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Achieving Verisimilitude
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade follows a group of renegades who uncover a plot by the president to unleash a nuclear attack on the world, and it is a race to stop it from happening. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The seeds were there and they were planted in Dissonance Volume I: Reality. Cameron Shipley already discovered that something very big was going on, but he didn’t know what, and there were clues that the President was behind all of it. She is well past her prime and is now a four-term president, beyond the expected length of service by virtue of the gorgon occupation. That has seen her desire to cling to power, has seen her corruption grow, and now has seen her seeking nefarious means to eliminate dissent to her power. She has herself become a renegade world leader, and it is up to the group of renegades to take on this renegade. In short, power corrupts.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you, and I so appreciate you observing that! I took GREAT pains to ensure that, militarily, my novels would cut the mustard and stand up to scrutiny. To that end, I consulted with several military personnel to ensure verisimilitude. A former 35-year aircraft carrier captain. Two senior airmen in the Air Force. A Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. A retired Army Chopper pilot. An infantryman. They ensured that what I wrote was actually correct, and I so appreciated them! I did a ton of research on my own for the cockpit scenes in an F-15, for inside an Abrams tank, for life aboard an aircraft carrier, etc.. I think it turned out pretty well and I achieved verisimilitude. For that, I’m so very grateful!
What was one of the hardest parts of Dissonance Volume III: Renegade for you to write?
I think the trip timing out over the Atlantic was one of the hardest. It really involved mathematical equations, which I’m not skilled at. Really required lots of attention to time zones, ship speeds, knots per hour, timing the arrival at the funnel, etc.. I had to design out a bit of a graph for that. 😊 The other thing would be the battles. The tactical nature of them requires attention to detail and precision, but also requires some ingenuity in fleshing out the narrative so it’s not just recycled from what people have already seen or read. I had to get extra creative on those scenes. I think you’ll notice those creative strokes rather quickly and appreciate them.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Well, especially as it pertains to those in the military, I appreciate how they appreciate the veracity of the details that I worked so hard to include correctly. They all turned out so great, and I really highly value when someone who has seen actual service comments that what I’ve written out is actually correct. That is high praise and is so satisfying. Overall, however, I wanted to write a thrilling and powerful climax to the saga, redemption for planet Earth, a massive final battle preceded by massive final mini-skirmishes, and I’m confident I accomplished that. So satisfied with the grandeur of it, the epic scope of it, the scale, the magnitude of the conflict, and the resolution as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to the original trilogy.
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Orchestrated by the President herself, the gorgon attack on Mammoth Cave proves to be utterly devastating. With the death of those closest to him and betrayed again by the ones he trusted the most, Cameron finds himself in a state of catatonic shock. Now, one thing is sure: the threat of world destruction is nothing when compared to his festering thirst for revenge.
Desperate to preserve power, President Graham will use the gorgon threat as an excuse to unleash an unprecedented nuclear attack. The surviving remnants of the world are reduced to collateral damage for the eradication of the aliens.
And now, branded a military renegade along with his rogue superiors, Cameron and the resistance are the world’s only chance for survival. They face three grave tasks. One: they must disarm the nuclear devices in the east. Two: they must utterly destroy the alien queen and the funnel. And three: President Graham must be brought to justice.
When betrayal strikes, they lose lives and Cameron is shot. And for the first time, some must accept that the aliens just might win this war. In a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by carnage, surviving a gunshot wound is sometimes impossible…but humanity is built by those too stubborn to follow the rules!
Read all six installments in this bestselling series, in this order:
Dissonance Volume I: Reality (released 1.1.24)
Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning (released 3.20.24)
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade (released 5.18.24)
Dissonance Volume IV: Relentless (coming November 2024!)
Prequel #1: Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation (released 6.6.24)
Prequel #2: Dissonance Volume Up: Rising (released 9.3.24)
The multiple climactic battles are epic in scope in the bestselling Dissonance Volume III: Renegade. It’s the ‘unputdownable’ conclusion to the military science fiction series started in Dissonance Volume I: Reality. Get your copy now and embark on the massive conclusion to this bestselling post-apocalyptic military science fiction war series!
I Enjoy the More ‘Ornery’ Characters
Suppose We follow the crew of a spaceship that crashes on an alien planet where the natives are so technologically advanced that humans are ignored, and they must find a way to get their attention and help. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It seemed to me that the joy and passion of discovery in science fiction had gone for the last few years. I was commissioned by the publisher to write a series of novellas based on the exploration of space, discovering new planets and their inhabitants. In addition, I’ve lived a vegan lifestyle for half a century and finally wanted to incorporate some of that into a new planet’s ecosystem.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The main character in Suppose We is the scientist Gaston and readers have told me he is really me! Even so, I enjoy the more ‘ornery’ characters and particularly enjoyed writing Commander Penn who is an intransigent, difficult, arrogant and reckless person and a carnivore to boot!
