A review by path_through_pages
The Dissonance: A Novel by Shaun Hamill

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

For a book that is nearly 500 pages, this story honestly just FLEW by! 

I know a lot of readers struggle with multiple POV and flashback storylines, but this was done so well that it felt like the book was broken up into bite-sized stories. 

The different time period storylines were so well developed that at times, it felt like I was reading a prequel and a sequel at the same time. 

The magic system was really well devised. There were complex magical aspects that were explained in a way that you could understand without feeling panderred to. 

I also really like how the teenagers were written because they actually felt like teenagers! They weren't annoying for the sake of trying to show a lack of maturity. The author gave credit to the intelligence that teens actually have while still balancing it with angst, uncertainty, and a lack of life experience. 

The only true fault I have with it is that at the end, I still had SO many questions! This feels like a stand-alone, but I almost wish there were some novellas where I could get just a smidgen more answers so I can feel complete 😅

But I will say! There is a vocally CF FMC and no MC pregnancy tropes!