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Escape!
A propulsive debut novel following a has-been reality TV star and a disgraced producer who get one last shot at redemption on a show set on a remote island, only to discover that the plot twists are beyond what they ever imagined.
Everybody gets the story arc they deserve.
Kent Duvall, a faded reality show winner, just wants another chance at glory—to find his way out of his depressing life and back to his highlight reel. When a scandal is captured on camera at a charity event, he gets his shot, on a new jungle survival show with seven other contestants. Each of them has been cast as a type—Ruddy the bully, Miriam the nerd, Ashley the love interest—but everyone is more than they appear.
The contestants’ goals seem simple—survive the wild, build a raft, win treasure. But Beck Bermann, a reality producer who suffered her own public shaming, sees them as characters in her redemption arc.
As the schemes and strategies spiral out, breakout camps sabotage each other and rival producers struggle to control the storyline. Soon the question becomes less about who will win than who will make it out in one piece.
Everybody gets the story arc they deserve.
Kent Duvall, a faded reality show winner, just wants another chance at glory—to find his way out of his depressing life and back to his highlight reel. When a scandal is captured on camera at a charity event, he gets his shot, on a new jungle survival show with seven other contestants. Each of them has been cast as a type—Ruddy the bully, Miriam the nerd, Ashley the love interest—but everyone is more than they appear.
The contestants’ goals seem simple—survive the wild, build a raft, win treasure. But Beck Bermann, a reality producer who suffered her own public shaming, sees them as characters in her redemption arc.
As the schemes and strategies spiral out, breakout camps sabotage each other and rival producers struggle to control the storyline. Soon the question becomes less about who will win than who will make it out in one piece.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2026
618 people are currently reading
16361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
January 29, 2026
UPDATE: OUT NOW!!! GO BUY IT
FELLOW SURVIVOR HEADS LFGGGG
our beloved fish (robbed in second chances btw) has at long last released his debut fiction book based on survivor and all the reality tv game shows we love, and it’s GOOD
we follow the process of creating a brand new reality survival game show mainly focused on a former winner of a survivor-type show who is recruited (blackmailed?) to come back to tv through this show, and a similarly blackballed producer brought onto assist with the show’s production - so we’re seeing the show play out from both the perspective of a contestant and a producer, which keeps things interesting.
what starts out as a typical survival show quickly spirals more into thriller territory and i had so much fun with the turns this story takes! you can tell Fish put a lot of his own experiences and knowledge into the book (makes me wonder what shady production tactics he’s trying to warn us about 👀) and the book even exists in a universe where Survivor is a real show (he even name drops actual contestants to give background to lore).
this was a really unique book that will especially be a lot of fun for survivor/reality show fans or if you’re just looking for a thriller that offers something more than husband and wife drama!
FELLOW SURVIVOR HEADS LFGGGG
our beloved fish (robbed in second chances btw) has at long last released his debut fiction book based on survivor and all the reality tv game shows we love, and it’s GOOD
we follow the process of creating a brand new reality survival game show mainly focused on a former winner of a survivor-type show who is recruited (blackmailed?) to come back to tv through this show, and a similarly blackballed producer brought onto assist with the show’s production - so we’re seeing the show play out from both the perspective of a contestant and a producer, which keeps things interesting.
what starts out as a typical survival show quickly spirals more into thriller territory and i had so much fun with the turns this story takes! you can tell Fish put a lot of his own experiences and knowledge into the book (makes me wonder what shady production tactics he’s trying to warn us about 👀) and the book even exists in a universe where Survivor is a real show (he even name drops actual contestants to give background to lore).
this was a really unique book that will especially be a lot of fun for survivor/reality show fans or if you’re just looking for a thriller that offers something more than husband and wife drama!
October 17, 2025
The author's two-time history on "Survivor" was the initial hook—a promise of authentic, insider perspective—and I'm pleased to report that the book not only delivered on that promise but significantly transcended it.
"Escape!" is a gripping, high-octane dive into a fictional reality competition that pulls back the curtain with unflinching detail. What truly elevates this novel beyond a mere genre exercise is its masterful use of multiple points of view (POV). By allowing us access to both the on-screen contestants and the off-screen production team, the author creates a dizzying, panoramic view of the manufactured chaos. This structural choice is brilliant; it's the literary equivalent of a split-screen edit, letting us see the illusion and the mechanics of the illusion simultaneously.
The characters are commendably multidimensional, wrestling with ambition, ethics, and the corrosive nature of constant surveillance. They feel earned, not merely sketched out. However, I must acknowledge the one notable critique: the narrative occasionally leans more toward telling than showing. While this is a common challenge, particularly when an author is juggling an action-packed plot and a large ensemble cast within a tight page count, I found myself wishing for more moments of quiet, sensory immersion to truly anchor the characters' internal lives. Given the sheer density of events and revelations packed into this book, however, it’s a forgivable sin—the author clearly prioritized momentum, and the plot benefits immensely from that relentless pace.
Yet, where the book truly succeeds is in its fearless, almost hyperbolic exploration of the industry's dark underbelly. The plot is rife with shocking surprises, and the author skillfully exaggerates the already-vicious competitive spirit and ethical compromises of reality television. This hyperbole, however, never feels gratuitous. Instead, it acts as a fun-house mirror, distorting the reality we know to reveal its terrifying potential. For a fan of the genre, the ethical dilemmas and outrageous twists resonate with a deep, knowing truth; the book’s critique of the consumption of human struggle is potent and felt true to the genre even in its most outlandish moments.
