For readers eager for a fast-paced thriller, this book follows a wrongly accused teen on a relentless chase to clear his name and uncover a dangerous conspiracy.
A parent might reach for this book when their thrill-seeking teen claims books are boring and needs a story with the non-stop pace of an action movie. This is the first book in the high-octane Conspiracy 365 series, which follows fifteen-year-old Cal Ormond. After his father dies under mysterious circumstances, Cal is framed for a crime he didn't commit and is forced to go on the run. Hunted by criminals and the police, he has only the 30 days of March to survive and begin deciphering the cryptic clues his father left behind. The book is an excellent choice for reluctant readers aged 12-16, as its relentless pace, constant peril, and themes of resilience and justice provide pure entertainment while also modeling perseverance in the face of impossible odds.
The protagonist is relentlessly hunted and faces constant, life-threatening danger.
Character DeathModerate
A parent's death is a key plot point that happens at the beginning of the story.
Sensitive Topics
The story begins with the death of Cal's father, which is the direct catalyst for the plot. The approach is not an exploration of grief but a plot device to launch the mystery. It is handled in a secular, direct manner. The resolution of this specific book is a cliffhanger, but the overall series arc is hopeful as the protagonist works towards justice.
Ideal Reader
A 12- to 15-year-old, particularly a reluctant reader, who loves high-stakes action films and video games. This child is drawn to fast-moving plots, underdog characters, and conspiracies. They enjoy solving puzzles alongside the character and need a book that grabs them from the very first page and doesn't let go.
Parent Prep
Parents should know this is the first of a 12-book series, and it ends on a major cliffhanger. It is not a standalone story. The fast-paced action and constant peril are the main draws, so no specific context is needed before reading, but be prepared for the request for the next book, "April," immediately upon completion. A parent is looking for a book to compete with screen time for their child who finds most stories too slow. The child might have just finished a series like Alex Rider or The 39 Clues and is asking, "What's next?"
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will be completely absorbed by the action: the chases, the fights, and the constant "what happens next" suspense. An older teen (14-16) will also enjoy the action but may engage more with the themes of betrayal, institutional corruption, and the psychological toll of being a fugitive. They may also be more critical of the plot's sometimes-outlandish plausibility but will enjoy it as a thriller.
What Makes It Special
Its unique real-time, serialized format is the key differentiator. Releasing one book for each month of the year creates an immersive and incredibly compelling countdown. This structure, combined with relentless pacing and constant cliffhangers, perfectly mimics the binge-worthy nature of a serialized TV show, making it exceptionally effective for hooking readers.
Read plot summary
On New Year's Eve, 15-year-old Callum Ormond is warned by his dying father that he is in grave danger and must survive for the next 365 days. Soon after, Cal is framed for a violent attack on his sister and uncle, forcing him to become a fugitive. Hunted by both the police and a shadowy criminal organization, Cal must use a series of cryptic clues about the 'Ormond Singularity' to clear his name and uncover the conspiracy that threatens his life. This first book covers his desperate attempts to survive the month of March.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Cal has to decide whether to trust strangers like Boges. When is it smart to be suspicious, and when is it important to risk trusting someone? How would you have handled that first meeting with Boges?
2
Cal's uncle and sister seem to turn against him almost immediately. Why do you think people who are supposed to protect you might act in ways that hurt you?
3
The story is full of close calls and narrow escapes. Which of Cal's escapes in March did you find the most clever or the most suspenseful, and why?
4
The Ormond Singularity is the central puzzle. If you received a cryptic message like that from a loved one, what would your first step be in trying to solve it?
