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The 8th
Moving from school to school is never easy. You're constantly struggling to catch up to the level of the other students. You're forever meeting new friends just to have to leave them and establish new colleagues at the new schools. You always find yourself lost in the never-ending maze of corridors as you battle to get to grips with where everything is...
But it's worse when the more unfriendly students decide to take an instant dislike to you. Tormenting you each day...Pushing you to see how long it is before you're going to snap. Wondering what you're going to do in retaliation to their harsh words and cruel pranks. Are you going to stand up to them or are you going to be yet another pupil who goes out of their way to avoid them whilst crying yourself to sleep until you feel as though you can't take the suffering anymore?
You're going to stand up to them of course. You're going to turn the tables on them. You're going to be the teacher to a very special class. A class where the lessons will be heard through-out the world...Lessons which will never be forgotten.
This is your classroom now and lessons will be learned.
But it's worse when the more unfriendly students decide to take an instant dislike to you. Tormenting you each day...Pushing you to see how long it is before you're going to snap. Wondering what you're going to do in retaliation to their harsh words and cruel pranks. Are you going to stand up to them or are you going to be yet another pupil who goes out of their way to avoid them whilst crying yourself to sleep until you feel as though you can't take the suffering anymore?
You're going to stand up to them of course. You're going to turn the tables on them. You're going to be the teacher to a very special class. A class where the lessons will be heard through-out the world...Lessons which will never be forgotten.
This is your classroom now and lessons will be learned.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2012
62 people are currently reading
1007 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
530 books2,205 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
August 30, 2021
well that was underwhelming…
i liked the author’s note about his own experience with bullying more than i liked the actual book.
i personally love a good revenge story, but this one just didn’t deliver at all for me.
the plot twists at the end especially annoyed me. they just seemed to come out of nowhere and fell flat. this book also clearly needed an extra editing session.
moral of the story - don’t fucking bully people.
i liked the author’s note about his own experience with bullying more than i liked the actual book.
i personally love a good revenge story, but this one just didn’t deliver at all for me.
the plot twists at the end especially annoyed me. they just seemed to come out of nowhere and fell flat. this book also clearly needed an extra editing session.
moral of the story - don’t fucking bully people.
April 29, 2025
I have quite a few thoughts on this one. I feel that Shaw’s introduction was a jumbled message. It had a good takeaway point, but it seemed to contradict itself a bit. The story itself was intense. I think most people who grew up in the school system, or were educators, after Columbine were always concerned over a school shooter. It was always simmering on the rear burner of all our minds. I can only speak from my experiences, but I saw many terrible things done to my classmates and was also bullied myself on many occasions. However, when I would defend myself against bullies, whether malicious teachers or hateful students, the focus would be on me. Why did I react in such a way? Was I troubled? Did I need help? It was never on the actual reason or other party after I reacted. And there were instances when I would appropriately inform the proper people of trouble abrewing, and got dismissed. I remember even warning one teacher that I was going to beat someone to death if they didn’t stop bullying me and was laughed off. Elementary school, middle and high school…they sucked. It’s an awkward, troubling time for almost everyone that goes through the system. Between school, puberty, and just trying to figure out what or who you want to be, it’s akin to torture. And even though traditional bullying has been curtailed a bit, there are newer and more damaging ways that it can be done, ie social media. And I had an unsupportive, abusive home situation and suffered from debilitating anxiety and depression. There were many times that I wanted to hurt someone, when it felt like there was no other option. I knew that I did not deserve to be abused and would defend accordingly. And to quote my therapist, “It’s a wonder that you weren’t a teenage suicide.” Encouraging, right? So I get the pain and anger that our main character displayed. I get it 100%. Fortunately, I always knew where the limits were and never did anything permanent. Now teenagers act impulsively, as their brains are nowhere near fully developed. Our main character (Not named) had all the right tools and motives to act out. But the story progressed into more of a Saw type situation. Like it felt too scripted and produced, and wasn’t characteristic of how events like this actually happen. I think if Shaw kept the same character and basic premise, but had him targeting his aggressors on a more cerebral, serial killer level, or just going on a mindless killing rampage, it would have made more sense. This was another bold attempt at a new style of horror by the author, but after his preface and going through the book, I think that he may be a little too skewed on the subject. Decent attempt, but far from being great.
April 16, 2024
Is revenge sweet? If you’re bullied what are the lengths you would go to for revenge?
I’ve never experienced bullying but this book educated me. In my mind’s eye, as I read this, I saw the pain of bullying and how many people it harms. I was on the proverbial edge of my seat throughout the entire book. Five stars. Wow. Just wow.
I’ve never experienced bullying but this book educated me. In my mind’s eye, as I read this, I saw the pain of bullying and how many people it harms. I was on the proverbial edge of my seat throughout the entire book. Five stars. Wow. Just wow.
May 28, 2018
5 We are the innocent ones STARS
Esta historia es tan dolorosa y real, que es imposible darle sentido a mis sentimientos.
Este es el cuarto libro que leo de Matt Shaw y ya vi que tiene un estilo muy marcado y sus historias siguen los misma formula.
-2 líneas temporales
-Plot twist en los últimos capítulos
-mucha violencia
Esta es una historia que trata dos temas muy fuertes y complejos: EL BULLYNG Y LAS MATANZAS EN LAS ESCUELAS.
Por un lado tenemos a un chico que cansado de aguantar el bullyng en la escuela decide vengarse de todo el grupo, los encierra durante la clase de historia y uno a uno trata de hacerlos sentir un poco de todo el sufrimiento que le causaron.
