February 1, 2011
David C. Cook
Received from Author for an honest review
Synopsis:
Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life.
In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.
My Review:
WATERFALL is an enchanting time-travel YA that I thoroughly enjoyed! The writing is utterly gorgeous! I can't brag enough about it. Bergren has such a way with words that I felt as though I was in fourteenth-century Italy right alongside Gabi. The plot developments are perfectly time, and the romance touching and sweet. This is my first novel that I have read from Bergren and it certainly will not be my last!
Gabi's story is not an easy one, and she goes through many challenges and rough times trying to find her sister. It doesn't help that she falls in love with the hunky Marcello! Sure, that probably wouldn't be such a problem if he wasn't already betrothed to another girl! Oh, and there is also the fact that Gabi is from 600 years in the future and has to go home the minute she finds her sister.
Gabi is a strong and stubborn protagonist whom I instantly felt connected to. Her words and descriptions were so rife with emotions and details that I could picture myself as Gabi. That doesn't happen to often to me! I was just as lost and confused when she showed up in a new place, and I felt the same shock as her when I discovered when she was. Her romance with Marcello was like a delicate flower--fragile and beautiful.
Marcello is literally a knight in shining armor. He is a bit elusive and cold at first, but when Gabi starts to get to know him, he is able to open up and show her who he truly is. I just have to say that I really want a Marcello. Unlike most guys that you find in YA, he isn't a jerk, but a sympathetic and amazing guy who will do anything for those that he loves.
WATERFALL is a captivating and gorgeous novel that left me wanting more! I will definitely be reading the next two novels in this series. If you haven't yet picked up WATERFALL, I highly encourage you to do so! You will not be disappointed.
My Rating:
Glad you liked this! The second book is just as action paced and exciting, so I am sure you will like that one too. I just got my hands on the third book and I can't wait to start reading it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this book! There is so much about Gabi and Marcello that I just fell in love with.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it! This series is definitely one of my favourites that I've read this year.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love the sound of the writing! And Marcello--thank goodness he isn't a jerk! Yay for nice guys in YA! Waterfall seems like a fantastic book; I definitely need to get my hands on it! :)
ReplyDeleteI actually bought - okay used a gift card - this one because everyone loves it so. It's still on the shelf but I am determined to get to it soon. It sounds so awesome. The time travel to Italy sounds so romantic! I want a Marcello - even if it's only in a book!
ReplyDeleteI've read a bunch of reviews raving about this series. I haven't checked it out much, but I'm glad so many people have loved it! Awesome review, Bailey :)
ReplyDeleteYAY! I seriously did a happy dance when I saw your review. I LOVE this series! And each book just gets better and better! I got my whole family hooked on this series and we all LOVE it! So I'm SO happy you loved it too! I can't wait to hear how much you love the next two :D
ReplyDeleteI've heard such good things about this series -- I've GOT to pick it up! And I love when you really get inside a character's head and actually seem to experience what they're going through, like you did with Gabi.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Everyone that has read this series, has loved it! I must check it out!
ReplyDeleteThe more I read about this series, the more I want to read it. Renaissance Italy is one of my favorite places and favorite time periods. Waterfall and the sequel have been on my TBR list for a while now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Smiles!
Lori
Yay, I'm so glad you loved it. Waterfall was definitely one of my favourite debuts of the year and while I haven't read Torrent yet, I'm sure this series is also going to be one of my favourites.
ReplyDelete