The Loved and the Lost by Lory Kaufman

     In this 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.
--Taken from the back cover

The Loved and the Lost is a perfect end to an achingly beautiful story. Kaufman's writing is stellar, as is his imagination. He brings readers into his story with such ease and makes reading a gratifying experience. Readers cannot help but laugh and cry along with Hansum, Lincoln, and Shamira as their journey comes to a close.
     I had been waiting for this last installment in the series for some time and was excited at the prospect of finally reading it. Kaufman certainly did not disappoint. His characters are even more well-developed than they were in the first two novels. The plot too is interesting and engaging as readers wonder what will happen next.
     Though I still love Shamira dearly, I found a new respect for Hansum in this novel. All of the teens have grown up, but Hansum's losses seem to have really changed him, and understandably so. I cannot help but feel his pain and desperation throughout the novel. He is so close to getting what he has wanted for so long, but life always seems to rip it away at the last moment. I admire his strength and perseverance; he somehow manages to carry on. He puts on a brave face for Shamira and Lincoln that makes him all the more endearing.
    Lincoln too has grown up into a man. He is certainly still a joker, as in the past, but he has so much more depth in The Loved and the Lost. He knows what to say at just the right times to keep both Shamira's and Hansum's spirits up and never loses sight of what is important. I love how Kaufman molded him into this wonderful, charismatic person.
     Shamira, just as lovely and astounding as ever, is still my favorite character. Her strength rarely fails her, even through all of the pain she is put through. She is an
amazing, exuberant character. One who supports her friends and always finds her way.
     I cannot express enough my love for this book and the characters within it. Lory Kaufman has outdone himself and left us content as readers. As much as I wish there were more of Shamira's, Lincoln's, and Hansum's stories, I also think Kaufman ended it perfectly. The Loved and the Lost is worth reading a thousand times over, had I the time.

Rating: 10


See my posts for the other two novels: The Lens and the Looker and The Bronze and the Brimstone.

*The fact that I received this book from the author did not influence my opinion of it in any way. This was my honest review.

Book Tour with Lory Kaufman

Join Lory Kaufman, author of the Young Adult Fantasy novel, The Loved and the Lost, as he tours the blogosphere January 14 through April 12, 2013 on his third virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

ABOUT LORY KAUFMAN

“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada. To find out more about Lory visit www.lorykaufman.com

ABOUT THE LOVED AND THE LOST

A QUEST FOR LOST LOVE. AN ADVENTURE OF MANY LIFETIMES. They are three 24th-century time travelers desperate to return to 14th-century Verona and reclaim their medieval family’s shattered lives. It is a mission fraught with danger and the risk of unexpected consequences for themselves and 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.

The Loved and the Lost Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 15

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Words From the Tampa Bookworm

Wednesday, January 16

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at My Book Addiction and More

Thursday, January 17

Guest blogging at Beth's Book Reviews

Friday, January 18

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Shhh...Not While I'm Reading

Tuesday, January 22

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Hanging Off the Wire

Wednesday, January 23

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Lizzie Writes

Thursday, January 24

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Shhh...Not While I'm Reading

Friday, January 25

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Book Lover Stop

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Not Enough Books

Monday, February 4

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Shhh...Not While I'm Reading

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Readers Refuge

Tuesday, February 5

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Mary's Cup of Tea

Wednesday, February 6

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Sara's Organized Chaos

Friday, February 8

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at My Book Addiction and More

Tuesday, February 12

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Book Lover Stop

Wednesday, February 13

Interviewed at Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Readers Refuge

Thursday, February 14

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Not Enough Books

Friday, February 15

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Miki's Hope

Tuesday, February 19

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Words from the Tampa Bookworm

Wednesday, February 20

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Books, Books, and more Books