En la otra línea temporal, vemos como este chico llega a una nueva escuela, el ya esta acostumbrado a ser el chico nuevo, ya que su familia se muda constantemente, pero en esta escuela el bullyng es mucho mas fuerte ya que el único chico con el que hace amistad es gay, y el al tratar de defender a su amigo queda en medio de los ataques y se vuelve otra victima mas de el abuso físico y mental.
No lo negare, celebre la manera en que los mata, la forma en que los humilla, llore por ver la razón que lo llevo a hacerlo y me muero de miedo (en serio esto es una de las cosas a las que mas miedo le tengo en el mundo) solo de pensar que algo así le pueda pasar a mi hija y peor aun, que yo no pueda hacer nada para evitarlo.
Yo sufrí de bullyng en la escuela, y aun que no fue tan fuerte como lo es en la actualidad, aun así deja huella en la autoestima, especialmente en una etapa tan vulnerable como lo es la adolescencia.
En conclusión:
FUCK ALL THE BULLIES, AND THEIR STUPID "We didn't mean it!" BULLSHIT.
Comentario Random, no tan Random:
Este libro me hiso recordar el caso de Thomas "T.J." Lane, un chico que sufría de bulling en la escuela y un día realizo un tiroteo matando a 3 de sus compañeros, y aunque ahora esta en la cárcel, el nunca ha mostrado remordimiento o sentimiento de culpa.
"The people who had tormented me day in and day out for the past two years whether it was by name- calling or physical abuse. I won't ever forget their names. And after today, people won't forget my name either."
Esta historia es tan dolorosa y real, que es imposible darle sentido a mis sentimientos.
Este es el cuarto libro que leo de Matt Shaw y ya vi que tiene un estilo muy marcado y sus historias siguen los misma formula.
-2 líneas temporales
-Plot twist en los últimos capítulos
-mucha violencia
Esta es una historia que trata dos temas muy fuertes y complejos: EL BULLYNG Y LAS MATANZAS EN LAS ESCUELAS.
Por un lado tenemos a un chico que cansado de aguantar el bullyng en la escuela decide vengarse de todo el grupo, los encierra durante la clase de historia y uno a uno trata de hacerlos sentir un poco de todo el sufrimiento que le causaron.
En la otra línea temporal, vemos como este chico llega a una nueva escuela, el ya esta acostumbrado a ser el chico nuevo, ya que su familia se muda constantemente, pero en esta escuela el bullyng es mucho mas fuerte ya que el único chico con el que hace amistad es gay, y el al tratar de defender a su amigo queda en medio de los ataques y se vuelve otra victima mas de el abuso físico y mental.
No lo negare, celebre la manera en que los mata, la forma en que los humilla, llore por ver la razón que lo llevo a hacerlo y me muero de miedo (en serio esto es una de las cosas a las que mas miedo le tengo en el mundo) solo de pensar que algo así le pueda pasar a mi hija y peor aun, que yo no pueda hacer nada para evitarlo.
Yo sufrí de bullyng en la escuela, y aun que no fue tan fuerte como lo es en la actualidad, aun así deja huella en la autoestima, especialmente en una etapa tan vulnerable como lo es la adolescencia.
En conclusión:
FUCK ALL THE BULLIES, AND THEIR STUPID "We didn't mean it!" BULLSHIT.
Comentario Random, no tan Random:
Este libro me hiso recordar el caso de Thomas "T.J." Lane, un chico que sufría de bulling en la escuela y un día realizo un tiroteo matando a 3 de sus compañeros, y aunque ahora esta en la cárcel, el nunca ha mostrado remordimiento o sentimiento de culpa.
July 21, 2017
4.5 STARS
Wow, this is the second time in as many stories that Shaw has knocked me on my ass with the depth and feeling of this story.
I would have given it a solid 5 stars if it were not for the editing mistakes that irked at times.
This story makes you ask questions about life and especially the youth of today. At what age do you learn empathy? Do people look back and regret the nasty things they did in the past? Should there be some kind of shock treatment to show people the error of their ways? Can anything be done about it, or should we just accept it as part of our fucked-up world?
I don't know what it says about me, but I could relate to the main character. As a child - and I must say I was spared a lot of the bullying described in this story - silence and sarcasm were my two main coping mechanisms as well. I was lucky enough to have good, tough friends who kept most of the bullies at bay. But, thinking back to that time in my life, I simply can't remember any incidents where I took pleasure from the pain and suffering of others. As a father, I can only hope that I can teach my son this lesson.
The 8th was shocking, yes, but I had no problem whatsoever rooting for this kid. Most people have been in situations where they have felt victimized and powerless to do anything about it. Violence may not be the answer (in most cases, anyway), but sometimes you have to wonder what it will take to make people change their ways.
Matt Shaw is a damn good writer and this guy has something to say...I recommend it to everybody!
Wow, this is the second time in as many stories that Shaw has knocked me on my ass with the depth and feeling of this story.
I would have given it a solid 5 stars if it were not for the editing mistakes that irked at times.
This story makes you ask questions about life and especially the youth of today. At what age do you learn empathy? Do people look back and regret the nasty things they did in the past? Should there be some kind of shock treatment to show people the error of their ways? Can anything be done about it, or should we just accept it as part of our fucked-up world?
I don't know what it says about me, but I could relate to the main character. As a child - and I must say I was spared a lot of the bullying described in this story - silence and sarcasm were my two main coping mechanisms as well. I was lucky enough to have good, tough friends who kept most of the bullies at bay. But, thinking back to that time in my life, I simply can't remember any incidents where I took pleasure from the pain and suffering of others. As a father, I can only hope that I can teach my son this lesson.