"Escape!" is more than a thrilling read; it’s a significant piece of pop-culture commentary written from the inside. It cements the author as a voice uniquely equipped to dissect the drama they once lived.
"Escape!" is a gripping, high-octane dive into a fictional reality competition that pulls back the curtain with unflinching detail. What truly elevates this novel beyond a mere genre exercise is its masterful use of multiple points of view (POV). By allowing us access to both the on-screen contestants and the off-screen production team, the author creates a dizzying, panoramic view of the manufactured chaos. This structural choice is brilliant; it's the literary equivalent of a split-screen edit, letting us see the illusion and the mechanics of the illusion simultaneously.
The characters are commendably multidimensional, wrestling with ambition, ethics, and the corrosive nature of constant surveillance. They feel earned, not merely sketched out. However, I must acknowledge the one notable critique: the narrative occasionally leans more toward telling than showing. While this is a common challenge, particularly when an author is juggling an action-packed plot and a large ensemble cast within a tight page count, I found myself wishing for more moments of quiet, sensory immersion to truly anchor the characters' internal lives. Given the sheer density of events and revelations packed into this book, however, it’s a forgivable sin—the author clearly prioritized momentum, and the plot benefits immensely from that relentless pace.
Yet, where the book truly succeeds is in its fearless, almost hyperbolic exploration of the industry's dark underbelly. The plot is rife with shocking surprises, and the author skillfully exaggerates the already-vicious competitive spirit and ethical compromises of reality television. This hyperbole, however, never feels gratuitous. Instead, it acts as a fun-house mirror, distorting the reality we know to reveal its terrifying potential. For a fan of the genre, the ethical dilemmas and outrageous twists resonate with a deep, knowing truth; the book’s critique of the consumption of human struggle is potent and felt true to the genre even in its most outlandish moments.
"Escape!" is more than a thrilling read; it’s a significant piece of pop-culture commentary written from the inside. It cements the author as a voice uniquely equipped to dissect the drama they once lived.
February 4, 2026
A decently well written debut novel. For me it suffered just a tiny bit from not knowing exactly what kind of book it wanted to be?
It’s not quite a scandalous tell-all of a fictional reality show, a wilderness survival story, or emotional character drama. It has elements of all of these, but doesn’t quite fully commit to any of them, leaving me with a slight feeling that some opportunity was missed.
It is readable enough, and Fishbach does have some storytelling talent. It would be great if he could turn away from the world he knows so intimately through his participation and ongoing involvement in reality television and see what else he is capable of. I get that this is probably the hook that ultimately got this book published, but I think it may also do him a disservice as a writer if he continues to lean on that experience alone, however life defining it was for him.
It’s not quite a scandalous tell-all of a fictional reality show, a wilderness survival story, or emotional character drama. It has elements of all of these, but doesn’t quite fully commit to any of them, leaving me with a slight feeling that some opportunity was missed.
It is readable enough, and Fishbach does have some storytelling talent. It would be great if he could turn away from the world he knows so intimately through his participation and ongoing involvement in reality television and see what else he is capable of. I get that this is probably the hook that ultimately got this book published, but I think it may also do him a disservice as a writer if he continues to lean on that experience alone, however life defining it was for him.
January 28, 2026
J.T. Thomas could never.
I just did something I haven’t done in 20 years and read a 435-page novel in a single day. Does it get a little silly by the end? A little. But how can I not give it five stars?
I’m a longtime Survivor fan, and Stephen Fishbach co-hosts my favorite Survivor podcast. So, sure, I have a parasocial relationship with him and I feel a little bit like I’m reading something by a friend. I really didn’t know he had THIS in him. This book is compelling for the way it (hopefully?) satirizes and exaggerates the worst qualities of reality show production, but it does so with a literary flair marked by three distinct character voices, each of whom subtly raise questions about the reliability of the other two as narrators. And as characters I was really impressed by how well-drawn and complex their motivations were—it almost makes me wonder about the dark depths inside the mild-mannered Mr. Fishbach himself 😆
I recommend this book for anyone who loves reality TV and is willing to playfully explore their own voyeurism and love of that kind of drama. Like me!
I just did something I haven’t done in 20 years and read a 435-page novel in a single day. Does it get a little silly by the end? A little. But how can I not give it five stars?
I’m a longtime Survivor fan, and Stephen Fishbach co-hosts my favorite Survivor podcast. So, sure, I have a parasocial relationship with him and I feel a little bit like I’m reading something by a friend. I really didn’t know he had THIS in him. This book is compelling for the way it (hopefully?) satirizes and exaggerates the worst qualities of reality show production, but it does so with a literary flair marked by three distinct character voices, each of whom subtly raise questions about the reliability of the other two as narrators. And as characters I was really impressed by how well-drawn and complex their motivations were—it almost makes me wonder about the dark depths inside the mild-mannered Mr. Fishbach himself 😆
I recommend this book for anyone who loves reality TV and is willing to playfully explore their own voyeurism and love of that kind of drama. Like me!
January 31, 2026
somehow 0-100 real slow?? in a good way? stephen fishbach this was insane.
January 22, 2026
I went into this novel extremely excited after seeing so many rave reviews, and it absolutely held up against the seemingly never ending sea of hype. The prose is great, the story is surprising and I absolutely flew through this!
