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Conspiracy 365 #1
January
On New Year's Day, Cal is chased down the street by a staggering, sick man with a deadly warning"They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive for the next 365 days."
192 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2009
213 people are currently reading
2659 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Lord
108 books238 followersGabrielle Craig Lord is an Australian writer who has been described as Australia's first lady of crime.
She survived being ‘razed’ by the nuns, acquired an education despite this, and after working in many different areas, sales, teaching, brick-cleaning, peach-picking and packing, and in the Public Service as an employment officer, started writing seriously aged 30.
Her first two manuscripts ended up composting the tomatoes at her market garden – another attempt to make a living – but the third one FORTRESS was picked up internationally and made into a feature film starring Rachel Ward. A later novel WHIPPING BOY was made into a telemovie starring Sigrid Thornton. The film rights money, coinciding with her daughter leaving school, allowed Gabrielle to resign and instead of getting up at 4.30am and writing for several hours before heading off for work, she could write full-time and lead a more ‘normal’ writer’s life – hanging around with scientists and detectives, badgering forensic anthropologists (she studied some Anatomy at Sydney university) and doing work experience with a busy private security business and of course, writing.
Research is everything, she says. ‘Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today’s savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.’
Gabrielle’s interests are very simple. ‘After a misspent youth, I don’t have many brain cells left so I enjoy walking, meditation, singing, gardening, chatting with close friends, being with my family and grandkids, feeding my goldfish and keeping up to date with bodywork and enlightened psychotherapy.’
Gabrielle has now written fourteen adult novels and a novel for young adults. Once the 12 books of Conspiracy 365 are completed, this tally will be a tad bigger! Following this mammoth endeavour she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more YAs.
2013
She survived being ‘razed’ by the nuns, acquired an education despite this, and after working in many different areas, sales, teaching, brick-cleaning, peach-picking and packing, and in the Public Service as an employment officer, started writing seriously aged 30.
Her first two manuscripts ended up composting the tomatoes at her market garden – another attempt to make a living – but the third one FORTRESS was picked up internationally and made into a feature film starring Rachel Ward. A later novel WHIPPING BOY was made into a telemovie starring Sigrid Thornton. The film rights money, coinciding with her daughter leaving school, allowed Gabrielle to resign and instead of getting up at 4.30am and writing for several hours before heading off for work, she could write full-time and lead a more ‘normal’ writer’s life – hanging around with scientists and detectives, badgering forensic anthropologists (she studied some Anatomy at Sydney university) and doing work experience with a busy private security business and of course, writing.
Research is everything, she says. ‘Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today’s savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.’
Gabrielle’s interests are very simple. ‘After a misspent youth, I don’t have many brain cells left so I enjoy walking, meditation, singing, gardening, chatting with close friends, being with my family and grandkids, feeding my goldfish and keeping up to date with bodywork and enlightened psychotherapy.’
Gabrielle has now written fourteen adult novels and a novel for young adults. Once the 12 books of Conspiracy 365 are completed, this tally will be a tad bigger! Following this mammoth endeavour she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more YAs.
2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
June 26, 2016
As I am a fan of action-thriller-hero-killer books, my cousin's son recommended this book to me. “January” has a lot to attract the teen readers. The reader is taken into thrilling action from the start and it goes on through the entire story. And the book is not long :D
The main character, an average teen, battles with sharks, runs away from criminals, breaks the law, tries to solve the mysteries, suffers loses and misunderstanding. He is rebellious and feels miserable as the adults in the book are naive or evil. Of course the most courageous are the teens, two BFFs. Another cool thing is that the pages are numbered in a descending order, like a countdown to the cliff-hanger. Moreover there are TV series, based upon the popular book series.
As I'm not a teenager, the book didn't thrill me a lot, there isn't much of character development. Everything is too good or too bad, the book is quick paced, but the story line isn't as gripping as it could be.
The main character, an average teen, battles with sharks, runs away from criminals, breaks the law, tries to solve the mysteries, suffers loses and misunderstanding. He is rebellious and feels miserable as the adults in the book are naive or evil. Of course the most courageous are the teens, two BFFs. Another cool thing is that the pages are numbered in a descending order, like a countdown to the cliff-hanger. Moreover there are TV series, based upon the popular book series.
As I'm not a teenager, the book didn't thrill me a lot, there isn't much of character development. Everything is too good or too bad, the book is quick paced, but the story line isn't as gripping as it could be.
January 18, 2017
Je vliegt echt door dit boek heen, heerlijk. Ik vond dit een erg leuk deel en ik ben erg benieuwd naar Februari!
May 3, 2016
Superspannend!
Met de groep zijn we gestart iedere maand een boek te lezen van de serie Complot 365.
Afgelopen maand lazen we dus Januari en deze maand Februari ^^
Van begin tot eind een spannend boek. Je merkt wel goed dat het voor jonge lezers geschreven is maar dat is eigenlijk niet storend (voor mij).
Tijdens het lezen had ik het zelfde gevoel als naar het kijken van een tv serie. Ik probeer de raadsels mee op te lossen. :)
leuk leuk.. benieuwd naar deel 2!
Met de groep zijn we gestart iedere maand een boek te lezen van de serie Complot 365.
Afgelopen maand lazen we dus Januari en deze maand Februari ^^
Van begin tot eind een spannend boek. Je merkt wel goed dat het voor jonge lezers geschreven is maar dat is eigenlijk niet storend (voor mij).
Tijdens het lezen had ik het zelfde gevoel als naar het kijken van een tv serie. Ik probeer de raadsels mee op te lossen. :)
leuk leuk.. benieuwd naar deel 2!
February 8, 2016
Ik heb dit boek gelezen met m'n leesclubje Books Ever After , we lezen elke maand een boek.
Ik vond het een super spannend boek en ik vind dat het boek in interessant verhaallijn heeft. Sommige gebeurtenissen zijn best wel realistisch, maar andere zijn weer té onrealistisch. Dat vind ik wel echt een minpuntje.
Door de lengte vloog ik ook zo door het boek heen en het taalgebruik is ook zeer makkelijk. Ik ben nu echt heel nieuwsgierig naar het tweede boek en ik vraag me af wat er in die andere elf boeken dan wel niet gaat gebeuren als er in het eerste boek al zo veel is gebeurd.
Ik vond het een super spannend boek en ik vind dat het boek in interessant verhaallijn heeft. Sommige gebeurtenissen zijn best wel realistisch, maar andere zijn weer té onrealistisch. Dat vind ik wel echt een minpuntje.
Door de lengte vloog ik ook zo door het boek heen en het taalgebruik is ook zeer makkelijk. Ik ben nu echt heel nieuwsgierig naar het tweede boek en ik vraag me af wat er in die andere elf boeken dan wel niet gaat gebeuren als er in het eerste boek al zo veel is gebeurd.
April 17, 2025
It's a short but fun book.
13/14+ (due to some scary stuff)
13/14+ (due to some scary stuff)
June 16, 2013
its a short book so it's a short review. Find more at http://theyabooklover.blogspot.com.au/
I was intrigued to read Conspiracy 365. The series was recommended to me by my friend who is a huge fan. Being me, I took up the recommendation and tried it out.
This didn't necessarily disappoint me. It more like made me feel empty, this book's most horrid flaw was its depth. Yeah okay it was full of mystery, suspense and thriller but it didn't make me feel moved or intrigued at all. I felt like I was reading a diary entry, something that just debriefs the day's happenings and situations. It had scarce descriptions of the settings and it may have just moved to fast in pacing. I think Gabrielle Lord should try to slow the writing down to a reasonable pace that gives more depth and shows more personality to each of the characters. I was seriously confused at points and felt like this book was just a little prequel to some proper, lengthy book. Torment By Lauren Kate is a good example of how long a book can be for just a short period of time. In Torment, it probably only lasts for 18 days but it is almost 400 pages long. Surely my expectation is reasonable enough.
Cal has been told by a crazy man that he has to go in hiding for 365 days. I'd be giving this man weird looks and walk off by now. But curious Cal decides to put up with this potentially crazy man to find answers. Maybe that's just me but Cal seemed to eager at the start. It's just not realistic enough for me to digest, and those fake piercings and tattoos? Get real here, I don't think an average teenage boy is going to do something ludicrous, no matter what situation it is. Another thing that didn't seem realistic enough for me was the getaways from each time Cal was captured. He isn't a paranormal creature so it should be making more sense when he is planning how to escape.
