The Bronze and the Brimstone: Book 2 in the Verona Trilogy [NOOK Book]

A unique blend of time travel and history for teens!

For any teens who is an avid fan of both time traveling and history, this is the perfect series for you. The Bronze and The Brimstone is the second book in the series by Lory Kaufman who delighted us with the story of three teens who came from the 24th century and were sent off to a History Camp, which is a realistic location that places people into a world just like the one they would have experienced if they were sent back in time. This time the three teens Hansum, Lincoln, and Shamira have been sent to Verona, Italy back to the 14 century as a means of punishment for acting out in school.

What should have been a two week punishment, the teens find themselves stuck in the 14th century for six months, and the only way they have managed to survive is thanks to Hansum smuggling in Pan, which is a virtual figure that can access anything from history, think a virtual computer figure. This is where the story begins with a brief re-telling of the synopsis from The Lens and The Looker. This is the perfect introduction to this book, especially if you haven't read the first one, so it can stand alone as it's own novel. However, once you immerse yourself in this one, you'll definitely want to go back and see where it all began.

Thanks to the innovations the teens shared in the 14th century such as the telescope, the cannons and black powder, some of the rich and well-to-do will do whatever it takes to keep themselves at the top of the political ladder of success especially when Hansum and his friends have made them very powerful and wealthy as a means to survive.

What makes the series so unique is the attention to detail from the historical eye, and Lory Kaufman does an exceptional job at making the 14th century Verona, Italy especially real for the readers and thus makes the book a real delight. This time the readers are in for a treat when they are reading a great story about time travel and the future and end up with a unique perspective on history as well.

I received The Bronze and the Brimstone compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and think that Lory Kaufman has really hit on something unique. A way to showcase the love of learning with a blend of story-telling that keeps the young reader engaged as they are learning about history. Another 5 out of 5 stars and will be looking forward to future books by Lory Kaufman in the future. He is keeping the love of learning and reading alive in his books.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Like it, but...

There are so many missing pages! It happened in the first one, but not nearly as much as in this one! It's really frustrating!!! :(

3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Interesting look at a historical time period

I really began to feel like a part of the story it was so realistically portrayed

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Even better than the first.

Even better than the first.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Looking forward to next book!

I was looking forward to reading this one after finishing the first book. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the three. Although it was good, and the ending made me want to scream, I thought the book could have been a bit better.

The plot was still well done, and although it focuses a lot more on Hansum again, Shamira has now her own storyline (it's a short one, unfortunately) and Lincoln still has a small role - I wished he was more into this book, he's fun to read and adds more life to the book because of his personality. I think, if he was paired up with Hansum from the start, the plot could have taken a different twist, but also would have been a much more enjoyable read.

Not to say I didn't like Hansum, although I'd rather started disliking him towards the second half of the book when he started to turn a 360 and started to act like a jerk. It's understandable, since all he wants to do is work but also spend his life with Guilietta (which seems to be extremely difficult to do, and you can feel his frustration). However it's good to see all three characters have maintained their maturity and their character development in this book is very well done and well written.

What I enjoyed the most was the rich historical detail this book had. It certainly looked like there was a lot of work put into this so the reader will experience a much more authentic setting and it's a well done job. From the characters clothing, to what they eat, and to what they use in everyday life is set in fine detail.

As mentioned before, this book could have been better. I thought it dragged a bit in certain areas. Although it's interesting on how the making of gunpowder is made, and how a cannon is constructed, this is where the detail is just so minute it feels like you're reading a textbook on "Life and Times in Historical Italy" than anything else. It might be interesting to some readers but for those that just want to get to the action, this part of the book is slow and can get dry. To me it felt like there were endless pages on how the construction was done, and I had to put the book down several times to slap myself awake. As much as I love detail and the fine parts, this was just too much for me.

Also although the target audience is for young adults there is a level of violence and language that may not be so good for younger readers. Plus there is some content that could be questionable. There was one particular violent moment involving a donkey and I'm still wondering why Hansum needed to do this to prove a point. It's certainly uncharacteristic of him and I wonder if that was even necessary.

The ending of the book was good as it felt like the action was all saved for the last few pages. It was an intense emotional roller coaster. The reader will be stunned, sad, angry, and relieved. All in just a few pages. That those few pages got me to feel this way in less than fifteen minutes it took me to read them is just brilliant. It was absolutely well done.

Despite this being dry in some parts, it was well worth the read. Rich in historical detail, with a good mix of action, romance, and drama, I am definitely looking forward to how this series ends. This book could have been better, but the ending makes up for it in so many ways it makes it well worth the read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

6 out of 10 hearts!

