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Explorer Academy #3
The Double Helix
The mystery deepens and the action intensifies for 12-year-old Cruz Coronado and friends in the exciting third book in the Explorer Academy series.
The adventure continues for Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, and Bryndis as they continue their studies at sea and travel to exotic locations around the world. A mysterious person alerts Cruz to impending danger while he and a few trusted pals explore ancient ruins in Petra, Jordan, and search for another piece of the puzzle his mother left behind. Worst of all, now his father has gone missing, which prompts Aunt Marisol, his number one protector, to leave the ship in search of him. Who is the new professor who takes her place? How does the new technology he introduces help or hurt Cruz's quest? Why is Nebula determined to stop Cruz before he turns 13? The clock is ticking as his first teen birthday draws near ... a milestone that will change his life forever, one way or another.
The adventure continues for Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, and Bryndis as they continue their studies at sea and travel to exotic locations around the world. A mysterious person alerts Cruz to impending danger while he and a few trusted pals explore ancient ruins in Petra, Jordan, and search for another piece of the puzzle his mother left behind. Worst of all, now his father has gone missing, which prompts Aunt Marisol, his number one protector, to leave the ship in search of him. Who is the new professor who takes her place? How does the new technology he introduces help or hurt Cruz's quest? Why is Nebula determined to stop Cruz before he turns 13? The clock is ticking as his first teen birthday draws near ... a milestone that will change his life forever, one way or another.
216 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2019
215 people are currently reading
1851 people want to read
About the author
Trudi Trueit
127 books280 followersTrudi Trueit writes the kind of books she loves to read; stories packed with adventure, mystery, friendship, and hope; stories that reminds us to forge our own path and be our own hero! She's published more than 100 fiction and nonfiction titles for kids, including the award-winning EXPLORER ACADEMY series (National Geographic), which was chosen as an Amazon Prime Book Box selection and named one of Barnes and Noble Best Books of the Year for Young Readers. Look for her NEW EXPLORER ACADEMY spinoff series: VELA!
Born and raised in Seattle, WA she lives in the Northwest with her husband and three cats. P.S.: Trudi Trueit IS her real name (by marriage). Visit her website at www.truditrueit.com.
Visit her website at www.truditrueit.
Born and raised in Seattle, WA she lives in the Northwest with her husband and three cats. P.S.: Trudi Trueit IS her real name (by marriage). Visit her website at www.truditrueit.com.
Visit her website at www.truditrueit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 19, 2024
Wow!!! Took forever to get that from the library to finish it...haha...anyway, this was a super awesome book!!! Lots of fun!!! And a cliffhanger! Awesome read, excuse me while I go see if the next book in the series is available...lol...
Rissy
Rissy
April 16, 2023
Tak jak nie jestem fanką geografii i rzeczy z nią związanych tak muszę przyznać że ta seria jest świetna. Fajna historia, dużo ciekawostek, a do tego śliczne ilustracje.
October 14, 2019
Cruz and his friends on board the Orion are heading to the Mediterranean, searching for clues left behind by Cruz's mother before she died. The evil Nebula operatives are never far behind, spying on Cruz and threatening his family. In the middle of his secret quest for his mother's clues, Cruz still has to attend Explorer Academy classes, compete with his team in class competitions, and try to have a little fun at a student Halloween party. His thirteenth birthday is quickly approaching, and Cruz is in more danger than ever as he navigates the intricacies of the toughest adventure yet!
I loved this plot! There is plenty of action and suspense. I never knew what was going to happen next! There are several plot-lines intersecting as Cruz juggles his school responsibilities, his personal relationships, dodging the nefarious Nebula, and keeping contact with Lani, his best friend back home in Hawaii.
The exotic locations are amazing, and I loved learning the history about different cultures, monuments, artifacts, and landmarks in Spain, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan. It's so interesting to see the true history and real facts about actual places interwoven with the story.
The fictional technology is really cool, introducing fancy gadgets that can scan objects and give a readout of the objects' material, properties, age, and characteristics. Of course, Mell, the honeybee robot drone, is always by Cruz's side, ready to protect her master. I just love that cute little bee!
I loved Cruz's character development in this book. He has been betrayed twice by people close to him, and he's wary and suspicious, unwilling to trust anyone with his secrets. He even pulls away from his best friends a little, but eventually he begins to realize that there ARE people he can trust, who care about him, and will do anything for him. He feels so alone at the beginning of the book, holding it all close inside himself, but by the end he begins to reach out again to his family, sharing with them and relying on them, instead of trying to do it all by himself. Just brilliant character development!
I really enjoyed the writing style, which has both some serious situations and some humor to keep things light. The writing sparked my attention and kept me turning those pages way past my bedtime!
I was impressed by how subtle the writing can be at times, using something simple but powerful to deliver an emotional punch at a critical point in the story. For instance, Cruz has been handling everything on his plate so well, keeping his cool and thinking analytically through every challenge, but when Cruz thinks the little dog, Hubbard, is sick, suddenly Cruz loses his handle on his emotions and begins to collapse. It shows in a simple and subtle way how much the pressure is really getting to Cruz even though he doesn't let it show. All of a sudden, this one little thing becomes the last straw, and he just can't handle the situation anymore. It effectively shows the heart of the character and the mindset that he's in, despite the brave front he shows to the other characters. Brilliant writing and extremely touching!
