Title: Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation
Author: Aaron Ryan
Genre: Sci-Fi / Post-Apocalyptic
Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation is a suspense-packed prequel to Aaron Ryan’s thrilling sci-fi series, Dissonance. Set in 2026, alien beings descend to Earth, hovering ominously within the atmosphere for nearly 90 days before unleashing a devastating attack on humanity. No one knows why they are here or their purpose, but their capability to paralyze and annihilate any living being is terrifyingly clear.
The fourth book within the series is set before the alien invasion, illustrating the harrowing arrival of the gorgons on Earth. Written from the point of view of the protagonist, Andrew Shipley, the father of the Shipley family. Readers gain a deep insight into the family dynamics before enduring life-altering experiences.
The Shipley family’s relatable and heartfelt bond will resonate deeply among readers. Andrew’s love for his wife and children shines throughout his struggle, foreshadowing the strength and resilience of his son, Cameron Shipley, which is seen in the series’ earlier installments. The brotherly bond forming between Cameron and Rut is pivotal and hints at the traumatic events they will face in the years to come.
With a strong family element and notion of real-world plausibility, this makes for a compelling and thought-provoking story. Readers may find themselves contemplating what they would do during these events, what their reactions would be, and their survival strategies in a similar apocalyptic scenario. During the picnic scene, on a typical summer family day, readers will be thrown into the chaos alongside the characters. They are feeling their fear, hearing the screams around them, and dreading what is to come.
Plot progression during this story keeps readers engaged and is easy to follow, starting with the gorgons’ eerie presence in the skies and building up to their full-scale attacks. Over the following years, readers are presented with significant moments that are presented clearly, resulting in a suspenseful narrative that may feel impossible to put down. Key moments include meeting characters who will hold poignant roles in future years, further enriching the story’s depth and continuity.
Vivid imagery brings the setting to life and allows readers to visualize the characters’ surroundings and actions effortlessly. Readers are transported into each scene with the characters and can feel the suspense building throughout each chapter. The depiction of the gorgons is particularly effective, with their harrowing darkness and the fear they induce being portrayed throughout the story. Each scene depicting gorgons effectively induces fear and anticipation in the readers.
The pacing may initially feel slow to readers who enjoy action-packed sci-fi, as the plot takes time to build. The start of the book is slower than the remainder and can feel drawn out at points. However, once the gorgons descend, the pacing accelerates and maintains a relentless grip on the reader, ensuring they are hooked until the end.
Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation by Aaron Ryan is a gripping prequel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, immersed in the fight against the gorgons. This thrilling addition to the Dissonance series is a must-read for fans and newcomers.
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