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Drug Gang #2
Drug Gang Vengeance
THE DRUG GANG IS BACK!
IT’S TIME TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS…
Drug Gang Vengeance is the sequel to the bestselling crime thriller Drug Gang.
John Kennedy is on his way out of a life of crime in Sydney, when he is hunted down by drug gang The Brotherhood. This leads to a spiral of vengeance and violence that stretches right around the globe.
PART TWO OF THE DRUG GANG SERIES.
IT’S TIME TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS…
Drug Gang Vengeance is the sequel to the bestselling crime thriller Drug Gang.
John Kennedy is on his way out of a life of crime in Sydney, when he is hunted down by drug gang The Brotherhood. This leads to a spiral of vengeance and violence that stretches right around the globe.
PART TWO OF THE DRUG GANG SERIES.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2018
97 people are currently reading
33 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 12, 2018
Given that I am the author of Drug Gang Vengeance, this review will be made up of excerpts from an incredible review from The Irish News and a fantastic 5 star review from One Word Too Much, as well as highlights from some of my favourite 5 star reviews from Amazon. I really appreciate it when readers, reviewers and journalists take the time to review my work and I hope you enjoy reading these extracts as much as I did.
“Read this…highly readable combination of lean prose, tight plotting and wince-inducing ultra-violent mayhem…daringly near-the-knuckle…the twists, turns and bone-crunching confrontations just keep coming…the Drug Gang series is clearly habit-forming for crime readers with strong stomachs and an appetite for hard-boiled, fast-paced violent fantasy.” The Irish News
“This is one high accelerated read that makes me wonder what’s going to happen in the 3rd book (hope there will be)…For this 2nd book, the story goes deeper into the drug world. It goes bloodier and rougher…I like how the author intertwined the good and bad characters…It really is a Rock and Roll read!” One Word Too Much
“Great sequel…I think its safe to say the original has been equalled if not surpassed…if you like anything by a young Bret Easton Ellis or Irvine Welsh check this out and fans of non-fiction like Hotel K will enjoy this. Also for casual readers, movie fans of Tarantino and early David Ayer will find affinity here. An easy fives stars.”
“Excellent read - really enjoyed the book and loved the writing style - story pulls you in and you can’t wait to find out what happens next - really struggled to put this book down! I didn't think it would be possible to top the quality of the first book but I stand corrected - this book was even better! Can’t wait for the third instalment!!!”
“A hard-hitting violent thriller from start to finish. Another compulsive page-turner from Neil Walker. Drug Gang Vengeance is a frightening insight to the hard violent way of life of a drugs gang. Neil has skilfully brought to life characters that we want to feel pity and revulsion for all the way through this absorbing book. Top notch.”
“Author is back with vengeance! Thought it would be hard to top his debut title but somehow Drug Gang 2 succeeds in being bigger, badder and bloodier than the original. Top drawer gangster tale as they should be told!”
“I couldn’t stop reading it and that’s why it gets 5 stars from me. It’s well written and draws you straight in to the story. Some great twists and a good ending as well. It’s worth your time and money.”
“The good, the bad and the bloody! Exactly what I had come to expect from Mr Walker following the first Drug Gang book, a blood soaked marvel! A great sequel with lots of highs and vicious blood soaked twists, which stop you from putting this down. Long may this series continue.”
“Read this…highly readable combination of lean prose, tight plotting and wince-inducing ultra-violent mayhem…daringly near-the-knuckle…the twists, turns and bone-crunching confrontations just keep coming…the Drug Gang series is clearly habit-forming for crime readers with strong stomachs and an appetite for hard-boiled, fast-paced violent fantasy.” The Irish News
“This is one high accelerated read that makes me wonder what’s going to happen in the 3rd book (hope there will be)…For this 2nd book, the story goes deeper into the drug world. It goes bloodier and rougher…I like how the author intertwined the good and bad characters…It really is a Rock and Roll read!” One Word Too Much
“Great sequel…I think its safe to say the original has been equalled if not surpassed…if you like anything by a young Bret Easton Ellis or Irvine Welsh check this out and fans of non-fiction like Hotel K will enjoy this. Also for casual readers, movie fans of Tarantino and early David Ayer will find affinity here. An easy fives stars.”
“Excellent read - really enjoyed the book and loved the writing style - story pulls you in and you can’t wait to find out what happens next - really struggled to put this book down! I didn't think it would be possible to top the quality of the first book but I stand corrected - this book was even better! Can’t wait for the third instalment!!!”
