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Drug Gang #1
Drug Gang
SEX, DRUGS, VIOLENCE, RAVES & ROCK N’ ROLL!
WELCOME TO THE DRUG GANG.
What would you be prepared to do to have everything you ever wanted? How far would you go and where would you draw the line? These are the questions facing John Kennedy in Drug Gang, as he arrives in Manchester in the summer of 2001 and finds the sinister but exciting world of The Brotherhood.
If he is prepared to sell drugs, risk his life and commit vicious acts without limits, a life of luxury and huge sums of money can be his. As events spiral out of control, are the money and the glamorous lifestyle enough to keep him locked in a destructive cycle of cruelty and violence?
WELCOME TO THE DRUG GANG.
What would you be prepared to do to have everything you ever wanted? How far would you go and where would you draw the line? These are the questions facing John Kennedy in Drug Gang, as he arrives in Manchester in the summer of 2001 and finds the sinister but exciting world of The Brotherhood.
If he is prepared to sell drugs, risk his life and commit vicious acts without limits, a life of luxury and huge sums of money can be his. As events spiral out of control, are the money and the glamorous lifestyle enough to keep him locked in a destructive cycle of cruelty and violence?
- GenresFiction
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2017
340 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Neil Walker
32 books220 followersMurder, mayhem and a few drugs…
MAL ROGERS speaks to Neil Walker whose controversial bestsellers are set in the drug-dealing underworld of Manchester, Sydney and Belfast in the early 2000s.
NEIL WALKER’S third novel, part three of the series, Drug Gang Takedown: Drug Gang Part III, was published at the end of January, and is already in the bestsellers’ list. The story of the trilogy, firmly in the hard crime fiction genre, is set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney. The chief protagonist in the series is Belfast-born, morally malleable anti-hero John Kennedy who gets sucked into the murky underworld of the English city’s lucrative drug scene. From there it’s an edge-of-seat roller coaster ride through the dark domain of organised crime in three countries, played out over three novels.
Belfast-born Neil Walker is aware that the books are probably not to everyone’s taste, in that they deal with drugs and violence. It would also be fair to say with as high a body count as an average Game of Thrones wedding.
“I like to think of the books, the characters and the setting as Breaking Bad meets John Wick,” says Neil.
In case you’re unaware of the plot of these two thrillers: Breaking Bad focuses on a chemistry teacher who puts his science knowledge to a nefarious purpose with less than hilarious results; John Wick is a neo-noir action film. But productions contain many scenes of ultra-violence.
“So yeah, my books are a wee bit violent - and probably not for the faint-hearted. The books are set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney - places where I’ve spent a lot of time, and spent a lot of time in the club scene. So I felt I could write with some realism. Going back to those days, back around the year 2000, it was easy to see criminality going on because drug use was rampant. So I felt I could write realistically about the whole thing.
The club scene in Belfast was a second home to me for a number of years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I also got to be part of the club scene in Manchester at that time, as I had a number of friends living in the city in areas such as Rusholme and Moss Side and would go over and stay with them for long periods of time and do a lot of clubbing. They very much knew the ropes of that scene in Manchester and those experiences were useful in writing the novels. Even just living in the areas where my mates lived fed into the knowledge pool for the books, as some of the Manchester action takes place in and around houses in the likes of Moss Side and Rusholme, as well as nightclubs, avenues and alleyways.
In the middle of that time, I travelled around the world and lived in Australia for a year. While Down Under, I made a point of experiencing and understanding the club scene there and ended up being friends with a number of locals who certainly knew the score. One of them was actually involved with the biggest motorcycle gang in Australia, so there were absolutely no flies on him and he was happy to bring me up to speed. No doubt he is living that Sons of Anarchy life now…if he is still alive.”
Neil’s writing heroes include Don Winslow, Martina Cole and Stieg Larsson. He reckons he also enjoys some more formulaic novelists (although doesn’t name names). But his style is different from these fellow masters of the genre, fashioned out of a set of unique circumstances.
In all, it makes Neil Walker’s books vivid and highly readable. With a background in Belfast, a life that has seen club life in England and Australia at close quarters, and a spot of work-discipline courtesy of the Department of Benefits and Pensions, Neil seems well-placed to continue his success in the crime thriller field.
From The Irish Post.
MAL ROGERS speaks to Neil Walker whose controversial bestsellers are set in the drug-dealing underworld of Manchester, Sydney and Belfast in the early 2000s.
NEIL WALKER’S third novel, part three of the series, Drug Gang Takedown: Drug Gang Part III, was published at the end of January, and is already in the bestsellers’ list. The story of the trilogy, firmly in the hard crime fiction genre, is set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney. The chief protagonist in the series is Belfast-born, morally malleable anti-hero John Kennedy who gets sucked into the murky underworld of the English city’s lucrative drug scene. From there it’s an edge-of-seat roller coaster ride through the dark domain of organised crime in three countries, played out over three novels.
