Review: River of Time series
Review:
I’m not sure what I can say about this series that hasn’t already been said. I think Nic of Irresistible Reads described it best by saying it’s one that’s filled with “pulse pounding moments” at every turn of the page. And it’s a wondrous thing to behold because as you read about Gabi’s time traveling adventures, you are not merely an observer of her journey, you become part of the story itself, as if you too are transported to medieval Italia, facing one life threatening situation after another.
I’ll be honest and say at first, I didn’t care much for the heroine and protagonist of the series, Gabriella. Despite her witty musings, she was too Mary Sue for my taste, knowing just enough about everything to really feel genuine. But I’m happy to say that my initial impression of her change dramatically as the series continued. What I discovered about Gabi was that she is a very rich character, flawed in many ways, her aggressive stubbornness probably the most notable, but that very trait also made her dynamic; enhancing the fierceness of her loyalty to those she loves and to herself. If anything, I never imagined myself adoring her, especially after having to endure her make decisions I didn’t agree with or partake in actions that made me want to punch a baby, but now I consider her one of my most beloved characters ever. *nerd alert* In fact, she turned out to be so fascinating to me, I found myself wishing there was a YA English Lit class I could take that would allow me to do a character analysis on her.
The secondary characters are just as remarkable. And though my delight in unraveling Gabi made me wish I could have done the same with those she held dearest, I could understand why they seemed so infallible. That was simply the way she viewed them. I’m sure they aren’t as perfect as they initially seem either, but try telling Gabi that and consider yourself lucky if you live to see another day. In any case, many of the secondary characters left me wanting to know them more intimately, and I really hope that their stories will be told.
It didn’t take long for the heart-stopping action scenes in the series to become a kind of a comfort, being as constant as they were. Every moment had me desperate to get to the next, wild with the need to know that all would be well…somehow.
Each book ends rather abruptly, making your mind scream in anguished excitement, but ever ready to race off to the next book to once again be swept into Gabi’s world of epic adventure, delicious romance, and unapologetic faith.
I believe that this series is one that will not only capture many hearts but also stand the test of time with the many ways it shocks yet enchants readers. I dare you to read it and not want to try your hand at medieval speak as I have done this week, much to the extreme dismay of my family, who have continuously bestowed upon me curious glaces…much the same as you are doing now. LOL!
I hope you’ll join us in exploring this wonderful series with Waterfall Wednesdays, which begins next week! Click the button for more details.
Challenge(s): 111 in ‘11 Challenge, Show Me the FREE Challenge*
Posted at 7:17 pm • Labels: 2011, 4 stars, Book Review, fantasy, historical fiction, Kindle Edition, Lisa T. Bergren, review copy, River of Time, Waterfall Wednesdays, YA
I only skimmed this review because I still need to read 2 & 3. But so far, I'm so with you.
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I'm so glad that Gabi turned out to be a better main character. Doesn't it make you happy to see that when you put the time in to reading the rest of the book? It's why I'm always fighting with myself not to give up on books I'm not liking…lol.
Can't wait to read these!
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Stop eet! I am trying to get my review stack under a manageable pile and you ply me with wanting to read this series NOW. I have book 1 on my tbr and it has been taunting me for a bit. TAUNTING me. *sniff* You are in cahoots with it and with this brilly review (and the book boyfriends so well done) with Nics… I want to read it so bad. *cries* I just may join you for WW! That'll show you!
<3
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Nay, Missie, I do not look at you with disconcert, but with amazement. The River of Time Series twas beautiful and heart-wrenching and…totally off the shiznit! How'd I do? LOL! I'm really excited to read Torrent. In fact, Amazon is releasing it on August 28th instead of September 1st so I'm even more excited. *grins maniacally* Also…I missed your 6 word review.
Jen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
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I'm totally in love with this series. Totally and completely. It's the set of books I'll be getting my sister this year for her birthday. She's 'trapped' up in Alaska with hardly any friends and no family (her in-laws are there, though) and she needs an escape. I think this series will provide that for her. Great review!
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Oh missie girl, Im glad you liked the series and that you loved Gabi. She and Marcello and Lia and Luca and Greco all became such great characters to me…..
I want to live in these books…;)
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They look great, such good covers
Yes I am very very shallow and would read them cos of that. And they do sound nice too, lol, gotta have that too
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oooohhh! I love characters like these. My favorite characters are complex and flawed. I definitely want to read the series to meet the characters.
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YES… I have book 1!!! WIN… chapters 1-6 on Wed right???
