One day, they drifted down from the sky and killed most of us off. Sixteen years later, we finally had our chance to fight back. Three years after that, the enemy returned with a vengeance.
The aliens silently floated down from the skies in June of 2026, hovering there at a geostationary orbit above the earth for three months. Without warning on September 3rd, 2026, they attacked. Within three months, 85% of humanity had been wiped out. And we all learned the horrible truth regarding these aliens: "You just... don't... look."
We called them gorgons because, like the mythical Medusa, they possessed the unique ability to paralyze us where we stood if we looked at them...and then consume us at their leisure while we felt every agonizing bite.
Follow the lives of Andrew & Melissa Shipley in Blue Spring Kentucky, along with their children Cameron, Sissy, and Rutty as everyday people whose lives are upended as they are forced to flee, eking out an existence in the shadows, trying to survive in a military bunker. Travel with them from the alien invasion of 2026 through December of 2042 as gorgons take over the planet in a post-apocalyptic and dystopian Earth. Then join sons Sergeant Cameron Shipley and Private Rutty Shipley in Clarksville Tennessee in 2042, as humanity readies itself for the greatest counteroffensive that mankind has ever seen. And just when you thought it was all over, fight alongside the new President as the gorgons return with a vengeance in 2045!
The war for humanity is all right here in the "Dissonance" volumes - 1800+ pages of terror, suspense, and a humanity desperate to survive against all odds:
Bestselling author Aaron Ryan crafts harrowing tales of epic tension, set amidst a gritty post apocalyptic Earth, in this bestselling dystopian alien invasion post apocalyptic fiction books series. Terror lurks around every corner in this epic SIX-BOOK post apocalyptic survival fiction books saga that has been adapted for the screen and is currently being pitched to major streaming networks!
Award-winning and bestselling author, speaker, panelist, workshop presenter and voice actor Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and the finches Inky, Pinky, Blinky & Clyde.
He is the prolific author of the bestselling Dissonance 6-book alien invasion saga, the Christian dystopian fiction trilogy The End, the Talisman trilogy, the sci-fi thrillers Forecast, The Slide, and The Phoenix Experiment, the nonfiction books God Is Not Santa, You are my whole Earth: A Daddy's love for his Sons, You're Going Straight To Helen (In A Handbasket) and Aaron Ryan presents "A Lyrical Empirical Satirical Miracle," the children's picture books The Ring of Truth, The Sword of Joy and The Book of Power, the business reference books How to Successfully Self-Publish & Promote Your Self-Published Book and The Superhero Anomaly, 6 business books on voiceovers penned under his former stage name (Joshua Alexander), as well as a previous fictional novel, The Omega Room.
When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, The Electric Boy was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron's desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.
He enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment.
Aaron's favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Michael Crichton, Marie Lu, Madeleine L'Engle, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Tim Lebbon, Christopher Golden, C.S. Lewis, Stephen King and Dave Barry.
Aaron has always had a passion for storytelling. Visit his website at https://www.authoraaronryan.com, join his exclusive Facebook group at authoraaronryangroup.com, or check out his store at authoraaronryanstore.com.
Aaron Ryan's Dissonance series is a fast-paced, gripping dystopian thriller that delivers a fresh take on the classic alien invasion genre. The narrative kicks off with a fierce war between humanity and extraterrestrials, where the U.S. military triumphs—only to face devastating consequences when the aliens return, thirsting for revenge. Ryan's world-building is sharp, creating a high-stakes atmosphere where the lines between right and wrong blur. The emotions are strong when favorite characters are torn from the pages. And our real-life feelings ache when the US President is crippling the nation behind the military‘s back?
The series excels at blending military strategy, human resilience, and complex alien motives, keeping readers hooked through each of the six books. While some plot elements feel familiar, Ryan's execution and character-driven tension elevate Dissonance into a compelling read for fans of both alien fiction and war narratives.
Janine: Spine-tingling suspense and deeply nuanced conversations about justice, faith, and rising from the ash of grief brought by characters you’ll want to wrap your arms around, Ryan’s 6-part Dissonance series is a wild and worthwhile ride. Nowhere in the world is untouched by the alien invasion that claims 85% of humanity. Narrated mainly by the everyday American Shipley family, the series tracks Cameron Shipley from traumatized child to gritty warrior. Along the way, Cameron and younger brother, Rutty, are encircled by an underground community that challenges the brothers to live with hope and justice even in the midst of despair. Meanwhile, woven into the series are some impressive military dog fights, and a shocking betrayal at the highest echelons of power. Equal parts emotional and action packed, this series has something for every reader.
Admittedly, I am very picky when it comes to alien invasion storylines. There are so many that focus on just the alien vs human fight without actually diving into the souls of those involved. This series balances out perfectly. It not only offers a suspenseful plot, but also a strong examination of the human spirit through different lenses throughout the series. Cinematic in descriptions and action sequences, Aaron effortlessly immerses you into a realistic dystopian future. A thrilling, captivating, and inspiring story that will be very difficult to top. Eyes in the skies come Sept 3, 2026. Remember, you just don’t look.
Read the whole thing and it's just amazing. Bonus, got the copy of Dissonance Volume 4 Relentless and gonna read that one as well, which it sounds like will be assimilated into this one too. Very cool collection of sci-fi alien invasion trope. A lot of worthy messages, memorable characters, super-detailed research and tremendous attention to detail with realistic world-building and heart. I highly recommend it.
I've read the whole series! Its utterly amazing and REALLY full of lots of character developmnt and strong running themes. You love the characters and the family and all the stakes surrounding them. I know its all done now after 6 ..... but I hope one day he'll revisit it. I know theres the "Talisman' series that is a spin off, so thats great at least. Good to read up on my favorite characters again.
I really, really love these individually, but WOW - all in one set? So very cool. I love that the prequel is last in the lineup, as it should be. Really cool to read it and see beloved characters alive again. Love the box set pic too, and the promo pictures inside. Thank you for Dissonance, Aaron Ryan!
Read the whole thing. Absolutely stupendous from start to finish. Loaded with exciting storyline and plot twists, surprises, incredible letdowns and massive victories. A total thrill ride. Recommend.
This is the greatest story I have ever written, by far, and I'm inordinately proud of it. I wrote all of these novels from November 21st, 2023 through October 12th, 2024, and they turned out. I could not stop writing, and the story burst out of me like an alien queen. The series has SO much heart, and thematic depth...it was impossible to stop. It isn't a referendum on our current fractured state as a society, but there are notes that will hit upon modern society, and how we can do so much better. I pray it blesses you - I don't believe I'll ever write anything quite as impactful, but I'll sure try. This is 1800 pages of my heart to yours.