The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory Kaufman

I am ecstatic to be a part of this tour AGAIN!  I was lucky enough to be able to feature Kaufman's other novel, The Lens and the Looker earlier this month.

About the Author:

“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.

To find out more about Lory visit www.history-camp.com.

About the Novel:

Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Series: The Verona Trilogy #2
Publisher: The Fiction Studio
Published: April 29th 2011

What could go wrong in the 14th-century for three time-traveling teens?   How 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 consume everyone.

Do they have a future in this past?

My Thoughts:

I really like this series...it is fun, engaging, edge-of-your-seat novel that is out of the norm.  I love the references to history of the world that you don't typically find in young adult literature.

There are depths to this novel (and series) that young adults desperately need - it is refreshing to see something a little outside of the typical contemporary fiction that includes vampires and werewolves.    The characters are believable, and you are vested in their adventure. 

I highly recommend this one to upper middle and high school teachers, this is one to add to the classroom library!