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Missie congrats on completing the series. I'm only on Ch 4 of Waterfall, so I didn't read your review cuz I was afraid of spoilers. I'll come back to it when I'm finished. It may be a while though.
Can't wait for Wed. I need to get to chp 6 so I can participate.
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@Juju, The action and romance only get better with each book!
@Natalie, Yes, exactly. It's great fun to be surprised.
@Melissa, I don't care if you have to move a mountain, make it happen and join us. LOL
@Jen, Forgive me, m'lady. 'Tis foolish of me to have offended you so. *giggles*
@Candace, Oh, you're sister will love them, I'm sure. I've been talking to my sister about the books too, and I've almost got her convinced that she need to read them.
@T, I totally wanted to live in the books too, and for a time, it felt like I was.
@Blodeuedd, Yes, the covers are gorgeous!
@Alexis, There is definitely a great mix of characters in this series.
@Ashley, Yes, Wednesday!
@Gina, I'm looking forward to it too.
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WOW WOW WOW! This series sounds phenomenal!! I need to get this series now!! Thanks for the review, Missie!
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So odd, I picked up Torrent today and almost bought it. You give such a glowing review that I am really interested in this series. I like how they are also all out so I wouldn't have to wait.
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He he, you are a nerd. But that's okay; I still love you
Unless of course you try and take away Lord Greco from me. I'm going to be generous and let you share Rhino and Adam with me.
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I'm putting reading Waterfall and Cascade on my immediate TBR list because I really want to participate in the Read-along. I've heard so many wonderful thing about this series that it's waaaay past time for me to join the club. Thanks for the motivation.
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i really need to get my hands on this book asap.
im so glad you liked it.
now i'm off to buy waterfall….
great review as always!
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She does sound very complex, especially since she elicits such a range of strong feelings from you, not the least of which is the need to analyze her…or to harm a hapless infant
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I love how your opinion of Gabi changed over the course of the book. I always find it hard to enjoy a book where I don't like the MC, no matter how well written it is. Awesome review, Missie, really looking forward to this series!
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Yayayayay! I just love seeing positive reviews for these books. I want to take them all off my shelf and hug them and sleep with them under my pillow. Ok, who is the nerd now?
I like how you said that the secondary characters probably aren't as perfect as they seem but we're seeing them through Gabi's eyes. I really, really hope we get to see their own stories.
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Hmm never come accross this series before, but it sure sounds worth my reading time
I'll go check them out.
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I caved and joined
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I'm excited about the read a long on wed!! I am actually really reading a long so I am just finishing chapter 6! So far it is great and I can't wait for more!
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I'm going to blame it on my blogging break, but I haven't heard of this. Time to add it to my TBR…
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Wonderful review Missie! This series is so incredible and just really has a lot of heart. I am glad you loved it. Thanks for the shout out too
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I had not heard of these until your review but I really like the sound of them. Thanks Missie!
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I read such great things about these books! I was so glad when I saw the first available for free a couple of weeks ago. I usually don't read books categorized as “Christian” fiction, but I like the sound of this series!
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The covers for this series is really amazing. Wow bravo on the reviews – well written and enough for me to add them to my TBR list.
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I love this series! Just finish the last book and really loved it!
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Well, I have my book and I did my post, now I just have to read those first six chapters so I can be ready for the read a long. I don't think I've read a negative thing about this series anywhere! I think I'll get started tonight.
Love the review!
Heather
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So good to hear that about Gabi because I'm only a bit into Waterfall but I had the same thoughts about her as a Mary Sue. It seems awfully convenient to me that her parents made her learn fluent Italian, basic Latin, bareback horseriding, fencing, and knowledge of herbs and remedies… I don't necessarily dislike her though. I look forward to seeing her character grow!
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I can't wait to read these books after hearing so many good things about them!
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This series sounds amazing! I have the first book on my Nook to read, and I can't wait to get started on it.
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The covers looks amazing and so inviting! Glad they are a good read too…I would try to read it sometime soon.
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I am so amped for Waterfall Wednesdays to begin. I hope it sparks lots of discussion. This was such a great idea! Whoot!
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Oh, now these do sound sooooo good. Thanks for the review of these. I think I might like. ;D
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I just bought this and can't wait to get started! and I'll be trying the medieval speak. Sounds fun and will really annoy the little brothers!
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Missie, this is one of the best reviews I've seen. I had the same thoughts on her Mary Sue-ness, but eventually she won me over. I do wish we'd gotten some more Lia in the final book, but I understand that this is Gabi's story to tell. Awesome, awesome review.
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fab reviews miss missie
i loved the first two and cannot wait to read torrent
x Nomes
also, your new blog = <3
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