Overall, I found this book an entertaining short read that while kept on making me want to turn the pages but really lacked depth and realism. Hopefully February has some of these things more defined. Middle grade/ YA lovers that love fast and mysterious themed books can try it out.
I was intrigued to read Conspiracy 365. The series was recommended to me by my friend who is a huge fan. Being me, I took up the recommendation and tried it out.
This didn't necessarily disappoint me. It more like made me feel empty, this book's most horrid flaw was its depth. Yeah okay it was full of mystery, suspense and thriller but it didn't make me feel moved or intrigued at all. I felt like I was reading a diary entry, something that just debriefs the day's happenings and situations. It had scarce descriptions of the settings and it may have just moved to fast in pacing. I think Gabrielle Lord should try to slow the writing down to a reasonable pace that gives more depth and shows more personality to each of the characters. I was seriously confused at points and felt like this book was just a little prequel to some proper, lengthy book. Torment By Lauren Kate is a good example of how long a book can be for just a short period of time. In Torment, it probably only lasts for 18 days but it is almost 400 pages long. Surely my expectation is reasonable enough.
Cal has been told by a crazy man that he has to go in hiding for 365 days. I'd be giving this man weird looks and walk off by now. But curious Cal decides to put up with this potentially crazy man to find answers. Maybe that's just me but Cal seemed to eager at the start. It's just not realistic enough for me to digest, and those fake piercings and tattoos? Get real here, I don't think an average teenage boy is going to do something ludicrous, no matter what situation it is. Another thing that didn't seem realistic enough for me was the getaways from each time Cal was captured. He isn't a paranormal creature so it should be making more sense when he is planning how to escape.
Overall, I found this book an entertaining short read that while kept on making me want to turn the pages but really lacked depth and realism. Hopefully February has some of these things more defined. Middle grade/ YA lovers that love fast and mysterious themed books can try it out.
August 6, 2017
De Goodreads groep YA&Chicklit NL heeft besloten om dit jaar elke maand een deel van deze serie te lezen. Januari stond dus klaar voor januari. De boeken trokken mij niet echt aan, maar aangezien ze maar zo dun zijn (circa 100 bladzijdes op mijn e-reader), besloot ik het eerste deel een kans te geven.
365 dagen, zo lang heeft Callum de tijd om in veiligheid te komen, althans dat beweert een verwarde man die Callum tegen komt op straat. Volgens hem moet hij per direct onderduiken tot 31 december dit jaar. Maar waarom? Dat neem je natuurlijk niet zomaar serieus, totdat de ene na de andere bizarre gebeurtenis zich voordoet. Misschien had Callum toch beter naar de man kunnen luisteren.
Dit boek duikt echt van de ene bijzondere gebeurtenis naar de andere bizarre wending. Dit zorgt er voor dat je binnen no-time in het verhaal zit en er ook binnen no-time doorheen bent. Er zit veel spanning in het verhaal, al voel je de spanning nog niet echt. Er zijn zo weinig bladzijdes, dat de spanning geen tijd heeft om zich op te bouwen en het verhaal zich niet perfect kan vormen. Ook word je gewoon ineens geconfronteerd met Callum, maar heb je geen tijd om hem te leren kennen. Toch heeft dit boekje me wel van het verhaal overtuigd en heb ik dus al weer zin om het volgende deel op te pakken. Gelukkig is het al februari, dus het is nu legaal!
365 dagen, zo lang heeft Callum de tijd om in veiligheid te komen, althans dat beweert een verwarde man die Callum tegen komt op straat. Volgens hem moet hij per direct onderduiken tot 31 december dit jaar. Maar waarom? Dat neem je natuurlijk niet zomaar serieus, totdat de ene na de andere bizarre gebeurtenis zich voordoet. Misschien had Callum toch beter naar de man kunnen luisteren.
Dit boek duikt echt van de ene bijzondere gebeurtenis naar de andere bizarre wending. Dit zorgt er voor dat je binnen no-time in het verhaal zit en er ook binnen no-time doorheen bent. Er zit veel spanning in het verhaal, al voel je de spanning nog niet echt. Er zijn zo weinig bladzijdes, dat de spanning geen tijd heeft om zich op te bouwen en het verhaal zich niet perfect kan vormen. Ook word je gewoon ineens geconfronteerd met Callum, maar heb je geen tijd om hem te leren kennen. Toch heeft dit boekje me wel van het verhaal overtuigd en heb ik dus al weer zin om het volgende deel op te pakken. Gelukkig is het al februari, dus het is nu legaal!
January 8, 2019
I love all of the books so far .I do not have a favorite. It is my favorite books that i have ever read. Its full of awesome nail biting chapters i think in on June. I also love the setup of the book. It starts on page 365 and it goes down to 1. It is the best book ever in my opinion. Its full of new characters and awesomeness 😯😯
October 21, 2012
The book I decided to do my book talk on is called January and is in the Conspiracy 365 series. There were a lot of things in this book that was different from other books, for one thing, this book was written backwards, starting at page 185 and ending at page 1. Another thing that this books has that SOME other books have is that it show the time and date in the book, almost like a diary. What this book is about is that the main character, Callum Ormond (Cal), meets a man staggering down the street at night who tells him the THEY are coming, they killed his father and THEY are coming. The man tells him to hide for 365 days until December 31st. The man is then taken away for being "delusional." Ever since his father has been in Ireland, he has been sending Cal pictures, pictures that Cal does not yet understand. Suddenly, bad things are starting to happen to Cal. And one of them is being kidnapped. Cal is questioned about somethings haveing to do with Ormond, which also by some coincidence have to do with the mysterious pictures his father had been sending him before he died. He is almost killed every single day since the man had told him to hide. He starts to get more suspicious about what is happening as his uncle gets more and more suspicious with his behavior. Cal can trust one person though, his friend, Boges. Soon things have gotten out of control, what will Cal do next...
October 4, 2016
What a waste of money and time, even though I finished the book within 2 hours.
Feels like the writer tried to write this book within the week and had to make it to a deadline.
#Spoileralert
This book has no depth at all. I have no idea what most of the characters look like and they all lack personality.
The story is totally unbelievable. Within 180 pages of this book, the main character was on a sinking boat, almost eaten by sharks, kidnapped, robbed, wanted for murder on his little sister and uncle (his mother also believes he did it) and kidnapped again.
No depth in the characters, story, surroundings. So dissapointed. Will not read any other book in this series.
Feels like the writer tried to write this book within the week and had to make it to a deadline.
#Spoileralert
This book has no depth at all. I have no idea what most of the characters look like and they all lack personality.
The story is totally unbelievable. Within 180 pages of this book, the main character was on a sinking boat, almost eaten by sharks, kidnapped, robbed, wanted for murder on his little sister and uncle (his mother also believes he did it) and kidnapped again.
No depth in the characters, story, surroundings. So dissapointed. Will not read any other book in this series.
April 25, 2017
Written for an older elementary school audience, but still intriguing. Cal is a 15 year old boy who is on the run trying to uncover and protect a family secret his dad died defending. I had to look past the unlikelihood that a 15 year old would actually be in these situations, but once I did, I was hooked. It took until the 2nd or 3rd book until I was convinced, but I'm super skeptical and have a hard time putting myself in different situations. I would recommend this book to any teen or preteen boy.
January 30, 2016
What a nice quick read! The suspence is hughe, especially with a cliffhanger like that.. At my bookclub, we read one book of this series each month, but I'm SO glad it is almost February XD But nothing really special so an average 3*
Read
October 18, 2011I LOVED IT!!!!
January 16, 2015
Thursday 4, 2014
Callum Ormond is very confused in his life. This sick and crazy stranger follwos him in the streets. The man finally reaches Cal and says to him, "They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!"(Lord 183) This warning came out of nowhere. Cal didn't even know what the man was talking about. Cal was very confused. "My confusion and fear deepened. Them? Who was them? What are you talking about? I asked again. Who's after me?"(Lord 184) This part was what Cal asked the man, but the stranger was unable to answer the questions. Before the stranger could answer any questions, 2 men came in an ambulance and took him away. Cal didn't take the warning seriously because the 2 men said the stranger was sick and had to be hospitalized. This is a huge confusion in Cal's life. This warning will surley be brought again in the future if this novel/serie.
