Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln never expected their history
camp adventure to take them back in time to the real 14th
century Verona, nor did they envision that they would be
trapped there. Fortunately, the 24th century teens are not
without guidance. They managed to smuggle a genie named Pan
who has helped them keep their position in the lensmaker's
home by giving them plans for a telescope. This invention
with its value as a weapon of war has garnered the
attention of the Podesta, a rich and powerful noble. What
other future technologies can they introduce to keep them
in favor with the Podesta?
Hansum knows what he wants out of his life. He wants to
live comfortably with Guilietta, the lensmaker's daughter,
as his wife. He has been welcomed by the Podesta as a
savant, and the Podesta intends to use him in whatever
capacity he sees fit. Unfortunately, Hansum assumes that
keeping the Podesta supplied with his inventions such as
cannons and black powder will give him the freedom to do as
he pleases. However, the Podesta wants to keep Hansum
close, and having him marry his daughter will make him
family. Is there any way that Hansum can turn things in his
favor?
Shamira and Lincoln each have their own ordeals to manage.
Shamira is pleased to be allowed to draw, and even attracts
the attention of another artist and possible suitor.
Lincoln has turned into a good manager and overseer instead
of the lazy youth he used to be. All of them have grown
accustomed to their new life, and any lessons that they
were supposed to learn from their history camp experience
have been firmly ingrained. Will they ever see their real
families again? Will their families learn what truly
happened to them?
Lory S. Kaufman writes an action packed adventure for the
second book of his History Camp trilogy. His characters
are burgeoning from the spoiled youths they once were to
responsible young adults. However, they are still a bit
naïve as the Podesta intends to exploit their talent for
his own gain. I was quickly riveted with this exciting
tale as it picks up shortly after the first book. I
greatly enjoyed the rich history, the vivid detailing of
the weaponry process, and the nefarious behind the scenes
action. This book has so much going on that it was a very
fast and gratifying read. THE BRONZE AND THE BRIMSTONE
sucks the reader in, takes them on an outstanding journey,
and leaves them yearning for another ride. Mr. Kaufman has
created quite an imaginative tale which overlaps a variety
of genres, and I am sure that this story will appeal to
many. For the beginning of the trilogy, check out The Lens
and the Looker or the author's website for a fantastic
backstory.
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 – 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.