he could be...Peller seems to definitely be influenced by Hesse. The plot of this book is intriguing in that it mirrors so much of the political revolts going on at this time around the world. Will certainly read it again after taking time to digest this first "holiday reading."

[Debbie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third book of Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy, he makes a dramatic and impressive shift from the styles of its two prequels. This book focuses on Shawn Michals' return to his home island, and its turmoil is reflected both in the inhabitants and Shawn (or Rusty? Ben?) himself. A very powerful work that caught me by surprise. I enjoyed "To Live and Drink In L.A." and "To Live and Love In L.A.," but I loved this one. Reminiscent of Hermann Hesse's "Steppenwolf" in that it fuels self-discovery along with the emergence of an entire society.

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the good things about getting a cold in the middle of summer is you have an excuse to spend a couple days in bed reading. That's what I've been doing, and I'm glad I picked this book. It's the final book of Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy. I was a bit startled because it didn't seem to have a total connection to Los Angeles. But still, it was a cool fantasy type book. There are many heroes in this book, and I was happy I spent my "sick time" with them. I feel better now and am heading out to greet the day, but wanted to leave this review. This book is very enjoyable.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't even know this was a trilogy, although I enjoyed the past two "To Live" books. This one was the best of all. Here's an example of Peller's prose: "Like life, speech is often thrown at us in the heat of passion, meaning ripe for interpretation and oftentimes misunderstanding." Or: "And most writers are truly mad. Who else would confront a blank canvas and fill that space with work that dares its own existence?"
Pretty inspiring words to read on a Sunday morning watching the sun come up. I got chills reading this book.

[David Goal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd been eager to read this book, being that I really enjoy Peller's "To Live" series. This book is WAY different. A friend of mine told me it was like Hermann Hesse's "Steppenwolf," so I read that book first. Loved it! And this book... well I did enjoy it. It was a bit confusing at times, but very well-written and witty. Shawn Michals, the protagonist has morphed into another character. It does indeed give one the idea of being in a fantasy. And the book, especially the ending, is a positive one.

[Sandy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book rocked my world. It was startling and surprising in all the right ways. Shawn Michals, the protagonist of Peller's "To Live" trilogy finds himself on an island and confronted by a mysterious woman. The events that unfold are strikingly similar to what's going on in many countries these days. At times it's a bit derivative of "Steppenwolf," but still this book stands on its own. It's actually a refreshing, deeper, darker look at humanity than the previous "To Live" books. Home run, Peller.

[Wendy Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what Ben Peller was smoking when he wrote this book, but whatever it was, pass it my way! This third volume in the "To Live" trilogy is both very trippy, and very relevant. Shawn Michals is back, but another awesome strong female character named Bina is introduced to help him on this final story of his journey. Unnamed islands, dueling political parties, fantasyLAnds where dreams and nightmares come true... this book has it all and then some. It all comes together, pieces of a puzzle that create a grand design. Bravo.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised, impressed, and in some ways baffled me. What the heck is Shawn Michals doing on an island, where it is revealed he's had a mysterious past? No matter. The story itself pulled me in, as did the character development and the maturation of the Ben Peller/Shawn Michals/Rusty Loury character. No spoiler alerts here, but I was very impressed with the ending. Maybe this character's journey will continue in another "trilogy," but even if this journey is over, I look forward to see if Peller has more books in him.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a wide turn in Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy, and finds Shawn Michals on an island seemingly in the middle of nowhere. I was very impressed that the island itself displayed a feminine energy that seemed to not be as well represented in "To Live and Drink In L.A." and "To Live and Love In L.A."(although I did still enjoy both of them). Now we have Bina, a mysterious and powerful feminine spirit who leads Shawn on a path he is terrified by yet destined for. This book reminded me of Hermann Hesse's "Steppenwolf," another classic I loved. Keep writing, Ben Peller. You're growing!

