Book Review: Conspiracy 365: August by Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365: August
by Gabrielle Lord
Conspiracy 365

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-57-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-57-0
Publication Date: August, 2010
List Price: $10.99

Review: Being buried alive in a coffin is one of the most horrid nightmares imaginable, but it is far from a dream for Cal Ormond in August, the 8th book in the Conspiracy 365 series by Gabrielle Lord. Cal wakes up on his 16th birthday in restraints at a maximum security hospital. He realized his life was saved, but then he realizes the price he’s paid. Cal has been on the run since January – hoping to finish what his father started before his mysterious death in January. Very few people believe in Cal’s innocence – including his own mother. How can Cal possibly continue his quest when he is undoubtedly facing an inescapable prison sentence?

In the final scene in July, Boges and Winter, Cal’s only allies, must turn to the police to help find Cal who has been buried alive. Although Cal is rescued, he has a new charge added to his long list of offences. He is accused of the kidnapping of his comatose sister, Gabbi. Suddenly the fact that he’s lost the Ormond Riddle, the Ormond Jewel, and his father’s drawings seems insignificant. Cal desperately finds a way to escape the hospital with just one goal in mind – to save his little sister. With everything gone, Cal must find a way to offer himself in exchange for Gabbi. Will the kidnappers bite? Will Cal be able to save her, or will this be one death he will ultimately blame on himself?

August is one of the most exciting books in the Conspiracy 365 series. The emotional rollercoaster ride Cal must experience is heart wrenching. When his mother stands in front of him accusing him of not only attempted murder, but of kidnapping his sister, readers can feel his pain. It seems as if everything in Cal’s life is hopeless. Because of Cal’s obvious love for his sister, readers have become attached to her as well, and they are holding on to every word awaiting her return to safety – praying that there will be one! The mystery of the stolen twin also develops further in this story. It’s been that carrot dangling in front of the reader. Who is this boy that bears a striking resemblance to Cal? Why did Great Aunt Millicent sing the song, “one was found the other was lost”? And most importantly, why is the white dog from Cal’s recurring nightmare found in this other boy’s room? This piece to the puzzle is thoroughly exciting. Readers know something is up, but we’re only getting ever to slightly closer to an explanation. Could this “twin” issue be the key to the entire puzzle? There are only four more months left for Cal to figure out the conspiracy that surrounds him. Undoubtedly September will be no less exciting.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Conspiracy 365: August for this review.

Have you read Conspiracy 365: August? How would you rate it?