The Lens and the Looker: Verona #1    by Lory S. Kaufman Order:  USA  Can Fiction Studio, 2011 (2011) Paperback, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto The Lens and the Looker, the first book in the History Camp Verona trilogy, introduces a fresh and interesting idea. Author Lory S. Kaufman has done his research in combining the past and future into one exciting story. By the 24th Century, the world has turned into a utopia where life is easy. People not wanting to make the same mistakes as in the past, History Camps are set up to teach how things were – some are similar to historical village attractions around today while others offer a little more immersion for hard cases who have something to learn from history. Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln are three such adolescents, sent to the 14th Century Verona History Camp to work for a lensmaker. Determined to make their punishment entertaining, they release a genie AI, Pan, who helps them wreak havoc. But things take a drastic turn when one of the History Camp Elders sends the three teens back to 14th Century Verona to get a taste of real hardship first hand. The historical aspects of The Lens and the Looker are completely fascinating and make the reader feel like they really are in 14th Century Verona. The plot and characters, however, are a little uneven at times as some conflicts work out too easily or characters change too fast. But the unique concept really carries the novel, and the fast-paced conclusion, complete with cliffhanger, ensures that readers will eagerly await Lory S. Kaufman's next installment, The Bronze and the Brimstone. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews