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wintermote's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
How many Near death experiences can you pack into one book? There was so much that should have killed or completely immobilized the main character that it became harder and harder to suspend reality in order to believe what was happening. The story was fine—certainly kept me engaged with the desire to find out what happened next. But it was so very violent (which I believe is actually historically accurate). Overall it was fine, but not one I’d heavily recommend.
loumele3's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dnfing tress put me in a bit of a slump, so getting through the first half was a bit hard but I flew through the rest due to battle and travel scenes, like when they befriend an old lady who needs help in her vineyard so they dress up in men’s clothes, then get drafted of course. Lisa can right a real nasty man. Things have worked out very well for these main characters please I need to see evil lady Rossi and serious consequences of time travel!! Lesss goooooo.
amybachelder's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
nic_fish's review
4.0
Book 2 of River of Time- really enjoyed it - clean teen read. Wish the library would get the next books in the series .
runic_randomness's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
calliemclayauthor's review
4.0
An exciting history of medieval Italy with light romance and time travel and a bonding family. Definitely geared for young teens but I’m still a kid at heart so I enjoyed it. My only con is there isn’t much character development for the main love interest.
reddyrat's review
4.0
An excellent follow-up to Waterfall. Cascade escapes the pitfalls most second books fall into. There's no love triangle. It never drags. The happy couple remains, for the most part, together and happy. It's refreshing to see an author who didn't feel obligated to stick to the formula for a second book.
Lisa is a masterful plotter. There is never a lull in the action in Cascade. The She-Wolves of Siena return to a hero's welcome (with their mom in tow). But the opportunity to bask in happiness is short-lived. There's two enemies brewing against Siena: plague and the Firenzes (sp?). Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, and the rest of the crew are soon in the middle of impending disaster. While Cascade is action packed, it also flows smoothly. Too many books either have long periods where nothing happens or shifts from adventure to adventure so quickly that it feels choppy. We ride the wave up to the action scene, but have enough (but not too much) time to recover before the next adventure arrives.
The romance between Marcello and Gabi is perfect. They're happy, incredibly passionate, and selfless. Marcello is wonderful in that he lets Gabi shine. Too many heroes are so terrified that their ladies will get hurt that say lock them away (*cough* Edward *cough*). Marcello tries to protect and shield Gabi from danger, but he is quick to realize that it's best if she stands up and fights alongside him.
That said, their relationship doesn't do it for me. I like both characters, but I don't swoon at Marcello and I don't get googly eyed at their (well-written) passion scenes. I can't figure out why. It's everything I should love.
Now Luca and Lia...that I love even though there's only inklings of romance. Luca is always upbeat and good for a laugh. Lia plays a much bigger role in Cascade. I admire her precision and skill with the arrow and bow. I also like how she puts forth rational thought and caution to dampen down Gabi's tendency to act without considering the consequences. It's almost like she's the big sister.
Another intriguing new character is Lord Greco. I love the uncertainty and tension of character who seem evil but may be good. I expect great things for Lord Greco in the next book.
I mentioned in my review for Waterfall how well Lisa established the medieval Italian scene. This continues in Cascade. We see the dark beauty of the castle as well as the color and vitality of Siena and Firenze. We even see the contrast between the wealthy and poor. Gabi and Lia do a wonderful job of cultural adaptation. They embrace the idea of "When in Rome"...except for the dainty ladylike parts. Lisa doesn't skimp over the violence and danger of this time. Gabi and Lia are willing to do things like kill, main, and impart justice that would be unimaginable in modern times. Similarly, both girls are subjected to terrifying, dangerous experiences. There's no skimping on the violence.
A few complaints. It bothers me that Marcello and Luca have a pronounced lack of curiosity. Call me crazy, but if two people showed up at my doorstep from 600 years in the future, I'd have a few questions for them. Marcello and Luca don't seem to wonder about the world that Gabi and Lia come from. Or if they do ask questions, it's off the page. Also, Gabi is a great kick-butt, passionate, act-and-think-later character. Kind of like Rose from Vampire Academy but without all the anger. It's exciting to few her from the outside, but rather boring having to sit inside her head throughout the whole book. Her thought process is dull and doesn't make me feel connected to her.
Cascade is not a perfect book, but it is thoroughly enjoyable. It has great plotting, great character, great references to history, and great issues of faith. Yes, the Christian aspect is still there. I like that it's more geared toward a gradual building of faith than any great miracle or endless prayer. I highly recommend Cascade.
Rating: 4 / 5
Lisa is a masterful plotter. There is never a lull in the action in Cascade. The She-Wolves of Siena return to a hero's welcome (with their mom in tow). But the opportunity to bask in happiness is short-lived. There's two enemies brewing against Siena: plague and the Firenzes (sp?). Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, and the rest of the crew are soon in the middle of impending disaster. While Cascade is action packed, it also flows smoothly. Too many books either have long periods where nothing happens or shifts from adventure to adventure so quickly that it feels choppy. We ride the wave up to the action scene, but have enough (but not too much) time to recover before the next adventure arrives.
