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. ( )

The Lens & the Looker starts out in the 24th century and quickly moves to the History Camp mimicking 14th century Verona. They manage to sneak a genie along with them, with the intent of teaching the Elders a lesson, which quickly turns into a huge blessing once they actually end up in 1347 Verona. These teens, along with their mischievous genie Pan, are in for quite the dangerous ride once things get going.

To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog. ( )

The Lens and the Looker is totally a pleasant surprise!…Not at all as I expected! This is a well-written fantasy for YA. It is written in three different book segments within this one book – “Hard-Time History Camp”; “Hard-Time Reality”; “Stranded”. It is a dystopian and historical tale in one. It begins in the 30th century then includes time travel. I really thought it was going to be another Dystopian/Sci-Fi.

17 year old Hansum, Shamira, – approximately 15 year old-, and 13 year old Lincoln were very difficult children who were always pulling very disruptive pranks so were sent to “Hard-Time History Camp” to be taught a lesson. Notwithstanding,, that lesson was not well-learned which presented a new problem that was soon to go awry. The tree youth go through many experiences they never comprehended possible. However, they were not left to their own concoctions but inconspicuously acquired “Pan”.

The action and adventures are continuous. There is a few words of slight profanity and crudeness but mostly is “cleanly” written. There is even a touch of romance. It is recommended for middle school age children and all YA.

I am eager to read the next sequel ‘The Loved & the Lost. ( )

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/02/indie-book-review-lens-and-looker.ht...

The Lens and the Looker takes place in the 24th century. We start things off with a guy named Hansum. He likes to start trouble and give his professors a run for their money. His professors think he needs to learn a lesson. The kids of this generation have it way too easy. No real responsibilities and no real work. So they send him to History Camp. History Camp is where they send kids to learn how things were back in the past. While at the camp Hansum, he meets two other kids named Lincoln and Shamira. The camp is just full of actors who want to teach the kids something. But the kids have a few things up their sleeve so they could be sent home early. Hansum's mom works for the History Camp, so he knows how to play the game. They sneak in technology into the camp (which isn't allowed) and trick the actors. So while the actors are trying to figure out what to do with the troublesome kids, they meet someone that wants to take them on a real adventure. They may have been sent into the past for real and they have to figure out how they will cope while waiting to be sent back to the future.

This book really took me by surprise. The concept was great. I love the mixture of dystopian meets history. It was brilliant. Hansum and his new found friends are all given jobs in the history camp. Hansum and Lincoln are being taught how to make glasses or “discs for the eyes”. But after their prank, they are taken back into 14th century Italy. They notice things will not be as easy as they thought. I love all things they had to face while stuck in the past. There skills with creating lens makes a huge impact in the past. While there, Pan (the technology genie) tells them to create the telescope. The telescope isn't to be created until hundreds of years from now. So this would force the History Camp makers to bring them back to the 24th century. It is quite a mystery wondering if the History Camp makers will show up or whether they will stop them. Their inventions could change the fabric of history completely.

We also have the story of the kids and the family they are living with. They are brought in as orphans to serve a family that is a bit down on their luck. All three of the kids have their own special talents. Their talents earn them much love amongst the family, but jealousy and greed amongst others. The kids have to team together to not only save the family, but each other.

I had a lot of fun with these characters. Hansum, Lincoln, and Shamira were a blast together. I liked them more and more as the book went on. Hansum was suppose to be the rebellious teenager. I wasn't 100% on board with that. I just didn't get why he was that way. It is never really explained. Same thing goes for the other kids. But I love how close they became. We also have Ugilino, he is in love with the Master's daughter, Guilietta, and he hates that she has taken notice of Hansum and not him. I felt really sorry for him in this book. He was treated so badly because of his looks and I think that is why he acted the way he acted. I hope to see more of him in the other books and that he can be redeemed. I wish I can tell you guys the whole story, but this is a book that can be easily spoiled.

Overall, I say check this book out. It does start off quite slow and it can be a bit verbose in parts. But it really picks up by Book 3 (the book is split up into books or sections). Section 3 is definitely the best part. This book is full of mischief, laughs, and adventure. It also has its fair share of gross out moments which were sometimes quite funny. I love this idea of mixing science fiction and history. I know sometimes time travel reads can get a little crazy and confusing, but this did a good job. Kaufman has a great writing style and I am looking forward to reading his other works. This book is imaginative and fun. Definitely worth reading. ( )

I'm a sucker for a good time travel story, especially when it deals with Italy or Italy like settings. 'The Lens and the Looker' is a solid read that is definitely something to consider if you are in the mood for a time traveling adventure aimed at Juvi/YA audiences.

The good bits? The characters, for one thing. Both main and secondary, the characters in 'The Lens and the Looker' are likable, entertaining, and have purpose. Author Lory S. Kaufman created noticeable character growth between the first and last page-- something that isn't always found in many juvi/ya books!

As mentioned before, the setting does not disappoint. Kaufman's descriptions of Verona and Italy in general are done well. Having been to Italy, I know a bit about the rich, vastness that is the beautiful country and Kaufman's descriptions rang true to me!

I don't know if I would consider this 'dystopian', but it is clearly sci-fi due to the time travel element and Genie. The main concept is dystopian and the idea of History Camps is quite interesting but once they skip to the time traveling, it goes straight to sci-fi.

My main issue with 'The Lens and the Looker' is the writing style. My own personal reading preferences lead towards books that don't carry a lot of long descriptive paragraphs with dialogue between each one. I like quick dialogue and quick descriptive lines that keep the action moving and give just the right amount of description. 'The Lens and the Looker' has good dialogue, but the long descriptions made me jump a bit, sometimes missing important details. Course, some people love long descriptions (like Tolkien readers!), but me, not so much.

All things considered, 'The Lens and the Looker' is a good read. If you are in the mood for time travel and don't mind slightly too long descriptive passages, this is something you may want to consider! 'The Lens and the Looker' gets 3 out of 5 stars! ( )