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Dissonance Volume IV: Relentless
Dissonance Vol IV: Relentless plunges readers into a dystopian future teeming with suspense, sacrifice, and survival. Set in 2045, this sixth installment in the Dissonance series continues the tale of humanity’s fight against gorgon invaders and the daunting task of rebuilding a decimated world. From the remnants of a shattered society to a cautious hope for revival, Ryan weaves together action and introspection, offering a gripping conclusion to his saga. It’s not just about survival; it’s about reckoning with humanity’s mistakes and rediscovering its potential for resilience.
What stood out most to me was Ryan’s ability to blend large-scale world-building with deeply personal stories. The description of Earth’s post-gorgon condition is chillingly vivid: collapsing cities overtaken by nature, underwater subway tunnels, and the haunting remains of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Yet, amidst this decay, Ryan doesn’t lose sight of the human element. The scenes of survivors learning to speak aloud again after years of silence gave me chills. It felt so raw, so real, and it made me appreciate the psychological scars left behind. However, at times, these poignant moments risked being overshadowed by the extensive exposition detailing the state of infrastructure.
Ryan’s writing shines most when exploring moral conflicts and relationships. President Cardona’s internal struggle with leadership and the weight of past decisions resonates deeply. His meeting with the disgraced Jean Graham, who oscillates between bitter defiance and hollow regret, was a standout scene. Graham’s sardonic commentary, paired with Cardona’s quiet resolve, created a compelling interplay of justice and accountability. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that some character arcs, like Pastor Rosie’s, deserved more closure.
The beginning felt like a slow burn, meticulously laying out the consequences of the war and the fragile rebuilding process. While this approach enriched the world-building, it occasionally slowed the momentum. However, once the narrative shifted to the looming threat of Francine 45 and the secrets left behind by Graham’s regime, I was fully hooked. The stakes climbed with every page, leaving me racing to the finish line.
Relentless is a meditation on loss, leadership, and the unyielding human spirit. Aaron Ryan has crafted a world that feels lived-in. I’d recommend this science fiction book to fans of dystopian tales that balance gritty realism with glimmers of hope. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the Dissonance series or new to its universe, this installment is worth your time.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0DK5YCPFL
Crescendos and Decrescendos
Dissonance, Volume Zero: Revelation follows a man and his family on Earth who move underground when alien creatures arrive in massive numbers sparking global anxiety and uncertainty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, as you know, I’ve penned a trilogy of novels called “Dissonance” that take place in 2042, 16 years after the alien invasion of 2026. The trilogy was initially intended to be just one novel, but it just kept ballooning with undercurrents of subplots, and so much more. I thought I was done when I finished the final chapter of the trilogy, but like a tractor beam, it just sucked me right back in. There was a glaring 16-year gap there ripe for the mining, and I felt an origin story was in order. I also was so pleased at the notion that, though some characters die in the trilogy (and I hate playing God, for that matter), they’re alive again in the prequel. It’s like a keen splash of water on the face when you meet an old beloved friend that you cared about. I LOVE that aspect of it. There are also characters whose backstory I really wanted to explore, such as Pastor Rosie’s. There’s a LOT to that woman. I could pen a whole trilogy based on her alone. 😊 But I did want to go back and visit the actual invasion as well as the actual day of the attacks (which happen three months apart from each other, thus brewing the anxiety you mention) and explore what that might have been like. There proved to be a treasure trove of narrative that I was able to flesh out, and consequently it’s become my favorite of the entire pentalogy-in-the-works (working on the 5th installment as we speak!) as it is loaded with a lot of heart and thematic depth.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Thank you! Honestly, as mentioned, it’s Pastor Rosie, but frankly I really liked writing young Cameron. He is six, bordering on seven, when the aliens invade, and it rocks his little life. His entire worldview is impacted and colored by these things, and he’s forced to sacrifice his childhood in the name of service, keeping the gorgons at bay and helping to ensure the survival of their little Blockade as he grows. I loved traveling down through the years with he and Rutty, with their dad, their mom, Sissy, the captain, all of them. It was an amazing experience to journey down through the years with them.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
That is such a great question, because it truly was a balancing act. You need peaks and valleys, rises and falls, crescendos and decrescendos. It’s a tough assignment because your blood has to get pumping on occasion, and really get immersed in the action; you have to be reminded of what a tangible, visceral threat the gorgons truly are. They border on the periphery of your entire life in a Blockade, that threat up there on the surface. So when the two worlds collide, humans are the weaker species, and as such, survival mode kicks in. My heart was pounding as I fleshed out several narratives like the moment the gorgons activate, the infiltration of the Blockade by the berserker, Andrew’s mission where he loses one of his crew, the final mission, etc. There were lots of ups and downs to balance, but I was so much more focused on telling the heart of the story, which is parenting through trauma.
