Reaction to... The Elite by Kiera Cass

TO UNCOVER OR BE COVERED:
Honestly, I was a little bit worried about the cover design for THE ELITE. I guess it was the hair and how weird-shaped the model’s head looked on the smaller computer image, but in person it’s just as pretty and eye-catching as it’s predecessor’s. Maybe they’re too much alike and only a little different and maybe my thoughts on THE ELITE are slipping into my cover thoughts as well.

SUMMARY: The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS:
‘Kay, so remember how in THE SELECTION, there might as well be A TON of girls for our lovely, awkward prince to choose from. Now there are only five girls remaining, and our prince is having a tough, frustrating time determining the best choice as America Singer is the one causing problems. With America teetering unsteadily toward the end of THE SELECTION, it was easy to see on which end she was most likely going to fall. That decision seems to be intact but only after loads of drama, half-hearted rebel attacks, and a plot that has wavered and become riddled with tension, misunderstandings, slow-moving tactics to pique the interest of THE ELITE’s reader.

WHERE WE GO:
The setting of Cass’s story hasn’t changed since we dropped out of THE SELECTION. We’re still in the glam of the palace, soaking up all that royal riches can buy, from fine food to good help, and, frankly, it gets to be a bit tedious. Though the tension grows thicker, it’s like a weak sapling dying under falling snow—it struggles to make its presence known but ultimately fails—unless you’re an optimist, which I’m pretending not to be for the sake of this image I’m trying to create. It’s not a weak attempt on Cass’s part, just a failing one.

Same goes, if not more, for the plot. With THE SELECTION, I found it okay for Cass to slowly and teasingly introduce the rebel squad she’s got working, but to do it in the sequel just made me want to roll my eyes every time the people of the palace came out of hiding and found the very ambiguous and threatening “WE ARE COMING.” I was a little spooked in THE SELECTION, like an anxious mare anticipating a storm, but after THE ELITE that mare has since found a more interesting-looking predicament, like how to reach that apple. What I’m getting at is the tease is half the fun in an introduction to a series, but one of the top reasons one waits for the sequel is to be satisfied—in answers, you perverts.

Cass made a wrong turn, as she kept dangling that shiny new thing expecting me to give chase, only when I got a closer look I realized it was the inside of Twix wrapper.

WHO WE ARE WITH:
Oh, Greek deities above on a mountain, everyone was all over the place in THE ELITE! And not in a good way. In many respects, THE ELITE showed the absolute worst sides of all the characters combined, America especially. Between all the blubbering, self-doubt, wishy-washy decision-making I wanted to smother her under all those pretty dresses her lady’s maids were slaving over. In THE SELECTION, I found her uncertainty both believably practical and emotional and now I see that Cass has failed in amassing more sympathy for America because my supply ran short after the first third of the book. I didn’t see America as irrational and silly, initially, but then she started doing all these THINGS until she landed in the neighborhood of emotionally afflicted stupidity and childishness. One moment she’s saying how she’s sorry she’s hurt Aspen so much then the next she’s realizing he messed up everything, one moment hates Maxon with the power of a thousand suns and the next she gets why he’s done what he has. I got her insecurities, but I hated her indecisive stance, unable to leave the Selection but not sure if she should stay while countless girls ARE competing and are maybe even winning a little…

Then, toes below Maxon gets to be a piece of work. Most times I would only find that irritating on the behalf of the FMC not so much the author’s part. But I couldn’t help but question the organic-ness of his small changes. Cass made me believe the Maxon that THE SELECTION showed us, and the actions of this Maxon don’t coincide with the Maxon I’ve come to know. I want to say that that may have been the point BUT it felt forced and artificially incorporated for the sake of Second Book Tension. I didn’t buy it even as I was raging at him, I didn’t buy the sudden revealing of some dirty secrets he’s been keeping.

