Review: Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren

 Torrent (River of Time #3) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times.
But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

Publishes in US: September 1st 2011 by David C. Cook
Genre: YA Historical fiction
Source: library
Series? River of Time #3
Deluge (River of Time, #4) out in 2014
My reviews:
Waterfall by Lisa Bergren
Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren

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Author stalk away: ~site ~series

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    I have been so surprised at how much I loved this series, that it was no question that I would read book 3. I don't normally read historical fiction, but I had heard such positive things about this series and saw it on the shelf at my library, it was like fate, meant to be, because I am so glad to take the trip through time with Gabi and Lia and was excited to find a time in my reading schedule for it. 

    It is so good to be back in Gabi's head and in the times, and it touched me even more that now they have the whole family. You get a good sense of what has already happened since they are there with their dad, and everything is new to him. 

    Gabi is amazing and strong as usual, but we get to see even more vulnerability in her in this one. I think that is major character growth because she realizes its okay to ask for help and accept it. 

    I loved the relationship too between her and her parents in this one. There is this balance of respect, deference, and above all love and wanting the best for each other. 

   I will say that for a bit I wasn't too pleased about the seeming appearance of a strange love triangle, but eventually I had to accept that it really did strengthen the plot and ultimately show Gabi what her heart truly desired and a means for her safety. 

    What I longed for even more was the reunion of Marcello and Gabi, as well as Lia and Luka since they have something budding there and I hope it turns into more, but I have to know either way. And boy did I eventually get it. I adore that these two are gentlemen. Yes, I love bad boys as much as the next person, but I also love a man who will put himself out there for their woman, and who will woo her and treat her like a lady. 

    Tomas was a new favorite in this one, and so glad that I got to meet him. He's an excommunicated priest but given work by Rodolfo, and Tomas and Gabi get to know one another. I admire his faith but also how he took Gabi under his wing and helped her see the truth of some things. 

     I know there will be a fourth, but am super pleased with the way that this one ended. It somehow gave me all it could in resolution and what I wanted for the characters. I just really hope that in the next one (and yes, super glad that she decided to write it) that the issue of the plague will be further dealt with. It feels like it has been on the back burner simmering for two books and thought that I would see more resolution or that to be the big conflict in this one, but it wasn't. 

Bottom Line: Good installment in a fun and fast trip through time.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Could you face the black plague to be with the one you love?