Detective Freya Blackwood, also known as Dreadmother, is determined to apprehend her father's killers in a society where artificial intelligence and advanced technology are integrated into daily life. During an interrogation, she loses consciousness and finds the suspect dead upon awakening. Consequently, she is arrested for murder and sentenced to undergo twenty thousand rehabilitation simulations. As similar mysterious deaths occur, connected to the Killwave virus, Freya becomes increasingly convinced that a conspiracy is at play. The rapid spread of the vaccines and the escalating number of deaths only strengthen her suspicions. Despite being haunted by memories of her father, she refuses to give up and works tirelessly to clear her name and escape her prison sentence. Join Freya as she forms unlikely alliances and uncovers the truth in Harmony's Betrayal by Gavin Noble Mills.

Harmony's Betrayal is a futuristic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful plot and jaw-dropping moments. It is the first installment in The C6 Chronicles series and lays a solid foundation for future installments. Freya’s journey is one of self-discovery, freedom, and truth. She is formidable and possesses a fighting spirit that will inspire many readers. From the first scene, you can feel the confidence and power she exudes. Even when she is confused about the past and the events happening around her, determination is still her driving force. The story is fast-paced with interesting characters that add depth to the narrative. The supporting characters also enrich the story, leaving you eager to learn more about their backgrounds and motivations. The hints of other characters' storylines pose intriguing questions, making readers eager to delve into the next installment. I enjoyed reading this novel and eagerly anticipate more from Gavin Noble Mills and this series. Great work!

In Harmony's Betrayal by Gavin Noble Mills, Freya Blackwood's investigation spirals out of control when her erratic behavior results in the death of an interrogant. After hijacking a shuttle and crashing into her mother’s condo, Freya is captured, placed in a medically induced coma, and diagnosed with an unidentified pathogen. Sentenced to twenty thousand simulations, Freya learns from her friend Trace Holloway about efforts to develop a therapeutic vaccine. Her sentence is later reduced after clearing the pathogen, but she still faces PTSD concerns. Freya uncovers links between the pathogen and Aeon Strider, a notorious leader. As she digs deeper, she is captured and injected with Somniacide. Freya discovers that the Killwave virus was orchestrated for framing, and that is what has happened to Freya.

Gavin Noble Mills maintains a strong sense of suspense in Harmony's Betrayal, especially regarding Freya's potential guilt and the mystery of the pathogen. With the restraint of a skilled writer, Mills teases details out slowly, keeping readers engaged and questioning what might really be happening. The world-building is exceptional, set in a futuristic, dystopian world with advanced technology and totally unique societal norms, but it was the prison system that was the standout to me. Mills describes the use of simulations for rehabilitation and all its bells and whistles, such as the SimCot cells, the energy-generating treadmill, and the ZenWall providing a coastal scene. Of course, none of this matters if Freya cannot figure out, stop, and try to reverse what has and is happening. The pieces do click together quickly and comfortably for a solid entry into The C6 Chronicles, and I look forward to seeing where we go next.