Punish the Bullied: Part 1

by Ivan Siegel

She’s got no friends.

They’re mean to her at school. They laugh at her at swim practice.

She’s mean to herself, despising her body, living in permanent shame as her classmates’ bullying permeates her skin and suffocates her.

The only source of love for Joanne Sellers is her mother, Ella, and Joanne is determined to hide her suffering from her.

Her life is an endless trail of misery.

So, when Connor Field—possibly the most attractive guy in school—strikes up a conversation with her one day, showing actual interest in her, she succumbs to a numbing mixture of perplexity and overwhelming joy.

But this is about to change…

Because Joanne is hurled into a nightmare she can’t crawl out of; a nightmare that threatens to annihilate her body and break her mind.

A nightmare that makes her see that there’s something worse than being bullied…which is being punished for it.

This book contains graphic scenes of violence and torture. Reader discretion is advised.

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

Hello everybody!

I'm an EFL English teacher and creative writer living in Pamplona, Spain. I love writing and reading thrillers and horror novels.

Reviews

[Kirsty Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard going at times but Ivan’s style of writing makes the story flow so you just have to keep reading.
I found myself desperately willing the character to fight back.
Brutal, devastating and a thoroughly great read!

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infuriating that this kid did not get punished in the first book. Can’t wait for part 2 and hopefully he gets what’s coming to him.

[Jeffrey Bialecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I don’t want to give anything away but this book hits you in the gut and doesn’t stop. It made me so uncomfortable and so angry but in the best possible way. Well done sir.

[Mandy Cappelletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not ok after finishing this book. It was a very hard read that dug its claws into me and wouldn’t let go. I find Ivan’s writing made me stick through it. I could feel the fear from the main character throughout the narrative and my heart ached for her. It’s emotionally disturbing, gory and just down right horrifying. Incredible psychologically disturbing work of literature!

[Elaine Betancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!! I wasn't sure what I was getting into but this was one that will definitely stay with me for years to come. Joanne was just an ordinary girl in high school. She hated the way she looked, had absolutely no friends, acne, and was a loner.... until Connor came along. She started to think maybe life was turning around for the better. She learned that she was horribly mistaken. She quickly learned people aren't always who you think they are, and sometimes things are too good to be true.

This book has extreme horror, torture and of course bullying so not for the faint of heart. It was so well written and the descriptions were top knotch. I can't wait for the second part and everything else this author has written!!!

[Noel Konkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. It did not go where I originally thought it would but it didn’t not disappoint. I can’t wait to read more by Ivan

[Sara Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy freaking hell!!! This was most definitely on par with how utterly horrifying this author’s previous works ‘Something Extreme’ and its sequel were! My god. Honestly this is just not something you would expect to read, the bullies getting their Just Desserts, absolutely, but not the bullied getting it worse than their usual. As I stated, if you have read Something Extreme then you should kinda know what you’re in for, if not, well that’s just unfortunate. Looking forward to the next.

[BookSplatterBritt]

This was so sad, I have no words. Bullying is such a sad and disgusting thing. This KID took it to extreme and what he does is absolutely disturbing and inhumane, and thats just saying it "nicely". I was hoping for a twist but all I received was heartache. This was written so well, I had to know what was going to happen, just to have my heart ripped out. Amazing job! Definitely ready for part 2!

[Hayley Surabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if being bullied isn’t bad enough, imagine being bullied because you don’t stand up for yourself against the bullies. Sadly that is Joanne’s reality. She hates the way she looks when she looks in the mirror, and the bullies at school don’t spare her any sympathy when it comes ridiculing her. So when one of the best looking boys in school, Connor, starts to show her attention, things start looking up for her….or so she thinks. I don’t want to give too much away, just know that there is a lot of blood, gore, and torture! Please check triggers before reading this one. I can’t wait for part 2!!

[Mallory Krebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating

As someone who was bullied in grade school, this really hit me hard. Ivan's writing makes me feel every emotion. I love his writing style so much and I will read anything he writes! Can't wait for part 2!

