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The Copernicus Legacy #3
The Golden Vendetta (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Filled with pulse-pounding action and cryptic codes, The Golden Vendetta is the third engrossing book in bestselling author Tony Abbott's cloak-and-dagger series for young readers. Fans of Rick Riordan and Ridley Pearson will love this adventurous series. It's been two months since the Kaplan family hunted down the Serpens relic, but when the evil Galina Krause suddenly and violently reappears, Wade, Darrell, Lily, and Becca have no choice but to face her again. Now they must race to find an artifact said to be crafted by Leonardo da Vinci himself-perhaps the strangest Guardian of all. Along the way, they uncover another layer to Galina's sinister endgame . . . and there might not be enough time to stop it.
528 pages, Library Binding
First published August 25, 2015
51 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Tony Abbott
210 books403 followersTony 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 5, 2016
So the good news/bad news is that I feel like I already reviewed this book, because it is pretty much the same as the last one, The Serpent's Curse: Darrell, Wade, Lily, Becca and Wade's parents continue their battle against evil archenemy Galina Krause, who is still gathering the pieces she needs to assemble Copernicus's astrolabe. Same fast paced action, puzzles, camaraderie, and travel ... this time featuring London, Morocco, Monte Carlo and Istanbul. The problem solving remains highly contrived, with huge and unexplained leaps of faith. Very nice chapter illustrations by Bill Perkins. Abbott needs to work on further character development and explaining Galina's psychosis in the next novel.
March 3, 2016
The first book in this series was amazing, I could not put it down. The second, was good, it sill kept my interest. I wanted to finish it, to know what happened. By the end of the third one, a lot of the glamour had worn off. I think this series, as far as plot ideas, is stretched way too far and is getting way to thin. A series with twelve books, with each over 400 pages, is too much. The creativity to sustain this ideas is, in my view, not present anymore. This book was incredibly repetitive, in terms of action and the events that took place. The writing had, at time, a very annoying quality to it, and the characters voices did not fit with who they were supposed to be. I got very bored, very quickly.
December 9, 2015
Book three in the Copernicus Legacy picks up where book two left off, the gang is on their way to London searching for the Golden Vendetta. The Golden Vendetta is a vase which is a relic. Galina has been getting crazier about the relics and seems to have dropped of the face of the Earth. This chase of the relic leads them from Morocco to Monte Carlo in search of a relic thought to be crafted by Leonardo da Vinci. But along the way the uncover another plot in Galina's crazy plan, the gang is running out of time to stop it. This book is filled with action. This is another great book in the series, too bad the next book is not out yet, I cannot wait for the fourth book. This is definitely a must read!!!!
October 25, 2021
Petualangan Wade dkk. mencari relikui Copernicus lanjut ke daerah Mediterania dan Erop Timur. Relikui kali ini berhubungan dengan konstelasi Triangulum dengan penjaganya adalah Leonardo da Vinci. Wow. Masih seru dan kayaknya makin banyak mafia-mafiaannya. Dan aku malah ngerasa bosen karena pola alurnya diulang-ulang terus. Sayang sekali ending-nya cukup gantung sehingga terpaksa aku harus baca buku terakhirnya.
Penasaran juga gimana cerita ini berakhir, padahal dari 12 relikui, baru ketemu 5 relikui.
Edited: tapi males buat nerusin, wkwk, alurnya kayaknya bakal gitu-gitu aja
Penasaran juga gimana cerita ini berakhir, padahal dari 12 relikui, baru ketemu 5 relikui.
Edited: tapi males buat nerusin, wkwk, alurnya kayaknya bakal gitu-gitu aja
November 25, 2017
This series continues to be intense and action-packed. With each book, the stakes increase and the violence escalates. The constant threat of danger is clearly taking a toll on the four exhausted tween protagonists. Excited to see how the last book resolves everything.
September 15, 2015
The Copernicus Legacy follows in the action-filled footsteps of many different thrillers. This is both a blessing and a curse. In the third volume of the series, the Golden Vendetta, there is certainly action aplenty. The character development that we get is certainly welcome. But it’s very limited. The plot itself also seems to be moving very slowly. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed this book, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t flawed. While having a lot of exciting setup, this book offers us very little in the way of payoff in the grand scheme of the series.