The artwork is a cool mixture of illustrations overlaid on top of real photographs, and it adds a wonderful dimension and depth to the story. I loved seeing the characters brought to life in the artwork, as well as the beautiful locations they visit. It really makes a special addition to the story!
This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I am dying for the next book!!!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this plot! There is plenty of action and suspense. I never knew what was going to happen next! There are several plot-lines intersecting as Cruz juggles his school responsibilities, his personal relationships, dodging the nefarious Nebula, and keeping contact with Lani, his best friend back home in Hawaii.
The exotic locations are amazing, and I loved learning the history about different cultures, monuments, artifacts, and landmarks in Spain, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan. It's so interesting to see the true history and real facts about actual places interwoven with the story.
The fictional technology is really cool, introducing fancy gadgets that can scan objects and give a readout of the objects' material, properties, age, and characteristics. Of course, Mell, the honeybee robot drone, is always by Cruz's side, ready to protect her master. I just love that cute little bee!
I loved Cruz's character development in this book. He has been betrayed twice by people close to him, and he's wary and suspicious, unwilling to trust anyone with his secrets. He even pulls away from his best friends a little, but eventually he begins to realize that there ARE people he can trust, who care about him, and will do anything for him. He feels so alone at the beginning of the book, holding it all close inside himself, but by the end he begins to reach out again to his family, sharing with them and relying on them, instead of trying to do it all by himself. Just brilliant character development!
I really enjoyed the writing style, which has both some serious situations and some humor to keep things light. The writing sparked my attention and kept me turning those pages way past my bedtime!
I was impressed by how subtle the writing can be at times, using something simple but powerful to deliver an emotional punch at a critical point in the story. For instance, Cruz has been handling everything on his plate so well, keeping his cool and thinking analytically through every challenge, but when Cruz thinks the little dog, Hubbard, is sick, suddenly Cruz loses his handle on his emotions and begins to collapse. It shows in a simple and subtle way how much the pressure is really getting to Cruz even though he doesn't let it show. All of a sudden, this one little thing becomes the last straw, and he just can't handle the situation anymore. It effectively shows the heart of the character and the mindset that he's in, despite the brave front he shows to the other characters. Brilliant writing and extremely touching!
The artwork is a cool mixture of illustrations overlaid on top of real photographs, and it adds a wonderful dimension and depth to the story. I loved seeing the characters brought to life in the artwork, as well as the beautiful locations they visit. It really makes a special addition to the story!
This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I am dying for the next book!!!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
September 5, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another fantastic sequel in the Explorer Academy series about a teenage boy named Cruz who attends an elite school for budding young scientists, inventors, wildlife rescuers, and more!
Full review will be up soon!
Another fantastic sequel in the Explorer Academy series about a teenage boy named Cruz who attends an elite school for budding young scientists, inventors, wildlife rescuers, and more!
Full review will be up soon!
February 17, 2022
Avastajate Akadeemia sarja kolmas osa, kus laeva Orion ringi seiklevad noored teevad tutvust n-ö kosmosearheoloogiaga ja külastavad punastesse kaljudesse raiutud iidset Roosilinna, et lahendada järjekordne pusletükk mõistatusest. Mõnusalt elavalt kirjeldatud lugu hakkas nagu iseenesest silme ees jooksma ja tundsin endki sealsamas päikeselojangul istumas. Muidugi on teemaks ka sõprus, usaldus ja armastus, sest paha Nebula on röövinud Cruzi isa ja kodumaale Hawaile jäänud andekas sõbratar Lani teeb koos Cruzi akadeemiakaaslastega jõupingutusi tema päästmiseks. See on tõesti tore teaduspõhine noortesari. Muudkui loen ja soovitan.
October 26, 2019
Cao trào ít hơn hẳn hai tập trước, cách xử lý cũng ko tốt bằng. Các công nghệ khám phá cũng không có được sự đặc sắc vốn là đặc trưng của bộ truyện này Tập này ko mang lại cho mình cảm giác hào hứng như hai tập trước nhưng cái kết chuyển giao tập sau khá hứa hẹn đấy.
Điểm sáng duy nhất là cuộc đua ở mê cung. Khi Cruz phải teamwork chung với thằng nó ko ưa là Dugan. Khi gạt bỏ được cái ích kỷ bé nhỏ cá nhân đề hướng tới lợi ích chung của nhóm thì kết quả đạt được sẽ không chỉ dừng ở thành tích cao, mà quan trọng hơn là sự thấu hiểu và giảm đi những ác cảm không cần thiết.
