Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
Reviewed by Renee Chaw, Radiant Lit
Genre: Young Adult fiction
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: January 2011
Imagine falling back through time to 14th century Italy with your sister or best friend, would you be able to survive? Gabriella and Evangelia Betarrini two modern-day teens stumble upon an ancient tomb in the Italian countryside and are somehow separated on an impossible trip through time. Waterfall is the story of Gabi’s search for her sister and a way back to the future and her mother who was left behind. In spite of the lack of modern day conveniences, conflict, and political unrest there’s one thing Gabi never thought to find–love.Rescued by a hot Italian who appears to be a part of some Renaissance reenactment Gabi is desperate to find Lia. With the help of said hot Italian (aka Marcello), his family and fellow knight Luca who also happens to be a hot Italian Gabi faces down some pretty fierce fellows in her quest to find her sister. Not only does Gabi become a warrior but a healer and friend to the eldest Forelli, Fortino. If Gabi ever finds her way back to the present she will not have done so without leaving a huge impact on the residents of the “castello” and making a few enemies out of the Paratores. Fourteenth century Italy has never been more interesting or intriguing–or dangerous.
With as much action as The Hunger Games and enough drama to put Gossip Girl to shame Waterfall is sure to please both teens, their moms and romance fans alike. The only disappointment that you will face when reading this is when you turn the last page. As part of a trilogy you don’t get a lot of closure and you will suffer if you don’t have book two, Cascade, close at hand…trust me! Be warned that this isn’t a Janette Oke type story like your mom read when she was a teen, this book is action-packed! The Betarrini sisters aren’t afraid to kick some serious tail! That said if you want a good clean story with just the right amount of thrill and romance consider picking up a copy of Waterfall!
Rated PG-13 — Some intense action scenes that might frighten younger readers
**Received copy from friend to read.