Cal's life is not easy. Cal's father is dead now and he lives with his mother, his sister Gabbi, and his unlce Rafe. Not having a father during his whole teenager life is very difficult for a child. " ... Dad, Mum, and Gabbi and I piled into the car and headed towards the coast for the beach house at Treachery Bay. But this year, Dad wasn't with us."(Lord 180) Cal is living without his Dad. For instance, he can be sure to have all the support from all his family. Another reason why Cal's life is hard is because his father's boat just shrank in the ocean. Cal was appreciating the vue with his uncle Rafe when huge waves attacked their boat. Cal is stuck in the water and got out, but didn't know if his uncle was able to get out of the freezing water. Therefore, Callum's life will become again more difficult to live.
"Conspiracy 365" is included a lot of questions. The questions are asked both by the reader and Cal. The reader and character don't know what is currently happening in the story. Both don't know who was the stranger in the streets. The author did a superb job by combining the excitement, suspense, and questional side for both the characters of the book and the readers. "Who are you?! I shouted, pushing himm off. What are you talking about?! How did you know my dad?"(Lord 184) These were the questions that Cal asked to himself. The reader also asked himself these questions. The readers could take Cal's place in the novel and do exactly the same thing. The author connected the reader with the main character trying to put the reader in the characters place. (Cal) Therfore being able to live what the characters are living is a very exciting sensation.
Callum Ormond is a very strong teenager. He is strong in two ways. He is strong mentally and physically. Cal lived part of his life with his father. All his adult life will be lived without a father. Being able to live without his father requires a strong mental and being strong in life and living on. Life should be lived on. He got helped from his family and he helped the family support this tragedy. He is also strong physically because when he was stuck in the water, he killed a shark alone. "...The shark charged and I wacked the hook down as hard as I could on its head. Its cold left eyes stared at me as it rolled underwater again." (Lord 170) This quote shows how strong Cal is strong physically. Therefore, being strong both ways is very important in lives like Cal's.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Rafe is very suspicious about what is happening to Cal’s family. Rafe surly knows something about his brother’s death, but doesn’t want anyone to know about it. Cal discovered a clue about his father’s death. Cal broke in Rafe’s house and found something written on a piece of paper. That same day in the evening, Cal asked his mother about the Ormand Riddle. It was written on a piece of paper in Rafe’s house. “Well, did Dad ever say anything to you about something called the Ormand Riddle? I asked.” “Who told you about that?” “Rafe’s voice made me jump. I swing around. He’d crept in behind me, quiet as a cat, and was standing in the doorway…..” “I want to know where you heard about it!” (Lord 113). Rafe became very furious and aggressive when he heard Cal talk about the Ormand Riddle. Another reason how Rafe knows about something is that he has a gun. The only reason he had a gun was to protect himself or someone. It meant that he or his family was in trouble. Rafe didn’t say anything to Cal or Winifred. Rafe is absolutely hiding something. Therefore, Rafe is creating danger by hiding important things to his family.
Cal is taking a lot of risks in his dangerous life. He is doing everything to find out what really happened to his father. First, he broke into his uncle’s house. Breaking into a person’s house is against the laws. Cal proves that he will do everything to find out what happened to his father. Another reason is that he will be meeting a person he doesn’t even know. A woman called Cal saying she had something Cal’s father wanted to give him. “…..Your father gave me something to give to you.” (Lord 133). “Well I don’t want to say much-especially over the phone. Can you meet me tomorrow at the cenotaph in Memorial Park? Do you know it?” (Lord 133). Call accepted to see Jennifer the nurse. Cal wasn’t sure to trust her, but he took the risk because it was one of his only clues about his father. Therefore, being trustworthy will be proved in the next few chapters.
There are two reasons why Callum has a hard life. First, his father died six months ago. Not having a father in his life is very hard. He will have to live with his mother, sister, and uncle. Cal doesn’t think much about his uncle because Rafe is mean to Cal and Cal doesn’t life him much. Another reason why his life is harsh is because he fell in a set up. When Cal attended the meeting with Jennifer, he got kidnapped. “Two men hauled me up against the car-it looked like a dark Mercedes-and threw a heavy sack over my head. My arms were wrenched behind me and tied up tight, then I was lifted off the ground and tossed like garbage into the trunk.” (Lord 107). Cal thinks that Jennifer may have kidnapped him, but he still doesn’t know for sure. The kidnappers brought him in a closed unknown place and interrogated him about the Ormand Riddle, but Cal didn’t know anything about it. Therefore, Cal fell into a trap by going to the park.
Boges is the Cal’s only and best friend. Boges gave a lot of advice to Cal, but Callum is too distracted into finding the truth. Cal doesn’t hear anything that Boges says to him. There are two reasons why Cal should listen to Boges more often. First, Boges said to Cal not to attend the meeting with Jennifer. “Yeah, but it could be a setup. Don’t forget your dad’s warnings. He mentioned a dangerous woman in his letter remember?” (Lord 130). Boges warned Cal about the danger, but Cal didn’t listen. Another example is when Cal entered his uncle’s house. Boges was outside guarding if anyone would come home. Rafe was coming home. Boges sent a text to Cal saying to come out. Cal says the message, but chose to ignore it because he was still searching for evidence. Therefore, Cal should get more involved in his friends advice and not think only about himself.
Wednesday 17, 2014
Cal's life is getting worse and worse day after day. His life is getting miserable. First, all the money his mother had saved was gone. People had stolen the money that was kept by Callum's father. "'All our money's gone, Call! Dad withdrew just about everything when he was in Ireland.'" (Lord 93). Cal got abducted, and now, all the money his father had saved for the family was gone. Cal's mother worked at a part-time job. She can't pay the mortage and buy the groceries. Another reason is that Cal is really suffering. When Cal was kidnapped, he was brought into an interrogation. The people that kidnapped him tortured him to get information about the Ormand Riddle. Cal managed to escape successfuly, but these people are still looking for Cal. Cal is safe no where like his mother and sister. To sum up, Cal's situation couldn't get worse.
Even if Cal wasn't the one to have done this to his uncle and sister, the police and anyone else would think it was him. When Cal arrived home from Boges, his instant reaction was to touch his uncle and sister's body. This was a huge mistake made by cal. The police would surely examin the bodies and find Cal's finger prints. If there are Cal's finger prints, there is a motif and proof on him. Second of all, cal's kidnappers came home to find him. At that same time, the police was arriving. Cal decided to run away from his kidnappers. Before escaping, he made sure his sister was alive. The police saw Cal running. If the police saw Cal running, they would automatically think it was him the peccant."I thought I'd run my best speed last night, but now I broke my own record. I raced across the road. Car blasted their horns as they braked." (Lord 79). The police would think he was escaping to not be arrested. Therefore, Cal's situation is very problematic.
In this situation, the most important thing Cal needs is a trustworthy friend. In this circomtances, Boges is Cal's best friend. Cal is know a hunted fugitive. He will need money, clothes, food, and other materials. Boges is the only person that can give Cal materials to survive. "....And when you come, please bring some clothes and some money. And I'll need a flashlight, candles, and matches too..." (Lord 67). Cal is favored to have a friend like Boges that doesn't let him go. Another reason is that Cal needs to trust someone. Cal is living a very difficult moment in his life. Trusting someone is important because it will help him into surviving and discovering the truth about his father. Therefore, Cal can't live this tragedy on his own.
Now that Cal is a hunted fugitive he needs a hideout. Like any other fugitive, he needs a secret place to hide. The hideout he chose is favorable. First, it is dark. The avenue where the hideout is placed is not surrounded by a lot of people. It is an old house very spooky and secret. "....I noticed a For Sale sign attached to number 38, a semi-derelict mansion with a very overgrown front yard." (Lord 62). This is a perfect spot for Cal to think about the drawings his father gave him. Second of all, the place Cal chose is small. Cal found out a secret way of getting out if someone tried to enter his hideout. Water is still available in Cal's hideout which is impressive because the hideout is very old. Therefore, Cal couldn't find a better hideout.