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?
Well, it depends on how you look at the word ‘first.” Chronologically, yes, it comes first, as its set before the invasion of 2026, whereas the trilogy is set 16 years after the invasion in the winter of 2042. It’s a prequel, meaning “sequel that happens before.” So it depends if you like to watch Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi and THEN watch the prequels, or if you like to watch the prequels and THEN the original trilogy. Ultimately, Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation and Dissonance Volume I: Reality are both beginnings, so you can’t go wrong starting with either. Both will tantalize you to want to read further and explore the world-building I’ve conducted across the post-apocalyptic landscape of 2042. But you may have noted that Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation ends in 2037, and Dissonance Volume I: Reality introduces you to Earth in 2042. So, once again, I was sucked back in to mine the remaining years for content, and thus, you can expect Dissonance Volume Up: Rising before October of this year. This second prequel bridges the gap from Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation to Dissonance Volume I: Reality. It’s coming along really well, and I’m very excited about it! But what I’m mostly excited about is for Dissonance Volume I: Reality: I’ve had it adapted to a screenplay and it’s now being pitched to major streaming networks. All of my hopes are pinned to that, and I’m very, very excited to see what comes of it. Thanks for journeying with me!
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They arrived by the hundreds of thousands on June 6th, 2026. The aliens silently drifted down from the sky, hovering fifty feet above us for three long, tense months at a geostationary orbit, taking up positions around the world. No one knew why they came…what they wanted…or why they wouldn’t just go away.
Then, the unthinkable happened. They suddenly came to life…and hunted us down. We ended up calling them gorgons – after the mythical creature Medusa – because if we locked eyes with them, it was all over, and they could telepathically paralyze us with just one look. Once immobilized, they could consume us at their leisure, leaving us to feel every excruciating bite. There was no escape, no hiding from their relentless pursuit. Our only defense was to run.
By the end of 2026, eighty-five percent of mankind had been killed off. The alien invasion turned Planet Earth into a ghost town, with the few survivors eking out an existence in the shadows. Andrew Shipley is one such survivor thrust into an extraordinary nightmare of post-apocalyptic proportions. As chaos erupts, hope dwindles for Andrew and his wife and three small children. Will they make it? Or will the gorgons get them too?
Join author Aaron Ryan as he takes readers on a heart-pounding journey into the darkest corners of fear in the prequel to his bestselling “Dissonance” saga. “Volume Zero” is a harrowing tale of humanity’s struggle to survive a devastating alien invasion. Fans of the “Dissonance” saga and readers who enjoy tense, thrilling, and gritty survival stories will not want to miss this gripping origin story. Order your copy now before the price changes!
Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation
In Dissonance, Volume Zero: Revelation, author Aaron Ryan introduces us to the seemingly idyllic life of Andrew Dylan Shipley, a man whose world is on the brink of drastic change. When alien creatures arrive on Earth in massive numbers, they initially lie dormant, sparking global anxiety and uncertainty. Andrew, along with his wife Melissa and their children Cameron “Jet,” Wyatt “Rutty,” and Adelynn “Sissy,” anxiously await the moment the aliens will reveal their true intentions. Surprisingly, the aliens remain inactive, leaving humanity in suspense. In response, governments worldwide take precautionary measures, building bunkers for a worst-case scenario—a decision that proves pivotal for the Shipley family. But as they soon discover, life underground presents its own set of challenges, testing their health, faith, and family bonds in ways they never anticipated.
