This is certainly a diversion from the usual wrestling novel and its darkness and power may be a matter of personal taste.

While most wrestling novels tap into the territorial era, this is set in the modern independent circuit. It’s a tale of weekend warriors for whom local titles are their world championship. How “big” the promotions actually are is not always clear and in some sense it doesn’t really matter.

From a wrestling perspective, the real appeal of the story is how main character Mason Grady sees winning a title belt as vindication for his attempts to get his life back on track after injuries and a painkiller addition. It’s a desire wrestling fans will recognize as both ridiculously meaningless and completely understandable.

The book is as much about Grady’s battles with what the wrestling business euphemistically calls “personal demons” as it is his in-ring ‘career’ and is extremely heavy on character and introspection ahead of plot. It’s an intentionally tough and uncomfortable read in terms of content.

It’s also a very personal book: author Daniel Alexander was himself an independent wrestler who suffered injuries in and out of the ring, eventually making the decision to abandon his dreams for the sake of his health.

This is not necessarily a book for people who are simply interested in anything to do with pro wrestling, but for people willing to confront some dark themes, it’s an intense read.

Amazon

Disclaimer: The author provided a review copy.