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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
Mixed-Genre Stories
Aftermath: Into the Unknown follows a woman in a post-apocalyptic world whose home is in danger from a biker gang that has invaded the city and must now make an 800-mile trip with a man she just met to get to safety. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story’s inspiration came from the first book of the series, The Edge of Life: Love and Survival During the Apocalypse, and my book, The Wish.
When I was writing The Edge of Life (Two acquaintances’ road trip from Seattle to South Dakota in the wake of an asteroid impact with Earth) I didn’t want to kill the characters of The Wish. Instead, they meet my Edge characters on the way to the bunker city in South Dakota. To make the timing work, since one group traveled by car and the other by bike and on foot, I created a delay for the car group mentioned in a line or two of conversation. They stopped in Idaho for a few days to convince someone’s father to join them. He refused because he was waiting for his granddaughters to cross the mountains from the coast.
Aftermath picks up three years later with the grandfather and one of the granddaughters. The biker who accompanies her on the journey seems to be Robin’s opposite, but in the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit, as survivors, they are more similar than different. I liked the idea of opposites being so much the same.
Your characters are interesting and unique, drawing readers into their lives. What things do you find interesting about the human condition that makes for great fiction?
Honestly, I borrow bits and pieces from people I know, add aspects of myself, and include something new to make characters. For example, my husband and I both love music (he’s the inspiration for an audiophile) even if our range of tastes are not the same, they overlap. My daughters are Swifties, as are millions of others and someone Robin’s age could have been one too. Reading is also something people could have in common, even if their tastes are very different. Having hobbies and interests makes characters relatable for readers because they feel more real.
Most people just want to be understood and not be alone.
You flawlessly blend Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian and Romance in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this and make the story stand out. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Thank you. I appreciate that you thought I did this well. I didn’t think about blending the genres so much as, that WAS the story. From the beginning, I envisioned Aftermath as a love story in a post-apocalyptic setting. Each book in this series will be a stand-alone, apocalypse, or post-apocalypse romance. They will connect because I love to have my books linked, but each will feature a new couple who will fall in love while trying to survive in their harsh new world.
All of my books are mixed-genre stories, perhaps because I’ve been an avid reader of so many genres for my whole life.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The series will most definitely continue. There is a conflict coming between the Slains and those in Vita Xterra. I’ve written a short story called “Rat Girl,” a prequel for the third book in the series that will be posted on my website later this fall. The third book is in the planning stage and will include the Rat Girl, a man from the bunker complex, and the secondary characters include several from Edge and Aftermath. There will also be a Nick and Jake story (minor but important characters from Edge). Dozens of readers have reached out asking what happened to them when the asteroid hit, which got things swirling in my mind. They need their own book.
I may also write a book about some of the missing family members mentioned in both published books in the series. There could also be other stories, including one set in Canada.
I’m hoping to release one book in this series and one other book every year, though I have two different books written and being published in 2025. I’d love to see Love and Survival 3 published in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Robin dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory lived on the streets of Seattle and relied on his brawn. Without the asteroid, they never would have met.
For three years, Robin and her grandfather have been hiding, trusting no one. When a biker gang moves into town, Robin can no longer scrounge or tend her garden. Because her grandfather is dying, he urges her to join her extended family—800 miles away in a bunker city in South Dakota, but she doesn’t want to leave.
Desperate, her grandfather disappears to force Robin into action and meets Kory, who’s with the bikers but disillusioned. Seeing a man who likes to read and could protect his granddaughter, he convinces Kory he can start over and accompany Robin on the long journey.
Unaware of her grandfather’s plan, Robin exposes her hiding place searching for him, and Kory saves her. On the run, they battle the elements and survivalists, learning to trust each other. If they can’t reach the safety of Vita xTerra, they won’t survive long enough to have a future together.
Prepare for another non-stop, post-apocalyptic road trip in Aftermath: Into the Unknown as they fight for love and survival.
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.)
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
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
Internal Conflicts
Star Lost follows a woman living in a world where ignorance is reinforced as the government routinely wipes memories of the people, who starts to unravel the truth behind the dystopian state and become involved with a group trying to save their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, as this review and others have mentioned it is a chillingly plausible reality, isn’t it? Though Star Lost is set in the near future it was inspired by recent frustrations. I have seen a recent decline in our society’s interest not only in the understanding and memory of historical events but appreciation for anything deemed “outdated.” That said, the book was not written to say that the be-all and end-all of human existence is old tech and books, reading, and the written word (although some book lovers might disagree), but rather to explore why we have such animosity as a society towards anything “old”, historical record, reading, and understanding of our own personal histories. Not to mention the recent influx of revisionist history and book banning. I think it best, despite our motivations for wanting to dispel it, to hold on to our history so we don’t repeat it. I also take a bit of a dig at social media, which carries over into all three books.
Luccee is a fascinating character trying to just hold on to her memories and understand what is happening to the world around her. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I think Luccee is a really fun FMC all around. She has an underdog quality, but she knows how to kick things up when she needs to. I recently finished book 3 of the series and those scenes are more fresh, but in attempting to recall Luccee’s scenes from Star Lost, I’d have to say she is the most fun to write when she has realizations about herself and other people. I think any scene with Trevers where he does his best to help her see “reason” but Luccee is able to stand up to him is my favorite. I love giving Luccee opportunities to grow as a person. Her scenes with Wilda are another favorite. I love their mentor/mentee dynamic.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Familial discord is a big one. Family history obviously plays a big part in the narrative as well. If your MC is having a disagreement with their family, I think it’s important to explore that in-depth at some point in the narrative. It’s often the source of their internal conflicts, and usually what sets them on a journey towards something external. And since Star Lost is the first book of the series, it was necessary for me to dwell on the “past lives” of the characters, so the reader better understands them and what makes them tick in future books.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Luccee and the direction of the second book?
