Brutality

by Ian Woodhead

WARNING! Brutality is an EXTREME horror tale. Please do not purchase this book if you are easily shocked, disgusted or offended. There is a deep, hidden sickness that affects everyone born in the blighted town of Brutality. This evil, this urge to hurt, to torment – to kill, is hidden behind a thin veil of normality, only to be unleashed behind closed doors. A few of the people who moved there sense that there's something very wrong with this bleak town, but nothing in their imagination could prepare them for the real truth. When a stranger unlocks the town's dark secret, both visitors and the recent inhabitants now find themselves fighting to stay alive as an orgy of violence, mayhem and murder is unleashed in Brutality! A less intense version of this story was previously published under the title of Rags and Bones.

Genres: Horror

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2015

About the author

Ian Woodhead is just past the age of forty. He lives in the north of England and is married to a wonderful woman. He has forgotten how many children he has. He had been writing for nearly twenty years but has only just gained the confidence to start showing his work. Ian finds it a little creepy writing about himself in the third person.

Reviews

[Andrew Lennon]

I enjoyed this story a lot. With a name like "Brutality" I was expecting the normal mindless violence (which is good, I like that) but this story was far more in depth. brutality is the name of the town and its residents are different from other people. Each one has its own dark streak.
This leads on to a very in depth and dark story. The only reason I gave this four stars and not five is because I felt like it could have gone further. Ian Woodhead has created a very unique universe with this story and I think the potential is massive.
I really hope that there is going to be more.

[River Dixon]

I thought the novel portion of this book was good enough, but the short stories were outstanding. I would definitely like to read more shorts from this author.

[Tamara]

Staggeringly Brutal

This book lives up to its title ... and then some. A high voltage horror experience awaits within the pages of BRUTALITY. Ian Woodhead expertly crafts vile passages for your reading pleasure (or discomfort). Consider keeping a light (or two) on while ... and perhaps even after ... you read this!

[Lisa Lee]

I bought this book on a whim, mostly because it showed up in my "recommended" list and I was bored. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it!
The story is fast paced and full of tension, surprises, and brutal horror. The characters are well developed. The ending was a shocker.
Brutality is a great read!

[Christa]

Fast paced and yes extreme, loved it! Will look for more work by this author!

[Alexa "Naps" Snow]

Well, maybe brutality isn't the right word. Wasn't what I expected. Not a bad story anyway.

[Michelle]

Edward Lee has ruined me because for "EXTREME horror" this was child's play. The writing also never really drew me into the story and I felt bored throughout.

[Jaded]

sucked big time

[Christina Eleanor]

I read Brutality on the advice of a friend. The characters were well developed and believable. The human race can do awful things to their own kind and this book capitalized on that. Definitely not for the squeamish or for those that have trauma triggers. I liked it overall, but felt the story wrapped up too quickly then it was done. It totally went in a different direction I was not expecting.

[Abigail Hedley]

Reading wasn't as smooth as is have likeness to errors but the stories and interlinking plots were really enjoyable.

[Mandy]

I've been wanting to read some Ian Woodhead for awhile now just not sure where to start. He has a bunch of books with a lot of varied ratings and I just simply didn't want my first piece of Woodhead to end up of leaving a sour taste in myyy..mooouth...oh, there is a joke in there somewhere...hmm..
Anyway, so after asking a few facebook friends who's opinions I trust, I settled on this, Brutality.
WOW, thanks guys!!! This was one FANTASTIC read and a perfect stepping stool to The Library of Woodhead.
I am completely shocked that this rates in the low 3's here at Goodreads, I give it a solid five, would be more if they had a + feature.

Okay, so, Brutality is actually the name of a town, somewhat off the grid and somewhere deep in the English countryside. It's a place where many of the citizens feel quite at home in their devious and sadistic acts.
Anything goes really, and things really do GO there.
At the start we met a man, a 200 year old man, a protector of sorts, and through use of his KA can have out of body experiences from 'The Powers That Be' who have entrusted him with helping to weed out the truly deplorable and vilest of the bunch.
The evilness must stay tethered to the town itself.
Well, The Powers That Be seem to beeeee elsewhere these days because there is something up in Brutality and it ain't good Samaritanism. Chaos is running rampant.
Is it something in the water, too much violent video gaming, PCP laced oxygen??
The actual natives have always been the true darker hearted ones, it's bred into them. Newer arrivals either must try to play along or quickly be weeded out.
Strangely for all, there is no flee mentality, it's as if the town itself is shrouded under some kind of Stockholm Syndrome cloak or something.
Under the town itself some fearful citizens find themselves, braving through tunnels and catacombs unearthing ancient secrets of first families and power battles long lost and won.