Thursday 8, 2014
Conspiracy 365 is a sequel. In this sequel, there are twelve books. Each book is a month. After reading the first book, there are obviously reasons why there should be another book after. First, Cal is kidnapped once again my Vulkan Sligo’s men. Vulkan Sligo was a dangerous criminal. He wanted information from Cal about the angel his father drew. Callum didn’t know anything about the angel. He was actually trying to find out more about it. When Vulkan saw that Cal didn’t know anything, he decided to kill him. Vulkan put Cal in a black hole underground that was being filled with oil. Once the oil had filled all the tank, Cal would be dead. “ ‘You tell me what I want to know or I am going to throw you down into that empty storage tank and screw the manhole cover down real tight. Then we’ll pump in the tanker’s load, and fill it right up to the top. No one will ever find you down there. But don’t worry, you’ll die quickly.’ ”(Lord 5). Cal was dying and had no escape out. “Any minute now, the oil would completely cover my mouth, then my nose…and then I’d be gone.”(Lord 1). This was the last sentence of the story. Another reason is that Cal still didn’t solve the mystery. Cal still needs to find out what his dad was trying to say to him. Therefore, this is just the beginning for Cal.
The mother of Cal doesn’t believe a words he says. She thinks Cal shot Rafe and that he aggressed his little sister. There were proof that stated what Cal’s mother thought. First, the police had found important evidence on Cal. When the police arrived on the crime scene(Cal’s house), they found a gun. On the gun, the police found finger prints that belonged to Cal. “ ‘…and the police found your fingerprints on the gun, Cal.’”(Lord42). Cal’s mother didn’t trust him, even though he said he didn’t attack Rafe and his sister. Another reason is that Cal ran away from his home when he heard steps in the living room. Cal escaped because there were his previous kidnappers in his home. He didn’t escape because of the police. When the police arrived, they recognized Cal running away. To sum up, there are many evidence that prove that Cal was the one harming his sister and his uncle Rafe.
Cal lives in Richmond, Virginia. He doesn’t stay in the same spot because he is now a wanted fugitive and it is risky to not move. Boges brings supplies to Cal such as food, clothes, flashlights, etc. Boges cannot meet with Cal a lot. The police know that Boges is Cal’s best friend, so the police watch Boges attentively. At a moment, Cal will need more food and water. He will have to go in a café or buy some food. The main place where Cal stays is his hideout. It is the most secure place for him in the moment. He also moves a lot because he is finding clues about his father and he has to move to many places to discover new information about his family. It will be very hard for him to stay unseen and at the same time work out his father’s mystery. “….I noticed a ‘For Sale’ sign attached to number 38, a semi-derelict mansion with a very overgrown front yard.”(Lord 62). Therefore, Cal moves a lot in his fight versus the police, family, and kidnappers.
There are two types of conflicts in Conspiracy 365 January. First, it is a person versus person conflict. Cal is facing many people such as the kidnapers. Many people want to know about the Ormand Angel. Another conflict is person versus society. Person versus society conflict may be a person that has a conflict with the law. Cal surely has a problem with the law because he is a wanted fugitive. “…while I was forced to live like a criminal-on the run.”(Lord22). Being a criminal may surely make the law part of it. Therefore, this novel may include a lot of conflicts.
Friday 16, 2015
There are two examples of personification in my novel. First, “Cal must somehow uncover the truth….” (Lord 39). People can’t actually uncover the truth. To uncover the truth means to discover the truth and to know what happened. Another example was, “Uncle Rafe…lying in a pool of blood.” (Lord 82). Uncle Rafe wasn’t actually in a pool of blood. A pool of blood simply means that there was a lot of blood on the kitchen floor. Rafe was lying on blood which seemed to be a lot of blood for Callum. Therefore, personification was used several times in the novel Conspiracy 365.
The Ormand Angel is a huge part in the message of Cal’s father. It is very important, but Cal still doesn’t know it. First, Cal is kidnapped by two groups. Both of the groups ask Cal what he knows about the Angel. “‘What do you know about the Ormand Angel?’ ‘I don’t know anything!” (Lord 10). It seems like a lot of people want to discover the truth about the Ormand Angel. Another reason is that Cal’s father sent him drawings that included an angel. When Cal’s dad was sick, he managed to send drawing’s to Cal. Behind those drawings was a message that Cal had to uncover. One of those drawings included an angel. Therefore, the angel meant a lot, but Cal still didn’t know it.
Since the day a stranger came to call and warned him about the danger he is accounting, a lot of people want Cal dead. “They killed your father. They will kill you. You must survive the next 365 days.” (Lord 135). Cal has put himself in a situation very difficult. First, Cal possesses the most important material into discovering his father’s message. The drawings of his father are the key to discover the meaning behind. A lot of people would kill to get these drawings. This is why the person to have them is in real danger. In addition, Cal managed to escape from his first kidnappers. Cal was also able to see his kidnappers face. The kidnappers are now in danger because Cal has seen their face which compromises their mission. Therefore, Cal has a lot of problems in his life and is far from solving them.
The only person to trust Cal is Boges, his best friend. Even Cal’s mother doesn’t believe him. First, Cal’s mom believes everything that Rafe says to her. “‘Cal please just come home.’ ‘Rafe heard your sister shout at you’.” (Lord 53). Cal can’t do anything to make his own mother believe him. Cal’s mom obviously believes Rafe because he was attacked and Cal is on the run. Another reason is that Rafe is obviously against Cal during this conflict. It is a person versus person conflict because Rafe is lying about Cal and Rafe knows something about the drawings, but doesn’t want to say anything. It is also a person versus society conflict because Cal is wanted by the police. Therefore, even the family can sometimes not be trustworthy.
Callum Ormond is very confused in his life. This sick and crazy stranger follwos him in the streets. The man finally reaches Cal and says to him, "They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!"(Lord 183) This warning came out of nowhere. Cal didn't even know what the man was talking about. Cal was very confused. "My confusion and fear deepened. Them? Who was them? What are you talking about? I asked again. Who's after me?"(Lord 184) This part was what Cal asked the man, but the stranger was unable to answer the questions. Before the stranger could answer any questions, 2 men came in an ambulance and took him away. Cal didn't take the warning seriously because the 2 men said the stranger was sick and had to be hospitalized. This is a huge confusion in Cal's life. This warning will surley be brought again in the future if this novel/serie.
Cal's life is not easy. Cal's father is dead now and he lives with his mother, his sister Gabbi, and his unlce Rafe. Not having a father during his whole teenager life is very difficult for a child. " ... Dad, Mum, and Gabbi and I piled into the car and headed towards the coast for the beach house at Treachery Bay. But this year, Dad wasn't with us."(Lord 180) Cal is living without his Dad. For instance, he can be sure to have all the support from all his family. Another reason why Cal's life is hard is because his father's boat just shrank in the ocean. Cal was appreciating the vue with his uncle Rafe when huge waves attacked their boat. Cal is stuck in the water and got out, but didn't know if his uncle was able to get out of the freezing water. Therefore, Callum's life will become again more difficult to live.
"Conspiracy 365" is included a lot of questions. The questions are asked both by the reader and Cal. The reader and character don't know what is currently happening in the story. Both don't know who was the stranger in the streets. The author did a superb job by combining the excitement, suspense, and questional side for both the characters of the book and the readers. "Who are you?! I shouted, pushing himm off. What are you talking about?! How did you know my dad?"(Lord 184) These were the questions that Cal asked to himself. The reader also asked himself these questions. The readers could take Cal's place in the novel and do exactly the same thing. The author connected the reader with the main character trying to put the reader in the characters place. (Cal) Therfore being able to live what the characters are living is a very exciting sensation.
Callum Ormond is a very strong teenager. He is strong in two ways. He is strong mentally and physically. Cal lived part of his life with his father. All his adult life will be lived without a father. Being able to live without his father requires a strong mental and being strong in life and living on. Life should be lived on. He got helped from his family and he helped the family support this tragedy. He is also strong physically because when he was stuck in the water, he killed a shark alone. "...The shark charged and I wacked the hook down as hard as I could on its head. Its cold left eyes stared at me as it rolled underwater again." (Lord 170) This quote shows how strong Cal is strong physically. Therefore, being strong both ways is very important in lives like Cal's.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Rafe is very suspicious about what is happening to Cal’s family. Rafe surly knows something about his brother’s death, but doesn’t want anyone to know about it. Cal discovered a clue about his father’s death. Cal broke in Rafe’s house and found something written on a piece of paper. That same day in the evening, Cal asked his mother about the Ormand Riddle. It was written on a piece of paper in Rafe’s house. “Well, did Dad ever say anything to you about something called the Ormand Riddle? I asked.” “Who told you about that?” “Rafe’s voice made me jump. I swing around. He’d crept in behind me, quiet as a cat, and was standing in the doorway…..” “I want to know where you heard about it!” (Lord 113). Rafe became very furious and aggressive when he heard Cal talk about the Ormand Riddle. Another reason how Rafe knows about something is that he has a gun. The only reason he had a gun was to protect himself or someone. It meant that he or his family was in trouble. Rafe didn’t say anything to Cal or Winifred. Rafe is absolutely hiding something. Therefore, Rafe is creating danger by hiding important things to his family.