February 1, 2026
This was implausible, melodramatic, unsubtle, and filled with the most unlikable characters ever. So overall a decent representation of Survivor!
I was entertained by this reality competition "thriller," but it's kind of in the way I like the season Game Changers, in that every once in awhile something made me grimace. The main character, Kent, is a washed up winner of a Survivor-like show (however NOT Survivor, because Survivor is also canon in this universe and discussed), and the absolute worst. He's also obviously not someone we're fully meant to get on board with, but it's hard to separate how Kent treats and talks about women with the fact that it's no better in chapters from other perspectives, including the women.
Speaking of, some of the more entertaining parts were from the other perspectives, notably Beck, a camera-op whose POV gives us a glimpse into the manipulation tactics used in reality competition shows. The characters are horrible people, vile, nasty -- true to reality TV! My issue is that the characters fit these specific archetypes, which are iterally spelled out in the book, when Kent finds a story bible explaining everyone in the competition's backstory. Rather than subvert or play into these tropes, I felt like the book used this to cut corners establishing this cast of characters. (There are also some Survivor contestant easter eggs scattered in these backstories — at least i assume intentional — and some are definitely interesting!)
But again, like a mediocre season of Survivor, I was generally entertained. The story takes awhile getting to the actual filming of the show, spends too much time in the middle, and breezes through the crazy parts, but it's readable, and its flaws work to it benefits if you imagine it as a slasher -- completely unbelievable, ridiculous, requisite misogyny, and you might be rooting for everyone's demise, but that’s probably mostly intentional.
2.5
I was entertained by this reality competition "thriller," but it's kind of in the way I like the season Game Changers, in that every once in awhile something made me grimace. The main character, Kent, is a washed up winner of a Survivor-like show (however NOT Survivor, because Survivor is also canon in this universe and discussed), and the absolute worst. He's also obviously not someone we're fully meant to get on board with, but it's hard to separate how Kent treats and talks about women with the fact that it's no better in chapters from other perspectives, including the women.
Speaking of, some of the more entertaining parts were from the other perspectives, notably Beck, a camera-op whose POV gives us a glimpse into the manipulation tactics used in reality competition shows. The characters are horrible people, vile, nasty -- true to reality TV! My issue is that the characters fit these specific archetypes, which are iterally spelled out in the book, when Kent finds a story bible explaining everyone in the competition's backstory. Rather than subvert or play into these tropes, I felt like the book used this to cut corners establishing this cast of characters. (There are also some Survivor contestant easter eggs scattered in these backstories — at least i assume intentional — and some are definitely interesting!)
But again, like a mediocre season of Survivor, I was generally entertained. The story takes awhile getting to the actual filming of the show, spends too much time in the middle, and breezes through the crazy parts, but it's readable, and its flaws work to it benefits if you imagine it as a slasher -- completely unbelievable, ridiculous, requisite misogyny, and you might be rooting for everyone's demise, but that’s probably mostly intentional.
2.5
February 3, 2026
WOW! What an ending. This book is a perfect thriller for anyone who likes to read about reality TV. This year has brought us a few fun books about the production of reality TV, but is it any surprise that the best one is the debut novel of a podcaster about reality TV and a veteran of Survivor?
Escape is a show that is a combination of Survivor and Naked and Afraid. There is no host, a treasure chest gets money added to it daily, and 8 people get to spend 45 days trying to survive and keeping the treasure from the others. A full cast audio, we get 3 distinct voices here.
Beck- an associate producer, she had a tragedy on a show about surfing dogs and has come to this production to rebuild her brand
Miriam- a young marketing associate who is rather meek and everyone thinks will be leaving quickly, except Beck who wants Miriam to be the hero
Kent- back for more, this middle aged Alpha male is grizzled by his former experience and has left his shambles of a marriage
I was very engaged in this and as a debut novel I was particularly impressed by the pacing. It is fun from the beginning and it paints a picture of survival TV as a business. Everyone gets the story arc they deserve!
Do you need to ESCAPE? Have I got the book for you!
Escape is a show that is a combination of Survivor and Naked and Afraid. There is no host, a treasure chest gets money added to it daily, and 8 people get to spend 45 days trying to survive and keeping the treasure from the others. A full cast audio, we get 3 distinct voices here.
Beck- an associate producer, she had a tragedy on a show about surfing dogs and has come to this production to rebuild her brand
Miriam- a young marketing associate who is rather meek and everyone thinks will be leaving quickly, except Beck who wants Miriam to be the hero
Kent- back for more, this middle aged Alpha male is grizzled by his former experience and has left his shambles of a marriage
I was very engaged in this and as a debut novel I was particularly impressed by the pacing. It is fun from the beginning and it paints a picture of survival TV as a business. Everyone gets the story arc they deserve!
Do you need to ESCAPE? Have I got the book for you!
January 27, 2026
I loved this book. Like, loved it.
I’ve been a fan of Stephen Fishbach since his Survivor days, so I already knew I wanted to read Escape! — but it ended up being nothing like what I expected in the best way.
It hooked me from page one. The story is twisty and unpredictable, and I genuinely had no idea where it was going. And that almost never happens to me. I usually pride myself on being able to see the ending coming… not this time.
The writing is so clever and unique, especially the different POVs. The producer’s POV — with all the behind-the-scenes reality TV stuff — was fascinating. I could not get enough of that angle.