Belfast-born Neil Walker is aware that the books are probably not to everyone’s taste, in that they deal with drugs and violence. It would also be fair to say with as high a body count as an average Game of Thrones wedding.
“I like to think of the books, the characters and the setting as Breaking Bad meets John Wick,” says Neil.
In case you’re unaware of the plot of these two thrillers: Breaking Bad focuses on a chemistry teacher who puts his science knowledge to a nefarious purpose with less than hilarious results; John Wick is a neo-noir action film. But productions contain many scenes of ultra-violence.
“So yeah, my books are a wee bit violent - and probably not for the faint-hearted. The books are set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney - places where I’ve spent a lot of time, and spent a lot of time in the club scene. So I felt I could write with some realism. Going back to those days, back around the year 2000, it was easy to see criminality going on because drug use was rampant. So I felt I could write realistically about the whole thing.
The club scene in Belfast was a second home to me for a number of years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I also got to be part of the club scene in Manchester at that time, as I had a number of friends living in the city in areas such as Rusholme and Moss Side and would go over and stay with them for long periods of time and do a lot of clubbing. They very much knew the ropes of that scene in Manchester and those experiences were useful in writing the novels. Even just living in the areas where my mates lived fed into the knowledge pool for the books, as some of the Manchester action takes place in and around houses in the likes of Moss Side and Rusholme, as well as nightclubs, avenues and alleyways.
In the middle of that time, I travelled around the world and lived in Australia for a year. While Down Under, I made a point of experiencing and understanding the club scene there and ended up being friends with a number of locals who certainly knew the score. One of them was actually involved with the biggest motorcycle gang in Australia, so there were absolutely no flies on him and he was happy to bring me up to speed. No doubt he is living that Sons of Anarchy life now…if he is still alive.”
Neil’s writing heroes include Don Winslow, Martina Cole and Stieg Larsson. He reckons he also enjoys some more formulaic novelists (although doesn’t name names). But his style is different from these fellow masters of the genre, fashioned out of a set of unique circumstances.
In all, it makes Neil Walker’s books vivid and highly readable. With a background in Belfast, a life that has seen club life in England and Australia at close quarters, and a spot of work-discipline courtesy of the Department of Benefits and Pensions, Neil seems well-placed to continue his success in the crime thriller field.
From The Irish Post.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 30, 2019
I am not a big fan of the drug dealings type of story. However I really did enjoy this book. The story is good and well written, the chapter are in shorter easy to read chunks.
John is tired of living hand to mouth, but would rather die then take another dead end job. His best friends Michael tells him there is a job opportunity back in Manchester. Here John is introduced to the high reward but brutal world of drug dealing. Brutal territorial disputes, and vengeance on there enemies and betrayals.
A good book with some very dark and brutal passages. Including gang rape. It ties up many loose ends but leaves thing for the next book.
John is tired of living hand to mouth, but would rather die then take another dead end job. His best friends Michael tells him there is a job opportunity back in Manchester. Here John is introduced to the high reward but brutal world of drug dealing. Brutal territorial disputes, and vengeance on there enemies and betrayals.
A good book with some very dark and brutal passages. Including gang rape. It ties up many loose ends but leaves thing for the next book.
May 5, 2020
Basic. The plot, the characters, the dialogue is all pretty basic. This is not a terrible read, it's actually ok, the problem with it though it is just the bare bones. Flesh it out a bit and there's a decent book here.
Potentially needs some trigger warnings however the scenes are just surface skimming therefore they aren't very impactful so the warnings are probably not needed.
I don't imagine I will continue this series. This reads well as a standalone and I'm happy with where the characters leave off so let's leave them there.
Two stars.
Potentially needs some trigger warnings however the scenes are just surface skimming therefore they aren't very impactful so the warnings are probably not needed.
I don't imagine I will continue this series. This reads well as a standalone and I'm happy with where the characters leave off so let's leave them there.
Two stars.
April 21, 2018
Drug Gang was a book far out of my normal reading boundaries, but I wanted to step outside my normal fantasy and romance filled novels. This book felt cinematic in a sense, something along the lines of the Godfather (but fictional, and not the same plot).
This book felt me feeling 'meh' at some points - it would pick up speed and get really good, then go bland for a few pages, then get exciting and full of action, then slow down again. I love a story that moves at a fast and furious pace, so in that sense the book was not for me.
John's adventures in the drug dealing business was interesting. I felt like some situations just fell perfectly into place for him, but it was still a fun read. Instead of a general build to the plot points, they happened suddenly and out of the blue. I would have liked some building up to the main plot points if this book wasn't going to go hard and fast. Although, it was interesting since I don't tread in that fictional water often.
My biggest cons for this book were the following: lack of females (as much as I understand this is a man's world/perspective, it just seemed weird there were NO women hanging around for most of the novel...with speaking parts, that is), and the writing style didn't match well with my reading style.
