Aaron Ryan is a prolific, award-winning, and bestselling author based in Washington state, often associated with Seattle due to its prominence in the region. He lives with his wife, two sons, and a lively crew of pets: Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and finches named Merry and Pippin—a nod to his love for J.R.R. Tolkien, his favorite author. Ryan’s career spans a dizzying array of creative pursuits, from writing and voice acting to wedding videography, music production, and even a stint as a paperboy, but storytelling remains his core passion, sparked in second grade when he penned The Electric Boy, a fantastical novella that ignited his lifelong drive to create.

Ryan’s bibliography is diverse, but he’s best known for his science fiction and dystopian works. His flagship series, Dissonance, is a six-book alien invasion saga that’s earned accolades for its heart, thematic depth, and gripping drama. Set in a post-apocalyptic 2042, it follows Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley as he battles telepathic “gorgons” that paralyze with a glance, weaving a tale of survival and resilience. The first volume, Reality, has been adapted into a screenplay currently pitched to streaming platforms, signaling its cinematic potential. Beyond Dissonance, Ryan’s penned Forecast (2024), a speculative thriller reimagining 9/11 through a meteorologist’s prophetic visions, and The End: Alpha (2025), a dystopian chase through a tech-tyrannized 2113, kicking off a new saga told from a triple first-person perspective.

Under his former stage name, Joshua Alexander, Ryan also authored a slew of nonfiction books on voiceovers, drawing from his 30-plus years as a voiceover artist. Titles like Voiceovers: A Super Business ∙ A Super Life and Running a Successful Voiceover Business blend practical advice with humor, reflecting his knack for engaging storytelling even in guides. These works, brimming with Dave Barry-esque wit, have carved him a niche in the voiceover community, where he’s also known for mentoring via blogs and workshops.

Ryan’s fiction often carries a gritty, human edge—whether it’s the emotional stakes of an alien-ravaged Earth or the moral ambiguity of altering fate. His influences range from Tolkien’s epic scope to Suzanne Collins’ taut pacing and Stephen King’s dark twists, though he’s also a fan of lighter fare like Dave Barry. A self-described “overgrown goofball,” he balances his intense narratives with a playful streak, evident in quips about writing a Dissonance musical or his eclectic past gigs.

Living in Washington, likely near Seattle given his voiceover ties and regional footprint, Ryan’s output reflects a Pacific Northwest sensibility—introspective yet adventurous, grounded in a love for the arts. He’s active online, engaging fans through authoraaronryan.com and social media, where he touts his works’ emotional punch and teases future projects. With nearly 30 books spanning sci-fi, thrillers, children’s tales (The Ring of Truth), and business guides, Aaron Ryan’s a Seattle-area creative force who’s as versatile as he is driven, always chasing the next story.

Dissonance by Aaron Ryan is a gripping, multi-volume science fiction series that blends elements of post-apocalyptic survival, alien invasion, and dystopian thriller. Set in a vividly crafted future Earth, it’s a tale of humanity’s fight against an overwhelming extraterrestrial threat, infused with emotional depth, moral complexity, and relentless tension. Imagine a mash-up of Aliens and A Quiet Place, where the stakes are global, and survival hinges on rules that defy instinct.

The story kicks off in 2026, when mysterious aliens—later dubbed “gorgons” for their paralyzing, Medusa-like gaze—descend silently from the skies. For three months, they hover, sparking curiosity and dread, until they strike on September 3rd, unleashing chaos. These creatures wield a telepathic power that freezes humans in place with a single look, leaving them helpless as the gorgons feed. Civilization crumbles fast—airplanes fall, militaries falter, and humanity is reduced to a shadow of itself, hiding in silence and fear.

The main series begins sixteen years later, in 2042, with Dissonance Volume I: Reality. It follows Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley, a battle-hardened survivor who’s lost everything to the invasion. Alongside his brother Rut and a small team, he navigates a ravaged world on a recon mission that could shift humanity’s fate. The golden rule—“You just… don’t… look”—defines their existence, amplifying the terror of every encounter. Ryan builds a gritty, immersive world where hope is scarce, yet the characters’ resilience shines through.

