Book Review: "Dissonance Volume I: Reality" by Aaron Ryan
I’ve always been a sucker for post-apocalyptic tales, particularly those involving alien invasions. So, when I stumbled upon "Dissonance Volume I: Reality," I couldn’t resist picking it up, especially given the gripping premise that promised a unique spin on the genre. The description hinted at a terrifying world where humanity faced an unstoppable foe; I was excited to dive in!
As I embarked on this harrowing journey, I found myself completely absorbed in the lives of Andrew and Melissa Shipley and their children, Cameron, Sissy, and Rutty. The book starts with the chilling line, "We thought they were angelic messengers. We were wrong," setting the tone for the relentless terror that follows. The concept of the gorgons—alien beings that paralyze humans upon sight—was so strikingly imaginative that I couldn’t help but feel a mix of dread and exhilaration as I turned each page. Right from the outset, I found the tension to be palpable, as the Shipley family struggles to navigate their new reality in Blue Spring, Kentucky, after the surprise attacks begin.
One aspect that stood out positively for me was how Aaron Ryan masterfully built suspense throughout the narrative. The emotional depth of the characters was refreshingly authentic; I genuinely felt the weight of their fears and hopes as they attempted to survive. The dangers presented by the gorgons loom large, with their cruel ability to "consume us at their leisure" enhancing the level of urgency—just as the blurb indicated. It had me on the edge of my seat, desperately hoping that the Shipley family would find a way to escape their harrowing fate.
However, I did notice some drawbacks. While the world-building is strong, at times I felt like it stumbled a bit. Certain political and societal dynamics of the post-apocalyptic setting felt underdeveloped, leaving me yearning for more context. I also found that some characters were introduced briefly yet not fully fleshed out, which made it difficult to form attachments or invest fully in their narratives. These points were echoed by other readers, who seemed to share a similar sentiment about the need for deeper exploration of the world around the Shipley family.
Yet, in terms of pacing, the book delivers. I appreciated how Ryan crafted a compelling arc that navigated from the invasion’s onset in September 2026 to the aftermath years later in December 2042. It captures humanity’s desperation and resilience in a way that stays true to the description, showing how people adapt and fight back. As the children mature into young adults ready for a counteroffensive, I felt a flicker of hope, a feeling that mirrored the descriptions provided for the series.
On the whole, "Dissonance Volume I: Reality" is an unrelenting and suspenseful read that met most of my expectations. Ryan’s writing style enhances the intricate blend of horror and humanity, allowing readers to feel both the tension and the emotional stakes at play. I entered this story looking for a gripping alien invasion tale, and it delivered, albeit with a few areas that could benefit from deeper exploration.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend "Dissonance Volume I: Reality" for readers who crave a haunting but thrilling adventure in a richly conceived dystopian landscape. Despite a few minor flaws, it’s a compelling start to the series that has set the stage for what promises to be an epic journey of survival and resistance against unimaginable odds. I can’t wait to see where Ryan takes us next!