Edge-of-Your-Seat Thrills Continue in "False Flag" by M.G. Harris

False Flag by M.G. Harris, published by Darkwater Books on October 31, 2024, brings readers right back into the high-stakes world of Roni Padilla and Kenzie. Following the explosive events of The Mind Game, this second installment amps up the suspense, action, and depth, weaving survival tactics into a pulse-pounding espionage thriller. Huge thanks to the author and Darkwater Books for providing the book and my honest review. Be sure to read my full review and enter the giveaway where you can win both book 1, The Mind Game and book2, False Flag.

Title: False Flag

Author: M.G. Harris

Pub. Date: October 31, 2024)

Publisher: Darkwater Books

Formats: Paperback

Genre: Young Adult Espionage Thriller/Mystery

Find it: Goodreads ‖ Amazon ‖ IndieBound

Synopsis:

In this tense, high-stakes thriller, 17-year-old Roni Padilla must outsmart a faceless enemy and stop a catastrophe before it's too late - or watch the world descend into chaos.

After barely escaping with her life in The Mind Game, Roni is forced back into action when Kenzie's secret side hustle is exposed. Now, they face a deadly ultimatum: cooperate with the CIA or risk legal consequences for what they did in Cuba.

Their mission? To expose a rogue telepathic group and stop a false flag operation designed to ignite World War III.

As Roni dives deeper into the shadows, the stakes soar. Alongside Kenzie, she embarks on a high-risk covert operation at sea, infiltrating a youth marine expedition and navigating the treacherous waters of the Alaskan islands.

Adventure at sea turns into an ordeal for survival as Roni and Kenzie face a grueling test of endurance. With ruthless enemies closing in, every move brings them closer to a chilling conspiracy that could unleash global devastation.

From "sci-fi author M.G. Harris, creator of the best-selling Joshua Files" (Radio Times Magazine, 5th September 2013) comes an espionage mystery thriller for teens and young adults, set in a world of geopolitical conflicts that sits rather closely to our own post-pandemic world.

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My Review of False Flag by M.G. Harris

After barely escaping with her life in The Mind Game, Roni Padilla can barely catch her breath before she’s thrust back into danger. When Kenzie’s secret side mission is exposed, both girls are given a brutal choice: work for the CIA or face legal consequences for their unauthorized actions in Cuba.

Their new mission is critical—uncover and dismantle a rogue telepathic group before they can launch a false flag operation meant to spark World War III. No pressure, right? 😅 The stakes skyrocket as Roni and Kenzie join a youth marine expedition, navigating the rugged Alaskan islands while dodging enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their dark plans.

What I Loved

What made False Flag stand out even more for me was the author’s addition of real-world advice about situational awareness and self-defense. 🥋 Not only do you get edge-of-your-seat action, but you also pick up genuinely useful survival tips along the way. It’s a fun and empowering touch, even though it might not be for everyone depending on their taste.

The story keeps the same intense pace and suspenseful edge that I loved in Book 1, but there’s an even stronger focus on character development here—especially for Kenzie, who really shines with her own side mission and personal growth. 🌟

What Could Be Improved

Honestly, for me, there was very little to critique. Some readers might find the detailed focus on survival tactics a bit much if they’re just here for the action, but I thought it added a fresh and realistic layer to the story.

Themes and Takeaways

False Flag continues to explore big, important themes: loyalty, survival, trust, and the cost of making tough choices. The political and geopolitical backdrop feels uncomfortably close to our real-world issues, giving the book an urgency that elevates the stakes even more.

Another standout theme is resilience—Roni and Kenzie face enormous challenges but never back down, showing strength, creativity, and heart even when everything seems stacked against them.

Final Thoughts

False Flag is a fantastic sequel that doesn’t just live up to The Mind Game—it builds on it beautifully. With more action, more suspense, deeper character arcs, and some genuinely empowering survival tips, this book kept me flipping pages late into the night. 🌙 If you loved The Mind Game, you will absolutely want to grab False Flag—and buckle up for the ride. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Roni and Kenzie!

Rating🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)

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About the author:

M. G. Harris

M.G. Harris was born in Mexico City and raised in Manchester, England. She studied Biochemistry at St Catherine's College, Oxford, and stuck around for even more at St Cross College.

To this day, she lives in Oxford. It's not an easy place to leave.

The first job M.G. Harris was ever aware of wanting to do, aged six, was to write children’s books. Then, aged eight and inspired by Doctor Who, she tried to make Wirrn slime with a friend’s Chemistry Set 4, discovered chemistry, and writing went out the window.

But in 2004, a skiing accident changed everything...

You can find out more about how MG became an author at her website.

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Giveaway:

One (1) paperback of The Mind Game and one (1) paperback of False Flag. USA only, giveaway ends on May 31, 2025, at Midnight EST.