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Dysfunctional Series #1-3
Evil comes in all shapes and sizes. It's up to three kids, brought together by extraordinary circumstances, to save their school from a monster hiding in plain sight...before it finds them.
When Theo Aldridge loses his family in a gruesome murder, he sinks into a bottomless pit of depression. After a failed suicide attempt, he meets Sally and Reuben - classmates of his who are also in dire straits. Sally is dying of a rare disease that steals her sleep, and Reuben is struggling to relate to the people around him while hiding the darkness of his home life. One day, the three unintentionally discover that they've acquired powers that seem to fix their worst flaws. Where did these abilities come from? And how do they control their newfound powers without being exposed?
While trying to make sense of these changes, the new friends come across a disturbing secret in their very own high school. A force of destruction that only Theo, Sally, and Reuben can stop.
"Within this tale is a cast of characters with intensely unique voices and personas; each one radiating their own desires so clearly, you would think they were all written by different people. Their behaviors, their speech patterns, even their thoughts are so independent of one another, it really brings you in to the story. Speaking of story; rich with drama, speckled with dark humor, and spun together with delightful insanity. The plot never lagged or faltered, and the flow was immaculate in build up and conclusion! I am completely and totally impressed with the genuine and incredibly unique concept that was presented; It isn't your average fantasy or young adult or science fiction. This is a riveting, urban legend bordering on cult classic level creepiness. It was an absolute delight to read, I was on the edge of my seat, frantically clicking 'next chapter' with urgency each time there was a pause to the narrative! It does not relieve me enough that there is a sequel - because I will read the heck out of that too! Thanks for making something that haunted me. I loved it!" - Jessica Manna
When Theo Aldridge loses his family in a gruesome murder, he sinks into a bottomless pit of depression. After a failed suicide attempt, he meets Sally and Reuben - classmates of his who are also in dire straits. Sally is dying of a rare disease that steals her sleep, and Reuben is struggling to relate to the people around him while hiding the darkness of his home life. One day, the three unintentionally discover that they've acquired powers that seem to fix their worst flaws. Where did these abilities come from? And how do they control their newfound powers without being exposed?
While trying to make sense of these changes, the new friends come across a disturbing secret in their very own high school. A force of destruction that only Theo, Sally, and Reuben can stop.
"Within this tale is a cast of characters with intensely unique voices and personas; each one radiating their own desires so clearly, you would think they were all written by different people. Their behaviors, their speech patterns, even their thoughts are so independent of one another, it really brings you in to the story. Speaking of story; rich with drama, speckled with dark humor, and spun together with delightful insanity. The plot never lagged or faltered, and the flow was immaculate in build up and conclusion! I am completely and totally impressed with the genuine and incredibly unique concept that was presented; It isn't your average fantasy or young adult or science fiction. This is a riveting, urban legend bordering on cult classic level creepiness. It was an absolute delight to read, I was on the edge of my seat, frantically clicking 'next chapter' with urgency each time there was a pause to the narrative! It does not relieve me enough that there is a sequel - because I will read the heck out of that too! Thanks for making something that haunted me. I loved it!" - Jessica Manna
790 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2017
21 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
McKenzie Rae
23 books59 followersTraumatized as a child by the haunted house at the Minnesota State Fair, McKenzie Rae decided to take that fear and use it to write as many twisted, spooky, and mysterious tales as she could think of. As a result, she is still afraid of the dark, and some nights, she is convinced that a monster is under her bed. But that could just be her cat.
Rae prefers to create fantasy worlds where anything can happen. The Dysfunctional Trilogy were the first three books she ever published. Since then, she has gone on to write even more chilling tales.
With every book she writes, Rae brings the dark worlds in her imagination to life, and she invites all of you to explore them with her.
Rae prefers to create fantasy worlds where anything can happen. The Dysfunctional Trilogy were the first three books she ever published. Since then, she has gone on to write even more chilling tales.
With every book she writes, Rae brings the dark worlds in her imagination to life, and she invites all of you to explore them with her.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 10, 2017
Dysfunctional origins is the first book in a series of 3. I found this on the Inkitt ARC website. This is a continuous story and the series is available on kindle unlimited as one book. If you are going to read this I would suggest you go into it thinking it's 790 pages of 1 book not 3.
Anyway this is a classic story which is what it says in the synopsis. It's aimed at about the 16 years age group. It's a fantasy novel with action and suspense.
Extraordinary people sometimes struggle to fit. They know their different, but how special they are is not always seen. A group of kids realise they are more than the average and have special abilities. Each unique. There is something not quite right with the school and the group must solve the mystery before it's too late.
