When a teen reader craves a high-stakes, fast-paced thriller they won't be able to put down, this book is an ideal choice. Part of the gripping Conspiracy 365 series, 'May' continues the story of 15-year-old Cal Ormond's desperate, year-long quest to survive and solve a deadly family mystery. Hunted by criminals and the police, Cal must use all his wits to decipher clues and stay alive for another month. The story explores themes of resilience, anxiety, and perseverance under extreme pressure. Best for teens 12 and up due to its relentless peril, this book's short chapters and constant cliffhangers make it a fantastic pick for reluctant readers who need non-stop action to stay engaged.
Deals with the aftermath of a parent's death and the main character's isolation.
Sensitive Topics
Violence is a constant presence but is generally not graphic or gory. It's more about peril, threats, and physical altercations (fights, being chased, held captive). The death of Cal's father is a central motivating event for the entire series, and his grief and a sense of duty to his memory are ongoing themes. The approach is secular and action-oriented. The resolution of this specific book is a cliffhanger, leading into the next month, but Cal's survival provides a small, hopeful note.
Ideal Reader
A reluctant reader, aged 12-15, who loves action movies, video games, and fast-paced plots. Perfect for a kid who says "books are boring" and needs something with immediate hooks, short chapters, and constant cliffhangers. Also good for teens who enjoy spy and mystery series like Alex Rider.
Parent Prep
No specific prep is needed, especially if the teen is reading the series in order. It can be read cold, but understanding the premise of the series (Cal must survive for one year) is crucial. Parents should be aware that the book ends on a cliffhanger designed to make the reader immediately want the next one ("June"). A parent might hear their teen say, "I hate reading, it's so slow," or "Can I just watch the movie instead?" This book is the literary equivalent of a blockbuster action movie.
Age Experience
A younger reader (11-12) will be hooked by the pure action, the chases, and the "what happens next" suspense. An older teen (14-16) might appreciate the more complex web of conspiracies, the questions of who to trust, and Cal's developing resourcefulness and emotional resilience.
What Makes It Special
The real-time, month-by-month structure is unique. Each of the 12 books covers one month, creating an immersive, countdown-like experience. The relentless pacing and short, punchy chapters are specifically designed to keep pages turning, making it stand out from more character-driven or slowly-plotted mysteries.
Read plot summary
This is the fifth installment in the Conspiracy 365 series. Protagonist Cal Ormond, 15, is a fugitive trying to survive for 365 days to uncover the truth about a family secret, the "Ormond Singularity." In this book, he's still on the run in the city, pursued by two rival crime gangs (the Sinter-Giacominos and the Oriana clan) and the police. He relies on his friend Boges and his mysterious ally, Winter, to evade capture while trying to solve the riddle for the month of May. The action is relentless, involving chases, captures, escapes, and constant threat.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In this book, Cal has to trust his friend Boges and his mysterious ally, Winter. How does he decide who to trust? Have you ever been in a situation where it was hard to know who to believe?
2
Cal is constantly being hunted and has to hide his identity. How do you think this constant fear and hiding affects him mentally and emotionally?
3
The 'Ormond Singularity' is a big, dangerous secret. Do you think Cal's father was right to put him through this dangerous quest to uncover it? Why or why not?
4
At the end of the book, Cal faces another huge challenge leading into June. If you were in his shoes, would you keep going or would you try to find a way to escape it all?
