Review: Cascade

Book Two of the River of Time Series (therefore contains spoilers for the previous book)
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.

Waterfall was an exciting and romantic read, leaving me craving for more of the historical Italy with its charming knights and beautiful costumes. I will admit that the beginning of Cascade made me feel weary and a fearful that this book will be a let down and won't live up to the expectations the first book set. 

From page one Gabi comes off as a selfish girl who is consumed by her love for a handsome knight. However after page 50 or so, I could see that although she was selfish, she did not wish unhappiness upon her sister or mother, making me more forgiving towards her actions. Lia comes of as a smart, sensible girl who seems to have the clearer head now that Gabi is too taken with her suitor. This book shows how both the girls are brave, but that Gabi is the one to rush into battle while Lia is the calmer, think before I act type of girl.

Both of the girls are not perfect, while Lia is sensible and smart, she can be a little to sensible meaning that without Gabi there to rush head first into danger, this book would be without much exciting action. Gabi, although being extremely courageous and also smart like her sister, has a tendency to think of herself and her own happiness before those of others. She loves to act first and think later, sometimes bring home victories while other times failures.

Marcello and Luca are very lovable in this book, especially Luca with his charm and wit. Fortino makes very few appearances and it appears that he is now in love with the Lady Rossi... a questionable relationship there. Gabi and Lia's mother is also there and it is refreshing to see her in the past with them, watching her interact with all the nobles and trying to fit in.

I have to say that the setting of this book is one of my favourites, in historical Italy with stunning castles and chivalrous knights. As a lover of books set in the past where ladies wore dresses and men fought with swords, old Italy is a new setting that I had never encountered before reading the River of Time Series.

I would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction, charming knights, Italy and some amazing battle action.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars