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The Deranged
Max has graduation on the brain, not a deadly plague.
All was going according to plan, when an unknown virus hits his hometown and symptoms quickly change from “flu-like” to erratic and violent.
With only minimal belongings, a gun, and his untested conscience, Max and his dad leave the city with their neighbor Wiley, and Wiley’s niece Skylar—the girl who, as of yesterday, hasn’t spoken to him since the third grade.
Max embarks on a harrowing journey where he will be forced to decide who lives and who dies in his attempt to stay alive and save those he loves.
Unputdownable, The Deranged is an action-packed, bio-weapon gone wrong, teenage romance and incredible debut.
All was going according to plan, when an unknown virus hits his hometown and symptoms quickly change from “flu-like” to erratic and violent.
With only minimal belongings, a gun, and his untested conscience, Max and his dad leave the city with their neighbor Wiley, and Wiley’s niece Skylar—the girl who, as of yesterday, hasn’t spoken to him since the third grade.
Max embarks on a harrowing journey where he will be forced to decide who lives and who dies in his attempt to stay alive and save those he loves.
Unputdownable, The Deranged is an action-packed, bio-weapon gone wrong, teenage romance and incredible debut.
222 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2019
66 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Kate Myers
3 books74 followersKate Myers has been writing fiction for over six years. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business, only to realize writing was her true passion. Kate does her best writing when she’s drowning in coffee and not distracted by cats. Kate is an avid reader and book lover, young-adult fiction being her favorite to read and write. Kate lives in small town Ohio. When she’s not writing (or reading), you’ll probably find her making endless to-do lists that she will either lose or never complete. The Deranged is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 29, 2020
It may seem like a bad idea to read a book about a bio-chemical weapon that exhibits like a flu and prompts mass panic during an actual pandemic, but that’s what I did and it was a kind of interesting study in how reality and fiction can blur sometimes. In Myers novel, a bio-chemical is released in a small town, which appears to be done on purpose for "research". When these strange flu-like symptoms prompt the schools to close early, it sparks our main character’s father, who works at the lab that seems to be responsible, to flee with his teenage son and their next door neighbor and his teenage niece. The rest of the novel occurs over the course of 3 to 4 days as the group races from the quarantined zone—now without cell service and a military presence—to get to the family cabin and potential safety. This is an incredibly fast paced young adult, action romance with a unique twist on the “zombie” genre.
The main focus of the book is on Max and Skylar and their awkward teenage love/hate relationship. How they better start to understand one another, help each other survive, and ultimately realize that their strong feelings aren’t really as disdainful as they maybe want. The romance moves fast considering the book takes place over the course of less than a week, and while the book and story move quickly, it honestly feels like Max and Sky are with each other longer than those 4 days, so the romance didn’t feel as forced as sometimes the love to hate trope can kind of feel. Sure, occasionally we get a perspective chapter in the book that isn’t Max or Skylar, but this is still very much their story, even with the deranged humans chasing them, and being caught up in something that no one seems to understand. Because if Keith, Max's dad, actually does know what’s going on and why, he doesn’t share many of the details with the kids, or the readers.
I think that was my only real issue with the book was that this felt like a first chapter in what should be a longer book, and will be with the sequels. But very little is explained and while major exciting things get set up, nothing really gets resolved, either. And then the book ends on a cliff hanger! Which is both good and bad. Bad because I wanted more, but good because it definitely makes me want to continue with the series. The adults also felt like teenagers themselves. I get Keith wants to keep things light, but both he and Skylar’s uncle came off as more juvenile and not in charge of the situation to protect these kids, let alone anything else. I will say that if you aren’t a fan of teenage romance with a side of zombie-like baddies and scenarios, you may not enjoy this a ton, so be aware going in.
All in all, this was a fun read and a great debut novel! Myers has crafted a series that is fast paced with enough unique twists to make a genre that can feel over done feel new and interesting again. The stakes are very personal for these characters, starting small but with great potential to grow beyond the small town where everything started. There’s a lot of potential growth that these teenage characters have in store for them, and I am excited to get more answers to what’s happening in the next book! But I did wish for more answers here, and expected more of the adults involved, so this is a 4 star for me. But if you enjoy YA romance with dystopian flavors, give “The Deranged” a chance!