“A hard-hitting violent thriller from start to finish. Another compulsive page-turner from Neil Walker. Drug Gang Vengeance is a frightening insight to the hard violent way of life of a drugs gang. Neil has skilfully brought to life characters that we want to feel pity and revulsion for all the way through this absorbing book. Top notch.”
“Author is back with vengeance! Thought it would be hard to top his debut title but somehow Drug Gang 2 succeeds in being bigger, badder and bloodier than the original. Top drawer gangster tale as they should be told!”
“I couldn’t stop reading it and that’s why it gets 5 stars from me. It’s well written and draws you straight in to the story. Some great twists and a good ending as well. It’s worth your time and money.”
“The good, the bad and the bloody! Exactly what I had come to expect from Mr Walker following the first Drug Gang book, a blood soaked marvel! A great sequel with lots of highs and vicious blood soaked twists, which stop you from putting this down. Long may this series continue.”
May 7, 2018
Drug Gang Vengeance in one word: Brutal.
And I mean brutal in a good way, of course! If you've read the first novel of this series (Drug Gang), you'd totally understand the reason I pick that word - this book is full of drugs, fights, blood, violence, and general insanity (think John Wick sort of craziness).
The story builds on the last novel and changes the scenery a tad bit. I liked that it didn't follow the same old plot and it expanded on the craziness that is John's life. The big plot developments and twists that occur to John this time around was also epic! I can't wait to see how Neil expands on John's life after this, since this book really stepped it up.
If I were to suggest anything to Neil, I would say there were some scenes that could have been expanded on. There was a brief summary of the time John spent with a certain character in the hospital (no spoilers), and I would have liked to see more on that. Maybe that's coming from the drama reader side of me, but I think that could have added to the story in someway. It definitely wouldn't have been as brutal or fit in as well, but it might have grown the character.
There's lots of swearing in this book, but it didn't seem excessive. I don't enjoy lots of swearing when it's useless, but Neil somehow makes it work. Typically, you'd see me complaining about swearing (because half the time I swear it's just filler for writers), but I like how it fit in this world. Way to go Neil!
But, that was my biggest flaw. Seriously, this book is great! It's not for the light-hearted and it's definitely not some YA novel, but it hits all the points I want in a thriller, drug-infused novel. It has it's own style too, making it unique out of most of the books I usually read. It's kind of a niche novel, but a great one! I almost feel like this book could hit big in an underground reading world.
My suggestions if you read this book:
Read book #1 (Drug Gang). Seriously, it'll make this read better. I was going to read this book first, but I decided to start from the beginning and I don't regret it. You'll understand John's journey WAY better - it's not like a normal mystery novel where everything is filled in along the way. It's much easier to just indulge yourself with this violent, fantastical journey than to cheat yourself on the wild adventure.
Four out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the author Neil Walker in exchange for an honest review.
And I mean brutal in a good way, of course! If you've read the first novel of this series (Drug Gang), you'd totally understand the reason I pick that word - this book is full of drugs, fights, blood, violence, and general insanity (think John Wick sort of craziness).
The story builds on the last novel and changes the scenery a tad bit. I liked that it didn't follow the same old plot and it expanded on the craziness that is John's life. The big plot developments and twists that occur to John this time around was also epic! I can't wait to see how Neil expands on John's life after this, since this book really stepped it up.
If I were to suggest anything to Neil, I would say there were some scenes that could have been expanded on. There was a brief summary of the time John spent with a certain character in the hospital (no spoilers), and I would have liked to see more on that. Maybe that's coming from the drama reader side of me, but I think that could have added to the story in someway. It definitely wouldn't have been as brutal or fit in as well, but it might have grown the character.
There's lots of swearing in this book, but it didn't seem excessive. I don't enjoy lots of swearing when it's useless, but Neil somehow makes it work. Typically, you'd see me complaining about swearing (because half the time I swear it's just filler for writers), but I like how it fit in this world. Way to go Neil!
But, that was my biggest flaw. Seriously, this book is great! It's not for the light-hearted and it's definitely not some YA novel, but it hits all the points I want in a thriller, drug-infused novel. It has it's own style too, making it unique out of most of the books I usually read. It's kind of a niche novel, but a great one! I almost feel like this book could hit big in an underground reading world.
My suggestions if you read this book:
Read book #1 (Drug Gang). Seriously, it'll make this read better. I was going to read this book first, but I decided to start from the beginning and I don't regret it. You'll understand John's journey WAY better - it's not like a normal mystery novel where everything is filled in along the way. It's much easier to just indulge yourself with this violent, fantastical journey than to cheat yourself on the wild adventure.