Now the good news is that there’s tons of action here. Shootouts, car chases, and skirmishes abound. Our heroes and their allies go against the villains in many exotic locations. This is exactly the sort of thing that I enjoy. Moreover, Abbott tries to make it clear that while the main characters are good at the action-filled life, it’s having a severe effect on their life and those of their parents. The psychological consequences of leading a life of daring-do are rarely explored, and it’s clear that certain characters aren’t handling it well.
I did love what little character development we received. There were even some surprisingly meaningful and well-written passages, which I was not expecting. Abbott definitely knows what makes his characters tick. It’s great to see them adjust or not adjust as the case may be to the situation. However, I felt the character development was often cast aside by the plot and the action. Abbott’s habit of jumping around randomly into people’s viewpoints did not help this.
Part of what makes this book so frustrating is the poorly defined motivations of the villains. It’s clear that the sinister Galina Krause, who is otherwise a fantastic antagonist, has a diabolical agenda. But precisely what it is remains unclear, even halfway through the series. What motivates her agents? What motivates her, other than vague mentions of a need for revenge? Who knows? I find her minions to be very unintimidating as well; more caricatures than well-developed characters.
The Golden Vendetta straddles the line between a cliché ridden book and a well-written, character driven novel with exactitude worthy of the titular astronomer. However, perhaps this is overcomplicating matters. Perhaps all that matters in the end is that I enjoyed it. I will readily read the fourth novel, but I will be crossing my fingers that it will be improved as well. It is my fervent hope that this series fully achieves the potential that it so clearly has.
Now the good news is that there’s tons of action here. Shootouts, car chases, and skirmishes abound. Our heroes and their allies go against the villains in many exotic locations. This is exactly the sort of thing that I enjoy. Moreover, Abbott tries to make it clear that while the main characters are good at the action-filled life, it’s having a severe effect on their life and those of their parents. The psychological consequences of leading a life of daring-do are rarely explored, and it’s clear that certain characters aren’t handling it well.
I did love what little character development we received. There were even some surprisingly meaningful and well-written passages, which I was not expecting. Abbott definitely knows what makes his characters tick. It’s great to see them adjust or not adjust as the case may be to the situation. However, I felt the character development was often cast aside by the plot and the action. Abbott’s habit of jumping around randomly into people’s viewpoints did not help this.
Part of what makes this book so frustrating is the poorly defined motivations of the villains. It’s clear that the sinister Galina Krause, who is otherwise a fantastic antagonist, has a diabolical agenda. But precisely what it is remains unclear, even halfway through the series. What motivates her agents? What motivates her, other than vague mentions of a need for revenge? Who knows? I find her minions to be very unintimidating as well; more caricatures than well-developed characters.
The Golden Vendetta straddles the line between a cliché ridden book and a well-written, character driven novel with exactitude worthy of the titular astronomer. However, perhaps this is overcomplicating matters. Perhaps all that matters in the end is that I enjoyed it. I will readily read the fourth novel, but I will be crossing my fingers that it will be improved as well. It is my fervent hope that this series fully achieves the potential that it so clearly has.
April 2, 2022
I won't say it's bad book or not to read it, since you made one step before the last one, but i will say it's getting a little bit slooww and repetitive!
June 30, 2022
After leaving the Crux in a secure London vault, the teams divide into two ‘families’ and go into hiding under assumed names. Then they get news that the order is again on the relic hunt and Raoul receives a mysterious phone call giving them a cryptic clue.
The progression of finding the relics was not really very clear, but then I found out the publisher had the author squeeze the final four books into two. It’s still a fascinating story line.
Footnote: 1) The narrator is using British pronunciation of words. In the audio version there are words that are pronounced differently than I am accustomed to. Such as: niche (neesh/nitch) and a few others. Not sure which is right, maybe both, but it throws me as I listen.
2) The world-wide deluge happened back with Noah after which God placed the rainbow in the sky as a promise, he wasn’t going to destroy with water again. Next time with be with fire. II Peter chapter 3 and others. But it adds an interesting element to the story.
Fave scenes: the invention of the whisper, Daryl’s new names, the villa’s defenses and finding the sundial.
The progression of finding the relics was not really very clear, but then I found out the publisher had the author squeeze the final four books into two. It’s still a fascinating story line.