The pacing was great, the story was layered and complicated, and I honestly didn’t even know who or what I was supposed to be rooting for — which made it even more compelling. I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished, which is always a sign of a great book for me.
If you love reality TV, Survivor, or just books you don’t want to put down because you need to know what happens next — this one is absolutely for you.
Highly recommend.
I’ve been a fan of Stephen Fishbach since his Survivor days, so I already knew I wanted to read Escape! — but it ended up being nothing like what I expected in the best way.
It hooked me from page one. The story is twisty and unpredictable, and I genuinely had no idea where it was going. And that almost never happens to me. I usually pride myself on being able to see the ending coming… not this time.
The writing is so clever and unique, especially the different POVs. The producer’s POV — with all the behind-the-scenes reality TV stuff — was fascinating. I could not get enough of that angle.
The pacing was great, the story was layered and complicated, and I honestly didn’t even know who or what I was supposed to be rooting for — which made it even more compelling. I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished, which is always a sign of a great book for me.
If you love reality TV, Survivor, or just books you don’t want to put down because you need to know what happens next — this one is absolutely for you.
Highly recommend.
January 19, 2026
This was a wild ride of a read. I was completely eating up the behind the scenes production bits - especially the confessionals! I was utterly obsessed with this book as a certified reality TV junkie - but I truly think anyone who picks this up is going to throughly enjoy it. It’s a very real study of the human mind and condition. Stephen’s personal experience, years of podcasting about Survivor afterwards, and behind the scenes insight from reality TV producers and camera workers help put together a striking and insightful story about reality TV and the human psyche.
Thank you Dutton Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!
Thank you Dutton Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!
December 4, 2025
I went into this book very excited and with high expectations as I am a huge Survivor fan and have enjoyed Fishbach’s commentary about the show for many years. I am happy to say that this book absolutely lived up to my expectations.
This book was engaging from start to finish. I especially appreciated the multiple narratives from both the contestants POV and the producers. As someone who has always been fascinated by the ins and outs of reality television production, I found the producer's storyline particularly intriguing. While, you can definitely see similarities between characters in the book and some big characters on Survivor, the characters still feel fully realized and three dimensional.
What I was especially delighted by in this book was the amount of action. I was originally dubious when I saw the length of the book, but Fishbach manages to keep this book action packed and I can genuinely say I had no clue what was going to happen next. For someone who has consumed as many reality competition shows as I have, this was especially refreshing and fun.
I highly recommend this one! If you enjoy high stakes adventure and reality television it will not disappoint.
Thank you to Dutton & NetGalley for the eARC!
This book was engaging from start to finish. I especially appreciated the multiple narratives from both the contestants POV and the producers. As someone who has always been fascinated by the ins and outs of reality television production, I found the producer's storyline particularly intriguing. While, you can definitely see similarities between characters in the book and some big characters on Survivor, the characters still feel fully realized and three dimensional.
What I was especially delighted by in this book was the amount of action. I was originally dubious when I saw the length of the book, but Fishbach manages to keep this book action packed and I can genuinely say I had no clue what was going to happen next. For someone who has consumed as many reality competition shows as I have, this was especially refreshing and fun.
I highly recommend this one! If you enjoy high stakes adventure and reality television it will not disappoint.
Thank you to Dutton & NetGalley for the eARC!
September 20, 2025
*thank you to netgalley and dutton for this arc in exchange for an honest review*
out of all the reality tv–themed novels i’ve read, this one was by far the most fun. the structure is neat and systematic: first meeting the contestants, then the production chaos. we mainly follow kent (an old star who wants to shine one more time), miriam (the nerd archetype who becomes so much more), and beck (a morally ambiguous producer desperate for her own comeback). through their eyes, the story shifts between the staged spectacle and the messy reality behind the scenes.
what really worked for me is how the novel feels like watching an actual reality show. the alliances, rivalries, the meddling, and sinister little twists build in a way that feels both outrageous and somewhat realistic. the plot is so well thought out that i found myself grinning at how cleverly it unfolded.
in a nutshell: Escape! nails that mix of entertainment and tension. it's propulsive, smart, and genuinely addictive.
out of all the reality tv–themed novels i’ve read, this one was by far the most fun. the structure is neat and systematic: first meeting the contestants, then the production chaos. we mainly follow kent (an old star who wants to shine one more time), miriam (the nerd archetype who becomes so much more), and beck (a morally ambiguous producer desperate for her own comeback). through their eyes, the story shifts between the staged spectacle and the messy reality behind the scenes.
what really worked for me is how the novel feels like watching an actual reality show. the alliances, rivalries, the meddling, and sinister little twists build in a way that feels both outrageous and somewhat realistic. the plot is so well thought out that i found myself grinning at how cleverly it unfolded.
in a nutshell: Escape! nails that mix of entertainment and tension. it's propulsive, smart, and genuinely addictive.