[Raychel Klotz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one expecting splatterpunk and extreme horror, but what I got was something new and different... and I LOVED it.

The author’s writing is smooth and immersive, pulling you right into the story like you're walking beside the characters. And the character development? Chef’s kiss. You feel everything when things go sideways. We’re deep in their heads, and it hits hard when you remember—they’re just kids.

This leans more into psychological horror: grotesque, vindictive, and emotionally brutal. The boy’s torment of the girl is chilling. He punishes her for her weakness and allowing HERSELF to get bullied. Her emotional pain ends up cutting deeper than the physical wounds. And trust me, those wounds are deep, and oh so nasty!

The mother’s battle with lack of hope adds another layer of heartbreak, while the female detective takes the case personally, adding compassion to the narrative.

This novel is Raw. Torturous. Emotional. And it grabs you till the very last page.

And that ending? Just when you think it’s all wrapped up in a sad-but-okay bow... the mother hits PLAY.

IYKYK. 😵‍💫

[Bibliophile Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this one expecting extreme horror, but it surprised me in the best way. Punish the Bullied is raw, emotional, and completely gut-wrenching. It dives deep into the pain of bullying, shame, and revenge, and the result is both horrifying and heartbreaking.

I still remember my school days vividly, the constant fear, the dread of what each day would bring. I was bullied relentlessly for my freckles, and with my crippling anxiety and lack of confidence, it truly felt like hell on earth. Back then, being a target meant you were either ignored or made fun of even more. Punish the Bullied takes that experience and magnifies it, diving into a far darker, more brutal version of that same torment, a true descent into another level of hell. Punish the bullied pulls you right into the characters’ minds. You feel their fear, anger, and desperation as everything spirals out of control. It’s not just about physical horror, it’s the psychological side that really hits hard.

The ending left me speechless. Just when you think it’s over, Siegel hits you with a final twist that stays with you long after.

A brutal but unforgettable read.

[Hannah Garnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t be fooled by its size — this little book packs a serious punch! For just a few hundred pages, it manages to be gripping, gruesome, and oddly thought-provoking all at once. I connected with the main characters surprisingly quickly, though I did find myself wanting a bit more backstory about why everything was happening — I can only imagine what goes on inside Connor’s mind!

A quick warning: if you’ve got a weak stomach or plan on eating a PB&J anytime soon, you might want to wait. But if you enjoy the kind of story that makes your toes curl, your stomach flip, and your pulse race, this one’s for you. Terrifying, clever, and hard to put down — I’m already excited to see what comes next from this author!

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punish the Bullied by Ivan Siegel is an intense and emotional story that dives deep into the darker side of bullying and revenge. The book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths—it’s raw, unsettling, and at times hard to read, but that’s what makes it so gripping. Siegel captures the pain and anger of being pushed too far, and the transformation that follows, in a way that keeps you turning the pages.

What really stands out is the unapologetically dark tone of the story. Siegel doesn’t sugarcoat the cruelty or emotional turmoil; instead, he confronts it head-on, forcing readers to sit with the uncomfortable reality of vengeance and trauma. It’s that darkness—handled with such boldness—that gives the book its haunting power and lasting impact.

[Simon Dower · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, what to say about this one? An interesting concept to launch an all-out attack on a poor soul that's already suffering from being bullied; I'd thought of something like, rubbing salt in the wound, but it's more like flooding the wound with gunpowder and igniting it. I've read a lot of torture and snuff books in my time, this one was a good tale but I didn't overly enjoy the writing style. I'm not sure what it was that didn't overly grab me, but I still ripped through it fast, eager to see what would become of this fated girl. It's not obscenely graphic, but screamed a lot of hatred and malice from the pages. If torture is your bag, check it out, it's wild ride for sure.
3/5

[Stu Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punish the Bullied by Ivan Siegel - Author
I finally got around to reading this book, and wish I'd read it sooner.
Joanne lives a lonely existence, and is tormented relentlessly by the school bullies.
Walking home one day, the seemingly charming Connor approaches her.
Enamoured with him, she thinks her life is changing for the better.
How wrong she is. She is about to have her world turned upside down in the most violent way possible.
Scenes of graphic torture and cruelty throughout.
Well written, and I can't wait to check out the authors other work.