Footnote: 1) The narrator is using British pronunciation of words. In the audio version there are words that are pronounced differently than I am accustomed to. Such as: niche (neesh/nitch) and a few others. Not sure which is right, maybe both, but it throws me as I listen.
2) The world-wide deluge happened back with Noah after which God placed the rainbow in the sky as a promise, he wasn’t going to destroy with water again. Next time with be with fire. II Peter chapter 3 and others. But it adds an interesting element to the story.
Fave scenes: the invention of the whisper, Daryl’s new names, the villa’s defenses and finding the sundial.
October 14, 2017
I don't know how Tony Abbott conceives of such complex, interconnected clues and bits of the impossible PLUS meshes them with history. I adore that aspect of this series.
Once more the story explores the far reaches of the globe, taking advantage of modern technology and transportation to solve ancient clues. The cost is high, however. As much as they enjoy the excitement, Golden Vendetta finds our characters wearying (in different levels and for different reasons) of the adventure. If not for the fact that the stakes have jumped to an even higher level than ever before, who could say how many of them would continue?
Nevertheless, the gaps between the books is highly frustrating to me as a reader. I find myself left with unanswered questions about the adventures casually referenced but not actually included in the books. For example, we learn that they first met an assassin while attempting to recover XXX relic. Wait...I missed something! I'm sorry to admit that I won't be reading any more of this series.
Once more the story explores the far reaches of the globe, taking advantage of modern technology and transportation to solve ancient clues. The cost is high, however. As much as they enjoy the excitement, Golden Vendetta finds our characters wearying (in different levels and for different reasons) of the adventure. If not for the fact that the stakes have jumped to an even higher level than ever before, who could say how many of them would continue?
Nevertheless, the gaps between the books is highly frustrating to me as a reader. I find myself left with unanswered questions about the adventures casually referenced but not actually included in the books. For example, we learn that they first met an assassin while attempting to recover XXX relic. Wait...I missed something! I'm sorry to admit that I won't be reading any more of this series.
February 18, 2024
This series will be great for Rowling, Riordan, and Hunter fans who seem unable to get enough from single stories and need a complex series of novels to devour. Every middle school should have this available for their students!
1/28/2024 Update: Prior to this book, I have only read Secrets of Droon and had no idea that Tony Abbott could tell such a gripping and fun story much like the story of the DaVinci Code that once sold out several times during a school book fair as I told parents how good it was and worth the hardcover price! Just a few chapters left, but I have now discovered that this story began with several other versions (not just 1 and 2) and ends with another book yet after this one.
1/28/2024 Update: Prior to this book, I have only read Secrets of Droon and had no idea that Tony Abbott could tell such a gripping and fun story much like the story of the DaVinci Code that once sold out several times during a school book fair as I told parents how good it was and worth the hardcover price! Just a few chapters left, but I have now discovered that this story began with several other versions (not just 1 and 2) and ends with another book yet after this one.
May 12, 2020
The 4 kids and the stepmom/mom of most of them are busy hunting more relics. To be continued in the last book. I’m going to be quite irritated if it turns out the author/publisher stopped without a clear ending to these 4 books. I also didn’t appreciate the deus ex machina rescue to the final confrontation to this book before we pause for half a breath then have them all under attack again with apparently the addition of a relative of a bunch of the heroes as a possible baddie. I still like the vague scientific historic underpinning to this story otherwise I’d probably stop reading. On to the last of the series!
April 30, 2018
As Wade, his family and his friends, along with new and old allies, continue their hunt for the relics, they learn that the legendary Leonardo Da Vinci is connected to their next target! Unfortunately, even with illness hanging over her head, Galina Kraus is hot on their tail, and is willing to take out anyone who stands in her way! Abbott continues this exciting adventure with more twists, turns and epic action sure to have fans reading into the late hours. Get ready to soar high and dive deep with this entertaining journey!
December 13, 2017
I would rank The Golden Vendetta, by Tony Abbott a 4 out of 5 because the plot line was very interesting and had lots of action in it. The reason this book got a 4 out of 5 was because some words were repetitive and the author did not show good imagery in some parts of the book. In the text, it states,”All four trucks carried what Marius could only call ‘strange cargo’...”(Abbott 117). The author did not show any sort of imagery of the strange cargo. Thus, I gave this book a 4 out of 5
September 7, 2018
Wow. This one moved fast. There were a ton of twists and turns that wove through time like a river. At times, it felt like it moved a bit too fast for me, but I think any of my students who make it this far into the series will enjoy the end of it just as much.
