Book Review: Cascade (River of Time #2) by Lisa Bergren

Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Publisher: David C. Cook

Released on: July 1, 2011


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.


I was very emotional while reading this. Too many memories juggled up in my mind because I can relate to Gabriella a lot more on this second book of the River of Time series. I was again captivated by the 13th century Italy, and riveted by the tales of the She-Wolves.

This time, Lia and Gabi doesn't return to Medieval Italy alone, but their mother is with them. It is kind of comforting for them to have their mother at their side. However, the consequences of their survival only made their enemy want to hunt and enslave them. I was really really always on the edge everytime their lives are in danger. Heck! Every minute that they are in the Medieval times they are in danger. When Gabi was captured and she underwent that humiliation and emotional torture, I was also crying with her. I really don't want that to happen to me, or to any other girl. Truly the medieval times are too harsh and ravage. There was also a time I became too nationalistic myself (while reading). I thought of our own national heroes here in the Philippines. Our (as in everyone in the world) ancestors might be too warfreaks but I understand them- their passion for freedom- it's quite astonishing really! When there were scenes (a lot) in the book where a knight dies, and their brave words amazes me, and I know it's just fiction but I also know that it is quite true (or nearly the same) with the knights in the past. They love their cities/countries too much that they are willing to defend them to all who threaten them.

The ending of the book is very dangling. The thought of that plan (the Bettarini's) is very enticing but it truly was dangerous...and unfair. Anyhoo, I love this series so much and the way Lisa incorporated God in the picture was not religiousy and it was simply perfect! Now, I'm off to continue reading the last book! :)

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