The saga expands across six books, each escalating the stakes. Volume II: Reckoning thrusts Jet into moral ambiguity as he’s branded a traitor by his own leaders, facing bigger, deadlier gorgon variants. Volume III: Renegade delivers a climactic showdown, with Jet seeking vengeance against a power-hungry president’s apocalyptic schemes. The prequels—Volume Zero: Revelation and Volume Up – Rising—rewind to 2026, chronicling the invasion’s onset through Jet’s father, Andrew Shipley, and humanity’s desperate early resistance. Volume IV: Relentless, the latest installment, shifts focus to Vance Cardona, a rebel-turned-leader, as humanity claws back its planet after two decades of struggle, peeling back the gorgons’ motives for the first time.

Ryan’s storytelling stands out for its character-driven heart. Jet, a haunted yet determined protagonist, anchors the series, while a diverse cast—soldiers, rebels, even a pastor—adds layers of humanity. The gorgons aren’t just monsters; their eerie biology and mysterious purpose deepen the narrative. Action pulses through blistering set pieces, but it’s the philosophical undercurrents—questions of trust, survival ethics, and what it means to stay human—that linger.

The series has earned praise for its world-building and emotional punch. Readers call it “nail-biting” and “thought-provoking,” with a knack for keeping you hooked. It’s not flawless—some critique repetitive exposition or pacing dips—but Ryan’s growth as a writer shines by Relentless, where dialogue sharpens and themes mature. Plus, Volume I has been adapted into a screenplay, currently pitched to streaming giants, hinting at its cinematic potential.

If you’re into sci-fi that blends visceral thrills with soul, Dissonance is worth a dive. It’s dark, intense, and unabashedly human—perfect for anyone who likes their apocalypses with a side of grit and grace.

The End: Alpha by Aaron Ryan is a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel released on March 4, 2025, marking the first installment of a planned saga. Set in the year 2113, it plunges readers into a grim future where Earth has been transformed into a nightmarish landscape under the iron grip of a totalitarian regime. The story centers on Sage, a young woman on the run, whose life becomes a desperate fight for survival in a world that’s lost its humanity.

The backdrop is a society ruled by Emperor Nero, once known as Constantine Goodfellow, a tech-obsessed dictator who has outlawed Christianity, branding its followers as criminals to be hunted. Nero’s regime employs AI-driven enforcers called Guardians to track down and eliminate “undesirables,” enforcing a brutal “cleansing” of dissenters. Sage, fueled by faith and defiance, navigates this oppressive world, evading capture while clinging to a flicker of hope amidst the chaos. The resistance she joins is small, scrappy, and driven by belief, facing off against a seemingly unstoppable enemy.

Ryan’s storytelling is raw and immersive, tossing you into Sage’s shoes with a first-person perspective that’s heavy on tension and light on exposition—you’re figuring things out as she does. The prose drips with paranoia and grief, painting a vivid picture of a world where trust is a luxury and survival is a daily gamble. It’s less about explaining every detail and more about feeling the weight of Sage’s reality: the fear of betrayal, the sting of loss, and the faint pulse of rebellion.

The novel’s strength lies in its pacing and atmosphere. It’s a relentless ride—think high-stakes chases and gut-punching moments of despair—balanced by Sage’s quiet, fierce determination. Readers have called it “faith-fueled” and “brutal,” praising how it blends dystopian dread with a spiritual core. Some early reviews note its intensity can feel overwhelming, and the lack of hand-holding might leave you craving more context, but that’s part of its charm: it’s a story that demands you keep up.

Unlike Ryan’s Dissonance series, which tackles alien invasions, The End: Alpha is firmly terrestrial, focusing on human tyranny amplified by technology. It’s got echoes of 1984 or The Handmaid’s Tale, but with a grittier, more immediate edge. If you’re into dystopias that hit hard and don’t pull punches, this one’s a solid pick—especially if you vibe with stories where hope is a weapon, not a given. It sets the stage for a broader saga, leaving plenty of threads dangling for what’s next.

The Christian Kids Values, Identity & Affirmation Series by Aaron Ryan is a collection of children’s picture books designed to instill Christian values, foster a sense of identity rooted in faith, and provide affirmations to help young readers navigate emotional and spiritual challenges. Written by the Seattle-area author known for his sci-fi Dissonance series and voiceover guides, this series reflects Ryan’s personal faith and his desire to create meaningful bedtime stories for his sons. Each book is dedicated to one of his children, blending heartfelt storytelling with vibrant illustrations to engage kids aged 3–18 while addressing universal themes like shame, honesty, and inner strength from a Christian perspective.

