Waterfall (River of Time, #1) in David C Cook

Jul 13, 2011 Michelle Griep rated it it was amazing

Time travel lovers rejoice! Then run—don’t walk—to your nearest bookseller and get yourself a copy of Waterfall. This is one thrill-ride to the past you’re not going to want to miss. Sword fights galore. Smokin’ hot Italian knights. Lords and Ladies. Castles and dungeons. Whew. I’m still breathless after having closed the back cover.

The tensions of medieval Italy are brought to life through author Lisa Bergren’s storytelling. Political intrigue and jockeying for power make for many twists and tu ...more

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May 02, 2016 Renee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya, recent-recommendations, time-travel-time-slip

I'm rating this book for my students.* They love this series! These books are some of the most popular of my classroom library. Older students often point them out to the younger & encourage them to read them. Lisa Bergren is one of our favorite authors!

*I teach English in a Christian junior high/high school. ...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Brooke Barenfanger rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed-on-blog

Gabriella and her sister Evangelia are stuck in Italy with their archaeologist mother for the summer. Not that they mind too much. Sure, they have to live in 1970’s apartment and the only boys in sight are the nerdy, bookworm type. But they do like being in Italy helping their mom excavate ancient Etruscan artifacts. But they are in for a wild summer. Gabi convinces her sister to enter a tomb their mother has forbidden them to enter. There, they travel back in time about 600 years. There…the sis Gabriella and her sister Evangelia are stuck in Italy with their archaeologist mother for the summer. Not that they mind too much. Sure, they have to live in 1970’s apartment and the only boys in sight are the nerdy, bookworm type. But they do like being in Italy helping their mom excavate ancient Etruscan artifacts. But they are in for a wild summer. Gabi convinces her sister to enter a tomb their mother has forbidden them to enter. There, they travel back in time about 600 years. There…the sisters are separated. Gabi is rescued by a handsome Italian name Marcello. He wants to help her find her sister. But in the process Gabi realizes something: not only is her heart in trouble of being lost, but her very life as well. How will Gabi and Lia find their way back home? And how did this time warp happen anyway? And what about the devastatingly handsome Marcello? How in the world will Gabi be able to choose between her heart and her head?

Waterfall is the second book I have read by Lisa Tawn Bergren. The first book I ever read by her was Breathe. I wasn’t as impressed by that book as I thought I would be. All the reviews I read on Breathe were really good. But, personally, I didn't think it was one of the greatest historical books I've ever read. Breathe was average, if not below average because of the overused themes and ideas. But I feel much very different about Waterfall. I now know why Breathe wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. The author is much more adept at writing in first person than in third person. Waterfall was in first person, told from Gabriella’s point of view. Breathe was told in third person.
First of all, I loved getting to know Gabriella. She is my age, so I felt closer to her because of that. Also, I have a sister who is Lia’s age, so I could totally relate to both girls. The whole story is a whirlwind of color and adventure and Medieval times. It felt realistic. I enjoyed looking through Gabi’s eyes and being in her head and feeling what she was feeling. I kept on thinking about what it would feel like if my own sister and I got separated in the circumstances that Gabi and Lia were in.

Marcello was every girl’s dream. Tall, dark, handsome. Sensitive and sweet. He was a wonderful character who really didn’t seem human because he had no flaws whatsoever. The end of the novel was one of my favorite parts because (spoiler alert here) Marcello made Gabriella promise to come back to him before she had to leave with Lia. It was so absolutely and genuinely romantic I’m sure I sighed.
The only thing I found wrong with the novel was the spiritual aspect of it. God was mentioned rarely. There were a few prayers here and there, but only in the most desperate of times. Gabriella really didn't develop a deeper faith, nor did she really have much of one in the beginning. If she had, it would have added a deeper aspect unto the novel. There was mention of Christ briefly, but not a full explanation of the gospel. Since this book is aimed mostly at teenaged girls (who are usually consumed with boys and clothing) there should have been more about Jesus, and how a faith in Him is more important than anything else in the world.

I think that the author should always write in first person. It is what she is most comfortable with. I can tell. I couldn't quite pinpoint what was wrong with Breathe but now I understand. The author is not as comfortable with third person as she is with first, so Breathe came out somewhat awkward. Waterfall was an excellent read not only for teenaged girls but also for adults as well.I was certainly impressed with it. I give Waterfall 41/2 out of 5 stars.
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Aug 26, 2015 Beckie Clarke rated it really liked it

This was a fun read! If you take time-travel books seriously, it might not be for you. But if you want to experience medieval Italy through the eyes of a 17 year old modern girl (who is very endearing, in my opinion, and narrates as a teenage girl would) then this is one you'll enjoy. ...more

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