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simonrtaylor's review against another edition
3.0
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.
jillccox's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book... the first in the series, but it wasn't my favorite C365 book. The series as a whole is great!! It is especially great for 5-12 grade reluctant readers.
book_for_discovery's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
2.0
On New Year's Eve, Cal Ormond - a typical 15-year-old guy - is chased down the street by a raving man in a bathrobe. He tells Cal that he's in terrible danger and that he must survive for the next 365 days. Somehow, Cal has become entangled in the mystery surrounding his father's death, and a family secret that he apparently discovered while researching in Ireland.
This book is specifically written to appeal to struggling and reluctant readers, meaning it doesn't have a lot of exposition or character development and just gets right to the good stuff, meaning death-defying action. In the first 20 pages, Cal has survived a sinking boat, a sabotaged life jacket, and a shark attack. This book doesn't mess around.
Give this to boys who "hate to read" but like action movies.
This book is specifically written to appeal to struggling and reluctant readers, meaning it doesn't have a lot of exposition or character development and just gets right to the good stuff, meaning death-defying action. In the first 20 pages, Cal has survived a sinking boat, a sabotaged life jacket, and a shark attack. This book doesn't mess around.
Give this to boys who "hate to read" but like action movies.
annoeing's review against another edition
5.0
OMG i was OBSESSED with this series in primary school like i made my dad drive to random libraries just to get those bonus novels after the December book cause i loved it so much and also it was on the approved list of books from tutoring which my parents forced me to read off
librarylisa614's review against another edition
3.0
This book made my blood pressure rise. It was good, but I was stressed out the whole time (kind of the point). Non stop movement, but I don't know that I was really able to connect with the character at any point because of the nonstop action. And, you know, the fact that I've never lived through that type of situation. :)
catladylover94's review against another edition
5.0
dam i wish i had the other books, this is so good
katieguingrich1's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked that it was written in a format that is rare to see in books. I also liked some of the scenes but I wish they were more elaborate. This is one of the only books that I read that the show or movie is extremely better than the book. I would recommend to third graders but no one else.
wyabook234's review against another edition
3.0
It's completely full of cliches from mediated stories in the action genre, such as the Fugitive. I do see this book being entertaining for younger readers and the cliffhanger does leave you interested in what's next-in-line for the tween series.
constant_reader's review against another edition
3.0
Good thriller for older kids. Ends on a cliffhanger since it is a series of, I assume, 12 books.