For young readers who feel underestimated or powerless, this gripping thriller offers a hero who must uncover a dark secret and fight for his survival.
A parent might reach for this book when their thrill-seeking middle schooler claims all books are boring. This is the fourth installment in the high-octane Conspiracy 365 series, a perfect remedy for reading reluctance. The story follows 15-year-old Cal Ormond, who is on the run, framed for a crime, and desperately trying to solve a deadly family mystery before time runs out. The book is a relentless mix of wilderness survival, chase scenes, and puzzle-solving that champions resilience, bravery, and resourcefulness. For ages 12-15, its fast pace and cliffhanger-style chapters make it an addictive read, ideal for kids who love action movies and video games.
The protagonist is grieving his father's death, which is the central motivation for the plot.
Sensitive Topics
The central plot is driven by the death of the protagonist's father, which is treated as a conspiracy and murder mystery. The approach is entirely secular and action-oriented, focusing on the puzzle rather than the grief. As this is part of a series, there is no final resolution here; it's a piece of a larger puzzle, maintaining a hopeful but tense tone that Cal is making progress against overwhelming odds.
Ideal Reader
A 12- to 14-year-old who is a reluctant reader or craves non-stop action. This reader loves video games, spy movies, and survival shows. They get impatient with slow character development and want a plot that moves at lightning speed. They enjoy seeing a young protagonist who is competent, independent, and constantly outsmarting adults.
Parent Prep
The most important context is that this is book 4 of a 12-book series and will not have a satisfying conclusion on its own. It's designed to be read in sequence. The violence is persistent but not graphic: think car chases, being hunted, and fights, but without gore. The book can be read cold, but managing expectations about the series format is key. A parent hears their child say, "Reading is boring, nothing ever happens." The parent is looking for a book with the same pacing and excitement as a blockbuster action movie or a season of a binge-worthy TV show to prove that reading can be thrilling.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12) will likely focus on the visceral survival aspects and the thrill of the chase, putting themselves in Cal's shoes. An older reader (14-15) may be more attuned to the intricacies of the conspiracy plot, the technological elements like hacking, and the logic puzzles Cal must solve. They may appreciate the complexity of the web of allies and enemies more.
What Makes It Special
Its real-time, month-by-month countdown structure is unique. Each of the twelve books covers one month of Cal's year on the run, creating an incredible sense of urgency and narrative drive. This serial, almost episodic, format makes it read like a TV show like '24' for a young adult audience, which sets it apart from other teen spy or adventure series.
Read plot summary
This is the fourth book in the Conspiracy 365 series. Protagonist Callum Ormond, a 15-year-old fugitive, continues his year-long quest to solve the mystery of his father's death and the Ormond Singularity. In this installment, Cal is hiding out in the wilderness, forcing him to contend with the elements and animal threats on top of being hunted by the police and a shadowy criminal organization. He must use his wits and survival skills to stay alive while deciphering more clues and avoiding capture.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Cal often has to decide who to trust, like the mysterious pilot who helps him. What factors would you consider before trusting a stranger in a situation like Cal's?
2
In this book, Cal faces dangers in the Australian bush as well as from the people hunting him. Which do you think was the bigger threat to his survival, and why?
3
Cal uses his drawing skills and quick thinking to get out of trouble. If you were on the run, what unique skill of yours do you think would be most helpful?
4
The story is part of a countdown. How did the fast pace and the knowledge that this is just one month in a dangerous year make you feel while reading? Did it add to the excitement?