Four out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the author Neil Walker in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 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 in my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
This is one high accelerated read that makes me wonder what’s going to happen in the 3rd book (hope there will be). We follow the story of John and his life in Australia. Life was pretty dandy and fine for him until his past comes haunting back to him. John was planning to leave the world of violence, but somehow Simon comes back and hurt Lisa and him. John can’t keep still and had to have his revenge.
The story is very fast pacing, with a bit of twist in the plot and interesting turn of events that makes you wonder “how come I don’t see that coming?”. For this 2nd book, the story goes deeper into the drug world. It goes bloodier and rougher. In case you missed my review on the 1st book, you could read it here
There are some new characters being introduced in this book. Most of them are pretty harsh. Some old character is coming back, working together with John at defeating Simon. I like how the author intertwined the good and bad characters. It’s pretty clear from the beginning who is good or bad.
If you never glimpsed into the world of drug dealers, this book might give you some interesting perspective. It ain’t cute, it’s a hard world and you might think twice before you got into that part of life. There are also more violence, drug and liquor being consumed. As well as some reference to Rock and Roll music. It really is a Rock and Roll read!
Recommend for those who loves to read fast pacing story from the crime world with a bit of twisty plot also unexpected turn of events. I will be waiting for the 3rd book to see how John and Lisa story after this.
This review is also posted in my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
This is one high accelerated read that makes me wonder what’s going to happen in the 3rd book (hope there will be). We follow the story of John and his life in Australia. Life was pretty dandy and fine for him until his past comes haunting back to him. John was planning to leave the world of violence, but somehow Simon comes back and hurt Lisa and him. John can’t keep still and had to have his revenge.
The story is very fast pacing, with a bit of twist in the plot and interesting turn of events that makes you wonder “how come I don’t see that coming?”. For this 2nd book, the story goes deeper into the drug world. It goes bloodier and rougher. In case you missed my review on the 1st book, you could read it here
There are some new characters being introduced in this book. Most of them are pretty harsh. Some old character is coming back, working together with John at defeating Simon. I like how the author intertwined the good and bad characters. It’s pretty clear from the beginning who is good or bad.
If you never glimpsed into the world of drug dealers, this book might give you some interesting perspective. It ain’t cute, it’s a hard world and you might think twice before you got into that part of life. There are also more violence, drug and liquor being consumed. As well as some reference to Rock and Roll music. It really is a Rock and Roll read!
Recommend for those who loves to read fast pacing story from the crime world with a bit of twisty plot also unexpected turn of events. I will be waiting for the 3rd book to see how John and Lisa story after this.
May 18, 2018
After John leaves the gang lifestyle of the “The Brotherhood”, he is tracked down by their new leader.
Full Review On YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/setD13M5A6Y
He learns that the gang he left didn’t fall apart but was picked up by the next person in the hierarchy.
Of course, this book is about what the gang feels is proper retribution for leaving and then his vengeance on them after that.
It's bloody, diabolical and very, very satisfying. Great suspense - highly recommended!
Full Review On YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/setD13M5A6Y
He learns that the gang he left didn’t fall apart but was picked up by the next person in the hierarchy.
Of course, this book is about what the gang feels is proper retribution for leaving and then his vengeance on them after that.
It's bloody, diabolical and very, very satisfying. Great suspense - highly recommended!
April 1, 2018
Okay, I'm just about speechless on this one. One thing that I do know for sure is that nobody could ever, ever, call this book, "Fluffy", (a word that I see a lot of with the genre that I usually read). In the beginning of the book there's that famous saying of, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Yeah, well I beg to differ. It usually makes me tired, very, very tired. After reading this, I'm surprised that I even had enough strength to make it to the end. To be honest, once I was half way through the book, I had to cheat and skip to the end just to make sure that it ended in the way that I preferred it to. Then I went back and read it word for word holding my breath along the way. This author is amazing at capturing the essence of big time gang life, and the writing was exquisitely done. I'd love to see this as a movie since these characters must have beautiful accents coming from either, Belfast, Australia, or Manchester. They would be awesome to listen to. The storyline is strongly riveting, although, also very violent, which was the more difficult part for me to read (I'm a very sensitive sort of person). =)
There is an element of surprise in the story that totally blew me away. I would have never guessed this type of betrayal at all, so that was incredibly done. John Kennedy is the main character, and he's simply amazing. He has to deal with some very diabolical, psychopathic, people, and he deals with them well, not easily, but very thoroughly. I was emotionally pulled into this plot and I felt like I couldn't breathe until the very end of this compelling book, and it definitely was compelling. I'm grateful to the author for sparing us the details of what happened to one specific character. We know what happened, but he saved us from being subjected to the horror of it as it unfolds (trying not to spoil). I love the dynamics of the characters and the story as a whole. The previous book was intense and gripping, so I just had to read this next book which was just as spellbinding.