[Amanda Elizabeth Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan’s stories are brutal and harsh and gut wrenching but the way he writes doesn’t allow you to stop. You just have to finish the book which is why I finished it in a few hours. My heart ached for Joanne and her situation. Bullies suck and being bullied has to be a terrible thing to deal with. However, how do you comprehend that you are being bullied by someone who blames you for being bullied. Her captor thinks if he bullies her, it will make her strong and wanting to fight back. Is he correct? Will Joanne stick up for herself or just continue to be the victim and accept her fate.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sick and twisted. I'm blown away by the fact that Connor feels that Joanna deserves to be punished for not doing anything about the people bullying her.
This book takes a sick approach to being judge and jury for those that don't tell on their bullies.
While the story was so twisted, I actually loved the stroy itself. it's so original. and graphic. I could picture all the terrible things. Connors evil, Joannas pain and torture.
it was excellently written. I can't wait to read the second one.

[EERIE DARK READS · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was bullied in highschool, I really felt for Joanne.. I was really rooting for her.. Poor girl.

BUT as for Connor... I found myself filled with rage that he got away with what he did. Smug little prick. He made my blood boil 🤣 Reminded me of Joffrey from GOT (Blonde hair maybe?)

Read it in one sitting, couldnt put it down...

Onto book 2 now! Let's hope Karma gets Connor and its agonising for the little piss ant! 🤣🤞

[Jason Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went in to this blind.
At the start, I was getting a Carrie vibe, but boy wasn't I wrong.
Ivan takes you on a very turbulent ride with his unique story.
Joanne is a young girl, forever bullied throughout her life, and then met Connor!
He showed the attention she craved and let him in, bad mistake..
Body trauma and horror are plenty, and without giving much away, not the fairytale ending for......
Really enjoyable read and definitely picking up on part 2

[Mckenzie Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binged in one setting … absolutely grueling in the best way. Ivan has the writing capabilities to absolutely suck you in … im not going to spoil anything but lets just say you havent read a book like this ever. The concept of bullying and the victim of bullying continuing to be the victim was a work of art.

[Nik Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joanne has it rough. She is constantly being bullied at school and swim practice. When she's home, she is her own worst critic. Then she meets Connor and thinks everything was going to change for the better. Boy, was she wrong.

This book definitely didn't go in the direction I expected when I started. It is a brutal story with a very bleak ending.

[나레 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you hate bullies, you will hate them even more after reading this. Sadistic, cruel and brutal story. There were some characters that made you feel there's still hope for humanity though. Just wished it was a little bit longer!

[Tony splatterpunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most brutal/torture books I have read,Joanne is bullied at school, Connor seems to be attracted to her but he as plans for Joanne, check your tiggers on this one, another fantastic read from Ivan Siegel

[Tera Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A literal gut punch…takes the traditional bullying tale and spins it 360 degrees. Extremely well written with vivid imagery that makes the story feel real. Truly visceral and stays with you well after the final chapter.

[Mandy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading something written by this author, I was not disappointed! I completed this in about 31/2 hours as I could not put it down! I initially found the style of writing hard to follow but after the first few chapters, Ivan’s creative flair comes alive!

[Samantha Hincksman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me SO ANGRY.
But that’s the point I suppose.. without spoiling anything, I read this in one sitting and was VERY invested.
Love the brutality, and the concept.
I will be reading the second book to see if I can get some closure!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!! I don’t gag much, but one part of the book made me want to throw up at one point
Definitely well written and will enjoy part 2!

The book is face paced too, no slow burns, and keeps you wanting to read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a wild one! Being bullied sucks! Its actually quite sad. Gave me.Carrie vibes. It was well written and brutal! Highly recommend!! Looking forward to part 2!

[Louise Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal! Once I had some decent time to read this book, I couldn't put it down! highly recommend!