The Lens and the Looker: Book 1 in the Verona Trilogy [Kindle Edition]

Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln are all "hard cases" from the 24th century. They are spoiled, lazy, and resilient to the lessons that the elders of their society try to teach. In a desperate measure to get the teens to learn from their mistakes, they are whisked away to History Camp--a reenactment of some of the hardest times from history. History Camps are designed to teach even the hardest 24th century kids a lesson about the past. Unfortunately, Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln are too smart for their own good; they manage to disrupt the "lesson." Thinking that they have successfully interrupted the History Camp Elder's plans, the three teens are surprised to find themselves being approached by a time-traveling man. This man--Artemis--transports (i.e. kidnaps) the teens to the real 14th century Verona, Italy.

Suddenly the teens aren't as interested in causing mischief as they are in their own survival. Life in Verona during 1347 is much different from anything they have ever experienced! Luckily, they have the help of Pan and knowledge of future technologies to make their new lives easier. However, they learn that all knowledge comes with a price--an extremely high price. When things go terribly wrong, and they find themselves permanently trapped in 1347, the three teens are forced to find a way to survive, even if it means disrupting the course of history.

The premise of this story was fascinating. It reminded me of H.G. Wells' The Time Machine. In Lory Kaufman's book, The Lens and the Looker, three incredibly spoiled teens find themselves reaching "the last straw" with the adults in their 24th century society. Being the arrogant teenagers they are they go off to History Camp with the sole purpose to torment the adults, instead of learning any valuable life lessons. There wasn't a lot of attention given to the future world since the majority of the story takes place in the past. I was very impressed with the amount of detail that went in to creating 1347 Verona, Italy. The descriptions of the characters were fantastic--even when the descriptions were revolting! This story was a post-dystopian sci-fi read with a hint of historical fiction thrown in. A very interesting combination!

If you're wondering about the pacing, it was quick and steady. The first few chapters were interesting, but they were slow in comparison to the remainder of the story. I would have liked to have had some resolution with the character Ugilino at the end of the book. Having him scurry off to the medicine woman and then not being mentioned again was a little disappointing. Since this is the first book in a series, I'm sure he will resurface in the next book. I also liked that the characters did learn lessons throughout the story, and they didn't all learn them at the same time. Each character had a different challenge to work out and come to terms with. Watching them struggle throughout the story made them very believable. On a side note, the Italian used in the book was impressive. I'm glad Pan was there to translate for me, or else I would have been very confused!

Overall, this was a well-written, fast paced science fiction read. I'm not typically a fan of science fiction, but I enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about 14th century Verona and lens making (who knew books could teach you things!). I liked how the book didn't feel like science fiction; it was more historical fiction with a few "out there" twists thrown in. This gets a solid 4 from me. The second book is already finished (I couldn't help but read the snippets at the end), and it looks even better!

I thought this was a very interesting concept. I feel like all too often our current society forgets to reflect on the past in order to gain perspective and knowledge of ways to improve our future. History does often repeat itself.

For the most part, the book was well written. I felt like this book could have been shorter, several scenes became wordy and over explained. The character development was well done, I felt I knew the different personalities and could relate to their emotions and situations. The biggest problem I had was the language. There are a couple of swear words that not only were unnecessary, but out of context for the 14th century. I labeled this book as Young Adult, but I really feel like the story would be best suited for children 10 -15 years old, minus the language. It's a shame, I think E would have really liked this book.

The storyline was entertaining, unique and adventurous - not always believable, but a fun read. I love the unknown of whether or not they are still under the protection of the History Camp Elders. I look forward to following the series to see what happens next with our 3 Hard Cases. It was certainly fun to watch them grow and fill their new roles in this ancient society.

The Lens and the Looker is book one in the Verona Series (History Camp: the Verona Trilogy)

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln are three teenagers who like to create chaos wherever they go. They don't like to follow rules or listen to their elders and for that reason, they are sentenced to a session at History Camp where for the next two weeks, they will live in 14th century Verona, serving their time while living the hard reality of another.

Arriving at their destination, the three work to upset the balance of their teachers and enactors. Working as "apprentices" to an eye glass maker, the three play a few pranks and earn the wrath of their elders and are sent to bed without any supper. However, before they can decide if they have pushed the gambit too far, a mysterious man, who speaks in rhyme and prose, appears and whisks them through a time travel portal and takes them to the real Verona, a place where their are no teachers to stop the program and protect them. The three must learn to survive until the mysterious stranger arrives to take them back home.

Again, they are placed in the care of an eye glass maker and his family. Believing they aren't really in dangers harm, the three conspire to do the same and bring the attentions of the teachers to their aid. However, there is no one listening and when accidents befall them, they realize that they are in this for real and only their wits will keep them alive. Changing the course of history, the three begin to realize that if they make the wrong choice or influence the wrong thing, then maybe they will undo their own existence and change history forever!

I really enjoyed this book and the characters portrayed within. The concept of History Camps is a rather interesting one and the ability to go back in time and experience life first hand would be a very creative way to spend your time. I enjoyed the characters and the humour that ensues. I found everyone to be believable in their roles and the history that is dispersed throughout the pages, concerning ancient Verona, were most enjoyable to read. It's like getting a history lesson without even realizing it!

There are a few minor expletives, but nothing that defracts from the enjoyment of the story, and the violence is mild to moderate. The background description of their place in history was well done and I could almost imagine myself walking through the streets of the market. The mystery of how the children will return keeps you reading to see where their antics are going to lead them next as well, their coming into their own was well-balanced and read well. At first you disliked the spoiled, rude, obnoxious children but as the story progresses you watch them mature and come to love them, even Lincoln, whose sassy mouth continously lands him into troubles of some sort or another.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, I would recommend this for young adults and anyone who enjoys fantasy and history combined. I think author Lory Kaufman has done a magnificent job of creating a fantasy that can give us a break from our reality for a few hours.