The Lens and The Looker

by Lory Kaufman

book one of the Verona Trilogy

Publisher: Fiction Studio

Publication date: March 16, 2011

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Do you like books about the past? Books about time travel?  You should love this book.  

A brief overview:

Hansum, Lincoln, and Shamira are three kids from the 24th century who are what we would call 'problem children'.  They don't pay attention in school and cause problems wherever and whenever they can.  They are juvenile delinquents in the making.   As a punishment, they must "do time" in a history camp.  A 

re-enactment of a time when life wasn't so easy.  The kids are sent to a camp representing Verona,Italy in 1347.  Does the date sound familiar?  Remember The Black Plague?   

Luckily for them, they have the assistance of an Artificial Intelligence genie named Pan. Pan is a genie whose goal is to cause havoc.   With help from Pan they cause problems in the camp..Remember, this is supposed to be a school of sorts.  Well, obviously they are not learning much.  

A strange traveller from the future named Arimus approaches the kids and takes them to the real Verona, Italy.  During the actual 14th century.  No prettified (is that a word?) camp with safety precautions in place.  The kids must find a way to survive, or die.

I like Mr. Kaufman's writing style.  This was a very well written book.  His descriptions of life in the history camp and then in 14th century Verona were just incredible.  He even went so far as to explain the differences in the 14th century between the camp and the actual Verona.  I love history and was fascinated by his descriptions of everyday life.  Next time you walk down the street, think about how you would feel (or smell) if your neighbor threw the contents of a chamber pot in front of you.

The three brats, I mean kids, were spoiled individuals.  I didn't think too much of them at first.  Slowly I began to change my mind.  We see them mature and grow.   

Remember, this is the first in a trilogy. 

The second book, The Bronze and the Brimstone is available now. 

Don't forget to check out the website that goes along with the books

History Camp

The website also contains a short bio of Mr. Kaufman and information about the second and third books in the trilogy.

Now for the fun part,

MR. Kaufman has graciously offered both the first and second books of the trilogy for a giveaway.

All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address.  If chosen (I use random.org)

I will send an email requesting your address.  I have the books in my possession.  The winner has 72 hours to return my email before I pick a new winner.

Book one

Book two

Yes, both can be yours by entering this giveaway!!