Monday, September 5, 2011

Waterfall

Waterfall: A Novel (River of Time Series)

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergen

Publisher: David C. Cook Books

Pages: 369

Read Time: 2 Days

Tag Words: Historical Fiction, Italian history, love story, time travel, warrior women, questions about God, coming of age, bravery, sisters, loyalty, Best I’ve Read 2011, 2011 YA debut author

My Summary:

When Gabriella and her sister, Evangelia, discover a portal back through time the sisters end up in the middle of a feud between two Italian houses.

Marcello, the handsome son of one of the houses comes to Gaby’s aid, will she end up in his arms before fate pulls her home?

My Review:

My summary of the story does nothing for it, neither does the summary on the back of the books, because, frankly, both make the books sound a tad childish, a little cliche, basically- typical- and Waterfall is anything but.

I LOVED this book. It’s one of those books that surprises you; of course you thought you would like it, but I basically stalked Lisa on Twitter after finishing the first few chapters because I knew that reading the next two books in the series would not be an option, it was a necessity! I was thrown by how deeply immersed in the story I became and I risked nausea by reading it in the car during a seven hour road trip.

Gabriella and Evangelia (Yes, I adore the names. You should hear me say them in my Italian accent, they get even prettier!) are two heroines you don’t see coming. They are as different as dusk and dawn, and just as breathtaking in their own ways. Gabriella, besides having my name, has my body type, my sense of adventure, and my romantic heart. This girl is me, thrust backwards into time and I loved the journey!

All that’s left is to blather on and on about how much Cascade is going to rock, what with Evangelia having a completely different view on being in medieval Italy than her big sis. I can only wonder about the plot twists and turns that will hopefully involve with Marcello and Luca making reappearances in the sisters lives.

Read this book.

Notes on the Names:

Gabriella and Evangelia. Are you kidding me?! Are you kidding me. How gorgeous, yes?!

May just win the award for best names of the year.

Thoughts on the Cover:

I want to spend my cover time talking about the titles of these books, because they match, just like the wonderful covers, but I don’t feel like they match the story, unlike the covers.

Water, as an element, or a method of time travel is never mentioned or alluded to. I feel like the titles were just sort of slapped on there, and yes, they’re pretty, like the the covers, but they don’t add anything to the story unlike the fabulous covers.

Parental Book Review *spoilers*

Sexual Content:

Mild kissing.

Language:

None.

Violence:

Moderate

Good vs. Evil warfare, threats of torture, descriptions of pain.

Other Notables:

I consider it squeaky clean!

6 comments:

Lisa Tawn Bergren said...

Thanks for the review, Gabrielle! I'm so glad you've joined the River of Time Tribe. And the titles? Hmm...I think you'll understand them better once you get to TORRENT. :-)

Patricia's Particularity said...

I agree the book summary can't even hold a candle to how great this book it. I was taken by surprise - ended up reading it in one sitting and searching 5 stores for the sequel literally right after I finished it (without any luck though lol).I love the connection you had to this book! Great review!

Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf said...

I just finished reading this too and love love loved it!! Can't wait to read Cascade!!!

♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

BrittanyGale said...

I've read Waterfall and Cascade. I pre-ordered Torrent and I can't wait for it to get here. Seriously. Hurry up Book Depository. Send me my book!! lol

BrittanyGale said...

I just thought of the saddest thing. Once I read Torrent, it's all over. No more Luca. *sigh*

Gabrielle Carolina said...

Brittany, I wouldn't be so sure about that... all I'm saying. ; )