I didn't expect to find this so satisfying! I read the back "Aliens meets A Quiet Place" and thought, "OK, there's probably going to be some kind of mashup here, and probably a lot of "been there, read that" - but this was pretty unique in its dystopian setting and daily rigour of the protagonists. There was a slough of surprises, and I was deeply moved by various chapters where the tension is incredibly high. My heart was thumping through those. There's also a huge surprise that is pretty epic in its scope. Highly recommended and looking forward to the next chapter for Cameron and Company.

Dissonance packs emotional and thematic depth as the first book in this dystopian series. It’s been 16 years since the start of the alien occupation where survivors have been forced to hide and adapt. The story centers on two close-knit brothers who grew up under occupation and joined the military. Tasked with a seemingly impossible and likely suicidal mission, the brothers along with a small band of soldiers set out to confront the enemy and rescue survivors. There is a love story that is both tenderhearted and childlike. Ryan explores the resiliency of the human heart, despite being denied normal coming of age experiences with humanity under constant threat. The strength of this book lies in the suspenseful storyline, intricate adherence to the emotional, political and structural consequences of invasion, while including surprisingly complex discussions of faith, love, survival and family. The ending left me both satisfied and wanting more. I can’t wait to see how this series continues.

You know how some books take a bit to get in to? Or you have to almost force yourself to keep turning pages? This isn't that kind of book. It's so engaging and fast paced that you'll not be able to put it down! I seriously finished it in a little over a day. Its unique take on a sci-fi dystopian future has you gripped from the very first page. I highly recommend this book!