The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S. Kaufman
Series: Verona Trilogy (#2)
Release Date: June 7th, 2011
Publisher: The Fiction Studio
Page Count: 336
Source: Received from author, via Pump Up Your Book, for review

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?

What Stephanie Thinks: If you recall my review for Kaufman's first in the Verona series, The Lens and the Looker, you remember I was highly disappointed with the young adult/fantasy/sci-fi/romance novel. The second book in the series, The Bronze and the Brimstone, is only slightly less displeasing; my reasons for scorning it are almost identical to those of the first book, but I do think this one's plot is more well-developed and exciting.

My biggest problem is the contradictions the story poses. There are "adult" topics covered that wouldn't seem to appeal to teenagers. I'm not saying teenagers like pure content, but if soap-opera-esque romance is put into a book, it should specifically be romance, not young adult romance. On the other hand, another reason teens won't be able to relate to this book is because of the author's childish way of writing. I can better recomment Kaufman's voice and style to middle grade children, not to young adults. If you look at today's biggest young adult titles, none of them are written in an adult's style. They're written in a young adult's style (hence, the name), by an adult. This is difficult because most adults can't voice a teenager's thoughts. That's why they stick to writing regular fiction, not young adult fiction.

Aside from Kaufman's writing style (which I complained about verbatim in my other review), I will say the plot of the sequel actually had me holding on. Unlike the predictable Romeo and Juliet fantasy in the first book, this one actually is original and marginally more enjoyable. I recommend reading this book for fantasy and time travel lovers, but not too enthusiastically.

Radical Rating: 6 hearts- Would recommend to people.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Lory S. Kaufman in his new book, ¿The Bronze And The Brimstone¿

Lory S. Kaufman in his new book, “The Bronze And The Brimstone” Book Two in The Verona Trilogy series published by The Fiction Studio takes us into the lives of Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln.

From the back cover: 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 to 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?

There is History in “The Bronze And The Brimstone” as we are dealing with 14th Century Verona, Italy. Then there is the science fiction element. Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln were whisked from their 24th Century home and now, to make Verona at least liveable for themselves they are introducing technology and ideas that will not be available for quite some time. They are now altering the timeline and causing all kinds of problems. There is also romance as Shamira is in love, Hansum got married secretly then was offered a marriage deal with the daughter of the ruler of Verona. These three teens are trying to adapt to, not only their new home, but their new time and causing disastrous consequences. Mr. Kaufman has given us another exciting adventure!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Very interestin series, I could put it down

I have now read all three books of this trilogy, I enjoyed them all & probably this one the best

recommended for all ages

I like the story ok. The problem I had was some pages was missing. This was dissapointing as it missed up the story for me.

was looking forward, but somewhat disappointed

I was looking forward to the continuation of the story, but i have had numerous instances of "missing" pages and cannot advance pages in my Nook color. Hope this can be fixed soon.

THE BRONZE AND THE BRIMSTONE by Lori S. Kaufman is an interestin

THE BRONZE AND THE BRIMSTONE by Lori S. Kaufman is an interesting Post-Dystopian Fiction/Time Travel/Young Adult. Book #2 of "The Verona Trilogy",but can be read as a stand alone, with re-appearing characters and a few new ones. See,"The Lens and the Looker". Three teens are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy,from the 24th century. What a culture shock for these teens. Follow, Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln,as their journey continues through 14th- century Italy. With danger,a blossoming love interest,a marriage offer, a fast spreading illness,what could go wrong? Plenty and everything....An interesting tale of time-travel,history,a roller coaster of a ride,twists and turns for these teens. In interesting plot with engaging and believable characters. If you enjoy travel,post dystopian,14th century Itlay, you will enjoy this interesting and exciting title. Received for an honest review from the author/publicist.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

Good read!

Keeps you hooked! Loved the action and the twists and turns

Love it! Where's the next one?

Great plot. Some sad moments, but an entertaining journey.

Anna

Excellent!!!!!!!

Really original idea

I enjoyed these two books. I've always liked stories that involve time travel, but this one began far out into the future in a much different version of the U.S. I thought it was original and very imaginitive. Looking forward to the 3rd one to see what happens.

Part two

The two books were excellent. I read the first one and had to get the next book.

Time travel

I realy liked this book fun and amzing with time travel

highly recomend!

love this book! great series. can't wait for the third book to come out.

Another success

Loved it. Loved the first one too. These stories intrigue the imagination and leave you wondering what the characters could possibly expect next. I said it once and I will say it again, I would love to see this in theaters.

Highly recommend

My nephew loved,so i got it for my niece