Reading Teen

Ok, I'm going to admit that I didn't expect to love this book. I thought it would be ok, but I thought that since it wasn't a major publishing company, that it wouldn't be anything fantastic. I was really wrong. I feel so bad for even having preconceived notions!! I'm sorry book world!! I loved this one!There was so much that was just awesome about this book. I loved the time travel element! And the fact that they were in Italy was fabulous. I loved traveling back to medieval times, reading about sword fights, (gorgeous) knights, battles, horses, and castles. And the great thing about the time travel element (one of them, anyway) was that the heroine was modern. She was strong and feisty, and not at all ready to act like a "proper lady" and let the boys do all the fighting. Gabi was a very strong character. Sometimes a little too strong, getting herself into all sorts of trouble....but that's what made it such an interesting read. But she was also kind, and compassionate, and thoughtful. I really enjoyed her as a character.Even though this could be considered historical fiction, it didn't really have that feel to it. It wasn't bogged down with a lot of boring historical facts. It was fast-paced, and adventurous. And if all the fighting, adventure, mystery and time travel wasn't enough, Waterfall has a perfectly frustrating, but absolutely sigh-worthy romance. Talk about TENSION!! The tension between Gabi and Marcello was so thick you could swim in it! I think I was every bit as tormented as Gabi was.One of the most impressive things about this book is that I feel like it transcends the ages. I feel like a thirteen year old could pick this up and love it, a sixty year old could do the same (and everyone in-between). I also feel like it transcends genres. If you don't like historical fiction, you'd probably still like this book. If you don't like time travel, you'll probably still like this book. Waterfall is just a really good story with fantastic characters, a beautiful setting, a whole lot of action, and a romance that keeps you wanting more.Andye