The romance between Marcello and Gabi is perfect. They're happy, incredibly passionate, and selfless. Marcello is wonderful in that he lets Gabi shine. Too many heroes are so terrified that their ladies will get hurt that say lock them away (*cough* Edward *cough*). Marcello tries to protect and shield Gabi from danger, but he is quick to realize that it's best if she stands up and fights alongside him.
That said, their relationship doesn't do it for me. I like both characters, but I don't swoon at Marcello and I don't get googly eyed at their (well-written) passion scenes. I can't figure out why. It's everything I should love.
Now Luca and Lia...that I love even though there's only inklings of romance. Luca is always upbeat and good for a laugh. Lia plays a much bigger role in Cascade. I admire her precision and skill with the arrow and bow. I also like how she puts forth rational thought and caution to dampen down Gabi's tendency to act without considering the consequences. It's almost like she's the big sister.
Another intriguing new character is Lord Greco. I love the uncertainty and tension of character who seem evil but may be good. I expect great things for Lord Greco in the next book.
I mentioned in my review for Waterfall how well Lisa established the medieval Italian scene. This continues in Cascade. We see the dark beauty of the castle as well as the color and vitality of Siena and Firenze. We even see the contrast between the wealthy and poor. Gabi and Lia do a wonderful job of cultural adaptation. They embrace the idea of "When in Rome"...except for the dainty ladylike parts. Lisa doesn't skimp over the violence and danger of this time. Gabi and Lia are willing to do things like kill, main, and impart justice that would be unimaginable in modern times. Similarly, both girls are subjected to terrifying, dangerous experiences. There's no skimping on the violence.
A few complaints. It bothers me that Marcello and Luca have a pronounced lack of curiosity. Call me crazy, but if two people showed up at my doorstep from 600 years in the future, I'd have a few questions for them. Marcello and Luca don't seem to wonder about the world that Gabi and Lia come from. Or if they do ask questions, it's off the page. Also, Gabi is a great kick-butt, passionate, act-and-think-later character. Kind of like Rose from Vampire Academy but without all the anger. It's exciting to few her from the outside, but rather boring having to sit inside her head throughout the whole book. Her thought process is dull and doesn't make me feel connected to her.
Cascade is not a perfect book, but it is thoroughly enjoyable. It has great plotting, great character, great references to history, and great issues of faith. Yes, the Christian aspect is still there. I like that it's more geared toward a gradual building of faith than any great miracle or endless prayer. I highly recommend Cascade.
Rating: 4 / 5
farmfreshlisa's review
5.0
Book #2 in the River of Time series about Gabi and Lia who are taken back in time to the 14th century Italy! In this book they return on purpose bringing their mother (famous archeologist) with them. This book is almost completely one battle scene after another and picks up immeadiately after book #1 making it imperative to read them in order.
You can almost taste the battle as you read the vivid descriptions. You can feel the pain. Smell the smoke. I think it's THAT good.
And naturally--it doesn't wrap things up at the end! No, instead it makes you scream at the fact you don't have book #3 at your fingertips ready to pick up the story!
Brilliantly written and I stand by my statement on book #1's review that this book is more intriguing and exciting than her adult books that I've read. Bravo!
You can almost taste the battle as you read the vivid descriptions. You can feel the pain. Smell the smoke. I think it's THAT good.
And naturally--it doesn't wrap things up at the end! No, instead it makes you scream at the fact you don't have book #3 at your fingertips ready to pick up the story!
Brilliantly written and I stand by my statement on book #1's review that this book is more intriguing and exciting than her adult books that I've read. Bravo!
what_ella_reads's review
5.0
My rating; 5 out of 5 stars
My goodness! This series is so good. I'm so glad I decided to re-read The River of Time series!
This book really did get me in the feels! There are sweet romantic moments, silly and fun conversations, and sad revelations.
The characters in this series are just great. I love Gabi, Lia, Marcello, and Luca!!! I also really love the broody Lord Greco as well. *sigh".
The only thing I didn't enjoy when I read this book was all the stuff about the plague. I think it was because it hits a little to close to home, since the world is in a pandemic right now:(
I have to admit I was happy when the book moved away from talking about the plague!
I am looking forward to continuing my re-read of The River of Time series!!!
My goodness! This series is so good. I'm so glad I decided to re-read The River of Time series!
This book really did get me in the feels! There are sweet romantic moments, silly and fun conversations, and sad revelations.
The characters in this series are just great. I love Gabi, Lia, Marcello, and Luca!!! I also really love the broody Lord Greco as well. *sigh".
The only thing I didn't enjoy when I read this book was all the stuff about the plague. I think it was because it hits a little to close to home, since the world is in a pandemic right now:(
I have to admit I was happy when the book moved away from talking about the plague!
I am looking forward to continuing my re-read of The River of Time series!!!