I’d be happy to! Luccee will definitely go on the journey she is meant to (and the one readers of Book 1 will be yearning for), immediately beginning with Book 2. She will go on what some readers have called “a wild ride” and whether intentionally or accidentally, meet people who have an odd connection to her she couldn’t have imagined. And her life will change in ways she never would have predicted. That will even carry over into book 3 which is coming out this fall! But if you read books 1 and 2 in tandem, it will give you the sense you’ve been transported from the status quo to a more colorful universe. From sepia tone to technicolor!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
Emotional Trauma & Healing
Of Ashes and Dust follows a Vietnam Veteran, now a professor, who is haunted by his past only to discover as the world is headed to Armageddon that the conspiracy theories he questioned are, in fact, truth and nothing is as it seemed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your novel?
There’s an obvious long-term cover-up by the US Government regarding the existence of ETs & UFOs, dating back to 1947. This, in part, served as an impetus for my “inspiration” to weave this narrative thread into the story arc. Also, I work with US military retirees, combat vets, many suffering from PTSD, as well as having served in the Army myself. This also added impetus to incorporate these elements into the plot.
The relationships that the characters form and, ultimately, the betrayals hook readers into watching everything unfold. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
It came naturally. I’ve lived the majority of my life overseas having worked with the US military during almost all this time. Dealing with stress-related combat vets almost daily has led me to come face-to-face with their problems, often getting personally involved with their emotional trauma & healing.
What was the chosen theme of the novel, or did it develop organically as you were writing?
It pretty much “develop[ed] organically.” The story, except for one or two events toward the end, naturally unfolded for me. Wish all story arcs would do that!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Working on publishing a chapbook (small poetry book), then a children’s book, and then the sequel to Of Ashes and Dust (OAAD). The OAAD sequel will most likely be more psychologically-driven & deeply delving into the troubled mindset of the protagonist & first-person narrator, Prof. Will Watson, rather than mostly event-driven as in the original.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Their tale traces back to two covert operations from the Vietnam War era–a revelation about UFOs from the U.S. Air Force and the clandestine Project Sixty-Seven.
At the heart of the story is Professor Will Watson–a war-ravaged Vietnam veteran, a fervent activist of the New Hampshire Liberty Militia, and a man haunted by specters of his past. As the world edges toward Armageddon, he seeks solace in the arms of his Japanese graduate student assistant, Kimiko Tanimoto. Amidst escalating pursuit by the State Police and FBI, Watson is confronted with the harsh realities of his traumatic past and the imminent downfall of a world crumbling around him.
However, the truth about his “friendship” with Mark Mercotti, a fellow militia member with a hidden sexuality, proves to be more sinister. During their service in VIetnam, Mercotti had Watson enlisted in the enigmatic Project Sixty-Seven and arranged for a covert implant to be placed in Watson’s head. This unsettling revelation forces Watson to question his sanity, but he soon learns that Mercotti’s web of deceit runs deeper.
As Watson navigates the aftermath of his military service, he stumbles upon a reality beyond his wildest dreams: the implant was a government ploy to monitor him. Meanwhile, Mercotti is far from the friend he claims to be. His conspiracies are more than mere theories; they’re cold, hard facts.
“Of Ashes and Dust” is a relentlessly intense tale of alternate history set against the backdrop of global Armageddon. It’s a thrilling exploration of conspiracy, survival, and unforgiving intrigue, culminating in a finale as explosive as it is unexpected.
Another World
Another World, by I.M. Stoicus, is the sequel to the dystopian fiction Humans’ Enhancements, which introduced us to the dark, futuristic tale of Solon, an enhanced soldier. In this follow-up, Stoicus delves deeper into a dystopian future where global elites wield advanced technologies to exert control over society. The Globalist Legislative Unified Enterprise, a new power rising from the ruins of cities devastated by the Great War, offers stability at the cost of freedom, using deceptive holograms to maintain their grip. Solon emerges as the central figure in the rebellion against this regime, battling both human oppressors and formidable android armies.
Another World explores themes of resistance, unchecked technology, and the unbreakable human spirit against tyranny and oppression. The story propels readers into a future where technology is both a tool of control and a beacon of hope. Solon is a relatable character whose struggle against the globalist regime echoes real-world issues, making his fight compelling and poignant. The book excels in world-building, immersing readers in a society where freedom is sacrificed for a false sense of stability, prompting reflections on the true meaning of freedom.
Another World stands out as an impressive continuation of what promises to be a thrilling series. The interaction between humans and androids adds a layer of intrigue, prompting ethical considerations about advanced technology. The plot’s twists and turns maintain a brisk pace, though I feel the narrative leans occasionally toward detailed descriptions. This, however, does not detract from the gripping storyline. The book’s portrayal of resistance and the fight for freedom is powerful and unflinching, highlighting the harsh realities and stakes of rebellion.
While some plot twists are predictable, the emotional depth and resonance of the story make it a worthy read. Familiar themes and conflicts are given fresh, thoughtful treatment, making Another World a compelling exploration of contemporary concerns about technology and governance.
This story of resilience and courage, and the thirst for freedom will captivate fans of thought-provoking dystopian fiction. Not only does Another World successfully continue the gripping tale from its predecessor, but it also stands alone as a phenomenal story with a powerful message about the indomitable human spirit and the fight for what is right.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0D348C7L6
