Review: Waterfall By Lisa T. Bergren

Title: Waterfall
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David Cook
Publishing Date: February 1, 2011
Length: 369 pages
Series: River of Time #1
Summary: (From back of book) Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with archaeologist parents. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in a 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 hand print in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces. Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. 




My Thoughts:  I have a love for all forms of time travel and this book didn't disappoint. It took me a few chapters to become interested, and then after that, I couldn't put it down. Gabi is a strong willed, courageous narrator/character and I enjoyed reading a YA where the heroine wasn't a 'stand by and do nothing' type. I know that half the appeal of this book is supposed to be the hot Italian guys that wield swords and are the perfect, chivalric boyfriend personified, but I got a little tired of the head over heels romance. I much preferred the teasing, flirtatious relationship of the main character with Luca, a smaller main male role, rather than Marcello, the intended heartthrob of the series.
All and all I found it a very enjoyable book and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. There was sword fighting action, plausible plot and enough romantic interest to keep me cheering and reading on late into the night.
Things To Be Cautious Of:
There is violence. Including mention of torture, a small scene of interrogation tactics using pain influence, Gabi kills three men in self defense and some men are killed by an archer.
Romance: There is some kissing between the main characters. Nothing extremely passionate or inappropriate, but more awkward than Junior High age would probably want to read.
Other: Gabi is captured by the enemy who attempt to take advantage of her. Nothing happens, but I still found the scene unsettling.