Cal is taking a lot of risks in his dangerous life. He is doing everything to find out what really happened to his father. First, he broke into his uncle’s house. Breaking into a person’s house is against the laws. Cal proves that he will do everything to find out what happened to his father. Another reason is that he will be meeting a person he doesn’t even know. A woman called Cal saying she had something Cal’s father wanted to give him. “…..Your father gave me something to give to you.” (Lord 133). “Well I don’t want to say much-especially over the phone. Can you meet me tomorrow at the cenotaph in Memorial Park? Do you know it?” (Lord 133). Call accepted to see Jennifer the nurse. Cal wasn’t sure to trust her, but he took the risk because it was one of his only clues about his father. Therefore, being trustworthy will be proved in the next few chapters.
There are two reasons why Callum has a hard life. First, his father died six months ago. Not having a father in his life is very hard. He will have to live with his mother, sister, and uncle. Cal doesn’t think much about his uncle because Rafe is mean to Cal and Cal doesn’t life him much. Another reason why his life is harsh is because he fell in a set up. When Cal attended the meeting with Jennifer, he got kidnapped. “Two men hauled me up against the car-it looked like a dark Mercedes-and threw a heavy sack over my head. My arms were wrenched behind me and tied up tight, then I was lifted off the ground and tossed like garbage into the trunk.” (Lord 107). Cal thinks that Jennifer may have kidnapped him, but he still doesn’t know for sure. The kidnappers brought him in a closed unknown place and interrogated him about the Ormand Riddle, but Cal didn’t know anything about it. Therefore, Cal fell into a trap by going to the park.
Boges is the Cal’s only and best friend. Boges gave a lot of advice to Cal, but Callum is too distracted into finding the truth. Cal doesn’t hear anything that Boges says to him. There are two reasons why Cal should listen to Boges more often. First, Boges said to Cal not to attend the meeting with Jennifer. “Yeah, but it could be a setup. Don’t forget your dad’s warnings. He mentioned a dangerous woman in his letter remember?” (Lord 130). Boges warned Cal about the danger, but Cal didn’t listen. Another example is when Cal entered his uncle’s house. Boges was outside guarding if anyone would come home. Rafe was coming home. Boges sent a text to Cal saying to come out. Cal says the message, but chose to ignore it because he was still searching for evidence. Therefore, Cal should get more involved in his friends advice and not think only about himself.
Wednesday 17, 2014
Cal's life is getting worse and worse day after day. His life is getting miserable. First, all the money his mother had saved was gone. People had stolen the money that was kept by Callum's father. "'All our money's gone, Call! Dad withdrew just about everything when he was in Ireland.'" (Lord 93). Cal got abducted, and now, all the money his father had saved for the family was gone. Cal's mother worked at a part-time job. She can't pay the mortage and buy the groceries. Another reason is that Cal is really suffering. When Cal was kidnapped, he was brought into an interrogation. The people that kidnapped him tortured him to get information about the Ormand Riddle. Cal managed to escape successfuly, but these people are still looking for Cal. Cal is safe no where like his mother and sister. To sum up, Cal's situation couldn't get worse.
Even if Cal wasn't the one to have done this to his uncle and sister, the police and anyone else would think it was him. When Cal arrived home from Boges, his instant reaction was to touch his uncle and sister's body. This was a huge mistake made by cal. The police would surely examin the bodies and find Cal's finger prints. If there are Cal's finger prints, there is a motif and proof on him. Second of all, cal's kidnappers came home to find him. At that same time, the police was arriving. Cal decided to run away from his kidnappers. Before escaping, he made sure his sister was alive. The police saw Cal running. If the police saw Cal running, they would automatically think it was him the peccant."I thought I'd run my best speed last night, but now I broke my own record. I raced across the road. Car blasted their horns as they braked." (Lord 79). The police would think he was escaping to not be arrested. Therefore, Cal's situation is very problematic.
In this situation, the most important thing Cal needs is a trustworthy friend. In this circomtances, Boges is Cal's best friend. Cal is know a hunted fugitive. He will need money, clothes, food, and other materials. Boges is the only person that can give Cal materials to survive. "....And when you come, please bring some clothes and some money. And I'll need a flashlight, candles, and matches too..." (Lord 67). Cal is favored to have a friend like Boges that doesn't let him go. Another reason is that Cal needs to trust someone. Cal is living a very difficult moment in his life. Trusting someone is important because it will help him into surviving and discovering the truth about his father. Therefore, Cal can't live this tragedy on his own.
Now that Cal is a hunted fugitive he needs a hideout. Like any other fugitive, he needs a secret place to hide. The hideout he chose is favorable. First, it is dark. The avenue where the hideout is placed is not surrounded by a lot of people. It is an old house very spooky and secret. "....I noticed a For Sale sign attached to number 38, a semi-derelict mansion with a very overgrown front yard." (Lord 62). This is a perfect spot for Cal to think about the drawings his father gave him. Second of all, the place Cal chose is small. Cal found out a secret way of getting out if someone tried to enter his hideout. Water is still available in Cal's hideout which is impressive because the hideout is very old. Therefore, Cal couldn't find a better hideout.
Thursday 8, 2014
Conspiracy 365 is a sequel. In this sequel, there are twelve books. Each book is a month. After reading the first book, there are obviously reasons why there should be another book after. First, Cal is kidnapped once again my Vulkan Sligo’s men. Vulkan Sligo was a dangerous criminal. He wanted information from Cal about the angel his father drew. Callum didn’t know anything about the angel. He was actually trying to find out more about it. When Vulkan saw that Cal didn’t know anything, he decided to kill him. Vulkan put Cal in a black hole underground that was being filled with oil. Once the oil had filled all the tank, Cal would be dead. “ ‘You tell me what I want to know or I am going to throw you down into that empty storage tank and screw the manhole cover down real tight. Then we’ll pump in the tanker’s load, and fill it right up to the top. No one will ever find you down there. But don’t worry, you’ll die quickly.’ ”(Lord 5). Cal was dying and had no escape out. “Any minute now, the oil would completely cover my mouth, then my nose…and then I’d be gone.”(Lord 1). This was the last sentence of the story. Another reason is that Cal still didn’t solve the mystery. Cal still needs to find out what his dad was trying to say to him. Therefore, this is just the beginning for Cal.
The mother of Cal doesn’t believe a words he says. She thinks Cal shot Rafe and that he aggressed his little sister. There were proof that stated what Cal’s mother thought. First, the police had found important evidence on Cal. When the police arrived on the crime scene(Cal’s house), they found a gun. On the gun, the police found finger prints that belonged to Cal. “ ‘…and the police found your fingerprints on the gun, Cal.’”(Lord42). Cal’s mother didn’t trust him, even though he said he didn’t attack Rafe and his sister. Another reason is that Cal ran away from his home when he heard steps in the living room. Cal escaped because there were his previous kidnappers in his home. He didn’t escape because of the police. When the police arrived, they recognized Cal running away. To sum up, there are many evidence that prove that Cal was the one harming his sister and his uncle Rafe.
Cal lives in Richmond, Virginia. He doesn’t stay in the same spot because he is now a wanted fugitive and it is risky to not move. Boges brings supplies to Cal such as food, clothes, flashlights, etc. Boges cannot meet with Cal a lot. The police know that Boges is Cal’s best friend, so the police watch Boges attentively. At a moment, Cal will need more food and water. He will have to go in a café or buy some food. The main place where Cal stays is his hideout. It is the most secure place for him in the moment. He also moves a lot because he is finding clues about his father and he has to move to many places to discover new information about his family. It will be very hard for him to stay unseen and at the same time work out his father’s mystery. “….I noticed a ‘For Sale’ sign attached to number 38, a semi-derelict mansion with a very overgrown front yard.”(Lord 62). Therefore, Cal moves a lot in his fight versus the police, family, and kidnappers.
There are two types of conflicts in Conspiracy 365 January. First, it is a person versus person conflict. Cal is facing many people such as the kidnapers. Many people want to know about the Ormand Angel. Another conflict is person versus society. Person versus society conflict may be a person that has a conflict with the law. Cal surely has a problem with the law because he is a wanted fugitive. “…while I was forced to live like a criminal-on the run.”(Lord22). Being a criminal may surely make the law part of it. Therefore, this novel may include a lot of conflicts.
Friday 16, 2015
There are two examples of personification in my novel. First, “Cal must somehow uncover the truth….” (Lord 39). People can’t actually uncover the truth. To uncover the truth means to discover the truth and to know what happened. Another example was, “Uncle Rafe…lying in a pool of blood.” (Lord 82). Uncle Rafe wasn’t actually in a pool of blood. A pool of blood simply means that there was a lot of blood on the kitchen floor. Rafe was lying on blood which seemed to be a lot of blood for Callum. Therefore, personification was used several times in the novel Conspiracy 365.
The Ormand Angel is a huge part in the message of Cal’s father. It is very important, but Cal still doesn’t know it. First, Cal is kidnapped by two groups. Both of the groups ask Cal what he knows about the Angel. “‘What do you know about the Ormand Angel?’ ‘I don’t know anything!” (Lord 10). It seems like a lot of people want to discover the truth about the Ormand Angel. Another reason is that Cal’s father sent him drawings that included an angel. When Cal’s dad was sick, he managed to send drawing’s to Cal. Behind those drawings was a message that Cal had to uncover. One of those drawings included an angel. Therefore, the angel meant a lot, but Cal still didn’t know it.
Since the day a stranger came to call and warned him about the danger he is accounting, a lot of people want Cal dead. “They killed your father. They will kill you. You must survive the next 365 days.” (Lord 135). Cal has put himself in a situation very difficult. First, Cal possesses the most important material into discovering his father’s message. The drawings of his father are the key to discover the meaning behind. A lot of people would kill to get these drawings. This is why the person to have them is in real danger. In addition, Cal managed to escape from his first kidnappers. Cal was also able to see his kidnappers face. The kidnappers are now in danger because Cal has seen their face which compromises their mission. Therefore, Cal has a lot of problems in his life and is far from solving them.
The only person to trust Cal is Boges, his best friend. Even Cal’s mother doesn’t believe him. First, Cal’s mom believes everything that Rafe says to her. “‘Cal please just come home.’ ‘Rafe heard your sister shout at you’.” (Lord 53). Cal can’t do anything to make his own mother believe him. Cal’s mom obviously believes Rafe because he was attacked and Cal is on the run. Another reason is that Rafe is obviously against Cal during this conflict. It is a person versus person conflict because Rafe is lying about Cal and Rafe knows something about the drawings, but doesn’t want to say anything. It is also a person versus society conflict because Cal is wanted by the police. Therefore, even the family can sometimes not be trustworthy.
January 7, 2019
This book was very good and always kept me guessing what was going to happen next. This books about a boy, his father was killed and he finds out he's a secret agent. I think it would be cool to be a secret agent and have all the newest and coolest things. I don't know how this kid is doing this hes finding so much out about his dad that his dad never told him. I think I would be mad and stop trying to find so much out. Its almost like his dad had a whole different life that no one knew about. The boy is supposed to fill his fathers spot on the secret agent team. His dad had been secretly training him for everything he needed to know. No one was going to think that a young kid would be a secret agent. I know I wouldn't.
November 18, 2017
Encouraging my son that reading is a good thing!!! I bought all 12 books and he reads them first and I read them after so we can talk about what is going on and what we think will happen next
!! Hoping this works. Very good read! Keeps it exciting and keeps our interest
!! Hoping this works. Very good read! Keeps it exciting and keeps our interest
February 25, 2019
It was a decent storyline, but it had good action elements to it. It ends on a cliffhanger though, so I will probably read the next one.
November 4, 2021
It was thrilling!
December 3, 2021
Surprisingly suspenseful for a juvenile fiction novel.
Quite a bit of talk about crime, death, murder so beware of reading with younger kids. May be too much for some.
Quite a bit of talk about crime, death, murder so beware of reading with younger kids. May be too much for some.
June 10, 2021
wrote a revuiew but it got deleted grr
October 16, 2012
Conspiracy 365- January (Gabrielle Lord)
An Adventure/Detective Story
The Storyline:
The Plot In My Words (Spoiler Alert!)
This dramatic, emotional, gripping, action-packed book starts with the main character, Callum Ormond, being chased down his street by a crazed old man who warns him:
"They killed your father.
They'll kill you.
You must survive the next 365 days..."
And as the plot thickens, the mystery of the Ormond Singularity hangs in the air. Callum's boat is sabotaged and he barely escapes death in the shark infested water. He is captured by a ruthless gang of men who question him on what he knows about the Ormond Singularity. But Callum knows nothing about The Ormond Singularity. Yet. He remembers the crazed old man's warning, and realises he must find out about this Ormond Singularity before "They" do. He must solve the riddle of his father's drawings; fit the puzzle together. And when he is wrongly accused of the attempted murder of his sister Gabbi and his Uncle Rafe, he is forced to live a life on the run. He is helpless. He has no idea where to start and how to solve to the Ormond Riddle. And it seems everyone is after him, he is a hunted fugitive and wanted by the police, "They" are after him, whoever "They" are, even his mom believes it was him who attacked his sister and uncle. He has only his friend, Boges, to help him on his mission. And he has only 365 days to do it.
The Review:
My Review of The Storyline and Lord's Writing, Ideas and Characters
This story is very mysterious and imaginative, and I didn't think twice about ordering the second book in the series- February. Lord has done brilliantly to make you feel for the characters, and to feel everything Callum does as you join him on this action-packed adventure. The explanations are fairly brief, but always lengthy enough to understand and for an image to be built inside your head.
Something I didn't notice until the end of the book was that the page numbers are back to front, like a countdown to the final page. I think this is very cool, and really suits the theme of the book. I also like the fact that above each paragraph it tells you the time and place. Very detective.
An Adventure/Detective Story
The Storyline:
The Plot In My Words (Spoiler Alert!)
This dramatic, emotional, gripping, action-packed book starts with the main character, Callum Ormond, being chased down his street by a crazed old man who warns him:
"They killed your father.
They'll kill you.
You must survive the next 365 days..."
And as the plot thickens, the mystery of the Ormond Singularity hangs in the air. Callum's boat is sabotaged and he barely escapes death in the shark infested water. He is captured by a ruthless gang of men who question him on what he knows about the Ormond Singularity. But Callum knows nothing about The Ormond Singularity. Yet. He remembers the crazed old man's warning, and realises he must find out about this Ormond Singularity before "They" do. He must solve the riddle of his father's drawings; fit the puzzle together. And when he is wrongly accused of the attempted murder of his sister Gabbi and his Uncle Rafe, he is forced to live a life on the run. He is helpless. He has no idea where to start and how to solve to the Ormond Riddle. And it seems everyone is after him, he is a hunted fugitive and wanted by the police, "They" are after him, whoever "They" are, even his mom believes it was him who attacked his sister and uncle. He has only his friend, Boges, to help him on his mission. And he has only 365 days to do it.
The Review:
My Review of The Storyline and Lord's Writing, Ideas and Characters
This story is very mysterious and imaginative, and I didn't think twice about ordering the second book in the series- February. Lord has done brilliantly to make you feel for the characters, and to feel everything Callum does as you join him on this action-packed adventure. The explanations are fairly brief, but always lengthy enough to understand and for an image to be built inside your head.
Something I didn't notice until the end of the book was that the page numbers are back to front, like a countdown to the final page. I think this is very cool, and really suits the theme of the book. I also like the fact that above each paragraph it tells you the time and place. Very detective.
February 6, 2012
Alors oui j’ai un an de retard sur cette lecture mais le livre avait disparu au fin fond de ma PàL et après quelques fouilles archéologiques, je l’ai retrouvé!
Me voilà donc lancée au centre d’une affaire dans laquelle est mêlé Cal, un adolescent comme les autres.
Ces préoccupations tournaient autour des cours, des amis, des filles jusqu’au jour où son père est mort suite à un voyage en Irlande.
Dès le début du livre, on fait la rencontre d’un personnage un peu fou, qui prévient Cal du danger qui le menace sa famille et lui.