Điểm sáng duy nhất là cuộc đua ở mê cung. Khi Cruz phải teamwork chung với thằng nó ko ưa là Dugan. Khi gạt bỏ được cái ích kỷ bé nhỏ cá nhân đề hướng tới lợi ích chung của nhóm thì kết quả đạt được sẽ không chỉ dừng ở thành tích cao, mà quan trọng hơn là sự thấu hiểu và giảm đi những ác cảm không cần thiết.
November 5, 2022
This series is a fun combination of geography, technology, archeology, cryptography, and much more!
Quotes I liked:
"Life would be so much easier if the bad guys were mean and the good guys were nice."
“Even when you have a talent or a passion for something you still have to learn the skills. Also, no one expects you to be anything other than yourself.”
“If you’re out to win at any cost, you may find the price is higher than you ever expected to pay.”
Quotes I liked:
"Life would be so much easier if the bad guys were mean and the good guys were nice."
“Even when you have a talent or a passion for something you still have to learn the skills. Also, no one expects you to be anything other than yourself.”
“If you’re out to win at any cost, you may find the price is higher than you ever expected to pay.”
April 28, 2021
Ieder keer zo'n cliffhanger aan het eind van die boeken is echt zo gemeen!
December 10, 2021
This book is so good! I love it so much because of the adventure, team work, and friendship! :)
IMAGINE THIS SERIES AS A MOVIE!!!!!!!
IMAGINE THIS SERIES AS A MOVIE!!!!!!!
April 18, 2021
Another super fun adventure! I love how these books inspire me to do further research about places, monuments, animals, tech. I wish I’d had them to read when I was a kid!
June 13, 2019
Loved this book! Pictures were awesome! Recommend to anyone who likes thrilling adventures. Very, very tense!
October 19, 2024
Read 2021: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Re-read Oct 2024: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5💖)
Language: N/A. Only uses of h*ck, d*ng, and g*sh.
Violence: N/A.
Magic: Nope. Just some mentions of old spell runes on historical artifacts.
Not my fav of the series but still awesome and fun!!!! It's a bit slower paced then the others, but still very good, and Cruz's internal journey is beautiful! And Emmet and Sailor are just the best, so loyal and supportive! I just love these two!!💖
Cruz learning that he was never alone and his growth with trust was very well done!! His emotions and struggles were very relatable and well done and just *gives him hugs* Poor guy!💖💖💖
Also, Dugan's role toward the end, yes! We're starting to get a look into his story and his actions and I'm 100% here for it!💖😊
And that ebding!!! Everytime, such a cliffhanger!!!!! Now to go read my fav book of the series, The Star Dunes!!😃💖
8+
Re-read Oct 2024: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5💖)
Language: N/A. Only uses of h*ck, d*ng, and g*sh.
Violence: N/A.
Magic: Nope. Just some mentions of old spell runes on historical artifacts.
Not my fav of the series but still awesome and fun!!!! It's a bit slower paced then the others, but still very good, and Cruz's internal journey is beautiful! And Emmet and Sailor are just the best, so loyal and supportive! I just love these two!!💖
Cruz learning that he was never alone and his growth with trust was very well done!! His emotions and struggles were very relatable and well done and just *gives him hugs* Poor guy!💖💖💖
Also, Dugan's role toward the end, yes! We're starting to get a look into his story and his actions and I'm 100% here for it!💖😊
And that ebding!!! Everytime, such a cliffhanger!!!!! Now to go read my fav book of the series, The Star Dunes!!😃💖
8+
May 10, 2022
These are all following a similar pattern where someone close to Cruise turns out to be one of the bad guys. Seems like the same story each time with names and events slightly different. I'm not seeing the character growth I was hoping and Cruise still is repeating his same patterns, rather than growing from each trial. Hope the 4th one is better and brings in some new elements and character development that encourages readers to make smarter decisions.
October 12, 2022
oleme sarja teise raamatu needusest õnnelikult üle ja kolmas tundub jälle täitsa mõnus. avastajad käivad Petra kaljulinnas ja osalevad arheoloogilistel väljakaevamistel. laevaelul on mõnusat internaatkoolivaibi, korraldatakse mänge ja võistlusi, rikutakse reegleid
nagu eelmise raamatu lõpus pärast pikka ähvardamist selgus, võetigi Cruzi isa pantvangi ja ainult Cruzile öeldi, kes ja miks (no kes see ikka, ja muidugi selleks, et Cruz oma šifritükid loovutaks). ok, ma saan aru, et ma ei tohiks norida selle osas, et 12-aastased ei käitu väga ratsionaalselt ega targalt (kuigi need pidid ju olema maailma kõiga targemad 12-aastased?), aga... mõned asjad jutu sisemises loogikas mu jaoks ikkagi ei klapi ja ma ikka veel ei saa aru, miks kriitilist infot ei jagata tädi Marisoli kui kindalt usaldusväärse täiskasvanuga? jaa, väljapressijad ütlesid Cruzile "ära räägi kellelegi, muidu isa sureb", aga Cruz rääkis esimese asjana Emmettile ja Sailorile, nii et miks mitte tädile?
