Friday, October 28, 2011

Review: The Lens and the Looker

Synopsis: From Goodreads.com

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.



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 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

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

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: #5

This weekly meme is hosted by Breaking the Spine!We bloggers can show what were waiting on to come out!!
This week I'm waiting on The Vicious Deep  by Zoraida Cordova
Set against the backdrop of a Coney Island summer comes The Vicious Deep, the story of sixteen year old Tristan Hart whose life is turned upside down when the mermaids make an unscheduled return to land in search of their new king.

When a sudden storm pulls Tristan from lifeguard duty into a deadly riptide, he discovers what he really is—a prince of the Sea Court. Turns out, his girlfriend hopping and talents as a swimmer aren’t caused by his teenage prime hormones after all.

In this modern Arthurian tale with a twist, when all a guy wants to do is get The Girl and enjoy the freak show that is a Coney Island summer, Tristan has to fight for his life, the lives of his friends, and his humanity, if he still wants it, as he’s caught in a race for a throne that is as ancient as the gods. ~ Goodreads.com
What are you waiting on this week?
~~Sam:)

Monday, October 24, 2011

Meet Me On Monday: #4

This weekly meme is hosted by Never Growing Old. She posts fun little questions on Sunday and we answer them on Monday!



1. My favorite kind of animal is_________? 
I think my favorite kind of animal is a penguin. I've always loved those little guys!

2. Do you like your handwriting?
Ha! Nope! My handwriting could be better... A lot better....

3. What is the last movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was Mama Mia! I absolutely adore that movie! 

4. Do you buy things on eBay?
Nope, I'd rather do Amazon!  

5. What did you have for lunch yesterday?
Panera Bread! Yummy!!


~~Sam

Friday, October 21, 2011

The Friday 56: #1

This weekly meme is hosted by Freda's Voice!!!
Rules:
  • Grab your current read
  • Turn to page 56
  • Find any sentence that grabs you
  • Post it
  • Add your URL to her Linky!
My read this week is The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S. Kaufman!
"I do not believe that boy came up with these advance concepts." 
Dun dun dun!!! What is going on! 
~~Sam!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #4

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine, where we talk about what us bloggers are waiting on!
This week I am waiting on :
The situation at the London Institute has never been more precarious. With Mortmain and his clockwork army still threatening, the Council wants to strip Charlotte of her power and hand the running of the Enclave over to the unscrupulous and power-hungry Benedict Lightwood.

In the hope of saving Charlotte and the Institute, Will, Jem, and Tessa set out to unravel the secrets of Mortmain’s past—and discover unsettling Shadowhunter connections that hold the key not only to the enemy’s motivations, but also to the secret of Tessa’s identity. Tessa, already caught between the affections of Will and Jem, finds herself with another choice to make when she learns how the Shadowhunters helped make her a “monster.” Will she turn from them to her brother, Nate, who has been begging her to join him at Mortmain’s side? Where will her loyalties—and love—lie? Tessa alone can choose to save the Shadowhunters of London…or end them forever.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
~~Sam :)

Monday, October 17, 2011

Meet Me On Monday: #2

This weekly meme is host by Never Growing Old. She post's the questions every Sunday so we can answer them on Monday's!


Questions: 
1. The thing that scares me the most is _________?
I think it's growing up. I like being young, it's fun and full of adventures!
2. Do you like nuts in your chocolate chip cookies?
NO!! Ugh.. That would just ruin them... Chocolate cookies shouldn't be crunchy!
3. If you couldn't change the channel, what TV show would drive you from the room?
Hmm... I don't know. Probably Golf.. Does that count as a TV show?
4. Pulp or no pulp in your Orange Juice? 
No pulp. If my orange juice has pulp in it, I will not drink it! That is just gross!
5. Who do you miss the most? 
My Grandma. She's still alive but she lives on the other side of the US and I never get to see her.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday! #3


Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine, where we talk about what us bloggers are waiting on!

This week I'm waiting on:
She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start… ~ Goodreads.com

I just absolutely adore this cover! I can't wait till January 3rd for this book!! I read Falling Under a few months ago and I loved the dark and mysterious world this book is set in! What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
~~SAM :)

Monday, October 10, 2011

Meet Me On Monday




This is hosted by Java at Never Growing Old.


Every Sunday she posts five questions so you can get to know us! Wish me luck on my first time!




Questions:


1. The best part of waking up each day is?


Pressing the snooze button and curling up again :)


2. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?


30... I'm 15... :)


3. Red or Green Apples?


Pink! They have to be pink or I won't eat them!!


4. Do you forgive easily?


Depends on what you did to make me mad at you


5. If you could live in any home on a television series, which would it be?


I think in Char's house on the Lying Game.. Something about that pool gets to me! I've always wanted a pool in my backyard!

Sunday, October 02, 2011

IMM #3

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and it gives bloggers a chance to showcase the books in our to be read pile that we can't always review!




Bought:
Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Here Comes Trouble by Erin Kern
Kissing Perfect by Lauren Barnholdt

For Review: 
The Lens and the Looker by Lory S. Kaufman
The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S Kaufman
The Veil by Cory Putman Oaks
Gifts/ Won:
Death Sentence by Alexander Gordon Smith
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
Jane by April Linder

Thank you to everyone who have contributed their books to me!
Whats in your mailbox this week??
~~Sam

Saturday, October 01, 2011

RAK: Wrap up!

Random Acts of Kindness us hosted by Book <3 Soulmate

This month I sent out 
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
I sent this to Book Fanatics!


I didn't receive anything this time around, but I am hoping that I can do this again! But it's Anne's turn now!!
~~Sam :)

 
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