Disclaimer: There's some REAALLLLLLLY dark scenes in this book, so if you are the faint of heart or don't like brutal scenes don't go for this book. It's a hard R, wild ride.
Overall, this book was cool! I definitely want to continue reading this series because it's so different. While I've heard of this concept a lot, I've never actually read books like this. If you wait to get into this novel, you might find it to get more addicting as you go. I found myself really hooked about 3/4ths into the novel.
Four out of five stars!
I received a free, virtual copy of this novel from Neil Walker in exchange for an honest review.
This book felt me feeling 'meh' at some points - it would pick up speed and get really good, then go bland for a few pages, then get exciting and full of action, then slow down again. I love a story that moves at a fast and furious pace, so in that sense the book was not for me.
John's adventures in the drug dealing business was interesting. I felt like some situations just fell perfectly into place for him, but it was still a fun read. Instead of a general build to the plot points, they happened suddenly and out of the blue. I would have liked some building up to the main plot points if this book wasn't going to go hard and fast. Although, it was interesting since I don't tread in that fictional water often.
My biggest cons for this book were the following: lack of females (as much as I understand this is a man's world/perspective, it just seemed weird there were NO women hanging around for most of the novel...with speaking parts, that is), and the writing style didn't match well with my reading style.
Disclaimer: There's some REAALLLLLLLY dark scenes in this book, so if you are the faint of heart or don't like brutal scenes don't go for this book. It's a hard R, wild ride.
Overall, this book was cool! I definitely want to continue reading this series because it's so different. While I've heard of this concept a lot, I've never actually read books like this. If you wait to get into this novel, you might find it to get more addicting as you go. I found myself really hooked about 3/4ths into the novel.
Four out of five stars!
I received a free, virtual copy of this novel from Neil Walker in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2017
As I am the author of Drug Gang, this review will be made up of snippets from some of my favourite 5 star reviews the book has received on Amazon. I really appreciate it when readers take the time to review my work and I hope you will enjoy reading these excerpts from their reviews as much as I have.
‘I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is what every book should be... a real page-turner! So enjoyable and easy to read, with great characters you can actually relate to. This would make a great film’
‘I stumbled across this book on Amazon. I'm a James Elroy fan and enjoy crime thrillers. This did not disappoint. A great read and some good shocks along the way.’
‘Hard-hitting violent depiction of gang life. Flowed well and kept me hooked till the end! Looking forward to a follow up!’
‘Thoroughly enjoyed this well written book, the style of writing allowing me to become easily immersed in the story, the main character while unapologetically flawed was relatable. A story of hedonism interrupted by moral reality at a particular time in the Manchester drug & club scene.’
‘This book was recommended to me by a friend. I hadn't heard of this author before but I found the story completely gripping, a real page-turner. I look forward to any future books from Mr Walker’
‘I was thoroughly engrossed in this from start to finish. It had a very realistic gritty feel to it, the drug scene and gang life was completely surreal and I also felt that the violence was brutal and even at some points completely devastating, but it fit with the storyline. Fantastic ending and I will definitely be wanting to see where this goes from here.’
‘Hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down! Can't wait for more great reads from the incredibly talented author Neil Walker. A new star is born in the world of fiction! READ IT NOW!’
‘I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is what every book should be... a real page-turner! So enjoyable and easy to read, with great characters you can actually relate to. This would make a great film’
‘I stumbled across this book on Amazon. I'm a James Elroy fan and enjoy crime thrillers. This did not disappoint. A great read and some good shocks along the way.’
‘Hard-hitting violent depiction of gang life. Flowed well and kept me hooked till the end! Looking forward to a follow up!’
‘Thoroughly enjoyed this well written book, the style of writing allowing me to become easily immersed in the story, the main character while unapologetically flawed was relatable. A story of hedonism interrupted by moral reality at a particular time in the Manchester drug & club scene.’
‘This book was recommended to me by a friend. I hadn't heard of this author before but I found the story completely gripping, a real page-turner. I look forward to any future books from Mr Walker’
‘I was thoroughly engrossed in this from start to finish. It had a very realistic gritty feel to it, the drug scene and gang life was completely surreal and I also felt that the violence was brutal and even at some points completely devastating, but it fit with the storyline. Fantastic ending and I will definitely be wanting to see where this goes from here.’
‘Hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down! Can't wait for more great reads from the incredibly talented author Neil Walker. A new star is born in the world of fiction! READ IT NOW!’
July 1, 2017
I definitely would not have read this book, based on the cover and description , had the author not reached out.
With that being said though- I was pleasantly shocked that our protagonist was such a likable guy. The character build was solid. The plot of this book was written well and moved with ease and intrigue. And then of course was the plot twist which caused me to give this book its fourth star. And of course due to all these characteristics put together I will be reading the second book in this series.