Thursday, February 21

Guest blogging at Parenting from a Child's Point of View

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Miki's Hope

Friday, February 22

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Literary Getaway

Monday, February 25

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Hanging off the Wire

Tuesday, February 26

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Always a Book Lover

Thursday, February 28

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Pick of the Literate

The Lens and the Looker reviewed and Guest blogging at Offbeat Vagabond

Monday, March 4

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Vic's Media Room

Tuesday, March 5

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Mary's Cup of Tea

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Vic's Media Room

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Bookworm Lisa

Wednesday, March 6

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Sara's Organized Chaos

Thursday, March 7

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Words I Write Crazy

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Vic's Media Room

Friday, March 8

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Words from the Tampa Bookworm

Monday, March 11

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Miki's Hope

Tuesday, March 12

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Hanging Off the Wire

Wednesday, March 13

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Not Enough Books

Thursday, March 14

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Book Lover Stop

Friday, March 15

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Offbeat Vagabond

Monday, March 18

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Mary's Cup of Tea

The Lens and the Looker reviewed at Why Not? Because I Said So

Tuesday, March 19

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Always a Book Lover

Wednesday, March 20

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at The Musings of Almybnenr

Thursday, March 21

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Literary Giveaway

Friday, March 22

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at My Book Addiction

Monday, March 25

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Why Not? Because I Said So!

Tuesday, March 26

The Bronze and the Brimstone reviewed at Mary's Cup of Tea

Thursday, March 28

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Everyday is an Adventure

Friday, March 29

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Geek on the Brink

Monday, April 1

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Broken Teepee

Tuesday, April 2

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

Wednesday, April 3

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Why Not Because I Said So

Thursday, April 4

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Hezzi D's Books and Cooks

Friday, April 5

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Offbeat Vagabond

Monday, April 8

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Always a Book Lover

Tuesday, April 9

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Literary Getaway

Wednesday, April 10

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Sara's Organized Chaos

Thursday, April 11

Guest blogging at Waiting on Sunday to Drown

Friday, April 12

The Loved and the Lost reviewed at Mary's Cup of Tea

Lory Kaufman's THE LOVED AND THE LOST VIRTUAL BOOK PUBLICITY TOUR will officially begin on January 14 and ends on April 12,2013. Please contact Tracee Gleichner at tgleichner(at)gmail.com if you are interested in hosting and/or reviewing his book. Thank you!

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

     Annabel Greene is the girl who has everything. At least, that's what she portrays in her modeling shoots. But Annabel's life is far from perfect. Her friendship with Sophie ended bitterly, and her older sister's eating disorder is weighing down the entire family. Isolated and ostracized at school and at home, Annabel retreats into silent acceptance. Then she meets Owen - intense, music-obsessed, and determined to always tell the truth. And with his guidance, Annabel learns to just listen to herself and gains the courage to speak honestly. But will she be able to tell everyone what really happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends?
--Taken from the back cover

     Annabel's story of learning to be honest with herself is one that I think many people, teenagers and adults alike, would enjoy and relate to. Dessen's writing, as always, pulls the reader in and is as emotionally packed as real life.
     I can't help but love Annabel. She is not bold, but no overly shy either. She isn't cruel, or touchy. Annabel is the middle between her two very different sisters. She strives to keep the peace, even if that means fibbing about how her day went to her mom. I understand where she is coming from on so many points, and I love how strong she is.
     When Annabel and Owen meet, the book takes a new turn. Together, they learn from one another. Owen is more than what people see and what people say about him. He is sweet and unnervingly insightful.
     The friendship that blooms between the two is great to see, especially as Annabel slowly reveals all that has happened in the past year. Music is the original link that bonds them. As the book progresses though, and they learn about each other, they find they have more to discuss than just music.
     Sarah Dessen expertly weaves her story of truth, finding yourself, and learning what matters with beautiful words. One of my favorite passages comes from Annabel, who, despite the model stereotype, is very down to earth. I now leave you with these lovely words from Dessen's Annabel:
     "The past did affect the present and the future, in the ways you could see and a million ones you couldn't. Time wasn't a thing you could divide easily; there was no defined middle or beginning or end. I could pretend to leave the past behind, but it would not leave me."

