Dysfunction

by Guy Robin

What would you do if a Government Lockdown was TOTAL?
Set at the time of a Global pandemic, where the Government of the UK are implementing increasingly draconian restrictions. Dysfunction tells the story of Peter and his wife Helen, seeking a short holiday on a remote Scottish island, when they are caught up in these 'Lockdowns'
Peter is a cautious, somewhat paranoid individual, who becomes increasingly resourceful as the story unfolds. Helen is less worldly wise and views some of Peter's decisions as unduly pessimistic. We follow their journey to survive, away from civilisation, without any real clue as to what is happening in the rest of the country.
Their adventures become increasingly tense and precarious, as they make discoveries about their environment and interact with others. The addition of local characters helps to change Peter's rather blinkered mindset and the creation of a bonded group of survivors. The tension continues to build to a final bloody battle to survive, where all of Peter's cautious planning is put to the test.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2022

Reviews

[Iain Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a lovely sunny Saturday in the garden with the first book by a new author, Guy Robin. It is always a privilege to be in at the start of something new and this first book did not disappoint. It was a page turner.
The first page let you know exactly what you were getting into and the narrative was accessibly immersive. I was able to be with the characters every step of the way. There was a real sense of how much fulfilment the writing of the book must have provided it’s author and I certainly enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed similar books by well established authors such as Dale Brown or Steve Allen.
Well done Guy. You should be very proud of what you have created. I enjoyed reading it.
I cannot wait for the second one!

[Paula L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think reading a book about a strict lockdown due to a global pandemic would be much fun bearing in mind what we have all been though these last few years, but…. I really enjoyed it! Lots of adventure, laughs, tears and a fight for survival so would appeal all genre of readers.

[Jason Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Peter and Helen, a married couple on vacation in Scotland when a pandemic strikes. Miles away from home on the other end of Britain, they get stranded in a hotel when the staff all leave. They decide to ride it out as trying to get home would be very difficult but then an emergency broadcast tells them that the contagious virus that has struck is very serious and deadly.

When a country has ground to a stand still and survival is all that's on people's minds, what becomes of society at a point of such desperation? This is the story of survival in a desolate part of Britain. The couple find properties and towns, not knowing if they're abandoned or not and if not, how friendly other people there will be. Will they have enough food? Can they protect themselves? In such an isolated area, how can they find out what's going on nationwide and what this disease is?

Robin beautifully describes his interpretation of life in a near-apocalyptic situation in the Highlands of Scotland. It's set over a period of a couple of years. I thought it was a little slow to begin with but the climatic ending was worth the wait. Really enjoyed this book.

[Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter is a fascinating protagonist: cautious to the point of paranoia at first glance, yet increasingly revealed as the kind of man whose instincts may be the only thing keeping them alive. His evolution from anxious planner to determined survivor is compelling and authentic. The contrast between Peter’s mindset and Helen’s more hopeful perspective adds emotional depth and tension to every decision they make. This novel doesn’t rush its suspense, it steadily tightens the screws until survival itself hangs by a thread.

[SC HIBBERD · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite impressed for Guy’s first novel. Thoroughly researched and factually accurate regarding locations and technical descriptions of weapons etc. l would have liked to have more information about the opposition’s thoughts and views but it didn’t spoil an enjoyable read. As one gets further into the book the tension slowly builds to an exciting conclusion with a few unexpected turns of events. Roll on book two

[Hazel Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book a little slow at the beginning but needed the intro before getting deeper into plot once into the story couldn't put it down waiting for the next part of the adventure which didn't stop till the end. Parts of it were unexpected but that added to the depth of the story and made it more realistic. What an imagination to take a part of history and make it into a believable story. Great first book Guy. Now I'm on to the next book which I can't wait to read H 😀

[Nicola Jobes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it took me back to the early days of the Covid Pandemic and then on a journey of what might have happened if societal order had broken down. I also loved reading about the islands on the west coast of Scotland. There were a few twists and turns I didn’t expect. Great first novel from this new author.

[Helen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, right from the start you feel like you know the characters and are involved in their story. The book is a well written blend of the events we have all been through in the past years as well as the scary thought of how bad things could very easily have gone.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd of Guy's books I have read. What an incredible and versatile writer he is. Based upon COVID times and government lockdowns, this work of fiction is actually scarily believable. Look forward to reading more of Guy's works and wondering where he will take his readers next.

[Katy Lyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling read from start to finish! Great characters and an ending you don’t expect!

Great first book - look forward to reading the next one!

[AARIA ANDERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense, timely, and immersive. A gripping survival story set during a total lockdown, with strong character dynamics and escalating suspense. A sharp look at fear, trust, and resilience.