Wade and the Scorpion's Claw

The Copernicus Legacy #1.5

by Tony Abbott

12 quests. 12 relics. And a race to save the fate of the world.

Travel deeper into the mysterious world of the Copernicus Legacy with the Copernicus Archives: exciting, series-companion novellas that get you close to the characters and the heart of the adventure.

The first installment—Wade and the Scorpion's Claw—picks up right where book one left off, with the Kaplan family seeking the next Copernicus relic. Now Wade, the analytical yet starry-eyed member of the group, leads the chase through the busy streets of San Francisco while on the run from one of Galina Krause's most treacherous henchmen. Solving the riddles that will reveal the relic's location involves making alliances with suspicious strangers and guarding an ancient Chinese artifact that people would risk their lives to protect—or steal.

Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Childrens

Unknown Binding

First published August 28, 2014

About the author

Tony Abbott (born 1952) is an American author of children's books. His most popular work is the book series The Secrets of Droon, which includes over 40 books. He has sold over 12 million copies of his books and they have been translated into several other languages, including Italian, Spanish, Korean, French, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, and Russian. He has also written the bestseller Firegirl.

Abbott was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952. His father was a university professor and had an extensive library of books which became one of Abbott's first sources of literature. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut where he went through elementary school and high school.

Abbott attended the University of Connecticut, and after studying both music and psychology, decided to study English and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in English literature. He attended the workshops of Patricia Reilly Giff to further develop his writing after college.

Abbott currently lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. Tony had one brother and two sisters.

Reviews

[Koen Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second installment in the Copernicus Legacy, it picks up right where book one left off. As Wade continues the quest around the world in search of the next relic. The Teutonic Order kidnaps Darrell's mom Sara and its up to Wade and the gang to get her back. As the story progresses Wade and his friend's figure out all of the coded emails, mysteries and figure out that there are Guardians. They meet a man that had a jewel that can open vaults that lead to the relics. A man that "helped" them turns out to be a liar and is part of the Teutonic Order, he was responsible for killing two Guardians. I think this book was fascinating but there were some weak points. I'm excited to read the rest of the series.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason, the author or publisher decided to alternate regular hardbacks with smaller paperbacks. This is the first of the paperbacks. It was ok. It does the job I suppose of giving the kids something to read and keep their attention while the next full book is being readied for publication. This one takes place in San Francisco and really doesn't advance the story much. It more fills in some of the side stories than the main narrative would. It is worth reading if you like the series, but only for those people. Don't try to read this first without having read the first book since I don't believe it will make a lot of sense.

[Jen Juenke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, quick read in the Copernicus Legacy series. I loved all of the twists and turns in the book. Kept me guessing.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the clues, the Kaplans find the first relic in a cave in Guam- a blue triangular stone they call Vela. Meanwhile, Sara Kaplan, who left for a business trip the morning the adventure began, is kidnapped in Bolivia by the Order. On her return trip to New York City, she planned to meet the mystery writer, Terence Ackroyd. Only her luggage, passport, and cell phone arrived. There was a ransom note in her luggage, and Terence alerted the family about Sarah’s kidnapping. As Roald and the children wait in Hawaii for their flight to San Francisco, Marcus Wolfe, whom the Kaplans call “Leathercoat,” confronts Wade outside the men’s bathroom and warns him that they won’t escape the Order. On the flight from Hawaii to San Francisco, Wade sits next to Dominic Chen. During the flight, someone sitting behind Chen breaks his neck and steals his prosthetic hand. In San Francisco, the Kaplans see Leathercoat, again. They decide that it’s too dangerous to carry Vela and the two daggers they found during their search so they leave them in baggage storage. Sometime later, when Wade looks in his pocket for the claim ticket, he discovers a jade tile with strange markings. Was Chen a Guardian? Did he drop the tile into Wade’s pocket? At an Asian museum, the tile fits a jade box that holds the key to the ciphers needed to unlock more entries in Copernicus’s diary. They learn that the lead-lined jade box was made to hold a radio-active scorpion. The scorpion is missing. While they discuss their options, Feng Yi, a Chinese acrobat who flew on the same flight from Hawaii, warns them of eminent danger. A Chinese group of Star Warriors hired by Krause and led by Wolfe attacks the museum in search of the jade tile. Feng Yi helps the Kaplans escape.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Shannon McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An action and adventure series like The National Treasure movies but with children. The Kaplan family have fallen into a dangerous escapade searching for relics to keep them out of evil groups searching for them as well. The villainous groups have captured Wade’s mother and are not afraid to kill to get what they want.