More challenging are the inhabitants of the planet. Aliens to us humans and while their technology and science are way in advance of us they still have emotions and likes even though different than ours. I like my ‘aliens’ to be really alien rather than weird-looking yet English-speaking octopi drinking in a bar!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A major theme is the interaction between the advanced inhabitants and the rather clumsy humans. I needed to work on such relationships knowing that when we eventually make ‘First Contact’ with an alien species it will be very different from those often portrayed in books and movies.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The sequel is Falling Up, which relates to strange gravity anomalies on the Kepler-20h planet. In the first book a genetically-modified bacteria of human and Keplerian origins is released to solve a nasty-bacteria problem on the planet. The solution, dubbed Keeps, get out of control and some of the natives form a Purist movement to rid their system of humans and their Keeps.
Other alien forms in the vicinity of the planet have their own agender and the son of Gaston and Em has Keplerian genes too making for an interesting development in Kepler’s Son.
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Bringing back a sense of discovery and wonder to science fiction.
“I’ve always found Geoff’s work both inspirational and brilliant. I know that whenever I pick up one of his works I’m in for a damned good read. For those who’ve never read any of his works before, welcome to the Geoff Nelder club.”
—Mark Iles, author of THE DARKENING STARS series.
Jon Courtenay Grimwood: FELAHEEN, PASHAZADE AND END OF THE WORLD BLUES – “Geoff Nelder inhabits science fiction just as other people inhabit their clothes.”
If you liked Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin, and Anne MccAffrey’s Dinosaur Planet you’ll like SUPPOSE WE.
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade
In Dissonance Volume III: Renegade, Aaron Ryan escalates the stakes to an exhilarating climax. President Jean Graham, now poised to commit an act as devastating as the Gorgon invasion that ravaged Earth 16 years prior, plans to wield alien technology not to safeguard humanity but to annihilate her former enemies. This technology, once discovered by scientists in the aftermath of the invasion, was intended to protect lives. Instead, Graham aims to unleash it and the Gorgons on Earth’s remaining nations. After uncovering this catastrophic plot during the attack on Mammoth Cave, Cameron, our protagonist, joins forces with a group of renegade captains. These captains, who have been quietly rallying their resources and plotting in the shadows, now face a desperate race against time. With the attack looming, they must act swiftly to prevent Graham’s destructive plan and save the world from falling into eternal darkness.
Ryan amplifies the chaos, intensity, and stakes in this third volume, surpassing the tension and drama of the previous installments. The final battle is nothing short of epic, from unpredictable plot twists to intricate battle strategies and high emotional stakes. Though parting with beloved characters might be bittersweet for long-time readers, the introduction of fresh faces injects new energy into the story, playing pivotal roles in a satisfying and action-packed finale.
While romance played a minor role in earlier volumes, I think its absence here allows the plot to surge forward without distraction. The result is a pulse-pounding sequence of battles and escalating threats. Cameron, once central to the story, steps back slightly as newer characters take charge, driving the action with full force. The alien menace continues to evolve, and with President Graham emerging as a formidable antagonist, the tension remains high throughout. Ryan’s portrayal of battles is both chaotic and clear, a delicate balance that makes each confrontation thrilling yet comprehensible. Weapons, strategies, and surprise alliances are described with grandeur, heightening the sense of scale and urgency.
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade is an exhilarating addition to Aaron Ryan’s dystopian series. With its high-stakes plot, relentless action, and evolving characters, the book offers a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Pages: 438 | ASIN : B0D2YK3LVH
Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning
In Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning, Aaron Ryan thrusts readers back into the heart of his dystopian world, where danger and intrigue collide. Fresh out of detention, Cameron faces a daunting new assignment from President Jean Graham: train recruits at Mammoth Cave and eliminate an AWOL captain. Cameron’s mistrust of the military runs deep and this mission only intensifies his suspicions. But with the Gorgons still threatening humanity and a new family to protect, he reluctantly takes on the task, unaware that this decision will alter the course of his life and the war forever.
Ryan wastes no time cranking up the tension in this second installment, seamlessly blending key moments from the first book with fresh narrative threads. His skillful integration of past events ensures that both returning fans and newcomers can follow the story with ease, creating an immersive experience from the first page to the last.
