Sunday, December 11, 2011

Review: Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren

From Back Cover: Gabriella and Evangelia Betarrini are just two normal American teenagers. Normal - except for the fact that they time travel to fourteenth-century Italy, where they've lived in castles, become swept up in historic battles, and fallen in love with handsome knights willing to do anything to keep them alive. They've returned with their mother to the present to save their father before his tragic death, and now the family travels back to the place that holds the girls' hearts: medieval Italy. But remaining there means facing great risk as the battle for territory wages on and the Black Plague looms. Will the Betarrinis truly be willing to risk it all? Or in facing death head on, will they discover life as it was always meant to be lived? 

My Rating: 5 hearts 

Thoughts on the Novel: I originally planned to read Lisa T. Bergren’s Torrent over the winter holidays; but after reading some okay and slightly better than okay books, I needed a book that I knew I was guaranteed to love.

Torrent picks up where Cascade leaves off and brings back the action and adventure that has characterized the previous two novels in the series – this time with another Betarrini thrown into the mix. This of course changes things between some of the characters, but Bergren continues to make the importance of family and love a priority. I love how close the Betarrinis are and the fact that they consider each other before making huge decisions that will impact everybody in their family.

In my reviews of Waterfall and Cascade, I gushed about how awesome Bergren’s guys are so I obviously have to address them in this review. I was sad to see what happened to Fortino but it was hard to dwell on him for too long because other things kept happening – like Gabi being taken away by Lord Greco and the Fiorentini.

Lord Greco managed to capture my heart in Cascade so I was thrilled to see more of him in Torrent. Normally, I’m not a fan of love triangles, but Bergren managed to keep this one appealing because it wasn’t something that became serious. Rather, Lord Greco’s role really makes it clear to Gabi just how much she loves Marcello, and made me ridiculously happy because it led to something poor Marcello had been waiting a couple of years for. (The last few pages of Chapter 26 and the entire twenty-seventh chapter were my favourite part from the entire series.) And, it also freed up Lord Greco for me :)

Torrent was released by David C. Cook in September 2011.       

Comments About the Cover: I like that the covers of the series sort of match, but they need to be more visually appealing. I think Torrent’s cover does a better job though of showing the fantasy aspect of the series because knights and weapons are often associated with fantasies.

10 comments:

  1. Yay for five hearts! I am so glad you love this series too. :) I agree, I love how Lisa focuses on family and how they all consider how their actions will affect everyone around them. That made Gabi a character I could really respect. I also like how she handled the love triangle. It didn't make Gabi come across as cheap or indecisive.

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  2. Actually, it freed up Greco for MEEEEEE!!!

    Now I'm racking my brain trying to remember Chapter 26&27! It might be time for a re-read!

    And I know what you mean about need to read something you're guaranteed to love. I need that myself. *sighs*

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  3. Oh, yay! Thanks for diving back into the River of Time. So glad TORRENT held up for you...and that the things that moved me, moved you too. *Ch 27--sigh*

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  4. GRECO!!!! I love your reasoning with the love triangle Zahida and how the events freed Greco up for you. And also me. And Missie too:) I know Lisa was/is writing his story and I really hope we get that sooner rather than later. Can you imagine a whole book that focuses mostly on him? *swoon*

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  5. I have to get my hand on a copy of these books! Everyone seems to love them and I'm completely in the dark. So glad you found a book that you truly enjoyed after lackluster reads. :)

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  6. Every single time I hear something else about this series, I want to read it even more and your review is no exception!!! I really, really need to start soon -- time traveling and historical elements always add up to awesomeness! ;)

    Awesome review, Z! Your five hearts make me so happy!! :) And I really like it when covers of a series sort of match too, even if you're not really a fan of this one LOL! x)

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  7. Last month, I promised myself I was going to read this before November ends. But I still haven't touched my copy until now. :( Aw it's sad to know that something going happened to Fortino. And oh, I really don't mind Lord Greco taking Gabi. I know he's one of the hot- good guys!

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  8. Ooh I keep hearing this series is wonderful I haven't started it yet but it really sounds like it'S right up my alley I def. have to give it a try soon!

    Giselle
    Xpresso Reads

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  9. Oh dear! I have seen these books around in blog so much but I still havent read them! Im gonna check bookdepository right now!! kyaaaaaaaaaaa!! wonderful review dear! I want some Lord Greco!!! XDDDD Jesus!


    Dazzling Reads

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  10. YAY sooooo glad you loved it! I've heard great things about this series. Phenominal review!!!!

    Jaskirat~SeeitORreadit
    International 300 Follower Giveaway

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