Rating: 10

The Magic and the Healing by Nick O'Donohoe

     BJ Vaughan is in her last year of vet school - and in the first year of mourning her mother's suicide. Her grades have slipped, and she wonders if she can keep it together. She isn't even sure if she is really capable of working with animals after all. Then her mentor, Dr. Sugar Dobbs, asks if she will join a few other select students on a very unusual large animal rotation.
     Their rotation is in Crossroads, a world where the creatures of imagination live and breathe - and hurt. And where BJ, tending to centaurs and griffins and magical cats, will discover the joy of healing, and the wonder of magic.
--Taken from the back cover

     The Magic and the Healing was a pleasure to read. Though it took a few chapters to understand exactly what was going on and who the many characters were, once the team entered Crossroads it was hard for me to put the book down.
     In BJ the author constructs a very complex and lovable character. She is unsure of many things in her life as she attempts to finish vet school and come to terms with the loss of her mother. Crossroads really is just that for BJ, a point in her life where she has some serious questions to ask herself and decisions to make. The magical world gives her a chance to see her potential.
     The three other vet students that Dr. Dobbs chooses to accompany BJ and him on cases are as wildly different from one another as can be. Lee Anne lives beneath her country-girl stereotype, while Annie is very religious. Neither let these facts get in the way of what needs to be done in order to save their patients. Rather, they make these vet students all the more worthy of helping the animals in Crossroads. Dave, the last student, is known for his cockiness. Nothing can stop him from making a good joke. The time they spend together inevitably brings them closer, forming bonds between them, and creating a family they can depend on.
     Crossroads has the potential to rival Narnia. It is the kind of place that changes people, albeit discreetly. The vet students, and the people they encounter along the way, are immensely affected by Crossroads. BJ, Annie, Dave, and Lee Anne all learn a lot about themselves, as well as what it takes to save lives throughout their time in the world.
     O'Donohoe created a beautiful, fun story. The characters he wrote about were very real and interesting, as was the plot line. The way he was able to construct such a fantastic world full of imaginary creatures and parallel it to our own world was astounding. I can only hope that I'll be able to find the next installment soon.
Rating:10

College Girl by Patricia Weitz

     Natalie Bloom is a shy young woman in her junior year as a transfer student to the University of Connecticut. On the academic side of things, Natalie has everything in order. However, her shy nature gets in the way of her social life.
     When she meets the seemingly perfect Patrick, Natalie is shocked that someone with his status would see anything in a boring Russian history major such as herself. The downward spiral that ensues is only stopped when Natalie learns to accept her past as well as who she has become.

     With college quickly approaching in the fall, I had high hopes for College Girl giving me a good picture of life beyond the four walls of my high school. If college is anything like what Natalie experienced, I can honestly say I'd rather just sign up for another decade or two of high school. Weitz's book is just, well, depressing.
     Natalie has her insecurities, which I am more than willing to understand, as everyone has them. The thing that makes the book so depressing though is the extent to which she takes these insecurities. They blind her in a way that makes the reader cringe! Instead of seeing others for what they really are, be it friend or foe, Natalie lets her own issues color her view of everything. She doesn't see herself as worthy, in the classroom or outside, which saddens me because she is.
     The other characters in the novel seem to have their lives in order, according to Natalie. Faith, the roommate she keeps at a distance, might not know what she wants, but certainly knows what she doesn't. Gwen, the popular girl on her floor, seems to have it all. What Natalie fails to realize is that each of these people are dealing with their own hardships too.
     As a reader, I wanted to see more strength in our main character. I wanted her to pull herself together, put herself out there, and be who she wanted to be instead of waiting for some magical moment or person to change her life.
     I think Weitz's writing was great in how she brought the story to the page, even if I wasn't so fond of the story itself. The biggest thing lacking, in my opinion, was the dialogue. It was too strained and even numbing at times. Regardless, the author's style is certainly accessible. I was able to get to know Natalie for who she was, though she couldn't see it herself.