​I kind of find myself having a hard time reviewing this, which is odd for me. It is not your typical blood and guts via murder and mayhem in a sleepy town, kind of story.
YES, there IS all that but this tale is so much deeper than just that, layers of mythology intertwined with the intense savagery.

It somewhat reminded me of LOST, mainly the final season, with the good vs. evil power struggle and the shifting of balance plus that whole mythology element.
You see, there used to be a second protector....
Also got a Buffy vibe as well (don't laugh, it's a great show!!) but only in regards to the Hellmouth. Fans of either of shows will get my meaning there.

​I know that I have mentioned no names and it's not to protect anyone, it's simply because there are just so many and I could not work them in.
Ian juggles this VERY large cast of characters with perfection, never a dull moment or a redundant plot point. I was completely immersed in the story and invested in the characters....well, not so much the schizos.
He kept everything moving at a fast and exciting pace, maintaining plenty of mystery to keep me up later than my normal bedtime and then opting for my mega watt night light to carry me through till dawn.
Ian's writing style is impeccable, smooth, methodical, and rich in subtext.

I guess I can understand why some rated it so low, they were only after a simpleton shockfest and just did not 'get it'. Well, I got it...but just barely, it's pretty damn deeeep.

So yes, I LOVED this and now I have yet another new author who is on my radar and in me Q.
It's getting hard to keep up but I'm not complaining!!

PLUS and BONUS ~ he has recently been whipping up some new shorts all centered in this peaceful little angelic town.
Burger, Dead Girl, Poisoned, and The Shed thus far.
Consider it population plus 1 now Mr. Woodhead.
I will be lingering and lurking.
Well, to be honest, I'll be camped out on the outskirts of town with my trusty binoculars and beer that I'm quite fond of.
Yeeea...I'll catch the carnage from THAT vantage point.
I'm non confrontational and kind of a wimp. Lol

[J.C. Brennan]

The small isolated town of Brutality was born with a sickness; a deep rooted sickness that has now been unleashed. Destruction, depravity, and madness will run rampant through the town’s street. Those not born of the town had better run for they are the targets of the towns demented rage, rape, murder, and other vile acts I dare not mention—basically because I don’t want to ruin it for those who haven't read it yet. However, a few will find out that the sickness inhabiting those born in the town is one that has been raging for centuries. Dave, Gavin, Amber, and Jackie will find out they will be saved for a greater purpose one that has to be to allow humanity to carry on.
Ian Woodhead has created an extreme horror in the writings of Brutality; one that will chill its readers to the bone. His writing is amazingly brutal and warped, but if you’re a horror freak, you’re in for a real treat. I have to say it’s been a long time that someone has had my adrenaline pumping with their writing, this book is a phenomenal read. I will warn you if you have a weak stomach you may want to stick with the fairy tales.

[Janice Stinnett]

Ok

I really liked horror movies and books but this one just didn't keep my attention. There were many gory parts and people that were messed up in the head but it all felt repetitious. About two thirds through I had to start skimming it so I could see how it ended otherwise I wouldn't have made it through. The best part was the ending. That hint at another story is likely the story I would like more than this book.

[Jason]

Wow.

What can I say this was a book I was kinda bored with in beginning but stuck with and I'm glad I did the ending was a wtf moment well played Mr woodhead well played. I recommend for all fans of modern horror

[Winter]

Pretty good read

I didn't really like the ending, but I enjoyed the journey getting there. Very good story, nice intertwining of the characters.

[steve strader]

Twiiisssttt

A little slow starting off but it picks up after a while. I did notice quite a few grammar goofs.

[Randi Cox]

Good Story

This book is far from depraved. I have read much, much worse. But it is unique and a good read. Not 5 stars because there are a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes.

[Maddie]

the idea and essence of the book were good but I don't think it's delivery lived up to expectations although I did like the twist at the end

[crystal moses]

Not bad

It jumped around quite about and it was easy to get confused but overall it was a pretty good read. Fast paced and keeps you turning the pages