It's 2042, sixteen years after the arrival of the Gorgons, alien creatures that feed on the flesh of mammals, especially humans. Since he was six, Sergeant Cameron Shipley, aka Jet, has survived the invasion. A new arrival to his military unit reveals a secret that could change the course of history and potential survival. Jet faces a dilemma of monumental proportions—follow the orders of high command that he knows are not feasible or take a chance on this recruit's solution. Jet's internal conflict is central to Dissonance, Volume I - Reality by Aaron Ryan, drawing readers in and making them empathize with his predicament. As soon as the Gorgons appeared, I knew I was in for a great read.

I've always been especially attracted to monsters, demons, and aliens, especially when one of these creatures "breaks the mold," like zombies that are super-fast and alert to the slightest sound, vampires that can operate in sunlight, or demons masquerading as humans saving humans from other demons. The Gorgons in Dissonance, Volume I - Reality fit that mold perfectly. I always avoid spoilers, so I won't further describe these creatures. I prefer future readers to discover the thrills on their own. Creating such an antagonist, however, takes imagination, and writing a story that captures the reader's imagination while building tension, surprise, and genuine reading pleasure takes skill; here again, Ryan excels. Seldom have I read a book that mixes first and third-person points of view among several characters in the same scene without totally confusing the reader as to who is who while simultaneously losing the scene's thread. Aaron Ryan's skill has none of these problems. Instead, he has invented unforgettable, true-to-life, situational characters that, along with his Gorgons, are just the beginning of what will hopefully be (as a minimum) a trilogy and, possibly, a long-running series. I'll be looking out for them!

Dissonance Volume I: Reality by Aaron Ryan is a heart-racing post-apocalyptic tale in which humans come face-to-face with the threat of extinction, initiated by terrifying alien invaders called gorgons. If any human makes eye contact, the gorgons petrify their victim with fear and then consume their victim alive, leaving them to experience every agonizing sensation. The main character, Sergeant Cameron "Jet" Shipley, was six when these creatures invaded Earth. Sixteen years later, he still witnesses the horrors these creatures continue to unleash on the remaining 15% of Earth's population. Things are about to change. Cameron, his brother Rutty, and his men are tired of living in fear. One fateful day, Cameron and his team set out to accomplish a dangerous and almost impossible recon mission. After the mission, Cameron begins questioning their true purpose and the real agenda of the military command, which he steadfastly follows. Cameron and his men ultimately discover truths that shake the core of their existence. How will it all end?

Aaron Ryan's thrilling novel will engage readers from beginning to end through the use of vivid descriptions and exceptional plot developments. He plunges readers into a grim world, surrounded by death and hopelessness, where staying alive is the main objective of each character. Every decision, great and small, is essential to humanity's survival. Speed, wit, and strategy are the main things that keep Cameron, his brother, and their associates alive. Each character is compelling and authentic. Shaped by trauma, loss, and resilience, Cameron and his men refuse to surrender their lives without a fight. Dissonance Volume I: Reality is a story about hope, inner strength, and redemption as much as it is about resistance and defiance. Ryan perfectly incorporates action, adventure, drama, and science fiction in an intense story that will encourage readers to examine the ethical dilemmas that humankind might face if we encounter an unstoppable threat someday. This captivating and exciting tale will leave you on the edge of your seat as you anticipate Volume II. If you enjoyed films like Bird Box, A Quiet Place, and The Silence, this is the perfect book to indulge in next.