The 8th was shocking, yes, but I had no problem whatsoever rooting for this kid. Most people have been in situations where they have felt victimized and powerless to do anything about it. Violence may not be the answer (in most cases, anyway), but sometimes you have to wonder what it will take to make people change their ways.
Matt Shaw is a damn good writer and this guy has something to say...I recommend it to everybody!
March 7, 2016
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 "End Bullying Now" Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
"I hate bullies. They're nothing more than cowards hiding behind their little friends. Normally picking on the weaker people just to try and make themselves feel better about their own miserable lives. Fuck them."
I have ZERO tolerance for bullying. THIS is one of the BEST Shaw books I have read. I sadly LOVED the victim turning the tables on the bullies and the ones that turned a blind eye.
Lessons learned and too many prices paid for something that is easily fixed by teaching your child from day one COMPASSION and RESPECT for everyone!
"I hate bullies. They're nothing more than cowards hiding behind their little friends. Normally picking on the weaker people just to try and make themselves feel better about their own miserable lives. Fuck them."
I have ZERO tolerance for bullying. THIS is one of the BEST Shaw books I have read. I sadly LOVED the victim turning the tables on the bullies and the ones that turned a blind eye.
Lessons learned and too many prices paid for something that is easily fixed by teaching your child from day one COMPASSION and RESPECT for everyone!
June 14, 2025
#️⃣2️⃣9️⃣0️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 ⛈️⚡🚨
Date : 📢 Friday, June 13, 2025 🍙⚔️
Word Count📃: 28k Words 🏕️
──★ ˙💥🪨💣🪨💥 ̟ ⋆✮˚.*⋆
ദ്ദി ≽^⎚˕⎚^≼ .ᐟ My 28th read in "Explosive Impactful Reads June"
4️⃣🌟, nice anti bullying campaign story bro
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
I mean yeah,. Don't bully people, or the victim might do a revenge arc for the second 50% of the book 😆😆😆. (this is a little bit of a semi-memoir too as seen on the notes and the dedication)
So this book is kinda like a him, the author and his real life school bully...FANFICTION (honestly I would write the same thing if I was severely bullied, i feel sympathy for all the bully victims out there, hope yall find the peace or the revenge that you're looking for :DD)
Date : 📢 Friday, June 13, 2025 🍙⚔️
Word Count📃: 28k Words 🏕️
──★ ˙💥🪨💣🪨💥 ̟ ⋆✮˚.*⋆
ദ്ദി ≽^⎚˕⎚^≼ .ᐟ My 28th read in "Explosive Impactful Reads June"
4️⃣🌟, nice anti bullying campaign story bro
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
I mean yeah,. Don't bully people, or the victim might do a revenge arc for the second 50% of the book 😆😆😆. (this is a little bit of a semi-memoir too as seen on the notes and the dedication)
To the biggest bully who is now, thankfully, out of my life:
May you burn in Hell for an Eternity of suffering.
I am a damaged soul because of you
So this book is kinda like a him, the author and his real life school bully...FANFICTION (honestly I would write the same thing if I was severely bullied, i feel sympathy for all the bully victims out there, hope yall find the peace or the revenge that you're looking for :DD)
August 2, 2017
I've now tried numerous books by Matt Shaw to see if I can find one I liked. I kind of made it my mission but I'm going to have to abort trying now. (At least I've helped his book sales!)
I've no idea what genre I'd put this under. I was intrigued by the plot a great deal. A bullied student has had enough and plans his revenge. I was expecting a novel that really got into the psychological elements of how that could be played out instead I got...
Unecessary, graphic, tasteless sexual scenes...
Now I'm no prude. I've read dark erotica and enjoy dark romance which many can't handle but in this it's as though the scenes are there just to shock. I can't quite express what I mean. It detracted from the depth of the character and his damaged psyche, it detracted from what was ideally a good story and it was constantly featured.
That's not covered in the blurb huh? For me it just got to be too much "let's throw in yet another cringe-filled, bad taste sex scene". If done with finesse, with sophistication it could still work very well. Sadly I felt it cheapened a quality plot down to borderline smutty, teenage boy sex moments.
But! This is very much what Matt is known for. So I just think that style is not for me.
Frustratingly every book of Matt's I've read has many grammatical errors and they cry out for good editing and proofreading. After publishing so many stories and novellas I would expect basic standards like that to be met. The fact that readers can now report content error to Amazon by highlighting errors on a Kindle version should motivate all authors to ensure their work is proofed.
feel like the work is somewhat rushed, pumped out, quantity over quality. Good, experienced beta readers would be invaluable. Ones who are not fans, that can give honest feedback. Author's best friends.
The main character could have really been fleshed out a lot more and as for the ending? I eye-rolled. Yup. It didn't sit as slightly realistic and again had that sense of being rushed. It could have been so much stronger. I was bullied myself horrendously in high school, so was hoping to relate to this character but not a chance. I think he might be in a category on his own.
Perhaps he's a Marmite author.
I'll bow out and leave the books to Matt's many fans. 2.5 stars. I really wanted it to win me over darn it!
Okay, I lied...I've just read the blurb on one of Matt's novellas that explores more the pure scare factor elements of his writing so...I'm going in again! Please, I want to like this next one!