(mumst me ei tohiks lastele jätta muljet, et on okei kuulata/uskuda täiskasvanuid, kes ütlevad "las see jääb meie omavaheliseks saladuseks, ära kellelegi teisele räägi, muidu läheb väga halvasti.")
ja selles loos muutub tõeliselt väsitavaks see "keegi teine ei tohi end ohtu seada" heroism, mida Cruz pidevalt rakendab, selle asemel, et abi vastu võtta ja tiimina tegutseda. õnneks päästab päeva Lani, kes teda järjekindlalt ignoreerib ja ikka teeb, mis vaja. noh, ja muidugi üldse see lugu ei jõuaks kuhugi, kui teised käiksid Cruzi sõnade, mitte tegude järgi.
see-eest hakkab siin vaikselt sulama jää tiimi suhetes Duganiga, see on küll kena ootuspärane ja nii, nagu asjad ühes lasteraamatus minema peaksid. peaaegu et loodaks, et tiim Costeau hakkab ühel päeval ka Cruzi suurt probleemi tiimina lahendama. aga vaadates, kuidas edeneb Bryndisel, keda ei võeta kampa isegi pärast kõike, mis ta eelmises raamatus korda saatis (ja kuigi ta Cruzile kohutavalt meeldib ja on Sailori parim sõbranna jne), siis ma ses osas hinge kinni ei hoiaks.
nagu eelmise raamatu lõpus pärast pikka ähvardamist selgus, võetigi Cruzi isa pantvangi ja ainult Cruzile öeldi, kes ja miks (no kes see ikka, ja muidugi selleks, et Cruz oma šifritükid loovutaks). ok, ma saan aru, et ma ei tohiks norida selle osas, et 12-aastased ei käitu väga ratsionaalselt ega targalt (kuigi need pidid ju olema maailma kõiga targemad 12-aastased?), aga... mõned asjad jutu sisemises loogikas mu jaoks ikkagi ei klapi ja ma ikka veel ei saa aru, miks kriitilist infot ei jagata tädi Marisoli kui kindalt usaldusväärse täiskasvanuga? jaa, väljapressijad ütlesid Cruzile "ära räägi kellelegi, muidu isa sureb", aga Cruz rääkis esimese asjana Emmettile ja Sailorile, nii et miks mitte tädile?
(mumst me ei tohiks lastele jätta muljet, et on okei kuulata/uskuda täiskasvanuid, kes ütlevad "las see jääb meie omavaheliseks saladuseks, ära kellelegi teisele räägi, muidu läheb väga halvasti.")
ja selles loos muutub tõeliselt väsitavaks see "keegi teine ei tohi end ohtu seada" heroism, mida Cruz pidevalt rakendab, selle asemel, et abi vastu võtta ja tiimina tegutseda. õnneks päästab päeva Lani, kes teda järjekindlalt ignoreerib ja ikka teeb, mis vaja. noh, ja muidugi üldse see lugu ei jõuaks kuhugi, kui teised käiksid Cruzi sõnade, mitte tegude järgi.
see-eest hakkab siin vaikselt sulama jää tiimi suhetes Duganiga, see on küll kena ootuspärane ja nii, nagu asjad ühes lasteraamatus minema peaksid. peaaegu et loodaks, et tiim Costeau hakkab ühel päeval ka Cruzi suurt probleemi tiimina lahendama. aga vaadates, kuidas edeneb Bryndisel, keda ei võeta kampa isegi pärast kõike, mis ta eelmises raamatus korda saatis (ja kuigi ta Cruzile kohutavalt meeldib ja on Sailori parim sõbranna jne), siis ma ses osas hinge kinni ei hoiaks.
February 1, 2021
My name is Lani, and I wish I was on the Orion with my best friend Cruz and the other explorers. They get to go on missions in Norway and Spain to save the environment. However, a company called Nebula is trying to force Cruz to give up his mother's journal and the pieces of stone with her secret formula on them. They've already tried drowning him here in Hawaii and burying him under ice in Norway. Cruz is determined to follow his mother's clues in order to complete a formula that could save millions of lives. Nebula isn't ready to give up, and they've upped their efforts to threaten Cruz. His father has gone missing from the surf shop, but luckily, I'm able to investigate his disappearance using my inventions.
You should read the previous two books in the series first. The title refers to a mark on Cruz's wrist, and its meaning is an ongoing mystery. This time, there are chapters from Nebula's point of view, so you'll be somewhat aware of what they're up to. However, it's still unclear which characters are good and bad. The last book said one of the explorers is working for Nebula, so everyone except for Cruz is suspect. I find myself wondering if a close friend or the cute girl on his team might be working against him. Cruz's roommate behaves strangely at times, although book one seemed to dismiss him as a spy. It seems probable that another staff member will be bad too, since that's happened in the first two books. The question is, which one? The series includes all kinds of impossible inventions, including a multi-sensory virtual room that's incredibly realistic and a PANDA that can analyze objects for DNA. It will then project an image of a moment sometime shortly before the creature's death. The books are easy to read, and I enjoy the science, mystery, and adventure of the stories. The author manages to withhold surprises that can be added if the series' plot ever starts to get stale. Overall, I like what I'm reading and recommend you give it a shot.