Aspen, though, needs to just go home! It doesn’t even have to do with his influence on the romance, but more his input feels useless, unnecessary, and eyerollable. He’s there solely to make America conflicted, and always has been, which is why I’ve probably been so frustrated by his character. I mean, deep down, who doesn’t love a good love triangle? But as the third point, he weakens the overall shape just by existing to exist.

I’m really disappointed by these three. And the fact that, while Cass was busy complicating matters of love with drama and angst, she didn’t give nearly enough depth to characters I’d hoped to cling to by the time I finished THE ELITE.

THE LITTLE THINGS:

1. Maxon Dancing with America

The real deciding factor on my feelings on this book is summed up by the fact that I skimmed a little over a third of this book after the first third. And the only reason I wanted to pay full attention to that last bit was to ensure I wasn’t missing anything I wanted to bask in. Because in spite of my disappointment and mild rage, I am cracked out over Maxon and America no matter how pissed I am at them. Yeah, I didn’t enjoy this one, but is that going to stop me from finding out how this pairing turns out? Uh, yeah no.

Hardcover / 323 pgs / April 23rd 2013 / Harper Teen / Goodreads / $17.99

I received a copy from mah moms.

Rarely an Adult Moment: The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts (Inn Boonsboro Trilogy)

Originally called Adult Flash, Rarely an Adult Moment is a feature in which I aggravate my precarious sanity even further by tackling non-review pile books like adult romance novels and review them for you. Aren't you lucky? As a way to reward my heroic efforts against insanity and my generous consideration of those of you who may need a refresher from YA as well, be sure to leave me recommendations for my next venture into the adult romance (and whatever other genres fall into it) novel. Cus I totes need more.

..............................................................................

Review: Silence

my thoughts in a few sentences: I had absolutely no preconceptions toward Silence by Michelle Sagara. I read the brief press release explaining the deal and thought, 'Hey, this is looks creepy fun and IT’S PARANORMAL romance with a beaut of a cover. How can I resist?' Now this may not have been a paranormal romance, but it was still full of paranormal goodness with downright pretty writing—it’s deep and insightful and simple of a kind, and characters, with their loyalty and distinct personalities, that are simply incredible. The relationship between these friends, best or otherwise, is beautiful in its honesty and the loyalty they feel toward the main character wonderful in its intensity.

hooking first lines: "Everything happens at night. The world changes, the shadows grow, there's secrecy and privacy in dark places. "

DAW/Penguin • Unsolicited • Paranormal • 5/1/12 • $13.49

Review: Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

WARNING: If you haven't read Waterfall, book one in the River of Time series, then it would probably be a good idea to stay away from this review.

Cascade (River of Time #2) by Lisa T. Bergren

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

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Source: own/Purchased
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Next: Torrent (Sept. 2011)


So if you happened to have read my IMM post for this week, you'd have an inkling as to how much in love I am with this series. I'm serious. Like, deeply in love. I've been sweatin' for this book for some time now. And I did not appreciate seeing all these reviews crop up, when I still hadn't read the book. But now, not only can I say that I have, but I was just recently WOWed, people. Maybe my missing these characters, this story, influenced my total and complete absorption with this book, but I could not help it. As soon as it was in my hands, and I turned onto that first page, whatever plans I'd had that evening were shot to hades. Big time.  

Major credit to Lisa for just picking up where everything left off. I felt like I hadn't even stopped reading or that I'd never had to wait for this next book. And I send more love to her for including some parental action here. I have yet to read a YA book that doesn't push aside parental involvement one way or another. As a result of Lisa's genius, I got to watch Momma She-Wolf not only fly back in time with her daughters, but actually make an impact and kick some ass! I liked the fact that their mom went back with them, was there for Gabi and Lia in all of their upcoming decisions. I mean, foregoing all of our 21st century advancements and advantages to stick around in 16th century Italy sounds like something Mom should be present for! Plus, if I were in Gabi's shoes, I'd want my mom there if I found myself deeply in love. It's just one of those things. Even better, though, this family time-travel helped establish a better connection between Mom and girls, kind of like a long-awaited reunion, of the emotional sort. Instead of acting as a restraint, like I first feared, Mom brought something amazing to the table.

And more than anything I missed my girls! Gabi and Lia are like the best sibs anybody could ever read about, I swear. Their bond is so enviable, and made me adore them more for it. I love that Gabi is so head-strong and stubborn, that she is unwilling to settle back and let the boys do all of the work. No, rather she's more likely to take up a sword and start swinging, even in the face of throngs of enemy soldiers. But Lia is most definitely not chopped liver, I assure you. I have had, like, the biggest girl-crush on her! Her way with a bow and arrow... Man, not only do I wish, but I'm fascinated! She's so freaking cool. I mean it. Her precision with those weapons, her unwillingness to back down amid a fight is so... unreal, but in a totally realistic way. If that makes sense... ? Anyway, these two more than deserve to be known as the She-Wolves of Siena. They are just too cool, too kick-ass, too blindingly amazing not to be!

And boy, did the boys get hotter or what? Or maybe it was the romance. I've got it! It's a devastating combo of both! Gabi and Marcello... they will never get old! Even after I'm done with this series, I'll always remember this addictive, soul-searing love between these two. Watching them fall deeper only served to leave me breathless. Thankfully, no annoying love triangles or tragic, deadly separations in sight! Even when the gorgeous Lord Greco was introduced, there was no sudden development of attraction, for which I'm terribly grateful. Otherwise, I'd've been forced to reconsider my opinion of this book... Instead, it's just Marcello and Gabi, dealing, enduring their war-plagued setting, trying to work around the element that will potentially set them apart. And oh, Luca, I missed you so! His comedic demeanor does not just make me laugh and smile tons (or induce heavy eye-rolling). No, if anything, it just makes him eminently sexier. Let me just say, though, that I've been rooting for Lia-Luca romance since they first laid eyes on each other. Hell, since I was first introduced to Luca. I just knew these two would go great together! And for any and all Lia-Luca fans, there are some really really sweet scenes to look forward to...

The problems in this installment were even more nerve-wracking this time around! With the Black Plague drawing nearer, and actually effecting some people, I'm more than a little scared for my fave 16th century peeps! When is it going to sweep the country? How long before people just start dropping dead? And I did not appreciate that people have already begun contracting it... And WHOA goes that epic-battle scene heading toward the ending! I'd been itching for some major combat-action and oh, man did I get it! But the price of ensuing events... I really wish that some of the deaths hadn't happened. Yes, I'd trade a totally engrossing battle scene over the deaths of some of my beloved knights...

I think the only thing that got me a little POed was Gabi's shift in voice. She sounds more teenagery this time around, and I didn't like her narration as much as before. Funny, right, considering I'm a teenager meself?

Besides that, I'm just nervous. Positively, absolutely nervous. Does anyone else have a bad vibe about the result of that ending? The ramifications of the ending... I'm so nervous. Not to mention the time spent making that ending happen... How much time apart has Marcello spent away from Gabi this time? Plus, the Black Pague scare is not acting as a balm to my uncontrollable nerves. I don't know if I'm gong to make it until September, you guys. After this amazing bout of awesomeness and anxiety, I don't think I can take the wait for round three... Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, I'm ready to take on Torrent. Bring it on, Lisa! Just keep the awesomeness coming.

Recommended?

Like time-travelling? Great. Because I've got some neat suggestions for you! If you liked Waterfall and Cascade, you could try Timeless by Alexandra Monir and/or Warped by Maurissa Guibord. As to whether or not this book is for you, I can't exactly say, BUT the romance is not exactly sedate (because it's smokin'!) but more like... nonsexual and the fighting scenes aren't really bloody. The Christian references are hardly bothersome. They actually suit the time period, if anything. So, basically if you liked/loved the first book, then you shouldn't even be worrying because Cascade is just as great, if not better! And if you haven't read this series (and read this review anyway), what are you waiting for?