Quite a few loose ends get tied up with this one: Becca's weird time travel, what's really behind Galina Krause's obsession with the Astrolabe, what is the apocalyptic event she may unleash on the world... they all come to light.
Quite a few loose ends get tied up with this one: Becca's weird time travel, what's really behind Galina Krause's obsession with the Astrolabe, what is the apocalyptic event she may unleash on the world... they all come to light.
February 8, 2019
I'm excited about this series, however, this third installment was difficult for me to follow because of the many places the story took place in (felt like it jumped around to much) and the many characters involved (by the end there were probably 20 characters that had roles in the story). I'll read the next one but I hope it's not as jumpy.
September 1, 2022
Second to last book of the Copernicus Aechives. Plenty of fast paced action. Twists and turns everywhere. Wrapping up the series, this book was the perfect balance as buildup and standalone storyline. This series is great but be warned that a lot of people die. If your YA reader is sensitive be forewarned.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
February 25, 2017
Still well written, and still a very fun read. Just a bit more predictable as to what was going to happen. Especially the "twist" at the end. I'm interested to find the next one and read it also, and will definitely make it through the series, it's just becoming a bit more predictable.
October 2, 2017
I feel that this book was, in some ways, the best of the series to date.
More realistic feelings, thoughts and dialog from/between the characters.
I look forward to picking up the final installment to see how the story turns out.
More realistic feelings, thoughts and dialog from/between the characters.
I look forward to picking up the final installment to see how the story turns out.
September 24, 2019
This is a compelling series for 12 - 14 years old, it will appeal to bot boys and girls. Shows how to work as a team. Now Wage, Darrel Becca and Lily on searching for a relic made by DaVinci. Galina is running out of time .
September 3, 2017
More of the same from book 2. I've decided I like the historical elements, and the puzzles. I skipped everything else. Especially when the characters were interacting. I cannot stand any of them.
January 11, 2018
The third book of the Copernicus Legacy was just as exciting and gripping as the last two, and I cannot wait for the fourth!
March 22, 2018
4.5
Here comes an unpopular opinion, this is honestly my favourite book in the series.
It was full of action, I was never bored and I finished it quicker than I thought I would. I read this in 3 days because I was so eager to know what happens next.
But as much as I am plot-driven, the main reason I like this book so much is because how much I relate to Lily when I read this.
We find out in the beginning of the book that Lily's parents are going through a divorce, and even though it did effect her greatly she didn't show it. Which is exactly what was happening to me at the time that I read this. I really connected and related to Lily on a deeper level which is really rare for me.
Here comes an unpopular opinion, this is honestly my favourite book in the series.
It was full of action, I was never bored and I finished it quicker than I thought I would. I read this in 3 days because I was so eager to know what happens next.
But as much as I am plot-driven, the main reason I like this book so much is because how much I relate to Lily when I read this.
We find out in the beginning of the book that Lily's parents are going through a divorce, and even though it did effect her greatly she didn't show it. Which is exactly what was happening to me at the time that I read this. I really connected and related to Lily on a deeper level which is really rare for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2018
I really liked the book because you never know what will happen and then you always want to read more and never put the book down.
February 14, 2019
The story got less confusing and I like some parts of the story
April 22, 2019
A book for young people. Nice adventures and, let your imagination to work. Who will think there was a story of Leonardo Da Vinci, Copernicus and Barbossa? And it's great
March 4, 2020
i cant believe that the colonel is Darrell's bio dad. lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
A speedy adventure, with the characters always running either to find relics or to save their lives. Tony Abbot definitely made a masterpiece out of history and fiction.
October 29, 2023
3.5⭐️.
Book 4 is not available on audiobook (that I can find), so I'm very frustrated.
Book 4 is not available on audiobook (that I can find), so I'm very frustrated.
October 10, 2024
This book was slow in some parts but the story is one you want to find out what's going to happen. I wish it captivated me throughout the book but there were parts I completely zoned out on.
June 15, 2025
This is the third book in a four book series. It is a great adventure throughout the world. Such fun writing of lovely characters and adventures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews