Originally, I wasn't drawn to this book. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the cover that I'm not a huge fan of. Maybe it was the fact that David C. Cook usually publishes nonfiction books like Francis Chan's Crazy Love and Forgotten God (which are both incredible, by the way!), so I wasn't sure what to expect from a YA time travel book released by them. Whatever the reason, I can't believe it held me back from such an amazing story! This is the epitome of readability, with tons of action, pretty knights with lots of chivalry, and a sweet romance to tie it all together.
The first thing that struck me about this book was how delicious all the historical aspects were. As I was reading, I wanted to get a megaphone and announce to every author who has ever written a time travel story or ever wanted to, "THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE ABOUT MODERN PEOPLE IN A HISTORICAL TIME PERIOD!" The historical characters talk different, act different, and have archaic ideas about things. That's what makes them historical. I loved how Gabi didn't judge the people. She didn't agree with their ideas about things (specifically, women's rights...or a lack thereof), but she realized that they had been raised with these notions and she wasn't going to change their minds by preaching her own agenda. It was refreshing on so many levels.
I also liked that Gabi and Lia face realistic struggles in the 1300s. Gabi is grossed out by the chamber pot, she is startled when people wipe their mouths on the table cloth, and she's terrified of getting an infection because she knows that it will most likely kill her. This aspect really gave the story a realistic aspect that I loved. Gabi was thinking exactly what I would have...except that she was able to look past the lack of bathing and dirtiness in a way I don't think I could have.
The relationships in this book are also great. Bergren managed to create lots of interesting characters, and I loved all of their interactions. I know Marcello is supposed to be the male lead, but I've got to say that I liked Fortino just as well. And I really liked how he became almost like a brother to Gabi, how she tried to help him get over his illness. Then there's Luca, who was making me laugh constantly. His reactions to things were priceless. And the fact that he swears he's in love with Lia before he even meets her was really funny, too.
Of course, the romance was pretty nice, too. I liked that Gabi and Marcello are both just nice people. Marcello has some ideas about gender roles that Gabi isn't too fond of, but she's able to look past them to see how good of a person he is. (Point for the nice guys!) I liked how honest he was about his feelings to Gabi. And I've got to say, besides the long hair, he sounded pretty hot. Bergren has this thing with describing the guys as very manly. I got the feeling that we're talking rough-and-tumble and lots of testosterone, as opposed to pretty boys. These are not your average YA heroes, but I think that has a lot to do with Bergren's past with adult historical romance books. I liked the diversity, though. As much as I like a boy with a pretty face, British accent, and bad attitude (*cough*Noah Shaw*cough*), I also like something different.
You can definitely tell that Bergren is a seasoned writer. This book is paced brilliantly. I was never bored. I repeat, never. Granted, there were a few scenes that I wish could have been longer, but that just kept me reading instead of getting frustrated, so I guess that was a good thing. She had me wanting more. I read this book in the span of 48 hours...in the midst of my finals. That should be testament enough of how addictive it is. And when I had finished it, I bought the second one that very second and started reading.
I know some people have said that what they didn't like about this book was that Marcello is engaged at the beginning and Gabi breaks up the couple. To which I would respond that Gabi never really did anything wrong. She goes out of her way not to get in the way, and she even tries to be nice to Lady Rossi. She never approaches Marcello. The only time that he cheated, he was the one that approached her. And he makes his choice then and there - he's going to break off the engagement. It would be different if he had been playing them both, but he doesn't. He realizes that he can't be with Lady Rossi and chooses Gabi. Nothing wrong with that!
And finally, I loved that this book is a Christian crossover. The religious themes are very minimal, which makes it great for a secular audience. But it still has a positive message, which I loved. It's completely clean, and I really liked that Gabi wrestles with the idea of fate/God's will with her being sent to Medieval Italy. Very thought-provoking!
Definitely pick this book up. Don't be dissuaded by the cover, which really isn't that great. And even if you're not religious, you'll still enjoy this book. It's not preachy. It's also really exciting and romantic and just all-around wonderful. One of my favorite books of 2011!
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Reviews with images
CAPTIVATING
I instantly fell in love with this book and series. I finished Waterfall in one day and quickly ordered the next two in the series. The book made me feel like I was there. Living the whole thing with Gaby and Lia.
Top reviews from other countries
Ashley Nikole
Delightful time-travel romance!!
Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2018
