For the teen who loves intense suspense and mysteries, this book explores a young woman's perilous journey to uncover dark secrets and fight for her life.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen craves a non-stop, high-stakes thriller that moves at the speed of a blockbuster movie. Perfect for reluctant readers, 'July' is part of the 'Conspiracy 365' series, a pulse-pounding adventure about a teenage boy on the run. Wrongly accused of a terrible crime, he must survive on his own while trying to solve a deadly family secret before a mysterious deadline. The story is packed with themes of resilience, perseverance, and the fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Due to its intense peril and complex plot, it is best suited for older teens (14 and up) who enjoy high-tension mysteries and can handle suspenseful cliffhangers.
The story is driven by the death of the protagonist's father and the kidnapping of his sister.
Rating EscalationModerate
This is book 7 in a 12-book series and ends on a major cliffhanger, requiring further reading.
Sensitive Topics
The plot is driven by the death of the protagonist's father (which happens before the series begins) and the ongoing kidnapping of his younger sister. These events are handled directly as core plot points. The worldview is secular, focusing on action and mystery rather than deeper philosophical or religious questions. The resolution of this specific book is a cliffhanger, leading into the next installment. The overall arc of the 12-book series is toward a hopeful, though hard-won, conclusion.
Ideal Reader
A teen, aged 14 to 17, who loves action movies like the Jason Bourne or Mission: Impossible series. This is an ideal book for a reluctant reader who claims to find books boring. Its short chapters, breakneck pace, and constant cliffhangers are specifically engineered to hook a reader who requires high stimulation and immediate payoff.
Parent Prep
A parent should be aware this is book 7 of a 12-book series and that it ends on a significant cliffhanger. The violence is persistent but not graphic or gory; it's action-movie style (chases, fights, threats). The constant sense of dread and peril might be overwhelming for more sensitive readers. It can be read cold, but the experience is much richer if the series is read in order. A parent hears their teen say, "Reading is so slow, I'd rather watch a movie," or "I just can't get into books." The parent is looking for a book that can genuinely compete with the fast-paced action of video games and streaming shows.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will be completely absorbed by the survival and action elements, viewing Cal as a relatable action hero. An older teen (16-18) will also enjoy the action but may be more engaged by the complex conspiracy plot, the themes of self-reliance, and the psychological toll that being a fugitive takes on the protagonist.
What Makes It Special
Its unique real-time structure, with one book for each month of the year, creates an incredibly propulsive and immersive reading experience. Unlike many other teen thrillers, its serial format builds a massive, overarching mystery that hooks readers for the entire 12-book journey, effectively turning reading into a binge-worthy event.
Read plot summary
This is the seventh book in the Conspiracy 365 series. Fifteen-year-old Cal Ormond is on the run, a fugitive trying to piece together the clues to the Ormond Singularity before his enemies catch him. With the clock ticking, July finds Cal facing new threats, forging uneasy alliances, and getting closer to the heart of the conspiracy that has upended his life. He must use his wits and courage to survive another month of relentless pursuit from both criminals and the police, all while protecting the few people he can trust.
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 whether to trust new people. When is it smart to be suspicious, and when is it important to take a risk on someone? How would you make that decision in his situation?
2
The entire 'Ormond Singularity' is a secret Cal's father kept from him, supposedly for his protection. Why do you think adults sometimes keep important secrets from kids? Do you think it was the right choice in this case?
3
Cal is constantly on the run and can't live a normal teenage life. What are some of the small, everyday things he probably misses the most? If you had to go on the run, what would you miss?
4
Cal has to survive in a hostile world with few resources. What do you think is his most important survival skill: his physical fitness, his cleverness, or his determination not to give up? Explain your choice.