The main focus of the book is on Max and Skylar and their awkward teenage love/hate relationship. How they better start to understand one another, help each other survive, and ultimately realize that their strong feelings aren’t really as disdainful as they maybe want. The romance moves fast considering the book takes place over the course of less than a week, and while the book and story move quickly, it honestly feels like Max and Sky are with each other longer than those 4 days, so the romance didn’t feel as forced as sometimes the love to hate trope can kind of feel. Sure, occasionally we get a perspective chapter in the book that isn’t Max or Skylar, but this is still very much their story, even with the deranged humans chasing them, and being caught up in something that no one seems to understand. Because if Keith, Max's dad, actually does know what’s going on and why, he doesn’t share many of the details with the kids, or the readers.
I think that was my only real issue with the book was that this felt like a first chapter in what should be a longer book, and will be with the sequels. But very little is explained and while major exciting things get set up, nothing really gets resolved, either. And then the book ends on a cliff hanger! Which is both good and bad. Bad because I wanted more, but good because it definitely makes me want to continue with the series. The adults also felt like teenagers themselves. I get Keith wants to keep things light, but both he and Skylar’s uncle came off as more juvenile and not in charge of the situation to protect these kids, let alone anything else. I will say that if you aren’t a fan of teenage romance with a side of zombie-like baddies and scenarios, you may not enjoy this a ton, so be aware going in.
All in all, this was a fun read and a great debut novel! Myers has crafted a series that is fast paced with enough unique twists to make a genre that can feel over done feel new and interesting again. The stakes are very personal for these characters, starting small but with great potential to grow beyond the small town where everything started. There’s a lot of potential growth that these teenage characters have in store for them, and I am excited to get more answers to what’s happening in the next book! But I did wish for more answers here, and expected more of the adults involved, so this is a 4 star for me. But if you enjoy YA romance with dystopian flavors, give “The Deranged” a chance!
September 26, 2019
The Deranged, a YA dystopian romance, was impossible to put down and became a real page-turner once I got past the slow start. It was fast-paced, engaging, and suspenseful. I'll be thinking about it until book two comes out. I'm curious to how the new girl will play into book two.
The building dynamic between Sky and Max was great. I would love a little bit more of the romance because I'm sappy, but the world is coming to a new reality so it was right on par for what they were going through. The characters drove the plot to the cliffhanger.
If the world was coming to an end, I'd want to be with Keith. Is there anything that he can't do? The plot was cleverly woven, with each scene leading toward a larger goal. As a reader, I never got a break with the fast pace. In a book like this, I think that's a good thing. Constant action. Constant elements thrown at the characters. And all different types of elements, not just the same thing told slightly different. The Deranged provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters adapted to this warped world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.
I'm rooting for Max and Sky and can't wait until book two.
The building dynamic between Sky and Max was great. I would love a little bit more of the romance because I'm sappy, but the world is coming to a new reality so it was right on par for what they were going through. The characters drove the plot to the cliffhanger.
If the world was coming to an end, I'd want to be with Keith. Is there anything that he can't do? The plot was cleverly woven, with each scene leading toward a larger goal. As a reader, I never got a break with the fast pace. In a book like this, I think that's a good thing. Constant action. Constant elements thrown at the characters. And all different types of elements, not just the same thing told slightly different. The Deranged provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters adapted to this warped world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.
I'm rooting for Max and Sky and can't wait until book two.
January 17, 2020
I read this book in one sitting! I enjoyed the tension, characters, and plot line very much. It’s definitely a pageturner! I was not a big fan of Max & Skyler’s interactions but don’t want to spoil it for other readers. Can’t wait to get the next one and dive in!
August 21, 2019
Kate Myers does an amazing job keeping you on your toes while reading this book! After every chapter I would just say ok one more chapter and then I’ll go to bed. That didn’t work! After every chapter, it left me needing to read more! To the point where when I wasn’t reading it, I was pondering on what would happen next!
I highly suggest you read this young romance/mystery/thriller apocalypse! You will NOT regret it! I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the near future!
I highly suggest you read this young romance/mystery/thriller apocalypse! You will NOT regret it! I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the near future!
March 2, 2020
I was unsure at first how I would like this book. I began reading it with my students in mind. As I became more aware of the characters I felt more connected and needed to know how it would end. The changes in POV adds to the mystery surrounding the story. Although some may not like the limited views of the other characters, I felt it was what drew me in. So much left unanswered.