Books in the Series

The series currently comprises three books, each tackling a distinct value or emotional struggle through a metaphorical narrative grounded in biblical principles. Here’s a breakdown of each:

  1. The Ring of Truth: A Children’s Picture Book About Vanquishing Shame (Book 1)
    • Premise: A young warrior boy grapples with crippling shame from past mistakes and hurts, which damages his self-image. On a journey of self-discovery, he learns to wield the “Ring of Truth”—a symbol of his identity in Christ as forgiven, whole, and loved. The story emphasizes that shame cannot withstand God’s truth.
    • Themes: Overcoming shame, forgiveness, identity in Christ.
    • Dedication: To Ryan’s son Brennan, with a note of paternal love: “You are my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.”
    • Reception: Readers praise its “beautiful” analogy and spiritual depth, noting its appeal to Christian families. One parent shared that their 10-year-old son, Aaron, connected with the message of forgiveness and healing from past hurts. Reviewers call it a “brilliant” shift from Ryan’s sci-fi works, though some note its overtly Christian lens may limit its audience.
    • Notable Quote: “Shame can never vanquish The Truth.”
  2. The Sword of Joy: A Children’s Picture Book About Being Honest (Book 2, Released December 19, 2024)
    • Premise: A valiant boy, celebrated for his strength and joy, wields a sword that uplifts others. But he hides his true emotions behind a mask of constant happiness, learning the hard way that honesty about both joy and grief is vital. The story teaches that true strength lies in authentic emotions, not just perpetual cheer.
    • Themes: Honesty, emotional authenticity, balancing joy and sorrow.
    • Dedication: To Ryan’s son Asher, with the message: “Your joy goes before you and lights up the world.”
    • Reception: Early reviews call it “astoundingly cool” and a future classic, appreciating its affirming message for parents and kids. It’s lauded for communicating wholeness and encouraging honest expression, with one beta reader noting it was inspired by Asher asking, “Where’s mine, Dad?” after Brennan’s book. Some suggest it could form a trilogy.
    • Notable Quote: “He didn’t always need to wield the sword of joy; his sword could represent all kinds of honest emotions.”
  3. The Book of Power: A Children’s Picture Book About The Source of Power! (Book 3)
    • Premise: While specific plot details are less documented, this book continues the series’ focus on Christian values, likely exploring the source of true power—God’s strength—through a relatable story for kids. It aligns with the series’ goal of affirming identity and faith.
    • Themes: Divine strength, empowerment through faith.
    • Reception: Mentioned alongside the other titles on Amazon, it’s part of the cohesive series but lacks detailed reviews in available sources. Its inclusion suggests it maintains the same heartfelt, faith-driven storytelling.

Key Features of the Series

  • Christian Foundation: Each book is explicitly Christian, using biblical truths to address emotional struggles. They emphasize identity in Christ (e.g., being loved, forgiven, and strong through God) and draw on scriptures like Genesis 1:27 or Matthew 28:20, though specific verses may be woven subtly into the narrative.
  • Target Audience: Aimed at ages 3–18, the books are versatile for young readers, parents reading aloud, or even teens reflecting on faith. They’re ideal for bedtime stories, Sunday school, or family devotions.
  • Illustrations: Described as “beautifully illustrated,” the visuals are rich and engaging, enhancing the storytelling with vibrant, kid-friendly art. Reviewers highlight the “loveable graphics” as a draw for children.
  • Parental Appeal: Written from Ryan’s perspective as a father, the books resonate with parents seeking to instill values like forgiveness and honesty. Dedications to his sons add a personal touch, making them feel like love letters to his kids.
  • Universal yet Niche: While rooted in Christian teachings, the themes (shame, honesty, strength) are universal. However, reviewers note the series is “probably for Christians only,” suggesting its appeal is strongest among faith-based families.

