THERE'S
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE,
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PAST?
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.
“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.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PAST?
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.
About Lory Kaufman
“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 KaufmanOn 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
Review:
I received this book as part of a blog tour for Lory S. Kaufman's book the Bronze and the Brimstone. I actually suggested this book from the editor. The synopsis drew me in. I was captured by the future world he wrote about. Remember this was all the synopsis though.
When I started the Lens and the Looker I was disappointed. The book didn't live up to the synopsis. I thought these history camps sounded awesome, and that they actually took you back in time. Well that wasn't the case and I had to kind of force myself to continue reading.
The Lens and the Looker is split up into three books. The first two still setting up the story and frankly not much to keep your interest. It wasn't until the third book that the book finally had my attention. Out of the whole book, I enjoyed the third book the most.
The characters were interesting. Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln were sent to a Hard-Time History Camp, which is where the "bad" kids go. These characters seemed dull. All they were planning was to mess up the History Camp and confuse the elders, but the best bad kids do that themselves. They don't plan this themselves, they have a little birdie plan it.
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book, even if it seemed like a really really cheesey romance. It was one of those cute romances that makes every girl wish they had a boyfriend as sweet as Hansum. I can't give away any more because I don't believe spoilers!
All in all the book was just okay. Which is good for me because I don't like time travel books, and yet I read a whole bunch of those kinds of books! I give this book 28 out of 51 tacos. Thank you to Lory Kaufman for including me in his book tour and letting me receive his books!
~~Sam
I received this book as part of a blog tour for Lory S. Kaufman's book the Bronze and the Brimstone. I actually suggested this book from the editor. The synopsis drew me in. I was captured by the future world he wrote about. Remember this was all the synopsis though.
When I started the Lens and the Looker I was disappointed. The book didn't live up to the synopsis. I thought these history camps sounded awesome, and that they actually took you back in time. Well that wasn't the case and I had to kind of force myself to continue reading.
The Lens and the Looker is split up into three books. The first two still setting up the story and frankly not much to keep your interest. It wasn't until the third book that the book finally had my attention. Out of the whole book, I enjoyed the third book the most.
The characters were interesting. Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln were sent to a Hard-Time History Camp, which is where the "bad" kids go. These characters seemed dull. All they were planning was to mess up the History Camp and confuse the elders, but the best bad kids do that themselves. They don't plan this themselves, they have a little birdie plan it.
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book, even if it seemed like a really really cheesey romance. It was one of those cute romances that makes every girl wish they had a boyfriend as sweet as Hansum. I can't give away any more because I don't believe spoilers!
All in all the book was just okay. Which is good for me because I don't like time travel books, and yet I read a whole bunch of those kinds of books! I give this book 28 out of 51 tacos. Thank you to Lory Kaufman for including me in his book tour and letting me receive his books!
~~Sam