John is on a backpacking tour of Australia with his newly found friend- his friend after a year together decides john is the perfect fit for his "company" that he works for. And needless to say John fits in perfectly and everything is grand for awhile. But nothing is as what it seems and redemption is on his mind!
Well done!
With that being said though- I was pleasantly shocked that our protagonist was such a likable guy. The character build was solid. The plot of this book was written well and moved with ease and intrigue. And then of course was the plot twist which caused me to give this book its fourth star. And of course due to all these characteristics put together I will be reading the second book in this series.
John is on a backpacking tour of Australia with his newly found friend- his friend after a year together decides john is the perfect fit for his "company" that he works for. And needless to say John fits in perfectly and everything is grand for awhile. But nothing is as what it seems and redemption is on his mind!
Well done!
January 17, 2018
4.0 stars
Very disturbing tale of what I can only imagine gang life would be like. Dark and brutal. Definitely has a trigger point.
Very disturbing tale of what I can only imagine gang life would be like. Dark and brutal. Definitely has a trigger point.
October 12, 2017
This is definitely a very hard-hitting read. John gets a job through his buddy, Michael, which is somewhat like joining the mob, and I do love mobster or Mafia stories. These guys are a, so called, brotherhood who keep secrets and deal in illegal and sometimes violent situations. I enjoyed knowing what John's next job for the boss would be, and he handled himself quite well. However, later he comes to realize the extent that these guys will go to as they display just how highly ruthless and vile they truly are. I appreciate the style of this author's writing, and the plot had me enthralled, even if there were some parts of the story that were just too difficult to comprehend (because I really didn't want to). It was like getting an in depth look at the dark side with nothing being held back from the observer. I did love the ending, but I have a feeling that it doesn't end there. Quite a pretty engrossing read. I'm curious to know what will happen next. :)
April 19, 2018
This is not my usual type of book but I found it to be well written and it kept my attention. This book is like a gritty action movie. I look forward to reading the sequel.
April 4, 2018
When an unemployed, broke young man is introduced to the gang lifestyle by a friend, he learns that he can earn more money than he can spend as long as he sets aside his morals and commits to the brotherhood. But it doesn’t take long for him to start second guessing his decision!
Full review on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/s_I5BUpKL4A
Definitely a great read for crime fiction fans! Violent, bloody and very detailed!
Full review on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/s_I5BUpKL4A
Definitely a great read for crime fiction fans! Violent, bloody and very detailed!
February 23, 2018
I really didn't think I was going to like this -- for two reasons, really. The opening of the book starts with a description of some scenery, and that's invariably a bad sign in crime fiction. Then the eponymous 'Drug Gang' struck me as being completely unlikely -- totally unlike any real drug gang of my acquaintance with their evil genius boss, their matching tattoos and the Thunderbirds style mansion that they all live in.
But the story is sufficiently compelling to keep you turning the page, and the protagonist's interior life is interesting enough to make you want to know what's going to happen to him, and before too long, I was completely engrossed.
It was shorter than I would have liked, but I really enjoyed it. It'd make a great film
But the story is sufficiently compelling to keep you turning the page, and the protagonist's interior life is interesting enough to make you want to know what's going to happen to him, and before too long, I was completely engrossed.
It was shorter than I would have liked, but I really enjoyed it. It'd make a great film
October 12, 2017
A great story that I would not have generally picked out if not prompted by the author and I was thoroughly engrossed in this from start to finish. It had a very realistic gritty feel to it, the drug scene and gang life was completely surreal and I also felt that the violence was brutal and even at some points completely devastating, but it was all necessary and fit with the storyline. Those final few chapters were a real shock and I can't help but feel for John the protagonist who is a bad guy with morals, and his real dilemma becomes when is it all too much? Fantastic ending and I will definitely be wanting to see where this goes from here.
November 11, 2017
I would not have chosen this book but I tried it encouraged by the author. And this book pleasantly surprised me.
It is a fantastic read on the on the choices of life... sometimes you are doing thing you will never think to do.
The ending is surprising and you will love it and want to know more.
It is a fantastic read on the on the choices of life... sometimes you are doing thing you will never think to do.
The ending is surprising and you will love it and want to know more.
January 5, 2018
Gritty
The book is very gritty you need a strong stomach in certain parts. Well worth a read if you're into that sort of thing. Not one for the innocent or faint hearted.
The book is very gritty you need a strong stomach in certain parts. Well worth a read if you're into that sort of thing. Not one for the innocent or faint hearted.
February 15, 2018
Thank you to the author, Neil Walker for providing me with a copy of this book in trade for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
This is quite an interesting and refreshing read. Not for the faint hearted and if you’re ready to dive into the crime world, so be it.
