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The Dissonant
Consider this
When John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, senior KGB officials did not celebrate.
They didn’t bring out the vodka, the caviar, or the cigars.
They didn’t plot how to exploit the chaos.
They panicked.
Files were destroyed. Documents burned. Cables flew between Moscow and foreign embassies—not out of triumph, but fear.
Fear of being blamed.
Fear of escalation.
Fear of nuclear war.
Because even if they were not involved, one incontrovertible truth
Soviet intelligence did maintain contingency plans for Kennedy’s assassination. And for every major Western political figure like him—U.S. presidents, NATO leaders, heads of state.
Plans drawn up. Filed away. Held in reserve.
The Kremlin’s terror was not rooted in guilt, but in proximity. Something they had imagined—something they had prepared for—had suddenly become real.
And they understood, with perfect clarity, what kind of retribution would follow if those plans were ever acted upon.
This book imagines that scenario—brought into the modern world. A real decapitation strike, actually carried out. And the response.
The Dissonant by Saul Herzog is a stunning new thriller, a spectacular tour de force, a book that has single-handedly taken the publishing industry and Hollywood rights departments by storm. This novel is the dazzling second installment in the jaw-dropping new series that's on track to break all records. From the mind of one of the most creative and versatile writers working in America today, it will surely go down as a classic of the spy thriller genre.
If you read only one book this year, this is it. Action, adventure, rebellion, provocative foreign agents, characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new spy thriller series that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, look no further.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath.
When John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, senior KGB officials did not celebrate.
They didn’t bring out the vodka, the caviar, or the cigars.
They didn’t plot how to exploit the chaos.
They panicked.
Files were destroyed. Documents burned. Cables flew between Moscow and foreign embassies—not out of triumph, but fear.
Fear of being blamed.
Fear of escalation.
Fear of nuclear war.
Because even if they were not involved, one incontrovertible truth
Soviet intelligence did maintain contingency plans for Kennedy’s assassination. And for every major Western political figure like him—U.S. presidents, NATO leaders, heads of state.
Plans drawn up. Filed away. Held in reserve.
The Kremlin’s terror was not rooted in guilt, but in proximity. Something they had imagined—something they had prepared for—had suddenly become real.
And they understood, with perfect clarity, what kind of retribution would follow if those plans were ever acted upon.
This book imagines that scenario—brought into the modern world. A real decapitation strike, actually carried out. And the response.
The Dissonant by Saul Herzog is a stunning new thriller, a spectacular tour de force, a book that has single-handedly taken the publishing industry and Hollywood rights departments by storm. This novel is the dazzling second installment in the jaw-dropping new series that's on track to break all records. From the mind of one of the most creative and versatile writers working in America today, it will surely go down as a classic of the spy thriller genre.
If you read only one book this year, this is it. Action, adventure, rebellion, provocative foreign agents, characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new spy thriller series that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, look no further.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath.
559 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2025
654 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 19, 2026
The Dissonant by Saul Herzog is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you guessing right up until the very end. It’s packed with action, layered characters, and strong female leads who feel authentic and integral to the story.
What I appreciated most about Herzog’s writing is his willingness to live in the gray. The truth isn’t always black and white, motivations are messy, emotions are complicated, and outcomes don’t always tie up neatly the way we might want. That realism adds real weight to the story and makes the stakes feel earned.
If you enjoy smart espionage thrillers that surprise you and don’t shy away from moral complexity, this one is absolutely worth the read. Read it to the end, you won’t be disappointed.
What I appreciated most about Herzog’s writing is his willingness to live in the gray. The truth isn’t always black and white, motivations are messy, emotions are complicated, and outcomes don’t always tie up neatly the way we might want. That realism adds real weight to the story and makes the stakes feel earned.
If you enjoy smart espionage thrillers that surprise you and don’t shy away from moral complexity, this one is absolutely worth the read. Read it to the end, you won’t be disappointed.
March 28, 2026
Fast paced, entertaining & imaginative, even if requiring some suspension of disbelief
Book 2 doesn’t disappoint even if some of the characters are a little too superhuman and situations are a little too convenient to believe. Disbelief aside, the pacing is excellent and this is a true page turner if one is into espionage thrillers. The protagonists are all very likable, in spite of their flaws and baggage, and the baddies are bad but some of them have complicated pasts and motives.
I recommend both books 1 & 2 and look forward to reading book 3 when available.
Book 2 doesn’t disappoint even if some of the characters are a little too superhuman and situations are a little too convenient to believe. Disbelief aside, the pacing is excellent and this is a true page turner if one is into espionage thrillers. The protagonists are all very likable, in spite of their flaws and baggage, and the baddies are bad but some of them have complicated pasts and motives.
I recommend both books 1 & 2 and look forward to reading book 3 when available.
January 2, 2026
Intense intergenerational pursuits of power, knowledge, and control
Women gather intelligence, murder, conduct research, and protect their families. Men do the same. Daughters carry on in their parents' quests. Sons do the same. Truly bad characters act on their own behalf, just because they want to. Some forms of government support and strengthen power grabs. Other forms of government just might survive attack and dismemberment. On to book 3.
Women gather intelligence, murder, conduct research, and protect their families. Men do the same. Daughters carry on in their parents' quests. Sons do the same. Truly bad characters act on their own behalf, just because they want to. Some forms of government support and strengthen power grabs. Other forms of government just might survive attack and dismemberment. On to book 3.
