Waterfall (River of Time Series #1)

( 311 )

Overview

Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life. In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in sixteenth-century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, ...

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Waterfall (River of Time Series #1)

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More About This Book

Overview

Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life. In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in sixteenth-century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the sixteenth-century—and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

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  • Teens Video/Waterfall_trailer_BB_8b6eddca10fc30479ebb7881ad68405a45fa62b4
    Teens Video/Waterfall_trailer_BB_8b6eddca10fc30479ebb7881ad68405a45fa62b4  

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher
“Lisa Bergren has stirred up an exciting and memorable tale that teen readers should thoroughly enjoy!” 
-Melody Carlson, author of the Diary of a Teenage Girl and True Colors series
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781434764331
  • Publisher: Cook, David C.
  • Publication date: 2/1/2011
  • Series: River of Time Series , #1
  • Edition description: New
  • Pages: 384
  • Sales rank: 71,784
  • Age range: 13 - 17 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.40 (w) x 8.10 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty books that have sold 1.5 million copies. A former publishing executive, she is currently a freelance editor and mother. She lives in Colorado Springs.

 

 

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 311 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(225)

4 Star

(53)

3 Star

(20)

2 Star

(3)

1 Star

(10)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 315 Customer Reviews

  • Posted March 7, 2011

    Wonderful escape!

    I am an eclectic reader...fiction, non-fiction, biographies, parenting books, mysteries, romances, cookbooks, travel books, whatever! Sometimes I just read to escape from something (perhaps laundry or housecleaning) or to something (like an exciting adventure devoid of day-to-day chores). Waterfall started as none of the above. It was a "preview" to discover if it would be a good read for a couple young adult (YA) readers in my life. However, it quickly transitioned into a wonderful escape. The beginning, set in current time, didn't grab me. However, as soon as Gabi was transported to 14th century Italy, I was sucked in to a world of non-stop action, adventure and romance. I couldn't put it down. And yes, I would recommend it highly for all YA readers - and their moms! Sorry laundry... you will have to wait! Thank you Lisa T. Bergren...for sharing your gift of writing, story telling, and historical perspective. I'm so anxious to read the rest of the series!

    11 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 7, 2011

    AMAZING!!!

    this was a magical read!!! Gabi is a strong and relatable heroin and marcello makes me melt! this book is one of my favs now!!!! If you havent read it, get it now!!!! its worth every penny! cant wait for Cascade to come out!

    8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 4, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    Waterfall has everything one could possibly want out of a novel,

    Waterfall has everything one could possibly want out of a novel, it literally sweep me off my feet. With time travel, history, romance, action, strong dashing men & brave young women, there isn't anything I didn't love about this novel.

    Gabi is a confident and capable young heroine who after being thrown into fourteenth century Italy, uses her historical knowledge, smarts and quick thinking to adapts to her surroundings. She's also fearlessly determined to find her missing sister, who she believes might have travel back with her. Not one to seat back and wait for others to aid her, she's often the one helping people through difficult situations.

    Gabi's attraction to Marcello, a young knight, really pulled me into the story since its development is very well paced and never felt to rushed or to intense. Marcello is of course handsome & charming but its his admiration and respect for Gabi that really melted my heart. Despite the fact that his instincts tell him that women shouldn't be doing or acting the way Gabi does he never discourages her from staying true to herself and is more then impressed with her toughness. Marcello's best friend Luca won me over for the same reasons, but also has spunk of his own. He's more easy going then his friend and has the luxury of being able to flirt openly with Gabi, something that she both hates & finds amusing.

    Lisa Bergren clearly did her research when it comes to fourteenth century Italy, as every page made me feel as though I was right there living within the walls of the Forelli castle or being chased down by knights on horseback. The smallest details such as the way people bathed or ate their meals added so much realism to the story. Your never overwhelmed by to many historical facts as the blend effortlessly into the story, much like the description of the vast landscapes and cities.

    I found the beginning to be a bit slow since the story doesn't really pick up until after Gabi is sent back in time, but once there it doesn't really let up. Something is always happening, whether its knights fighting to the death, women being chased on horseback or fancy banquets inside the castle's great hall, the novel steadily moves along making it impossible to put down.

    There are a few scenes that stretch believability, like Gabi's ability to wield a giant, iron sword because she took fencing or how easily she switches off talking like a teen from the 21st century. However none of these things really bothered me since I was deeply engrossed in the incredible characters and story.

    Although the ending of the novel might be easy to predict, I didn't feel that it took anything away from the story since getting to the end was filled with so many twists & turns. Also the constant push & pull that Gabi felt to either stay or go was really well balanced, I struggled right along with her on what she should do. Thankfully its also doesn't end on a cliffhanger, which is always nice in my book and yet sets the stage for what's to come.

    Waterfall is classified as Christian young adult fiction but I highly recommended the novel to any fan of fantasy, romance or historical fiction as the novel easily blends all three genres. Gabi is a mature, confidant young woman who will appeal to adults as well as teens. Also besides for a few scenes where Gabi wonders if God is the one who sent her back to the past and praying amongst the knights, religion is never really discussed. Please don't let either label effect your decision to read Waterfall, as its a beautifully written historical adventure, with an intelligent and strong young heroine.

    6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 17, 2012

    AMAZING

    I got this book for free while I was looking for nook bargins. I thought why not it's free. At first I wasn't that impressed with the story, but I like to always give authors a few chapters before I decide if I will continue to read a story. Boy am I glad I stuck with the story. This series is one of the best I've come across in a long time. I read one a day and now I can't get them out of my head and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I loved these books!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 7, 2011

    This book with grab you and not let go!

    Absolutely loved this book. The characters are well developed and pertinent to the story. No excess ideas just to fill space. The time period traveled to is believeable and comes to life by Lisa's ability to write out a picture. I can't wait for the next two books.

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 7, 2011

    Better than Twilight!

    No, this isn't a vampire book, but like Twilight it's the kind of book young adults will eat up! And it's far better written than the Meyers' books. Full of dramatic plot twists, it will keep you on the edge of your seat and yet the romance is sizzling. An amazingly romantic setting with a protagonist that will melt your heart. I loved it and you will too!

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 29, 2012

    Boo

    Well, thanks to rude, hateful, egotistical posters like harriet klausner and all the others who feel the obscessive compulsiin to RUIN a book for others, this is yet another i dont have to read. FYI....im sure most ppl can read so we DONT need you telling us every detail...got it? Go to a web site,a blog, anywhere but STOP POSTING PLOT SPOILERS AND RUINING IT FOR OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 23, 2012

    Anonymous

    This book was ok but all my friends told me It was so great so I read It and I truly didn't like it very much. The story line was really creative and I liked the whole point of how she gets transported back in time to the 14th century. But It got kind of boring towards the middle of the book. Some people may like this book but If your like me..... I'd give the book a try and see if you like it or not. Lisa Tawn Bergren did nice job creating the story and you may or may not like this book. But before you judge it give it a try :)

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 28, 2012

    Anonymous

    This book truly was good. I recommend it to all my friends and they loved it too. The detail in this book was just fasinating and real, I couldn't put it down. I stayed up to two o'clock in the morning and finished it in a day. This book really was good. I reccomend it to all. I can't wait to read the Cascade (the second book)!!!!!!!:)

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted August 11, 2011

    An adventure of a lifetime

    "Waterfall" is the first book in Lisa T. Bergren's 'River of Time Series'. It's a young adult book, but I believe that readers of all ages would enjoy reading it. The story is about an American teenager, Gabriella Betarrini, who has spent the majority of her summers in Italy, with her younger sister, Lia, and her archeologist parents. This summer they're in rural Tuscany, amidst a new archeological site, filled with crumbling castles and old burial tombs. The two girls, bored out of their minds, decide to do a little exploring, never imaging that this will land them in fourteenth-century Italy...
    I literally could NOT put this book down. It grabbed me from the beginning and would not let me go. I was instantly swept into the world of knights and Lords and Ladies, of beautiful dresses, sword fights, adventure, and intrigue. And of course, romance. For what young lady wouldn't fall in love with a smoldering, medieval Italian man? (Sigh....) I don't want to give the whole story away, but needless to say, I can assure you that you will love every page of this book.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted August 4, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Is this the first book?

