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Lory S. Kaufman

Author of The Lens and the Looker

3 Works 195 Members 33 Reviews

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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 went into this story a little worried, since again historical fiction doesn't generally tend to be my favorite genre. However Lory Kaufman has found a way to blend these two worlds together, and he creates characters that will captivate you and draw you in. Despite my original misgivings, this was a book that I completely enjoyed.

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln are all kids who are growing up in the year 2347. However during the course of the story, they are transported to the year 1347 in Verona, Italy. What I liked about these characters was how well they complimented one another. Hansum is the oldest, and although he has a snarky attitude sometimes, he's also very intelligent and perceptive. Shamira is good at understanding others, and kind of fills in the holes that they boys have in the emotional department. Then there's Lincoln of course, who kind of ends up as the comedic relief. He definitely has his share of insecurities, but he's also quite funny because of that! These characters bond together beautifully to pull you in and make you want to read on. I wanted to see what happened to them. Would they be smart enough and resourceful enough to make it through? One can only hope.

The setting of this book is mainly Verona in the 1300's. I'll admit that the one thing that I was a little disappointed in was that I didn't get to learn more about the world that these kids came from, before being deposited in the past. There are little snippets of their original home given out here and there, but as a person who is rather in love with dystopian and post-dystopian fiction, I really wanted to see what it was that they didn't appreciate. I suppose there was an inner part of me that wanted to compare right along with them. I know that I would be glad to be home after being in 1300's Verona, and we live in a time that is supposedly much less amazing than theirs!

Overall though I really enjoyed this story. The research that was done into this time period shines through on each page. Verona is described perfectly, right down to the less pleasant aspects of it during this time, and it is easy to find yourself transported there as you read. Add in characters who are intelligent, multi-faceted and downright intriguing, and you have a book that is quite a read. The Lens and the Looker is admittedly not something I would have chosen for myself, but that makes me all the more glad that I was offered it for review. It has changed my perception of the genre of historical fiction even more towards the positive side. I know that there is a sequel coming soon, and I cannot wait to find out what adventures these three teens will go on next. Thank you Lory Kaufman, for bringing a new world into my reading.
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roses7184 | 14 other reviews | Feb 5, 2019 |
The final book in the Verona Trilogy does not disappoint the readers! This final ending is a bittersweet story of one desperately, passionately trying to retrieve last love through time. Will time travel be able to change Hansum's & Guiletta's fate without disturbing historical events? Can Hansum persuade the Council to permit him and his friends to try? Perhaps if Hansum and his friends become the perfect citizens, it will help in his cause.

The 'Loved and the Lost ' also further explores the lives of Lincoln, & Shamira. With the changes in their lives, will they still want to help him or must he do it on his own if the Council agrees. Hansum's turmoil increases - as does situations encountered - and time passes by.

This ha been an interesting series in the viewpoint of the author. This dystopian series is much more realistic and feasible than most others I have read. Although some of the authors reasons after the end of his final chapter, I do not fully agree with, I still feel the reasoning is well thought through and bears consideration.

This book is recommended for YA of all ages. Adults will equally find this engaging.

This series was very well written with but a few crude words. Because of those few crude words and a slightly excessive "mulling" over events by Hansum, I still cannot give a full Five Stars rating.

Therefore in my review of this book, I offer a Four and a Half stars rating.

*This book was gifted to me for and honest review, of which I have given.
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½
 
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LAWonder10 | 6 other reviews | Jun 22, 2014 |
The events of this final installment of The Verona Trilogy had me both excited and shaking my head at the same time. I’m a stickler for timeline and continuity, so the entire premise was a little difficult for me, knowing that the ultimate results of everyone’s actions were unknown. At the same time, I wanted to see how this story would end, so I felt compelled to read to the end.

To read the rest of my review, please click target="_top">here.… (more)
 
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dorolerium | 6 other reviews | Jun 21, 2014 |
The adventures and action continues in this sequel of the Verona Trilogy! Hansum continues to flourish and prosper, always remembering his adopted family - the della Cappa's -, his beloved Guilietta, & his trusted friends - Shamira, Lincoln, and , of course Pan. The Princess Beatrice is a complication. Hansum becomes more confident and less reliant on Pan. Will this self-reliance become his undoing? Will his plan to win the Podesta's acceptance of Guilietta as his betrothed instead of Beatrice?

In this sequel of the Verona Trilogy, Hansum's well-thought-out plans explodes into an unexpected "hitch". New twists evolve and life takes some bitter-sweet shifts in direction.

The reader's interest is captivated throughout the book. However, there is brief profanity and there is a large portion of very graphic violence. definitely not recommended for younger teens.

The characters are created and sustained very well. They really "come to life". The action and surrounding scenes are very descriptive and vivid. The title is very fitting and the eye-catching book cover becomes very apparent part way through the book.

I just cannot give this book a five stars review rating with the intense violence and the occasional use of bad language. I, therefore, continue rating this with a Four Stars rating.

*This book was sent too me in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
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LAWonder10 | 10 other reviews | Jun 20, 2014 |

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Works
3
Members
195
Popularity
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Rating
½ 3.7
Reviews
33
ISBNs
7

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