[Greco] glared back. "Many men loyal to Firenze have died at the end of your sword, your sister's arrow."
"Forgive me for not relinquishing my sword and allowing myself to be slaughtered as a woman ought. Forgive me for helping to free my sister from the dungeon of Lord Paratore and then attempting to make certain he could never imprison, torture, or threaten another of us again. Forgive me for not dying at the hands of your venomous doctor, sent to poison me." I glanced at Lord Foraboschi, who hovered in the background with few other nobles, looking askance at my outburst. I shook my head with a sarcastic little laugh. "You ask far too much, m'lord, from me. From any woman, any woman with a pinch of courage in her heart." I thumped my chest. "That is what my father taught me. Courage. Standing up for what is right. For who is right. And in this case, it is clearly my Sienes sisters and brothers" (254-255).

FAVORITE SCENE EVER!

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

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Source: borrowed/School library
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Next: The Dead-Tossed Waves


This book came off as a cross between the movie The Village and the TV show The Walking Dead. Entertaining, but FREAKY. Like, I did not go for more than a few minutes without being freaked the hell out. Or in mourning. Yes, it felt like I was constantly mourning some tragic death. Honestly, it was like waltzing into a nightmare, but an attractive one. I know, you're like Huh? This post-apocalyptic world that Ryan constructed may be a work of speculation but it's lifelike. With all this talk about a zombie apocalypse, it's so easy to visualize our world reverting to Puritanical times, only zombies - or in this case, the Unconsecrated, as they are called - are intertwined.

Mary's the narrator and main protag here, and a genuine one. Her fears and dreams are tangible ones. Imagine living your life confined to a small town that is gated on all sides - to keep the zombies from killing them all - with no connection to the outside world, to a different sort of people. Living a life that surrounds you with the same people, same mundane activities day-in and day-out. Trying to survive in a place where being curious and questioning is shunned, dreams of seeing beyond The Forest of Hands and Teeth are laughed at and brushed aside. One that really restricts your average dreamer. And on some level, that's what Mary is, a dreamer. She envisions and hopes, despite all the odds, of a life for herself out there by the ocean that is declared as nonexistent. She desires to discover the unknown and bask in it. Remarkable, if you ask me. If it was me, living in fear of zombies breaking into the town where I live, being forced into a marriage with a person I don't want or love, I'd be all cheerless and depressed. Mary has the courage to dream... and to act. And that's what makes her an admirable character. I can't label her as selfish, either, because I'd wish for the same things and if I had the oppurtunity to get them, then, like her, nothing and no one would get in my way.

Still, her daily life makes for a desolate existence. And following the loss of her parents, the rejection from her brother, things just proceed to grow worse and worse. Like, for example, a forced initiation into the Sisterhood. Man, those chicks are TERRIFYING. Not to mention unorthodox and secretive. I'd like to add sadistic to the list, too. I always knew there was a reason to be chilled by nuns! Knew it. But what really fueled my terror and gloom was the resulting heartache of the horrible deaths of some of my most favorite characters. Let me just.... forewarn you all now. If you're a big fan of long-lasting love and romance, do not look this way! I mean it, turn around! You will be heartbroken.

And that concludes my almost-sorta spoilery thoughts. Trust me, I won't rant about something(s) that will give anything away. I promise. My lips are sealed. *whimpers in protest* JEEZ, I want to spill SOOOO bad! Okay, cool it, Asher.

Moving on. Or not really. Because I do have to mention the sweet romance. Though it's not the prime focus of the novel, it is pretty heartwrenching and pleasing. It was so hard for me to witness Mary struggle with her feelings, struggle with what to do with them. Are they even reciprocated? And even if they are, how does one get around the Sisters, among other obstacles? Let me just say, though, that Travis is mostly worth it. I was a little peeved by some of his decisions, some of his attempts at protecting his fair maiden. At those points I wanted to grab him by the scruff and scream and shake him. Smack him around a little. Like, screw everyone/everything else, just go get your girl! And while circumstances eventually moved them closer, I found myself satisfied but then promptly dissatisfied. Does that makes sense? *nods* I guess it would only really fit if you read the book. Which you should go do... now. Um, why are you still here? But, wait, don't go. I'm not really sure it's a good idea anymore. After all, it is mostly entertaining, but in a gruesome, torturous kind of way. Oh, crap. Just bear with me, people.

And that ending.... I don't know which is a more plausible reaction: weeping or laughing. I was happy for Mary but then... after all that happened, all of the lives lost to get her to that point in the end, to that place where her dreams become a reality... I couldn't help but feel drained and upset at the same time. It's been a long time since I've felt so conflicted! But, the question is was I happy with this book? And the only answer I have is a big YES and NO. I'm torn. Perhaps my opinion isn't so helpful after all, huh? *lol* Sorry about that. I guess you're just going to have to go see for yourself, no?

Recommended?

Tread carefully with this one. You're definitely in for an emotional roller-coaster, that twists you up and makes you all warm and happy inside. It's hard to hate this book, because, even without all of aspects that tugged at my very sensitive heart-strings, it's a great story! Skillfully told. Real and deep. I'd even go so far as to say it was beautiful, in a bittersweet manner. If you're a big fan of zombies, go for it! If you don't like the whole zombies-snacking-on-people aspect, then turn the other way. For some reason, I'm thinking if you like this one or would like to be turned on to something that's similar in that the story is placed in a dark and intense setting, you might want to give Crusade by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie and The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver a shot. 

Who are we if not the stories we pass down? What happens when there's no one left to tell those stories? To hear them? Who will ever know that I existed? What if we are the only ones left -- who will know our stories then? Who will remember those?

It's not about surviving. It should be about love. When you know love...that's what makes this life worth it. When you live with it everyday. Wake up with it, hold on to it during the thunder and after a nightmare. When love is your refuge from the death that surrounds us all and when it fills you so tight that you can't express it.

*Sorry, no page numbers this week. I scribbled down the quotes I liked best but forgot to include the page numbers before I returned the book. Oops.

Review: Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Str-S-d:I’ll begin with Lucy. She is definitely first on the list. You can’t believe how it feels to be in the cafeteria and turn around and there she is staring at me like I’m some disgusting bug or vermin. Does she really think I WANT to be this way? I hate you, Lucy. I really hate you. You are my #1 pick. I wish you were dead.

The day after anonymous blogger Str-S-d wishes the popular girl would die, Lucy vanishes. The students of Soundview High are scared and worried. Especially frightened and wracked with guilt is Madison Archer, Lucy’s friend and the last person to see her the night she disappeared.As days pass with no sign of the missing girl, even the attention of Tyler, an attractive new student, is not enough to distract Madison from her growing sense of foreboding.

When two more popular students disappear after their names are mentioned on Str-S-d’s blog, the residents of Soundview panic. Meanwhile, Madison receives anonymous notes warning that she could be next. Desperate to solve the mystery before anyone else disappears, Madison turns to Tyler, but can she trust him when it becomes clear that he knows more than he’s sharing?

The clock is ticking.

Madison must uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances . . . before her name appears in Str-S-d’s blog.

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Source: borrowed/School library
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Next: Blood on My Hands

Creeeepy. Like seriously, mind-numbingly creepy. Disturbing. I loved it! I'm a not a huge fan of the mystery/thriller genre - though I can't exactly remember my reasoning as to why, especially after reading this book - but I relished the thrill this kidnapping/murder mystery brought me. There are tons of red herrings, brilliant in construction. Just when I thought I'd figured out who the killer was, I'd been proven wrong, and I realized that everyone is a suspect. Except Madison herself.