Context and Purpose

Ryan, a Christian author, crafted this series as a departure from his sci-fi and voiceover works, driven by his role as a dad. The books stem from bedtime stories he told his sons, aiming to address real emotional challenges kids face—like self-doubt or the pressure to hide feelings—through a lens of faith. They align with broader Christian parenting resources, like affirmation cards or value-focused guides, which emphasize scripture to build confidence and character. Unlike Ryan’s action-packed Dissonance or The End: Alpha, these stories are gentle yet profound, offering kids tools to “fight off the dragons of crushing self-doubt” with God’s truth.

Reception and Impact

The series has garnered strong praise from Christian readers and parents. Highlights include:

  • Emotional Resonance: Parents report kids connecting with the messages, like a 10-year-old understanding forgiveness through The Ring of Truth.
  • Family Bonding: The books spark meaningful conversations about faith and emotions, with one reviewer noting their 8-year-old’s engagement.
  • Potential for Growth: Fans hope for a trilogy or more, given the series’ promising start and Ryan’s storytelling flair.
  • Critiques: Some note the Christian focus may not suit all readers, and the niche appeal could limit its reach compared to Ryan’s broader sci-fi works.

Where to Find

The books are available on Amazon, with The Ring of Truth and The Sword of Joy listed at $11.99–$12.99 (used/new). They’re published under Ryan’s name, with ISBNs like 1965372147 for The Sword of Joy. Check authoraaronryan.com or Amazon for updates on The Book of Power or future installments.

Why It Stands Out

Unlike generic children’s books, this series combines Ryan’s narrative skill—honed in sci-fi epics—with a father’s heart, creating stories that feel both epic and intimate. It’s a perfect fit for Christian families seeking engaging, faith-based tools to teach kids about their worth in God’s eyes, complementing resources like biblical affirmation cards or parenting guides. If you loved the emotional depth of The Lord of the Rings or the moral clarity of C.S. Lewis’ tales, but want something shorter for kids, Ryan’s series delivers a modern, faith-filled spin.

Forecast is a compelling speculative fiction novel by Aaron Ryan, released in 2024, that dives into an alternate history centered around the events of September 11, 2001. The story follows Roland Bishop, a 28-year-old meteorologist from New Jersey, whose life takes a dramatic turn after surviving a lightning strike. This near-death experience leaves him with a strange and burdensome gift: the ability to see glimpses of the future—but only catastrophic events, and only when he’s near someone about to commit a devastating act, like terrorism.

Set against the backdrop of the tense days leading up to 9/11, Roland’s visions reveal a looming disaster—a hijacking and massive attack on New York City. Torn between inaction and intervention, he grapples with a haunting dilemma: can he stop the tragedy, or will his attempts to alter fate trigger unintended consequences? With the aid of a sharp-witted British psychiatrist who doubles as his confidante, Roland embarks on a desperate mission to thwart the sinister forces behind the impending attack, all while wrestling with the limits of free will and the weight of knowing too much.

Ryan crafts a fast-paced narrative that blends historical fiction with supernatural suspense, exploring deep themes like destiny, responsibility, and the moral cost of foresight. The novel’s ticking-clock structure—counting down to that fateful day—keeps the tension high, while Roland’s internal struggle adds emotional heft. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a meditation on whether humanity can rewrite its darkest moments.

Readers have praised Forecast for its imaginative premise and psychological depth. Reviews highlight its “pulse-raising” suspense and “thought-provoking” take on a sensitive historical moment, with Roland’s everyman perspective making the stakes relatable. Some note Ryan’s signature style—seen in Dissonance—shines here: tight plotting, vivid characters, and a knack for blending genre thrills with big questions. A few critiques mention occasional over-explanation, but overall, it’s lauded as a standout in speculative fiction.

Unlike the alien-infested Dissonance saga, Forecast is grounded in a real-world event, reimagined through a sci-fi lens. It’s a slimmer, self-contained story—perfect if you want Ryan’s intensity without committing to a six-book series. If you enjoyed the human resilience and high stakes of Dissonance, Forecast offers a fresh yet familiar flavor, showcasing Ryan’s versatility as a storyteller.

Please visit any of the following author pages and click on any of my books to read the reviews.  Thank you!