So, here we have a protagonist who has a heart. Rarely did I find the bad guy is actually the good guy. The background story of the drug dealing feels quite real or should I say, well researched. The way of dealing, the drug price, the attitude of the dealers and buyers, the violence that involved, it seems real. I’m not quite sure I want to glimpse into the art of drug dealing, but this book give you an idea how it’s done.
At the first chapters, until maybe 75% of the book, John looks like some regular guy who deal drugs but with a bit of violence. Nothing is quite special there. He deals drugs, go back to the Brotherhood, drinking, do drugs, playing with his friends. He’s truly living a thug life. Most of the violence involved fist and knife. It’s how the criminal world works, no need to think at all. At this point, I’m ready to give this book 2 stars (seriously though).
And then, things started to get interesting when his best friend got into trouble by cheating the Brotherhood. While reading it, I got the feel that John is actually a good guy, but what’s so wrong with him? He’s not that violent. Seems like a wrong guy in the wrong place. The interesting part is the other characters in the story. They don’t look too violent, but they are very sadistic in the end. It’s just a gruesome murder to read. Very graphic and detailed. This is where John appears to be the good guy and he did the right thing (no spoiler here…just have to read for yourself).
The story is quite fast pacing, but the plot is quite simple. It’s the characters that make this book interesting and the detailed life of drug dealers. Therefore, I’m giving this book a 4 stars rating. I’m in the middle of reading the 2nd book and can’t wait to see how John’s life after this.
This review is also posted on my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
This is quite an interesting and refreshing read. Not for the faint hearted and if you’re ready to dive into the crime world, so be it.
So, here we have a protagonist who has a heart. Rarely did I find the bad guy is actually the good guy. The background story of the drug dealing feels quite real or should I say, well researched. The way of dealing, the drug price, the attitude of the dealers and buyers, the violence that involved, it seems real. I’m not quite sure I want to glimpse into the art of drug dealing, but this book give you an idea how it’s done.
At the first chapters, until maybe 75% of the book, John looks like some regular guy who deal drugs but with a bit of violence. Nothing is quite special there. He deals drugs, go back to the Brotherhood, drinking, do drugs, playing with his friends. He’s truly living a thug life. Most of the violence involved fist and knife. It’s how the criminal world works, no need to think at all. At this point, I’m ready to give this book 2 stars (seriously though).
And then, things started to get interesting when his best friend got into trouble by cheating the Brotherhood. While reading it, I got the feel that John is actually a good guy, but what’s so wrong with him? He’s not that violent. Seems like a wrong guy in the wrong place. The interesting part is the other characters in the story. They don’t look too violent, but they are very sadistic in the end. It’s just a gruesome murder to read. Very graphic and detailed. This is where John appears to be the good guy and he did the right thing (no spoiler here…just have to read for yourself).
The story is quite fast pacing, but the plot is quite simple. It’s the characters that make this book interesting and the detailed life of drug dealers. Therefore, I’m giving this book a 4 stars rating. I’m in the middle of reading the 2nd book and can’t wait to see how John’s life after this.
Recommend for those who like unexpected turn of events, unexpected characters attitude and a glimpse into the darkness of drug dealing world. A violent and disturbing scene of murder is also included in this book.
March 1, 2018
Short but no less harrowing
Wow, didn't quite know what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect such a violent read. Absorbing, gruesome, sickening, but a great read if you like this sort of thing
Wow, didn't quite know what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect such a violent read. Absorbing, gruesome, sickening, but a great read if you like this sort of thing
October 9, 2017
kindle unlimited but got on a freebie day, not my usual reading, do read noir but this is not that, so didn't really get 'in to' story but at least it was told decently well {yes putting that in because one review said didn't like characters well neither did I, but that means the writer was doing their job}. Would assume someone in to the darker type stories would enjoy it more.
SEX, DRUGS, VIOLENCE, RAVES & ROCK N’ ROLL! WELCOME TO THE DRUG GANG.
What would you be prepared to do to have everything you ever wanted? How far would you go and where would you draw the line? These are the questions facing John Kennedy in Drug Gang, as he arrives in Manchester in the summer of 2001 and finds the sinister but exciting world of The Brotherhood. If he is prepared to sell drugs, risk his life and commit vicious acts without limits, a life of luxury and huge sums of money can be his. As events spiral out of control, are the money and the glamorous lifestyle enough to keep him locked in a destructive cycle of cruelty and violence?
PART ONE OF THE DRUG GANG SERIES.
PART TWO COMING 31 JANUARY 2018.
SEX, DRUGS, VIOLENCE, RAVES & ROCK N’ ROLL! WELCOME TO THE DRUG GANG.
What would you be prepared to do to have everything you ever wanted? How far would you go and where would you draw the line? These are the questions facing John Kennedy in Drug Gang, as he arrives in Manchester in the summer of 2001 and finds the sinister but exciting world of The Brotherhood. If he is prepared to sell drugs, risk his life and commit vicious acts without limits, a life of luxury and huge sums of money can be his. As events spiral out of control, are the money and the glamorous lifestyle enough to keep him locked in a destructive cycle of cruelty and violence?