As the plot unfolds, new characters are introduced, adding complexity and raising the stakes. While Cameron continues to develop as a central figure, other returning characters sometimes take a back seat, like Ally, whose presence is pivotal during specific emotional and plot-driven moments, yet she is not consistently at the forefront of the narrative. Still, the dynamic between the characters remains compelling, with enough tension and intrigue to keep readers hooked. Like with Pastor Rosie, who plays a crucial role in guiding Cameron through some of his most challenging moral and emotional conflicts. She is a well-written character who adds depth to the story by balancing the protagonist’s emotional intensity with spiritual wisdom.
The author’s vivid descriptions of the setting further elevate the action. From the cavernous depths of Mammoth Cave to the battlefield scenes, the environments play a critical role in the story’s intensity, almost making each scene feel cinematic in scope. Every moment crackles with energy as if you’re watching a high-stakes thriller unfold before your eyes.
The ever-present threat of the Gorgons, with their eerie telekinetic powers, adds an unsettling layer of horror and suspense. Their looming menace keeps the tension high, making it impossible to relax as the plot twists toward its unpredictable climax. The sense of impending danger propels the story forward, ensuring readers remain on the edge of their seats.
For readers who enjoy science fiction laced with dystopian themes and a touch of faith, Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning delivers an exhilarating and high-octane adventure. The blend of suspense, complex character development, and sci-fi horror elements makes this a highly recommended read.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0CYMWKCS4
Dissonance Volume I: Reality
Aaron Ryan’s Dissonance: Volume I is a gritty, post-apocalyptic thriller set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the arrival of terrifying alien creatures called gorgons. The story follows Jet and his younger brother, Rutty, as they navigate a dystopian landscape, trying to survive and protect a mysterious amulet that could be the key to humanity’s survival. The novel explores themes of fear, trust, and the resilience of the human spirit, all within a backdrop of constant danger from the relentless gorgons.
The author has a way of pulling you straight into the action, and once you’re in, you’re there for the long haul. The opening scene had me right on edge. Jet is hiding from a gorgon, counting down the seconds he has to reach safety, and his heart-stopping escape felt vivid and tense. Ryan does a great job of keeping the pace fast and tense, especially during the action scenes.
The relationship between Jet and Rutty felt real and raw, which gave me a reason to root for them beyond just survival. There’s a scene early on where Rutty is teasing Jet about being called “Cameron,” and even though it’s lighthearted, you can feel the weight of their shared trauma underneath. It’s those little moments that make the bleak world of the story feel more grounded and human. You can tell Ryan put a lot of thought into how these two characters interact, and it’s those quieter moments that balance out the non-stop action. There are a lot of scenes with heavy internal monologue where Jet reflects on the past, the loss of his family, and the weight of survival, which sometimes slowed things down but these reflections added depth to Jet’s character.
Dissonance: Volume I is a thrilling ride with enough tension, emotional depth, and world-building to keep you hooked. The book would be perfect for anyone who loves post-apocalyptic science fiction stories where survival feels like a constant question mark. It’s got heart, plenty of action, and enough mystery to make you want to pick up the next volume. If you’re into stories like The Road but with more of a sci-fi edge, this one’s definitely worth a read.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CRHMLNYF
Alien Invaders
The Last Will and Testament of Harley and His Dog follows a sixteen-year-old genius who infiltrates an alien spacecraft, stopping their attack on Planet Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m a mathematician who came up with the framework for the PERFECT VIRUS and human-friendly AI that wouldn’t turn on people.
When creating Harley, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Harley is autobiographical. For example, the scene where he walks into a bar and says, “My dad can lick anyone in the house” is a reprise of my actual experience of doing that to a fellow tech worker in an actual biker bar.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme is that any alien invaders should be wary of our warlike nature as a species.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
No series, but a theme. The next book (about 50% written) has aliens coming to Earth to eradicate human trafficking.
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What happens when aliens arrive, intent on destroying Planet Earth? Bad news for the aliens! One MIT hacker thwarts their attack and uses THE PERFECT VIRUS to take over not only their ship, but their entire civilization. Meet Harley Davidson and his soon-to-be-talking dog. The first 8 chapters of HARLEY AND HIS DOG won the prestigious SILVER award from Writers of the Future. Rick Bennett decided to make it a full-length novel. This might be the most unique alien invasion sci-fi novel ever written, as aliens get whacked before they fire the first shot.
Suppose We
In Suppose We, Geoff Nelder takes readers on a journey into the distant reaches of the Milky Way, centering around a crew of astronauts traveling to the Kepler-20h planetary system. The novel opens with Gaston Poirer, the ship’s somewhat quirky and philosophical crew member, waking from hibernation aboard the spaceship Suppose We. Their mission is to reach this newly discovered planet in hopes of establishing humanity’s future home. Things get interesting when mysterious objects start to follow them, making the crew question their safety and the intentions of potential alien life. Nelder brings readers a vivid and unpredictable space adventure that is filled with moments of tension, humor, and introspection.