This book is a continuation of the Copernicus Legacy but called the Copernicus Archives. If I understand correctly it takes place in between the 1st book in the Copernicus Legacy and the second 2nd book. So it is 1.5 in the series. I did not know this because the book says it is number 1 in the series of the Copernicus Archives. So even though I was able to follow and enjoyed some of the adventures I was curious about things I have missed in the story like how Wade’s mother was captured and just how did this adventure start.

I had three problems with this book. One, these kids are smart, a little too smart. I mean, as far as I can tell they are American teen/pre-teen (?) that seems to know quite a few different languages like Latin and Portuguese. That is a little hard to believe. Two, the ending was so disappointing. They didn’t the get what they needed and no info on where to go or how to save the mother. Three, why write a series that goes in between the original series. I picked this up in the library and it said it is number 1 in the series but technically it is not. Way too confusing.

I do not know if I will read any more of this series or it’s “spin-off”. I believe the only copy the library has is the second book in the Archive series and none of the Legacy Series. I think it is just too confusing.

[Jasmyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed the concept and overall story of Wade and the Scorpion’s Claw, it seemed a little out of place. Almost like an afterthought. I’ve read the second book in the Copernicus Legacy and didn’t realize there even was a part of the story that came in between at first.

It starts with some mishaps and shenanigans by the bad guys at the airport as the Kaplan crew returns to the US. There are quite a few suspicious characters, and I was quite surprised that they trusted any of them. Especially after telling each other that no one outside their group could be trusted so many times.

But it did lead to quite the chase. Through museums, Chinese restaurants, and over to the docks. It was a merry chase that kept the story moving at a fast pace. There weren’t any drawn-out or boring bits. But it also lacked a bit in substance. There wasn’t any character growth or development. They just went on a chase and came out the other side pretty much the same.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is NOT a new series. Repeat: This book should be read as part of The Copernicus LEGACY. In my opinion, the marketing for The Copernicus Archives is really misleading. This book is really 1.5 and should be read after the first book as it is a continuation, not really a separate story at all.

The book picks up right after the group has found the first relic and continues to lead both the Guardians and the Order around the world looking for the second piece of Copernicus' time traveling astrolabe.

I continue to enjoy this action-packed series full of puzzles and science to keep both sides of my brain occupied. In order to keep the continuity of the series, I will be reading Copernicus Legacy #2 and leaving the next Archive book until I finish that.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My introduction to the Copernicus Legacy and, maybe because and despite Wade and the Scorpion's Claw starting in media res (as I found out that the Copernicus Archives of which this book is part are the Legacy companion novellas), the beginning felt both confusing and slow.
By page 8 of chapter 2, however, that changes.
This is a family of reluctant guardians of a precious, world-altering artifact who quest not for fame, fortune, or power but for family -- specifically, to rescue mom from from the clutches of the evil Teutonic Order. Along the way, there are a ton of heart-pounding moments, great character pov and dialoging, and a nice cliffhanger of an ending.
I can't wait to catch up on what I've missed and read the next part of this relic hunt.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

On their way to New York, Wade and his friends must make a stop in San Francisco when a storm keeps their plane grounded - only for the group to end up in the middle of a deadly hunt for yet another ancient relic that could save their kidnapped mother...or keep her even farther out of their grasp. Abbott delivers a short but exciting read with this tense archive sure to have fans gasping the whole way through. A definite must read for followers of this engaging series!

[Fatoni M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karena ini sekuel, aku tidak bisa cerita banyak.

Buku ke-1,5 ini masih memburu relikui selanjutnya dari total 12 relikui--kali ini ada hubungannya dengan konstelasi Scorpio. Latarnya di San Fransisco. Masih ada teka-teki dan puzzle. Dan, yang tidak aku sangka, ini buku anak-anak, tapi banyak tokoh mati begitu saja. Gokil. Oh iya, ada 1 sosok misterius juga yang sepertinya tidak memihak siapa-siapa.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding the first Copernicus relic: Vela, a triangular shaped blue stone, Wade, his friends and his dad find out their mom has been kidnapped by the Teutonic order. They need to fly to New York City to talk to Wade’s mom’s boss about what happened, but during a stop in San Francisco they discover a clue to the 2d relic.

