LENS AND THE LOOKER

Title:  Lens and the Looker
Author:  Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: The Fiction Studio
Pages: 336
Available:  Now
Source:  Author via Pump Up Your Books Blog Tours


Genre:  YA  Historical Science Fiction/Dystopian
Rating:  PG 13


About the Book:

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.

My Take:

Talk about a walking, talking history book!  Why can't the real history books turn into something akin to this?  I learned so much about Verona, Italy in the 1300's that I never learned from actual book learnin' at school!  Yeah, I know he took some liberties, but I think any reader can come away with more than just a well written story!  This is one book where you actually see the characters evolve in a mostly positive way throughout the story, but still show some immaturity at the end so you know it will continue.  There are various places where the story doesn't move as quickly...however, if you are the type of person that needs to know how things tick..this will do the trick!  A younger reader (10-13) could read this, but beware that there are some language and mild violence.  Especially those that like learning without quite realizing they are learning!  

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