A blog was originally meant to work as an online journal; social networks didn’t exist when the “weblogs” were invented. Well, let’s make this post exactly this: a report about something I just discovered in the last less than 24 hours.

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It all started by YouTube suggesting me this video: How to Stop A Bully So He Regrets It | Russian Mafia Advice:

After having read the video’s description on YT and found the book “Grim Begins (GRIM SERIES Book 1)” on Amazon.com and Amazon.de, I commented on Facebook (this is a translation):

Meh. Seems logical, but not all that practical. Of course, it’s just a teaser for the upcoming book. I just don’t understand what the hell that book is:

  • the author has a Polish name
  • the character in the book, Andrej (also a Polish name) has something to do with the Stasi (so GDR), but it mentions the Soviet gulags
  • this video says “Russian Mafia Advice”

WTF?! Is this just a novel (first in a series) being sold to us under the guise of teaching you how to stop bullying? “Kindle Store DE: number 4 in Organized Crime Thrillers.”

It’s much more than I could ever think of!

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I asked ChatGPT this: “What’s the deal with Grim Begins (GRIM SERIES Book 1) by Wiktor Miesok? Who is its author?” It answered:

Grim Begins is the inaugural novel in the GRIM SERIES, co-authored by Wiktor Miesok and Felix Charin. Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, the book delves into the transformative journey of Andrej, a rebellious youth who evolves into a hardened mafia boss. Set against the backdrop of 1985 East Berlin, Andrej’s defiance against the Stasi propels him into a perilous odyssey through the Soviet underworld, including time in a brutal Gulag. The narrative intertwines themes of power, survival, and personal metamorphosis, offering readers a gritty crime saga that blurs the lines between myth and reality

Wiktor Miesok is an emerging author, with Grim Begins marking his debut in the literary world. Currently, there is limited public information available about him beyond his association with this work.

If you’re interested in a raw and introspective crime narrative, Grim Begins might be a compelling read.

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Not really helpful. Let’s ask Perplexity, which was born specifically to provide nicely packed web results, right? Yeah, sure. When pigs fly:

There is no evidence of a book titled Grim Begins (GRIM SERIES Book 1) by Wiktor Miesok in the available sources.

Are you fucking kidding me?! Perplexity cannot be trusted with web search!

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No need to use stupid AI.

❶ The GRIM HUSTLE YouTube channel is online since March 2015. 1.33M subscribers, 286 videos, 201 million views.

Here’s another luring video, How To Have 100% Focus in Life – Russian Mafia Advice:

❷ RING OF GRIM — “Value driven: for achievers, by achievers.” At the very bottom: “BE HONORABLE.”

And: “Ring Of Grim is A Private Member’s Club of Lived Honor. Brought to you by Grim Hustle.”

Site owner: THE GRIM Foundation MTÜ, 10151 Parda tn 8, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn, support@grim.me.

DeepSeek’s quick assessment:

A global private members club focused on high-achievers with conservative values, mentorship, and physical expeditions. Key aspects include:

  • Exclusive, invite-only network for entrepreneurs, tech professionals, doctors, lawyers, and other accomplished individuals
  • Emphasis on anti-consumerism, libertarian values, and personal growth through real-world experiences
  • Male-only fraternity (with plans for a female counterpart in 2026) operating in 43 countries with chapters in major cities

❸ Also based on DeepSeek’s hints: Andrej Kaminsky, the “Russian Mafia boss,” is an actor from Finland: IMDB Profile. From Wikipedia:

The son of a German father and a Russian mother, he lived in Helsinki before moving to Berlin during his childhood. Kaminsky grew in Berlin and graduated in 1989 from the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 1992 he also received musical training.

He debuted in 1989 in the Rudolstadt theater, which he followed with a prolific career in Frankfurt, the Berliner Ensemble, Nordhausen, Sondershausen and Kassel. The same year he also debuted in television, appearing in popular series Polizeiruf 110 before diversifying as an occasional guest in television and film.

In 2000 he founded the stage and music group Harmonisch & Co., dedicated to social work with children, disabled and prison inmates. Since 2005 he is a drama teacher in the Ernst Busch Academy and the University of Film in Babelsberg, and since 2017 he is a member of the Augsburg theater.

