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.
Series Overview:
The Lens and the Looker is the first book of The Verona Trilogy. It’s followed by The Bronze and the Brimstone and The Loved and the Lost.
The series takes readers along on the life-changing journey of three 24th century teens. While the three protagonists appear quite immature in the first half of The Lens and the Looker, this is not a series aimed exclusively at young teens. Lory Kaufman says he writes for readers 13 to 113, (and precocious 12-year-olds) This is borne out by the fact that about half the readership of the series is adult.
What many readers say they love about this series is its wonderful mix of science fiction (the future) and historical fiction (the past). While there’s time travel, there are also sword fights, and while there are detailed descriptions of ancient technologies, the story also includes many colorful characters who just happen to be artificial intelligences. There’s allusions to a Romeo and Juliet love story and also characters who have murderous intentions toward the lovers. And the setting? Many readers are praising the accurately described historical setting of 14th century Verona Italy, where much of the story takes place.
**
Review
"The first Verona science fiction story is a terrific thought provoking tale.... The Lens and the Looker is a super opening act." --Midwest Book Review
"The Lens and the Looker did a wonderful job taking you back in time. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and romance." --That Teen Can Blog
"This was a great read! Lory Kaufman did such a wonderful job with this novel and I really recommend this to anyone who is even remotely interested in history, time travel, post-dystopian, or just a really good book! I am excited for the next in this series!" --I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read
"This story has a little bit of everything - action, mystery, drama, and even some romance. I think teens and adults will be hooked from the beginning of the page." --Novel Talk
"If you enjoy Young Adult novels and/or have an interest in time travel or history The Lens and the Looker is Highly Recommended." --Libdrone Book Reviews
"Definitely one of the more unique books that I've read in a while, The Lens and the Looker blends both historical fiction and a bit of post-dystopian fiction into a perfect mixture of a book....I cannot wait to find out what adventures these three teens will go on next." --Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
"I found this to be a great read....I highly recommend this story and the entire series." --One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
About the Author
"I write Post-Dystopian fiction. Aftersociety's collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories,humans will either fade into history with the dinosaurs or, if it learns theright lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens ofthousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young peopledoing the latter." -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory Kaufman's career, he'swritten, acted and directed children's theatre and musical theatre. Heenjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historicalfiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across NorthAmerica. He has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.
Description:
BOOK #1 of The Verona Trilogy:
Young Adult, Post-Dystopian Fiction
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.
Series Overview:
The Lens and the Looker is the first book of The Verona Trilogy. It’s followed by The Bronze and the Brimstone and The Loved and the Lost.
The series takes readers along on the life-changing journey of three 24th century teens. While the three protagonists appear quite immature in the first half of The Lens and the Looker, this is not a series aimed exclusively at young teens. Lory Kaufman says he writes for readers 13 to 113, (and precocious 12-year-olds) This is borne out by the fact that about half the readership of the series is adult.
What many readers say they love about this series is its wonderful mix of science fiction (the future) and historical fiction (the past). While there’s time travel, there are also sword fights, and while there are detailed descriptions of ancient technologies, the story also includes many colorful characters who just happen to be artificial intelligences. There’s allusions to a Romeo and Juliet love story and also characters who have murderous intentions toward the lovers. And the setting? Many readers are praising the accurately described historical setting of 14th century Verona Italy, where much of the story takes place.
**
Review
"The first Verona science fiction story is a terrific thought provoking tale.... The Lens and the Looker is a super opening act." --Midwest Book Review
"The Lens and the Looker did a wonderful job taking you back in time. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and romance." --That Teen Can Blog
"This was a great read! Lory Kaufman did such a wonderful job with this novel and I really recommend this to anyone who is even remotely interested in history, time travel, post-dystopian, or just a really good book! I am excited for the next in this series!" --I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read
"This story has a little bit of everything - action, mystery, drama, and even some romance. I think teens and adults will be hooked from the beginning of the page." --Novel Talk
"If you enjoy Young Adult novels and/or have an interest in time travel or history The Lens and the Looker is Highly Recommended." --Libdrone Book Reviews
"Definitely one of the more unique books that I've read in a while, The Lens and the Looker blends both historical fiction and a bit of post-dystopian fiction into a perfect mixture of a book....I cannot wait to find out what adventures these three teens will go on next." --Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
"I found this to be a great read....I highly recommend this story and the entire series." --One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
About the Author
"I write Post-Dystopian fiction. Aftersociety's collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories,humans will either fade into history with the dinosaurs or, if it learns theright lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens ofthousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young peopledoing the latter." -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory Kaufman's career, he'swritten, acted and directed children's theatre and musical theatre. Heenjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historicalfiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across NorthAmerica. He has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.
Find out more at: lorykaufman.com