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, the final of Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy, did truly blow me away. It didn't quite seem to fit with the past "To Live" books, but this was probably on purpose. Shawn Michals morphs into yet another character, and leads a revolution on an unnamed island. The book reminded me a bit of "Lost," in that all the characters are dealing with their pasts in a present which holds mysteries that keep evolving. Good work, Ben Peller.Ben Peller

[Cindy A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very thought provoking and is one of those that makes me wish, in the words of Holden Caulfield, the author was a great friend of mine and I could call him up and talk about it. Shawn Michals is both heroic and flawed, and the situation he finds himself in, leading a revolution, seems extremely topical. Now I can't wait to go back to the beginning of the trilogy and see how the seeds of this trilogy were planted. To Live and Drink in L.A. Here I come!

[Wendy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. Ben Peller takes a departure from the humorous tone of the past two "To Live" books and really confronts some serious issues. With all that's going on in the world... revolutions, protests, the young rising up... this book is very "well-timed" indeed. Shawn Michals confronts not only himself but an oppressive government on an Island that could exist anywhere. Very good stuff.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, the third in Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy, features Shawn Michals/Rusty Loury/Ben Peller in a wild attempt to not only find himself but rescue an island in the process. It's intriguing, confusing at times, and also pretty inspiring. Given what's going on in the world these days, it's overall pretty inspiring. Ben Peller may be, quite frankly, out of his mind, but he's an entertaining writer.

[Megan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a fan of Peller's previous "To Live" novels, I was really looking forward to this one. I enjoyed it, although it seemed to be distanced from the other two. Still, it was well written and I plan to read it again. This seems like the kind of book one has to read more than once in order to really "get it." Nothing wrong with that though. I liked it a lot. Thank you Shawn Michals/RustyLoury/Ben Peller for a great journey.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book is one of those bizarre ones. Ben Peller chose to wrap up his "To Live" trilogy with a definite departure from the previous two books. I applaud his courage. Shawn Michals/Ben Peller?) is now Rusty Loury, and on an island where a revolution is brewing. It's well written, confusing at times, but in the end I enjoyed the heck out of it. Am definitely bringing it to school with me, and definitely rereading it.

[Allie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third installment in the "To Live" trilogy is very different than its predecessors. Shawn Michals/Ben Peller is on a mysterious island and gets involved with a mysterious woman, Bina, who wants him to lead a revolution. All in all, a very cool tale about finding one's self at a later stage in life. The connections to the past two books are a bit hazy, but this book is still well worth reading.

[Tracy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Peller sure uses a different type of brush stroke in this final(?) installment of the To Live series. Shawn Michals has morphed into another new character, one with a past he's been running from. Enter Bina, an AMAZING strong female character who leads him to lead a revolution. There's a lot in this novel that doesn't seem related to the previous "To Live" books. Who cares! This novel is a great one. And given what's going on around the world, it is very relevant indeed.

[Tanya W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Save one of the best for the last of my summer reviews. I love Peller's "To Live" books, and this one, though a departure from the other two, is in my opinion the best one yet. Shawn Michals is still finding himself, but now he's being led by an exotic woman named Bina who wants him to lead a revolution. All the while this story is being told in a "fantasyland" that greatly resembles what we as a world are currently experiencing. This rocked my world.

[Cindy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy is both bizarre and brilliant. Shawn Michals is on an island, dealing with both his past and an amazing woman, Bina, who challenges him to not only come to grip with his past but also lead the people of the island into the future. Given what's going on in the world, this book and "The Acceptance" might just influence generations. It certainly has influenced me.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, the third in Ben Peller's "To Live" trilogy, was the most challenging and the most enlightening. Shawn Michals has morphed into Rusty Loury and who knows where Peller fits in. Enter Bina, a mysterious and amazing woman who is ready to lead a generation. Romance, rediscovery and growth follow, and in the end this tale is one that begs worth not only a read, but rereading. Well done, Peller!