I've no idea what genre I'd put this under. I was intrigued by the plot a great deal. A bullied student has had enough and plans his revenge. I was expecting a novel that really got into the psychological elements of how that could be played out instead I got...
Unecessary, graphic, tasteless sexual scenes...
Now I'm no prude. I've read dark erotica and enjoy dark romance which many can't handle but in this it's as though the scenes are there just to shock. I can't quite express what I mean. It detracted from the depth of the character and his damaged psyche, it detracted from what was ideally a good story and it was constantly featured.
That's not covered in the blurb huh? For me it just got to be too much "let's throw in yet another cringe-filled, bad taste sex scene". If done with finesse, with sophistication it could still work very well. Sadly I felt it cheapened a quality plot down to borderline smutty, teenage boy sex moments.
But! This is very much what Matt is known for. So I just think that style is not for me.
Frustratingly every book of Matt's I've read has many grammatical errors and they cry out for good editing and proofreading. After publishing so many stories and novellas I would expect basic standards like that to be met. The fact that readers can now report content error to Amazon by highlighting errors on a Kindle version should motivate all authors to ensure their work is proofed.
feel like the work is somewhat rushed, pumped out, quantity over quality. Good, experienced beta readers would be invaluable. Ones who are not fans, that can give honest feedback. Author's best friends.
The main character could have really been fleshed out a lot more and as for the ending? I eye-rolled. Yup. It didn't sit as slightly realistic and again had that sense of being rushed. It could have been so much stronger. I was bullied myself horrendously in high school, so was hoping to relate to this character but not a chance. I think he might be in a category on his own.
Perhaps he's a Marmite author.
I'll bow out and leave the books to Matt's many fans. 2.5 stars. I really wanted it to win me over darn it!
Okay, I lied...I've just read the blurb on one of Matt's novellas that explores more the pure scare factor elements of his writing so...I'm going in again! Please, I want to like this next one!
August 24, 2014
The 8th is particularly compelling piece of fiction by Matt Shaw and I guarantee this will tug on various emotions within everyone.
If you’ve any experience with bullying be it as the victim or the instigator, this will bring all those memories back, painful for some, shame for others. Personally I was fortunate enough to avoid the vast majority of it during my school life but for others, those that were not or are not as lucky it can shape you for the rest of your life, some rise above it and unfortunately some fall under it, never to hold their head up again.
This is the riveting story of one such boy, beaten up by the bullies and made a fool of by the outrageous actions of one girl who along with the bullies films him in a degrading & compromising position. All until the day he goes into school with a gun, don’t worry it’s not that simple, I can see you thinking massacre, this is a hell of a lot more than that.
This is a lesson just for the persecutors, even the teacher, who ignored, who abused her position simply by doing nothing and whose chief teaching component was intimidation.
Another Matt Shaw read that I highly recommend.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
If you’ve any experience with bullying be it as the victim or the instigator, this will bring all those memories back, painful for some, shame for others. Personally I was fortunate enough to avoid the vast majority of it during my school life but for others, those that were not or are not as lucky it can shape you for the rest of your life, some rise above it and unfortunately some fall under it, never to hold their head up again.
This is the riveting story of one such boy, beaten up by the bullies and made a fool of by the outrageous actions of one girl who along with the bullies films him in a degrading & compromising position. All until the day he goes into school with a gun, don’t worry it’s not that simple, I can see you thinking massacre, this is a hell of a lot more than that.
This is a lesson just for the persecutors, even the teacher, who ignored, who abused her position simply by doing nothing and whose chief teaching component was intimidation.
Another Matt Shaw read that I highly recommend.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
February 13, 2023
wow, what a ride. i picked this book up because i was highly intrigued by it, what with it being a revenge story, and if you know me, you know that i 𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙚 revenge stories! let’s get into the review:
𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨… they weren’t really well developed, but i still found myself caring about what happened to our protagonist (i don’t think we ever found out what his name was) and David. i’ve seen bullying happen back at my school and it’s not a thing that should be happening whatsoever. some of the characters really pissed me off in this book, but i still don’t think they were fully developed.
𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚… it was simple, nothing beautiful about it, but really easy to get into. maybe even too simple. if i was to give 5 stars to a book, the writing style is also crucial for me.
𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩… it was definitely sad what happened in this book, but i do feel like in the last chapters, the author took the easy way out when wrapping up the story. i won’t say what it was, but i feel like i wanted more from this book. more torment towards the bullies, more meaningful conversations, because it is a topic that’s really important nowadays too and if we’re writing a revenge story, we want a PROPER revenge story. i felt like i just got a surface of it when i personally needed the depths.
𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡… i definitely don’t think this was a bad book, i did feel for the characters, but i’m pretty sure i’ll forget everything about it soon lol.
𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨… they weren’t really well developed, but i still found myself caring about what happened to our protagonist (i don’t think we ever found out what his name was) and David. i’ve seen bullying happen back at my school and it’s not a thing that should be happening whatsoever. some of the characters really pissed me off in this book, but i still don’t think they were fully developed.
𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚… it was simple, nothing beautiful about it, but really easy to get into. maybe even too simple. if i was to give 5 stars to a book, the writing style is also crucial for me.
𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩… it was definitely sad what happened in this book, but i do feel like in the last chapters, the author took the easy way out when wrapping up the story. i won’t say what it was, but i feel like i wanted more from this book. more torment towards the bullies, more meaningful conversations, because it is a topic that’s really important nowadays too and if we’re writing a revenge story, we want a PROPER revenge story. i felt like i just got a surface of it when i personally needed the depths.
𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡… i definitely don’t think this was a bad book, i did feel for the characters, but i’m pretty sure i’ll forget everything about it soon lol.
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November 8, 2024I chose to read this book because of the impact it had on an important person in my life.
“You’re a psycho.”
“No, I’m not. I’m a product of my surroundings. You…all of you sitting here…you all made me.”
“You’re a psycho.”
“No, I’m not. I’m a product of my surroundings. You…all of you sitting here…you all made me.”
August 10, 2018
Psych horrors. I’m on a roll. Still having a break from half naked alpha males in favour of complete psychopaths. I picked this one because it looked like a disturbing revenge against bullies story and I do like me some sweet come-uppance. Mind you the come uppance was more than a little bit of you hit me so I’ll hit you.
It’s a lot shorter than I thought it would be, with only 102 pages it’s more of a novella. It packs a punch though, right to the stomach.
If you’ve ever been bullied you might have thought about ways to dish out payback. Not to this extent, but I know I have. It hit hard because situations like this genuinely happen everyday.
3 stars for this punchy little read. I liked that it highlighted real life happenings, and the payback was pretty shocking. But I’m not sure I liked the writing itself and I don’t feel it’s going to stay in my head for much longer after I post this review.
It’s a lot shorter than I thought it would be, with only 102 pages it’s more of a novella. It packs a punch though, right to the stomach.
If you’ve ever been bullied you might have thought about ways to dish out payback. Not to this extent, but I know I have. It hit hard because situations like this genuinely happen everyday.
3 stars for this punchy little read. I liked that it highlighted real life happenings, and the payback was pretty shocking. But I’m not sure I liked the writing itself and I don’t feel it’s going to stay in my head for much longer after I post this review.
Read
May 12, 2021DNF @ 30 %.
Stephen King’s (in guise of Bachman) ‘Rage’ copy - only with more cursing and explicit aggressive sex acts and poorer language (and no, I do not consider excessive swearing and poor language to be one and the same).
The narrator, i.e. the perpetrator, and his bite size angry, laconic (internal) dialogue making up most of the text got heavily on my nerves and I had to drop this one.
Stephen King’s (in guise of Bachman) ‘Rage’ copy - only with more cursing and explicit aggressive sex acts and poorer language (and no, I do not consider excessive swearing and poor language to be one and the same).
The narrator, i.e. the perpetrator, and his bite size angry, laconic (internal) dialogue making up most of the text got heavily on my nerves and I had to drop this one.
March 8, 2016
:: A Disturbing but Powerful Look into the Minds of Bully Victims ::
“Whoever said ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ clearly hasn’t been on the receiving end of people who spend the vast majority of their times using hateful words.”
Wow. If this book weren’t so disturbing it could be seen as extremely powerful when it comes to victims of bullying. This is the first book I read from author Matt Shaw (who I found via one of my groups here on goodreads) and it certainly won’t be the last! That is, if I can get through the gore, violence, and disturbing material. ;)
This story is essentially about a boy who is the victim of bullying. And, instead of sitting back and taking the bullying that is happening to him and fellow classmates he takes it upon himself to “make it right” so that bullies will harm no longer. However, the revenge that he seeks is not that of hurtful words and telling adults that it is happening. Instead, these bullies become tortured. The material is rather violent and again disturbing but it really puts it into perspective how the victims feel.
For those who enjoy gore and disturbing material this book might be right for you! But, if you don’t enjoy that kind of thing I would stay away from it because it will make you cringe!
Book Type: Novella/Short Story (102 pgs.)
Overall Rating: 4.6 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yes, to those who enjoy disturbing stories with extreme violence.
Would I Read Again: Probably not this book but I WILL try some other novels from this author
“Whoever said ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ clearly hasn’t been on the receiving end of people who spend the vast majority of their times using hateful words.”
Wow. If this book weren’t so disturbing it could be seen as extremely powerful when it comes to victims of bullying. This is the first book I read from author Matt Shaw (who I found via one of my groups here on goodreads) and it certainly won’t be the last! That is, if I can get through the gore, violence, and disturbing material. ;)
This story is essentially about a boy who is the victim of bullying. And, instead of sitting back and taking the bullying that is happening to him and fellow classmates he takes it upon himself to “make it right” so that bullies will harm no longer. However, the revenge that he seeks is not that of hurtful words and telling adults that it is happening. Instead, these bullies become tortured. The material is rather violent and again disturbing but it really puts it into perspective how the victims feel.
For those who enjoy gore and disturbing material this book might be right for you! But, if you don’t enjoy that kind of thing I would stay away from it because it will make you cringe!
Book Type: Novella/Short Story (102 pgs.)
Overall Rating: 4.6 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yes, to those who enjoy disturbing stories with extreme violence.
Would I Read Again: Probably not this book but I WILL try some other novels from this author
January 1, 2016
Sad but brilliant story.
I expect that this book hit people like a freight train, just like it did to me. An amazingly brutal but sad story with a hard hitting message.
I expect that this book hit people like a freight train, just like it did to me. An amazingly brutal but sad story with a hard hitting message.
January 11, 2013
I am overcome with such emotion right now.
I did not expect this story.
I was expecting a “RAGE” ¹ type of short story. Stephen King pulled every copy of RAGE off the shelves after the massacre at Columbine, and after the recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary, Matt was pondering the same. Pulling this story would be a tragedy.
Every word, from the dedication to the end, holds such raw emotion. I agree with Matt (in the author’s note) when he says that violence is not the answer, but who hasn’t been driven to their absolute limit before? You want so badly for the pain to stop.