Sally doesn't need sleep she can recharge her batteries in other ways. Reuben can read people's negative memories and Theo is unstable from his own grief. This unlike trio are the stars of this story.
The school needs there help. Like I said his is a continuous story so this is just the beginning.
4 stars out of 5. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. It is difficult to rate 1/3 of a story. SmI will probably continue with this series to complete my review.
Anyway this is a classic story which is what it says in the synopsis. It's aimed at about the 16 years age group. It's a fantasy novel with action and suspense.
Extraordinary people sometimes struggle to fit. They know their different, but how special they are is not always seen. A group of kids realise they are more than the average and have special abilities. Each unique. There is something not quite right with the school and the group must solve the mystery before it's too late.
Sally doesn't need sleep she can recharge her batteries in other ways. Reuben can read people's negative memories and Theo is unstable from his own grief. This unlike trio are the stars of this story.
The school needs there help. Like I said his is a continuous story so this is just the beginning.
4 stars out of 5. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. It is difficult to rate 1/3 of a story. SmI will probably continue with this series to complete my review.
December 16, 2017
Smart, funny, intriguing and creepy
Those are adjectives you don't often say about the same book. I loved the witty dialogue that brought some humor into the story. I liked all the characters, and I was captivated by their relationships. The plot was really unique, so much so that I couldn't see the twist until it was revealed.
Those are adjectives you don't often say about the same book. I loved the witty dialogue that brought some humor into the story. I liked all the characters, and I was captivated by their relationships. The plot was really unique, so much so that I couldn't see the twist until it was revealed.
March 27, 2020
Wow, where to begin. I enjoyed this series. It was different than I expected but as a whole series, looking back on it, it was really good. I had to push myself to read the first book but the second and third book were thrilling. There were ideas in here that I have never seen anywhere else and I loved them. Some parts were haunting, which was good, while others were funny. Definitely read it!
January 1, 2018
Please NOTE: I've read the first book, not the set. There isn't a listing for just Book One. I did reach out to the publisher to no avail.
So, Origins (Dysfunctional Series) is pure Young Adult. It is quite clean, but still a bit of fun for us older [people].
Sally, Theo, Reuben, and Jane - all highschoolers, damaged in varying ways; all have unexplained gifts of supernatural substance. When? Recently. How? That bit is explained in a loony farm. The concept - pretty fun.
So, Reuben is a loner, Theo the ex-jock, pretty boy, Sally an 'average' girl afraid to be more, and Jane - she has her own story but isn't as integral in Origins. See - total YA. I highly suspect Jane will play a major role and make a foursome as the story continues.
As these kids come to terms with their new abilities, they are thrust into a thriller-detective-vampireish conflict that yields a night of zombies, too.
There are still loads of questions, relationships to be had, an epic battles to fight.
Overall, the story reads quick and is engaging.
As stated, I read the first book in this three-book series. I do not know if it gets better or worse as the story continues.
3.7 of 5 Stars. ARC provided by author/publisher.
From the Publisher:
Evil comes in all shapes and sizes. It's up to three kids, brought together by extraordinary circumstances, to save their school from a monster hiding in plain sight...before it finds them.
When Theo Aldrige loses his family in a gruesome murder, he sinks into a bottomless pit of depression. After a failed suicide attempt, he meets Sally and Reuben - classmates of his who are also in dire straits. Sally is dying of a rare disease that steals her sleep, and Reuben is struggling to relate to the people around him while hiding the darkness of his home life. One day, the three unintentionally discover that they've acquired powers that seem to fix their worst flaws. Where did these abilities come from? And how do they control their newfound powers without being exposed?
While trying to make sense of these changes, the new friends come across a disturbing secret in their very own high school. A force of destruction that only Theo, Sally, and Reuben can stop.
So, Origins (Dysfunctional Series) is pure Young Adult. It is quite clean, but still a bit of fun for us older [people].
Sally, Theo, Reuben, and Jane - all highschoolers, damaged in varying ways; all have unexplained gifts of supernatural substance. When? Recently. How? That bit is explained in a loony farm. The concept - pretty fun.
So, Reuben is a loner, Theo the ex-jock, pretty boy, Sally an 'average' girl afraid to be more, and Jane - she has her own story but isn't as integral in Origins. See - total YA. I highly suspect Jane will play a major role and make a foursome as the story continues.
As these kids come to terms with their new abilities, they are thrust into a thriller-detective-vampireish conflict that yields a night of zombies, too.
There are still loads of questions, relationships to be had, an epic battles to fight.
Overall, the story reads quick and is engaging.
As stated, I read the first book in this three-book series. I do not know if it gets better or worse as the story continues.
3.7 of 5 Stars. ARC provided by author/publisher.