December 31, 2025
I couldn't put it down!
This book kept me guessing what was going to happen from beginning to end. The fate of each of the characters kept me on edge the whole time. Who would survive? Would they escape and if so, how? I love this author and have read the entire Lance Spectrum series. This series is just as good!
This book kept me guessing what was going to happen from beginning to end. The fate of each of the characters kept me on edge the whole time. Who would survive? Would they escape and if so, how? I love this author and have read the entire Lance Spectrum series. This series is just as good!
January 7, 2026
Great Book
I enjoyed every minute of the Intrigue and can’t wait for the next Series. I recommend this to everyone I can reach out to. The time is now. To wake up and realize this is a behind the scenes of what has happened before and could be happening again. Sometimes fiction is more real than we realize.
I enjoyed every minute of the Intrigue and can’t wait for the next Series. I recommend this to everyone I can reach out to. The time is now. To wake up and realize this is a behind the scenes of what has happened before and could be happening again. Sometimes fiction is more real than we realize.
January 27, 2026
Intense
While things are falling apart
For the US and Roman Adler, Dominic Doerr and the Russians are having their way!
Intense scenes! Fast paced! Murders! Russians! Americans!
Cold War all over again!
Don’t miss this exciting story by Saul! The Dissonant, get your copy now!!!
While things are falling apart
For the US and Roman Adler, Dominic Doerr and the Russians are having their way!
Intense scenes! Fast paced! Murders! Russians! Americans!
Cold War all over again!
Don’t miss this exciting story by Saul! The Dissonant, get your copy now!!!
March 8, 2026
Riveting Story
Dissonant stimulates you from the outset. The main characters are well defined and the twists and turns in the story keep you guessing. Plus my guesses were usually wrong which increased my enjoyment of the story. I also enjoyed Saul Herzog's commentary on Intelligence theory and practice which is provided at the end of the book.
Dissonant stimulates you from the outset. The main characters are well defined and the twists and turns in the story keep you guessing. Plus my guesses were usually wrong which increased my enjoyment of the story. I also enjoyed Saul Herzog's commentary on Intelligence theory and practice which is provided at the end of the book.
January 28, 2026
Love this book! I'm a big fan of Saul's writing, and this one doesn't disappoint. There are a few characters to keep straight, but each one has a captivating side story. I've read all Herzog's books, and this is one of my favorite. Looking forward to seeing what happens in The Swallow!
January 31, 2026
Shocking, riveting, unputdownable
Saul Herzog said this is the book he’s always wanted to write. A big call he has backed up in this edge of your seat thriller.
Unique and shocking. I now need time to ponder.
Nice work Saul!
Saul Herzog said this is the book he’s always wanted to write. A big call he has backed up in this edge of your seat thriller.
Unique and shocking. I now need time to ponder.
Nice work Saul!
January 31, 2026
Great Plot but a bit Overdone
Terrific plot but the writing was verbose and “too heavy.” Like over-rich chocolate cake. We don’t need that kind of espionage writing anymore. Could be 100 pages shorter (547 pages as written) and do just as well. But worth the read.
Terrific plot but the writing was verbose and “too heavy.” Like over-rich chocolate cake. We don’t need that kind of espionage writing anymore. Could be 100 pages shorter (547 pages as written) and do just as well. But worth the read.
February 20, 2026
Dissonant
Another unable to put down saga. Makes you wonder just what kind of tech there will be in future confrontation with our adversaries and how it will all unfold. Looking forward to the next chapter in this trilogy.
Another unable to put down saga. Makes you wonder just what kind of tech there will be in future confrontation with our adversaries and how it will all unfold. Looking forward to the next chapter in this trilogy.
February 23, 2026
Engaging read
You will really hate the bad guys. You don’t have to read the first book in the series but there are references to people that you won’t understand fully if you haven’t read it.
This is still a good stand alone book though.
You will really hate the bad guys. You don’t have to read the first book in the series but there are references to people that you won’t understand fully if you haven’t read it.
This is still a good stand alone book though.
March 1, 2026
Pages fly by. Another great read by SH.
The action was non stop.I couldn't wait to see what was on the next page. His prose is incredible. He is a gifted writer. Only regret I have to wait until July for the next installment!
The action was non stop.I couldn't wait to see what was on the next page. His prose is incredible. He is a gifted writer. Only regret I have to wait until July for the next installment!
January 11, 2026
Great book. Espionage thriller with many twists and turns. Well worth reading.
January 27, 2026
Riveting
Crikey these books are addictive! The hard part now is a. Waiting for the next book and b. looking for something to fill the void in the meantime! Love your work Saul!
Crikey these books are addictive! The hard part now is a. Waiting for the next book and b. looking for something to fill the void in the meantime! Love your work Saul!
February 25, 2026
some hard to believe escapes
Wind blowing so hard - pinned up against the wall ? Hm I dunno about that - anyone else ?
Wind blowing so hard - pinned up against the wall ? Hm I dunno about that - anyone else ?
March 5, 2026
Fast and furious is the best description of this ‘thriller’. So. Well. Done. Thank goodness there is a sequel on the horizon.
January 4, 2026
fast moving well composed page turner
Ongoing character development that compels the reader to continue reading as the world spins out of control. Look forward to next adventure
Ongoing character development that compels the reader to continue reading as the world spins out of control. Look forward to next adventure
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews