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.
Waterfall (River of Time #1) by Lisa T. Bergren
Paperback 352 pages
Published February 2011 by Cook, David C.
REVIEW:
Waterfall is one of the cutest time travel historical books i've read. I have a soft spot for knights and that kind of courtesy it has in made fall in love with the story.
Italy was always a placed which fascinated me. To see it back in time made me like it even more. Especially with author describing of the war, of how the women were treated and the two castles made me want to go there too. I liked how she wasn't afraid to show us the cruelty of some people at the time, how some of them respect women and how some of them just wanted them for pleasure. We get to see things that have to do with history, doctors, beliefs.
There were times that the dialogue felt modern but i think there was really good job done with the difference of how Gabi and this period's people talk. It was funny, when Gabi forgot herself and used phrases which didn't make sense to the others. And the romance is not so complicated. He likes her, she likes him and they both know it. They have their differences but it's not overdone. And the fact that there is not a teenagi-e triangle in make it even better (there is one but fits the story perfectly).
As for the characters were all multi dimensional with their own characteristics without being fake. Gabi is a really strong heroine which takes decisions and fights for what she wants. She cares for the others and tries to help even when she has problem. Marcello and Luca are both so "knights". I have to say i loved them both. Luca and Gabi's sister might be my favorite characters but i enjoyed the protagonists' scenes the same.
If i have to say something annoyed me was, how sometimes Gabi was thinking more about how she liked Marcello than how to save her sister. There was a repeat of what she was thinking about him which made me tired at times.
And, also (which is mostly in general) how everytime a person travels back in time is that lucky that knows how to use a weapon or horse riding, he or she is good and they get a chance to use it too! Seriously, if I get back in time i will have serious problems with that standards.
Waterfall is one of the best Debut novels i've read this year. Maybe one of the best YA's as well. And the best thing is that the next books will be out both in less than a year from now.
I absolutely loved this book. Great review! I agree, it's very convenient that our heroines know how to sword fight and shoot a bow and arrow. I'm not very resourceful in that area, either, so I'm hoping that there'll be a hot knight waiting for me if I ever go back! ;)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it yet, but that cover if gorgeous
ReplyDelete@Lucia: i can feel you. we are easily dead if we time travel.
ReplyDelete@Jenn: it's a cool one i agree. though i prefer covers with no real people on.
lol yeah, I would probably die if I traveled back in time. I would be a sucky swordswoman. :(
ReplyDeleteI love this book though! So happy you liked it :D