From the Publisher:
Evil comes in all shapes and sizes. It's up to three kids, brought together by extraordinary circumstances, to save their school from a monster hiding in plain sight...before it finds them.
When Theo Aldrige loses his family in a gruesome murder, he sinks into a bottomless pit of depression. After a failed suicide attempt, he meets Sally and Reuben - classmates of his who are also in dire straits. Sally is dying of a rare disease that steals her sleep, and Reuben is struggling to relate to the people around him while hiding the darkness of his home life. One day, the three unintentionally discover that they've acquired powers that seem to fix their worst flaws. Where did these abilities come from? And how do they control their newfound powers without being exposed?
While trying to make sense of these changes, the new friends come across a disturbing secret in their very own high school. A force of destruction that only Theo, Sally, and Reuben can stop.
January 16, 2018
Dysfunctional Origins is a very well written book. This book drew me in from the very first page and I had a tough time putting it down. It had a captivating plot that was very well developed with some nice twists hidden within. Although it is not uncommon to have kids with supernatural abilities, I found that this book had a new twist to it, which I found refreshing. The pace of the book was perfect never leaving me with the feeling that it was dragging out nor rushing me through the story.
Reuben, although a bit of a wise ass, was a really likable character. He definitely had his struggle but when it came down to it you could tell he had his heart at the right spot, just difficulties on how to express himself, at least in my eyes.
Sally was also a very likable character who is struggling with the changes she is going through. Can't blame her when you go from thinking you are dying to realizing things are taking a 180 degree turn.
Theo, wow he sure made the biggest transition having his life turned up side down and now trying to find his bearings and still someone managing to do just that. All three seem to grow together as unlikely as friends as they may seem at first and some of them actively fighting that even, just to realize that they actually make very good friends.
I for one really enjoyed this book a lot. With that being said, I have so far only read the first one of the series Dysfunctional Origins. I can't wait to pick up the other two though. From what I have read so far I can only recommend this series!
Voluntary review of Advance Reader Copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
Reuben, although a bit of a wise ass, was a really likable character. He definitely had his struggle but when it came down to it you could tell he had his heart at the right spot, just difficulties on how to express himself, at least in my eyes.
Sally was also a very likable character who is struggling with the changes she is going through. Can't blame her when you go from thinking you are dying to realizing things are taking a 180 degree turn.
Theo, wow he sure made the biggest transition having his life turned up side down and now trying to find his bearings and still someone managing to do just that. All three seem to grow together as unlikely as friends as they may seem at first and some of them actively fighting that even, just to realize that they actually make very good friends.
I for one really enjoyed this book a lot. With that being said, I have so far only read the first one of the series Dysfunctional Origins. I can't wait to pick up the other two though. From what I have read so far I can only recommend this series!
Voluntary review of Advance Reader Copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
February 13, 2018
At first look I thought was it worth it? What's it about? Should I give it a try? Then I remembered what I go by "Don't judge a book by it's cover" in this case the title and so I got it. It's one of those books with a simple idea but so well written that leaves you in the edge of your seat. It's kinda like goosebumps but in a different way. When I started reading I knew I couldn't stop. The characters are so well planned. This book is different. It wasn't revolved around someones life even thought it did have jealousy, and crushes but in all it was set on solving the missing which I loved. Sal, Ted, and Reuben were awesome and I can't wait to heard more from them.in future books. I'm scared for Jane and could she be the wizard, when will she meet the rest of the gang? But I'm disappointed in Delilah. Could the councilor really be dead? And is Cassidy still alive. I hope she is. I don't think she's evil like Catherine (councilor) said. It really is an amazing book. It's different from other but it will leave you frightened to the core. Literally. I'm still shaking and I finished the book atleast 15 minutes ago.
January 8, 2018
Couldn't put this series down. The characters were captivating, the story even more so. I didn't predict any of the plot twists throughout the series which really kept me on my toes while I was reading and kept me thinking about the story and the characters when I wasn't, so I had to get back ASAP to pick the book up again! The books were funny, interesting, witty, creepy, and so much more. I'm generally not a huge fan of fantasy but the story was so compelling and the magic involved so interesting that I still loved the book.
February 14, 2018
The title of this one gave me no clue as to where it would take me. I found it to be an interesting story that was well written. The characters were well suited to each other and were well developed. Overall I really enjoyed this story
April 10, 2018
Well that was a pleasant surprise! The story was twisted and dark and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters were interesting. The plot was original. The twists were startling. I truly hope there is more from McKensie Rae!
January 25, 2020
“What are we a reaction to?”