July 17, 2019
I was very interested in this book from the beginning, I quickly fell in love with the main character Max and his strong desire to keep everyone safe. All of the twists and turns kept me guessing and interested until the very last chapter. I am hoping the door was left open for a second book.
July 24, 2019
Wow.
I haven’t finished a book in one sitting in a few year but I could not put this down! I can not wait to see what happens next in this world and from this author.
I haven’t finished a book in one sitting in a few year but I could not put this down! I can not wait to see what happens next in this world and from this author.
April 1, 2020
The deranged
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series must read the next one of the series to find out what happened next
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series must read the next one of the series to find out what happened next
April 30, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for goodreads.
Full review to come
Full review to come
May 4, 2020
Read in one day. Great book with interesting characters
September 6, 2019
The Deranged, by Kate Myers is a young-adult thriller romance hybrid, featuring two protagonists who seem destined to either fall madly in love . . . or murder each other . . . or maybe both. This is a quick read with some clever and unique characters and this set-up story gives hints of several significant side (or subterranean) plot threads as it careens at a frantic pace toward its cliff-hanger ending. The book is also Ms. Myers’ first novel and it suffers from typical first-novel maladies.
The story is an unremarkable zombie apocalypse tale that follows the four major characters as they flee from the "deranged" humans, who charge at any normal person and try to beat them to death. The zombies don't eat flesh, and can be killed in conventional ways, but they are still a big problem. The virus that converts people into The Deranged originated (maybe) in a lab where Keith is an engineer. Keith rushes home to grab his son, Max, along with his neighbor, Wiley, and Wiley's niece, Skyler, and the four of them race away from Columbus, Ohio, trying to reach Keith's cabin in the woods before all Hell breaks loose. There are a large number of unanswered questions in this first installment of the story, including the nature of the virus, how it is transmitted, what happens to the people who are infected (they seem to have mostly disappeared) and what it all has to do with the shadowy military men in black uniforms who are chasing our heroes. Those plot lines are likely to be answered in later books, but this story is not really about any of that – it’s all about whether Max and Skyler (and Keith and Wiley) will make it to the cabin alive.
Along the way, Max and Skyler go through a roller coaster passive-aggressive teen romance as the four protagonists face various obstacles and perils on their journey. The romance/relationship is the main focus, as the two face the perils of the upside-down world and alternate between longing for the other’s touch and acting like they want nothing to do with the other one. There is also a subtext about Max feeling guilty about killing the zombies, although he doesn’t seem to have any angst about shooting the men-in-black bad guys.
The author includes great detail about the events that play out over three calendar days, and some of the descriptions are interesting. At other times, the detailed narrative seems excessive and unnecessary. The perils are mostly not connected to any larger plot arc, and while each new challenge comes with a breathtaking chase or gun battle or surprise twist the seemingly endless series of problems don’t give much insight into the unanswered questions.
The story probably appeals more to teen-romance aficionados, but for any reader this is an enjoyable page-turner. There are a few distracting issues, including a first-person present narrative, some internal inconsistencies, some plot holes, and some super-human feats. The book also includes some sloppy editing (despite a credit to a professional editor) typical of a first novel.
And be prepared for an ending that resolves none of the major plot issues. This book is the first chapter in a complex story that will need to play out for a while before readers will be able to figure out what’s really going on, and this installment ends on a kind of cliffhanger. For romance fans, this may be expected and will certainly set up the next book, but be forewarned and enjoy the ride.
The story is an unremarkable zombie apocalypse tale that follows the four major characters as they flee from the "deranged" humans, who charge at any normal person and try to beat them to death. The zombies don't eat flesh, and can be killed in conventional ways, but they are still a big problem. The virus that converts people into The Deranged originated (maybe) in a lab where Keith is an engineer. Keith rushes home to grab his son, Max, along with his neighbor, Wiley, and Wiley's niece, Skyler, and the four of them race away from Columbus, Ohio, trying to reach Keith's cabin in the woods before all Hell breaks loose. There are a large number of unanswered questions in this first installment of the story, including the nature of the virus, how it is transmitted, what happens to the people who are infected (they seem to have mostly disappeared) and what it all has to do with the shadowy military men in black uniforms who are chasing our heroes. Those plot lines are likely to be answered in later books, but this story is not really about any of that – it’s all about whether Max and Skyler (and Keith and Wiley) will make it to the cabin alive.