Read
February 2, 2026As a Survivor fan, I was excited to see that Stephen Fishbach was coming out with a book. I was not expecting Escape! to be such a rollercoaster. I liked that the book was told through multiple perspectives and that we got to see both the contestants and the producers' sides. I particularly enjoyed the beginning where we got to see the build-up of Kent getting back on TV. The behind-the-scenes glimpses and show bible were fun to see as a reality tv show fan. That being said, I had a hard time picturing Kent's previous show, Endure. It was giving off Survivor/Fear Factor vibes; however, there wasn't one paragraph that truly explained the show. Kent, Beck, and Miriam were deeply flawed characters and as the story progressed, they actually became more unlikeable. Their character arcs felt very intentional on Stephen's part and although I didn't mind it, it was still difficult to watch them unravel. There were more gory and deadly scenes than I expected. The animal deaths were hard to read, and I wasn't a fan of the death at the beginning of the book. I thought Stephen expertly highlighted the struggles reality show contestants face. I liked seeing their moral dilemmas and their decision making when it came to how the viewers would perceive them. The producer's side of the story was just as compelling and highlighted how manipulative the industry can be. With the story revolving around the three main characters, we didn't get as much from the side characters as I wanted. Reflecting on this book, there were a lot of things that happened and the ending was a bit hard to follow. Overall, this story started off very strongly and went a little off the rails by the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC.
February 5, 2026
What the f***????????
I pre-ordered this book because it’s another guy whose podcast I’m a huge fan of who wrote a book. And it’s about reality tv, a recent (who am I kidding? Long-term) obsession of mine.
This isn’t like any other book I’ve read about reality tv. If you’re expecting a feel-good story about how everyone’s life changed for the better from it, you’ll be disappointed.
This story was gut-wrenching at times, funny at others, utterly disturbing at a few? It blew my (high) expectations out of the water. I had no idea what was going to happen and got so invested in the characters I found myself surprised by a gripping plot as well. It’s hard to explain what makes this book 5 stars without going into spoilers but I guess just trust me on this one, it was really freaking good.
I pre-ordered this book because it’s another guy whose podcast I’m a huge fan of who wrote a book. And it’s about reality tv, a recent (who am I kidding? Long-term) obsession of mine.
This isn’t like any other book I’ve read about reality tv. If you’re expecting a feel-good story about how everyone’s life changed for the better from it, you’ll be disappointed.
This story was gut-wrenching at times, funny at others, utterly disturbing at a few? It blew my (high) expectations out of the water. I had no idea what was going to happen and got so invested in the characters I found myself surprised by a gripping plot as well. It’s hard to explain what makes this book 5 stars without going into spoilers but I guess just trust me on this one, it was really freaking good.
Review of advance copy
✨ 3.75/4 stars ✨
As someone who’s been forced (lovingly) to watch every season of Survivor thanks to my husband, I knew I had to pick this one up—and I’m so glad I did.
Escape! pulls back the curtain on the messy, uncomfortable, and often manufactured reality of reality TV, and it was fascinating from start to finish.
I genuinely felt like I was watching a show unfold: the jungle atmosphere, the confession-style interviews, the strategic maneuvering, and the way contestants are edited into “types.” It’s sharp, self-aware, and honestly just fun. Stephen Fishbach clearly knows this world inside and out, and it shows.
Even though some sections felt a bit overdone for me—extra dialogue and drawn-out moments made the book longer than it needed to be, and it took a while to really get going- I was fully invested.
Overall, I had a great time with this one. It’s a smart, entertaining look at manipulation on tv, how far some willTV, to win and finding ones true "arc"
As someone who’s been forced (lovingly) to watch every season of Survivor thanks to my husband, I knew I had to pick this one up—and I’m so glad I did.
Escape! pulls back the curtain on the messy, uncomfortable, and often manufactured reality of reality TV, and it was fascinating from start to finish.
I genuinely felt like I was watching a show unfold: the jungle atmosphere, the confession-style interviews, the strategic maneuvering, and the way contestants are edited into “types.” It’s sharp, self-aware, and honestly just fun. Stephen Fishbach clearly knows this world inside and out, and it shows.
Even though some sections felt a bit overdone for me—extra dialogue and drawn-out moments made the book longer than it needed to be, and it took a while to really get going- I was fully invested.
Overall, I had a great time with this one. It’s a smart, entertaining look at manipulation on tv, how far some willTV, to win and finding ones true "arc"
February 4, 2026
You know how everyone has their niche special interest? That one thing they’re deeeeeep down the rabbit hole on...where they can answer obscure trivia questions, rattle off facts and figures, and fully nerd out? That’s me and the show Survivor.
Watching Survivor from season one, way back in the summer of 2000, was a family event. We’d all gather and watch together every week, and I loved it. After about ten years away from the show, I came back to it after the birth of my daughter and binged every season. I was instantly fascinated all over again. The strategy, the social relationships, the evolution of the game, I fell back in love completely.
All that to say… when one of my favorite players and the co-host of my favorite Survivor podcast announced he was publishing a novel, it was a no brainer. Add in the fact that one of the audiobook narrators is Queen Julia Whelan herself, and I truly couldn’t have said no if I tried.
ESCAPE! is thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly deep. There were moments I laughed out loud, moments I gasped, and moments where I felt a real tug on my heartstrings as the characters navigated the ins and outs of competing on a jungle based reality show.
I was especially delighted by the callbacks to Stephen’s own on screen experiences (severe gastrointestinal distress 😅, the Yale student earnestly reciting poetry in the rain) as well as the clear archetypal nods to several well known players. For longtime fans, those moments felt like little Easter eggs, while also adding richness and authenticity to the plot. The pacing and tension are expertly handled throughout, and just when I thought I had a handle on where things were headed, the story swerved. I genuinely did not see the ending coming.
