Customer Reviews

February

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The action doesn't let up in the second volume of Conspiracy 365: February. Fifteen year old Callum Ormond is still on the run for attacking his uncle Rafe and leaving his younger sister in a coma. And he's still not any closer to solving the riddle of the "Ormond Singularity." He's still being aided by Boges, perhaps his last friend left in the world as police forces throughout Australia are on the watch for him.

Thankfully, though, he does manage to escape the death trap he was facing in the first book. I figured that would happen, of course. You can't really kill off your main character in the second book of a twelve-book run.

However, that escape seems to bring a whole new set of problems with it. Cal suddenly has a mysterious girl about his age helping him, or using him for her own purposes, he's still not quite sure. Even more frustrating, she seems to know more about the mystery his father left and the probable meaning of all the sketches his father left behind.

Some of the answers are found in this volume, and I really liked the moonlight angel image the best, and it was creepy as well as fraught with suspense because Cal had to trust his newfound companion to guide him there. But even as those questions are somewhat answered, they only lead to more intrigue.

Gabrielle Lord still maintains the headlong pacing of the first book. There are a number of close calls and daring escapes throughout this part of the story, and they do at times strain belief, but they're always fun. Cal hasn't quite got enough to go on yet to be an effective force for his own rescue, but readers know that's coming.

I love the friendship Cal has with Boges, and I hope that one of the coming twists isn't that Boges is working on his own nefarious angles. See? Paranoia has already set it. I have to wait from month to month for the novels and I have time to start doubting who my friends are. This real-time stress is a lot to bear. But I'm sure the author and publisher were counting on this when they started putting the books out.

I enjoyed Boges's idea about setting up a webpage, and the fact that you can actually Google it and find it on the Internet ([...]). This is exactly the kind of thing a modern teen would do.

I know there are a number of twists and turns to come, and I'm looking forward to all of them. There are a lot of things to be curious about, and even more to be wary of.

This new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story will be told over 12 books, one released each month.

This second installment is even more fast-paced and the plot thickens as the story progresses. Cal is a fugitive on the run. He is living in an abandoned house and has only one friend to help him figure out this puzzle. In this book he meets a strange girl named Winter that seems inclined to help, is kidnapped again, left in an oil tank that is filling, attacked by a lion and more. The adventure is crazy and you just want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. And he only has 306 days left to figure it out.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter headings are Dates and Time. I had intended to read these books as they came out, but got behind. Part of me is glad because I do not have to wait for the next volume but part of me regrets not reading them as they were released. It was a great second book and I know I will have to read all 12 books; the story is so good I cannot put it down. Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

My 11 year old granddaughter started reading these books in school - loved them. She was missing this particular month - found it on Amazon. She was thrilled and loved the book. Amazon delivered it very quickly. It's a great series for kids - mystery, adventure.

Storyline - In book 2, Cal tries to piece together the mystery his father talked about before his illness and death, he must survive the coming attacks from those who wants the knowledge they believe he has. What ever they are and where ever they come. As the months conitnue, he has to stay hiden and secretive to stay alive. Will he make it and find the secret his father found?

Personal Opinion - I found this book entertaining, fast moving, and engaging. It did have some stuff that I didn't like but the character can still grow and come to find new things. Even though there was some bad language and behavior done by the main character,I would recommend still recommend this book but would make a point of discussing the things Cal did that were wrong and why. Maybe even talk about what might have been a good alternative.