You should read the previous two books in the series first. The title refers to a mark on Cruz's wrist, and its meaning is an ongoing mystery. This time, there are chapters from Nebula's point of view, so you'll be somewhat aware of what they're up to. However, it's still unclear which characters are good and bad. The last book said one of the explorers is working for Nebula, so everyone except for Cruz is suspect. I find myself wondering if a close friend or the cute girl on his team might be working against him. Cruz's roommate behaves strangely at times, although book one seemed to dismiss him as a spy. It seems probable that another staff member will be bad too, since that's happened in the first two books. The question is, which one? The series includes all kinds of impossible inventions, including a multi-sensory virtual room that's incredibly realistic and a PANDA that can analyze objects for DNA. It will then project an image of a moment sometime shortly before the creature's death. The books are easy to read, and I enjoy the science, mystery, and adventure of the stories. The author manages to withhold surprises that can be added if the series' plot ever starts to get stale. Overall, I like what I'm reading and recommend you give it a shot.
October 16, 2019
Cruz Coronado’s thirteenth birthday is fast approaching and he’s still on the hunt for the puzzle pieces his mother hid and left for him before she died. But the nefarious Nebula is also still after the puzzle pieces, and determined to destroy Cruz. Aunt Marisol has left the Orion (the Explorer Academy ship Cruz is studying on) to search for his missing father, and Cruz must stay behind and continue his search and his studies. And his search leads Cruz, Emmett, and Sailor to the ruins in Petra, Jordan. What will they find there? Will it take Cruz closer to uncovering the mystery behind Nebula and his mother’s death? Will he make it to his thirteenth birthday?
Trudi Trueit’s spectacular and cinematic middle-grade Explorer Academy series, continues with the thrilling and engaging third book, The Double Helix!
Once again, Trueit offers young readers a thrillingly fast-paced, expertly researched, utterly engrossing story that is simply unputdownable! Like books one and two in this series, The Double Helix takes readers on a breathtaking journey to faraway places, introduces the coolest tech; gadgets; science; and concepts, and encourages readers to use their creativity, think critically, and explore the world around them. Mystery, action, clever puzzles, captivating educational moments, relatable characters, and the cinematic illustrations all collide, taking readers on an unforgettable thrill ride and reading experience.
Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, Lani, and Bryndis continue to be a wonderfully diverse, capable, and likable group of young characters. Young readers will love getting to know these beloved characters even better in book three, while learning more interesting information about the baddies, as well as meeting some intriguing new characters.
There is so much about this series that I love- the clever mystery, the exciting adventure, the smart STEM elements, the awesome young characters- and The Double Helix is another compelling addition to this phenomenal series!
Trudi Trueit’s spectacular and cinematic middle-grade Explorer Academy series, continues with the thrilling and engaging third book, The Double Helix!
Once again, Trueit offers young readers a thrillingly fast-paced, expertly researched, utterly engrossing story that is simply unputdownable! Like books one and two in this series, The Double Helix takes readers on a breathtaking journey to faraway places, introduces the coolest tech; gadgets; science; and concepts, and encourages readers to use their creativity, think critically, and explore the world around them. Mystery, action, clever puzzles, captivating educational moments, relatable characters, and the cinematic illustrations all collide, taking readers on an unforgettable thrill ride and reading experience.
Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, Lani, and Bryndis continue to be a wonderfully diverse, capable, and likable group of young characters. Young readers will love getting to know these beloved characters even better in book three, while learning more interesting information about the baddies, as well as meeting some intriguing new characters.
There is so much about this series that I love- the clever mystery, the exciting adventure, the smart STEM elements, the awesome young characters- and The Double Helix is another compelling addition to this phenomenal series!
November 27, 2019
Why I chose this book:
Because I could hardly wait to read it after The Nebula Secret and The Falcon's Feather. A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review
As I sit down to write this, my husband says across the cafe table, "You can write that your husband is sick of hearing how much you liked this book." Apparently, I've been raving to him about it for the past several days without even realizing it. I knew I had a book hangover and that I wish Book 4 were already available, but apparently I'm worse off than I thought. I haven't gotten this wrapped up in a series of middle-grade books since The Giver and Ranger's Apprentice when I was teaching 6th grade.
The Double Helix is like if National Geographic produced a young people's version of James Bond/Mission Impossible/Indiana Jones. There are amazing gadgets, puzzles to solve, tomb robbers to thwart, artifacts to uncover, and kidnappers to catch. And Cruz, Sailor, Emmett, and Lani navigate all this at age 12 while in school. If you haven't read the first two books, then The Double Helix wouldn't make sense. The characters are on the hunt for the third cipher — in Petra! Nebula (the evil big Pharma corporation) continues to threaten Cruz's life while also trying to get the cipher from him. The ending is both satisfying and a cliffhanger. Book 4 can't come fast enough.
Explorer Academy is a series that I recommend for middle grade readers (literally, when I am asked for gift recommendations, I suggest these books). It's thrilling and inspiring. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a bunch of aspiring archeologists, conservationists, and inventors out of the Explorer Academy readers.
Because I could hardly wait to read it after The Nebula Secret and The Falcon's Feather. A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review
As I sit down to write this, my husband says across the cafe table, "You can write that your husband is sick of hearing how much you liked this book." Apparently, I've been raving to him about it for the past several days without even realizing it. I knew I had a book hangover and that I wish Book 4 were already available, but apparently I'm worse off than I thought. I haven't gotten this wrapped up in a series of middle-grade books since The Giver and Ranger's Apprentice when I was teaching 6th grade.
The Double Helix is like if National Geographic produced a young people's version of James Bond/Mission Impossible/Indiana Jones. There are amazing gadgets, puzzles to solve, tomb robbers to thwart, artifacts to uncover, and kidnappers to catch. And Cruz, Sailor, Emmett, and Lani navigate all this at age 12 while in school. If you haven't read the first two books, then The Double Helix wouldn't make sense. The characters are on the hunt for the third cipher — in Petra! Nebula (the evil big Pharma corporation) continues to threaten Cruz's life while also trying to get the cipher from him. The ending is both satisfying and a cliffhanger. Book 4 can't come fast enough.
Explorer Academy is a series that I recommend for middle grade readers (literally, when I am asked for gift recommendations, I suggest these books). It's thrilling and inspiring. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a bunch of aspiring archeologists, conservationists, and inventors out of the Explorer Academy readers.
March 16, 2020
Well, that ended too quickly. And now I have to wait. Bummer. (Checking date to see when the next one comes out...double bummer!)
I love this group of friends and not exactly friends. These kids are a wonderful read, and I will continue to recommend these books! I have my suspicions about someone in the group which rather makes me sad (what is it with the animal nicknames...haha).
Ever since seeing "Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail" I have been excited about Petra. Reading about the hordes of tourists there was a reality slap. Oh, right. I guess everyone wants to see it just like me! Well, there goes that fantasy of wandering all alone through dusty streets and making a brilliant discovery. (Laughing at myself here). Every book in this series has taken us someplace new and not exactly on every child's radar. Or at least I wouldn't guess that most middle-schoolers would know all about the Seed Vault or Petra. Maybe I am wrong?
Looking forward to the next book, and hopefully better choices made on the MCs parts?
I love this group of friends and not exactly friends. These kids are a wonderful read, and I will continue to recommend these books! I have my suspicions about someone in the group which rather makes me sad (what is it with the animal nicknames...haha).
Ever since seeing "Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail" I have been excited about Petra. Reading about the hordes of tourists there was a reality slap. Oh, right. I guess everyone wants to see it just like me! Well, there goes that fantasy of wandering all alone through dusty streets and making a brilliant discovery. (Laughing at myself here). Every book in this series has taken us someplace new and not exactly on every child's radar. Or at least I wouldn't guess that most middle-schoolers would know all about the Seed Vault or Petra. Maybe I am wrong?
Looking forward to the next book, and hopefully better choices made on the MCs parts?
July 31, 2020
Another great book in this series! I've been reading these books aloud to D. (during covid-19 summer). We've enjoyed this series so much. In this book, Cruz and the explorers are aboard the ship Orion. Cruz decided that the safest hiding spot in the ship for the 2 cipher pieces was in Hubbard's (Taryn's dog) life vest. Two of the destinations they traveled to were Barcelona and Turkey. He, Emmett and Sailor figured out how to fix his mother's holo-journal (by spending the night in the ship's greenhouse so that the journal could soak up enough light to repair itself). They found the 3rd cipher piece in Petra, Jordan, the rose city. Cruz's dad was rescued from his kidnappers by Aunt Marisol and Lani in Hawaii. There were several unsolved mysteries in this book - Cruz spotted Malcolm Rook (explorer academy's ex-librarian) in Barcelona, their is a mystery door in the ship where he saw Jericho Miles (from Synthesis) enter in, there was a mystery girl in Petra. The book ended while the explorers were in Turkey (exploring an undiscovered archaeological site), Professor Luben (Aunt Marisol's sub while she was in Hawaii) suggested Cruz go uphill and check out an outcrop. Cruz went alone and it seemed someone pushed him into a deep hole and that's how the book ends, with Cruz in the hole that has lots of skulls in it, with none of his tech gear (not his school tablet, not the mel bee, his comm pin doesn't work)...so now we wait for the next book...anxiously!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
Another great book in this series! I've been reading these books aloud to D. (during covid-19 summer). We've enjoyed this series so much. In this book, Cruz and the explorers are aboard the ship Orion. Cruz decided that the safest hiding spot in the ship for the 2 cipher pieces was in Hubbard's (Taryn's dog) life vest. Two of the destinations they traveled to were Barcelona and Turkey. He, Emmett and Sailor figured out how to fix his mother's holo-journal (by spending the night in the ship's greenhouse so that the journal could soak up enough light to repair itself). They found the 3rd cipher piece in Petra, Jordan, the rose city. Cruz's dad was rescued from his kidnappers by Aunt Marisol and Lani in Hawaii. There were several unsolved mysteries in this book - Cruz spotted Malcolm Rook (explorer academy's ex-librarian) in Barcelona, their is a mystery door in the ship where he saw Jericho Miles (from Synthesis) enter in, there was a mystery girl in Petra. The book ended while the explorers were in Turkey (exploring an undiscovered archaeological site), Professor Luben (Aunt Marisol's sub while she was in Hawaii) suggested Cruz go uphill and check out an outcrop. Cruz went alone and it seemed someone pushed him into a deep hole and that's how the book ends, with Cruz in the hole that has lots of skulls in it, with none of his tech gear (not his school tablet, not the mel bee, his comm pin doesn't work)...so now we wait for the next book...anxiously!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 7, 2021Al contrario dei primi due, dove il ritmo era incalzante, in questo terzo episodio Trudi Trueit si prende un attimo di tranquillità per tirare le somme. Siamo arrivati a un punto della storia in cui c’è tanta carne al fuoco, i misteri da svelare sono parecchi e le connessioni tra i vari personaggi si fanno sempre più intricate. Se la prima parte serve a rinfrescarci la memoria, nella seconda l’autrice mette di nuovo la quarta: una donna bionda che appare all’improvviso e che sembra sapere tutto su Nebula, un uomo che avrebbe dovuto essere in prigione ma che invece riappare tra le vie di Barcellona; e ancora, il rapimento del papà di Cruz, il segreto della voglia a forma di doppia elica … Diciamo che la lettura di Explorer Academy non annoia mai.
Inoltre, tutti i personaggi stanno maturando. Se nel primo libro abbiamo fatto la conoscenza di un Cruz immaturo, istintivo e un pochino svogliato, in questo il lettore noterà in lui dei cambiamenti, sia nel carattere, sia nel modo di affrontare determinate situazioni.
Inoltre, tutti i personaggi stanno maturando. Se nel primo libro abbiamo fatto la conoscenza di un Cruz immaturo, istintivo e un pochino svogliato, in questo il lettore noterà in lui dei cambiamenti, sia nel carattere, sia nel modo di affrontare determinate situazioni.
August 13, 2024
Cruz Coronado should be having the time of his life aboard ship at Explorer Academy, sailing across the world to exotic destinations, but instead he's on edge, waiting for Nebula to make their next move. The secret organization that could be responsible for his mother's death is after him and his mother's cipher. Will Nebula succeed to get rid of Cruz before his thirteenth birthday? And why is that date so important to the organization?
The only reason that I gave this book 4.75 in my reading journal instead of 5 stars is that the author had the audacity to leave me on a cliffhanger. 😂 Seriously though, I can't wait to read the next book! The adventure was absolutely amazing! I couldn't stop reading - I had to flip the page to find out what happened next! Trust me, when you read the first book in the series, (this one is the third book) you'll be as sucked into Cruz's world as much as I was and still am!
I hope you like this book as much as I do!
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations!
The only reason that I gave this book 4.75 in my reading journal instead of 5 stars is that the author had the audacity to leave me on a cliffhanger. 😂 Seriously though, I can't wait to read the next book! The adventure was absolutely amazing! I couldn't stop reading - I had to flip the page to find out what happened next! Trust me, when you read the first book in the series, (this one is the third book) you'll be as sucked into Cruz's world as much as I was and still am!
I hope you like this book as much as I do!
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations!
May 6, 2020
Cruz and his friends are still at the Academy, but something has happened. Cruz’s dad is missing and his aunt Marisol wants Cruz to stay with Dr. Luben and continue searching for the missing pieces of the puzzle his mom left for him while she searches for his dad. As always, these plans changed a bit, when Cruz received a mysterious email from Nebula who let him know they have his father and will contact him at the explorer Halloween party. Nebula wants the cipher pieces. The search was on to find his dad, find missing pieces and enlist the help of his friends to stop Nebula.
This is another exciting, action packed mystery with plenty of cool puzzles for your readers to solve. Readers will also learn about cool technology and history. Parents and teachers will enjoy sharing this read that’s perfect for the curious kid looking for an adventure.
This is another exciting, action packed mystery with plenty of cool puzzles for your readers to solve. Readers will also learn about cool technology and history. Parents and teachers will enjoy sharing this read that’s perfect for the curious kid looking for an adventure.
December 9, 2019
I liked this book more than the first two. This one is fast paced adventures, while the other books sometimes give too many details about his doubts and feelings, and less action.
I look forward for the next book, however two things were a little disappointing.
- When Cruz read the marmalade message, knowing that there's someone from Nebula in the ship, the first thought would have been taking the plate with the message to use the PANDA with it to try to see if there is some human human DNA to give him clues about who is the spy.
- I read and re-read to see if I missed a page, but I think he didn't check the DNA results on his tablet and instead went to see the stars and then the adventure in Turkey without checking the results. Odd.
I look forward for the next book, however two things were a little disappointing.
- When Cruz read the marmalade message, knowing that there's someone from Nebula in the ship, the first thought would have been taking the plate with the message to use the PANDA with it to try to see if there is some human human DNA to give him clues about who is the spy.
- I read and re-read to see if I missed a page, but I think he didn't check the DNA results on his tablet and instead went to see the stars and then the adventure in Turkey without checking the results. Odd.
December 27, 2022
This is the third book in the Explorer Academy series. I enjoy junior fiction, and this is a great read. There are many aspects of this series that make it worth suggesting and promoting to young readers, teachers, and librarians. The tie in with National Geographic and real people who have expertise in the fields of archaeology, science, oceanography, and space science make this an informative series. I encourage all readers to check out the website and do other research pertinent to each book. The stories also encourage young writers to be involved in other activities that would enhance their writing, as these stories do. It reveals all the fields of occupation that can be found for anyone that is curious and cares about the Earth we live on.
March 26, 2023
De vermissing van Cruz' vader.
Deel 3 van 7 van de Explorer Academy boekenserie.
Tante Marisol gaat van boord van 'De Orion' om haar broer, Cruz' vader, te zoeken. Hierdoor blijft Cruz alleen maar met zijn vrienden achter op het ontdekkingsreizigers schip, welke inmiddels koers heeft gezet naar Spanje en de middellandse zee.
Cruz moet er nu achter zien te komen waar het 3e deel van de formule verstopt is, maar daarvoor moet eerst het dagboek van zijn moeder worden gemaakt. Dit is echter niet de enige uitdaging, aangezien Nebula hun ook op de hielen zit en ze dichterbij zijn dan ooit.
Een leuk en meeslepend verhaal om te lezen.
Deel 3 van 7 van de Explorer Academy boekenserie.
Tante Marisol gaat van boord van 'De Orion' om haar broer, Cruz' vader, te zoeken. Hierdoor blijft Cruz alleen maar met zijn vrienden achter op het ontdekkingsreizigers schip, welke inmiddels koers heeft gezet naar Spanje en de middellandse zee.
Cruz moet er nu achter zien te komen waar het 3e deel van de formule verstopt is, maar daarvoor moet eerst het dagboek van zijn moeder worden gemaakt. Dit is echter niet de enige uitdaging, aangezien Nebula hun ook op de hielen zit en ze dichterbij zijn dan ooit.
Een leuk en meeslepend verhaal om te lezen.
February 5, 2025
I am really enjoying this series. It’s a great combination of mystery/adventure and travel. The plot line keeps the book engaging while intermingling history, geography and science into the storyline. The science fiction aspect of the technological features of the explorers uniforms and boat are a fun feature that doesn’t feel all that far out in concept. They feel like near futuristic technology
I would recommend reading this series in order as the story builds upon itself. This installment finds Cruz and his friends in Barcelona, Turkey, and Petra. All are fascinating places to travel to in literary fashion. Both Petra and Istanbul are on my personal bucket list and even more so now that I have read about Cruz’s adventures there.
I would recommend reading this series in order as the story builds upon itself. This installment finds Cruz and his friends in Barcelona, Turkey, and Petra. All are fascinating places to travel to in literary fashion. Both Petra and Istanbul are on my personal bucket list and even more so now that I have read about Cruz’s adventures there.
March 5, 2020
I forgot to enter when I read the first two books. I really enjoy this series. I'm guessing it's supposed to be a middle grade by the age of the protagonists. The whole premise requires quite a bit of suspension of disbelief, but most science fiction does, so I can deal with that. Sci fi and adventure and lots of pre-teen wish fulfillment. At least it's intelligent and not bogged down with sexual tension or other cliche tropes. Why aren't there many good books like this for ADULTS? Kids get all the fun.
September 5, 2021
The third book of Explorer Academy is here! I feel that this is a four-and-a-half star book.
It's as good as or almost as good as the first book of Explorer Academy and much better than the second book, which I feel was a bit heavy and uninteresting (at least compared to the first). This book feels a bit heavy at some times while adventure and suspense are always coming up.
He's not going to give up with Nebula, is he, huh? During the Spice Bazaar adventure, I feel that Cruz barely escaped and a more realistic or detailed time would be nice, although it is absolutely great as it is!
It's as good as or almost as good as the first book of Explorer Academy and much better than the second book, which I feel was a bit heavy and uninteresting (at least compared to the first). This book feels a bit heavy at some times while adventure and suspense are always coming up.
He's not going to give up with Nebula, is he, huh? During the Spice Bazaar adventure, I feel that Cruz barely escaped and a more realistic or detailed time would be nice, although it is absolutely great as it is!
November 6, 2020
Book three in the Explorer Academy series continues the adventures of Cruz Coronado. I am enjoying this series highlighting science and hyper-science mixed with adventure and mystery. This book takes the reader to Petra, Jordan. Although I have never been there in person, I researched the ancient city for a class on the historical geography of Palestine. My research was a little more boring than this middle-grade novel. This is a good read for young readers.
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