What immediately grabbed my attention was the intriguing blend of humor and existential uncertainty that Nelder weaves throughout the book. The characters, especially Gaston, have a grounded, almost absurd quality that keeps the story from feeling too far removed from reality, despite the interstellar setting. Gaston’s French quirks, like his casual philosophizing even when facing life-threatening situations, added a lightness that I appreciated.
The tension between the characters also stands out, with Commander Penn’s brashness clashing with Gaston’s more measured and reflective approach. Their interactions feel real and are often amusing, particularly when Gaston is criticized for thinking like a philosopher instead of a survivor. The dialogue between the characters is lively, and I enjoyed the sporadic use of French, which added a unique flavor to their interactions.
One of my favorite elements of the book is how the AI communicates. Its quirky diary-like entries had me laughing every time, especially the way it humorously changes how it signs its name, from “Suppose We” to “Captain CAN?”—an example of the clever humor that permeates the novel. Another character, Penn, also stood out for his comedic charm, particularly when he indignantly suggests throwing himself on the alien “clicks” in a surprise attack after being ignored. Moments like these elevate the book’s lighter tone and add to its overall appeal.
Suppose We is a fascinating mix of sci-fi, humor, and philosophical musings. Geoff Nelder takes a fresh approach to the genre by blending human quirks with space exploration, giving us characters that feel authentic despite their extreme circumstances. The novel shines in its depiction of alien worlds and the personal tensions among the crew. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven science fiction with a side of dry humor.
Pages: 184 | ASIN : B07RQW5LHR
Pulp Fiction-Style Storyline
He Died Two Days Ago follows three people who find themselves entangled in the power struggles between warring alien clans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I had intended to create a stylized sci-fi/fantasy pulp fiction/film-noir short story: Nick is brutally shot; it was a mistake even though it was on purpose (Nick has a twin). He is miraculously saved by an alien.
Once that alien door opened, I tried putting myself in the mind of the reader: Who are these aliens? Why did they save Nick of all people? What is going on in their world? But simultaneously, I wanted to keep a fast-paced, pulp fiction-style storyline.
Organically, the “short story” turned into a novel. (As your readers know, sometimes plots and characters take over their own development.)
And to add one other piece to the puzzle: I look at the novel as a thematic exploration. Underneath the
different plot lines and characters, I see an examination of manifest destiny, zealotry, vengeance, power, and egomania.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing each character. Probably Nick was the most fun because of his unrestrained willingness to exact revenge on the henchmen.
The two hardest were Tony, his twin brother, and Artemesia, an Ephemeral. I actually know a number of twins. One question for the story is: how different can twins be?
Without giving away the plotline and character development, Artemesia had to be strong and prominent, but have a hidden character.
The overall challenge was to keep my idea of quick pacing for the story. It can be a trade-off with character development.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Basically, organically. Even the existence of Tony, Nick’s twin, was not originally planned. Most of the twists and turns came out of me trying to be a reader, rather than an author. What would I want to know if I was a reader? Who are these aliens? What is their world like? What is the character going to do now?
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
He Died Two Days Ago is intended as a standalone. If I may suggest to readers that I have another sci-fi book out: Forever is Too Long that is speculative fiction/fantasy (also reviewed by Literary Titan). I see more opportunity with going back to that book and creating a sequel.
A new book is in the works. Again, standalone. Conceptually, think A Race to Armageddon. (It’s the current working title.)
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Can Earth Be Freed from Twisted Alien Intentions?
Pierce Savage is the ultimate mobster kingpin. With an arsenal of assassins at his beck and call, he dispatches them to take down Tony Cowen, his new enemy who has stolen Sylvia, his gun moll girlfriend.
When the assassins mistakenly shoot the wrong brother —Tony’s twin, Nick—it reveals the Ephemerals, an alien race that secretly inhabits living beings of other planets across the universe, feeding off the emotions of the entities they reside within.
When Nick is kept alive by one of the aliens, Earth becomes a twisted battleground for the plotting clans of Ephemeron.
• What will happen to Ephemeron’s ruling kingdom as rival clans clash
• What will happen to Ephemeron when its 1,000-year political cycle collides against their 300-year biological fertility clock that will pit Ephemeral against Ephemeral?
• Will the three Earthlings, pursuing their Earthly revenge against Pierce Savage and his henchmen, free themselves from alien inhabitation—and maybe free the rest of Earth?
He Died Two Days Ago delivers a fast-paced sci-fi/fantasy read woven with action and suspense.
SCI-FI/FANTASY PSYCHO THRILLERS DYSTOPIAN
LITERARY TITAN 