It is always interesting to see how an author will handle (or ignore) the need to orient new readers to what is happening in a given series. I won't give away how Kaufman chooses to do this in The Bronze and the Brimstone, but I thought it worked well.
I continue to be intrigued with Kaufman's idea of what a post-apocalyptic utopia would look like and how society would choose to educate their children about what came before. All children go to History Camp, where they experience life as their ancestors did (think colonial Williamsburg but less touristy and more mildly boot camp-ish). In The Lens & the Looker (Book 1 in the Verona Trilogy), History Camp doesn't seem to be having its intended effect on Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln but when they are kipnapped and taken to the real 14th century Verona, it's a different story.
And now, in The Bronze and the Brimstone, the adventures continue. Hansum continues his work with the ruler of Verona, introducing gunpowder and cannons before their time with all of the danger that comes along with them. Meanwhile, the Black Plague has begun its deadly tour of Europe and Pan, the a.i. who was with them from the beginning, is suddenly no longer around to help.
I've found it difficult to place these books in a certain age category. The reading level is very accessible yet there are certain things that seem meant for an older audience. My guess is that Kaufman is writing for a high school age audience.
3.5/5 stars