Rating: 4

The Dark by Marianne Curley

     After waiting years to find The Dark, having read and adored the first book, I was more than eager to dive in to the wonderful world Marianne Curley creates. From the first page to the last, I was enthralled by every word.

     As the Order of Chaos increases its hold on the mortal world, Ethan, Isabel, Arkarian and the other members of the Guard find themselves fighting harder than ever to maintain history. When Arkarian finds himself in grave danger, Isabel convinces Ethan to help her save him, despite being forbidden to do so. Nothing will stop her, not the potential consequences nor the horrors they will surely face.
    
     The ability given to the Guard is one that many might die for... and indeed many do. However, "with great power comes great responsibility." The Guard has the amazing ability to travel through time, but they are also the ones in charge of making sure history goes according to plan. Such a task wouldn't be so difficult if it weren't for the Order: those bent on shaping history to fit their own purpose of creating chaos.

     As the war between the two groups escalates, the Guard is put into a precarious position. They must decide between saving Arkarian at the risk of those that go after him and losing Arkarian to the detriment of the Guard. Isabel is determined that she will save him, without help. Her stubborn nature shows through in this novel even more than it did in the previous installment. She doesn't care that she is forbidden to go after Arkarian. She doesn't care that she is risking everything to rescue him.
     Ethan, too, shows his bravery and selflessness. Arkarian has been his friend and mentor since he was a child. Now that he has the chance to help, how can he let Isabel go alone? Together with a stowaway, Isabel and Ethan go in search of Arkarian.
     Curley continues to astound me with her superb characters and flawless writing. From Matt, with his self-doubt, to Rochelle, struggling to fit in, the author creates characters that in turn pull at your heartstrings and then liven the mood. They are utterly relate-able and lovable.
     Her tale of danger and an ancient war will certainly become a classic. It gives meaning to the importance of history and divulges a truth that often escapes us: everything is intertwined. History affects the future as much as the present does.

Rating: 10

Dael and the Painted People by Allan Richard Shickman

     Dael and Sparrow leave the Ba-Coro tribe in search of something they can't really identify: maybe love, in Sparrow's case, or peace of mind for Dael. What they find is a new home to call their own.The quest for this restoration isn't easy or quickly achieved.
     When Dael encounters an enemy among the painted people, the life he has made for himself among the tribe is threatened.

     As I have been with the last two installments of this series, I was enthralled by Dael and the Painted People. The writing, the characters, and the entire story line drew me in. In fact, I finished the book in one day because I had to know what happened next.
     Shickman's writing continues to amaze me. His uncanny ability to put the reader into the story and the characters he creates make this novel superb, to say the least.
     I can honestly admit that I never liked Dael in the previous books. I cared for his well-being because of how Zan-Gah remembered him, but I couldn't bring myself to actually care for him as a human being. He was cruel and heartless. As I read this book, however, I learned to like him. He really changed through his journey with Sparrow and the new tribe they found. Instead of being extremely violent and hateful, he becomes a caring, generous person.
     Sparrow changes in her own right as well. She becomes this vibrant, out-going, and incredibly patient woman by the end of the book. It is almost hard to believe that she is the same shy girl that left the Ba-Coro in the beginning.
     Sparrow, along with their new friend Koli, became my favorite characters in this novel. Koli was hilarious. I loved him for breathing a bit of life back into Dael and for being so kind. He was really an all around great character.
    Though I complained about the ending to the last book, I can't do the same for this one. It was exactly what I needed as a reader to tie up loose ends and feel like the story was complete. Shickman obviously knows how to bring a story to life, but he also knows how to end it.
    Rating: 8

*The fact that I received this book from the author did not influence my opinion of it in any way. This was my honest review.