As a prequel to Ryan’s Dissonance trilogy, Revelation stands on its own, requiring no prior knowledge of the series. However, for those familiar with the trilogy, there are moments that will enhance the emotional impact of the story. The novel is rich with tense, emotional scenes as the Shipley family confronts the reality of their situation. Andrew’s primary concern is the safety of his family, but he finds it impossible to shield his young children from the harsh truths of their new reality. One of the novel’s strengths is its portrayal of how these experiences profoundly affect the children. Their development is depicted organically through Andrew’s perspective, a father keenly aware of the subtle changes in his children’s behavior. This adds a deep emotional resonance to the story, making the characters’ growth both believable and impactful. The plot starts at a measured pace, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the Shipley family’s serene life before it takes a dark turn. This deliberate pacing serves to heighten the contrast between their past and the intense, fast-paced events of the latter half of the novel. As the story accelerates, it aligns seamlessly with the tone and direction of the main Dissonance trilogy, leaving readers with tantalizing hints and unanswered questions about the mysterious aliens.
Dissonance, Volume Zero: Revelation is a compelling and emotionally charged prequel that sets the stage for the rest of the trilogy. Ryan expertly balances the tension and development of his characters, making this a must-read for both newcomers and fans of the series alike. If you enjoy science fiction with strong character development and a gripping plot, this book will not disappoint.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0CTHT94R7
The Posh Prepper
In Todd Knight’s riveting novel, The Posh Prepper, we follow the dynamic journey of protagonist Nick Ritter, an expert survivalist frequently sought after by the elite for his bespoke emergency plans. However, in an ironic twist of fate, Ritter finds himself in dire need of his own strategies as a deadly virus brings the world to the precipice of extinction. Regrettably, his meticulously crafted plans consistently falter, compelling him to navigate a world consumed by disorder. Along this tumultuous journey, he forms an unlikely alliance with a diverse group of survivors, united by the singular goal of reaching his safe haven in New Zealand, a sanctuary seemingly immune to the pervasive destruction.
Set in the ominous backdrop of the 2030s, The Posh Prepper is a spellbinding apocalyptic thriller that holds the reader hostage with its relentless pace and unpredictable plot. Knight expertly manipulates suspense and tension, cultivating a narrative landscape that ensures the reader’s anticipation never wanes. The culmination of these elements is a crescendo of high stakes that leaves the reader gasping in trepidation and tantalizing anticipation.
The Posh Prepper may be the quickest I have ever devoured a 400-page book. The narrative momentum is propulsive, dragging the reader through its electrifying plot with an exhilarating velocity that mirrors the urgency of Ritter’s quest for survival.
Knight’s vivid and graphic descriptions serve as the novel’s lifeblood, effectively transforming the written word into a cinema of the mind. His unflinching portrayal of an apocalyptic reality is both haunting and immersive, a testament to his prowess as a storyteller.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Knight’s narrative is his assembly of protagonists. These are not superhuman characters performing implausible feats; instead, they are relatable, flawed individuals relying on courage, intellect, and sheer determination to confront insurmountable odds.
Knight’s dialogue serves as a critical conduit for character development, enabling the reader to understand each character’s unique personality and emotional state through their verbal exchanges.
The Posh Prepper is a thrilling, immersive reading experience that weaves together elements of suspense, emotion, and human resilience. It’s an apocalypse tale that will linger in your consciousness long after the final page.