THE 8TH is written in first person narration.
It’s about a boy, starting off in a yet another new school, after just moving again due to the fathers job. Another new school - the same old problems. He meets and quickly makes friends with David, another boy whose life is being made a living hell by the schools group of D bags. Meeting David awakens something in him. He can no longer just sit back and be bullied, and he can’t watch it happen to his friend either. The school won’t stop things, parents never realize how bad things are. It’s a story of sadness, of hurt, and of revenge. But, in keeping with Matt’s style - don’t fool yourself into thinking you know where this story is going. Right when you think you know where you are, he shoves the blindfold over your eyes, spins you around a couple times, and shoves you in the opposite direction.
NOVA - Network Of Victim Assistance - 800-675-6900
National Suicide Prevention Lifelike - 800-723-TALK (8255)
I did not expect this story.
I was expecting a “RAGE” ¹ type of short story. Stephen King pulled every copy of RAGE off the shelves after the massacre at Columbine, and after the recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary, Matt was pondering the same. Pulling this story would be a tragedy.
Every word, from the dedication to the end, holds such raw emotion. I agree with Matt (in the author’s note) when he says that violence is not the answer, but who hasn’t been driven to their absolute limit before? You want so badly for the pain to stop.
THE 8TH is written in first person narration.
It’s about a boy, starting off in a yet another new school, after just moving again due to the fathers job. Another new school - the same old problems. He meets and quickly makes friends with David, another boy whose life is being made a living hell by the schools group of D bags. Meeting David awakens something in him. He can no longer just sit back and be bullied, and he can’t watch it happen to his friend either. The school won’t stop things, parents never realize how bad things are. It’s a story of sadness, of hurt, and of revenge. But, in keeping with Matt’s style - don’t fool yourself into thinking you know where this story is going. Right when you think you know where you are, he shoves the blindfold over your eyes, spins you around a couple times, and shoves you in the opposite direction.
NOVA - Network Of Victim Assistance - 800-675-6900
National Suicide Prevention Lifelike - 800-723-TALK (8255)
November 15, 2015
The first Matt Shaw story I have read, definitely not the last.
Known for being over-the-top with stories of gore/horror/sex/torture etc. I didn't know what to expect. I told myself "Surely he can't be that horrific; that twisted or sinister." Seems I was wrong. I'm aware that he has done stories more severe than this, but given the point of the story, it could be seen as extreme either way.
It tells the tale of a boy pushed too far. A boy who can't stand back and watch the bullies ruin yet another school for himself, and put one of his friends down all the time. A tale of ignorance, revenge and how words can be more hurtful than one can realise.
It's revenge. A boy fighting back against his tormentors. A boy distraught with his day to day life; no-one listens when he speaks; his teachers; his parents; no-one will help.
I love the execution, the justice, and how he manages to keep you on edge giving explanation perfectly throughout past and present.
Definitely want to read more.
Known for being over-the-top with stories of gore/horror/sex/torture etc. I didn't know what to expect. I told myself "Surely he can't be that horrific; that twisted or sinister." Seems I was wrong. I'm aware that he has done stories more severe than this, but given the point of the story, it could be seen as extreme either way.
It tells the tale of a boy pushed too far. A boy who can't stand back and watch the bullies ruin yet another school for himself, and put one of his friends down all the time. A tale of ignorance, revenge and how words can be more hurtful than one can realise.
It's revenge. A boy fighting back against his tormentors. A boy distraught with his day to day life; no-one listens when he speaks; his teachers; his parents; no-one will help.
I love the execution, the justice, and how he manages to keep you on edge giving explanation perfectly throughout past and present.
Definitely want to read more.
November 2, 2015
I enjoyed this departure from the normal gore and horror that i have come to expect from Matt Shaw..he deals with the subject of bullying and revenge in a no holds barred view from the perpetrator of the revenge seeking victim as he takes his classmates and teacher hostage.
Its messy
Its violent
its insightful
Its messy
Its violent
its insightful
September 22, 2015
Holly F ing shot. Tough and well written.
Forces you to think about those who could stand up for themselves and those who couldn't. Trying to remember honestly if I was a shit of a person back in school. Hope not.
Forces you to think about those who could stand up for themselves and those who couldn't. Trying to remember honestly if I was a shit of a person back in school. Hope not.
July 22, 2016
I've never read a book about a schoolboy taking revenge against bullies. It didn't bore me for a second--the tale well-written--but I wanted more in the way of carnage and other vile revenge. Seems written in a hurry. This could've been a novel, in my humble opinion.
June 12, 2016
Dark and disturbing, ringing all too true these days.
September 23, 2016
I just finished this book and my hands are shaking. Matt Shaw is best known for his extreme horror books, but I hope that doesn't distract people from his talent as a writer. His horror books are good. This book is outstanding. Matt Shaw can write about extreme emotional pain just as well--or better--than he can write about serial killers and crazy people doing things with dead bodies.
This book is about a teenage boy. We never find out his name, probably because he can be anyone; any person who doesn't fit in, who doesn't look just right or talk just right or whose parents don't make enough money or any of the myriad reasons bullies find to torment. He's always the new kid in school because his father moves around for work, which automatically makes him the target of bullies everywhere he goes.
He's lucky enough to find one good friend, David. David is also bullied--for a different reason--so they are at least lucky enough to find each other.
All the adults portrayed in the book are indifferent or blind to what's happening or just don't care. I wanted to reach into the book and throttle them. Adults have the ability to make a difference, to change things for the better for kids being bullied, but sometimes adults are just grown-up bullies and just turn their heads and laugh along with them.