    What a steal!

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted August 4, 2011

    Oh yeah!

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 25, 2011

    sweeet

    marcello would be the guy 4meXD

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 4, 2011

    Must Read!

    I read this book last week and literally cannot stop thinking about it. The Italian setting for the novel was wondrous and obviously much researched. As I walked across a park field with my children, the sun on my face, the wind whipping my hair, I imagined the rolling hills described in Waterfall. I even found myself wishing to be wearing a long dress like so many Lisa beautifully described in her novel. When reading Waterfall, I felt completely immersed. Every time I had to put the book down I found myself plotting the next portion of time I would have to read it! The characters in Waterfall are fully developed. Insight of each character is gained through interesting dialogue, descriptions of facial expressions and the response each character has to the many wonderful and exciting scenarios Bergren leads readers through. The next book cannot be on shelves soon enough for me or the other fans of The River of Time Series. In fact, I have half a mind to storm the castle walls of David C. Cook to get my hands on Cascade!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 26, 2011

    An AWESOME Read!

    The cover of this book drew me in first, and reading about the book thoroughly intrigued me. It sounded like a really neat, adventurous read. But I was slightly wrong in my assumptions. It wasn't just a neat read-it was an AWESOME read!

    It had everything a reader could want in a medieval adventure: battles, sword fights, balls, adventure, peril, humor, suspense, mystery, romance-everything! To put it simply-I was completely wowed by this book. The River of Time series ranks right up there with the best of them and will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf!
    Gabriella (Gabi) was one amazing woman. While she was strong and fearless, she was also gentle, compassionate, and had her weaknesses. Being able to wield a sword gave her some advantage when the time travel landed her in the middle of a small war, but knowing how to spar with her father did little to prepare her to take on seasoned knights much stronger than herself. But even then, she does not shirk from danger. That was one of my favorite aspects of Gabi-she was heroic and brave, even if she was inwardly scared out of her wits.

    I didn't get to know her sister, Evangelia (Lia) that much, but she was very similar to her sister, though a bit more sensitive and naïve. But living with the Sienese had caused Gabi to grow up almost overnight, and Lia was no different. What a heroine she was as she used her impeccable skill with the bow and arrow! I was cheering for her right alongside Gabi-what a formidable team they formed. No wonder they were called the She-Wolves of Siena.

    The men in this books was amazing! Marcello and Luca were simply awesome. What girl wouldn't want a brave knight beside you, ready to die to keep you safe? And handsome, ta boot! While Marcello was wonderful, I felt more of a liking his sidekick, Luca. His gentle teasing and quirky comments in the face of danger endeared me to this man who was so devoted to Marcello, and in turn, Gabi and Lia.

    While this book is published as YA fiction, I believe adults would find Gabi and Lia's adventures to be stirring and extremely satisfying. Geared for the younger readers, Lisa kept her book clean, light-hearted, and funny. I loved the writing style she used, giving Gabi such a dry sense of humor as she struggled with the differences of living in the medieval world as opposed to the 21st century. There were times where I outright laughed!

    Lisa has written a true winner with this book, and, I am confident to presume, with the next two in the series. The book doesn't end with that bad of a cliffhanger, but enough to make the reader run to the calendar and figure out how much longer they must wait for the next book to be released. What an awesome series this will be! I think the uniqueness of the storyline-21st century girls traveling back to the 1300s-really make for it to be such an awesome series. I can confidently say that I won't tire of rereading this book again, and again, and again!

