Andy Hopwood It's Only Pain

Fantastic true story, couldn't put it down.

Having trained at one of Andy Hopwood's seminars it was great to read this book and find out where the amazing techniques that he teaches comes from. It's even better that the book is so gripping and a wonderfully emotional true story.

A must read for those who want the all action true story - Andy Hopwood has you wincing, laughing, crying and finishes by ripping your heart out!

Not a bad writing style. Quite absorbing in the style of Andy McNab or Geoff Thompson. Make your own mind up by all means but this is not a 100% truthful account. It really annoyed me that the country and place names were all false. What has the author got to hide? I am guessing that this book is not as factual as he would like us to think it is and is more of a publicity stunt in an attempt to advertise his martial arts club. The story also seemed very far fetched. I am not aware of any foreign military special forces units that need to come to Worcesterhire to recruit teenagers. It's up to you to decide why the author has done this.

I started to read It's Only Pain and couldn't stop reading until I had finished it! This is a real page turner and is a roller coaster of action and emotional turmoil...thoroughly recommend it.

Knowing that it is based on true events gives a mixture of emotions whilst reading, especially as you realise what was happening on a different continent when you were growing up at the same time in the UK.

A very powerful and emotive book mixed with small amounts of humour. Andy tells it like it really was and his emotions are there for us all to read about. A book everyone should read and no one will forget!

It's Only Pain is certainly one of the most moving, gripping stories I have ever read!

I think Andy Hopwood has got an individual & unique tone and style and he tells his story in a series of vivid, engaging scenes capturing the key moments of his emotional and physical journey.

From the age of six, a boy is sent to two martial arts classes a week, eventually becoming a pro in Ju-Jitsu and Karate. He learns 'combat systems' in the playground before taking his 'skills' to the street. Andy Hopwood's novel, It's Only Pain, is a raw, violent and aggressive account of a young man's obsession with violence, based on the author's own experience of a life of fighting.

With an ego growing at an alarming rate and a burning desire to satisfy his violent needs, Andy is invited to travel overseas to join a military combat school. Despite the wishes of his family, he accepts. While training at the school, he befriends Joe, an overbearing martial arts enthusiast from Sweden. It's Only Pain! chronicles their time spent together as the two young fighters embark on a journey of hedonistic drinking, violence and rock music.

Based upon events from Hopwood's own life, It's Only Pain! is a stark examination of Andy's trek through his military life.

Andy Hopwood It's Only Pain is a powerfully emotive story that blew me away! I had to keep reminding myself that this is not fiction; it all really happened. The book is a superb mix of violence, comedy and raw human emotion that will leave you awe-struck.