PART ONE OF THE DRUG GANG SERIES.
PART TWO COMING 31 JANUARY 2018.
August 31, 2018
I didn’t quite know what to expect when beginning this book. But it surprised me in a positive way. As a reader, you grew with John. You experienced the world of drug dealers and gang rivalry first hand and from a different perspective. You saw how everything works on the inside. And I admit, from time to time I found myself thinking “this life is actually pretty chill, you earn huge amounts of money and are free to do what you want”.
The storytelling really caught me. I liked the way I accompanied John that whole time: I went on his first time dealing with him, I went on all his other nights out with him, I was with him in gang fights and parties with his mates, I attended shady activities and gruesome situations with him, to the point of both him and me realising that somewhere in that story, a line was crossed.
https://iridescentbooksblog.wordpress...
The storytelling really caught me. I liked the way I accompanied John that whole time: I went on his first time dealing with him, I went on all his other nights out with him, I was with him in gang fights and parties with his mates, I attended shady activities and gruesome situations with him, to the point of both him and me realising that somewhere in that story, a line was crossed.
https://iridescentbooksblog.wordpress...
April 28, 2018
Very different story, not one everyone would enjoy. The inside of the world of a drug gang, the measures taken to ensure that the allegiance of those involved was kept, is not a pretty tale. The emphasis on once you commit to an interview, you either join or die, should be understood in the context of one loose word, could end it all, and they would all end up in jail.
I read this book, to view the world through someone else's eyes, to remind myself that life is not the way I live it, for a lot of people. I can venture into this brutal landscape, and withdraw, with a little bit more understanding of the complexity of society.
I read this book, to view the world through someone else's eyes, to remind myself that life is not the way I live it, for a lot of people. I can venture into this brutal landscape, and withdraw, with a little bit more understanding of the complexity of society.
August 30, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this well written book, the style of writing allowing me to become easily immersed in the story, the main character while unapologetically flawed was relatable. A story of hedonism interrupted by moral reality at a particular time in the Manchester drug & club scene, well worth a read
December 30, 2020
Where to start with this bad boy!
Manchester 2001, John Kennedy has just arrived in Manchester after a year travelling Thailand and Australia. Fed up living hand to mouth in dead end jobs In Belfast, where he is originally from,
He’s come to meet a friend Micheal who he met on his travels,. Micheal say he has a friend who had some work...
Introduced to Doug, it quickly becomes apparent this work is of the physical type, he is going to become part of a drug gang, the brotherhood.
This is a brutal, bloody, ultra violent look into what is a gang ran with military precision, it’s scary to imagine this type of thing could exist but it’s also cracking good reading.
The tension increases as doubts creep in as the beatings, jobs and dealing becomes more intense and lead to worse and worse things.
The finale builds toward one of the most awful, powerful chapters I’ve read of any book. I am hard to shock, this particular chapter left me close to disturbed but it fits into the essence of the story and as shocking as it is , it’s almost essential to the story,
The ending is a brilliant smash and grab, this book is a tour de force
It’s a massively cool,urban, dark, powerful, disturbing and shocking book, it’s got its Quentin Tarantino vibe, you think natural born killers, reservoir dogs, there is talk of John Woo, and his style is also all over this book.
This should be made into a movie
If you have any love for the 90s, for the music of that time, for the drug culture and the movies, get this book. i need the next 2 parts in the trilogy right now
5*
I was given this copy by the author himself but this has in no way affected my review score,
Manchester 2001, John Kennedy has just arrived in Manchester after a year travelling Thailand and Australia. Fed up living hand to mouth in dead end jobs In Belfast, where he is originally from,
He’s come to meet a friend Micheal who he met on his travels,. Micheal say he has a friend who had some work...
Introduced to Doug, it quickly becomes apparent this work is of the physical type, he is going to become part of a drug gang, the brotherhood.
This is a brutal, bloody, ultra violent look into what is a gang ran with military precision, it’s scary to imagine this type of thing could exist but it’s also cracking good reading.
The tension increases as doubts creep in as the beatings, jobs and dealing becomes more intense and lead to worse and worse things.
The finale builds toward one of the most awful, powerful chapters I’ve read of any book. I am hard to shock, this particular chapter left me close to disturbed but it fits into the essence of the story and as shocking as it is , it’s almost essential to the story,
The ending is a brilliant smash and grab, this book is a tour de force
It’s a massively cool,urban, dark, powerful, disturbing and shocking book, it’s got its Quentin Tarantino vibe, you think natural born killers, reservoir dogs, there is talk of John Woo, and his style is also all over this book.