There is an element of surprise in the story that totally blew me away. I would have never guessed this type of betrayal at all, so that was incredibly done. John Kennedy is the main character, and he's simply amazing. He has to deal with some very diabolical, psychopathic, people, and he deals with them well, not easily, but very thoroughly. I was emotionally pulled into this plot and I felt like I couldn't breathe until the very end of this compelling book, and it definitely was compelling. I'm grateful to the author for sparing us the details of what happened to one specific character. We know what happened, but he saved us from being subjected to the horror of it as it unfolds (trying not to spoil). I love the dynamics of the characters and the story as a whole. The previous book was intense and gripping, so I just had to read this next book which was just as spellbinding.
February 17, 2018
Having stumbled across the first hidden gem in this, lets hope so, trilogy, i was keen to see what twisted, sub culture referencing, hard hitting stigma destroying madness Neil Walker would come up with for part 2. I think its safe to say the original has been equalled, if not surpassed. Picking up where part one ended, we follow our favourite, relatable anti-hero, john as he navigates a more intense and self-destructive level of dealing class a with an interesting outcome promised in volume three. That said this works well as a stand alone read.
Walker has a style that makes for a very easy read, which will appeal to casual readers and hardcore book freaks alike. Two days/ nights should get you to the end and you wont be picking up anything in between. Quite morish.
No spoilers going on here so if you like anything by a young Bret Easton Ellis or Irvine Welsh check this out and fans of non-fiction like Hotel K will enjoy this. Also for casual readers, movie fans of Tarantino and early David Ayer will find affinity here.
An easy fives stars.
Walker has a style that makes for a very easy read, which will appeal to casual readers and hardcore book freaks alike. Two days/ nights should get you to the end and you wont be picking up anything in between. Quite morish.
No spoilers going on here so if you like anything by a young Bret Easton Ellis or Irvine Welsh check this out and fans of non-fiction like Hotel K will enjoy this. Also for casual readers, movie fans of Tarantino and early David Ayer will find affinity here.
An easy fives stars.
February 8, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this follow up, which flowed well from the end of book one. John continues to wade through a world of drugs, extreme violence and the troubles that come with it - but this time he seems to have something to lose! This was just a little bit more dark & brutal than its predecessor and I became immersed in the story easily and found the twist a total surprise.
May 18, 2019
2nd in the series.
Read it in a day as could not put it down. Love the characters, would love to see this made into a movie or tv show. Rooting for John all the way and like the fact that it does not all go right for him so it is realistic as well as fast paced non stop action. You cringe reading the violence but at the same time cannot stop myself from reading it. Book 3 tomorrow
Read it in a day as could not put it down. Love the characters, would love to see this made into a movie or tv show. Rooting for John all the way and like the fact that it does not all go right for him so it is realistic as well as fast paced non stop action. You cringe reading the violence but at the same time cannot stop myself from reading it. Book 3 tomorrow
June 11, 2019
Following on from the events of Drug Gang, http://www.alexjbooks.com/review/drug... John Kennedy returns in the follow up, Drug Gang Vengeance.
John is now living in Sydney, running a new drug gang and living with love of his life, Lisa, unbeknown to Lisa , John is still in the drug world in a big way, but he plans to get out soon.
Unfortunately the past is about to return to haunt him. Savagely attacked by the returning Brotherhood, John and Lisa’s life in paradise is shattered.
Returning first to Belfast , then Manchester, the scene of Book 1, John swears to get his final lasting vengeance and retribution on the new risen again Brotherhood, now ran by crazed Simon and the equally sadistic girlfriend Kate, a new member of the gang.
As with the first book this is an absolute firecracker, it’s loud, brutal, offensive, explicitly violent and completely chaotic.
Even more savage and sadistic than it’s predecessor this book delves more in to the drug trade and introduces some new characters aswell as some from the past you don’t expect.
Action packed and rip roaringly paced, there’s a huge twist to come and shock you down to your boots.
