The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S. Kaufman

Publication Date: 6-7-2011

Publisher: Fiction Studio Books
Pages: 336

Format: Paperback

Source: Book Tour
Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

What could go wrong in the 14th-centur for three time-traveling teens? Hoa about - EVERYTHING!

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th-century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy.  They've survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past.  Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention of the rich and powerful.

But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations.  The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder.  Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum's every move. 

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disastrous consequences.  Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed - at least until he's shot in the head with an arrow.  And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master's beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona.  To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge.  Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona - and it is threatening to consumer everyone.  Do they have a future in this past?

____________________________________________________________________________

The Bronze and the Brimstone is the sequel to The Lens and the Looker, the first book in the Verona Trilogy.  Just by reading the summary to this novel, I could tell it would be interesting.  These three teens learned to survive in old times by introducing new technology, which has certainly backfired on them.  Kaufman once again used both a futuristic society and history to make an outstanding novel.  I couldn't put it down!  

Hansum is definitely the leader of this group and the most dynamic of characters.  He uses his smarts to get himself in lots of trouble, yet stay in the good graces of the rulers.  Shamira is an amazing artist who has taken well to her kitchen duties, but still is to naive and trusting at times.  Lincoln is the youngest, but has grown-up a lot in this book and the last.  He is coming into his own and finding a way to survive.


This particular installment follows the lives of these three mostly from Hansum's point of view.  We learn more about what is going on while he is away, and the emotional turmoil he is put through in trying to earn a living and keep his 'family' together.  Hansum's wife becomes gravely ill and while trying to save her things go horribly wrong.  I was surprised at the ending of this novel.  Since there is a third yet for this trilogy, I wasn't sure what to think.  The book ended in a way which was entirely unexpected based upon what was happening.  I was terrified for these three young teenagers.  Their lives took an awful turn that didn't seem to have a bright side.  Yet, Kaufman shows us there is always something good to look towards.  I'm very excited to read the final book in this trilogy.  It is such a great mix of my current love of dystopian novels and a bit of history so I learn new things as well.