This should be made into a movie
If you have any love for the 90s, for the music of that time, for the drug culture and the movies, get this book. i need the next 2 parts in the trilogy right now
5*
I was given this copy by the author himself but this has in no way affected my review score,
June 21, 2020
I'm always wary of media that boasts controversy or disturbing content and the like, however 'Drug Gang' IS both compelling and easily controversial. After the protagonist and atmosphere were introduced, I kept waiting for the 'good guys' or change of heart to be quickly following, but they never showed. And this is what made the story so great. John isn't your typical lead character; he is, in the general sense of the word, a lowlife. That's not to say he's a bad person, he's simply not interested in the society and lifestyles that the world favors. I found this very refreshing. It's not often that an author presents the other side of the coin AND does so in a way that is relatable and, dare I say, positive in its own right. Versed in combat and a deadly foe, John forsakes normalcy for riches and freedom within the a notorious drug ring. He's not afraid to do what needs to be done to maintain this lifestyle and protect his new 'brothers.' When the actions of his boss and other members goes too far for his personal, albeit different, sense of morale, most stories would see John return to the typical notion of right vs wrong. In this book, though? What transpires may surprise you. I'm definitely eager to see what happens in the next installment.
February 19, 2020
Violent, noirish, and gritty.
I will admit I picked this book up and put it down a few times because I have to be in just the right mood to read books with a Tarantino-esque flavor, but with that said, I really enjoyed the rawness of this book when the mood suited. Overall, I love the Sopranos and pretty much all of Tarantino's films. The violence in here isn't exactly gratuitous; instead, it defines the genre and mood. I was also able to read the book in a detached way in that I didn't exactly care about the characters. This can be nice :)
I will admit I picked this book up and put it down a few times because I have to be in just the right mood to read books with a Tarantino-esque flavor, but with that said, I really enjoyed the rawness of this book when the mood suited. Overall, I love the Sopranos and pretty much all of Tarantino's films. The violence in here isn't exactly gratuitous; instead, it defines the genre and mood. I was also able to read the book in a detached way in that I didn't exactly care about the characters. This can be nice :)
May 17, 2019
Good fast paced read
Loved it. Very violent but realistic. Already order 2&3 so looking forward to then. Loved the characters and can’t wait to read more
Loved it. Very violent but realistic. Already order 2&3 so looking forward to then. Loved the characters and can’t wait to read more
October 12, 2019
Just bought this book and I'm really excited to read it. Looks very promising.
February 11, 2020
I can see why this book would be controversial, but I'm on the For side.
This dark story was well written and engaging. I didn't really empathize with the main character, John, because the story focuses more on the plot much more than the characters. It's almost like watching a movie, especially because it's third-person-narrated.
This dark story was well written and engaging. I didn't really empathize with the main character, John, because the story focuses more on the plot much more than the characters. It's almost like watching a movie, especially because it's third-person-narrated.
December 30, 2019
Gritty and shocking
This story is different from the usual books I read. I was intrigued by the setting and soon got to know the characters. Being a crime book, it doesn’t hold back on the detail. I think the only reason I held back on five stars was the lack of female characters.
I really enjoyed this narrative and look forward to the next instalment. The references to modern life are appropriate and the tone is consistent. I like the style of this author.
This story is different from the usual books I read. I was intrigued by the setting and soon got to know the characters. Being a crime book, it doesn’t hold back on the detail. I think the only reason I held back on five stars was the lack of female characters.
I really enjoyed this narrative and look forward to the next instalment. The references to modern life are appropriate and the tone is consistent. I like the style of this author.
December 25, 2020
Fantastic
Absolutely brilliant believable characters and scenarios even though they seem far fetched but I can tell you I felt every blow and every bit of pain as if I was there. Can't wait to read the next book.
Absolutely brilliant believable characters and scenarios even though they seem far fetched but I can tell you I felt every blow and every bit of pain as if I was there. Can't wait to read the next book.
May 11, 2020
This was probably the first book I have ever read in one sitting - and I read a lot. It was an easy read and kept me tuned completely. Not difficult - easy plot - but a very believable scenario. Yes - violent - but at least it was not dwelt upon. I think I'll buy the next one.
October 22, 2017
It was very difficult for me to rate this book. I enjoy gangster and "mafia" type story lines, but must say the whole Drug Gangster one was new for me and I would likely not have picked this up without invitation from the author.
John returns from a year trip in Australia with Michael, a friend he made in Thailand. He dreads going back to a dead end sales job so when Michael suggest a risky interview with the organization he works, John is immediately interested.
In general, I do not mind violence in books, especially if the author use it to show the circumstance and motivation for the characters. Mario Puzo does this brilliantly in The Godfather books. There is violence - a lot of it - but you can see how it motivates the main characters and move the plot along.
In Drug Gang some of the violence feels forced. I'm not always sure it serves the plot, and I just do not like feeling a little dirty after reading a chapter - the gang rape, murder close to the end of the book was a bit much for me.