The most fascinating storyline, for me, was the reality show within the reality show. The producers behind the scenes, locked in their own competition to see who could outwit, outplay, and outproduce the others.
Highly recommend ESCAPE! to anyone looking for a fast paced, well written literary thriller that takes a smart, sharp look at the crazy, silly, all consuming but still meaningful world of reality television.
Bravo, Fishbach! 👏
Watching Survivor from season one, way back in the summer of 2000, was a family event. We’d all gather and watch together every week, and I loved it. After about ten years away from the show, I came back to it after the birth of my daughter and binged every season. I was instantly fascinated all over again. The strategy, the social relationships, the evolution of the game, I fell back in love completely.
All that to say… when one of my favorite players and the co-host of my favorite Survivor podcast announced he was publishing a novel, it was a no brainer. Add in the fact that one of the audiobook narrators is Queen Julia Whelan herself, and I truly couldn’t have said no if I tried.
ESCAPE! is thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly deep. There were moments I laughed out loud, moments I gasped, and moments where I felt a real tug on my heartstrings as the characters navigated the ins and outs of competing on a jungle based reality show.
I was especially delighted by the callbacks to Stephen’s own on screen experiences (severe gastrointestinal distress 😅, the Yale student earnestly reciting poetry in the rain) as well as the clear archetypal nods to several well known players. For longtime fans, those moments felt like little Easter eggs, while also adding richness and authenticity to the plot. The pacing and tension are expertly handled throughout, and just when I thought I had a handle on where things were headed, the story swerved. I genuinely did not see the ending coming.
The most fascinating storyline, for me, was the reality show within the reality show. The producers behind the scenes, locked in their own competition to see who could outwit, outplay, and outproduce the others.
Highly recommend ESCAPE! to anyone looking for a fast paced, well written literary thriller that takes a smart, sharp look at the crazy, silly, all consuming but still meaningful world of reality television.
Bravo, Fishbach! 👏
February 4, 2026
I was so excited to read this book as Stephen is my all time favorite Survivor player! I got to meet him on his book tour in DC and it was an incredible getting to meet an icon and a legend!
This book did not disappoint! I was really hoping for a realistic depiction of a reality tv show in book form and that is exactly what was delivered. It was well researched and also pulled from Stephen’s own experiences. I could definitely tell when the emotions the characters were feeling came straight from Stephen’s on the island.
My one critique of the novel is that there was a section in the middle that felt slow, especially when compared to the fast paced nature of the rest of the story. Otherwise, I loved the book and am excited for whatever Stephen writes next!!
****************
***SPOILERS***
****************
I want to talk about my favorite parts of the novel with spoiler warning. I absolutely adored the beginning of the book! As someone who attends Survivor fan events I loved seeing the events from the perspective of the players. Seeing them pregame for shows that they might not even get cast on felt so true to real life. I’m sure some former Survivor players are strategizing at all times.
The portion where Kent has to play Wii Sports to get the fan to delete the photos had me rolling. Hilarious section of the book. I don’t know how Stephen thought of that.
My other favorite part was the portion when the players had to vote someone into the duel to potentially get eliminated. The scramble here felt so real and my heart was pounding thinking about how the other players could be double crossing Kent. I will say, I do wish they had actually voted and Miriam didn’t just volunteer. I wish we saw more of this since it’s my favorite part of Survivor, but I understand that it would be too much of a Survivor rip off if we were voting every chapter.
This book did not disappoint! I was really hoping for a realistic depiction of a reality tv show in book form and that is exactly what was delivered. It was well researched and also pulled from Stephen’s own experiences. I could definitely tell when the emotions the characters were feeling came straight from Stephen’s on the island.
My one critique of the novel is that there was a section in the middle that felt slow, especially when compared to the fast paced nature of the rest of the story. Otherwise, I loved the book and am excited for whatever Stephen writes next!!
****************
***SPOILERS***
****************
I want to talk about my favorite parts of the novel with spoiler warning. I absolutely adored the beginning of the book! As someone who attends Survivor fan events I loved seeing the events from the perspective of the players. Seeing them pregame for shows that they might not even get cast on felt so true to real life. I’m sure some former Survivor players are strategizing at all times.
The portion where Kent has to play Wii Sports to get the fan to delete the photos had me rolling. Hilarious section of the book. I don’t know how Stephen thought of that.
My other favorite part was the portion when the players had to vote someone into the duel to potentially get eliminated. The scramble here felt so real and my heart was pounding thinking about how the other players could be double crossing Kent. I will say, I do wish they had actually voted and Miriam didn’t just volunteer. I wish we saw more of this since it’s my favorite part of Survivor, but I understand that it would be too much of a Survivor rip off if we were voting every chapter.
January 25, 2026
Thank you to Dutton for an early copy of Escape! in exchange for an honest review.
Like many Survivor fan, I was SO excited to A) get a copy and B) read this.
Listen, I’m not mad per-say, I’m just disappointed.
We follow Kent, a washed up reality TV star who made a mistake at a gala, and Beck, a reality TV producer who needs to salvage her career as they embark on a brand new survival reality show called Escape!
Everyone is under pressure: Kent needs to be able to make money again and Beck needs to keep her job by any means necessary.
While I think Fishbach tried to bring all of the different aspects of reality TV together, I don’t think the plot actually worked. The ending (and really the entire last part) gave me a sense of “am I dreaming or could this have been explained better with a different POV?”