En premier lieu, j’ai trouvé que l’histoire était tellement peu précise qu’on n’arrivait pas à se plonger dedans. On ne comprend pas bien dans quoi on arrive vu qu’on plonge au coeur de l’action sans qu’on nous en dise plus.
Au fur et à mesure de la lecture cependant, on se rend simplement compte que Cal n’en sait pas plus que nous et on découvre les indices en même temps que lui.
On entend alors parler de la Singularité d’Ormond.
Voilà le centre de l’histoire, ce qui fait que la lecture devient intéressante, ce qui nous donne envie de lire les tomes suivants pour suivre la fuite de Cal et ses découvertes.
Cal se fait kidnapper, manque de se faire tuer, est accusé à tort et on en vient à soupçonner tout son entourage de lui vouloir du mal. Impossible de savoir à qui on peut se fier.
Le livre est court (environ 200 pages et écrit assez gros) mais il se suffit à lui même. Le concept de sortir un livre par mois (donc 12 au total), pour suivre l’évolution de l’enquête me plaît beaucoup (c’est d’ailleurs pour cela que j’ai acheté le livre à la base). D’autant que comme j’ai commencé en retard, je vais pouvoir les enchainer!
Une lecture agréable donc et qui reste simple (ça n’est pas non plus du gros roman à suspense). Pas de monstres, pas de romance (ou pas encore..), juste une enquête et un ado en cavale, une combinaison qui marche!
Me voilà donc lancée au centre d’une affaire dans laquelle est mêlé Cal, un adolescent comme les autres.
Ces préoccupations tournaient autour des cours, des amis, des filles jusqu’au jour où son père est mort suite à un voyage en Irlande.
Dès le début du livre, on fait la rencontre d’un personnage un peu fou, qui prévient Cal du danger qui le menace sa famille et lui.
En premier lieu, j’ai trouvé que l’histoire était tellement peu précise qu’on n’arrivait pas à se plonger dedans. On ne comprend pas bien dans quoi on arrive vu qu’on plonge au coeur de l’action sans qu’on nous en dise plus.
Au fur et à mesure de la lecture cependant, on se rend simplement compte que Cal n’en sait pas plus que nous et on découvre les indices en même temps que lui.
On entend alors parler de la Singularité d’Ormond.
Voilà le centre de l’histoire, ce qui fait que la lecture devient intéressante, ce qui nous donne envie de lire les tomes suivants pour suivre la fuite de Cal et ses découvertes.
Cal se fait kidnapper, manque de se faire tuer, est accusé à tort et on en vient à soupçonner tout son entourage de lui vouloir du mal. Impossible de savoir à qui on peut se fier.
Le livre est court (environ 200 pages et écrit assez gros) mais il se suffit à lui même. Le concept de sortir un livre par mois (donc 12 au total), pour suivre l’évolution de l’enquête me plaît beaucoup (c’est d’ailleurs pour cela que j’ai acheté le livre à la base). D’autant que comme j’ai commencé en retard, je vais pouvoir les enchainer!
Une lecture agréable donc et qui reste simple (ça n’est pas non plus du gros roman à suspense). Pas de monstres, pas de romance (ou pas encore..), juste une enquête et un ado en cavale, une combinaison qui marche!
August 29, 2013
Conspiracy 365 launches the first in a 12-part series with January. The story sees a 15-year-old Callum Ormond warned that he must survive the next 12 months in which various groups will try to kill him.
The concept introduces some fun ideas. The month-by-month serialisation is most likely a novelty, but the countdown after each date (362 days to go, etc.) adds to the air of urgency. The fact the page numbers count down to 1 is fun, and overall a lot of effort has been put into give a feeling of expectation and doom.
The story itself is too early on to judge. Certainly, there are interesting elements. The Ormond Singularity/Riddle/Angel has the potential to be excellent, but if we’re going to wait 12 books for the reveal, Lord really needs to pull something unexpected out of the hat. Daddy Ormond’s pictures need to prove useful and with hidden meaning to make the screen time worthwhile – essentially, all the elements are in place. Cleverly resolved, this is going to be incredible; unresolved or weak and it’s going to fall flat on its face.
The opening instalment saw two kidnaps, a mammoth explosion and non-stop action throughout. It’s everything you’d want from a first run, and easily captures attention. There’s no opportunity to get bored. But with so much thrown into the first 31 days, how can the next 11 months stay dramatic without becoming repetitive? Two kidnaps in the first month is fine; 24 in a year is monotonous.
On a character level, we don’t really know anyone too well yet. The action detracted from genuine character development, which is OK because there’s plenty of time for that. Given the nature of the series, it’s not even hugely necessary as the Ormond Mystery looks set to be predominantly plot driven anyway.
In short, a good (if forgettable) start with a lot promised for the series – but now there’s also a lot of pressure to deliver.
The concept introduces some fun ideas. The month-by-month serialisation is most likely a novelty, but the countdown after each date (362 days to go, etc.) adds to the air of urgency. The fact the page numbers count down to 1 is fun, and overall a lot of effort has been put into give a feeling of expectation and doom.
The story itself is too early on to judge. Certainly, there are interesting elements. The Ormond Singularity/Riddle/Angel has the potential to be excellent, but if we’re going to wait 12 books for the reveal, Lord really needs to pull something unexpected out of the hat. Daddy Ormond’s pictures need to prove useful and with hidden meaning to make the screen time worthwhile – essentially, all the elements are in place. Cleverly resolved, this is going to be incredible; unresolved or weak and it’s going to fall flat on its face.
The opening instalment saw two kidnaps, a mammoth explosion and non-stop action throughout. It’s everything you’d want from a first run, and easily captures attention. There’s no opportunity to get bored. But with so much thrown into the first 31 days, how can the next 11 months stay dramatic without becoming repetitive? Two kidnaps in the first month is fine; 24 in a year is monotonous.
On a character level, we don’t really know anyone too well yet. The action detracted from genuine character development, which is OK because there’s plenty of time for that. Given the nature of the series, it’s not even hugely necessary as the Ormond Mystery looks set to be predominantly plot driven anyway.
In short, a good (if forgettable) start with a lot promised for the series – but now there’s also a lot of pressure to deliver.
August 26, 2015
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book, since it is not really the genre I normally read. What drew me into the action and adventure was the puzzle aspect of the story... the mysterious drawings, the enigma of the Ormond Singularity, the bad guys hiding in the shadows. The suspense is high, we don't know who to trust, and we have to question everything as the plot unfolds! I couldn't stop reading!
The plots moves forward at a fast pace, and the action just keeps coming. Every minute our hero's life is in danger, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The writing reflects the fast pace, keeping the sentences clear and concise with a forcefulness that drives home every word.
I liked that the story is told from the main character's POV; it makes the story feel immediate. I also like the headings telling the time as it leaps from time to time on the clock. It makes the reader keep track of each minute that goes by as the days count down. It is so cool that the pages count BACKWARDS! It starts at page 185 and ends on page 001. That might be the coolest thing I have ever seen, since the story is all about the countdown.
Cal is a great main character, with a strong personality, and we get to see him grow and change as he deals with all these new problems. He's trying to be strong for everyone in his family, and protect them. I like that he's so independent until finally he has to ask someone for help.I especially liked Cal's friendship with his best friend. It felt genuine and was a good anchor for the story.
This book ends on a horrifying cliffhanger, so be prepared for that next book right away! I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The plots moves forward at a fast pace, and the action just keeps coming. Every minute our hero's life is in danger, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The writing reflects the fast pace, keeping the sentences clear and concise with a forcefulness that drives home every word.
I liked that the story is told from the main character's POV; it makes the story feel immediate. I also like the headings telling the time as it leaps from time to time on the clock. It makes the reader keep track of each minute that goes by as the days count down. It is so cool that the pages count BACKWARDS! It starts at page 185 and ends on page 001. That might be the coolest thing I have ever seen, since the story is all about the countdown.
Cal is a great main character, with a strong personality, and we get to see him grow and change as he deals with all these new problems. He's trying to be strong for everyone in his family, and protect them. I like that he's so independent until finally he has to ask someone for help.I especially liked Cal's friendship with his best friend. It felt genuine and was a good anchor for the story.