Fave scenes: huh? vs. ah-ha! brains, opening the Chinese box and the map of Sausalito.

[Elyse Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became aware of this book after finishing the second book in the Copernicus Legacy. It is supposed to take place between the first and second books. However, it seemed like an after thought. It didn't really fit into the storyline set in the first and second books, and didn't seem to add much to the series. If it was it's own stand-alone book or if it had been more effectively incorporated into the series timeline, I think I would have liked it better.

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was a fun little mini adventure, nothing really happens to advance the plot. The only thing I could think of that would carry over is the character development that they experience this is small journey. What I really liked was the puzzles and diary entries. There were some fun villains and guardians. Over all not a bad read between 1 and 2.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The suggested reading for this series puts this book as the second to read. It is interesting and introduces us to more bad guys. However, this was an instance when they really did not accomplish much aside from meeting other players in the race. More and more it is like 39 Clues. If you enjoyed that series, then this would be right up your alley.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.con

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very interesting companion book to "The Forbidden Stone" . It lets you see more of the kid's struggles as they attempt to claim all of Copernicus's missing pieces, and shows you more of what Wade is thinking and feeling

[Gail Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

good! fast read and a fast adventure.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some flaws are annoying but enjoyable enough that I want to read the next.

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting adventures searching for relics across the globe!

[Abigael]

3.5⭐️

[Britney Ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series. It doesn’t have any language in it, which is really nice.

[Zanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 solely because it doesn't make sense to me why these are in first person it's so unnecessary

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, this book was kind of difficult to understand because I have not actually read The Copernicus Legacy series. Turns out my library doesn't even have that series, but for some reason, they have The Copernicus Archives. If you can figure that one out, you are doing better than me. I'm sure once I finally get my hands on the main series and then re-read this one, my rating will go up.

Author: Tony Abbott
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: September 9th 2014

[Dawn Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog, ReadLove

If you read The Copernicus Legacy: The Forbidden Stone, you’ll want to follow up by reading Tony Abbott’s latest entry, Wade and the Scorpion’s Claw, the first in a companion series of novellas collectively called The Copernicus Archives. If you’re a little leery of buying novellas due to the too-frequent trend of digital short-stories sold under the title “novella” in the YA market, have no fear. Priced at $2.99 in digital format and $3.99 in print, I can assure you that you’ll get your money’s worth if you decide to purchase this book. In fact, at 129 pages on my Nook or 224 pages in print, Wade and the Scorpion’s Claw is a bargain.

The action begins on the return plane ride from the group’s last foray before spilling over into an airport, a hotel, and the City of San Francisco, including Chinatown. Abbott refreshes your memory by quickly recapping the key players and events from his series opener before thrusting you straight into the action in this tale. Though I haven’t yet read book two (which will release October 7th), this installment serves as a bridge between the books in the main storyline, filling in a gap in time and functioning as the perfect appetizer to make you hungry for the next full-length adventure.

Everything that contributed to the success of The Forbidden Stone is present here: non-stop action and suspense, interesting puzzles and clues, a fittingly scary new villain (or maybe two?), and a likeable cast of young heroes. As in the first book, there is a thematic emphasis on family and the strength that one can gain as part of a loving unit. Wade narrates this entry, and while Abbott never strays long from the plot, as they tag along with the extended Kaplan crew readers will get to know them better and look forward to future relic hunts.

Verdict: 4 of 5 Hearts. An Action-Packed Novella Worth Every Penny.

Wade and the Scorpion’s Claw continues the adventures of the Kaplan clan by giving readers more of what they loved from book one. This companion piece at once satisfies your appetite for excitement while leaving you hungry for The Copernicus Legacy, Book 2: The Serpent’s Curse.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure why this book is listed as a separate series from The Copernicus Legacy. It really should be listed as 1.5 in the other series because it literally picks up only hours after the conclusion of The Forbidden Stone.

The story is just as interesting as it's predecessor, filled with history and other information as Wade and his friends continue to hunt for relics and to search for his stepmother.

