Book Review: October by Gabrielle Lord

October
by Gabrielle Lord
Conspiracy 365

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-59-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-59-4
Publication Date: October, 2010
List Price: $10.00

Review: The clock is ticking as Cal Ormond is down to three short months to uncover the truth behind the Ormond Singularity as October is set in motion in Gabrielle Lord's tenth installment in the Conspiracy 365 series. October begins with 16-year-old Cal escaping from his latest horrors - Snake and Jacko, two desert dwellers who want Cal for the reward money, and their vicious dog, Sniffer. But, luck is with Cal once again as he is able to defy probability and escape capture. His goal now is to get inside Oriana's safe at Zürich Bank. Cal's friends never cease to pull through as Boges is able to fabricate a fingerprint that will bypass security and fake disguises for he and Winter that will fool anyone. But, they still need Oriana's PIN. Is it possible that Cal can uncover the PIN to a Zürich Bank account? If he can succeed, will all the answers become crystal clear? If the past nine months are any indication, nothing will come easily to Cal, and every advancement will result in more danger and even more questions.

October does not disappoint the avid Conspiracy 365 readers. It is amazing that Gabrielle Lord is able to maintain a high level of intrigue, mystery, and suspense through ten books in a series. October seems to have slightly less pull than the other books; however, with only two months left, it can be assumed that we're hitting the calm before the storm. Everything will be revealed in two short months, and readers can't wait! Lord's writing is compelling from start to finish, as there is never a dull moment. Readers can't bear to put the book down, and when the end is reached, they'll be counting the days for the next month. She includes protagonists that induce readers to hold their breath until they are out of danger. Cal, Winter, and Boges are all filled with so much hope and admiration in spite of all they've been through. But, she also includes antagonists that readers love to hate! You'll find you eyes moving faster and faster across the page, in a desperate effort to save the heroes and destroy the foes; the pages just don't seem to turn fast enough. Once again, Gabrielle Lord can be hailed as one of the best writers of young adult suspense. It's almost disappointing that the year is coming to an end . . . but, although Cal's mystery will come to an end, hopefully Lord's writing won't.

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

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of October for this review.

Have you read October? How would you rate it?