Pages: 474 | ASIN: B0BVNRQ4B4
Sky Curse
In the year 2045, mankind has depleted the resources of Earth, and humans are looking to move off the planet in hopes of a fresh start. This is the setting for this thrilling young adult novel. The chosen five are Brian, Jamal, Alex, Kev, and Cecilia in Janet Kravetz’s titular series. Cecilia Miller is a teenage female protagonist in this dystopian future book. Titan is regarded as humanity’s last hope, but everyone can’t afford to travel there. Even more so, not everyone desires to. Duncan Macdougall, a Localist, wants Cecilia and the other four chosen candidates to stop the fulfillment of an old Mayan prophecy and save Earth and its inhabitants. Five Mayan crystals that contain the technology to save the planet are sought after by the chosen five who journey to Mexico in their search.
Sky Curse has a slow-burn beginning, but that gave me time to adjust to the world-building presented by Kravetz. It is futuristic hard science fiction, but it also contains aspects of fantasy and has a measure of reality mixed in. This teen novel is an exceptionally well-written, imaginative, and wholly original work. Along with Cecilia, I was transported to an unfortunate Earth. Cecilia is portrayed as a blonde with blue eyes, which is a little cliché. However, she still has her imperfections and is intelligent, and contributes well to the authenticity needed to make a protagonist come to life. And not to forget, Tony provides the humor and is Cecilia’s go-to companion.
The thought-provoking plot lines will get readers to consider climate change from beginning to end. Although it is hypothetical, nothing seems out of the ordinary or overly complicated. The reader starts to believe that what they are reading might very well be the kind of world we are leaving for future generations, which has a dramatic effect. The novel is written for older teens and younger adults, but Kravetz’s insightful developments and topics are broad enough to appeal to readers with more demanding tastes in literary nuances.
Sky Curse is the exciting start of a new young adult science fiction series, The Chosen Five. Filled with action, drama, paranormal, and fantasy elements there is something for all readers in this novel. Follow the chosen five as they try to save Earth and prevent the apocalyptic destruction of humanity. I can’t wait to see what the series has in store!
Pages: 395 | ASIN : B0B9638NC7
Seventh Journey
James has no memory of who he is or where he came from. He was found unconscious in a steaming crater in the frozen North, and it’s only thanks to the kindness of the local man who found him that he is still alive. As James begins to find out more about his past and about the strange, cruel world around him, he realizes that he’s far from the average person and that the fate of not just the Earth but of all the planets and dimensions in existence rests on his shoulders.
The strongest aspect of Seventh Journey Book 2 by Robert J. R. Graham is the plot, which is gripping and fast-paced. Each scene leaves the reader hungry to find out what happens next. There is danger around every corner, with weird and terrifying creatures such as a gigantic and deadly scorpions threatening the protagonists. Graham provides a detailed and intriguing settings for his electrifying novel that showcases his imagination. The story takes place in multiple dimensions, each one different from the last, alternating between being beautiful or terrifying. The way in which the dimensions connect and how they affect each other is one of the most interesting aspects of the book.
Some readers might find the explanations for certain plot points such as multiple dimensions and reincarnation to be complex, but overall the book isn’t weighed down by too much scientific info-dumping. The central plot remained coherent and gripping. While this book presents many intriguing ideas and fascinating settings, the dialogue occasionally comes off stilted, and the story could benefit from more colorful language that compliments the dramatic scenery and thrilling plot. Jacob is an intriguing character and his relationship with Tamara was something I wanted to see explored a little further, as well as Jacob’s interactions with the other characters.
Despite these minor things, Seventh Journey Book 2 is still and immensely enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking novel with an interesting plot featuring fantastical creatures, imaginative sci-fi settings, and nail-biting suspense, then you’ll find plenty in Seventh Journey Book 2.
Pages: 230 | ASIN: B0792HGC35
A Pandemic Rising
Tosca Lee Author Interview
The Line Between follows an apocalyptic cult escapee who finds the end of the world is actually happening. What was the inspiration for the setup to this intriguing story?
In 2017, soon after Firstborn released, I met with my publisher in New York to talk about what was next. I had a short list of favorite story concepts—the idea of a cult escapee starting over and a pandemic rising from the permafrost (inspired by real headlines, scarily enough) among six or seven others. My publisher said, “I like both of those. I think you should put them together!”