    The perilous adventures that Gabi faces will leave you breathlessly clinging to each word as you read through the pages. I loved that Lisa didn't make her characters invincible or anything--they were hurt and bested at some points. This all made their adventures that much more believable and the characters that much more human. And it added a hook to the whole plot as I read into the wee hours of the night, wondering how on earth Gabi and Lia would make it out of such a predicament alive.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 15, 2011

    AMAZING book!!! A must read!!

    This book was absolutly wonderful! Not only was it action packed, 'lil romantic, mysterious, and just all out a top read, but it also faces problems any young adult faces, and you can relate to the charecters! In fact the scenes just about pop out of the book!!! This is a hafta-read type of book!!! Great Job to Mrs.Bergren!!!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 11, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Next Huge Thing!!!!!!! Dangerously Addictive!

    WATERFALL is the perfect beginning to a series that will set people on fire! It is a page-turner that is irresistible because of its inspiration and adventure. It truly brings you to 14th century Italy and morphs you into the courageous, independent heroine that Gabi is. It's dangerously addictive because of its eloquently written plot and characters. This is a unique novel that is the perfect beginning to a series that, mark my words, is bound to be bigger than TWILIGHT.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 7, 2011

    My teen says it's the best book she ever read!

    My 13-year-old daughter reads a LOT but she rarely reads Christian fiction. She loves mainstream fantasy and authors like JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. But when she picked up this book, she was hooked from the first page and was practically swooning every night when she told me about the chapters she'd read that day. She's telling all her friends about this book, and she can't wait for more in this series from Lisa T. Bergren.

    Lisa, you hit it out of the park with this one!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 7, 2011

    Like Outlander for teens - Absolutely perfect!

    If you're not already loading this one into your online shopping carts, you don't know what you're missing. This story has it all: adventure, suspense, romance, and mystery. It will keep you guessing, and keep your heart in your throat.

    Gabi is a wonderful protagonist. She is thrust back through the centuries, uncertain if her sister is there with her, and winds up smack in the middle of an ongoing Italian turf war. Despite political, physical, and emotional hurdles, she uses her brain to make the best of her unexpected situation. Even though she doesn't know who she can trust, she outmaneuvers everyone to put together a daring plan to rescue her sister.

    I am a sucker for time travel books, mostly because it is a personal fantasy of mine. In the hands of an excellent researcher, that wish nearly comes true. I can always tell when a historical novelist really knows their stuff, and Bergren does not disappoint. Everything about the world rings true, which only sucked me deeper into the story. I melted into Gabi's castle life with ease, and every room, road and character was brought vividly to life.

    And oh, the characters! A flirtatious sidekick, a mothering cook, a sickly heir, a mean girl. It would be so easy to write the caricature and be done with it, but Bergren doesn't do easy. She writes complicated, deep characters that read like actual humans faced with difficult circumstances. Each of these types becomes so much more, surprising our expectations and threatening our snap judgments.

    Above all, this story has heart. Gabi will stop at nothing to find and save her sister, yet just when she thinks she is ready to leave, the beautiful Marcello gives her pause. It is a testament to Bergren's gift that we can simultaneously want Gabi to leave and to stay. Her choice is difficult because we see the good Gabi can bring, and the love that can be her reward. Yet she struggles to cement her own fate one way or the other. It is the ultimate impasse, and completely riveting.

    To me this book was like Outlander for teens. No lust. No sex. But a courageous, stubborn, time-traveling heroine who discovers more about herself in the past than in the present? Oh yes. That, and so much more.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 12, 2013

    ....and then what happened?

    I love time travel stories. The writing was nice, and is quite appropriate for teens, and appreciated by adults who don't need the "hot and heavy" stuff. I was disappointed at the end. Perhaps the journey should have been enough, cool as it was, but with the accomplishments and discoveries of these strong young women, there should have been a change in the future. I wanted to at least see an un-ruined castle in the end....

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