Review: Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning by Aaron Ryan

Synopsis:

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan continues the epic journey begun in Volume I in an increasingly tense post-apocalyptic landscape, set amidst a gritty, attainable future Earth in this alien invasion thriller series.

Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley lost everyone to the gorgons and has lost faith in the integrity of his own Command. But Cameron’s loss didn’t stop there. In a world rife with apocalyptic danger, it has become painfully apparent that humanity is still, even in the very throes of annihilation, at war with itself.

Finding himself a prisoner and eventual outlaw at the hands of those whom he once trusted most, Cameron must put his fate in the hands of his trusted confidants Lieutenant Allison Trudy, Private Liam “Fox” Mayfield, and Sergeant Joseph Bassett once more, endangering their very lives and freedom, as they and others come to his aid to join in the inevitable revolt against those in power who fail to see the truth: power corrupts, even on the very brink of extinction.

Shipley and his team must race against time to find compatriots who share their views, amassing support against the true foe. All the while, they must evade a merciless alien species that will not stop until the earth’s resources are drained dry, reducing it to a barren wasteland. In their quest for truth, they must remember one simple tenet as it pertains to the gorgons:

“One look, and it’s all over.”

Favorite Lines:

“Oh, how I would love to call you something else.”

“My last big conversation with Ally was about justice versus revenge. Was there really any difference?”

“Revenge never leads to receiving. Revenge only ever leads to dead-ends.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Ryan’s first book in this series Dissonance: Volume I:  Reality and this book picks up where the last left off which is great because it was a plot twist that I needed answers for! Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley finds himself prisoner and outlaw to those he once considered to be his family. He now has to fight for his freedom and against his previously trusted Command to enlighten those that he can of the real truth: that the aliens might not be the worst thing on Earth. There are those that seek power above all and it just so happens that they are entirely  human.

This book continues to carry on a creative and well written story. Just like the first book in this series, I found myself on the edge of my seat and I loved the additional plot aspect that was introduced at the end of the last book – that sometimes humans can be our own worst enemy. So now we have aliens, people corrupt from power, and those that are just trying to survive and usher in a better world for the future. I loved it! This is book two out of three and I am of course excited to see how Ryan wraps it all up in the last book!

I feel that it is my duty to warn readers, without any spoilers, that no one is safe in this series. I should have known after book one but I didn’t take it to heart when I should have. Think Game of Thrones.

Summary:

Overall, if you like science fiction, aliens, the battle of good vs. evil, dystopian worlds, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you! Happy reading!

Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning


 

Review: Dissonance: Volume I: Reality by Aaron Ryan

Synopsis:

There are some rules you never forget. Above all else, whatever you do, you never look directly at a gorgon.
Now, plug your ears… because the war for humanity has begun.

Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley was there when they first arrived in 2026. For 16 long years, he learned to hide. To never make a sound. Learning the most important rule of all about the gorgons: You just… don’t… look. The year is now 2042, and humanity is eking out an existence in the shadows. Shipley and his team are sent out on a recon mission with developments that may alter the trajectory of Earth’s fate… and his own. Joined by newcomers Bassett and Trudy, Cameron and his brother Rut will have to contend with a terrifying alien species that has annihilated eighty-five percent of mankind. Will his mission lead him on a slippery slope of discovery that demands accountability? Or will it plunge humanity, and everything in it, into further dissonance?

Favorite Lines:

“The only thing worse than being angry with someone is having nowhere to go to get away from the person that you’re angry with.”

“Reality can be pretty damn painful.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I grew up watching pretty much anything science fiction with my dad so when I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to give it a read and I was not disappointed. I think Ryan hits the nail on the head comparing this to “Alien meets the Quiet Place”. This story takes place 16 years ahead in a dystopian future. Aliens occupied Earth 16 years ago forcing any human survivors into hiding. The story centers around two brothers who grew up in this new reality and join the military. They partner with a task force of other soldiers to rescue survivors. 

I thought this was a really creative and well written story. Ryan had a very unique voice and does a great job at telling a story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I think what freaked me out the most was how realistic a future like this could be if we ever find out aliens exist. This book had my heart racing at some parts and my eyes watering at others – Ryan did a great job at keeping me invested and evoking a variety of emotions from me. There was also a huge surprise towards the end that I give kudos  to Ryan for (I won’t spoil it for future readers).

Summary:

Overall, if you like science fiction that features dystopian worlds, aliens, action, adventure, thrills, and some romance then this book could be for you! Happy reading!

Dissonance: Volume I: Reality