I didn't like this quite as much as the other novel because one this book offered a lot more predictability than the previous. You know when you watch a horror movie and you're screaming at the idiot chick not to open that door or what not. She's always doing something moronic and about to get herself killed and you're trying to stop yourself from throwing things at the television because it's so freaking obvious that she's being an idiot. There are moments in this story that are a lot like that moment. You can see the characters walking into really obvious situations. While they don't get themselves killed, they don't exactly make their lives any easier either. Like the previous book featuring these characters when it came to scenes involving code, the explanations seemed to be a lot more drawn out than necessary and slowed down the pacing in those sections. My biggest issue is the way it seems like Wade's crush Becca is so often playing the damsel in distress. She keeps getting shot, captured or taken hostage. And it's not that she's an idiot, Abbott makes it very clear that she's highly intelligent, multilingual and an avid reader. So it really doesn't make sense for a character who's portrayed as being so bright is constantly getting put in damsel situations. It would be nice if Abbott would mix up who's getting held hostage a bit. A teenage boy can't be that much harder to capture than a teenage girl. Honestly.

Besides the points listed about I really enjoyed the story and enjoyed the journey.

[Aparajitabasu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here

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Following on the tails of the first exciting adventurous 'Copernicus Legacy' book, 'The Forbidden Stone' comes the 'Copernicus Archives' a list of novellas connection the events of the Legacy series. And 'Wade and the Scorpion's Claw' serves as the starter.

Following the events of 'The Forbidden Stone', Wade, Darell, Lilly, Becca and Dr. Kaplan hurriedly leave Guam with the Teutonic Order hot on their tails. With Sara Kaplan missing in action and our motley crew at their wits end. Following an unfortunate murder, allies and betrayal in their search of the next relic, 'The Scorpion's Claw'. Our heroes realize they may be way out of their depths in this centuries old way but they also know that it is upto them to keep the world out of the clutches of Galina Krause.

Tony Abbott maintains the impeccable and smart literature forces us to not only follow the story itself but also to work with the characters in solving the ciphers and clues here and there and marvel at the ingenuity of it all. I have an e-arc of the next 'Copernicus Legacy' novel, 'The Serpent's Curse' and very excited to begin reading it soon.

"A tantalizing adventure to increse our excitement for the next Copernicus adventure"

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first, though the way it reads, I'm also confused about why it's a book 1.5 instead of 2. There was a lot that went on in this book that seems like it will be super important later in the series. It also makes me wonder just where it's going from here, and if I had skipped this book, would I still understand what's going on in later books? And, If I were to skip other #.5 books later in this series, will I be confused then? Which, I know, is just getting nit-picky, but seriously. I thought about passing over this book until later, because #.5 books usually are just fun side stories, and not super important to the main story. I don't feel like that was the case here.... especially since it was published before #2.
Ramblings/rantings aside, It really was well written, just as gripping as the first, I still had a hard time putting it down. And I'm excited to see where this story goes.

[Kim McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest edition of one of the most successful ideas in kid's novels - the serial mystery thriller. Tony Abbott has given us a great plot using ancient secrets in The Copernicus Legacy and now we have the shorter version where the kids must locate all of the missing relics that Copernicus sought to save and hide from the sinister group of evildoers ready to use the relics and recreate the ancient astrolabe. Wade and his family must solve the clues left by the now deceased Uncle Henry to locate the relics and save the astrolabe. Each book will give kids plenty of brain power puzzles to solve where the relics are located around the world with a healthy dose of danger.

[Rick Bavera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short, quick read, "interregnum" sort of tale--between two longer, regular length books in the Copernicus stories, was, in many ways, better than the first.

In this one, the kids aren't running around all over the place by themselves, but have Dad with them.

They are still getting into trouble, and are more....."adult" in their knowledge and abilities and speech than any kids their age I know.

But still, an improvement.

Let's hope things keep getting better as the series goes on.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The evil Knights of the Teutonic Order will do everything they can to keep the Kaplans from finding either the lost relics or Sara (Wade's stepmother). Wade, his father, his stepbrother, Darrell, his cousin Lily, and her best friend, Becca, must solve a series of riddles to reach both of their goals. Thankfully, whether it is deciphering code, researching obscure facts or tapping their seemingly endless stores of energy, the group members combined talents seem up to the task.

[Patrick Fennessey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The five explore San Francisco and along the way they find a traitor and a fake relic. They end up going to the church and meeting the ninja master and his minions and a Knight of the Teutonic Order. Wade jumps past everyone grabs the 'relic' and smashes it on the floor. It turns out it was the fake.