Book Review: The Loved and the Lost by Lory S. Kaufman

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Title: The Loved and the Lost
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Series: The Verona Trilogy, Book 3
Publisher: Fiction Studio
Paperback: 332 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

They are three time travelers desperate to return to 14th-century Verona to reclaim their medieval family s shattered lives. It is a mission fraught with danger and the risk of unexpected consequences for themselves and for their worlds. For all three, it is a matter of the heart. For one, though, it is truly the only thing that matters, as the fate of his eternal love and the life of their unborn child is the prize to be won or lost forever. In this, the final book of THE VERONA TRILOGY, Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln go on the boldest adventure of their lives. They will face hardship, tragedy, and threats from sources they couldn't have imagined all in an effort to wrestle a future from the steely grip of an unforgiving past.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

In the third and final book of the Verona Trilogy, author Lory Kaufman astounds me again! The Loved and the Lost is fast-paced, exciting and very hard to put down. I read this book twice in less than a week and will definitely recommend that anyone, middle school and above, read this series!

If you read my other reviews on this trilogy, you will know that I am completely smitten with this series. I love Kaufman’s writing style. The storyline is interesting and unique. The details are so true to life that I felt transported back in time. The characters are very well developed but more importantly, the author knows how to captivate an audience.

My favorite types of books are ones that are neatly wrapped up with a happy ending. The thing I enjoyed the most about this trilogy is that although the storyline is wrapped up, the author does it in a unique way so that I was not able to guess the end.

I was so deeply invested with these characters and fell in love with the history, that I didn’t want this series to end. With Kaufman’s writing style, I believe that he could write a series of books covering major historical events that will leave young readers begging for more.

Book Review: The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S. Kaufman

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Title: The Bronze and the Brimstone
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: Fiction Studio
Series: The Verona Trilogy, Book 2
Paperback: 336 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

Book #2 of The Verona Trilogy

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 disasterous 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?

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

*I received this book free from the Fiction Studio as a part of the Pump Up Your Book tour, for my honest review.*

After reading The Lens and the Looker, I couldn't wait to start this book. I must say, I was not disappointed. It was fascinating and true-to-life. I had a hard time putting it down and when I did, I looked forward to the moment I could pick it up again. The author, Lory Kaufman does not let readers down with his brilliant story telling ability and penchant for details. The historical facts are captivating and easy to understand since they are woven into a good story.

The three protagonists, Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, who were known as “hard-cases” because of their behavior were transported back to 14th Century Verona is the first book, The Lens and the Looker.

I felt again as if I were transported back in time. I was inside "Master della Cappa's house" when they ate dinner and toasted to their families’ good fortune. I sympathized, agonized, and schemed with Hansum. I rooted, cheered, and cried for Guillete. I loved and hated Ugliano. I appreciated, supported, and kicked-butt with Shamira but mostly I laughed and felt "zippy" with Lincoln.

When calamity ensued, I wanted to run and hide. The dark days in Verona felt like dark days to me, because of the minute details that kept me transfixed. Kaufman carefully allows the readers to understand the depth and the bond of each character through their suffering and triumphs. It’s wonderful to watch each character mature as they take on their individual responsibilities and learn that family means everything. 

The Bronze and the Brimstone has something to offer everyone from middle school and up. I would definitely put it on the “must-read” list.