Along the way, Max and Skyler go through a roller coaster passive-aggressive teen romance as the four protagonists face various obstacles and perils on their journey. The romance/relationship is the main focus, as the two face the perils of the upside-down world and alternate between longing for the other’s touch and acting like they want nothing to do with the other one. There is also a subtext about Max feeling guilty about killing the zombies, although he doesn’t seem to have any angst about shooting the men-in-black bad guys.
The author includes great detail about the events that play out over three calendar days, and some of the descriptions are interesting. At other times, the detailed narrative seems excessive and unnecessary. The perils are mostly not connected to any larger plot arc, and while each new challenge comes with a breathtaking chase or gun battle or surprise twist the seemingly endless series of problems don’t give much insight into the unanswered questions.
The story probably appeals more to teen-romance aficionados, but for any reader this is an enjoyable page-turner. There are a few distracting issues, including a first-person present narrative, some internal inconsistencies, some plot holes, and some super-human feats. The book also includes some sloppy editing (despite a credit to a professional editor) typical of a first novel.
And be prepared for an ending that resolves none of the major plot issues. This book is the first chapter in a complex story that will need to play out for a while before readers will be able to figure out what’s really going on, and this installment ends on a kind of cliffhanger. For romance fans, this may be expected and will certainly set up the next book, but be forewarned and enjoy the ride.
Read
October 14, 2019Zombie escape.
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I usually equate zombies with horror and horror is not a genre that I read because I’m a wimp and I’m not afraid to admit it. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Deranged, but it seemed like the perfect fit for October and all the spooky reads I keep seeing posted. This romantic distopian thriller is high on tension of all kinds.
•
This quick read is about a small group of people escaping from a pandemic that is turning the population into deranged zombies. The action is nonstop as the group keeps trying to reach an elusive cabin to bunker down at. The romance between the two leads that is full of teenage angst while they try to escape certain doom, adds a layer of sweetness to an otherwise heart pounding chase. I was hoping by the end we would have some answers about the illness, there were some clues thrown out in the book, but I imagine the author is saving a big reveal for the next installment in the series.
•
The cliffhanger ending tops off a violent chase of a story. I’m definitely curious as to the fates of our group, as well as the infected.
•
Do you like a cliffhanger ending in the first book in a series?
•
Clean rating: 🧼🧼1/2 for violence and language.
•
I usually equate zombies with horror and horror is not a genre that I read because I’m a wimp and I’m not afraid to admit it. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Deranged, but it seemed like the perfect fit for October and all the spooky reads I keep seeing posted. This romantic distopian thriller is high on tension of all kinds.
•
This quick read is about a small group of people escaping from a pandemic that is turning the population into deranged zombies. The action is nonstop as the group keeps trying to reach an elusive cabin to bunker down at. The romance between the two leads that is full of teenage angst while they try to escape certain doom, adds a layer of sweetness to an otherwise heart pounding chase. I was hoping by the end we would have some answers about the illness, there were some clues thrown out in the book, but I imagine the author is saving a big reveal for the next installment in the series.
•
The cliffhanger ending tops off a violent chase of a story. I’m definitely curious as to the fates of our group, as well as the infected.
•
Do you like a cliffhanger ending in the first book in a series?
•
Clean rating: 🧼🧼1/2 for violence and language.
November 9, 2019
Waiting for book 2
A good read with great characters as far as apocalypse books go and I would like to continue reading the series. However I feel like having to wait a year and a half for book 2 is a little much. I'm an avid reader, so by next September I feel like it won't be on my radar.
A good read with great characters as far as apocalypse books go and I would like to continue reading the series. However I feel like having to wait a year and a half for book 2 is a little much. I'm an avid reader, so by next September I feel like it won't be on my radar.
June 28, 2019
"Max has graduation on the brain, not a deadly plague."
From the beginning, I was completely enthralled by this story.
The angsty, teenage love and the father-son banter made these characters totally believable and relatable.
With suspenseful, action packed chapters set in the woods of rural, smalltown Ohio, The Deranged was unputdownable.
The mysterious ending didn't leave me unsatisfied but rather even more excited for a sequel. You won't want to miss out on this debut novel by Kate Myers.
From the beginning, I was completely enthralled by this story.
The angsty, teenage love and the father-son banter made these characters totally believable and relatable.
With suspenseful, action packed chapters set in the woods of rural, smalltown Ohio, The Deranged was unputdownable.
The mysterious ending didn't leave me unsatisfied but rather even more excited for a sequel. You won't want to miss out on this debut novel by Kate Myers.
March 3, 2020
What CAN’T I say about this book? I literally read this from start to finish in one sitting and never once felt the slightest hint of boredom. Action packed, fast paced, yet immersive enough to really get to know and love these characters. Absolutely cannot wait for the second installment of this series to be in my hands. 10/10!!!
March 8, 2020
There were parts I really liked. There were a few parts I struggled with. I'm glad there is a sequel because, while a main objective was completed, there was no resolution to the larger story at hand.
October 20, 2020
I have been chatting with @sorryforthekate for a while now, and was super happy when she gifted me The Deranged - her debut novel!
this YA thriller has all the “28 Days Later” vibes, and definitely keeps you turning the pages. it’s a quick read, with lots of suspense!
I don’t often read YA novels, so it was an adjustment for me to get used to the style of writing, but I still enjoyed it! I was invested in the relationship between two of the main characters, and was rooting for them to FIGURE SHIT OUT! the backgrounds given on the characters was enough to get you interested, but still left you wanting to know more!
I’ll definitely be looking forward to the sequel to this book - I need to know what happens!
3.75
this YA thriller has all the “28 Days Later” vibes, and definitely keeps you turning the pages. it’s a quick read, with lots of suspense!
I don’t often read YA novels, so it was an adjustment for me to get used to the style of writing, but I still enjoyed it! I was invested in the relationship between two of the main characters, and was rooting for them to FIGURE SHIT OUT! the backgrounds given on the characters was enough to get you interested, but still left you wanting to know more!
I’ll definitely be looking forward to the sequel to this book - I need to know what happens!
3.75
March 30, 2021
It was okay
It was an okay read. Just as you would imagine an end of the world read would be. I wish there was more regarding the dad and what was happening there. But I hope there is more in the second book. I read pretty quick to see what would happen to see if there was an escalation but it was mostly of the travel and what happens with people when things go to crap. So let’s see what happens from here.
It was an okay read. Just as you would imagine an end of the world read would be. I wish there was more regarding the dad and what was happening there. But I hope there is more in the second book. I read pretty quick to see what would happen to see if there was an escalation but it was mostly of the travel and what happens with people when things go to crap. So let’s see what happens from here.
May 24, 2020
An excellent first book in this exciting new series! An great read, well written, good characters & plot progression! I do recommend this book & will look for more by this writer!
February 16, 2020
✨Review✨
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{The Deranged} by Kate Myers follows high school senior, Max, his dad, and their two neighbors, Wiley and Skylar, as they are on the run from a mysterious illness affecting seemingly everyone around them to the point of becoming zombies. Not only are they facing life or death situations, but Max is also battling his conflicting feelings for the “miss popular” Skylar.
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I loved this book! There is so much suspense and intrigue as well as depth of characters in a high-intensity situation. I feel like Myers does a great job giving you just enough background information to keep you coming back for more, never divulging exactly what is going on with the mysterious “virus” and its perpetrators.
•
I definitely recommend that you take the time to support an up-and-coming author by reading this book! Thank you again to @sorryforthekate for trusting me enough to read and review {The Deranged}!
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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{The Deranged} by Kate Myers follows high school senior, Max, his dad, and their two neighbors, Wiley and Skylar, as they are on the run from a mysterious illness affecting seemingly everyone around them to the point of becoming zombies. Not only are they facing life or death situations, but Max is also battling his conflicting feelings for the “miss popular” Skylar.
•
I loved this book! There is so much suspense and intrigue as well as depth of characters in a high-intensity situation. I feel like Myers does a great job giving you just enough background information to keep you coming back for more, never divulging exactly what is going on with the mysterious “virus” and its perpetrators.
•
I definitely recommend that you take the time to support an up-and-coming author by reading this book! Thank you again to @sorryforthekate for trusting me enough to read and review {The Deranged}!
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 15, 2022
Must Read
I need some questions answered . Who are the bad guys and why did they do what they did? Who is Sanchez and what’s really going on. But the end wow. I need to book 2 ASAP.
I need some questions answered . Who are the bad guys and why did they do what they did? Who is Sanchez and what’s really going on. But the end wow. I need to book 2 ASAP.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews