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?

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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.

The Lens and the Looker by Lory Kaufman

Publication Date: 3/16/2011

Publisher: The Fiction Studio

Pages: 336

Format: Paperback

Source: Book Tour

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

There's hope for the future, but what about the past?

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

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After reading that summary, how could you not want to read this book?  It is a perfect mix of a post-dystopian society and historical fiction.  On top of the great mix, I felt like I was learning more about history as I read it.

Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln are spoiled teenagers who have all been transported back in time further than they think.  Usually these students would participate in a History Camp to learn more about the society of the past, but these three have found themselves actually transporting to the past because of their consistent feeling that history is not important.  They need to learn how to live in this new life so they can survive and make it back to the present time.  

The characters were very dynamic.  Hansum is the oldest and I would say the most mature out of the group.  He seems to step up and take his role as the protector of them all.  Shamira is very artistic and great at what she does.  She almost seems like a mother to Lincoln.  Lincoln would have to be the worse of them all.  I couldn't stand his constant whining and complaining.  He didn't seem to understand that he needed to play along to make it.  He kept questioning authority and getting himself in much more trouble than he needed.  The three reminded me a lot of typical teenagers.  Not all teenagers are the same, and these three definitely represented that idea.  I had a lot of hope for them to make it and succeed in their crazy life.

The storyline was intriguing and well-written.  I was kept at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen to these three teens.  There were dangers and diseases lurking everywhere.  Would they make it back?  Would they all die in 1347 Verona?  I loved the historical references and the inside look into the lens-maker trade.  These three teens were put into a difficult situation and had to make the decision whether to try to survive this experience and learn from it or try their hardest to get back to the present time sooner.  This was a gripping and thrilling novel.  I don't typically read a lot of historical fiction, but mixing it with a post-dystopian society was an amazing accomplishment.  I can't wait to start The Bronze and the Brimstone.



**I was provided with this novel free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion and review.**