  1. Dairyland Frights Podcast
  2. Two Geeks Talking Podcast
  3. Blueprint for Wealth Podcast
  4. Digital Age Show
  5. Inspired Choice Podcast
  6. The Wandering Road Podcast
  7. dkLa! Friends Recording Day
  8. Marc Antony Raines
  9. Dad Mind Matters Podcast
  10. Mary Elizabeth Jackson on Cover to Cover
  11. The YouTube Show with Dave Benson
  12. The Corcoran Entertainment Show
  13. PSI TV
  14. Brain Work Frame Work
  15. Startup Lowdown Podcast
  16. ONStage Podcast
  17. Nico’s Storytelling Show
  18. The MamaVegaz Show
  19. Dan Markowski
  20. Jonna Rachelle Garvin “Three Seesters Wellness” Podcast
  21. Side Hustle to Small Business Podcast
  22. Apollo Papyrus Podcast
  23. The PodGuyz Podcast
  24. Iron Age Marketing Podcast
  25. Offscript Podcast
  26. Ripollsworkshop Reads Podcast
  27. Hustle & Grind Podcast
  28. Crazy Courage Podcast
  29. Life Changing Wisdom Podcast
  30. MotivationalTalk Dialogues
  31. User Friendly 2.0 Show
  32. The Advisor Podcast with Stacey Chillemi
  33. The Future Lab with Lee Schneider
  34. Superchargers Podcast with Daniel Thomas
  35. The Dirty Soap Podcast
  36. HR Kyle Podcast
  37. The Creative Solutions Podcast
  38. Life With Joey Calvo Podcast
  39. “Digital Marketing Masters” Podcast
  40. True Fiction Project Podcast
  41. Skull Session with Dan Henk
  42. The Books & Authors Podcast
  43. Books and Authors Fantasy and SciFi Podcast
  44. Meet The Author / Indie Book Source Podcast
  45. Coffee and a Good Book
  46. Time We Discuss
  47. The Wandering Scribe podcast
  48. Sci-Fi Unchained
  49. Mark Laurenzi and Sci-Fi Malady!
  50. Dragons & Astronauts Podcast
  51. Synthesized Sci-Fi Podcast
  52. Sci-Fi Unchained
  53. Wayne Blinko
  54. SciFi4Me
  55. Articulation Radio
  56. HumpDay Calls
  57. Munira’s Musings
  58. Author’s Alcove – The Writing Corner Podcast
  59. Knew Amsterdam Radio with Flobo Boyce
  60. The AI Grapple Podcast
  61. Paul Delos Santos
  62. Manager Memo Podcast
  63. and many more!

For Ryan's interview playlist, visit this link.

  1. Norwescon 2025
  2. Doxacon 2025
  3. Burien UFO Festival
  4. VO Atlanta Conference
  5. OneVoice Conference
  6. Antioch Bible Church
  7. Bellevue Christian School
  8. Camp Berachah
  9. Cascade Christian School
  10. Cedar Park Christian Church
  11. Central Christian Church
  12. Club Cristo
  13. Coal Creek Chapel
  14. Crista Camps
  15. Dayspring Fellowship (OR)
  16. Eastside Christian Church
  17. Echo Glen
  18. Edmonds Church of God
  19. Emmanuel Baptist Church
  20. Evergreen Baptist Church
  21. Evergreen Christian Fellowship
  22. Family Life Community Church
  23. HopeFest Northwest Festival
  24. Kent Christian Center
  25. King’s Jr & Sr High School
  26. Lake Sawyer Christian Church
  27. Lake Tapps Christian Church
  28. Mill Creek Foursquare
  29. Calvary Christian Church
  30. Monroe Community Chapel
  31. Neighborhood Christian Church
  32. New Bridge Community Church
  33. New Horizon Christian Church
  34. Northlake Christian Church
  35. Northshore Christian Church
  36. Northwest College
  37. Northwest Community Church
  38. Overlake Christian Church
  39. Puget Sound Christian College
  40. River of Life Fellowship
  41. Seattle Christian Schools
  42. Snohomish County Christian School
  43. South Lakeshore Christian Church
  44. Valley Christian School
  45. ...and many more

 

Interviews & clips:

For information booking Aaron as a speaker, workshop presenter or panelist, please visit his booking page.

J.R.R. Tolkien, 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, among others.

To read more about Aaron, please visit the home page.