He debuted YouTube in 2016 as part of channel Grim Hustle, produced by television and film veteran Felix Charin, where Kaminsky played a Russian mafia boss named Andrycha starring in a short personal development lecture. In May 2022 he became the main attraction of the channel, delivering continuous advice under the character of the ruthless yet honorable crime lord. The channel became the public voice of the real life Grim Foundation, co-founded by Kaminsky. He played again a Russian mafia member in a cameo in 2023 film John Wick: Chapter 4.

Wow.

❹ The Grim Circle aka Grim Book Circle — “10 minutes daily for perfect focus.” Again, focus seems to be… their focus. “HIGH ACHIEVERS’ MORNING ROUTINE: 10 minutes of reading will expand focus 68%.”

Oh, it’s much, much cheaper than, say, Andrew Tate’s Hustlers University or The Real World ($49.99/month): $18/month, $139/year, or $499 for a lifetime.

Why is it that I brought up the Tate brothers? ChatGPT:

The Tate brothers’ movement is a digital-era phenomenon combining self-help, masculinity revivalism, and provocative anti-mainstream ideology. It markets empowerment to disillusioned men through controversial tactics, drawing both massive followings and widespread criticism.

I feel that Grim Circle is sort of an intellectual alternative to the toxic masculinity club of the Tate brothers.

Here’s the list of the books recommended on the main page of the Grim Book Circle:

  • Discipline: “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
  • Health: “The Science of Being Well” by Wallace D. Wattles
  • Self-sufficiency: “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau
  • Wealth: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
  • Influence: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
  • Business strategy: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
  • Brotherhoods: “Bushido: The Soul of Japan” by Inazō Nitobe
  • Family: “War and Peace” by Lev Tolstoy
  • Resilience: “Dark Night of the Soul” by John of the Cross
  • Macroeconomics: “Modern Money Mechanics” by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
  • Spirit: “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman

The one on macroeconomics is ridiculous. Also, no Atlas Shrugged? Nope, because it’s written by a woman! Eek. Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie… Yawn. John of the Cross?!

❺ Grim Letter. A newsletter on… what? Whatever.

❻ Instagram (“Honor will come.”), TikTok (“Only if you are honorable.”), Facebook (“Be honorable.”), X (“We are destroying entertainment, we are rebuilding empowerment.”) — Do you see a pattern here?

This book seems to be “da real shit,” man! Honor will come, but from where? Is it more like the Christ?

❼ Grim Series – “Prepare for the Grim Novel.”

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☀️ Courtesy of ChatGPT:

FeatureRing of GrimTate Brothers’ Movement
Tone & BrandingDark, stoic, mythic; warrior-philosopher vibe.Loud, flashy, brash; alpha-male influencer vibe.
PhilosophyResilience through hardship, spiritual toughness, inner strength.Success through dominance, wealth, and control over others.
MasculinityFocus on stoicism, endurance, self-mastery, warrior mentality.Hyper-masculinity, conquest, emotional suppression, status signaling.
Community ApproachQuiet strength, tribal brotherhood, loyalty and discipline.Individual success, power-hierarchy, often performative loyalty.
Marketing StyleSubdued, mythological symbolism, serious tone.Aggressive, viral social media presence, showy success.
ControversyRelatively under-the-radar; minimal mainstream backlash.Heavily controversial, banned and widely debated.
Legal/PR IssuesNone known.Facing serious criminal allegations (as of 2024-2025).
DepthEmphasis on meaning, struggle, and psychological fortitude.Emphasis on lifestyle, money, and rebellion against “the matrix.”

Also:

✅ Why Ring of Grim Might Be the Better Choice

  • Less performative, more introspective.
  • No legal baggage or widespread controversy.
  • More grounded in inner strength and philosophical endurance rather than just wealth or status.
  • Less toxic perception, potentially more sustainable and meaningful path for long-term development.

🧠 Summary

Ring of Grim is arguably a more mature, stable, and principled alternative to the Tate brothers’ movement — especially for those seeking depth, inner strength, and brotherhood without the drama or performative alpha posturing. If you’re looking for a warrior path rather than a flashy rebel influencer path, Ring of Grim is the better fit.

Would you like help exploring communities or content similar to Ring of Grim?

Thanks, but no, thanks. I’ll wait for the “Russian Mafia” to show me what honor really is.