The scenes in the nightclub culminating in the finale of this story really are the most vicious, ferocious, bloodthirsty pages I’ve ever read, but it’s just brilliant, shades of Fight Club, John is like a Bryan Mills , John Wick, kind of hybrid but he is a true hard man in his own right.
This series of books just has film franchise stamped all over it, this has a british hard man actor waiting for this part. Tom Hardy?
An absolutely outstanding follow up to Drug Gang. If you like your reading hard hitting, fast paced, shocking and extreme this is the book and series for you.
I read this book in around 3 hours, once I started there was no putting it down and I was up late into the night having to keep turning to the end.
Cool, sharp, slick, wicked, cold blooded madness and I can’t get enough..
I can’t wait to finish the Trilogy and massively intrigued to find out what is left in the John Kennedy Story, I have a feeling he has some unfinished business waiting for him....
5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
John is now living in Sydney, running a new drug gang and living with love of his life, Lisa, unbeknown to Lisa , John is still in the drug world in a big way, but he plans to get out soon.
Unfortunately the past is about to return to haunt him. Savagely attacked by the returning Brotherhood, John and Lisa’s life in paradise is shattered.
Returning first to Belfast , then Manchester, the scene of Book 1, John swears to get his final lasting vengeance and retribution on the new risen again Brotherhood, now ran by crazed Simon and the equally sadistic girlfriend Kate, a new member of the gang.
As with the first book this is an absolute firecracker, it’s loud, brutal, offensive, explicitly violent and completely chaotic.
Even more savage and sadistic than it’s predecessor this book delves more in to the drug trade and introduces some new characters aswell as some from the past you don’t expect.
Action packed and rip roaringly paced, there’s a huge twist to come and shock you down to your boots.
The scenes in the nightclub culminating in the finale of this story really are the most vicious, ferocious, bloodthirsty pages I’ve ever read, but it’s just brilliant, shades of Fight Club, John is like a Bryan Mills , John Wick, kind of hybrid but he is a true hard man in his own right.
This series of books just has film franchise stamped all over it, this has a british hard man actor waiting for this part. Tom Hardy?
An absolutely outstanding follow up to Drug Gang. If you like your reading hard hitting, fast paced, shocking and extreme this is the book and series for you.
I read this book in around 3 hours, once I started there was no putting it down and I was up late into the night having to keep turning to the end.
Cool, sharp, slick, wicked, cold blooded madness and I can’t get enough..
I can’t wait to finish the Trilogy and massively intrigued to find out what is left in the John Kennedy Story, I have a feeling he has some unfinished business waiting for him....
5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
May 25, 2020
I like these books but I don't know why, probably because I like John
November 22, 2020
Fast paced
Gave this 5 Stars because I could not put the 1st book or this book in the trilogy down. I read all types of books some more enjoyable than others. I engaged with the characters and the plot was good to follow. Whatever will the next book hold for our John.
Gave this 5 Stars because I could not put the 1st book or this book in the trilogy down. I read all types of books some more enjoyable than others. I engaged with the characters and the plot was good to follow. Whatever will the next book hold for our John.
December 26, 2020
Brilliant
Once again I have lived with these characters I can almost see John and Lisa's faces so pleased Simon got what he deserved. This was an accidental purchase but one of the best I have made can't wait to read what's next.
Once again I have lived with these characters I can almost see John and Lisa's faces so pleased Simon got what he deserved. This was an accidental purchase but one of the best I have made can't wait to read what's next.
May 8, 2021
Drug Gang Vengeance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The first 2 books have been brutal & I couldn't put them down.So much violence & it shows you be careful what you wish for because you might just get it.Neil Walkers trilogy is everything I thought or better though I'm just going to start the third book & hope it's as good as the others⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The first 2 books have been brutal & I couldn't put them down.So much violence & it shows you be careful what you wish for because you might just get it.Neil Walkers trilogy is everything I thought or better though I'm just going to start the third book & hope it's as good as the others⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 8, 2023
PROS
The best part of this one is the planning and scheming between Johnny, Simon and Kate. Simon has risen to control the Brotherhood after the organization almost being destroyed by Johnny. You’ll have to read book one to understand what happened. Kate is Simon’s Captain and for good reason. She has no compunction in inflicting pain on others then hitting a long line of coke. It is a true chess match to see who will rule the streets of Manchester and for that part, Sydney, Australia. Then throw in the rival Asian gang that is fighting for territory in Manchester and you have one diabolical theme. See, this group was the first contact John had on his first assignment at the DOOM club. It presents a most unusual alliance.
