The fantastic book series Magic Kingdom For Sale is basically about this. I started reading what I assumed would be a lighthearted comedy and it literally opens with our main character lost in alcoholic depression because of an awful tragedy. The fantasy land he’s sent to is hostile, but it provides him enough hope to fight for a better world there.
I think much of the appeal of these stories, and post-apocalyptic ones, is that they put you in front of problems that are easier to understand and deal with. Needing to find food is a simple concept, even if it can be a difficult task, it’s something we have evolved to deal with.
Well, it’s pretty clear in 2026 normie world too (who the bad guys are). People just aren’t heroes in real life, and it’s too hard to kill the top villains.
I fucking love that series, one of my favorites of all time. The final (currently) book focused on the child was not my favorite - I hope there will be another book focused on Ben again.
The fantastic book series Magic Kingdom For Sale is basically about this. I started reading what I assumed would be a lighthearted comedy and it literally opens with our main character lost in alcoholic depression because of an awful tragedy. The fantasy land he’s sent to is hostile, but it provides him enough hope to fight for a better world there.
Oh wow, core memory unlocked. Haven’t thought of those books in decades.
It’s bad when the idea of dealing with a fantasy Dark Lord is more appealing than real life. At least it’s clear who the good and bad guys are.
I think much of the appeal of these stories, and post-apocalyptic ones, is that they put you in front of problems that are easier to understand and deal with. Needing to find food is a simple concept, even if it can be a difficult task, it’s something we have evolved to deal with.
Emails and taxes, not so much.
Well, it’s pretty clear in 2026 normie world too (who the bad guys are). People just aren’t heroes in real life, and it’s too hard to kill the top villains.
Always nice when the bad guy doesn’t know exactly where you are.
I fucking love that series, one of my favorites of all time. The final (currently) book focused on the child was not my favorite - I hope there will be another book focused on Ben again.