I also found it difficult to connect to the main character, John, and could not discern he's motives at major point of the plot so had little sympathy for him throughout. I'm not sure if this is what the author indented though, as these are bad people, doing bad things.
That said, the story moved along smoothly, the ending was cliff hanger and I will probably read the next one.
John returns from a year trip in Australia with Michael, a friend he made in Thailand. He dreads going back to a dead end sales job so when Michael suggest a risky interview with the organization he works, John is immediately interested.
In general, I do not mind violence in books, especially if the author use it to show the circumstance and motivation for the characters. Mario Puzo does this brilliantly in The Godfather books. There is violence - a lot of it - but you can see how it motivates the main characters and move the plot along.
In Drug Gang some of the violence feels forced. I'm not always sure it serves the plot, and I just do not like feeling a little dirty after reading a chapter - the gang rape, murder close to the end of the book was a bit much for me.
I also found it difficult to connect to the main character, John, and could not discern he's motives at major point of the plot so had little sympathy for him throughout. I'm not sure if this is what the author indented though, as these are bad people, doing bad things.
That said, the story moved along smoothly, the ending was cliff hanger and I will probably read the next one.
December 8, 2023
This was one fast-paced, gut wrenching, heart-pounding, blood-soaked tale of what happens when one decides to join the Brotherhood gang in Manchester, England. Yeah, the money is great, but if you think about crossing the gang and dishonoring their moto, you better get out of town fast, because if they catch you, let’s say you won’t live to tell the tale!
This is exactly what John Kennedy decides to do after meeting up with a mate, Michael in Australia who convinces him, that it’s a great gig with excellent benefits: drugs, alcohol, more drugs and alcohol and a heft bank account.
John was tired of dead-end jobs and the prospects Michael described were too good to turn down. He was all in.
He is introduced to Doug and Sanji, the two heads of the Brotherhood. They agreed to give him a test run at the Doom Club. A place none for lack of security and a clientele who spent their waking hours hunting pills, ecstasy, speed, coke, and anything else that could and would keep them on a perpetual high.
To test his mettle Doug sends him to the DOOM club, solo. His mission, sell the two hundred pills he'd been given. Come back and pay Doug $1000. The rest is his. Bets are taken on how he will perform. Let’s just say, he has an encounter with a rival gang attempting to steal the territory and they fail, miserably! For the week-hearted, it’s a brutal scene.
John doesn’t fully understand what he’s walked into until his friend Michael is caught betraying the Brotherhood. Up until this moment, he didn’t have a real problem with the violence and injury they inflicted on rivals because his bank account was full to busting. But what they did to Michael and his mother had him rethinking his current career choice. All I’ll say is, you better have a strong constitution for this part of the story.
The fight scenes are well thought out and show the author, Neil Walker is well versed in this theatre. Even though the action is fast-paced, the reader can follow each blow and thrust with no problem.
The only issue I had was the fights in the bog or toilet. I was an attendant at some of the upscale clubs in Dallas where a lot of shenanigans were going on. But they were never empty or unoccupied. It might seem trivial, but I guess if you grease the right palms, anything is possible.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a fast-paced drug gang story and can handle a lot of blood, brutality, and scheming. This is full of it!
Excellent story. Five stars
This is exactly what John Kennedy decides to do after meeting up with a mate, Michael in Australia who convinces him, that it’s a great gig with excellent benefits: drugs, alcohol, more drugs and alcohol and a heft bank account.
John was tired of dead-end jobs and the prospects Michael described were too good to turn down. He was all in.
He is introduced to Doug and Sanji, the two heads of the Brotherhood. They agreed to give him a test run at the Doom Club. A place none for lack of security and a clientele who spent their waking hours hunting pills, ecstasy, speed, coke, and anything else that could and would keep them on a perpetual high.
To test his mettle Doug sends him to the DOOM club, solo. His mission, sell the two hundred pills he'd been given. Come back and pay Doug $1000. The rest is his. Bets are taken on how he will perform. Let’s just say, he has an encounter with a rival gang attempting to steal the territory and they fail, miserably! For the week-hearted, it’s a brutal scene.
John doesn’t fully understand what he’s walked into until his friend Michael is caught betraying the Brotherhood. Up until this moment, he didn’t have a real problem with the violence and injury they inflicted on rivals because his bank account was full to busting. But what they did to Michael and his mother had him rethinking his current career choice. All I’ll say is, you better have a strong constitution for this part of the story.
The fight scenes are well thought out and show the author, Neil Walker is well versed in this theatre. Even though the action is fast-paced, the reader can follow each blow and thrust with no problem.
The only issue I had was the fights in the bog or toilet. I was an attendant at some of the upscale clubs in Dallas where a lot of shenanigans were going on. But they were never empty or unoccupied. It might seem trivial, but I guess if you grease the right palms, anything is possible.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a fast-paced drug gang story and can handle a lot of blood, brutality, and scheming. This is full of it!
Excellent story. Five stars
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