It worked out strangely well! I wish I could take credit for the combination, but it was my publisher’s idea.
Wynter is an impressive character that I enjoyed watching develop throughout the novel. What were some ideas that drove her character development?
Thank you so much. Wynter’s a really intriguing character to me because she has so many challenges—she’s oppressed and imprisoned within this cult and when she finally gets out, she’s a complete fish out of water. She doesn’t know how to drive or work electronics, or much about how the outside world works at all. She struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (as I do) and has issues with PTSD. She’s not your usual hero with a “special set of skills.” But she never gives up. She’s also kind of funny, which I love about her.
The disease that comes out of the permafrost causes madness in its victims. How did you develop the idea for the disease in your novel?
My sister is a physician and also teaches medical school, so I spent some time picking her brain for just the right combination of different yet plausible, and very scary. The idea of a fast-track prion disease (best known for its Mad Cow variant) is exceptionally frightening. In humans, prion disease cause very slow deterioration and dementia usually over decades. There is no cure, it’s always fatal, and as of right now there’s no way to even test for it except for posthumously. A rapid version of that seemed like a very formidable foe.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Good question! I’m up for contract now, so we’re shopping a few ideas around. I really love these new concepts, so am very much looking forward to bringing them into the world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
![The Line Between: A Novel by [Lee, Tosca]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51S6FUF6KoL.jpg)
When Wynter Roth finally escapes from New Earth, a self-contained doomsday cult on the American prairie, she emerges into a world poised on the brink of madness as a mysterious outbreak of rapid early onset dementia spreads across the nation.
As Wynter struggles to start over in a world she’s been taught to regard as evil, she finds herself face-to-face with the apocalypse she’s feared all her life—until the night her sister shows up at her doorstep with a set of medical samples. That night, Wynter learns there’s something far more sinister at play: that the prophet they once idolized has been toying with the fate of mankind, and that these samples are key to understanding the disease.
Now, as the power grid fails and the nation descends into chaos, Wynter must find a way to get the samples to a lab in Colorado. Uncertain who to trust, she takes up with former military man Chase Miller, who has his own reasons for wanting to get close to the samples in her possession, and to Wynter, herself.
The Line Between
![The Line Between: A Novel by [Lee, Tosca]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KL6A8se3L.jpg)
Wynter Roth has lived in an apocalyptic religious cult since she was 7. At age 22, Wynter manages to escape from the cult only to realize that the thing that she was afraid of all her life, the end of the world, is actually happening. A fatal disease, which makes people go crazy is spreading all over the world. Wynter embarks on a mission to save the world and help her niece escape from the cult.
The Line Between by Tosca Lee is a captivating apocalyptic thriller that held my attention from page one. The chapters alternate between the past and the present adding an extra layer of tension in a novel where the suspense is already high. There are plenty of questions that need answers and I was pleasantly surprised that answers came at a steady and pleasing rate that always satisfied me as the next question intrigued me.
The novel follows the life of Wynter Roth, a young 22 years old woman who just left a doomsday cult. Her character is relatable and I found myself empathizing with her as we learn how she fell prey to an evil preacher. As I learned more about her life through the many flashbacks I realized how much she changes. From an innocent and broken girl she turns into a brave and purposeful woman who is not afraid of anything. I liked that the change could be seen and could also be believed. The character building in this book is something I really enjoyed.
The cult leader Magnus Theisen is the protagonist of the story. He manipulates his followers and destroys other people’s lives, all to reach his own goal. He is a cruel man who even wants to use the disease for his benefit. His character is provocative but I felt he was not explored enough. I thought he was compelling and I wanted to learn more about him, maybe by telling a bit of the story from his perspective.
While the main characters are all alluring and thoughtfully developed, I thought that there were too many minor characters in the novel. Sometimes I found it difficult to follow who was who.
The Line Between is an engrossing story filled with action, religion, romance, and survival all at once. If you like layered apocalyptic stories, then this is for you.
Pages: 384 | ASIN: B07GNTVY6L
LITERARY TITAN 