Is there blood, gore and mayhem? Oh yeah.
CONS
I don’t know what happened between book one and book two, but it was a letdown. I found no grammatical issues in part one but came across seventeen unique issues. Instead of the action moving forward, there was too much reflecting back to events in the first part along with some odd phrased sentences and missing or wrong words.
The pace of the story was much slower than the first. Way too much unwanted descriptions of surroundings and it even infected the fight scenes.
It’s hard to recommend this other than to those who have read the first one and want to see how everything comes together. I will caution, one needs to read book one or you will be lost in this one.
A disappointing three stars.
The best part of this one is the planning and scheming between Johnny, Simon and Kate. Simon has risen to control the Brotherhood after the organization almost being destroyed by Johnny. You’ll have to read book one to understand what happened. Kate is Simon’s Captain and for good reason. She has no compunction in inflicting pain on others then hitting a long line of coke. It is a true chess match to see who will rule the streets of Manchester and for that part, Sydney, Australia. Then throw in the rival Asian gang that is fighting for territory in Manchester and you have one diabolical theme. See, this group was the first contact John had on his first assignment at the DOOM club. It presents a most unusual alliance.
Is there blood, gore and mayhem? Oh yeah.
CONS
I don’t know what happened between book one and book two, but it was a letdown. I found no grammatical issues in part one but came across seventeen unique issues. Instead of the action moving forward, there was too much reflecting back to events in the first part along with some odd phrased sentences and missing or wrong words.
The pace of the story was much slower than the first. Way too much unwanted descriptions of surroundings and it even infected the fight scenes.
It’s hard to recommend this other than to those who have read the first one and want to see how everything comes together. I will caution, one needs to read book one or you will be lost in this one.
A disappointing three stars.
October 23, 2024
Drug Gang Vengeance, the gripping sequel to Drug Gang, brings readers back into the high-stakes world of John Kennedy, a former criminal trying to leave behind his life of crime in Sydney. Unfortunately, escape proves impossible when The Brotherhood, a ruthless drug gang, comes after him, sparking a brutal cycle of vengeance and violence that spans continents.
Neil Walker delivers a fast-paced, action-packed narrative filled with tension, betrayal, and gritty realism. Kennedy’s journey is a heart-pounding ride, as the stakes escalate and he is forced into a deadly game of survival. The vivid descriptions of criminal underworlds across the globe make the story both immersive and cinematic, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel’s exploration of loyalty, revenge, and redemption adds layers of complexity to the action, ensuring that Drug Gang Vengeance is more than just a crime thriller—it’s a powerful look at the costs of violence and the difficulty of escaping one’s past.
Fans of dark, gritty thrillers will find this sequel an exhilarating read, as Walker expertly navigates the world of crime, where every action has deadly consequences. A must-read for those who love intense, high-octane thrillers!
Neil Walker delivers a fast-paced, action-packed narrative filled with tension, betrayal, and gritty realism. Kennedy’s journey is a heart-pounding ride, as the stakes escalate and he is forced into a deadly game of survival. The vivid descriptions of criminal underworlds across the globe make the story both immersive and cinematic, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel’s exploration of loyalty, revenge, and redemption adds layers of complexity to the action, ensuring that Drug Gang Vengeance is more than just a crime thriller—it’s a powerful look at the costs of violence and the difficulty of escaping one’s past.
Fans of dark, gritty thrillers will find this sequel an exhilarating read, as Walker expertly navigates the world of crime, where every action has deadly consequences. A must-read for those who love intense, high-octane thrillers!
March 6, 2025
as awesome as first one !
What a read ! Boy the first book had me hooked from the first page and this one just carried on that trend ! Infact I may have enjoyed this one more . I adore Martina Cole and Kimberly chambers and their style of writing and this extremely similar….. smashed it mate.
What a read ! Boy the first book had me hooked from the first page and this one just carried on that trend ! Infact I may have enjoyed this one more . I adore Martina Cole and Kimberly chambers and their style of writing and this extremely similar….. smashed it mate.
October 8, 2019
Even more violent than #1
Read
April 11, 2022Looking forward to next instalment
Thought first was good but this one was a good sequel. Obviously not great literature but good quick read Enjoy!!!
Thought first was good but this one was a good sequel. Obviously not great literature but good quick read Enjoy!!!
February 8, 2023
Next episode of the trilogy didn't disappoint
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