This book ends on a horrifying cliffhanger, so be prepared for that next book right away! I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
March 24, 2012
Callum é um jovem com 15 anos que perde o pai por causas desconhecidas, sendo a sustentabilidade da família formada pela mãe e irmã que adora. De um momento para o outro começam a ocorrer situações estranhas onde a vida de Callum se encontra constantemente em perigo, sendo avisado por um suposto louco que tem de se esconder durante 365 dias, pois a sua vida encontra-se em jogo.
“Conspiração 365 – Janeiro” é o primeiro volume de uma saga constituída por 12 volumes onde Gabrielle Lord numa narrativa repleta de acção, mistério e adrenalina nos apresenta a luta pela sobrevivência de Callum.
Em termos de personagens penso que é fácil simpatizarmos com Callum, pois o amor que sente pela família é palpável e a sua luta pela sobrevivência leva-nos a que nos sintamos solidários para com ele e que torçamos constantemente para que tudo corra pelo melhor. O seu melhor amigo também é alguém fácil de gostar, óptimo aluno, inteligente e perspicaz, é essencial para que Callum consiga contornar as várias dificuldades que se atravessam no seu caminho.
Numa escrita acessível, simples e cheia de suspense, a autora presenteia-nos com uma obra escrita na primeira pessoa, numerada em contagem decrescente, sendo dividida pelos dias constituintes de cada mês e com vários desenhos e mensagens que contextualizam a narrativa, sendo, desta forma, uma saga que prima pela diferença.
Com um final de cortar a respiração, que deixa o leitor expectante pela continuação, é uma história que incute a necessidade de ler desde logo o seguinte volume, que já tive o prazer de ler.
(http://magia-livros.blogspot.pt/2012/...)
“Conspiração 365 – Janeiro” é o primeiro volume de uma saga constituída por 12 volumes onde Gabrielle Lord numa narrativa repleta de acção, mistério e adrenalina nos apresenta a luta pela sobrevivência de Callum.
Em termos de personagens penso que é fácil simpatizarmos com Callum, pois o amor que sente pela família é palpável e a sua luta pela sobrevivência leva-nos a que nos sintamos solidários para com ele e que torçamos constantemente para que tudo corra pelo melhor. O seu melhor amigo também é alguém fácil de gostar, óptimo aluno, inteligente e perspicaz, é essencial para que Callum consiga contornar as várias dificuldades que se atravessam no seu caminho.
Numa escrita acessível, simples e cheia de suspense, a autora presenteia-nos com uma obra escrita na primeira pessoa, numerada em contagem decrescente, sendo dividida pelos dias constituintes de cada mês e com vários desenhos e mensagens que contextualizam a narrativa, sendo, desta forma, uma saga que prima pela diferença.
Com um final de cortar a respiração, que deixa o leitor expectante pela continuação, é uma história que incute a necessidade de ler desde logo o seguinte volume, que já tive o prazer de ler.
(http://magia-livros.blogspot.pt/2012/...)
February 14, 2025
This is a fun, exciting, and quick read that kicks off the Conspiracy 365 Series. It’s a unique and fun plot, it’s fun to read from start to finish, and it’s got cool drawings and notes and illustrations added in as well. I enjoyed this book, I would definitely recommend it! I’m gonna start the series and finish it out!
The book follows Cal, an ordinary teen boy who one night is told that his dads death was no accident and that they are coming for him next, he has to survive the next 365 days to stay alive. After attempts at his life, being kidnapped, and being accused of attempted murder, Cal has to live life on his own and on the streets. With a helpful friend who brings him supplies, him and Cal set out to solve the mystery about what his dad was really doing for work and why people would want him and his family dead for it.
This is the first book in the series but it was fun to read! I’m looking forward to what else the series has in store. But I would definitely recommend this! So far it’s been a good read. It was exciting from start to finish and just had a unique style of writing. I’m excited for the rest!
The book follows Cal, an ordinary teen boy who one night is told that his dads death was no accident and that they are coming for him next, he has to survive the next 365 days to stay alive. After attempts at his life, being kidnapped, and being accused of attempted murder, Cal has to live life on his own and on the streets. With a helpful friend who brings him supplies, him and Cal set out to solve the mystery about what his dad was really doing for work and why people would want him and his family dead for it.
This is the first book in the series but it was fun to read! I’m looking forward to what else the series has in store. But I would definitely recommend this! So far it’s been a good read. It was exciting from start to finish and just had a unique style of writing. I’m excited for the rest!
July 20, 2011
This was another recommendation from Drea when I was whining about what to give my students to read next after the final Alex Rider was coming out. She's been a great source of knowledge when it comes to readalikes. This series is about a boy who finds himself in the middle of a very dangerous situation that has something to do with the research his father was doing before he died on their family origins. As this is the first book, only very little is revealed as to why everyone is after this secret. Callum has to figure out what is going on, why it's important, all while trying to survive attempts at his life.
Definitely an action-packed novel that will keep readers wanting more. I think I will be requesting February from the library because I too want to know what is going on. I love the way this is set up, the small clues that Cal is given and the way he tries to keep his cool under fire. I actually haven't read the Alex Rider series personally (yet another book series to add to my ever-growing list) but I think this would be a great series in the same genre.
Definitely an action-packed novel that will keep readers wanting more. I think I will be requesting February from the library because I too want to know what is going on. I love the way this is set up, the small clues that Cal is given and the way he tries to keep his cool under fire. I actually haven't read the Alex Rider series personally (yet another book series to add to my ever-growing list) but I think this would be a great series in the same genre.
January 26, 2010
This is great idea for a series! A new book is scheduled for release every month this year. The month-named titles will prevent any confusion about what order in which they should be read.
It is a fast, plot-driven read that I think will appeal particularly to younger teen and pre-teen boys. The cover of the book lets you know that you are in for an action movie in book form...
...The chapters are time stamped, and while I understand the desire to break the book up in to short sections for reluctant readers, it seems unnecessary when a new chapter starts a few minutes after the last one and nothing has changed or happened to necessitate a new chapter.
Personally, I did not love it enough to read further in the series, but I plan to get them all for my school library and think reluctant readers, tweens, and young teens will enjoy it.
Full review at http://dogearedandwellread.wordpress....
It is a fast, plot-driven read that I think will appeal particularly to younger teen and pre-teen boys. The cover of the book lets you know that you are in for an action movie in book form...
...The chapters are time stamped, and while I understand the desire to break the book up in to short sections for reluctant readers, it seems unnecessary when a new chapter starts a few minutes after the last one and nothing has changed or happened to necessitate a new chapter.
Personally, I did not love it enough to read further in the series, but I plan to get them all for my school library and think reluctant readers, tweens, and young teens will enjoy it.
Full review at http://dogearedandwellread.wordpress....
May 29, 2012
This book/ series is all that I expected it to be and then some. This series starts on New Year's Eve. Callum Ormond is a normal 15 year-old dealing with the sudden death of his father when he's approached by a wild-eyed man who warns him that he must hide out until the end of December or "they" will get him too. All of a sudden very dangerous accidents begin to happen to him. So begins the adventure; Callum becomes a fugitive in hiding as he searches for the answer to the few clues his father was able to provide. The books ends with a cliff-hanger. In this one he is trapped in a tank filling with oil at the end of the book. I like that the pages are numbered from last to first or number 1. The series is more or less a part of one big book and each month is an easy and quick read. It's full of action-packed danger and adventure that surely must appeal to kids. I loved it!
May 5, 2010
This Serial Novel is awesome. A must read!! As far as genre, it is a mix between 24 and Davinci Code. 15 yr old, Callum, must survive for 365 days, all the while trying to solve his dad's death and a family secret that sounds like it has the potential to make his family rich.
I would say as far as level or reading....it would begin with some 5th graders going up. I read it in about 2 hours. Easy, quick read but when I finished I was very anxious and eager for the next book. This leaves you hanging. Great book. Go to www.kidswantbooks.com to read the first chapter and to watch a trailer of the book that looks just like a movie trailer. My CEO has already had 5 movie producers come to him and want the rights for this series to make a movie. It would be awesome!!
I would say as far as level or reading....it would begin with some 5th graders going up. I read it in about 2 hours. Easy, quick read but when I finished I was very anxious and eager for the next book. This leaves you hanging. Great book. Go to www.kidswantbooks.com to read the first chapter and to watch a trailer of the book that looks just like a movie trailer. My CEO has already had 5 movie producers come to him and want the rights for this series to make a movie. It would be awesome!!
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