The book starts with the narrator's first day of school and ends with his last. In between, we go back and forth in time to the times he and David were bullied and their reactions to things that take place in school. My heart was breaking for both of them, and I really wanted to know what it is in humans that make the strong--who already have everything--take advantage of and hurt the weak. We've all heard the excuse that bullies are just insecure themselves; perhaps that is true in some cases, but it isn't the case in this book. These kids are bullies because they enjoy being bullies and because they know no one is going to stop them.
Something terrible happens to David. We really can't tell if this drives the narrator over the edge or if he is perfectly sane and just wants revenge. I think it's ambiguous on purpose. How can we ever know how much it takes to push someone over the edge of insanity? It must be different for every person. Kids who are bullied have two choices: withdraw into themselves and try to survive or get revenge. Our narrator chooses to get revenge.
The rest of the story is about how he goes about that and the things he realizes about himself as he does so.
Matt Shaw starts the book with a prologue telling us that he was bullied and that he fought back. He doesn't condone violence, and neither do I, but what is left when all else fails? The bullies don't hesitate to use violence. Does it bring us down to their level if we strike back? Or are we just standing up for ourselves?
The thing is: bullying never ends. It may not be called bullying as we become adults, but just take a look at what is happening in the US these days. The rich are taking advantage of the poor; those in power take advantage of those not in power (minorities, women, the old, the young); and politicians encourage us to live in fear of each other to their own personal advantage. All that is just a more sophisticated version of bullying. I guess we learn better techniques as we grow up.
This book will resonate with anyone who was laughed at or beat up or humiliated just for being different. I wonder if any bullies--or former bullies--will recognize themselves in here and regret who they are or used to be.
I think we can look around us and see the bullies are winning so far. I don't know if there are enough people fighting back to change that. I don't have much hope of that because people in power do not give it up easily. We need to reach the point as a society, a country, a world, where we finally say, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore." Many people believe that can be done without violence, but if you look at human history, violence has always been part of us. We aren't that great of a species. Others of "less" intelligence get along much better than we do. Something is wrong with us and we better figure it out before too many more kids suffer and society heads down a path we can't recover from.
This is an excellent book. It may hurt to read it, but, if it does, I think that proves you're one of the good guys.
This book is about a teenage boy. We never find out his name, probably because he can be anyone; any person who doesn't fit in, who doesn't look just right or talk just right or whose parents don't make enough money or any of the myriad reasons bullies find to torment. He's always the new kid in school because his father moves around for work, which automatically makes him the target of bullies everywhere he goes.
He's lucky enough to find one good friend, David. David is also bullied--for a different reason--so they are at least lucky enough to find each other.
All the adults portrayed in the book are indifferent or blind to what's happening or just don't care. I wanted to reach into the book and throttle them. Adults have the ability to make a difference, to change things for the better for kids being bullied, but sometimes adults are just grown-up bullies and just turn their heads and laugh along with them.
The book starts with the narrator's first day of school and ends with his last. In between, we go back and forth in time to the times he and David were bullied and their reactions to things that take place in school. My heart was breaking for both of them, and I really wanted to know what it is in humans that make the strong--who already have everything--take advantage of and hurt the weak. We've all heard the excuse that bullies are just insecure themselves; perhaps that is true in some cases, but it isn't the case in this book. These kids are bullies because they enjoy being bullies and because they know no one is going to stop them.
Something terrible happens to David. We really can't tell if this drives the narrator over the edge or if he is perfectly sane and just wants revenge. I think it's ambiguous on purpose. How can we ever know how much it takes to push someone over the edge of insanity? It must be different for every person. Kids who are bullied have two choices: withdraw into themselves and try to survive or get revenge. Our narrator chooses to get revenge.
The rest of the story is about how he goes about that and the things he realizes about himself as he does so.
Matt Shaw starts the book with a prologue telling us that he was bullied and that he fought back. He doesn't condone violence, and neither do I, but what is left when all else fails? The bullies don't hesitate to use violence. Does it bring us down to their level if we strike back? Or are we just standing up for ourselves?
The thing is: bullying never ends. It may not be called bullying as we become adults, but just take a look at what is happening in the US these days. The rich are taking advantage of the poor; those in power take advantage of those not in power (minorities, women, the old, the young); and politicians encourage us to live in fear of each other to their own personal advantage. All that is just a more sophisticated version of bullying. I guess we learn better techniques as we grow up.
This book will resonate with anyone who was laughed at or beat up or humiliated just for being different. I wonder if any bullies--or former bullies--will recognize themselves in here and regret who they are or used to be.
I think we can look around us and see the bullies are winning so far. I don't know if there are enough people fighting back to change that. I don't have much hope of that because people in power do not give it up easily. We need to reach the point as a society, a country, a world, where we finally say, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore." Many people believe that can be done without violence, but if you look at human history, violence has always been part of us. We aren't that great of a species. Others of "less" intelligence get along much better than we do. Something is wrong with us and we better figure it out before too many more kids suffer and society heads down a path we can't recover from.
This is an excellent book. It may hurt to read it, but, if it does, I think that proves you're one of the good guys.
December 15, 2016
This is a short novella where an unnamed schoolboy who has spent his life moving homes and schools. When he starts a new school he identifies who the bullies are and seeks out revenge on the way they treated him, his friends and others in the school.
