Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

From Back Cover: Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaeological parents. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds ... until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of opposing forces. Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting.

My Rating: 5 hearts 

Thoughts on the Novel: With strong characters, frequent battles, political intrigue, hot guys and a sweet romance, Lisa T. Bergren’s Waterfall is a thrilling and enchanting debut that’s impossible not to love. Marketed as Christian fiction, Waterfall actually doesn’t have a huge dose of religion within it; rather, there is the occasional reference to praying to God for example, which would not be uncommon in fourteenth century Italy.

The main character, Gabi, is no damsel in distress and knows how to wield a sword and throw daggers. Therefore, she tends to surprise men and has at least a fighting chance around enemies. Weak heroines that need to rely on guys are a pet peeve of mine, and I’m so glad Gabi is strong-willed! Plus, she is loyal and quick-witted, coming up with a plausible story that allows her to search for her sister Lia who also made the leap through time and that explains why she, a seventeen-year-old girl, is walking around unescorted. The one thing that bugged me a little about Gabi is that she doesn't sound like a typical teen when she mentally speaks to herself. It's easy enough to ignore though since she doesn't do it that often.

The main secondary characters in Waterfall are just as terrific as Gabi. Lia with her superb archery skills, funny and gorgeous Luca, and smart Fortino were each outstanding and memorable in their own right.

Oh, and of course, there’s Marcello. While I tend to go for blonds – *gets distracted by the thought of Luca* – Marcello is hot too. Dark-haired and more serious than his cousin Luca, his romance with Gabi felt completely natural as it developed from attraction and admiration to something more. Someone please transport me to medieval Italy so I can get a guy like Marcello or Luca!

Besides the amazing characters, the plot was wonderful as well. Bergren describes Toscana and Siena in a way that makes you feel like you’re a part of the story too; and with two castellos trying to get each other’s territory and Gabi having to find Lia, there is plenty of action and danger. It’s also fun to see Gabi try to adjust to the time period she finds herself thrust in.

A splendid start to a new trilogy and definitely one of my favourite reads of the year, Waterfall is currently available for free to download from Amazon.

Waterfall was released in February 2011 by David C. Cook.

Comments About the Cover: There’s nothing particularly attention grabbing about it. If I didn’t know the premise of Waterfall, I probably would have overlooked this book if it was sitting on a bookshelf.  

14 comments:

  1. I'm so excited to read this one as I've heard nothing but good things! I love the way you describe the characters; I know I'm going to like them. I also love that it sounds like there's plenty of action to add to the plenty of romance.

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  2. I am so glad you loved this! Wonderful review. Oh and if you are getting transported back to Italy, take me too ;)

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  3. YAY!!! I just got this one and I'm so excited to read it:) I tend to go for blondes too, but I think maybe I can make and exception for Marcello! Can't wait to start reading:)

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  4. I got this one from Amazon and can't wait to get started! Glad you enjoyed it, I'm really excited to read it now, after seeing it was one of your favourite books of the year. Thanks for the review!

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  5. Hurrah! Thanks for the great review of WATERFALL. I'm so glad you're a part of the River of Time Tribe!

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  6. LOL, Z!

    Please don't even think about getting transported back to medieval Italy without me. I'll take the dark haired one any day. :)

    Starting in September, a group of us are going to be hosting Waterfall Wednesdays, which will include questions to inspire book discussion. I hope you will join us!

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  7. I've heard some great things about Waterfall and thanks for letting me know that its free on amazon right now. I'm heading over to get it right now :)

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  8. She sounds like my kind of heroine and add in Italy and time travel...well, I've got to read this! Interesting that they marketed is as Christian fiction if it doesn't have that much religion. Well, glad you loved it and I'll put it on my TBR!

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  9. I've heard so many good things about this book lately. It makes me want to run out and get it! I'll be putting it on my TBR list for sure.

    Also, I’m a new follower— awesome blog! Stop by my blog and follow me too? :) http://rachelbrookswrites.blogspot.com/

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  10. Wow! I haven't heard lots about this book, but I need to get it. Especially when the story takes the place in medieval times, which is one of my favourite era's ever. ;) Great review.

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  11. I'm so happy you loved it!! I go for the blond guys too :) I think next time Gabi and Lia make the trip they should bring us back a few 14th century Italian guys.

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  12. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I've seen it popping up around more frequently now. I agree on your take on the cover, it's pretty easy to overlook. Thanks for the review, I might just give this a try!

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  13. Snagged this one while it was free! lol heard some really good things about it! anxious to see how it goes! great review :D

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  14. I'm so excited to read this book. It's still not available here in Phil but I swear I'll get a copy once I get back to US! So glad you liked it. ;)

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