Say it with me: just because a book has some thrilling aspects, does not make it a thriller
What would have made this more successful for me:
• Adding in some multimedia aspects in here could’ve improved the TV aspect of this for me
• If this was described as something besides a thriller (it’s not a thriller)
• One or two chapters from two specific character POVs would’ve pulled it all together
In the end, I loved the premise, but the execution didn’t strike a fire for me.
Like many Survivor fan, I was SO excited to A) get a copy and B) read this.
Listen, I’m not mad per-say, I’m just disappointed.
We follow Kent, a washed up reality TV star who made a mistake at a gala, and Beck, a reality TV producer who needs to salvage her career as they embark on a brand new survival reality show called Escape!
Everyone is under pressure: Kent needs to be able to make money again and Beck needs to keep her job by any means necessary.
While I think Fishbach tried to bring all of the different aspects of reality TV together, I don’t think the plot actually worked. The ending (and really the entire last part) gave me a sense of “am I dreaming or could this have been explained better with a different POV?”
Say it with me: just because a book has some thrilling aspects, does not make it a thriller
What would have made this more successful for me:
• Adding in some multimedia aspects in here could’ve improved the TV aspect of this for me
• If this was described as something besides a thriller (it’s not a thriller)
• One or two chapters from two specific character POVs would’ve pulled it all together
In the end, I loved the premise, but the execution didn’t strike a fire for me.
February 4, 2026
*Thanks to PRH Audio for my e-ALC and Dutton for my e-ARC (out now); all opinions are my own.*
This novel by former Survivor contestant Stephen Fishbach is a look behind the scenes of fictional reality tv show Escape from the perspective of a producer and two contestants. We see the lead up to the show and then the filming as things get increasingly crazy. Think Survivor meets Lord of the Flies.
As a reality contestant himself Fishbach clearly knows his stuff! And my good friend @readingismycardiobookclub who is a reality tv producer herself said that this book does the best job of portraying what it’s like to be a reality producer that she has ever seen. (Which frankly given what goes on in this book is a little scary!) Definitely a propulsive and entertaining read, though a bit too long. And the end got a little too dark in its satire for me.
I listened to this on audio and the multi-cast narration by Julia Whelan, Sean Patrick Hopkins, and Imani Jade Powers was fantastic and really brought the story to life.
This novel by former Survivor contestant Stephen Fishbach is a look behind the scenes of fictional reality tv show Escape from the perspective of a producer and two contestants. We see the lead up to the show and then the filming as things get increasingly crazy. Think Survivor meets Lord of the Flies.
As a reality contestant himself Fishbach clearly knows his stuff! And my good friend @readingismycardiobookclub who is a reality tv producer herself said that this book does the best job of portraying what it’s like to be a reality producer that she has ever seen. (Which frankly given what goes on in this book is a little scary!) Definitely a propulsive and entertaining read, though a bit too long. And the end got a little too dark in its satire for me.
I listened to this on audio and the multi-cast narration by Julia Whelan, Sean Patrick Hopkins, and Imani Jade Powers was fantastic and really brought the story to life.
January 31, 2026
Yikes. Stood in B&N and started reading this with the intention to purchase it. I was immediately turned off by the corny dialogue, overuse of sloppy similes, and head scratchingly odd sentences.
Think I am being overly critical? You tell me what “she had a voice like a cowbell” means. Its used more than once in the first few pages.
For ultra fans of Survivor only.
I didn’t read far, but I read far enough to know that not even the best plot would keep me engaged.
$35 saved.
Think I am being overly critical? You tell me what “she had a voice like a cowbell” means. Its used more than once in the first few pages.
For ultra fans of Survivor only.
I didn’t read far, but I read far enough to know that not even the best plot would keep me engaged.
$35 saved.
February 1, 2026
Kinda concerned about Stephen after reading this book because it was majorly depressing. The characters were intolerable and psychotic. This felt like a giant “f*ck you” to Survivor. I know some parts must have been grossly exaggerated, but it’s actually terrifying to think about what the producers are doing behind the scenes. But worst of all, to have Miriam basically turn into Kent?! I’m disgusted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
4.5 rounded up
There's something so delicious about reading the production side of reality tv. It scratches an itch for me! This was really well written and juicy. Just a tad bit long, took me longer than I expected to finish it.
There's something so delicious about reading the production side of reality tv. It scratches an itch for me! This was really well written and juicy. Just a tad bit long, took me longer than I expected to finish it.
February 1, 2026
wow wow wow! stephen fishbach could have handed an idol to russell hantz but jt thomas could never have written this book
January 31, 2026
Loved it! Equal parts literary fiction and pager turner, Escape! is the most fun I've had with a book in a long time. Stephen Fishbach is a great writer, and sentence for sentence this book can stand next to anything out there. Also for non-Survivor fans, don't worry! I'm not much of one myself, just love a good read and I ripped this. Can't wait to read what he writes next!
February 1, 2026
4.5. This book was a wild ride in the best way possible. A behind the scenes look at reality tv production and the drama surrounding it. Well-developed characters and lots of twists and turns along the way.
Thank you Goodreads and Dutton books for this arc!
Thank you Goodreads and Dutton books for this arc!
