The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill

The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill, a book review by Jim Mcleod

Shaun Hamill’s The Dissonance is a unique and captivating fusion of dark contemporary fantasy and cosmic horror. A classic mix of genres that is sure to intrigue horror fans. Sleepovers never go well, from pillow fights that knock out teeth, creepy parents spying on your friends, or, in this case, stumbling across an ancient book that reveals a strange world of magic and terror. I’m glad no one ever invited me over for a sleepover, probably due to the fear of me emptying their refrigerator. But in this case, our band of teenagers discover a book that reveals the power of Dissonance.

It is a fascinating magical concept that, through negative emotions, allows them to tap into the immense and strange power—propelling them into a whirlwind of dark magic and alternate dimensions. But something dark happened. Something will drag our band of friends back together, now in their 30s. Now, while this might all sound very IT-like, please don’t go into The Dissonance thinking this is just another coming-of-age story with shares of King. The Dissonance is far more than this basic premise sounds from me.

The Dissonance is a powerful and moving novel that effortlessly pushes the boundaries of what this type of story can produce. With deft writing, a gripping narrative and relatable characters, this is one of the highlights of my reading year.

The characters in The Dissonance are not just one-dimensional cyphers on a page. They are living, breathing individuals with their unique struggles and backgrounds. A particular strength of Hamill’s excellent characterisation is how they interact with each other. Their ability to act and sound at their ages should dictate both as teenagers and adults. Hamill ensures that the characters grow on the page as the story unfolds. Their bond is tested as they grapple with the horrors unleashed by their actions. Owen’s journey, marked by his struggle with identity and the supernatural consequences of his actions, adds a strong layer of depth to the narrative. The characters are portrayed with empathy, which is unusual for a novel of this sort. Normally there is at least one character you want to see die early on.

You cannot review The Dissonance without mentioning the magic system in the novel. I read a lot of fantasy as a teenager. But as my reading time shrunk. I drifted almost exclusively to the horror genre. So please forgive if what I say here is not quite true. It has been thirty years since I read any fantasy.

I was always drawn to fantasy books that didn’t just have magic as some unexplained force; I loved seeing magic have a reason and a set of rules, from the magic of names, the magic of words, or the magic of like in David Farland’s The Sum of All Men. The magic systems of Farland, Le Guin, and Eddings gave me the most pleasure. And The Dissonance is one of these books.

Imagine a system of magic that allows everyone to use it. But one where the more proficient you become in it, the harder it is to stop. Or one where each person who wields it does so in a different way, that is true wild magic. This is genuinely one of the most fascinating depictions of magic I have had the pleasure of reading. And Hamill thankfully leans hard into it. Hamill explores the themes and consequences of wielding The Dissonance in a completely satisfactory way.

The Dissonance is not just a tale of dark magic and cosmic horror.

It is a profound exploration of friendship, love, and redemption. The bonds between the characters underscore the importance of human connections in overcoming adversity. Themes of regret and second chances are prevalent as the characters grapple with the consequences of their past actions and strive for redemption.

Shaun Hamill, renowned for his first novel

A Cosmology of Monsters brings a similar mix of horror and emotional depth to The Dissonance. With a vivid writing style. And compelling character development, and seamlessly integrating fantastical elements into the real world. Hamill’s ability to evoke fear and empathy ensures that the narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking. His mastery of world-building and atmospheric tension enhances the reading experience.

The Dissonance truly stands out for its intricate and captivating plot.

Particularly in the novel’s finale, it’s a grand move to attempt to make a novel’s final act so ambitious. But Hamill never misses a single beat or step in what is truly a revelation of a final act—so, hats off to Hamill for giving this fantastic novel the bodacious ending it so richly deserves.

What sets this novel apart is the seamless fusion of horror and emotional depth

, creating a gripping and haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. Moreover, The Dissonance excels in its rich world-building. Immersing readers in a compelling universe that feels both vivid and authentic. The complexity of its themes adds layers of meaning and depth to the story, inviting readers to ponder profound questions and moral dilemmas.

The Dissonance is a powerful and thought-provoking read that cements Shaun Hamill’s reputation as a master storyteller in contemporary fantasy and horror. Hamill’s skilful storytelling infuses the narrative with credible emotions and striking imagery, making it an unforgettable reading experience. It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, creating a reading experience that is hard to forget.

The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill

Four teenagers are thrust into a life of magic, secrecy and sacrifice in this captivating dark fantasy, perfect for fans of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower and The Shadow Glass by Josh Winning

It starts as an end-of-junior-school sleepover, but when Athena, Hal, Peter and Erin stumble across a missing boy, deep in the forests surrounding sleepy Clegg, Texas, they discover a world of sorcery and untold power. So begins a new life with the Dissonance, under the tutelage of Professor Elijah Marsh.

Twenty years later, separated and broken by their experiences, the friends are pulled back to Clegg for the anniversary memorial service at the town’s high school. Each carrying their own trauma, they come together once more to confront the legacy of their actions, and the monsters they failed to bury.

Hurled onto a collision course with the apocalyptic events of their past, Owen, a young man trapped in service to a murderous entity, and several lifetimes of mistakes, three unsuccessful adults and one frightened teen are all that stand between reality and oblivion.

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