The Stunted Man

by Ari Loeb

"Compelling, poetic, and funny as hell." —Nicolas Cage
"Best Psychological Horror 2024" —American Fiction Award
"Best Fiction" —Literary Titan Award

Aging stuntman Lex Mercier battles addiction and his own demons while searching for his last shot at redemption on a dangerous gig with Universal Pictures. But will his fractured mind and broken body allow him to perform? Can he ultimately quell his addictions and conquer his darkest fears? Or will his misery overtake him . . .

Written from an insider's perspective on the stunt industry, The Stunted Man invites you to peek behind the curtain at the men and women who risk their lives to bring you the high-octane cinema you love.

Horror fans, metalheads, and iconoclasts will revel in Lex's journey throughout the dark alleys, haunted film locations, and seedy sub-terrains of New Orleans, as he explores the depths of depression, the haunting allure of stunt work, and the ultimate cost of chasing one’s dreams.

If pop culture makes you uncomfortable, you will absolutely love this book.

"A Confederacy of Dunces meets Frankenstein."

"Myth-making at its finest. An air-tight bloody triumph."

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

About the author

Ari Loeb spent much of his life as a circus artist, touring with Cirque du Soleil. After ten years on the road, Loeb settled into New York City, where he worked as a choreographer and performer on the hit Broadway show Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Years later, he returned to his hometown of Los Angeles to work as a stuntman in film and television. Loeb specializes in motion capture and creature horror, such as Zombieland: Double Tap, Fear The Walking Dead, and the Resident Evil video game franchise.

Reviews

[Glen Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Ari takes you on a submersible deep into the weird ferocious world of stunt people, a trip hosted by Lex--a deteriorating, self-destructive man-teen going through one hell of a midlife crisis. Clearly written by an insider, Ari not only has the details down, he also has a knack for visceral prose as well as a wry humor and the skill to make you feel like there's something waiting in the shadows--that feeling of dread is ever-present, and gets you to keep turning the pages, even when the book feels like a straightforward account of a man without much of a plan save for ensuring there's an emergency supply of cocaine in the empty aspirin bottle, as well as enough CBD to help his body endure yet another specialized crash onto a wall ("wall scorpion"), preferably while on fire. Not a book for everybody--but the testosterone the story is marinating in isn't a toxic flex, it ultimately reads as a last ditch effort by the narrator to hold on to a life he knows deep down is slipping away. "Time is a river..."

Recommend the audiobook, read by Jason Douglas--a deliciously surly, amusing, war-weary read that evokes 300-pound big-bearded Lex effortlessly.

[Junabelle Devega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, gritty insight behind the scenes of the grunts of Hollywood movie making. I feel like we have all come across a character like Lex in our lifetime. Lex is an aging stunt man (clever title, I might add) who's just trying to find a new gig, suffer from pain, medicate through drugs and alcohol, and maybe settled down with someone. Is he a little crazy? Certainly.

Definitely a wild ride and the ending did not disappoint. Smart, funny, and dark. My kind of book. You couldn't help but turn the page to see what happens to our tragic Lex.

[Cristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! The book was wild. The main character, Lex, was interesting and there were moments his character was questionable but his love for his cat is what got me. The end had me saying “WTF!!” this book is not my usual type of read but overall I was invested in the characters story.

The audio to this books is *chef’s kiss* perfection. Jason Douglas’ voice fits the character of Lex perfectly.

[Jennifer Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this definitely kept me interested enough to keep going, but the horror was in the sort of person we followed through and their ultimate end. It’s a unique insiders look at a an incredibly difficult industry and what it seems to do to those who live that life. Three stars

[Anne Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars rounded up to 2.

I’ve put it together—why I hated The Goldfinch, You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town and this book. I don’t enjoy reading about addicts who think addiction is cool. I would have DNF’ed but was reading it for a prompt in a reading challenge.

[Travis Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Characters are fascinating, narration on the audible version was top notch, and the story was engaging. I loved that we get to love flawed people.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stunted Man by Ari Loeb is a gripping and action-packed novel that delves into the tumultuous life of Lex Mercier, a Hollywood stuntman battling his inner demons of addiction and depression. Seeking redemption and a final chance to prove his worth, Lex takes on a perilous gig with Universal Pictures, hoping it will be his ultimate triumph. As he prepares for this dangerous job, his unstable mind and weakened body constantly challenge his resolve. The story explores whether Lex can conquer his darkest fears and rise above his misery or if it will ultimately consume him, highlighting the sacrifices and risks inherent in the stunt industry.

Drawing from the author's own experiences, The Stunted Man covers themes of thriller, substance abuse, and the pursuit of dreams. Lex is a relatable protagonist, grappling with real human weaknesses such as addiction and self-doubt. The novel provides a unique and fascinating look into the often-overlooked stunt industry in cinema. The writing style is gritty and raw, immersing readers in the chaotic and challenging world of the protagonist, effectively capturing the intensity of Lex’s internal and external battles. Set against the vivid backdrop of chaotic New York City, the novel mirrors Lex's inner turmoil through its settings. From claustrophobic cab rides to lively restaurants and crowded nightclubs, these environments amplify the pressure and unpredictability Lex faces, enhancing his sense of urgency and desire to escape by any means.

The Stunted Man is a compelling and intense read that offers a raw and authentic portrayal of a man’s struggle against his inner demons, set against the high-stakes world of Hollywood stunts. It is a story of resilience and the relentless pursuit of redemption, sure to captivate readers with its vivid storytelling and profound themes.