November 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: 🌶️/5 (a couple closed-door scenes and kissing)
⚠️Trigger warnings at the bottom - read if you have sensitivities but skip if you don’t want spoilers
This was such a fun wilderness survival reality show thriller! The plot was full of unpredictable twists and turns. It was fun to peel back the curtain and see both the producer’s and the player’s point of view. I wasn’t quite sure if the narrators were reliable, which kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing was lush and immersive.
The author is a legendary Survivor player, and his real experience lent a lot of authenticity to what it was like surviving in the jungle.
Although the characters were compelling, I had a hard time connecting with them. I also wish the ending was more satisfying.
Highly recommend to fans of toxic characters, twisty thrillers, and reality tv!
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⚠️ trigger/content warnings: death of a dog, drug use, mental illness, injury, blood, murder
Spice: 🌶️/5 (a couple closed-door scenes and kissing)
⚠️Trigger warnings at the bottom - read if you have sensitivities but skip if you don’t want spoilers
This was such a fun wilderness survival reality show thriller! The plot was full of unpredictable twists and turns. It was fun to peel back the curtain and see both the producer’s and the player’s point of view. I wasn’t quite sure if the narrators were reliable, which kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing was lush and immersive.
The author is a legendary Survivor player, and his real experience lent a lot of authenticity to what it was like surviving in the jungle.
Although the characters were compelling, I had a hard time connecting with them. I also wish the ending was more satisfying.
Highly recommend to fans of toxic characters, twisty thrillers, and reality tv!
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⚠️ trigger/content warnings: death of a dog, drug use, mental illness, injury, blood, murder
January 28, 2026
So FUN! Super rough draft - 4.5 stars
#ad much love for my finished copy @duttonbooks #partner
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
Escape!
< @
As a girl who grew up watching reality TV - the Real World, Big Brother, Road Rules (The Challenge) I couldn’t wait to read this book. I never got into Survivor much tho - only watched I think 1 season.
Funny, sad, a range of emotions while reading.
I liked how the story was broken up into parts, of course each part ramping up as the story progressed.
I also loved how we got perspectives of both the production and the contestants. This dual POV is what really made this a five star read for me.
While I wish the games themselves had been a little more high-stakes - complex or more complicated - the plot carries itself and surprisingly (while it would have bothered me in other books) it didn’t ruin anything for me.
Exceptionally written with vibrant and complex characters.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and loved it. The dual narration made this a perfect listen and I def recommend listening to this one.
Beck - producer with a previous scandal
Kent - was on an older reality TV show offered to come back for charity
3 parts
And just what?!? 😂🫠
Face like a bruised orange
Pancake makeup
Monkey poop 🐒
Loser energy 👏🏼👏🏼
“I have a wife (person 1)
I have a Facebook” (person 2) 😂😂😂😂😂
Hair like a hedgehog
Death of dog and Pig
#ad much love for my finished copy @duttonbooks #partner
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
Escape!
< @
As a girl who grew up watching reality TV - the Real World, Big Brother, Road Rules (The Challenge) I couldn’t wait to read this book. I never got into Survivor much tho - only watched I think 1 season.
Funny, sad, a range of emotions while reading.
I liked how the story was broken up into parts, of course each part ramping up as the story progressed.
I also loved how we got perspectives of both the production and the contestants. This dual POV is what really made this a five star read for me.
While I wish the games themselves had been a little more high-stakes - complex or more complicated - the plot carries itself and surprisingly (while it would have bothered me in other books) it didn’t ruin anything for me.
Exceptionally written with vibrant and complex characters.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and loved it. The dual narration made this a perfect listen and I def recommend listening to this one.
Beck - producer with a previous scandal
Kent - was on an older reality TV show offered to come back for charity
3 parts
And just what?!? 😂🫠
Face like a bruised orange
Pancake makeup
Monkey poop 🐒
Loser energy 👏🏼👏🏼
“I have a wife (person 1)
I have a Facebook” (person 2) 😂😂😂😂😂
Hair like a hedgehog
Death of dog and Pig
February 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This is the most fun I’ve had reading a book in so long! Being a big fan of Survivor and Know It Alls, I was always going to enjoy this book, but I was thoroughly impressed! It was the perfect blend of on-screen thrills and behind the scenes drama with distinct POVs that were easy to follow. Highly recommend to all lovers of reality TV or anyone looking for a faced paced, action packed read!
I received an advanced copy from Dutton for reviewing purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the most fun I’ve had reading a book in so long! Being a big fan of Survivor and Know It Alls, I was always going to enjoy this book, but I was thoroughly impressed! It was the perfect blend of on-screen thrills and behind the scenes drama with distinct POVs that were easy to follow. Highly recommend to all lovers of reality TV or anyone looking for a faced paced, action packed read!
I received an advanced copy from Dutton for reviewing purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 2, 2026
2.5 stars. I don’t know what I thought would happen in this book, but I ended up disappointed. I think a big part was I didn’t know who I was supposed to root for and when I did pick someone, I didn’t know what I was hoping they would do. I felt constantly ya led around and I hated everyone. I also have read other books and seen shows which detail the behind the scenes grossness of reality shows so this didn’t tell me anything new.
February 5, 2026
3.5 💫 rounded up because I love Stephen Fishbach!!! A lot of this was fun; seeing the “behind the scenes” (albeit fictionalized) of a reality TV show. I liked the tiny references to Survivor of course, and honestly did not like any of the characters very much while felt real. Cover art is very cool, 10/10 for that
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