The chapters typically opened up with blog posts by the mysterious Str-S-d, then the chilling kidnappings would follow. Afterward the chapters would start with the kidnapper(s) speaking to the victims. I have to say that I was alarmed and thoroughly creeped out by the spine-chilling one-sided conversation with the kidnapper(s). It was obvious that whoever/whomever was doing this was psychotic. A class-A sicko. The fact that the author could write as if he were this person so well impressed the hell out of me. And with two more companion-ish novels to go in this trilogy, I'm more than a little excited to see what other kinds of psychos Strasser is going to sprinkle in in the future.

I thought Madison was a sweetheart. She's the friends-with-everyone, shy-with-boys type. Friendly and athletic. Combined with a bit of naiveté. Good-natured. Totally relatable, endearing, making me all the more sympathetic to her situation. Childhood friends going missing left and right, and somehow, she seems to be connected. And in her eyes, somewhat at fault. Going further, someone is leaving her cryptic warning notes, her best friend is keeping secrets from her, and her delectable boy-crush is frustratingly perplexing. Abstruse. Even more strange: she has a cyber-stalker, some weirdo kid who goes to her school, watches her, and sends her intrusive, yet seemingly harmless messages. Like a stalker. With all these weirdos or mystery persons in her life, it becomes harder for Madison and the reader to pinpoint the kidnapper(s) and eventual killer(s).

Though I suspected them, I liked both Madison's best friend and crush, Courtney and Tyler. Courtney is a very alluring character. She's out there; she wears the oddest yet most attractive outfits and hairstyles, and has a cynical, borderline mean personality. I couldn't help but enjoy her! She's. . . outrageous. And Tyler has the whole aloof, brooding thing going for him. It was hard to get to know him, but I could easily see what kind of person he is. And thankfully, Madison didn't fall head over heels in love with this dude in 2.5, like most heroines. It was rather sweet to see how she crushed on him, agonizing over things like makeup and outfits and things to say, yet she was smart enough to take into account that this guy could be the killer for all his strangeness. I liked that the thing they have going initially built slowly, and didn't rush toward the end. Instead, there's a promise of a relationship, a promise for much more between them.

It was sad to know and see the suffering - as per the aforementioned glimpses into the kidnapper(s) thoughts - of the victims. While popular kids were targeted, they all had their problems. They weren't evil, were still people. It goes to show how no one ever really deserves to die. I hurt for the families, too. Parents desperate to hear from their children, appearing on commercials and news channels, looking stricken and heartbroken, attempting to find their kids. Willing to pay insane sums as ransom,  not knowing that they were dealing with a psychotic as opposed to someone greedy. It was all undeniably painful. And the person who's behind all of this turns out to be an unexpected but a logical choice. A shock nonetheless.

Mainly, I loved being on edge. That irrational sensation of wanting to look over my shoulder because the crazy kidnapper(s) I was reading about could be right behind me. The plot was carefully thought out; the supense was torture. And the ending while bittersweet, was realistic and touching. Concluded beautifully, yet subtly for the almost couple. I'm terribly eager to get to the next book, BLOOD ON MY HANDS, as a result! And I will say that I expect to pick up similar books, as WISH YOU WERE DEAD has opened up so many possibilities. . .

You say she won't wake up...? That's too bad. You want us to do something about it? What would you suggest? Oh... aren't you being silly? Now, don't get angry. See what we have in our hand? You know what happens when we use it. Oh, dear, what a nasty thing to say!

Oooh, it hurts when we do that, doesn't it? So we think you'll have to apologize for what you just said. Not ready? You will be.

Yes, look at you with tears in your eyes. We wonder how many people have seen [you] cry. Yes, we thought you'd apologize after that. Why are we doing this? Because you deserve it, that's why.

What did you do to deserve it? We think you know what you did. We all can't be born handsome and strong and talented like you. Didn't you ever, for even a minute, stop to think about how fortunate you are?

Or, should we say, were? (124)

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Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

W a t e r f a l l (R i v e r  o f  T i m e  #1) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Release Date: 2/1/11

Publisher: Cook
Age Group: Young Adult (14+)

Pages: 384

Source: Own/purchased
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge & YA Historical Fiction Challenge
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kindle

Word Blurb: Fantastical, mesmerizing, and magnetic!

"Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one.
Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved...
and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know...and love itself.

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, dusty archeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds… until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint 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.

And thus does she come to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?"

Honestly, I do not know what I was expecting coming into this novel. Really, despite all the reviews I'd read, I didn't know what I was getting into until I read it for myself. And now, I'm caught between really liking it or loving it... Being set in Italy, then intermingling time-travel, was what had initially pulled me in. But, once I'd opened up to page one, the book handled the rest, fascinating me at every new turn and twist, luring me deeper and deeper into the enchanting story circling sixteenth-century Italy. The wars fought over land... the excruciatingly hot and sexy 16th-who-cares-when-they're-from males... intrigue and adventure... blood and power... unbreakable bonds and loyalties... heart-quivering love... This book is rich with these elements, compelling components that kept me desperate for more!

I fell for Gabi, with her no-nonsense attitude, her willingness to take up nearly any challenge, and the well of love she possesses for her sister, all of which had me rooting for this girl throughout the book. I wanted her to teach the boys of the century how women handled themselves, successfully find her sister, pay back the bad guys, and all the while manage to snag her guy right from under the snotty nose of... well, I don't want to say too much, now do I? *grins evilly* Adding to the allure of the story, the thrill of being transported to another time entirely, there was this world-hazing, heart-pounding, soul-jolting romance that had me aching for these two, Gabi and Marcello. They were just so beautiful together! And what made it better was the fact that I utterly adored and lusted after Marcello!

And speaking of gorgeous, hunky male specimens, I cannot forget to mention my beloved Luca. That boy had me breaking out into laughter in sporadic intervals! He provided some of the best of comic reliefs. And in talking about him, I have to talk a little about Lia, Gabi's sister. Wasn't that girl just fabulous? Wasn't she? You know what sold me, though? The bow and arrows. After that, I was a goner, just as much as Luca was. I wonder if there really will be a romance between those two... I have my suspicions, but I'm not sure!

You know what else I'm unsure of as well? I'm unsure of whether or not I should toss the book out the window now or later, after reliving that bittersweet ending. What a freaking painful cliffhanger! How could Bergren do something like this to me? It's not right. Now, I'm all anxious and sweating for the sequel. I can barely restrain myself from obsessively wondering about what's going to happen next!

Quick. For those of you who have read WATERFALL, are any of you getting ideas about their... let's call it method of time-transportation? Hm...

So, there were some insanely good, ridiculously delicious moments that I'm duty-bound as a book blogger to reveal:

"After a moment, I sensed I wasn't alone. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Marcello, five feet away from me, hands on the castle wall, staring outward as I was. I straightened and touched my hair.
'Nay, do not,' he said kindly, lifting a hand in my direction. 'It suits you,' he said, studying me with those warm, penetrating eyes. 'Your hair about your shoulders. Is that how you wear it in Normandy?'
'If it is not in a braid,' I said. 'Or pulled back.'
'Ahh.' He looked at me from the corners of his eyes until I felt the heat of a flush climb my neck and jaw" (106 | 384)

'My eyes fluttered open. And encountered Marcello...
I looked up to Marcello and stared hard into his eyes. 'And what the lord wishes is to dance with a sword-carrying girl with a penchant for running off?' I asked.
'Tonight that is my wish,' he said, his voice strangely husky, his eyes unwavering. He began to count off the dance again, and I, apparently devoid of will, followed it" (188 | 384).

"I was starting to squirm out of his magnetic pull when he moved an arm around me and tugged me closer. 'Gabriella,' he said lowly, tracing my temple and cheek with the back of his right hand. He stilled, staring at me. So tender. So warm. I melted. 'There is something I must know,' he said, 'something I've wondered about for days'" (252 | 384)

Ohmigod, I don't know what to do with all of that... intensity... Maybe you do...?

Thanks for reading! And happy blogging!