There was more potential in this book than was actually included and some of the actions on the boy did not sit well with me. As a victim of bullies I thought I could relate to the main character it the other victims of the bullies, but the actions of the main character put a dampener on that.
It is an average read which had so much potential.
There was more potential in this book than was actually included and some of the actions on the boy did not sit well with me. As a victim of bullies I thought I could relate to the main character it the other victims of the bullies, but the actions of the main character put a dampener on that.
It is an average read which had so much potential.
March 14, 2017
The 8th is definitely not for the squeamish or the easily offended, and it deals with a difficult topic that I think many will take away the wrong message unfortunately.
From my understanding and view the book does not promote violence as a remedy to bullying, as even Matt Shaw (the author) stated he does not advocate such, but instead I'd say gives a little insight into how someone who has constantly endured bullying feels and could react under such horrible circumstances.
When you get down to it, even with the more graphic depictions of some acts, the story is really a tragedy, it's sad and heartbreaking. It's all too plausible which makes it even more scary.
From my understanding and view the book does not promote violence as a remedy to bullying, as even Matt Shaw (the author) stated he does not advocate such, but instead I'd say gives a little insight into how someone who has constantly endured bullying feels and could react under such horrible circumstances.
When you get down to it, even with the more graphic depictions of some acts, the story is really a tragedy, it's sad and heartbreaking. It's all too plausible which makes it even more scary.
November 13, 2015
This book was so much more than I ever expected. I knew Matt Shaw was great at writing horror but this story really makes you think. It was just heartbreaking and so well written. Although I would never agree with violence, I could easily understand how the main character must have felt and why he did the things he did. This definitely is a very dark story but it's very real. I highly recommend it.
January 6, 2016
The 8th was my first introduction to Matt Shaw. I knew from his reputation that I was in for something dark and nasty, but I didn't expect the emotional gutpunch that came with it.
A bit rough around the edges, but enjoyable nonetheless.
This was my first Matt Shaw book, and it certainly won't be my last.
A bit rough around the edges, but enjoyable nonetheless.
This was my first Matt Shaw book, and it certainly won't be my last.
July 7, 2017
I kept hearing great things about Matt Shaw's books from some of my friends. The 8th is the first book I checked out by Mr. Shaw, and I have to say, it was a fantastic introduction to this writer. I am a huge horror fan, but I usually balk at reading or watching extreme horror, but Matt Shaw's excellent writing drew me into his story about a high school student who has been bullied relentlessly, and decides to turn the tables and take matters into his own hands. I appreciated the insights into the main character and his thought patterns about all the events that befell him and led to where he was at in the story. There is good drama and intensity throughout. I definitely plan to check out more of Matt Shaw's books.
October 11, 2025
୨ৎ : "they're all murderers... the only difference is they didnt pull a trigger."
— ☆ 4/5
while this wasnt necessarily gory, its a high rating due to the story it portrayed. bullying is such a huge problem within the schooling system and it absolutely breaks my heart. so while violence isnt the answer this book just tugged at every heartstring I own.
— ☆ 4/5
while this wasnt necessarily gory, its a high rating due to the story it portrayed. bullying is such a huge problem within the schooling system and it absolutely breaks my heart. so while violence isnt the answer this book just tugged at every heartstring I own.
April 26, 2021
HARRY CALLAHAN and THE PUNISHER were bullied kids and then...
The people who had tormented me day in and day out for the past two years whether it was by name-calling or physical abuse. I won’t ever forget their names.
The people who had tormented me day in and day out for the past two years whether it was by name-calling or physical abuse. I won’t ever forget their names.
April 23, 2019
Extremely graphic, depraved, but realistic book about the effects of hardcore bullying amongst adolescence. While the writing style doesn't stand out at all, the dialogue of the characters, as well as the main inner monologue is very fleshed out and blunt. The story moves at a brisk pace, going back and forth between past events and the present. While it might be a bit jarring at first to realize when the time jumps occur, you become accustomed to it fast. Without going into spoilers, the true effects of ignoring a child's cries for help from peer humiliation, and even justification of it, is shown in its most extreme case with a crazy, but believable twist ending. The events portrayed are lengthy and frank for sure, so definitely stay away from this if you think you can't handle ultra graphic depictions of rape, harassment, self harm, or are a pretty depressed individual yourself. The only complaint I have is that some of the revenge sequences are unnecessarily detailed, which took me out of an otherwise grounded story. I have zero problem with extreme horror and love Matt Shaw's other novels, but I feel in a story like this, there is a fine line between being tastefully brutal and simply exploitative. That being said, this does not detract from an otherwise horrifically sad story about loss, grief, suffering, a lack of parental awareness, and the results of bullying on angst filled, teenage youth. The twist ending is very well done, and the book concludes with a perfectly fitting tone. Hopefully bullies, as well as teens who are thinking about getting even with their tormentors through violence, both read this book and realize the cost that harboring hate inside yourself has. They will see the consequences of not seeking professional help to deal with harmful emotions, and how all it takes is a single act to ruin the lives of many people. At the end of the day though, Shaw clearly is sending an effective message towards parents and teachers who don't take bullying seriously in school, or are maybe even ignorant of how malicious and wide spread it can be. The revenge taken out on certain characters is vile and sickening in its own right. But it almost seems justified once you learn the level of humiliation and torment the bullies put out onto the main two characters, for no other reason than the fact that they were different and kept to themselves. The world is filled with great therapists and psychiatrists today, so both bullies and victims should use these resources to deal with any conflict that is starting to becoming unbearable.
Overall - 9.5/10
Overall - 9.5/10
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