Fantasticland

By: Mike Bockoven

“it’s that a person gets stupid when they become people. They are easily convinced of things.”

Mike Bockoven, Fantasticland

*This post contains spoilers for Fantasticland

I know I’m super late to the party but I was able to read this book for free digitally by using my local library card. Such a game changer if you are willing to wait for the copy to become available. Highly recommend it anyone looking to save money and prevent yourself from hoarding books.

Also, how I found this book was from the Podcast My Favorite Murder. One of the hosts was talking about it and it sounded right up my alley…boy was that an understatement.

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Overview:

In Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven, a theme park becomes the setting for a horrific tale as a group of employees is stranded during a major hurricane. With no outside communication and dwindling supplies, the situation descends into chaos as civility breaks down and the staff, isolated within the park’s whimsical attractions, turns into a survivalist community. The novel explores themes of morality, human nature, and the thin veneer of civilization, resulting in a gripping narrative filled with tension and dark twists, highlighting how quickly one’s perception of reality can shift under extreme circumstances.

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My thoughts

Who’s Reality is Real?

Each chapter is a first person interview with an individual involved in the 35 day chaos. This gives a unique perspective for the reader because we are only hearing one individual’s idea of what happened… or what they want us to think happened.

The first person you hear from that was inside the park is Sam Garliek, the person who is supposed to be in charge after the storm. When I heard his account I accepted it but once others started chiming in, I realized that I didn’t believe anything that he said. When Sam claimed his innocence in murdering the girl in the bunker I thought he didn’t do it and that he was a good leader. Quickly, I did not trust him once more information was brought out.

The interview with Brock Hockney was enlightening and I’m glad we didn’t hear from him until the end. I don’t think that he is innocent in any way. He committed several murders and caused others to fear for there own safety and do the same. However, did he have a point? Sam was the one that was supposed to be in charge and one of the first things he does is murder one of the staff members. It is not hard to believe that the murder in the storm shelter was the catalyst for everyone thinking they had to protect themselves and form tribes.

The Sub Stories

The best part of the entire book is the account from Jason Card. The story he told about being in the hotel completely by himself only to then be hunted by two unknown masked people was chilling. These people didn’t care about factions or supplies. Clearly their only goal was to take advantage of the situation and give into their murderous nature. Also, the fact that to this day he reports receiving postcards from that hotel clearly from those two individuals… chef’s kiss on the creepiness factor.

The Setting

An abandoned theme park is a dream location riding the thin line between whimsical and creepy. Supplies are plentiful, there are so many places to hide and plenty of room to roam. If you were in a disaster situation it is almost an ideal place to be stranded in terms of being safe and having enough food. As long as no one is trying to kill you.

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Overall,

One of my favorite books I read this year. The setting alone probably distracted me from plot holes that I’m sure are there but was willing to over look.

I also loved the chapter being first person interviews.

From what I can tell, the investigative reporters that serves as the narrator and facilitator is going to appear in other titles. Creating an anthology in this way is smart and I want it so badly to work. This is a great concept and I love that different people can read this book and infer their own reality based on the information that was given without an actual resolution spelled out for you.

Rating: 5/5 stars