On the night of September 12, Theo tries to take his life, but for some reason, he fails. The next day, he meets Reuben and Sally, two kids in his gym class whom he would never have befriended in his old life, and whom he even has a history of bullying in the past. But times have changed. The landscape of Theo’s life has changed and Reuben and Sally are the only ones he can count on now. Together, the three of them try to unravel the mystery behind their newfound powers and in the process also learn to accept themselves and each other: flaws, quirks, snarks and all.
I believe the strength of this book is in its characters. Theo, Reuben and Sally are unmistakably teenagers in their thoughts, speech and interactions. Even in the environment they live in and how they process what goes on in it, they think, act and react as teenagers: never too mature and not beyond the occasional silly notions, yet surprisingly wise when you least expect. They discover they have supernatural abilities and the first thing that comes to Reuben’s mind is “We’re superheroes!” when the average logical adult would’ve undoubtedly freaked out.
The characters are very consistent, their emotions and realizations progressing evenly. They do not fall into tedious banters that take too long to make a point. They unfold the secrets of their now interconnected story at an even pace, easily bringing me on for the ride. I felt one with them, trying to figure out and put together each piece of the puzzle and truly marveling at every unexpected revelation. I also even got genuine goosebumps reading through Reuben’s horrific adventures in that basement (fair warning: don’t read that part in the dark O.O).
I also really like the way this book draws inspiration from a well-loved classic and how it incorporates this into the story, leaving room and promise for more questions and revelations to come: Who is the wizard? What is the yellow brick road? Who is Allison? And what kind of new villain has the clueless Jane Hopkins just conjured?
I am so glad there are two more books in the series. I cannot wait to dive right back in and read more of this dysfunctional trio’s bizarre adventures.
I received a digital review copy of the first book in the series, Dysfunctional Origins from Inkitt's Exclusive Reads.
April 9, 2018
This is a well-written and exciting story from a talented new author. I only wish the publisher would have released it as three books.
June 12, 2018
Review to come
January 2, 2018
*Update*
OMG... This is not how I wanted this to go! Book 1 ends with the trio trying to find the wizard. Well... they found her, but things go wrong... very quickly. The ending broke my heart, but I look forward to reading book 3 and I'm really nervous about how this will end... but also excited. This is a great series!
This is a story for everyone who wishes or imagines they have a superpower! If you could have any superpower, what would it be? That’s a tough question… and it’s one Theo, Sally, and Rueben won’t have to answer! Each one of these characters has a flaw and received a superpower to “fix” their flaws. Let’s meet them!
Theo has been adopted by a wonderful family and a very tragic event he wishes he could forget. Sally is fighting a losing battle against a rare disease that prevents her from sleeping. Rueben, well, he has an emotional disconnect. Together, the three of them, with their newfound abilities, must band together and save the school and possibly the world.
The synopsis is what drew me in, but what kept me was how relatable and realistic the three main characters are. Theo suffers from depression and severe guilt even though he did nothing wrong. Sally is tired of being under the watchful eye of her parents, who just want to make sure she’s alright. She’s slowly dying and there’s nothing anyone can do to save her. Rueben has a terrible home life. He uses humor to avoid and deflect any sort of emotional communication. Their abilities are very reflective of who they are. This book put me in the mind of one of my favorite shows, “Misfits”. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it does leave some questions unanswered. As this is book one of what looks to be a trilogy, I’m excited to see where this goes!
OMG... This is not how I wanted this to go! Book 1 ends with the trio trying to find the wizard. Well... they found her, but things go wrong... very quickly. The ending broke my heart, but I look forward to reading book 3 and I'm really nervous about how this will end... but also excited. This is a great series!
This is a story for everyone who wishes or imagines they have a superpower! If you could have any superpower, what would it be? That’s a tough question… and it’s one Theo, Sally, and Rueben won’t have to answer! Each one of these characters has a flaw and received a superpower to “fix” their flaws. Let’s meet them!
Theo has been adopted by a wonderful family and a very tragic event he wishes he could forget. Sally is fighting a losing battle against a rare disease that prevents her from sleeping. Rueben, well, he has an emotional disconnect. Together, the three of them, with their newfound abilities, must band together and save the school and possibly the world.
The synopsis is what drew me in, but what kept me was how relatable and realistic the three main characters are. Theo suffers from depression and severe guilt even though he did nothing wrong. Sally is tired of being under the watchful eye of her parents, who just want to make sure she’s alright. She’s slowly dying and there’s nothing anyone can do to save her. Rueben has a terrible home life. He uses humor to avoid and deflect any sort of emotional communication. Their abilities are very reflective of who they are. This book put me in the mind of one of my favorite shows, “Misfits”. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it does leave some questions unanswered. As this is book one of what looks to be a trilogy, I’m excited to see where this goes!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews